The San Jose Jazz Festival puts a spotlight on jazz in San Jose the weekend of August 12-14, but it’s easy to find local and touring jazz musicians in San Jose throughout the year. More and more clubs, restaurants, shops and other venues are putting live music into their weekly and monthly schedule. From group jams, solo guitar and contemporary jazz to acid jazz, here are some of the best spots to see and hear live jazz in San Jose.

Santana Row
With its Flavors of Jazz series, Santana Row has become one of the best spots in San Jose to see live jazz. On Tuesday nights during July and August, participating restaurants transform into jazz venues. Featuring established artists playing a variety of jazz styles, Santana Row is a hotbed of jazz in San Jose.

Hedley Club in the Hotel De Anza
From its one of a kind painted ceiling to its recently remodeled, art deco interior, the Hedley features live jazz every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and the celebrated Wednesday jazz jam every first and third Wednesday of the month.

Fairmont Hotel
Featuring live music six nights a week, the Fairmont Hotel is a hotspot for jazz musicians and fans alike. From Latin jazz, popular favorites, dueling grand pianos, contemporary and straight-ahead jazz nights, the hotel is a luxurious place to unwind from the grind.

First Fridays at Eulipia Restaurant and Bar
Bringing jazz to San Jose’s SoFA arts district, Eulipia shines a light on the area’s boundary-pushing, emerging jazz musicians. Part of the First Friday art walk, the once-monthly event is a great opportunity to check out the art and music of this growing scene.

Loft Bar and Bistro
Spacious, hip and inviting, the Loft Bar and Bistro is a nice spot to grab a bite, have some drinks or get a little work done. The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated and their Thursday night jazz series is a great way to kick the weekend off to an early start.

UnWined
A favorite of Bay Area wine and jazz lovers, UnWined is a fixture on the area’s Best Of lists. Boasting 50 wines by the taste, cheeses, tapas and art exhibits, as well as a live music schedule featuring some of the finest local jazz musicians and groups, UnWined is a wonderful place to enjoy the wine, the atmosphere and the music.

San Jose State University
With a reputation for excellence, the jazz program at San Jose State University is turning out some of the area’s finest up-and-coming jazz musicians. Though perhaps off the radar now, some of the next generations standouts are waiting in the wings to show their stuff. Check out the student and faculty recitals at the SJSU Concert Hall to see some of the brightest local jazz stars on the horizon.