FRIDAY, JULY 19 – YOU’RE INVITED!
After a one-year hiatus, Music in the Park returns to celebrate its 25th anniversary celebration with a single concert July 19. Grammy Award-winner Ozomatli
will headline the paid admission show in St. James Park. 
“We’re looking to bring back Music in the Park’s tradition of good times and great music,” said Blage Zelalich, deputy director, San Jose Downtown Association. “Ozomatli is the perfect band to continue this new model.”
Ozomatli’s “Embrace the Chaos” won a Grammy Award in 2002 for best Latin Rock/Alternative Album. The Los Angeles-based seven-piece band performs a mix of musical styles including Latin, rock, salsa, jazz, funk and reggae. We have more band info below.
Music in the Park details:
- Friday, July 19
- 5:30-9 p.m.
- St.James Park, North First and St. James streets
- Openers: “Sonido Clash Sessiones” featuring Raul Y Mexia, Philthy Dronez, Turbo Sonidero Futuristico and Chatos1013.
- Admission is $10 in advance and $15 day of the show.
- Children 12-under are free when accompanied by an adult.
- Tickets will be available starting May 3 on this page
The next day, July 20, St. James Park will serve as the venue for the 33rd annual Fountain Blues Festival, featuring the legendary John Mayall, plus Ruthie Foster, Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings, and Girls Got the Blues, from noon-8 p.m.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty of Live&Local music in downtown San Jose just about every night this summer. Check out the liveandlocalsj.com page for details.
Music in the Park started in 1989 as an eight-week, Friday lunchtime series in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The series moved to Thursday evenings in 1990, eventually growing to 13 concerts. From 1998 to 2008, Music in the Other Park was produced in St. James Park in June ahead of the Plaza Park season. In all, SJDA produced 258 free shows featuring acts such as Tower of Power, Smash Mouth, Maroon 5, Eek-A-Mouse and Greg Kihn.
The concerts were supported by loyal sponsors and attended by devoted fans that reflected the region’s diverse population and socioeconomic makeup. The event peaked in 2010 when 83,500 people attended, 37 percent of them coming from outside the city and creating $2.4 million in economic impact. SJDA decided not to produce Music in the Park in 2012 as attendance at the free shows outgrew the venue.
“By gating the park and charging admission, we believe the focus will be on the music,” Zelalich added.
More about Ozomatli: In their eighteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Their music has been taken up by MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, they recorded the travelogue “City of Angels” as a new urban anthem, and they were featured as part of the prominent L.A. figures imaging campaign “We Are 4 L.A.” on NBC-TV. Ozomatli also have the distinction of headlining the Hollywood Bowl three times, in 2008, 2010 and 2012. In recognition of their efforts, the City of Los Angeles has officially declared every April 23rd in perpetuity as “Ozomatli Day.” They have performed twice for President Barack Obama.
About Sonido Clash Sessiones: Four groups and artists will perform individually and collectively. Sonido Clash is a monthly performance and dance party that explores the intersection of the traditional, modern, and emerging Latin Sound diaspora every 1st Friday inside the Pagoda at the Fairmont San Jose, featuring special guests:
- Raul Y Mexia – (pronounced mex-EYE-uh) are the sons of bassist Hernán Hernández, a founding member of the iconic San Jose norteño band Los Tigres del Norte. Brothers Raul and Mexia Hernández recently celebrated the release of “Arriba y Lejos” with a major record deal with Nacional Records.
- Philthy Dronez – Mr. Philthy is more determined than ever to make this project a collective of musicians and singers spanning many different types of music including Latin, alternative, experimental and progressive.
- Turbo Sonidero Futuristico – Beat-maker/producer Turbo Sonidero Futuristico (Roman Zepeda) lyrics are versatile, and reflective of his East San Jose upbringing.
- Chatos1013 – Thomas Ramon Aguilar serves as curator of the group and will kick off the evening spinning “360 degrees of Soul.”
The world’s biggest stars appeared on the stage at Plaza de Cesar Chavez for 23 years.
View some of our pictures and videos from Music in the Park.
POSTERS: A limited number of framed posters from past seasons of Music in the Park are available for sale. The posters were created by some of Silicon Valley’s best designers. These make wonderful gifts for Music in the Park fans and former attendees. For information, please contact Blage Zelalich.
T-SHIRTS: Silicon Valley Debug produced some cool Music in the Park T-shirts, which are available for sale. Check them out!
Overnight accommodations
Enjoy a special attendee rate of $99 per night for Music in the Park (July 19) and / or Fountain Blues Festival (July 20) by clicking on the link and take advantage of staying in one of San Jose’s premiere hotels – just blocks away from the events. https://resweb.passkey.com/go/fountainblues
Before you come downtown visit sjdowntownparking.com to keep your drive stress-free
Parking: $5 parking after 6 p.m. is available in CITY OF SAN JOSE garages, such as the garages at Third Street near Santa Clara Street and at Market and San Pedro streets. Parking informational signs on city streets will guide you to the nearest city lot or garage.
Become a FAN of SJDA on Facebook
Thanks to our Music in the Park Sponsors:
(Click on logo to view website)
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