Music in the Park
presented by Dos Equis and Metro Newspapers
Thanks for attending the 22nd season of Music in the Park
Concerts were each Thursday June 3-Aug. 26, 2010
Some good things in life are FREE, like ALL 13 Music in the Park shows
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San Jose summers wouldn't be the same without Music in the Park, downtown's most anticipated concert series.
For more than 20 years, people have come out to enjoy a variety of music by some of the world's biggest stars at free Thursday night concerts.
5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Plaza de Cesar Chavez
(Market Street between San Fernando and San Carlos streets)
Dos Equis and Metro Newspapers were 2010 presenting sponsors of Music in the Park.
Food vendors at Music in the Park: Pizza My Heart, Asmara's Hot Dogs, Peggy Sue's, The Blue Chip, Angelou's Taqueria and Treatbot - an ice cream truck from the future.
Fahrenheit's Lounge in the Park served:
Food: Chicken & Steak Satay - $6; Thai Chicken Bowl - $5; Hoisin BBQ Ribs - $6; Garlic Noodles - $5; Fahrenheit Fries - $4; Chocolate Cakes - $5
Drinks: Sangria (Cabernet Sauvignon, Fresh Tropical Fruit, Fresh Juices) $6; Fahrenheit Cooler (Riesling, White Cranberry Juice, Touch of Blue Curacao) $6; Fahrenheit Water - $2
We'd also like to acknowledge our catering partners - Good Karma Vegan Cafe and Catered Too! who brought food to the Music in the Park bands and VIP tents.
2010 Lineup:
June 3: Cold War Kids (alternative rock). Openers: Jesse Malin & St. Marks Social, plus winner of Channel 92.3 "My Music in the Park" band contest: San Jose based Ambience Sponsored by Channel 92.3.
June 10: Lenny Williams (R&B) and Prince Damons (Hip Hop/R&B). Opener: Beaufunk. Sponsored by KBLX 102.9FM.
June 17: Skatalites (Ska/Reggae). Opener: Sarazino (Afrolatin Reggae). Sponsored by MOViN 997.
June 24: BoDeans (Rock/Pop). Openers: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, and The Careless Hearts. Sponsored by KFOG. 97.7 and Left Coast Live.
July 1: English Beat (Ska/New Wave). Opener: The Odd Numbers. Sponsored by Alice@97.3.
July 8: Tonic (Rock/Pop). Opener: Green River Ordinance. Sponsored by Mix 106.5.
July 15: Don Carlos (Reggae). Opener: Zili Misik (tropical/afrobeat/neo-soul). Sponsored by Live 105.
July 22: The Gaslight Anthem (Alternative Rock). Opener: New Politics. Sponsored by Channel 92.3 FM.
July 29: Pete Escovedo Orchestra (Latin/Jazz). Opener: Tortilla Soup. Sponsor 93.3 LaRaza.
August 5: Foreverland (14-piece Michael Jackson Tribute Band). Opener: Love Stoned. Sponsored by 98.1 KISS FM
August 12: Michael Rose (Reggae). Opener: The Hold Up. Sponsored by Live 105 . Note: Eek-A-Mouse will not perform as previously announced.
August 19: Y&T (Classic Rock). Opener: OTR Band. Sponsored by 98.5 KFOX.
August 26: Pato Banton (Reggae). Opener: Whiskey Avengers. Sponsored by Alice@97.3.
2010 Bands:
June 3 : Cold War Kids (Alternative Rock)
Fullerton's Cold War Kids make music with roots that go deep and wide, embracing influences as diverse as Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley, and the Velvet Underground. Matt Aveiro, Matt Maust, Jonnie Russel, and Nathan Willett began crafting their soulful, blue-inflected take on indie rock as Cold War Kids in 2004, recording demos in Los Angeles soon after they formed. After signing to Monachy Music, Cold War Kids released their debut EP, "Mulberry Street," in spring 2005. The band's unqiue sound and impassioned live act generated a buzz, particularly from bloggers, that grew each tour and release. They spent much of 2006 on the road with the bands Tapes'n Tapes, Figurines, Sound Team, and Editors and appeared at that year's Lollapalooza. The bands's full-length debut, "Robbers & Cowards," arrived that fall. "Loyalty to Loyalty," which moved in a slower, bluesier direction, was released in 2008. On "Behave Yourself," an EP that had a digital release in late 2009 and issued to CD in 2010, Cold War Kids emphasized their soulful ballads. Check out the
band’s current singles, “Audience” and “Sonething’s Not Right With Me,” and
past hit, “Behave Yourself” at www.myspace.com/coldwarkids.
Opener: Jesse Malin & St. Marks Social (alternative rock): Malin, former front man for Heart Attack and D Generation, has spent seven years on the road as a solo artist, sharing stages with The White Stripes, The Hold Steady and Lucinda Williams.
Sponsor: Channel 92.3
Channel 92.3 presents:
My Music in the Park!
Vote Now for your favorite local band to win the opening slot. For more details visit channel923.com
June 10: Lenny Williams (R&B) and Prince Damons (Hip Hop/R&B)
Lenny Williams - The Oakland native’s distinctive voice is a fixture in R&B soul history. After starting with a few solo endeavors, Williams hit a big break as lead singer of Tower of Power, recording "So Very Hard to Go,”
"You're Still a Young Man" and “Don’t Change Horses.” Williams has played Music in the Park six times, from 1994-96 with Tower of Power and as a solo act in 2005, 2006 and 2008. After Tower of Power, Williams went on to pursue his solo career, generating the mega-hit “’Cause I Love You,” which is continuously used in many “old school” and “slow jam” compilations 30 years later. Later, he teamed up with legendary sax player Kenny G to sing the vocals to “Don’t Make Me Wait For Love,” a song that became a top 20 pop and R&B hit.
Prince Damons - An accomplished music producer, songwriter, and musician, Prince 'BlkMagic' Damons is one of the greatest new producers in Hip-Hop and R&B. Damons has mastered 13 different instruments - including pianos, drums, bass and guitar. He has produced hits for some of today's hottest artists as well as seasoned veterans such as Archie Bell. You can hear Damon's tracks in the background of several CW TV shows and movies including the Tyra Banks Show and TMZ.
Sponsored by KBLX 102.9FM
June 17: Skatalites (Ska/Reggae)
The Skatalites changed Jamaican
music forever, fusing boogie-woogie blues, R & B, jazz, calypso, and African rhythms. The creation of ska - the father of rocksteady and grandfather of reggae - provided eternal rhythms that now infiltrate the
globe. Rolling Stone magazines said the Skatalites are “Jamaica's answer to the Motown house band…”
Opener: Sarazino (AfroLatin Reggae): Coming to you direct from Ecuador, this performance should be a real treat. Be sure to come to Plaza Park early..
Sponsor: MOViN 997
June 24: BoDeans (Rock/Pop)
The BoDeans formed nearly three decades ago when Kurt Neumann and Sammy Llanas partnered to forge a signature sound based on heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonics and ringing guitars. Following their first album Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, they were quickly recognized as the "Best New Band" by Rolling Stone magazine. Their most successful album to date was Go Slow Down, which ultimately yielded the Party of Five theme song, "Closer to Free" and a home in Billboard's Top 10. The song catapulted the BoDeans to even greater heights, and earned them an ASCAP award for being one of the most played songs on radio that year.
Openers: Dusty Rhodes and the River Band (rock / folk / country), one of Steve Wozniak's favorit bands; and The Careless Hearts (indie / country / rock).
Sponsored by KFOG. 97.7 and Left Coast Live.
The June 24th Music in the Park is the official FREE kick off night for the Left Coast Live festival. Happening June 21-June 26. Don't miss it!
July 1: English Beat (Ska/New Wave)
The English Beat has become a regular Music in the Park tour de force. Hailing from working-class Birmingham, England, Dave Wakeling and The English Beat entered the music scene in 1979, a time of social, political and musical upheaval. The band’s music was a message of love and unity set to a great dance beat. More than three decades later, Wakeling continues to tour as The English Beat with an amazing all-star ska band playing the hits of The English Beat, General Public, and his new songs. English Beat top hits include "Mirror In The Bathroom," "Save It For Later," "Tenderness," and "King of Ska."
Opener: The Odd Numbers (pop / punk / rock)
Sponsor: Alice@97.3
July 8: Tonic (Rock/Pop)
With two Grammy nominations under their belts, and a new self-titled album just released – spawning the catchy single “Release Me -” the 17-year-old veterans are excited to get back in front of their fans. The band released their debut album Lemon Parade in 1996. The single "If You Could Only See" reached #11 on the Billboard Airplay Hot 100, and the album reached platinum status. After releasing two more albums, Sugar in 1999 and Head on Straight in 2002, the band went on hiatus in 2004 while its members pursued other musical endeavors (most notable, lead singer Emerson Hart’s solo albums). Tonic has a preview of each song from its self-titled release on its official website, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Conway Studios hosted by Emerson Hart is available on Amazon.com's Tonic store and YouTube.
Opener: Green River Ordinance (rock / pop) - G.R.O. recorder their first EP in the basement of their church. Local support led them to open for Bon Jovi in Dallas in 2006. They were named the Best Artist of the Year at the Fort Worth Music Awards twice and soon toured with bands such as Tonic and Third Eye Blind. In 2009, their album, Out of My Hands, climbed the charts with the help of the title track featured on popular TV shows, "The Hills," and "The Young and the Restless," and was used repeatedly as the sign-off song on "So You Think You Can Dance."
Sponsor: Mix 106.5
July 15: Don Carlos (Reggae)
Don Carlos was born and raised in the Waterhouse district of Jamaica, the musical spawning
ground for many of reggae's greatest talents. Don Carlos started
his singing career in 1973 as one of the original members of Grammy Award-winning Black Uhuru. and played a prominent
role in the recordings of the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album for
producer Prince Jammy in 1977. The album was later re-released and
re-titled as Black Sounds of Freedom. After the trio's ground-breaking
debut, Don Carlos decided to part company in pursuit of a solo career
and in 1981 and took the fraternity by storm, courtesy of a heavy,
roots and culture-flavored showcase album titled Suffering.
Opener: Zili Misik (tropical/afrobeat/neo-soul) - Powerful Haitian, Brazilian and West African rhythms infuse Zili’s original creations and traditional folksongs, while Zili inspires its audiences to dance and even teaches them how. The seven-member all-female band from Boston connects Haitian mizik rasin, jazz, roots reggae, samba, Cuban son, and neo soul. Their meaningful songs and culturally rich lyrics inspire audiences.
Sponsor: Live 105
July 22: The Gaslight Anthem (Alternative Rock)
Endorsed by “The Boss” himself, this fellow New Jersey band has played with Bruce Springsteen on several occasions. They will make this San Jose stop before heading to play the Bonnarroo Festival in Tennessee and then a European Tour. The Gaslight Anthem's music embraces many elements of the Jersey Shore sound. Lead singer Brian Fallon's fondness for Springsteen, a significant influence on their music, is a fact celebrated by fans and critics alike. Representative of such views, one critic wrote, "The Gaslight Anthem are like something out of speculative fiction: this is what pop music would be if Springsteen hadn't listened to his producer, let The Ramones record Hungry Heart, and launched the C.B.G.B.ers into megastardom." The band's new album, American Slang, is due to be released June 14 2010 in the UK and June 15 in the United States.
Opener: New Politics (rock) - New Politics, who signed with RCA in November, are currently writing their debut album, most of which is demoed in a really professional looking makeshift recording space. The trick, as the band will tell you, is not to spend too much time worrying about the technical aspects of the music. Just play it with energy and passion and everything else will take care of itself eventually.
Sponsor: Channel 92.3
July 29: Pete Escovedo Orchestra (Latin / Jazz)
Music in the Park is honored to have Bay Area-native and The Godfather of the Music in the Park series return. He has played the 22-year series more than any other artist – a record 16 years. In the 1960s, Escovedo formed Escovedo Bros Latin Jazz Sextet with his two brothers – Coke and Phil. In 1972, Carlos Santana hired Pete and Coke to his group, touring internationally and playing on the albums Moonflower, Oneness and Inner Secret. In the mid-'70s, Pete and Coke founded the 14-24 piece Latin big band Azteca and recorded two albums for Columbia – a self titled album and Pyramid of Moon. Father to musician Sheila Escovedo, aka Sheila E., and Peter Michael Escovedo (Wayne Brady Show band leader) and brother to fellow recording artists Alejandro Escovedo, Coke Escovedo, Javier Escovedo, Bobby Escovedo and Mario Escovedo (The Dragons).
Opener: Tortilla Soup (Latin)
Sponsor 93.3 La Raza
August 5: Foreverland (14-piece Michael Jackson Tribute Band)
Based in San Francisco, Foreverland (previously known as Neverland) was formed in March 2009 to honor Michael Jackson’s musical genius and legendary showmanship. Their first gig was just five days before the superstar’s untimely passing. The 14-piece tribute band brings bold talent and musicianship to the stage with four vocalists, four horns and a tight six-piece rhythm section. Beyond Michael Jackson impersonators, the band’s unique approach is to celebrate the larger than life performances, imagination and infectious spirit of the legendary artist. After having their original band name challenged by the owners of Michael Jackson’s estate, the name Foreverland was inspired by the desire to keep Jackson’s music alive forever.
Opener: Love Stoned (R&B)
Sponsored by 98.1 KISS FM
August 12: Michael Rose (Reggae)
From his early solo work for Niney the Observer, through a trailblazing stint as lead singer of Black Uhuru - netting reggae music it’s first Grammy - to his magnificent later solo work, Mykall “Michael” Rose has consistently remained at the helm of one of reggae’s most far - reaching sounds. He can always be counted on to be challenging, topical, musically expansive and lyrically visionary. Rose has often flown in the face of tradition, walking away from Uhuru at the peak of its popularity, incorporating sounds and styles lesser artists might eschew and following his own instinct where others might seek safe haven. As a result he has retained a top spot in the reggae genre.
Opener: The Hold Up (reggae / hip-hop / pop)
Note: Eek-a-Mouse will not perform as previously announced.
Sponsor: Live 105
August 19: Y&T (Classic Rock)
Hailing from Oakland, Y&T is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's own innovators of the hard rock sound. Y&T influenced and paved the way for legendary hard rock bands in the early '70s (i.e. Metallica and Motley Crue) many of which played as opening bands at Y&T shows. For many years they’ve also toured with some of rock’s biggest names including Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, and Aerosmith. Y&T songs grace the soundtracks of numerous movies and television shows, and their popular videos, such as "Lipstick & Leather," "Don't Stop Runnin'," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," and "Summertime Girls," are still featured videos on VH1 today. Original members Dave Meniketti on lead guitar / lead vocals and Phil Kennemore on bass, still take stages around the world by storm, with the addition of John Nymann (Eric Martin, Greg Kihn) on guitar and Mike Vanderhule on drums. In 2010, the band released its first studio album, Facemelter, in 13 years
Opener: OTR Band (rock)
Sponsor: 98.5 KFOX
August 26: Pato Banton (Reggae)
Banton makes his fifth appearance at Music in the Park. He has distributed 17 albums since breaking through in the mid-1980s with a couple of albums regarded as reggae classics. The London native, who came to the states by way of Birmingham, England, now travels with his band mates, The Now Generation, delivering lyrics that provide food for the soul and performances that keep audiences dancing.
Opener: Whiskey Avengers
Sponsor: Alice@97.3
2011 Music in the Park band inquiries
We are not accepting submissions at this time. If you would like to email us your information to keep in our archives for future potential bookings, please email your bio, resume and email/phone contact information – along with links to music samples - to: aanderson@sjdowntown.com and brucelabadie@yahoo.com
Due to the volume of summer events we produce and the number of entries we receive, we unfortunately cannot always respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner. If you’re in the running, we’ll let you know.
Thank you for your interest.
Thanks for all who participated in this year's raffle and supporting SJDA's mission to bring family friendly, free entertainment to downtown San Jose, despite these tough economic times.
Congratulations to all the winners especally our GRAND PRIZE winner Debbie Daunoy! Her prizes included:
- Roundtrip flight on Jet Blue Airlines
- A pair of season tickets to the Broadway San Jose 2010-11 Series
- One night stay at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown San Jose
- $50 gift certificate to dine at Fahrenheit Restaurant at 99 E. San Fernando St.
We are looking for
volunteers to help staff the Music in the Park information table every Thursday
June – August, from 5 – 9pm. This will require assisting with raffle
ticket sales and promoting the raffle throughout the park to attendees, as well
as serving as an information ambassador for downtown. Familiarity with downtown
required - go to sjdowntown.com
to brush up on all things downtown. Compensation will be provided in the form
of food, drinks and a fun experience.
Please inquire at: volunteers@sjdowntown.com
Highlights
If you missed some shows, check out these short clips
Take a look at 21 years of headliners
Information for concert-goers:
Before you come downtown visit sjdowntownparking.com to keep your drive stress-free
Parking: $3 parking after 6 p.m. is available in the garages at Third Street near Santa Clara Street and at Market and San Pedro streets. Public lots near the park also offer affordable parking after 6 p.m. Parking informational signs on city streets will guide you to the nearest city lot or garage.
- Please bring a blanket or lawn chair
- No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto the Plaza de Cesar Chavez grounds
- Guests are subject to search
- No filming or audio recording of the artists during their performances is permitted
- No barbecues, large coolers, cans or bottles are permitted
- No pets allowed (except for service animals)
- All metered parking adjacent to the park will be enforced
- No smoking in the park
Directions:
From the East Bay
Take I-880 South
Exit 280 South
Exit 87 toward downtown
Exit Santa Clara St. and turn right
Turn right on Market
From Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Campbell
Take Highway 17 North
Exit 280 South
Exit 87 toward downtown
Exit Santa Clara St. and turn right
Turn right on Market
From Milpitas, Pleasanton
Take I-680 South
I-680 becomes I-280 North
Exit 87 toward downtown
Exit Santa Clara St. and turn right
Turn right on Market
From Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Francisco
Take Highway 101 South
Exit Guadalupe Parkway (Highway 87)
Take San Carlos exit and turn left onto Park
From Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Watsonville, Salinas and Monterey
Take Highway 101 North
Exit 87 toward downtown
Exit Santa Clara St. and turn right
Turn right on Market
Thanks to our 2010 Sponsors:
(Click on logo to view website)
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