San Jose Jazz

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, originally the San Jose Jazz Festival, epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. Launched in 1990 at the Plaza de César Chavez, the inaugural festival spanned two days, featuring fusion and straight-ahead jazz, and drew approximately 10,000 attendees. Funded initially by Festival Director Bruce Labadie, the event has grown significantly, maintaining the plaza as its central stage. By the late 1990s, it had become the largest free jazz festival in the United States. Today, the festival showcases nearly 1,000 musicians across 12 stages, featuring diverse genres and renowned artists.