Fountain of blues:
This weekend, San Jose will transform into a hub for all things blue with the San Jose Fountain Blues and Brews Festival. This event stands out as one of the area’s premier yet often overlooked musical gatherings and is set to take place again at the historic Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose over both days. Attendees can look forward to an impressive roster featuring renowned blues musicians alongside fresh talent.
Leading the charge on Saturday evening at 6:30 PM is Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, whose recent appearance in Ryan Coogler’s movie “Sinners” has garnered him significant attention. On Sunday evening at the same time, fans get to witness Walter Trout perform live. Known for his electrifying riffs and intense vocal delivery, he promises to deliver an unforgettable show.
Another highlight comes courtesy of local artist Aki Kumar, better recognized around town as “The King of Bollywood Blues.” Performing bright and early at noon on Sunday, he blends classic American blues rhythms seamlessly with tunes inspired by Indian cinema. Later that afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to catch Lauren Halliwell and her ensemble called The Dirty Sound taking center stage at 1:15 PM on Sunday. Blending genres like soulful jazz, rock elements, and smooth R&B sounds, they bring their distinctive style to the festival grounds.
From morning until late afternoons throughout these consecutive Saturdays, attendees enjoy non-stop entertainment starting precisely at 11:15 AM till 8 PM daily. Pricing options include single day entry fees ranging between $31.50 – $121.50 USD along with discounted combo deals allowing access across both days priced comfortably within range of $51.50 USD per person. For those interested in attending, simply visit the provided link online to secure your spot today!
fountainblues.com
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Mozart’s initial operatic triumph:
The main protagonist and others face immense stress and torment in “Idomeneo,” composed by a young Mozart in 1781 to cement his reputation as a maestro of opera. Returning home after the Trojan Wars aboard his vessel, Idomeneo—king of Crete—is caught in a perilous tempest. In hopes of surviving this crisis, he pledges to sacrifice the first individual he meets upon reaching land to Neptune, only to find that fate decrees his own son, Idamante, will be claimed. Complicating matters further is Aminta’s affectionate relationship with Ilia, Princess Priam’s offspring from fallen Troy now enslaved under Cretan rule. Moreover, she harbors animosity towards her admirer’s paternal kin due to past enmities. Adding another layer of distress is Elettra—the antagonist—who also yearns for Idamante but fails in all attempts to win him over; however, she does get one last chance during Act 3 where she can express intense fury through song.
Mozart’s score remains breathtakingly beautiful throughout. For those interested, San Francisco Opera presents a fresh rendition starting at 7:30 PM on Saturday night at War Memorial Opera House. This performance features several distinguished performers including tenor Matthew Polenzani reprising his renowned portrayal of Idomeneo alongside celebrated mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack taking up the pants part of Idamante. Noteworthy too is the introduction of Chinese soprano Ying Fang making her inaugural appearance within these walls having performed extensively across prestigious stages worldwide such as London, New York City, Paris, Vienna, and Munich. Completing the ensemble is soprano Elza van den Heever, well-known locally, playing the passionate yet conflicted figurehead Elettra. Over five nights until June 25th, audiences have multiple opportunities to witness this spectacle live or opt-in for a digital stream scheduled for June 20th. Prices range between $28-$438 ($27.50 online) which you may secure via official channels provided herein.
sfopera.com.
The boys are back:
Despite being immensely popular both within the U.S. and internationally, instances of the locally based a cappella group Chanticleer performing in their hometown seem surprisingly infrequent. This season offers two additional opportunities to see them perform: at 6:30 PM on Thursday at the Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley, and again at 6:30 PM on Friday at the First Congregational Church in Berkeley. Comprising 12 skilled vocalists, the ensemble wraps up their Bay Area series with “Chanticleer and the Fox.” Inspired by their moniker—a cunning rooster known from Chaucer’s tales—they craft an engaging show featuring Renaissance-era madrigals and motets suitable for all ages. As part of this effort, kids aged 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Ticket prices range from $30 to $71.
chanticleer.org
or
cityboxoffice.com
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Freebie of the week:
The seasonal run of fairs and festivals in the Bay Area has begun. This coming weekend features the 11th annual Montclair Beer, Wine & Music Festival taking place from noon until 6 PM on Saturday within Montclair Village, close to Mountain Boulevard and La Salle Avenue in Oakland. Attendees can expect over fifty types of specialty beers and ales, an extensive selection of artisan wines, plus various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition, multiple food trucks and stalls offering street cuisine will be present.
For entertainment, visitors can engage with activities such as crafting workshops, art exhibitions, bracelet making, along with several lawn game options. Retail outlets and vendor stands line the area providing additional shopping opportunities. A highlight includes seeing the renowned Oakland Fire Department Parade Fire Engine displayed onsite. Throughout the event, live shows featuring performers associated with Oaklands’ Woodminster Summer Musicals theatre program, alongside musical acts like the Khalil Abdullah Quartet and Namoradas Da Lua, promise continuous amusement. Headlining this year is Dos Four—a popular Latin band based in the Bay Area—led by former professional basketball player turned musician Leyder Chapman who hails originally from Cuba.
Moreover, attendees have access to explore attractions offered through the newly introduced Flair Travel & Adventure Zone, which encompasses everything from cruise trips to guided cycling excursions and wildlife viewing adventures. Entry into the festival itself does not require payment; however, costs begin at $55 for those interested in purchasing drink sampling passes. For further details regarding schedules or tickets visit [the website].
montclairvillage.com
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Return to roots:
In 2013, the opening of the SFJazz Center in San Francisco presented both an awe-inspiring achievement and a bold venture: a cutting-edge facility featuring several theaters dedicated solely to jazz within downtown’s bustling entertainment hub. The skepticism about such an endeavor faded quickly due to its exceptional lineup throughout the year, proving that even what some consider a waning genre could flourish in the perfect setting alongside talented performers. Under the astute guidance of Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard and his team, SFJazz consistently offers performances befitting their impressive location. However, despite stellar yearly events like the San Francisco International Jazz Festival, they sometimes blend into less prominent offerings. Now, though, this scenario changes dramatically.
This week, Blanchard and SFJazz aim to revive the Jazz Festival as a genuine celebration of live music (given his background in New Orleans, where festivals abound, he understands them well). Over three days—Friday through Sunday—the SFJazz Center along with nearby areas will feature 35 shows across various stages. Featured acts encompass familiar names including the SFJazz Collective (featuring Kurt Elling), renowned producer Don Was, iconic saxophonist Charles Lloyd, trumpet virtuoso Nicholas Payton, acclaimed bass player Stanley Clarke accompanied by accomplished pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, respected double-bassist Dave Holland, Afro-centric singer Somi, among numerous others. Shows span from late afternoon until evening hours starting at 2 PM on Friday up till around 9 PM each day for Saturday and Sunday; ticket prices range between $50 and $650. For further details visit [website].
www.sfjazz.org
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Top Picks: Fountain Blues and Brews Festival, ‘Idomeneo,’ Chanticleer Performance, Montclair Beer and Wine Festival, SFJazz Festival
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