Friday Night Music Series is winding down with just two more events Aug. 11 and 18. Aug. 11
Performers at Woodstock concert in 1969.
By Mark Fenichel
Every August I reminisce about my adventurous week at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair now 54 years ago. I think about the heat and humidity and the smell of patchouli oil, incense, cow manure and marijuana wafting through the air. I recall the long lines for those nasty port-a-potties and the empty shelves at the local market in town a couple miles away. I remember the feeling of freedom of the open space in the rolling hills of upstate New York and the thoughts of my few unlucky friends fighting a war thousands of miles away in Vietnam. And the good feeling of love and brotherhood amongst the thousands of people I didn’t know but felt like they were all close friends. It was so much more than a three-day music concert. At the time none of us would have known we would be part of the most historic music event of all time!
The summer continues to thrive with outdoor music. Silicon Valley’s premier annual music event, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2023 returns for its 33rd festival season from Aug. 11 through Aug. 13 in and around Plaza de César Chavez Park in downtown. Renowned as one of North America’s foremost music events with its dynamic three-day programming, San Jose Jazz presents a thrilling lineup for one of the summer’s major outdoor festivals. SJZ Summer Fest 2023 features 100 acts across eight indoor and outdoor stages with acclaimed headliners on The Sobrato Organization Main stage. For the full line-up and ticket information go to www.sanjosejazz.org
Morgan Hill Chamber’s free Friday Night Music Series is winding down with just two more events Aug. 11 and 18. Aug. 11 it’s Superbad and the final Friday night event will be Aug. 18 featuring Soul Kiss. All shows begin at 6 p.m. For more details go to www.morganhillchamber.org.
Tempo Kitchen & Bar in Gilroy just put on their first of two events for the musicians who play at their venue. It’s a musical jam where many of the bands in their rotation get to cut loose and play with their peers from other bands. The music was stellar and went for almost four hours. Owner Dan Nelson sat in on drums for a few songs and totally ripped it up! The bands included JJ Hawg, The Juke Box Boys, Sound Decision, The Hackjammers, Cook’n Fenny, Floyds Ordeal, Neverland, Math Class, Blind Pilots, Mrs. Stephanie, and Cyndi D Music. Host and emcee Missy who also books the bands and organizes the event with her husband fronted one of the groups and proved her prowess as a mighty fine vocalist. Tempo is already working on another event toward the end of the year. Visit www.tempokb.com.
Got a music item you’d like included in this column? Email [email protected].
