DOWNTOWN’S LEGENDARY MUSIC SERIES IS BACK!
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El Tri - June 22, 2024, 5-10pm
El Tri concerts are renowned for their electrifying energy, passionate performances and undeniable connection between band and audience.
As frontman and driving force behind the iconic band El Tri, Alex Lora is a legendary figure in Mexican rock & roll. El Tri concerts are renowned for their electrifying energy, passionate performances and undeniable connection between band and audience.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Lora has solidified his status as a pioneer of rock en español. His distinctive voice, energetic stage presence and poignant songwriting have earned him a devoted following throughout the Americas.
El Tri’s music is characterized by its fusion of rock, blues and traditional Mexican sounds, coupled with Lora’s socially conscious lyrics, often addressing political and cultural issues. Hits like “Triste Canción de Amor,” “Las Piedras Rodantes” and “Pobre Soñador” have become anthems for generations of fans.
Setlists often include fan favorites, sing-along anthems and deep archival selections, ensuring that each concert is a memorable experience for both longtime fans and concertgoers experiencing EL Tri for the first time.
Beyond his musical contributions, Lora is also known for his outspoken advocacy of social justice causes. His authenticity and unwavering commitment to his art have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Mexican rock history.
El Tri’s discography boasts more than 50 albums and a live performance legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Alex Lora and El Tri remain a cultural institution, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
Como líder e impulsor de la icónica banda El Tri, Alex Lora es una figura legendaria del rock & roll mexicano. Los conciertos de El Tri son reconocidos por su energía electrizante, actuaciones apasionadas y una conexión innegable entre la banda y el público.
Con una carrera que abarca más de cinco décadas, Lora ha solidificado su estatus como pionero del rock en español. Su voz distintiva, su enérgica presencia escénica y su conmovedora composición le han granjeado seguidores devotos en todo el continente americano.
La música de El Tri se caracteriza por su fusión de rock, blues y sonidos tradicionales mexicanos, junto con las letras socialmente conscientes de Lora, que a menudo abordan temas políticos y culturales. Éxitos como “Triste Canción de Amor”, “Las Piedras Rodantes” y “Pobre Soñador” se han convertido en himnos para generaciones de fanáticos.
Las listas de canciones a menudo incluyen los favoritos de los fanáticos, himnos para cantar y profundas selecciones de archivo, lo que garantiza que cada concierto sea una experiencia memorable tanto para los fanáticos de toda la vida como para los asistentes que experimentan EL Tri por primera vez.
Más allá de sus contribuciones musicales, Lora también es conocida por su abierta defensa de las causas de la justicia social. Su autenticidad y compromiso inquebrantable con su arte han cimentado su legado como una de las figuras más influyentes en la historia del rock mexicano.
La discografía de El Tri cuenta con más de 50 álbumes y un legado de presentaciones en vivo que continúa cautivando al público en todo el mundo. Alex Lora y El Tri siguen siendo una institución cultural que inspira a generaciones de músicos y fanáticos por igual.
S. Market St. btw. W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Los Van Van - July 26, 2024 5-10pm
Salsa superstars Los Van Van are called “the Rolling Stones of Cuba” due to their longevity and status as Cuba’s most popular band. Their sound and style, however, is distinctively their own.
This is rare San Jose appearance of these Havana-based musical pioneers. Music in the Park is pleased to present one of contemporary Cuban music’s most important and influential bands for an outdoor dance party that will be one of the summer of 2024’s musical highlights.
Their name, “let’s go go,” harks back to the go-go music era. Founded in 1970 by the late Juan Formell, they quickly became the island’s favorite dance band, a title they held for years. Their genre-creating sound has evolved over the decades and incorporated the contributions of new generations of musicians that joined the hard working international touring group. Today, drummer and musical director Samuel Formell, Juan’s son, leads the band referred to as the “train” of Cuban music.
At the forefront of Afro-Cuban fusion of rock & roll and son, Los Van Van introduced electronic instruments into Cuban music in its early days and is credited with forging and popularizing subgenres “timba” and “songo,” foundations of the modern Cuban sound. The “songo” style can now be heard throughout the Latin jazz, pop, and fusion world.
In the 1990s, building on folkloric and traditional music mixed with the music of the day, Los Van Van, along with Irakere and NG La Banda, championed a new Cuban sound. In the 2000s, Los Van Van pushed the fusion even further, mixing pop, funk, rock, hip-hop and soul with native traditions that hark back to Africa and took life in the sugar fields of the Caribbean. The band won a Grammy Award in 2000 for its album “Llegó Van Van.”
Los Van Van has captivated audiences throughout Europe, South America and the Caribbean. The continuing US embargo brings them stateside less frequently, but when their irrepressible rhythms make their way here, it’s a reason to celebrate—and dance.
S. Market St. btw. W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
The Beach Boys - July 28, 2024 5-10pm
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history.
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys—who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon, are bringing their “Endless Summer Gold” tour to fans around the world.
Since the band’s co-founder, lead-singer and chief lyricist Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the bands chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.”
The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers where also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.
Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys, Capitol/EMI’s 30-track collection of the band’s biggest hits, has achieved triple-platinum success with sales of more than three million copies in the U.S. since its release.
The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer continue the legacy of the iconic band.
S. Market St. btw. W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
Steel Pulse - August 16, 2024 5-10pm
Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The bands twelfth studio production, titled Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music.
Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanities unification. A manipulation of our minds has been influenced by a New World Order currently dominating humankind. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment, armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.
Lead singer and guitarist, David Hinds’ creativity, human persona, and visionary views are revealed through inspiring compositions that capture the effects of the African Diaspora. These songs weave and interlock with each other, enticing all to stand together and unite.
The album begins with a continuation of past struggles in attaining freedom. From the opening song, “Rize,” one can hear, feel, and be uplifted through urgency established in its cadence. This urgency compels participation in the Windrush generation’s cause to rise against evil and controlling forces. Ancient melodies paired with catchy lyrics in “Stop You Coming and Come” transport the mind to a period of time where secrets of an African dynasty are unmasked. “Thank The Rebels” follows as a classic Steel Pulse anthem with powerful messages of awareness and inspiration. From the opening trumpet call, Hinds picks up the torch of wisdom, rallying humanity toward great aspirations. In “Justice in Jena,” rolling drums and repeated chorus structure highlight the hatred and racial intolerance that persists, despite the notion that society has progressed into a post-racial world. Haunting organs and eerie guitar interplay in “Human Trafficking” emulate the atrocities of this underground world, while desperate drumming and frantic horns bolster an emotional plea to admonish this horror.
Mass Manipulation evolves and sets to navigate the political transformation of changing social and economic environments. Impassioned vocals convey the pain and suffering experienced throughout “Cry Cry Blood.” This song features blistering horns to help settle the nerves and uneasiness felt. “No Satan Side” follows with its intoxicating tempo, rhythmic chanting, and riveting lyrics, defining the African Diaspora with redemption cries for, “Rastafari and live.” “N.A.T.T.Y (Natural And True To Yourself)” explodes with syncopated drumming and purposeful bass to unburden the soul. It is here where we find Hinds at his most personal and reflective state. The album’s title track, “Mass Manipulation,” positions exploding horns to drive home its warning, bursting the corporate glass which would serve to protect the deceitful and corrupt. In “World Gone Mad,” a jolting rap broadcasts the horrifying consequences of madness. Ensnaring drums and seducing bass encapture those evil and controlling powers embodied in “Black and White Oppressors,” while defiant lyrics, weaponized with energetic horns, serve to penetrate Babylon’s evil and systematic ways.
The album comes full circle as Steel Pulse’s legendary musical abilities aim to achieve a greater community for all. The promise of mankind’s salvation is prominently positioned with vocals offered to still calm in “The Final Call.” Stunning harmonica jousts invoke inward reflection and set free courage to conquer. “Higher Love (Rasta Love),” a beautiful Hinds reggae reinterpretation of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” exudes charisma and energy hailing for love across humanity. The album crowns with “Nations of the World.” Stabilizing lyrics, enforced by a commanding rhythm, beg freedom fighters, leaders, and citizens from all nations to come together in peace.
In the midst of today’s strife and turmoil, Mass Manipulation is Steel Pulse’s indispensable musical gift, as their forty year legacy continues to define the magnificent power and beauty of reggae music. As reggae revolutionaries, Steel Pulse is revered by the younger generation of artists and remains a powerhouse on stages around the globe. Through the example of Mass Manipulation, Steel Pulse demonstrates the endless possibilities that come from breaking down the walls of systemic greed and nurturing the fellowship of mankind.
S. Market St. btw. W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113
J Boog - September 22, 2024 5-10pm
What more need be said about Music in the Park favorite J Boog? Fusing a West Coast sound with his Polynesian roots, the Southern California musician brings Pacific Island influences to a distinctly Afro-Caribbean genre.
Reggae artist J Boog, a Music in the Park favorite, returns for the fourth time to play Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Fusing a West Coast sound with his Polynesian roots, the Southern California musician brings Pacific Island influences to a distinctly Afro-Caribbean genre. J Boog tours around the world and has developed a universal following, winning over fans with his warm demeanor, impressive catalog and feel-good music. The two-time Grammy winner’s concert sold out last time he played, so be sure to get your tickets early.
S. Market St. btw. W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St.
San Jose, CA 95113