San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2026

In 2026, all eyes are on San Jose with global audiences tuning into Super Bowl LX, NCAA March Madness and the impending FIFA World Cup. Silicon Valley is having its cultural moment - one that extends far beyond technology into the energy and identity of the city itself. At the center of summer happenings stands San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2026, a three-day transformation of downtown into one of the most vibrant music destinations in the country. And today, the festival delivers its highly anticipated final headliner joining the likes of Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Zapp ft. Tuxedo with the announcement of Cory Wong.

A GRAMMY Award-nominated guitarist, producer, and member of both Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers, Wong is selling out venues with his razor-sharp funk grooves and explosive stage presence. Wong pushes technical precision to its highest level while dialing in ecstatic spontaneity and pure, unfiltered joy. His latest album, Lost in the Wonder, has critics raving and fans dancing. At SJZ Summer Fest 2026, Cory Wong brings a one-two punch of fun as he takes the Jay Paul Company Main Stage just before Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Sunday, August 9.

SJZ Summer Fest 2026 arrives at a time when the city itself undergoes a transformation in how it's seen and experienced on the global stage. With millions of eyes turning toward the region, Summer Fest offers something that no stadium or broadcast can replicate: a wonderful sense of place. It is a living, breathing expression of San Jose's diverse community and cultural curation as the country's 12th largest city. For three days, downtown becomes a walkable, immersive landscape of sound with eight stages, buskers, more than 100 performances, club crawl, and a lineup that reflects the full spectrum of today's top touring artists. It's a festival that could only happen in San Jose.

Beyond Wong, Summer Fest continues to expand its artistic reach with a new wave of additions that reflect the breadth of what the festival does best. Three-time GRAMMY nominee Gretchen Parlato brings a deeply expressive quartet featuring drummer Mark Guiliana and bassist Alan Hampton to the SJZ Break Room Stage. Multi-award-winning poet aja monet brings her harmonic and insurgent words to the Signia Club Regent Stage. SF Bay Area favorite Martin Luther McCoy reimagines the legacy of Ray Charles in a powerful tribute. Spain's Pedro Pastor y los locos descalzos bridges continents through poetic songwriting and global rhythms, while Instant Alter delivers a bold, genre-blending sound shaped by jazz, rock, soul, and Brazilian Tropicália.

Collectively, these artists deepen a lineup that is already one of the most compelling in the festival's history - and one that mirrors the cross-cultural energy defining San Jose in 2026. Because this year, more than ever, Summer Fest isn't just part of the conversation. It is a defining moment.

THE LINEUP: A WORLD-CLASS CELEBRATION OF MUSIC

SJZ Summer Fest 2026 delivers on the Jay Paul Company Main Stage with headliners representing the very best of contemporary jazz, R&B, soul, Latin, and beyond - artists whose reach extends from packed arenas to the world's distinguished stages. 2026 artists include Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cory Wong, Zapp Featuring Tuxedo, Adi Oasis, The Soul Rebels, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Lakecia Benjamin, Thee Sinseers, Gretchen Parlato Quartet, Bria Skonberg, Birds of a Feather ft. Javon Jackson with Nnenna Freelon, George Cables, and Willie Jones III, Joe Bataan, Orquesta Akokán, Parlor Greens, New Jazz Underground, Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Taimane, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Nicole Zuraitis Quartet, Mike Clark & His Post Boptet, Martin Luther McCoy, Marcus Shelby Nonet: Birth of the Cool Revisited, Olas Perdidas, Instant Alter, Pedro Pastor y los locos descalzos, and so many more!

In 2026, with the world already watching San Jose, the festival's impact will be felt on a scale unlike anything before.

"San Jose is having a remarkable moment in 2026," says Brendan Rawson, Executive Director of San Jose Jazz.

"Between the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and the unbelievable energy, people are watching to see what's happening in Silicon Valley. While we are the hub of tech and innovation, SJZ Summer Fest shows another side of San Jose - one rooted in culture and community. For three days each August, our downtown becomes a joyful gathering place where people come to dance in the streets and experience one of the most welcoming urban festivals anywhere in the world."

"This year's Summer Fest brings together a wide-ranging and diverse combination of artists from the U.S. and around the world," says Bruce Labadie, Artistic Director of San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. "That international spirit speaks directly to our audience, who come from far and wide each August to experience the joy of live music and the incredible sense of community that defines Summer Fest."

As San Jose emerges as a major international destination, SJZ Summer Fest moves in step with these high-visibility moments, providing the soundtrack of Silicon Valley. To ensure SJZ Summer Fest's accessibility to the widest audience possible, the festival is among the region's best entertainment value. To purchase 3-Day passes at "Early Bird" pricing through April 30 and Single-Day tickets (on sale May 1, $35/GA - $290/VIP), please go to www.summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/buy-now.

ARTIST HIGHLIGHTS @ SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST 2026

Patti LaBelle is one of American music's true living legends-a two-time Grammy Award winner and 13-time nominee whose voice has shaped more than six decades of R&B, pop, and gospel. Rising from her early days with The Bluebelles to global fame with Labelle, she went on to build a solo career defined by classics like "If Only You Knew," "On My Own" with Michael McDonald, and the iconic 1974 anthem "Lady Marmalade." Beyond music, LaBelle has appeared in film and television, authored New York Times bestselling books, and launched her successful lifestyle brand Patti's Good Life, all while maintaining a rare combination of vocal power, versatility, and longevity that continues to define her as the enduring "Godmother of Soul."

Few artists embody the spirit of New Orleans like Trombone Shorty, who first appeared at Jazz Fest at age four alongside Bo Diddley and has been rising ever since, including a standout Summer Fest performance in 2011. A bandleader by six, he went on to release chart-topping albums and perform everywhere from the White House to Madison Square Garden and the 2025 Super Bowl, touring with Jeff Beck and Red Hot Chili Peppers while collaborating with Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, Jon Batiste, Lenny Kravitz, and Ringo Starr. Beyond the stage, he founded the Trombone Shorty Foundation to support youth music education, earned a Caldecott Honor for his children's book, leads a beloved Mardi Gras parade, hosts the Treme Threauxdown, and captured his explosive live energy on his 2022 album Lifted, recorded at Buckjump Studio.

GRAMMY-nominated Cory Wong has an undeniable momentum that shows no signs of slowing. A member of both Vulfpeck and the Fearless Flyers, Wong has built a global solo career defined by his high-energy performances and precise funk guitar propulsions. Expanding beyond the role of a "guitar guy," his artistry spans production, writing, arranging, and bandleading - a vision fully realized on his latest album Lost in the Wonder. Wong's creative reach extends across mediums, from composing the theme for CBS's After Midnight to topping charts in Japan with his work on Spy x Family Season 2, while his signature gear line further reflects his influence in modern music culture. Whether releasing new music, hosting his variety show, or launching new projects, Wong brings an infectious energy to everything he does.

Zapp redefined funk with their signature talk box sound, dominating R&B charts with hits like "More Bounce to the Ounce," "Dance Floor," and "Computer Love." Founded in 1978 by Roger, Larry, Lester, and Terry Troutman, the group helped shape West Coast hip-hop, with their music sampled by Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z, and continues to carry the Troutman legacy through electrifying live performances. Joining them is Tuxedo - Mayer Hawthorne and Jake One - whose modern "gangster boogie" draws from influences like Chic and Parliament, blending their Grammy-nominated pedigrees and work with artists including Drake, The Weeknd, and De La Soul into irresistible, feel-good dance music rooted in self-expression.

French Caribbean singer, bassist and fashion icon Adi Oasis is taking the music world by storm. Her 2023 debut album Lotus Glow - featuring silky vocals, funky bass and retro-futurist production - has garnered over 30 million streams globally and earned features in Rolling Stone, Elle and Dazed. Lotus Glow is Adi's most personal and political work to date, reflecting her journey from growing up in the Paris projects to life as a Black female immigrant in America.

The Soul Rebels are New Orleans' most boundary-defying brass band - a collective that has built its reputation on high-energy live shows and collaborations with everyone from Talib Kweli to festival-mate Trombone Shorty. The Soul Rebels are a perfect embodiment of the SJZ Summer Fest spirit. Afro-Cuban All Stars are a cornerstone of the Buena Vista Social Club universe - the legendary collective founded and led by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez (also leader/founder of Afro-Cuban All Stars) who brought Cuban son, bolero, and big band tradition to global audiences. Their appearance at SJZ Summer Fest 2026 is a landmark moment for the festival's Latin programming and a testament to SJZ's standing as the premier presenter of Latin jazz.

Lakecia Benjamin is the most talked-about modern saxophonist in jazz today. The Harlem-born artist's critically acclaimed album Phoenix - described as a modern jazz masterpiece - earned her a GRAMMY nomination and cemented her reputation as one of her generation's most fearless voices. Mentored by Stevie Wonder and schooled on the bandstands of New York, Benjamin brings a burning intensity and a deep connection to the jazz tradition to every stage she takes.

Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson brings a lifetime of jazz mastery to San Jose - forged in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and rooted in a Blue Note Records legacy that spans straight-ahead tradition to adventurous collaborations. He's joined by three extraordinary artists: seven-time GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon, one of jazz's most compelling live performers whose career has taken her from the Apollo Theater to the White House; legendary alto saxophonist Charles McPherson, a longtime collaborator of Charles Mingus and one of bebop's most enduring voices; pianist George Cables, one of the most sought-after sidemen of his era who was renowned for performing with Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, among others; and powerhouse drummer Willie Jones III, whose dynamic swing and modern sensibility have propelled performances alongside artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, and Herbie Hancock.

Led by legendary drummer Mike Clark, the Post BopTet brings together a powerhouse lineup of modern jazz masters. Clark's groundbreaking grooves helped define the sound of jazz-funk in the 1970s through his work with Herbie Hancock and the iconic Headhunters, including his influential playing on the classic track "Actual Proof," which has inspired generations of drummers. Now leading his own projects, Clark continues to push the music forward with a deep respect for jazz tradition and fearless rhythmic innovation. His Post BopTet features an all-star ensemble: saxophonist Craig Handy, trumpet legend Eddie Henderson, virtuoso pianist Dave Kikoski, and acclaimed bassist Essiet Okon Essiet. Together, these celebrated musicians deliver a dynamic blend of post-bop sophistication, fiery improvisation, and deep groove that connects the legacy of jazz masters with the energy of today's scene.

Straight out of East LA, Thee Sinseers blend nostalgic soul with fresh innovation, led by multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Joseph Quiñones. Anchored by a vibrant brass section, sweet harmonies, and a tight rhythm section, the band brings a timeless soul sound infused with contemporary spirit. Part of the Colemine Records family, Thee Sinseers released early singles including "It Was Only A Dream" and "I Don't Mind" before unveiling their full-length debut, Sinseerly Yours, in 2024. Their music has appeared in the film Self Reliance and the TV series Riverdale, while their electrifying live shows have captivated audiences from California and Texas to New York and Chicago.

Parlor Greens stands out as a singular organ trio, uniting drummer Tim Carman, guitarist Jimmy James, and organist Adam Scone in a powerful blend of blues, soul, jazz, and funk. Scone, a veteran of the Daptone soul revival scene who learned from legends like Melvin Sparks and Dr. Lonnie Smith, anchors the group alongside Jimmy James, known worldwide for his work with The True Loves and the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. Rounding out the trio, GA-20 drummer Tim Carman brings deep groove and heavy pocket.

Three-time Grammy Award-nominated vocalist Gretchen Parlato is one of the most captivating jazz artists of her generation, known for her intimate, Brazilian-inflected sound and longstanding collaborations with drummer Mark Guiliana and bassist Alan Hampton. With more than 85 recordings to her name, Parlato's acclaimed albums-including In a Dream, The Lost and Found, Live in NYC, and her 2021 release Flor-have earned international recognition, multiple awards, and Grammy nominations, solidifying her place as a defining voice in modern jazz. She is joined by a powerhouse ensemble featuring Guiliana, whose work spans collaborations with David Bowie and Brad Mehldau, Hampton, known for his work with Andrew Bird and Rufus Wainwright, and pianist/arranger Jacob Mann, who has performed with Jacob Collier, Moonchild, and Lee Ritenour.

New Jazz Underground is an innovative trio featuring saxophonist Abdias Armenteros, bassist Sebastian Rios, and drummer TJ Reddick, who all first connected as students at The Juilliard School and gained a global following during the 2020 lockdown through viral living-room performance videos that showcased their exuberant chemistry. Now with more than 100,000 YouTube subscribers, the group has emerged as one of jazz's most exciting young voices, earning the 2023 DCJazzPrix and national attention from NPR Music. Individually acclaimed artists - with Armenteros now the youngest member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the trio having collaborated with musicians including Jon Batiste and Sullivan Fortner - New Jazz Underground represents a new generation reimagining the future of jazz while honoring its roots.

Bay Area neo-soul pioneer Martin Luther McCoy brings his enigmatic stage presence to a landmark celebration of Ray Charles, reaffirming his place among progressive soul's most compelling voices following his 2025 Gospel Choice Music Award-winning single "Peace of Mind." A former member of The Roots, McCoy moves effortlessly across hip-hop, jazz, singer-songwriter, and R&B-a range showcased in his album Love Is the Hero and a widely viewed NPR Tiny Desk performance with E-40-while becoming the first vocalist invited into the SF Jazz Collective. Known for creating an intimate connection on any stage, he is joined for this Summer Fest performance by saxophonist Howard Wiley for a reimagining of "Brother Ray's" most enduring work, with a pianist to be announced, forming a power trio that promises a soulful, surprising, and fully alive tribute.

Olas Perdidas is an innovative new band that fuses the vibrant, rhythmic traditions of Son Jarocho from Veracruz, Mexico, with the cinematic, evocative sounds of spaghetti Western music. Blending the lively strums of the jarana and requinto jarocho with the haunting twang of guitars and dramatic flair of Ennio Morricone-inspired compositions, Olas Perdidas creates a unique soundscape that bridges coastal Mexican folk and the rugged, dusty trails of the Wild West. Get ready for a musical journey that's both soulful and adventurous! With scores for iconic films like 180° South and Thicker Than Water, Moraza and Hannigan infuse Olas Perdidas with the same sweeping, cinematic energy that has defined their work on screen.

Summer Fest has become a cornerstone of the SF Bay Area's summer festival season ever since its founding nearly four decades ago. With a uniquely urban footprint, the festival allows fans to move easily between stages while discovering new artists, sampling local foods and beverages, and experiencing the vibrancy that Silicon Valley offers to locals and visitors alike. Adjacent to Plaza Park is the SJZ Break Room, San Jose Jazz's downtown venue that transforms from their daytime office into a vital state-of-the-art jazz club during Summer Fest and continues year-round as a hub for live music, artist residencies, and intimate performances from both emerging talents and internationally acclaimed musicians.

For a full roster of artists appearing at SJZ Summer Fest 2026, please visit summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.

THE SUMMER FEST VIP EXPERIENCE JUST GOT BIGGER

The Summer Fest VIP Pavilion remains one of the most sought-after experiences -- offering front-row Main Stage access, a private entrance, shaded lounge, luxury restrooms, an elevated wine bar, and complimentary beverages and snacks.

In 2026, VIP expands beyond the Pavilion with exclusive experiences across partner hotels including Signia by Hilton San Jose, San Jose Marriott (Official Hotel Partner), The Westin San Jose, and Four Points by Sheraton:

-Friday kickoff pool party with live DJ + complimentary goody bag

-Jazz in Bloom Flower Bar experience

-Saturday sound meditation with Olesia Trok or dance lab with artist Joy

-Paint-and-wine experience with artist Arely Cardenas

-Havana Music Lounge with live Latin music (Sat & Sun mornings)

-Custom fragrance workshop to close out Sunday

Capacity is limited. VIP 3-Day Pass holders receive early access to reserve experiences. Prices increase May 1. For more information, please click here.

SPONSORS @ SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST 2026

San José Jazz is excited to welcome back returning Main Stage sponsor Jay Paul Company, along with sponsors PG&E, Visit San Jose, ASML, Valley Transportation Authority, Applied Materials Foundation, Alaska Airlines, Meriwest Credit Union, Casino M8trix, CEFCU, Ebay, Heritage Bank, Republic Services, Larry & Carmen Stone, García González Fund, San Jose Marriott (Official Summer Fest Hotel), Signia by Hilton San Jose, The Westin San Jose, Gordon Biersch Brewery, City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, Silicon Valley Creates, Content Magazine, DownBeat Magazine, 10th Street Distillery, Academic Coffee, and Poor House Bistro.

ASML is the title sponsor of the Next Gen Stage at San Jose Museum of Art, who has graciously gifted San Jose Jazz $600,000 to support their education programs over the next three years.

San Jose Jazz is proud to have San Jose Marriott as the Official Hotel Partner for SJZ Summer Fest 2026. A stylish Silicon Valley hotel in a dynamic location directly across from the Main Entrance to the Fest, San Jose Marriott will be in the center of the action with eclectic artist activations onsite. A newly refreshed, high-tech hotel, the San Jose Marriott is the perfect home base for your visit to San Jose.

San Jose Marriott's exciting collaboration with SJZ Summer Fest 2026 not only enhances the cultural vibrancy of downtown San Jose, but also reinforces the hotel's commitment to supporting the local community. The Fest brings together music enthusiasts from around the world, contributing to the dynamic atmosphere and economic vitality of the South Bay.

Signia by Hilton San Jose returns to SJZ Summer Fest 2026 in a major way with their beloved stage at the Club Regent providing a riveting scene in the heart of Summer Fest. With state-of-the-art acoustics, the air-conditioned intimate venue with a capacity of only 350 seats, audiences can witness concerts by international artists they won't see anywhere else at Summer Fest, including Gretchen Parlato Quintet, aja monet, Charles Brown Project ft. Nicolas Bearde, Dayramir González Quartet, Irene Diaz, New Jazz Underground, Pasatono Orquesta, Pedro Pastor y los locos descalzos, Top Shelf Big Band with Wayne Bergeron, and Visionary-Steel.

Among the San Jose Marriott, Signia by Hilton San Jose, The Westin San Jose, and others, special hotel deals will be announced this week.

For additional artist bios, please visit: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

36th Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2026

When: August 7 - 9, 2026

Where: Plaza Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA

Admission: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/buy-now

More info: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org; 408.288.7557

Artist Lineup (Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9, 2026)

Patti LaBelle, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cory Wong, Zapp Featuring Tuxedo, Adi Oasis, The Soul Rebels, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Birds of a Feather ft. Javon Jackson with Nnenna Freelon, Lakecia Benjamin, Parlor Greens, New Jazz Underground, Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, Thee Sinseers, Gretchen Parlato Quartet, Bria Skonberg, Orquesta Akokán, Taimane, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Nicole Zuraitis Quartet, Mike Clark & His Post Boptet, Martin Luther McCoy, Joe Bataan, Marcus Shelby Nonet: "Birth of the Cool Revisited", Olas Perdidas, Instant Alter, Top Chefs, Masters of Hawaiian Music, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Zydeco Flames, McKinley James, Jubu Smith, Pasatono Orquesta, Dayramir González, Pedro Pastor y los locos descalzos, Combo Tezeta, Irene Diaz, Visionary-Steel, Dani & Débora Gurgel Quarteto ft. The Cressmans, Charles Brown Project ft. Nicolas Bearde, Sylvia Cuenca's Bridging Generations, Insun Park & The Generals, BeaufunK, Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces, M'sippi Slide, Garret T. Willie, Kyle Rowland, Harrell Young Rell Davenport, SJZ High School All Stars, SJZ U19s, Synchronicity, SOJ Band, Footnotes, Los Gatos Saratoga Band, Ames Jazz Band, Los Tacoyos, Green Feather, Full Spectrum Big Band, Swing Solution, and so many more!

Artist interviews are available upon request.

SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST 2026 - TICKET INFORMATION - PRICES GO UP ON MAY 1

3-Day Pass Adult GENERAL ADMISSION (GA) ($100 Early Bird; $105 Advance; $130 Full Price (Aug 1-9))

Basic access to all outdoor stages, including the Main Stage, Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9.

3-Day Pass Adult ALL STAGES ($140 Early Bird; $150 Advance; $185 Full Price (Aug 1-9))

Access to all indoor and outdoor stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9. Indoor seating available after Priority Access and VIP ticket holders are seated.

3-Day Pass Adult PRIORITY ACCESS ($310 Early Bird; $325 Advance; $380 Full Price (Aug 1-9))

Access to all stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9, plus Priority Seating in front of the Main Stage with an exclusive bar. Also includes priority "first-in" access to indoor stages 15 minutes before downbeat. If the venue is full, Priority Access ticket holders will be admitted first when seats become available.

3-Day Pass Adult VIP ($560 Early Bird; $620 Advance (May 1-July 31); $680 Full Price (Aug 1-9))

Includes access to all stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9, plus access to the VIP Seating Area at the Main Stage. VIP ticket holders enjoy unlimited access to the VIP Pavilion near the Main Stage with one complimentary gourmet meal, a snack, and two alcoholic drinks per day. Also includes priority "first-in" access to indoor stages 15 minutes before downbeat. If the venue reaches capacity, VIP guests will be first admitted when seats become available.

3-Day Pass Child ($30)

Admission to SJZ Summer Fest, Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9 for children ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult and access will match that of the accompanying adult.

About San Jose Jazz

Founded in 1986, San Jose Jazz (SJZ) is a public benefit organization dedicated to celebrating jazz as a dynamic, evolving art form. SJZ produces the internationally acclaimed San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, the SJZ New Works Fest, and year-round concerts and community programming at the SJZ Break Room, alongside transformative youth development initiatives that spark creativity across generations at every age.

By championing both the legacy of jazz tradition and leading-edge innovation in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJZ invests in the rich ecosystem of SF Bay Area artists while presenting world-class talent across its live music stages. Through performance, education, and community engagement, San Jose Jazz ensures that jazz remains a living, breathing force in contemporary culture.

For more information, please visit sanjosejazz.org.