Summer Concerts 2024
Wednesdays
June 26th– August 21st | 6:30-8:30PM
Los Gatos Town Plaza

June 26

Le Jazz Hot Quartet
www.LeJazzHot.biz
www.hotclubsf.com

Le Jazz Hot – the trio of the Hot Club of San Francisco featuring Paul “Pazzo” Mehling on guitar. Celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt for over 30 years with 15 albums and numerous concert appearances the world over- Pazzo & company never fail to delight AND dazzle.

July 3

Jessica Johnson
www.followjessicajohnson.com

The Bay Area vocalist and songwriter has her audience held in the palm of her hand from the moment she walks on stage. With her rich sultry voice she melts your heart, leaving you yearning for more.
– Justin Langstan, Sidewalks Entertainment

Jessica Johnson is a singer/songwriter, former owner of Studio Alive, fitness instructor, dancer & choreographer who aims to make a positive change in the world through music, fitness, and dance. Buy Jessica’s music on iTunes, watch her videos on VEVO & YouTube, see her live in concert or take a class today!

July 10

Kim Nalley Trio
www.kimnalley.com

Awarded “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area” in 2005 and “Best Jazz Group” in 2013, vocalist Dr. Kim Nalley is already being called “legendary” and “San Francisco institution. In looks, Kim Nalley exudes the aura of a diva from a by-gone era. According to San Francisco Chronicle, “she has pipes to burn” packing a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from “operatic to gritty blues on a dime,” projection that can whisper a ballad, yet can fill a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd’s interest or the intense swing. “She has been compared to all the greats, but in the end, it’s Kim Nalley and no one else – an unforced instrument with clarity and jazzy musicality, effortlessly delivered, and a sense of humor to boot.”

July 17

MJF Regional Band and Vocal Ensemble
www.montereyjazzfestival.org

In our ongoing support of music education in schools, the Monterey Jazz Festival is excited to announce the return of the MJF Regional All-Star Band and Vocal Ensemble and the Regional All-Star Middle School Combo. In the 2023-24 school year, students will benefit from working with some of the country’s best jazz educators. All-Star Band and Vocal Ensemble students who satisfy a set of requirements established by the MJF Education Department will receive a Certificate of Excellence in Professional Musicianship.
Each All-Star Ensemble, featuring talented students from across Monterey County, rehearses twice monthly while working on ensemble skills, including phrasing, blending, improvisation, and rhythmic feel. Venues that have featured our Regional All-Star Ensembles in past seasons include San Jose Jazz Fest, Jazz on Plazz, and, of course, Monterey Jazz Festival!

July 24

Michael Paulo Quartet
www.michaelpaulo.com

Michael Paulo is one of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 35 years. Michael has added his distinct sax-pertise to a virtual who’s who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo’s longest term touring association), James Ingram and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, David Benoit, Johnny Mathis and many more. Another Milestone in Michael’s Career is his recent appearance on a previously unreleased Miles Davis record recorded in 1986.

July 31

Nicolas Bearde with Full Spectrum Jazz Orchestra
www.nicolasbearde.com

Award winning recording artist, Nicolas Bearde is a singer-songwriter, actor, and educator whose career has spanned over 35 years. From his humble beginnings,( born and raised in Nashville, TN, the second of 7 children) to touring the globe with many of today’s jazz legends, Bearde has travelled many roads. His style is likened to Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole and Bill Withers and he is known for his “velvet voice”, wit and engaging rapport that has drawn audiences into his live performances around the world.

Aug 7

Chris Cain Band
 www.chriscainmusic.com

Among the greatest compliments a musician can receive is praise from his fellow artists. With more than three decades of touring and fourteen previous albums, master blues guitarist and vocalist Chris Cain has earned his reputation as a musician’s musician. Since his first release in 1987, Cain has created his own blues sound inspired by his heroes—B.B. King, Albert King, Ray Charles, Albert Collins, Grant Green, and Wes Montgomery. His jazz-informed blues guitar playing is fiery, emotional, and always unpredictable. His vocals—gruff, lived-in, and powerful—fuel the fire. His indelible original songs keep one foot in the blues tradition and both eyes on the future. The pure joy Cain brings to his playing and singing is palpable and draws fans closer.

Aug 14

Jazz on the Plazz (artist change)
Christian Pepin y Orquesta Bembé
https://www.pepinmusic.com/bembe

San Francisco salsa sensation Orquesta Bembé was formed by 2x GRAMMY® Award-winning percussionist Christian Pepin and pianist, composer, and arranger Erick Peralta. A 10-piece band with the elegance and sophistication of a large orchestra, the ensemble brings a unique sound inspired by Salsa, Latin Jazz, Tropical, urban, and Timba, as well as Traditional Cuban and Puerto Rican music.

Orquesta Bembé has been taking the Bay Area by storm, with fans and critics raving about their high-energy performances. The band’s unique approach brings a global edge to timeless salsa, infused with styles and rhythms reflecting the vast musical experiences of its members.

Aug 21

CARNAVAL! w/ SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST
www.carnavaltheband.com

San Francisco’s Mission District is the rhythm of the street, the heartbeat of The City, and the birthplace of the Grammy-Award-winning band Santana. And so, it is also with CARNAVAL! The Bay Area’s Santana Tribute Band.
San Francisco Bay Area;s Top Musicians have rebranded as CARNAVAL!
These seasoned musicians have spent decades honing their crafts to bring you the legendary sounds of Santana. You’ll hear all the hits from those early years through today’s new favorites. All of it played with the same instrumentation, soul, and passion. CARNAVAL!
Faithfully recreates the drive and the sound that has made Santana’s music a mainstay in rock music history for the past five decades!

“This is perhaps one of the best, if not the best Santana Tribute Band in the “San Francisco Bay Area.” – Raul Rekow, (RIP) formerly of The Santana Band (1976-2013)