Tabard Theatre announces the return of its small combo jazz series— with a move from the beginning to the middle of the week. Speakeasy Wednesdays, the intimate downtown venue’s casual summer jazz series will play June 1 through August 31 at 8pm. The first and third Wednesdays each month feature the Modesto Briseno Quartet. Second Wednesdays are led by pianist Kevin McCullough, who will be joined by vocalist Melissa Garay on June 8, and Micaela Stites and the Soft Lites on July 13 and August 10.  Wednesday, June 29 features Max Haymer Trio, kicking off his Summer West Coast Tour with his debut at the Tabard Theatre.  The Speakeasy Wednesday series is just one part of Tabard’s summer concerts series which will be featuring a variety of musical artists on the San Pedro theatre’s cabaret stage throughout June, July and August.

June 1 & 15, July 6 & 20, and Aug. 13 & 17, Modesto Briseno Quartet brings some of the finest top-call musicians in the Bay to the Tabard stage. The specific lineup each week will be announced closer to each date, but look for familiar Bay Area jazz names like Peter Horvath and Dahveed Behroozi on keys, Jason Lewis on drums, and Jeff Saxton on bass, along with Modesto himself on trumpet. Modesto will also be inviting surprise guests to drop in to sing or play a song or two. Bandleader and trumpet player Modesto Briseno , whose father played with Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, and Harry James, is a third-generation jazz musician and long-time fixture on the Bay Area jazz scene, and has performed with the Ray Charles Orchestra, Tom Harrell, and many other jazz greats. He has been compared to Chet Baker for his ability to sing the trumpet, and to Roy Eldridge for his full-bodied sweet intonation.

June 8 features Kevin McCullough Trio accompanying the powerful sultry tones of vocalist Melissa Garay. They promise a dynamic evening of music offering a mix of straight ahead and Latin jazz.

June 29 brings Max Haymer Trio with their “athletic jazz” combo. Haymer, known widely for his work with 10x Grammy Award Winner, Arturo Sandoval, will be bringing the heat to San Jose with some fiery Afro-Cuban and Modern Jazz piano trio stylings.  Joining him will be Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, and Rick Montalbano on drums.  This is one of the most unique piano trios playing today, as they are able to draw from jazz tradition as well as the Great American Songbook, while twisting it to create a new powerful sound.

July 13 and August 10 features Bay-area based Soft Lights playing jazz standards and jazzy renditions of pop tunes, R&B, soul and more. Everything from Ella Fitzgerald and Anita Baker to Bond theme tunes and The Stray Cats. Soft Lights is Micaela Stites (vocals), Kevin McCullough (piano), Alonso Sanchez (bass), and Kirk Berkland (drums).

Performers for the remaining Speakeasy Wednesday dates are to be announced.

Doors open at 7pm, for an 8pm show. Come early and join us at the bar.  Single tickets vary for each show, check Tabard’s box office page for pricing.  This show is in-person for vaccinated patrons only, and will not be available as a livestream. Vaccine cards will be checked at the door.

Tabard Theatre (formerly Theatre on San Pedro Square) — The Destination for Arts Discovery —  is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose amid a bustling restaurant district.  This intimate and unique venue brings a touch of Manhattan to the South Bay with its rustic yet edgy feel. Old brick walls, plush leather seats, antique wood plank floors, sweeping red velvet drapes and a 35-foot mahogany bar create a casual cabaret atmosphere. The three-quarter round cabaret stage— described by artists as “a room that feels big and small at the same time” — is the perfect setting for live music and theatre