Right at the beginning of spring, Metro Silicon Valley published a guide to the summer concert season, focusing on the touring acts coming to Silicon Valley’s arenas and concert venues. Now, with Memorial Day approaching, we offer up another taste of the season to come, this time focused on festivals and concert series, family fun and light summer theater. Because the key to having a great summer is advance planning.
Also check our guide to the summer’s biggest concerts. And visit our online calendar for the most up-to-date listings of local events.
Must-See Music
Fountain Blues & Brews
June 14-15, 11am-8pm | Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose | fountainblues.com
For its 42nd year, this home-grown South Bay musical fiesta is bigger and better than ever—twice as big, in fact, and now stretching over two days for the first time. Grammy-winning guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and blues-rock ax man Walter Trout—a former member of Canned Heat and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers—as headliners. Musical explorations range across the roots and shoots of the blues, encompassing soul, rock, jazz, gospel, R&B and more. More than 20 regional breweries, wineries and cider houses will pour selections to pair with Southern-inspired cuisine and local favorites. Plus, there will be vendor booths, games and an Instrument Petting Zoo, interactive games, artisan vendors, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stanford Jazz Festival
June 22–Aug 1 | Multiple venues | stanfordjazz.org
The 53rd annual festival will feature 26 concerts at various Stanford University venues, including Tiffany Austin, Ken Peplowski, John Pizzarelli, George Cables, Taylor Eigsti and many more artists.
San Jose Jazz Summerfest
Aug 8-10 | Multiple venues | summerfest.sanjosejazz.org
The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest turns 35 this year, featuring shows by more than 80 top music acts, taking place August 8–10 on nine indoor and outdoor stages. Most notable: rapper Common and gospel legend Mavis Staples, two Grammy-winning artists from different musical genres but with the same dedication to uncompromising artistry and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Other highlights include saxophonist/singer Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, Maroon 5 keyboard whiz PJ Morton, hip hop artist José James, and musical collectives Ghost-Note and Butcher Brown.
Festivals
Midtown Immersive
Fri, 5-9pm, through June 16 | 245 McAvoy St, San Jose | facebook.com
This artist and makers street fair offers a weekly fix of entertainment, food trucks, vendors and a beer garden, completely revamping an industrial stretch on the outskirts of downtown for the evening.
Japantown Farmer’s Market
Sun, 8am-noon, through Oct 6 | Gordon Biersch Brewery, San Jose | japantownsanjose.org
Formerly the Jackson-Taylor Business & Professional Association, the Japantown Business Association continues the legacy of community and business support of the old Chinatown/Japantown area.
Silicon Valley Open Studios
May 17-18 | Many locations | svos.org
The final leg in this three-weekend-long festival will see artists from Mountain View to the South Valley showing off their work. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, woodworking, mixed media, pastels, pottery, metalwork, textile art, and more will be on view. Studios and galleries are open 11am–5pm.
Boogie Music Festival
May 17-18 | Downtown Campbell | campbellboogie.com
Back in the early 2000s, the Prune Festival began to boogie…and it’s still shaking up downtown Campbell to this day. Bands will play on six stages around downtown, with nonstop music from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. Free.
FanimeCon
May 23-26 | San Jose Convention Center | fanime.com
Northern California’s largest anime event—organized “by fans, for fans”—returns to San Jose, packing the Convention Center with cosplayers, merch, comics, panels, networking and more.
Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival
May 24, 10am-7pm; May 25, 10am-6pm | Amphitheater Grounds & Depot Street, Downtown Morgan Hill | morganhillmushroomfestival.org
Fabulous fungi top the bill at this annual festival, but there are many other diversions. Two stages for live performances, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, gourmet food booths, street performers, a mushroom expo and the Munchkinland play area. $20 adults, $17 military and seniors, free for kids under 15.
Movies on the Square
June 5, 8pm | Courtyard Square, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
Redwood City’s weekly double-feature movie night kicks off with a screening of Twisters, preceded by a short from the local BraveMaker Film Fest. Screenings continue on Thursdays through Aug 28. Free.
Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival
June 7, 10am-7pm & June 8, 10am-5pm | Downtown Sunnyvale on McKinley Avenue
The city of Sunnyvale is calling this its 49-and-a-half-year festival—a teaser for an even bigger bash in 2026. But this year’s event will pack plenty of action, including craft brews, wine, global street food, live performances, and handmade art, jewelry and crafts. Free. 408.736.4971.
Together in Pride
June 7, 11am-3pm | Civic Center Plaza, Mountain View | mountainview.gov
Mountain View’s first citywide Pride Celebration will celebrate diversity, inclusion and community with live performances by LGBTQIA2S+ artists—including DJ China G, Snaxx, Izzy and the Dyzzy Lyzerds, El Camino Reelers square dancing group and Queer Taiko—roaming entertainment and interactive experiences, a family fun zone with activities for all ages and a community art project. Free.
Pride Parade Party
June 7, 3pm | Ludwig’s Biergarten, Mountain View
As Mountain View puts on its first-ever Pride event, Ludwig’s rises to the occasion with live music from punk band the Flaming Little Sh*ts.
Celebrate the Legacy of Radio KEEN
June 8, 4-7pm | History Park, San Jose | californiahistoricalradio.com
The country station’s 45-year history will be celebrated with appearances by country star Lacy J. Dalton and KEEN personnel, a karaoke contest, displays of Radio KEEN memorabilia, live music from the Patty Kistner Band. Food trucks and beverages on site, or bring a picnic.
Taste of Mountain View
June 11, 2025 | 4pm to 8pm | chambermv.org/tmv
Billed as a Food, Beer & Wine Walk, this event encourages foodies to enjoy diverse cuisines that Castro Street is known for, complemented by wines and beer from local wineries & breweries and other libations. Check in at Civic Center Plaza for glass, utensils, map and goodie bag.
1865 Code: Freedom in the Streets
June 14, noon-7pm | South 1st Street, Downtown San Jose | sjaacsa.org
The African American Community Services Agency commemorates 44 years of producing an educational, unifying experience in what was the first county in the state of California to make Juneteenth a county-wide holiday. 408.292.3157
Movies on the Square
June 19, 8pm. Courtyard Square, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
For Juneteenth, Redwood City’s Movies on the Square starts off with Bravemaker Film Fest’s spotlight on Black independent filmmakers, followed by the feature screening, Bob Marley: One Love. Free.
Foodieland
June 27, 3-10pm; June 28-29, 1-10pm | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose | foodielandnm.com
For folks who can’t get enough of the food booths at the county fair, this three-day event is a scoop of heaven—with whipped cream on top. This nationwide festival franchise features food booths galore, plus shopping, games and live entertainment. Tickets are $7.91 in advance via Eventbrite; kids under 5 are free.
Red, White & Boom!
July 4, 5-9pm | Milpitas Sports Center | cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com
Live music, food and kids’ activities—plus that all-important holiday ingredient: fireworks.
Independence Day Parade and Festival
July 4, 8am–10pm | Downtown Redwood City | parade.org
Redwood City gets serious with its Independence Day celebration, drawing thousands downtown for an 8am pancake breakfast followed by the parade at 10am—kicked off by a cannon blast. Afterwards, the festivities include a car show, live entertainment, and booths for community service organizations to raise funds with food and merch sales. The day concludes with a drone show at about 9:30pm in the port area.
Clay and Glass Festival
July 12-13, 10am–5pm | Palo Alto Art Center | acga.net
Hosted by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California and the Palo Alto Art Center, this two-day event celebrates clay and glass artistry by more than 100 creators. It’s free to enter and ooh and ahh over a wide range of styles, from intricate sculptures to functional pottery and glassware.
Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival
July 12-13, 10am-7pm | Downtown Los Altos | downtownlosaltos.org
In addition to artists and craftspeople, the festival also draws winemakers, food vendors, a Kidzone for the youngest guests, and more than a dozen bands performing on two stages. The Megatones headline on Saturday night, beginning at 5pm.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
July 25–27 | South County Grove at Gilroy Gardens | gilroygarlicfestivalassociation.com
One of Santa Clara County’s biggest events is back again, in miniature. The festival will admit up to 3,000 guests daily to enjoy garlic-laden treats, live entertainment, vendors, cooking demos and culinary competitions. But plan ahead: Tickets are only sold in advance and online.
Italian Family Festa
July 26, 11am-7pm; July 27, 11am-5pm | History Park San Jose | italianfamilyfestasj.org
The dedicated volunteers of the Italian American Heritage Foundation work to put on a free annual event that allows everyone to live la dolce vita, with authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, and vendor booths with arts and crafts.
Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show
July 27, 10am-4pm | Saratoga Village & Big Basin Way, Saratoga | saratogachamber.org/saratogacarshow
A week of activities for car fanatics culminates with a free car show along Big Basin Way, live music, food trucks and a variety of vendors.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Aug 23-24, 10am–6pm | University Avenue, Downtown Palo Alto | paloaltochamber.com
This annual confab draws more than 250 fine artists and artisans, who set up their wares along University Avenue. Even the sidewalks become part of the art, with Italian street painting on Tasso Street.
Silicon Valley Pride Festival
Aug 30-31 | Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, Downtown San Jose | svpride.com
Silicon Valley Pride marks a big anniversary with a two-day festival titled “Unstoppable: 50 Years of Love, Legacy & Liberation.” Snow Tha Product, a San Jose native and Latin Grammy-nominated rapper, will headline the Saturday night show.
Free Concerts
Hula Halau ‘O Pi‘ilani
May 24, 11-11:45am | Sunnyvale Public Library, Sunnyvale
Experience Hawaiian music and dance by this group of local performers dedicated to spreading the spirit of aloha. Free. 408.730.7300
Celebrating Africa Day
May 25, 3:30-7pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
The third year of free concerts sponsored by Levitt San Jose kicks off with Celebrating Africa Day, headlined by the Bay Area Afrobeat band Riddim Exchange. Opening the celebration will be African music, masquerade and dance presented by the Anambra State Cultural Association of Nigeria, sharing traditions of the Igbo people, followed by Julia Chigamba and the Chinyakare Ensemble, sharing traditional Zimbabwean culture. The shows, which run through September, also feature food trucks, a beer and wine garden and kids’ activities. Free.
Music on the Square
Fridays, May 30-Aug 29, 6-8pm | Courtyard Square, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
Every Friday night (except Fourth of July), live bands will play everything from rock, reggae, and funk to Latin, soul, and everything in between, in Courtyard Square. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer. First up is Carnaval, a Santana tribute band.
Pub in the Park
May 31, 11am-4pm | Red Morton Park, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
Redwood City’s outdoor music and craft beverage series begins its eighth year with a concert by the Wildcat Mountain Ramblers. Free.
Maxx Cabello Jr.
June 1, 3:30pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
Copresented by Levitt San Jose and the Fountain Blues Foundation, this blues bill also features opener M’ssippi Slide. Free.
Forms & Frequencies
June 12, 6:30pm | Cantor Arts Gallery | events.stanford.edu
The Cantor’s Thursday night music series features musicians and sound artists from the Bay Area and beyond. In conjunction with the exhibition Second Nature, Forms & Frequencies presents Audiopharmacy, a Bay Area-based world hip-hop ensemble “blending turntablism, live instrumentation, poetic lyricism, and Indigenous prayers.”
Summer Concert Series
June 12-31, Thursdays at 6:30pm | Los Altos | losaltosca.gov
Mustache Harbor (June 12), Coast Tribe (June 26) and Sinister Dexter (July 10) play at the Grant Park Soccer Field (1575 Holt Ave). The Cheeseballs (July 17), Neon Velvet (July 24) and Fleetwood Macrame (July 31) play at the Hillview Soccer Field (97 Hillview Ave).
Make Music San Jose
June 21, all day | makemusicday.org/sanjose
San Jose’s Office of Cultural Affairs is organizing an all-day effort to fill the city of San Jose with music. Performers can sign up to participate by May 21; listeners just need to go to the website to find all the places to find live and local shows in all sorts of spaces.
Country Vibes
June 22, 3:30-7pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
Headliner Cash’d Out and opener William Johnston play country and Americana. Free.
Souldies Summer
July 6, 3:30-7pm | St James Park | levittsanjose.org
Dual headliners Thee Heart Tones and the Charities get soulful in the park. Free.
Summer Series Music and Market
July 9–Aug 27, Wednesdays, 6pm | Evelyn and Washington avenues, Sunnyvale | sunnyvaledowntown.org
Cisco Kid does the first concert of this eight-week community happening, which draws up to 1,300 people to downtown Sunnyvale.
Pub in the Park
July 12, 11am-4pm | Red Morton Park, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
The Straggylrs offer up a free concert with harmony vocals and rhythm & bluegrass, folk-rock and country rock. Established in late 2000, the band has an ensemble approach with multiple members writing and singing in two-to-four-part harmony. Free.
Cumbia, Latinx Rock & Ska Explosion
July 20, 3:30-7pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
Tropa Magica headlines, with opening sounds provided by La Maldita Cruda. Free.
Jazz on the Plazz Kickoff
July 26, 6:30pm | Town Plaza Park, Los Gatos | jazzontheplazz.com
Mads Tolling and the Mads Men play the first in a series of free concerts taking place every Wednesday evening through Aug 20.
Pub in the Park
Aug 2, 11am-4pm. Red Morton Park, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org
The Purple Mountain Majesty Band performs soulful, high-energy bluegrass and country music. Free.
Psychedelic Latinx Night
Aug 3, 3:30-7pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
Valley Wolf and Ritmos Tropicosmos play at a concert co-presented by Needle to the Groove and Levitt San Jose. Free.
Roots Reggae Bash
Aug 24, 3:30-7pm | St James Park, San Jose | levittsanjose.org
Co-presented by Cukui and Levitt San Jose, this free concert features Groundation and Kruel Summer.
Theater
The Cake
May 15-June 8 | City Lights Theater | cltc.org
Shades of Masterpiece Cakeshop vs. Colorado abound in a story about a conservative baker called up to create a cake for a lesbian couple. Playwright Bekah Brunstetter finds the humanity in all her characters in this topical comedy.
Fun Home
May 16, 7:30pm; May 17, 2 and 7:30pm; May 18, 2pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. tickets.mvcpa.com
Teen-focused production company Upstage Theater presents graphic novelist Alison Bechdel’s semi-autobiographical play that delves into the story of her father, whose temperament and secrets defined her family life.
Pear Slices
May 23-June 8 | The Pear Theatre, Mountain View | thepear.org
Eight new works from members of the Pear Playwrights’ Guild are brought to life by seven Bay Area actors. All eight pieces will be showcased at every performance.
The Little Mermaid
May 24, 10am and noon; May 25, 10am, noon and 2pm. Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. pact.showare.com
Playhouse Productions presents a version of Hans Christian Andersen’s story aimed at ages two to six years old.
Twelfth Night
May 30-June 22 | Bus Barn Theater, Los Altos | 650.941.0551 losaltosstage.org
A reimagining of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, originally commissioned by the Public Theater in New York, delves deep into the rich themes of mistaken identity, gender roles and self-discovery, all while exploring the nuances of gender swapping in today’s society. Pay-what-you-can preview night on May 29.
The Mad Ones
May 30-June 8 | Fess Parker Studio Theatre | scupresents.org
Based on an excerpt from Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, The Mad Ones tells the story of two girls who together overcome grief—and manage to belt out quite a few songs in a score that will please musical theatre lovers.
Japantown Returnings
May 31, 2 & 6pm | Wesley United Methodist Church Sanctuary, San Jose | jamsj.org
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose, Wesley United Methodist Church, and Contemporary Asian Theater Scene presents an original theatrical staged reading with live musical accompaniment, commemorating 135 years of San Jose Japantown through fictionalized vignettes and musical storytelling. Free, but donations are welcome.
Sweet Charity
June 4-29 | The Stage, San Jose | thestage.org
Hey, big spender…spend a little time with Sweet Charity and its irrepressible mid-1960s score by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon.
The Tempest
June 6–22, Fri–Sun, 7pm | Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park, San Jose | svshakespeare.org
Silicon Valley Shakespeare offers a free outdoor production that is rated “E for everyone.” Actor Drew Benjamin Jones makes his directorial debut with a production of The Tempest updated with elements of Dungeons and Dragons. The company promises “enchanted landscapes, supernatural beings, and high-stakes encounters,” as well as nontraditional casting. Free.
Cirque Montage
June 7, 7pm | Fox Theatre, Redwood City | foxrwc.com
This collage of cutting-edge circus entertainment includes a wisecracking Ringmaster, acrobats, pole climbers, a contortionist, a juggler and more.
National Theatre Live
June 12, 15 & 27 | Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose | foxrwc.com
Want to see Benedict Cumberbatch play Hamlet? Filmed productions by the UK’s National Theatre can be seen at 7pm on June 12 and 2pm on June 15. Or catch Andrew Scott in Noel Coward’s Present Laughter on June 27.
5 & Dime
June 18-July 13 | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | theatreworks.org
Lyrics by actress and trans activist Shakina update Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Ed Graczyk’s poignant play set in the 1970s in a ramshackle Texas town. 5 & Dime follows a group of friends as they celebrate the 20th reunion of their fan club, The Disciples of James Dean.
American Hwangap
June 20-21 | Akiyama Center, San Jose | catsasiantheaterscene.org
A reading of Lloyd Suh’s new play, American Hwangap, which depicts a bittersweet family reunion full of humor and heart.
Constellations
June 27-July 20 | The Pear Theatre, Mountain View | thepear.org
In the latest production from the Pear, Roland, a bee keeper, and Marianne, a theoretical physicist, meet at a party. Next, they consider the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raise questions about the difference between choice and destiny.
The Drowsy Chaperone
June 28-July 20 | Saratoga Civic Theater | wvlo.org
This peppy musical pays tribute to the Jazz Age shows of the 1920s with a story of a Broadway starlet whose producer sets out to sabotage her plans to marry and give up show business. 408.268.3777.
Monday Night Live
June 30, 5pm | The Stage, San Jose | thestage.org
San Jose State Company’s annual fundraiser takes its 29th bow, bringing political luminaries together for an evening that’s way more fun than any city council meeting. Guest host Michael Mulcahy will be joined by Mayor Matt Mahan and fellow council reps Pam Foley, Domingo Candelas and George Casey.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
July 8-20 | Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose
Sexy bohemians, saucy can-can dancers and a volatile love triangle are surrounded by a theatrical set worthy of the musical’s dual source material—Baz Luhrmann’s lavish movie and the Belle Époque splendor that inspired him.
Head Over Heels
July 17-Aug 24 | City Lights Theater | cltc.org
Princess Pamela leads the royal family of Arcadia on a quest to save their kingdom from extinction—all set to the irrepressibly catchy hits of The Go-Go’s.
Richard III
July 25–Aug 29 | Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga | svshakespeare.org
Framed with traditions of film noir and featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast, this production by Silicon Valley Shakespeare takes an innovative look at the Bard’s familiar tale of treachery.
AAPI Playwright Festival
July 26 | San Jose Stage, San Jose | catsasiantheaterscene.org
Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) is behind this festival of six new commissioned 10-minute plays written by local Asian American, native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists. The production is co-sponsored by San Jose Stage Company.
MJ the Musical
July 29-Aug 3 | Center for Performing Arts, San Jose | san-jose-theater.com/shows
Now touring North America, this brand-new musical follows the iconic superstar and his rise to fame. Now touring North America, with Michael Jackson’s plethora of moon-walking hits ready to please fans.
Emma
Aug 1–31 | Sanborn Skyline County Park | Saratoga | svshakespeare.org
This production written by Kate Hamill and directed by Erin Southard offers a fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved pre-feminist heroine.
The Two Gentleman From Verona
Aug 9-24 | Red Morton Park, Redwood City | redwoodcity.org
Shakespeare in the Park celebrates 43 years of bringing free outdoor theater performances with this classic romantic comedy of love triangles and mistaken identities, with music inspired from the regions these two gents travel through as they make their way from the Midwest to California. The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings this captivating play to Redwood City for three weekends. Free.
The Great Gilbert and Sullivan Sing-Off
Aug 9-10 | Saratoga Civic Theater | lyrictheatre.org
In Lyric Theatre’s vocal confection, three fictional theater companies compete in a Gilbert & Sullivan Festival: one company is very traditional; another indulges in gender-swapped characters and modern references. And for the third company, something goes awry in every musical number. Info: 408.986.1455.
Dance
Swan Lake
May 17-18 | Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose | newballet.com
Sheer elegance, ineffable beauty, intense romanticism—Swan Lake is the quintessential classical ballet, and devotees of the art form have three chances to see New Ballet’s full-length production, as well as a “My Very First Ballet” version at 11am on May 18 that is suitable for budding fans. Full-length shows will be accompanied by a live orchestra, conducted by Thomas Shoebotham. New Ballet will also present an LGBTQ+ performance in partnership with Silicon Valley Pride at 7pm on May 17.
Pacific Ballet Academy Spring Showcase
May 17-18 | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | tickets.mvcpa.com
Dancers perform excerpts from Swan Lake, with shows May 17 at noon and 5pm and May 18 at noon.
Robotics Showcase
May 21, 7:30pm | Bing Concert Hall | stanfordlivetickets.org
AXIS Dance Company and Dr. Catie Cuan push the boundaries of dance technology through the use of dynamic mobility devices, including telescoping crutches and robotic hexapod legs developed by engineering students at Carnegie Mellon and University of Maryland working with multidisciplinary artist Ben Levine.
Dance Series 2
May 23–24 | Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek | smuinballet.org
Fans of San Jose Dance Theatre, take note: Some of the advanced student dancers have been invited to perform in Smuin Ballet’s Bay Area premiere of Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love.
Bayer Ballet’s 20th Anniversary Spring Gala
May 24, 1 & 7pm | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | mvcpa.com
This 20th anniversary gala performance showcases the elegance of the Vaganova method, bringing to life a repertoire of classical and character dance, including Paquita and La Bayadère.
Smuin Ballet’s Dance Series 2
May 29-June 1 | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | mvcpa.com
Director Amy Seiwert creates a world premiere, her 13th ballet for the company, and Trey McIntyre returns to Smuin with the Bay Area premiere of his Wild Sweet Love, an ode to the ups and downs of love set to a range of music from Mendelsohn to Queen. Shows on May 29-30 at 7:30pm, May 31 at 2 and 7:30pm, and June 1 at 2pm.
Better Together
June 5, 6pm | Hammer Theatre, San Jose | sjdanceco.org
sjDANCEco presents a talent showcase benefiting The Creekside School. sjDANCEco members will perform, and the lineup also includes singer-songwriter Kodi Lee, winner of America’s Got Talent Season 14, magician David Gerard, comedian Andrew Orolfo. 408.520.9854. VIP reception at 6pm; main program at 7:30pm.
sjDANCEco Open Dance Studio
July 20-28 | Mission College, Viso Kinesiology Building, Santa Clara | sjDANCEco.org
Community members can join a professional-level modern and/or ballet class with sjDANCEco company members at Mission College. After class, stay and watch rehearsals for free, while dancers prepare for an upcoming October performance that will feature choreography by Nhan Ho, Colin Connor, Hsiang Hsiu Lin, Maria Basile and Fred Mathews.
More Music
Aja Vu
May 18, 7-9:30pm | Sunnyvale Theatre, Sunnyvale
For an act they describe as “Stealin’ Chicago,” this Bay Area band mixes two great sounds that sound great together: Steely Dan and Chicago. $33.85–$39.19 through Eventbrite. 925.449.1724.
Jazz Band & Combos Festival
May 28 & May 31, 7pm | Music Recital Hall, Santa Clara University | scupresents.org
The musicians in Santa Clara University’s jazz band play a mix of time-honored hits from jazz greats, innovative improvisations and brand-new compositions.
Redwood Mountain Faire
May 31-June 1, 11am–8pm | Roaring Camp, Felton | redwoodmountainfaire.com
The Redwood Mountain Faire, a beloved ritual in the Santa Cruz Mountains, features multiple 25 acts on three separate stages across two days. Rising star Jesse Daniel headlines Saturday, with Boot Juice and 10 other bands also on the bill. Sunday features such favorites as Jerry’s Middle Finger, Laurie Lewis with Bean Creek, and the Hartle Gold Band.
Love Flamenco Tour 2025
May 31, 8pm | Fox Theatre, Redwood City | foxrwc.com
Imported from Spain, this show brings together top contemporary performers versed in the art of flamenco.
Songwriter Concert
June 19, 6-9pm | Clos La Chance, San Martin | eventbrite.com
Presented in partnership with KRTY, this intimate concert features four award-winning Nashville songwriters—Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Bob DiPiero and Scooter Carusoe—sharing songs and stories to accompany curated wine tastings and small bites as the sun sets.
Ren Geisick
June 21, 8pm | The Art Boutiki Music Hall, San Jose | artboutiki.com
Named an Outstanding Jazz Vocalist by DownBeat magazine, songstress Ren Geisick is a favorite on the Bay Area music scene. The songstress will be with a full band: keyboardist Jeff Goodkind, guitarist Chris Motter, drummer Jim Kassis, and bassist William Bohrer and Kira Hooks on background vocals.
TAMASHA: An Extravaganza of Desi Fusion
July 12, 5pm | Frost Amphitheater | live.stanford.edu
This evening-long program highlights both emerging and established voices from South Asia. The event headliner will be Bollywood star Raja Kumari, the Grammy-nominated artist, rapper, and songwriter. The evening begins with a DJ set by Vani Dewan, followed by a dance party with Duniya Dance & Drum Company. The emcee is comedian and musician Abby Govindan.
Samir Roashan
July 12, 8pm | Fox Theatre, Redwood City | foxrwc.com
Afghan-American vocalist and music producer Samir Roashan returns home to the Bay Area for a one-night stand at the Fox Theatre—part of his Summer Tour 2025.
Psychedelic Furs at Music in the Park
July 26, 4–11pm | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | mitpsj.com
Since arriving on the post-punk landscape four decades ago, this band led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler, and his bass-wielding brother Tim, has explored the musical landscape where rawness and romanticism meet in songs like “Pretty in Pink” and “Heaven.”
Haley Reinhart
Aug 2, 8pm | Fox Theatre, Redwood City | foxrwc.com
The Chicago-born singer and songwriter became well-known in 2011, when she landed third place on season 10 of American Idol. Opening for Reinhart is local musician Mike Annuzzi.
Blue Öyster Cult at Music in the Park
Sep 19, 5–10pm | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | mitpsj.com
For more than five decades, Blue Öyster Cult has attracted fans with powerful, intelligent hits. The Long Island band is one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success, epitomized by “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
LaRussell at Music in the Park
Sep 21, 4-11pm | Plaza de Cesar Chavez | mitpsj.com
Rising star LaRussell makes his Music in the Park debut. Born and raised in the northern part of Vallejo, a city with a rich vein of hip-hop talent, LaRussell began to rap at the age of eight. He is also the founder of Good Compenny, an organization that helps promote rising Bay Area artists
Classical & Opera
Peninsula Symphony
May 17-18, 7:30pm | Heritage Theatre, Campbell | peninsulasymphony.org
Toronto-based violist Emad Zolfaghari—the 2023 Irving M. Klein International String Competition Winner—has garnered numerous awards already during his career, including the François Schubert Grand Prize at the 2022 OMNI Music Competition. The Peninsula Symphony season finale also features Respighi’s Pines of Rome, Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, and the music of Jessie Montgomery.
For Ed
May 18, 3pm | McAfee Performing Arts Center, Saratoga | sjws.org
San Jose Wind Symphony presents a program honoring Dr. Edward C. Harris, who served as music and artistic director of the San Jose Wind Symphony until his retirement in 2022. The concert features Steve Sánchez, clarinetist, performing Oscar Navarro’s II Concerto. The concert features some of Ed’s favorite works.
Concerto Night
May 18, 7pm | St. Francis Episcopal Church, Willow Glen | sjco.org
Cellist Amelia Zitoun performs Boccherini”s Cello Concerto under the baton of conductor Anthony Quartuccio. The program also features young artist winners of the International Klein String Competition.
Family Concert
May 18, 3pm | First Unitarian Church of San Jose | zeffy.com
Sandra Wright Shen and her student, prize-winning pianist Tristen Chen, will perform a four-hand version of Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals and selections from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. The material is ideally suited for young listeners. For questions, email of****@st*************.com.
Alexander Kobrin
May 31, 7:30pm | Visual and Performing Arts Center, Cupertino | steinwaysociety.com
The Steinway Society presents a solo concert by Russian-American concert pianist Alexander Kobin in a solo concert. Featured works are Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat Major, Brahms’ Drei Intermezzi and various pieces by Chopin. Info: 408.300.5635
Fusion
June 5, 7:30pm | Mission Santa Clara | scupresents.org
The SCU Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and SCLOrk (Santa Clara Laptop Orchestra) join together for a concert of music from folk and popular traditions throughout the world.
Ode to Joy: A Grand Finale
June 6, 7:30pm | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | tickets.mvcpa.com
The Nova Vista Symphony performs with the San Jose Symphonic Choir for the first time to celebrate its 100th season with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, renowned for its “Ode to Joy.” $42 general/$32 seniors/$8 children and seniors.
España
June 7, 7:30pm & June 8, 2:30pm | California Theatre, San Jose | symphonysanjose.org
Conductor José Luis Gomez leads Symphony San Jose and solo guitarist Rafael Aguirre through a program of works influenced by Spanish music. The program features Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole, Gabriela Lena Frank’s Escaramuza and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnole.
Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley
June 8, 2:30pm | Bing Concert Hall, Stanford | live.stanford.edu
Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley, led by Artistic Director Elena Sharkova, will perform the world premiere of We Are the Garden, a multi-movement choral composition by American composer Jocelyn Hagen commissioned for Cantabile’s 30th anniversary season. Written for treble voices, marimba, cello, percussion and piano, the work combines singing, movement, staging and visual effects.
Stanford Medicine Orchestra and Chorus Summer Concert
June 10, 6:30pm | Bing Concert Hall, Stanford | live.stanford.edu
The Stanford Medicine Chorus (conducted by Minseung Choi, PhD candidate) and the Stanford Medicine Orchestra (conducted by Emily Malamud, MD), will include choral selections from Rachmaninoff, Rimsky-Korsakov, Samuel Barber, Wynton Marsalis, Haydn and others.
Redwood Symphony Outdoor Concert
June 21, 7pm | Redwood City Courthouse Square, Redwood City | redwoodsymphony.org
Bring lawn chairs and listen to symphonic renditions of Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday,” Debussy’s “En Bateau,” Tchaikovsky’s Allegro molto vivace, from Symphony No. 6, Shostakovich’s Waltz from Suite for Variety Orchestra No. 2, Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Bernstein’s Theme from The Magnificent Seven.
Earthsongs: DREAM
June 22, 5pm | Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Santa Clara | choralproject.org/earthsongs
The Choral Project offers listeners a concert celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the power of imagination. The project’s final concert of the season features music from around the world inspired by dreams and possibilities. Repertoire includes Henryk Górecki’s “Totus tuus,” Tesfa Wondemagegnehu’s “Dream Within A Dream,” David del Tredici’s “Acrostic Song,” Eric Whitacre’s “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine,” and an irresistible choral arrangement of Aerosmith’s “Dream On!”
LOVE
June 26, 7:30pm | Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose | svgmc.org
The Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus concludes its 42nd season with a concert celebrating intimacy, heartbreak, passion and connection, all told through a queer lens. The concert comes at a time when LGBTQIA2S+ rights are increasingly under attack, pushing back with a defiant celebration of love.
Tartuffe
June 29, 2:30pm | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | mvcpa.com
The title character in Kirke Mechem’s opera has wormed his way into the household of the wealthy but gullible Orgon. Pocket Opera presents Kirke Mechem’s melodious masterpiece.
Tchaikovsky Spectacular
July 10, 7:30pm | Frost Amphitheater, Stanford | live.stanford.edu
Conductor Stephanie Childress leads the San Francisco Symphony through a showcase of the Russian composer’s enchanting works, including selections from Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet, his Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 35 and the 1812 Overture.
The Movie Music of Hans Zimmer
July 17, 7:30pm | Frost Amphitheater, Stanford | live.stanford.edu
Conductor Sarah Hicks and the San Francisco Symphony performs movie music from many of Hans Zimmer’s best-loved film scores, including The Lion King, Sherlock Holmes, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, Batman: The Dark Knight and Gladiator.
La Vie Parisienne
July 20, 2:30pm | Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View | tickets.mvcpa.com
Pocket Opera recreates the hustle and bustle of a Paris train station, as a millionaire from Brazil, a Swedish baron and a sultry local actress all cross paths to start a madcap plot.
Miscellaneous
Curator Talks: Dwelling
Multiple Dates | Cantor Arts Center, Stanford | events.stanford.edu
Kathryn Cua and Jorge Eduardo Sibaja, curatorial assistants at the Cantor Arts Center, present a highlights tour of Dwelling: New Acquisitions, which showcases recent acquisitions to the collection and explores how these works expand our understanding of home. The tours take place June 5 at noon, July 10 at 6pm and July 24 at noon. Free.
PAC*SJ’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
June 27, 6:30–10pm | Hotel de Anza, San Jose | preservation.org
The recently reopened and refurbished Hotel de Anza is an apropos spot for the Preservation Action Council of San Jose to host a fundraiser and celebrate 35 years of saving San Jose’s historical landmarks. Guests will enjoy live music, signature cocktails, small plates from local restaurants, a raffle, a live auction and other activities.
Curator Talks: Second Nature
Multiple dates | Cantor Arts Center, Stanford
The Cantor Arts Center will offer three talks by curators of the exhibit Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene, reviewed in this issue. Maggie Dethloff will speak June 26 at noon and July 31 at 6pm, and Joanna García Cherán will speak on July 23 at noon. For information on other shows at the Cantor, visit museum.stanford.edu/programs.
