Music & Nightlife

BESIDE THE FACT that people are melting into hot sticky messes on the streets of San Jose, I’m excited because it’s officially summer. And summer means Music in the Park in Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose (sponsored by, among others, Metro). And during an economic slide of epic proportions, a free concert is always a plus. The plaza is within walking distance of my apartment, so I get to avoid the parking snarls that always seem to occur. But once you get there, the people are nice, and there is lots of food, drink and entertainment to be had. » Read More

The Count Five aren't the only cult legends hiding away in San Jose. From even deeper in the primordial proto-punk ooze, the most harrowing rock & roll singer of all time occasionally rises up onto a South Bay stage to remind the blown minds in the audience how dangerous music can sound. » Read More

Like the jazz tradition itself, the Stanford Jazz Festival is built on musical breadth and an unwavering dedication to creativity and innovation. Since its inception 38 seasons ago, the concert series has provided local audiences with a unique perspective of the culturally vibrant world of jazz. » Read More

THERE’S something about the clack of billiards balls that is just downright satisfying. Knocking a difficult shot into a pocket gives the feeling of accomplishment; banking an impossible shot gives one the right to boast for the rest of the night, even if the game is lost. And South First Billiards, a downtown institution, is one of the best places to try out one’s inner pool shark. OK, pool is great because I can always beat my friend and therefore win a free beer. » Read More

TALKY TINA and SUICIDAL BARFLY play Friday (June 19) at 8pm at South First Billiards, 420 S. First St., San Jose. The show is free. (408.294.7800) » Read More

THIRD EYE BLIND performs at Music in the Park at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose on Thursday, July 18; admission is free. » Read More

One man tests his musical mettle against Midomi, the world’s most incredible iPhone app. » Read More

FLYING LOTUS plugs in along with FREE THE ROBOTS and DJ BASURA + GOLDENCHYLD Friday (June 5) at 9pm at the Blank Club, 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose. Tickets are $16/$20. (408.292.5265) » Read More

IT SEEMS like every time Death Angel descends upon San Jose, the band is preparing for another overseas tour. In November 2006, Death Angel sold out the Blank Club before heading off to Japan. The following spring, it flattened the place again and then subsequently split for open-air festivals in the Philippines and Europe. This time around, the group’s appearance at the VooDoo Lounge precedes yet another European jaunt, where it will promote a brand-new DVD/CD package, Sonic German Beatdown. » Read More

FREE FESTIVAL begins 21st season in downtown San Jose. In times of economic instability, finding cheap solutions to life’s problems becomes an important aspect for maintaining a healthy well-being. » Read More