Jazz Beyond - San Jose Jazz

Jazz Beyond

2013–ongoing
Exploring the boundaries of the art form

Exploring the Boundaries
of the Art Form

Since 2013, San Jose Jazz has developed a programming stream we call “Jazz Beyond” that presents artists at the nexus of jazz, soul and hip-hop. The shows are conceived to explore some of the exciting directions jazz is headed and the profound impact jazz is having on contemporary popular music. 

“The night proved a success for all parties involved… for [Taylor] McFerrin, one artist among a collective of young, future-forward jazz talent that continues to test the boundaries of just what it means to be jazz…and for San Jose Jazz, who continue to pose that question to its audience with a festival that amplifies emerging voices in jazz’s fruitful contemporary landscape.”

–KQED Arts

About the Project

Co-curated by the local boutique presenter Universal Grammar, the program has been successful in presenting more than 50 emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to play international stages, like Kamasi Washington, Thundercat and Robert Glasper Experiment. At the 2019 Summer Fest, the Jazz Beyond Stage featured Sons of Kemet, DOMi and JD Beck, Peanut Butter Wolf and 12 other shows in two days.

Select Artists

- Robert Glasper Experiment
- Thundercat
- Kamasi Washington
- Sons of Kemet
- José James
- Kris Bowers
- The Internet
- Ali Shaheed Muhammad
- Bobbito Garcia
- B. Lewis
- Taylor McFerrin
- Peanut Butter Wolf
- The Seshen
- Kassa Overall
- Mark de Clive-Lowe
- Aaron Abernathy
- Madison McFerrin
- Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
- Adrian Younge
- Moses Sumney

Videos

Summer Fest 2019 Jazz Beyond Stage Recap

"Futile," from B. Lewis' Sunset on Carmella

"Rays," from B. Lewis' Sunset on Carmella

"Flowers," from B. Lewis' Sunset on Carmella

Photo Gallery

Join our mailing list

Subscribe to our updates and you’ll be the first to know about coming performances, special events and happenings in San Jose's arts and culture community.