Jazz on the Plazz
Every Wednesday ♦ 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Free to the public concert series
Summer Concerts 2026
Wednesdays
July 8th– August 26th | 6:30-8:30PM
Los Gatos Town Plaza
July 8th
The Jazz Sophisticates Dance Orchestra
The Jazz Sophisticates Dance Orchestra opens the season with a return to the elegance and energy of the Jazz Age. Inspired by the late 1920s and early 1930s, the ensemble blends hot jazz rhythms with the lush, cinematic feel of early Hollywood dance orchestras.
Featuring vocalist Heidi Evelyn, the fourteen-piece orchestra brings vintage arrangements to life—capturing both the vitality of the dance floor and the era’s refined atmosphere. Drawing from popular tunes and classic film-era influences, the performance offers a distinctive take on early jazz tradition.
It’s an opening night that feels both nostalgic and transportive, setting the tone for the summer with style and character.
July 15
Pacific Mambo Orchestra
The Grammy® Award-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra is one of the most electrifying Latin big bands on today’s global music scene, known for its explosive energy and world-class musicianship. Blending mambo, salsa, Latin jazz, and big-band tradition with a modern edge, the ensemble delivers a dynamic live experience, driven by powerful horns, percussion, and rich vocal arrangements.
Led by pianist and composer Christian Tumalan, the orchestra performs both original music and bold arrangements spanning a wide range of influences. With appearances at major international festivals including the Montreux Jazz Festival, Tempo Latino, Umbria Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival, Pacific Mambo Orchestra brings a global presence and unmistakable energy to the stage.
Their performance transforms the plaza into a lively celebration of rhythm, color, and the evolving sound of Latin big band music.
July 22nd
Tony Lindsay & The Soul Soldiers
Tony Lindsay returns to Jazz on the Plazz with one of the most recognizable voices in the Bay Area and beyond. Best known as the longtime lead vocalist for Santana, he has earned multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career.
Equally at home in soul, R&B, and contemporary jazz, his performances move easily between powerful ballads and groove-driven sets, carried by a voice that is both precise and deeply expressive.
July 29th
Jessica Johnson
with an opening performance by the San José High School Jazz All-Stars at 6 PM
Vocalist and songwriter Jessica Johnson brings a dynamic, performance-driven presence to Jazz on the Plazz, shaped by her work across music, dance, and movement. With a background that spans singing, choreography, and performance, her approach is both expressive and grounded in connection.
Her set draws from jazz and contemporary influences, with a focus on feel, rhythm, and engaging the audience in a way that feels natural and immediate.
The evening opens with the San José High School Jazz All-Stars, highlighting the next generation of young musicians from the South Bay.
August 5th
Full Spectrum Big Band
Full Spectrum Big Band presents a contemporary big band program that blends groove, sophistication, and high-energy ensemble playing. This year’s set leans into the smooth, contemporary sound of jazz, while still showcasing the full power and color of a modern big band.
From Smooth… to Groove, the evening moves through a mix of funk, fusion, Latin, and contemporary jazz styles, combining groove-driven charts with lyrical moments and featured soloists throughout the band.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Tower of Power, Larry Carlton, Incognito, Chuck Mangione, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, and David Koz, the performance is designed to feel modern, accessible, and energetic — while still offering depth for dedicated jazz listeners.
August 12th
Smoked Out Soul
Smoked Out Soul (S.O.S) brings a Bay Area–rooted sound that blurs the line between a live band and a DJ-driven experience. What began as a mixtape project by Zebuel—blending ’70s-era Motown and Stax with modern production—has grown into a full-scale live act featuring musicians, producers, and DJs working together in real time.
Their performances fuse classic soul and funk with contemporary textures, combining live horns, guitars, drums, and synthesizers with a high-energy DJ set. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and forward-moving—grounded in tradition but built for today.
Having played major festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Lightning in a Bottle, Smoked Out Soul delivers a dynamic, genre-blurring set that turns the plaza into a true summer-night experience.
A sound rooted in soul with a clear nod to the future.
August 19th
Pamela Parker’s Fantastic Machine
Pamela Parker brings a special performance to Jazz on the Plazz this season, leading The Fantastic Machine in a piano-centered set that highlights a different side of her artistry.
While known for her dynamic guitar work, Parker takes the lead at the grand piano for much of the evening, combining expressive playing with her signature vocal style. The performance draws from jazz, blues, and soul traditions, with an emphasis on musical interplay, groove, and melodic storytelling.
Backed by a full band of accomplished Bay Area musicians—including drums (JaeStix), bass (Steve LaBella), keys (Simon Rochester), guitar (Ben Misterka), trumpet and vocals (Natalie John), and saxophone (Chris Hoog)—the set blends thoughtful arrangements with moments of improvisation and energy.
The result is a rich, ensemble-driven performance that feels both intimate and expansive, offering a fresh perspective on Parker’s sound within a jazz-forward setting.
Website
Aug 26th
Gunhild Carling
Season Finale
Gunhild Carling returns to close the season with a spirited blend of classic jazz, swing, and showmanship. An internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist, Carling is known for her virtuosity on trumpet and trombone, as well as her ability to move seamlessly between instruments while leading an engaging, fast-paced performance.
Rooted in early jazz traditions, her style draws from New Orleans, swing, and vintage jazz, brought to life with precision, personality, and a strong sense of connection to the audience.
Joined by members of her musical family, the season finale offers an evening that feels both rooted in tradition and unmistakably her own, bringing the summer to a memorable close.
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