(Winter) Fest Five: Dandiggity

A cultural connoisseur and proud San Jose native, Danny “Dandiggity” Le is a constant collaborator in the art scene here at home and abroad. He is a curator of ideas, a poet, and has been dubbed “The Mayor” by his contemporaries for his involvement in the many different scenes that make up the Bay Area’s creative community.

He is a co-owner of PLSTK, a design and consulting agency that specializes in creative solutions for clients looking to push their branding, events, and message to new heights. Though he has been known to wear many different hats over the last twenty years, his message of advocacy is clear: San Jose has world-class talent residing in its streets. And he aims to let the world know it

Taylor McFerrin

Fri Feb 27, The Continental The lush, layered soundtrack of ideas and moods is what really pulls me into Mr. McFerrin’s world. What I enjoy most about this man’s music is that he has connected with his contemporaries from all parts of the world, spanning distance and genres to help redefine current sonic landscape. And besides, anyone who can plays all the instruments on his tracks gets a head turn from me. A must see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWl6VV2fBUQ

Kendrick Scott Oracle

Sun Mar 8, Cafe Stritch As a student of Hip Hop and the global beat I have a deep affinity towards the drummer. Kendrick Scott’s orchestration of the groove keeps his band sounding tight and vibrant. Though the rest of musicians can be overheard punctuating through the short breaths of void, it is through Scott’s fluid rhythms that help sail their sounds to our ears. Catching this live should be interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5KJlS8pDSE

Kris Bowers

Fri Mar 5, San Jose Stage Company The last decade has seen a lot of creative activity in the jazz world. Kris Bowers is one of my favorites to watch and support because this man really knows how to work those eighty-eight keys. His piano playing is akin to watching Savion Glover tap dance feverishly over polished wood. It’s poetry falling down from heavenly notes. It was a joy to catch him at previous San Jose Jazz events, and I can’t wait to see him again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N_8xl7o4io

Homestead Jazz Ensemble

Sun Mar 8, San Pedro Square Market I am a huge supporter of youth activities when it concerns the arts. I heard a lot about the Homestead Jazz Ensemble from my friends at San Jose Jazz and I can’t wait to see what the next generation has in store for us. Young brass, strings, and things. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z1Zdfphblo

Afro-Peruvian Dance Party With Jaranon Y Bochinche

Fri Mar 6, MACLA Music and dance go hand-in-hand. The symbiotic nature that rhythm gives to movement makes this event an important one. I love to dance and being able to get schooled on Afro-Peruvian movement and culture, while enjoying a free dance party, is welcomed lesson for any student of global vibrations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W0ELzzTgcM