San Jose Jazz

11/11/2025

We have next weekend mapped out for you with seasoned jazz crooner Allan Harris showcasing material from his album The Poetry of Jazz on Fri, Nov 14 at 8pm. In this gorgeous work, he layers his soulful baritone with spoken poetry, showcasing the affinity of the two art forms. Then, on Sat, Nov 15 at 8pm, saxophonist Alex Hahn takes the stage as part of his “Reflections” Tour which has him revisiting some of the greatest hits of his career in exciting new arrangements. Get your tickets now for these great jazz shows! sanjosejazz.org/tickets

11/11/2025

Fri, Nov 14 at 8pm, check out the return of drummer Wally Schnalle and Idiotfish in Wally's first performance since shoulder surgery. It'll feature Paul Hanson, Frank Martin, Charles McNeal, Joel Behrman, Brian Sheu and Dan Robbins. Tix: https://app.gopassage.com/events/IdiotFish

11/11/2025

Trumpeter Armen’s Krakirian's submission for his 2026 Jazz Aid Fund award is the easy, sophisticated jazz tune “Steak Sandwich.” When asked about the name, Armen said “I’ve been having a lot of steak sandwiches lately.” You never know where inspiration is going to come from. Armen is eligible for one of six slots in our 2026 New Works Fest, to be announced in mid-December.

11/10/2025

Thomas Calamia has been blessed to be a part of many Bay Area performances opportunities, including musicals, classical and jazz gigs, as well as mentoring and teaching big bands and private lessons. To be a part of Five Points is a great pleasure for Thomas, as he has attended numerous jams and is thankful to the establishment for what they do for our community. 8:30-11:30pm tonight, 21+ only, at Five Points Cocktail Bar at 169 W. Santa Cara St. in downtown San Jose.

11/09/2025

"Pedrito the giant boy" has arrived at the SJZ Breakroom, accompanied by other Alebrije figures for a special exhibition. This display honors the recent art theft at the venue. Created by artist Fernando Escártiz, Pedrito symbolizes children who have died too soon and those whose joy has been stolen by war.

This exclusive exhibition will be open for public viewing on November 14th and 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event also serves as a fundraiser to bring a permanent public art display back to the SJZ Break Room.

In response to the recent wave of local art thefts, the initiative aims to create a durable, enduring piece of art for the community. You can access the GoFundMe 🔗 for this cause here: https://gofund.me/8d93275d4

Let’s come together and make San Jose a vibrant and welcoming space, one art piece at a time.

11/08/2025

Saxophonist Howard Wiley at Needle to the Groove San Jose, digging crates to select vinyl to play at tonights "Hang" at the SJZ Break Room. There's a concert at 8pm preceded by the listening session at 7pm. After the concert, grab another drink and hear Howard's reasons for the music selection and how these artists have impacted his music. Thanks to our friend Alison, AKA DJ Weekend GIrl, for putting this video edit together. sanjosejazz.org/tickets.

11/07/2025

Tonight, we have some very special free programming, in conjunction with South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk. We'll begin with our SJZ U19s combo at 5:40, followed by the Michael Webster Quartet at @ 6:15. From 7–9pm, saxophonist Howard Wiley is special guest for our all-ages jazz jam. Bring your instrument, or stop in anytime for some great live jazz. Info: https://sanjosejazz.org/events/october-first-friday-guest-howard-wiley/

11/07/2025

We're excited about Destiny Muhammad Trio's new album, "Volume 2," which contains the harpist's interpretations of music by jazz greats like Dorothy Ashby, Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver. A gorgeous original on the album, "Path of the SUN" was commissioned by the our Jazz Aid Fund and premiered at the New Works Fest in 2023. Take a listen, and find the album on Bandcamp (bit.ly/3JLLBY5) and Apple iTunes. We just announced the 2026 Class of the JAF--learn more at sanjosejazz.org/jazz-aid-fund.

Sat, Apr 28th at 8pmSJZ New Works Fest at the Break Room310 S. First Street, San JoseBand Personnel:Destiny Muhammad on Harp and VocalsChico Lopez on BassLeo...

11/06/2025

It's here! We just announced the 20 wonderful Bay Area musicians selected for a 2026 Jazz Aid Fund. It's an exceptional group of artists that exhibit the quality, variety and vibrancy of the local music scene. Visit the Jazz Aid Fund page to learn more about them and watch for snippets of the works we commissioned. We'll announce in mid-December the six artists that have been chosen for the 2026 New Works Fest. sanjosejazz.org/jazz-aid-fund

11/05/2025

Besides a live performance by Howard Wiley and his Hammond B-3 trio, one of the innovative parts of this Saturday's "The Hang" is a doors-to-downbeat listening session of vinyl selected by Howard earlier in the day with our partner, Needle to the Groove San Jose. It's a way for us to get into Howard's head--what has influenced him in the past and what he is listening to now. Howard is no stranger to the art of crate-digging: "I have about 10,000 records," he says. Get a primer on Howard's collecting from this classic piece from KQED Arts, and get tickets to the event the San Jose Jazz website.

The 'bona fide jazz fanatic ju**ie' leads a tour of three Bay Area record stores and shares his tips for collecting.

11/04/2025

THEFT ALERT! Halloween night, beginning at 9pm and continuing at around 2am, four of the handcrafted alebrijes decorating the exterior of the SJZ Break Room were stolen. If they're not recovered, this could bring financial damage to SJZ and pain to the artist who created and loaned them to us. Check out the installation view before and after, the four figures that are missing, and some security footage captured that night. If you have any tips or information on this crime, please let us know at [email protected].