Words and Images by Victoria Felicity

As you walk towards Cesar Chavez Park on a Thursday night you can hear the boom of music over the screeching light-rail. Masses of people walk with lawn chairs and coolers in hand to enjoy one of San Jose’s most iconic events, “Music in the Park.” Hosted by the San Jose Downtown Association, the event brings popular bands yearly to downtown’s Cesar Chavez Park to play live on the outdoor stage.
This summer tradition starts up again on the first Thursday of June and continues until the end of August. Featured group, Greg Kihn Band, a local San Jose rock hall of famers, kicked off the season with their chart topping songs from the 80’s. Local band “The Houserockers” a rock and soul band from Los Gatos opened for them and also put on an impressive show.
This year’s music in the park started off a bit shaky, with weather reports forecasting rain and temperatures reminiscent of fall. Many people stood outside of the fenced area of the venue due to the list of prohibited items and crack down on security searches this year. As I walked into the fenced area the security guard stated “don’t get caught taking photos of the band, or you will be asked to leave.”

Music in the Park: Bring on the Funk

This last week at Music in the Park I was fortunate enough to have a backstage pass to take photos of San Jose local band So Timeless who opened for The Original Stone City Band at this weeks Music in the Park. Their R&B/ funk style include covers of popular R&B, and reggae music and performances of original music from So Timeless’ album “This is the Year.”

Experiencing Music in the Park from a performers perspective was interesting, taking photos of the band and the crowd from the Cesar Chavez stage. As you look out into the crowd you see people dancing, singing, hanging out with friends and enjoying the warm June night. Music in the Park was a night filled with funky music, style from head to toe. This San Jose Thursday night tradition never fails to give San Jose locals an opportunity to gather and enjoy some good music and the warm summer night air.

Rules:
• No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto the Plaza de Cesar Chavez
grounds
• Guests are subject to search
• No filming or audio recording of the artists during their performances is
permitted
• No barbecues, large coolers, cans or bottles are permitted
• No pets allowed (except for service animals)
• No smoking in the park

2011 Lineup
June 2: Greg Kihn Band with The Houserockers. Classic Rock KFOX 98.5 / 102.1
June 9: The Original Stone City Band (Funk / R&B – Rick James’ original band). With So Timeless. Sponsored by KBLX 102.9FM.
June 16: Freddie McGregor (Reggae). With Tchiya Amet. Sponsored by Alice @ 97.3
June 23: White Album Ensemble (Beatles tribute). Two full sets. Sponsored by 94.5 KBAY.
June 30: Natural Vibrations (Hawaiian Reggae / Rock / Soul). Opening: The Bangerz. Sponsored by LIVE 105.
July 7: Led Zepagain (Led Zepplin Tribute). Supported by ZeBop!. Sponsored by Classic Rock KFOX 98.5 / 102.1.
July 14: Special artist to be announced June 6. With 5606. Sponsored by Mix 106.5 and S*ALT.
July 21: English Beat (Ska/New Wave). Sponsored by S*ALT and Alice @ 97.3
July 28: Cracker (Alternative Rock / Americana. With KFOG “Local Scene 8″ artist. Sponsored by KFOG 97.7 SJ / 104.5 SF and S*ALT
August 4: Dredg (Alternative Rock). With The Holdup and Trophy Fire. Sponsored by LIVE 105
August 11: Marcia Griffiths (Reggae). With Reggae Angels. Sponsored by 997 NOW
August 18: Sergent Garcia (World / Latin / Reggae). With Los Hot Boxers. Sponsored by 93.3 LaRaza.
August 25: Pete Escovedo Orchestra (Latin/Jazz). With The Mystique Band. Sponsored by 98.1 KISS FM
(up-line from SJDowntown.com)