Music in the Park

Music in the Park band inquiries

For bands interested in becoming an opening act at one of this year’s summer concerts, please submit materials in one of the following ways:

  • MAIL your band information – bio, resume and email/phone contact information with CD sampler to:  San Jose Downtown Association
    Attn: Amy Anderson
    28 N. First St., Suite 1000
    San Jose, CA 95113

 

Most opening act selections will not be made until May. Headliners are booked first, then opening acts are matched accordingly by genre. Many times the headliners and/or radio stations already have the opening bands as part of the package deal.

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.

 


Music in the Park presented by Dos Equis and Metro Newspapers

The 22nd season of Music in the Park begins Thursdays June 3-August 26, 2010
                   Stay tuned for the complete 2010 lineup...

Music in the Park Some good things in life are FREE, like ALL 13 Music in the Park shows

2009 show recap (Click a performer's name for more information)

June 4: Evolution (Journey tribute) and Long Gon Bonl (bon-era AC / DC tribute)
June 11: Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars (world / reggae)
June 18: Third Eye Blind (alternative rock); supported by Pilot Speed playing a full set
June 25: Pete Escovedo (latin jazz)
July 2: The Tubes (classic rock)
July 9: Eek-A-Mouse (reggae)
July 16: Pato Banton (reggae)
July 23: Matt Nathanson (pop / rock); supported by MiGGs
July 30: Colin Hay of Men at Work (pop)
August 6: Anthony David (R&B)
August 13: Better Than Ezra (pop / rock)
August 20: Sonny Landreth (blues / rock)
August 27: White Album Ensemble (Beatles tribute)

Take a look at the first 20 years of headliners

 

Music in the Park

2009 Highlights

Information for concert-goers

Our Sponsors

Music in the Park lineup

Sign up for Downtowner Online weekly list of events 

 

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 return as presenting sponsors of Music in the Park. 

Fahrenheit Lounge in the ParkLive music and world class cuisine from Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge and Restaurant

Menu items include:
Chicken and Steak Satay
Hoisin BBQ Ribs
Chocolate Decadence

Download full menu

You'll also find these food vendors at Music in the Park:  Pizza My Heart, Hogie Steak Out, Asmara's Hot Dogs, Peggy Sue's, House of Siam, The Blue Chip, and Angelou's Taqueria

If you missed some shows in 2009, check out these short clips

   

Scroll below for Performer Information

 

 

Evolution

June 4:  Evolution (Journey Tribute Band) werevolution.com / Long Gon Bon (AC/DC Tribute Band) www.myspace.com/longgonbon

This tribute show brings together music from two influential bands of the '70s and '80s, Journey and AC/DC. While they sit on different ends of the rock spectrum, their music has stood the test of time. Nationally recognized band Evolution plays a variety of events.  Local band Long Gon Bon will please fans of AC/DC during the early Bon Scott era. 

Radio partner: 98.5 KFOX

 


 

Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars

June 11: Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars (World/Reggae) sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com

Rebel force attacks in Freetown and equipment from a Canadian refugee aid organization spurred the creation of Sierra Leone Refugee Allstars. Members of the band, who are refugees themselves, played music as a break from the sometimes weary and hostile environment of camp life.  Those days are long gone, and the band travels the world spreading their message in a fusion of West African music, roots reggae, and rhythmic traditional folk. 

Radio partner: Alice 97.3 

Opener: SambaDa (Afro-Samba-Funk) myspace.com/sambada   


 

Third Eye Blind June 18:  Third Eye Blind (Alternative Rock) 3eb.com

San Francisco-based band Third Eye Blind will release its latest album, "Ursa Major," in 2009, their first studio collection in five years. This band's fan base has grown exponentially over the years and the music world anxiously awaits their return to the mainstream music scene.

Radio partner: Channel 104.9

Opener: Pilot Speed- This Candadian four-piece band is influenced from the underground music scene and bigger British bands such as U2 and Radiohead.  With their newest release, "Wooden Bones," Pilot Speed has developed a sound that's best described as pop that's a little rough around the edges.  Be sure to get to the park at 5:30 for this show -- Pilot Speed is scheduled to play a full set.


 

Pete Escovedo OrchestraJune 25:  Pete Escovedo Orchestra (Latin Jazz) peteescovedo.com

The legendary musician returns for his 15th performance at Music in the Park, the most ever by any musician at the series.  An artist and legend in every way, Escovedo has played music and painted since the age of 16.  His show is always a San Jose favorite.  He and his orchestra will play two full sets, from 6:45-7:45 p.m. snf 8-8:45 p.m.

Radio partner: 98.1 Kiss FM

Opener (5:30-6:15 p.m.):  Kool Katz (Latin / salsa)  koolkatzband.com:  This eight-piece band calls their sound Latin Pizzazz (a blend of Salsa, Latin Rhythms, Percussion, and Jazz).  Seasoned professionals from San Jose can really get a party started with their repertoire of cover and original tunes. With sultry vocals, searing guitar, a solid rhythm unit and screaming horn section – The Kool Katz will have you moving and grooving.


 

The TubesJuly 2:  The Tubes (Classic Rock) thetubes.com

The Tubes parodic songs and characteristic live shows are what gained their cult-like following in the '70s. The band is always pushing the envelope creatively, including the production of an album that was based on an actual sales training instruction manual, resulting in their first Top 40 hits. Plus Fee Waybill's adopted personas such as the "crippled Nazi" Dr. Strangekiss  makes their live shows a must-see.  

Radio Partner: 98.5 KFOX

Opener:  Steve Wozniak is a big fan of Dusty Rhodes and the River Band (rock / soul).  He likes them so much, he had them as guests for one of his appearances on Dancing with the Stars.  Need we say more?  Also check myspace.com/dustyrhodes


 

Eek-A-MouseJuly 9:  Eek-A-Mouse (Reggae) eeksperience.com

Eek-A-Mouse is no stranger to Music in the Park, last performing in 2004.  The founding father of singjaying, equal parts singing and spoken word, is back again and larger than life. Don't let his stage name fool you; the 6-foot, 6-inch reggae star will rock the mic again. 

Radio Partner: Live 105

Opener: Soul Majestic (Reggae)  myspace.com/soulmajestic


 

Pato Banton July 16:  Pato Banton (Reggae)

Over the course of his career, Banton's music has remained socially concious. After taking a break from the music industry and giving back to the community, he's returned to sharing his message of positivity through his music.  He collaborates with the audiences during a performance, most of which is impromptu, creating an experience his fans remember.  Radio Partner: KSJO 92.3

Opener: La Colectiva (Latin/Salsa) myspace.com/lacolectiva

 


Matt Nathanson July 23:  Matt Nathanson (Rock/Pop) mattnathanson.com 

Since his prelude performance at Music in the Other Park in 2006, Nathanson has made some great strides toward super stardom. This San Francisco transplant is proof that the sixth time can be a charm. His latest album "Some Mad Hope" has produced his biggest hit single to date, "Come on Get Higher," charting on the Billboard Top 100.

Radio Partner: Mix 106.5 

Opener: MiGGs (Pop/Rock) miggsband.com


 

Colin Hay July 30:  Colin Hay of Men at Work (Pop) Colinhay.com

While Colin Hay's new six-piece band and his solo work is his main focus, fans can also look forward to some classic Men At Work songs,  including "Overkill," "Who Can It Be Now" and "Down Under."  In recent years, Hay's music has made the migration from commercial radio to the world of film and television with prominent placements in the hit television show "Scrubs" and the acclaimed film "Garden State."

Download some of Colin Hay's music including a single from his latest album American Sunshine 

Radio Partner:  94.5 KBAY

Opener: Monkey (Ska) myspace.com/monkeyska


 

  Anthony David 

August 6:  Anthony David (R&B) anthonydavidmusic.com

Anthony David is the lyricist behind some of multi-Grammy winning artist India Arie's music, including "A Part of My Life" from the album "Acoustic Soul" and "There's Hope" from the "Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship". His latest album release, "Acey Deucy," is his first on a major label, Soulbird Music, a collaboration between Universal Republic Records and India Arie.  David feels his songwriting brings a level of much-needed honesty to today's music.  Coupled with his "millenium blues" sound, it's a match made in music heaven.

Radio Partner:  102.9 KBLX

Opener: N'dambi (Soul/R&B) myspace.com/ndambi

If you love live music stay the weekend in downtown San Jose for the 20th San Jose Jazz Festival Aug 7-9, featuring over 1,000 artists


 

Better than Ezra August 13:  Better Than Ezra (Rock/Pop) Betterthanezra.com

2009 has been a year of change for the New Orlean's-based band Better Than Ezra. With a new drummer and a new album set for release in May, Better Than Ezra's future is bright. Come join their loyal fans, the "Ezralites," who follow the band's success.

Radio Partner:  Mix 106.5

Opener: Thriving Ivory (alternative rock) thrivingivory.com


 

Sonny Landreth  August 20:  Sonny Landreth (Blues/Rock ) sonnylandreth.com

The "king of slydeco hails from Lafayette, La., where he started turning heads as a teen-age virtuoso. Bassist Dave Ranson was one of the first to be blown away by Sonny Landreth's six-string prowess, and Landreth was only 15. His ninth album "From the Reach" is the first to be released on his own Landfall label and collaborates with five of the greatest guitar players on the planet - Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson and Vince Gill - for some jaw-dropping performances. Also making a house call on the album are legendary New Orleans pianist and singer Dr. John and iconic Gulf Coast troubadour Jimmy Buffett.

Radio Partner:  KFOG 97.7

Opener: Music for Animals (indie/rock) myspace.com/musicforanimals


 

Across the Universe album coverAugust 27:  White Album Ensemble (Beatles tribute) whitealbumlive.com

The White Album Ensemble will perform the soundtrack to the movie "Across the Universe," through a multitude of Beatles' songs and post-breakup Beatles solo songs such as "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Imagine," "My Sweet Lord," and "It Don't Come Easy."  Joining them this year are 2009 Grammy- award nominee Tammi Brown, Alysha Antonino, and James Durbin. Plus Drew Harrison, the renowned "Lennon" vocalist of the Sun Kings and cellist Berry Philipps.

View a photo slideshow of the band 

Radio Partner:  94.5 KBAY

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2009 highlights

 

Evolution drummer
view of the stage
Lounge in the Park
evolution performs

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Information for concert-goers: 

SJ Downtown Parking Before you come downtown visit sjdowntownparking.com to keep your drive stress-free 

Parking: In 2009, $3 parking after 6 p.m. 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.  

  • 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 

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Thanks to our 2009 Sponsors: 

(Click on logo to view website)

 


Metro logo

dos equis logo

Teacate logo

RDA logo

"Supported, in part, by a grant from the City of San Jose"

kfox logo

104.9 logo

Mix 106.5 logo

94.5 Kbay logo

alice @97.3 logo

98.1 Kiss logo

Live logo

Kblx logo

kfog logo

fahrenheit logo

jlohr logo

El Observador logo

NBC Bay Area logo

Telemundo 48 logo

Catered too logo

yellowcab

Hotel De Anza

Facebook logo Become a FAN of SJDA on Facebook

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