Summer is a time of celebration, and Juneteenth is the perfect kickoff. This Saturday, for the 40th year, the African American Community Service Agency brings Juneteenth festivities to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds with a wide variety of celebratory entertainment, food, artwork and retailers to draw the community together. Saturday’s dynamic hosts include Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi, NBC Bay Area anchor Marcus Washington, and Sunday Best starring gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson, all supporting a united African American community in Silicon Valley.

40th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Sat, 12pm, Free
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate D

Erykah Badu is at the top of the list of some recent additions to this year’s San Jose Summer Jazz Fest. The neo-soul legend won’t be singing however; she’s spinning records under her the moniker DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Her DJ side project began in 2011, and she spins frequently at clubs, bringing an eclectic mix of hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk and even a little EDM.

Other artists just announced for the festival include New York’s rising jazz pianist Kris Bowers, New Orleans R&B singer Ledisi, Poncho Sanchez Band, who will be performing a tribute to the late great Latin percussionist Armando Peraza, as well as label showcases by Peanut Butter Wolf’s cutting edge funk/hip-hip Stone Throw Records and Harlem’s jazz and world beat label Motéma Music.

This is a big year for the San Jose Summer Jazz Festival as they celebrate their 25 year mark milestone. Bootsy Collins has already been announced as this summer’s headliner. This year’s festival lasts between Friday August 8 and Sunday August 10. The festival started back in 1990 in downtown San Jose when the city was undergoing major efforts to rebuild the area. Starting out on a single stage the first year, The San Jose Jazz Festival has grown alongside downtown San Jose and now boasts 11 stages, and even happens twice a year—known as the summer and winter fests.

Between now and August 6th, 3-Day passes will be on sale: $55: General admission, $65 All Stage Access, $150: Priority Access, $285: VIP.