Jazz is a merging of characteristics carried from West African black folk music joined with European popular and light classical music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The musical blend grew in North America at the turn of the 20th century. Popular cities with a rich jazz culture include New Orleans, Chicago and Kansas City. Diverse jazz festival venues take place throughout Northern California. Jazz fans have the opportunity to attend a small concert with amateur musicians or a big event with multiple stages and headliner acts like Harry Connick, Jr.
The Monterey Jazz Festival is more than 50 years old and takes place in September. The festival has eight stages and over 500 performers. Different ticket options are available and all acts are on site at the Monterey Fairgrounds. The jazz festival lists The Inns of Monterey as the official hotel and encourages visitors to make discounted arrangements through these four hotels.
Monterey Jazz Festival
PO Box JAZZ
Monterey, CA 93942
831-373-3366
montereyjazzfestival.org
The San Jose Jazz Festival boasts over 20 years of experience and 100,000 attendees. There are nine themed stages featuring different styles of jazz from traditional and Latin to fusion. All stages are within walking distance of downtown. The festival is promoted as family friendly. Pets are not allowed.
San Jose Jazz
145 West San Carlos
San Jose, CA 95113
408-288-7557
sanjosejazz.org
The San Fransisco Jazz Festival is in its 28th year. This event lasts two weeks and features performances throughout San Fransisco. Each event features different styles of music, jazz on film presentations, matinee concerts and other programming. This festival now has an international reputation as a place to visit each fall.
SFJAZZ Box Office
3 Embarcadero Center,
Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA 94111
866-920-5299
sfjazz.org
