Soon the Jazz on the Plazz will begin its 2026 season.
This is where Los Gatans begin the summer of sound and, if you will, dance your a** off.
Under the sheltering redwood trees, our town echoes with jazz—as has been the case for the past 20-something years.
Put on those high-heeled sneakers, and get moving to a jazzy summer.
The 2026 season will commence July 8.
Over the following eight Wednesday evenings, this summer series of Jazz on the Plazz
begins at 6:30pm. (Well, all but one—but we’ll get to that.)
Call to reserve a front row seat. Enjoy the hospitality area or picnic on the newly replanted grass.
To start this season, take a trip back in time
July 8 – The Jazz Sophisticates Dance Orchestra
Heidi Evelyn is “the sweetheart of swing.” Grab your best flapper dress—your Gatsby look—for this season opening dance orchestra.
It’s a return to Jazz Age elegance and energy.
“Inspired by the late 1920s and early 1930s, this ensemble blends hot jazz rhythms with the lush, cinematic feel of early Hollywood dance orchestras,” is how their promo material puts it.
Vocalist Heidi Evelyn will be accompanied by a fourteen-piece orchestra.
She’ll fill the air with the lush warmth of her voice.
This vintage arrangement brings that “vintage” era to life
Expect them to draw from popular songbooks and cinema classics.
Don’t be surprised if you can’t sit still.
heidievelynjazz.com/jazz-sophisticates-dance-orchestra
July 15 – Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Do you mambo?
The famous, Grammy® Award-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra is a Latin-style big band that’s bound to electrify Los Gatos.
They’re known for explosive energy and world-class musicianship.
This orchestra blends mambo, salsa, Latin jazz and big band traditions. But they add a modern edge to their performances.
Powerful horns, percussion and rich vocal arrangement drive their work.
Led by pianist and composer Christian Tumalan, the Pacific Mambo Orchestra sways through both original tunes and bold arrangements of older ones.
They’ve appeared at major international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Tempo Latino, Umbria Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
No doubt, Pacific Mambo Orchestra will transform the plaza into a lively celebration of rhythm, as they showcase the still-evolving sounds of the Latin big band scene.
Note: this is a definite bring-your-dancing-shoes event. Don’t forget your shiny dance pants. And ladies, why not try a swirl skirt, and—if you dare—high heels.
pacificmambo.com/home
July 22 – Tony Lindsay & The Soul Soldiers
Tony Lindsay is set to return to Jazz on the Plazz, bringing his unique vocal abilities along with him.
Sure he’s best known as the longtime lead vocalist for Santana, and has earned multiple Grammy Awards. But there’s a reason for that. He’s an insanely talented individual.
Equally at home in soul, R&B and contemporary jazz, his performances cruise easily between powerful ballads and groove-driven numbers.
His vocal tones are like the whisperings of the soul. He’s precise and deeply expressive.
No wonder Los Gatos loves Tony. And he’s planning to invade Plaza Park with his army of “Soul Soldiers.”
tonylindsay.com
July 29 – San José High School Jazz All-Stars, Jessica Johnson
With an opening performance by the San José High School Jazz All-Stars, this one starts at 6pm, a half hour earlier than all of the other Wednesday evening performances.
Vocalist and songwriter Jessica Johnson brings a dynamic, performance-driven presence to Jazz on the Plazz. Her work moves across music, dance, and movement.
A background that spans singing, choreography, this performance makes this an evening not to be missed. Johnson draws from jazz and contemporary influences, with rhythm, engaging the audience in a way that feels very now.
The evening opens with the San José High School Jazz All-Stars, highlighting the next generation of young musicians from the South Bay, you just may feel blown away by this young energy. Dress spirited and young as you can.
youtube.com/watch?v=7_ewi7nHopA&t=1169s
Aug. 5 – Full Spectrum Big Band
Get your groove on…
Full Spectrum Big Band presents a contemporary big band program that blends sophisticated sounds with high-energy-ensemble maneuvers.
This year, they’re set to lean into smooth, contemporary jazz, while still showcasing the full power and color of a modern big band.
From “smooth” to “groove,” this Wednesday evening will move through a mix of funk, fusion, Latin and of-the-minute jazz. (But there should still be plenty of depth on offer for those more dedicated jazz listeners out there).
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Tower of Power, Larry Carlton, Incognito, Chuck Mangione, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny and David Koz, the performance is designed to feel modern, accessible and energetic.
Hippy, groovy and far-out attire is suggested.
fsjazz.com
Aug. 12 – Smoked Out Soul Smoked Out Soul (S.O.S)
This group brings a Bay Area–rooted sound.
Get ready for a cross between a live band and a DJ-driven experience.
What began as a mixtape project by Zebuel—blending ’70s-era Motown and Stax Records elements with modern musicality—this full-scale live act will feature musicians, producers and DJs working together in real time.
Their performance fuses classic soul and funk with contemporary textures, combining live horns, guitars, drums and synthesizers with a high-energy DJ set. The result is a sound that feels both familiar and forward-moving. Something that’s grounded in tradition, but built for today.
Having played major festivals including Bonnaroo, Outside Lands and Lightning in a Bottle, Smoked Out Soul delivers dynamic, genre-blurring intensity that’s going to turn the plaza into an unforgettable summer-night experience.
Their sound is rooted in soul, but gives a clear nod to the future. How should you dress for this one? Try “way cool” attire to express your soulful delight. In other words, get down and be funky.
zebuel.com/smokedoutsoul
Aug. 19 – Pamela Parker’s Fantastic Machine
Pamela Parker brings a special performance to Jazz on the Plazz this season, leading The Fantastic Machine in a piano-centered set that highlights a different side of her artistry.
While known for her dynamic guitar work, Parker takes the lead at the grand piano for much of the evening, combining expressive playing with her signature vocal style. The performance draws from jazz, blues, and soul traditions, with an emphasis on musical interplay, groove, and melodic storytelling.
Backed by a full band of accomplished Bay Area musicians—including drums (JaeStix), bass (Steve LaBella), keys (Simon Rochester), guitar (Ben Misterka), trumpet and vocals (Natalie John), and saxophone (Chris Hoog)—the set blends thoughtful arrangements with moments of improvisation and energy. The result is a rich, ensemble-driven performance that feels both intimate and expansive, offering a fresh perspective on Parker’s sound within a jazz-forward setting.”
This is definitely an evening to wear your “far out” attire.
pamelaparkerrocks.com/music
Aug. 26 – Gunhild Carling Season Finale
Gunhild Carling returns to close the season with a spirited blend of classic jazz, swing, and showmanship.
An internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist, Carling is known for her virtuosity on trumpet and trombone, as well as her ability to move seamlessly between instruments while leading an engaging, fast-paced performance.
Rooted in early jazz traditions, her style draws from New Orleans, swing, and vintage jazz, brought to life with precision, personality, and a strong sense of connection to the audience. Joined by members of her musical family, the season finale offers an evening that feels both rooted in tradition and unmistakably her own, bringing this summer series of outdoor jazz to a close.”
Put on your sparkly duds and jazz dance this evening away.
This event is a fundraiser for Los Gatos Music & Arts, (LGM&A) a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for our Silicon Valley community to enjoy and appreciate a variety of fine arts through live performances, exhibitions and educational programs.
Additionally, LGM&A sponsors youth workshops and provides funding for music and arts programs for people of all ages.
