Live and local in San Jo

We’re gonna be living for live music this week — from a big city-wide festival, night markets, and opera to heavy metal, punk, and DIY shows, there’s a lot to love this week in the great 408.

Have an event you’d like to see featured? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the next newsletter!

Wednesday, 6/19 — Juneteenth

• Juneteenth: Run with Ahmaud | San Pedro Street Mural (North end of San Pedro Square Market’s East entrance) | 6 p.m. | FREE | Join Run Local for a special Juneteenth run — 2.23 miles around DTSJ, stopping at the iconic Tommie Smith + John Carlos Olympic statue at SJSU for a presentation.

• 2024 RTF New Talent Comedy Competition - Semis | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club (157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale) | 7:15 p.m. | $18 | After this competition, three local up-and-coming comics will move on to the Final Round, and a chance to win prize money, a paid gig, and bragging rights. (Finals occur 7/3)

• SJ Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers | PayPal Park (1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose) | 7:30 p.m. | $40+ | Special giveaways and activities for Juneteenth are on the schedule, with local singer Brandilyn Young performing the National Anthem, and a special version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit organizations impacting the Black community.

• Mamma Mia Sing-Along Trivia | Wheelhouse of Willow Glen (1173 Lincoln Ave., San Jose) | 7:30-9 p.m. | $5 single seat, $20 table for 4 | Dress in your best island attire and sing, dance, and enjoy trivia and fabulous prizes.

• Pino Grigio Tasting | Ancora Vino Wine Bar (320 W. St. John St., San Jose) | 5-7 p.m. | $15 General, $10 for Wine Club members | Sip on seven pino Grigio wines from around the Bay Area while you discuss with sommelier Mike Guerra.

• Craig Conant | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | $25 General, $85 VIP Banquette for 4 | You may know this LA-based comedian from his appearances in the “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival, MTV’s “Next,” and “The Greatest Party Story Ever Told.”

• Caravan Comedy Show | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | FREE | Join this week’s host Ato Walker for a showcase of local comedy, or try your hand at making the crowd laugh yourself. (Recurring)

• Bizcochito Latin Party | Splash Video Dance Bar (65 Post St., San Jose) | 10:30 p.m. | FREE | Drink Specials, Drag, and dancing, Oh MY! Niya La Rey and Silvanna Daniels host this weekly dance party. This week’s guests include Jade Amethyst and Galilea Rivera. (Recurring)

Thursday, 6/20

• GB Night Market: Put an Egg On It | Gordon Biersch Brewing (357 E Taylor St., San Jose) | 5-9 p.m. | FREE | Can I offer you a nice egg in this trying time? Enjoy live blues with Noah and the Arkiteks and the SJZ Boombox Truck with bites from Waffle Roost + Fire & Rice.

• SoFA District Block Party | SoFA District (300 S. First St., San Jose) | 5-9 p.m. | FREE | Support small businesses,and enjoy music, merch, and food.

• Pobladores Night Market | Parque De Los Pobladores (510 S. First St., San Jose) | 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. | FREE | Enjoy a button making workshop courtesy the Institute of Contemporary Art, and a drag performance with the LGBTQ Youth Space. Also this week, groove to the funky, jazzy sounds of Bay Area trio Thrown Out Bones. (Recurring)

• CityDance: Salsa Night | Circle of Palms (127 S. Market St., San Jose) | 6-9 p.m. | FREE | Join your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances and learn to salsa dance while enjoying live music from Carlitos Medrano and Sabor De mi Cuba. SJMA will also be open with free admission + a special menu at El Cafecito by Mezcal.

• BARC Pride Run | San Pedro Square Market (87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose) | 6-8 p.m. | FREE | Don your queerest gear and join runners, walkers, and strollers of all paces for this rainbow run downtown.

• Viva Parks presents: “The Little Mermaid” | Great Oaks Park (Snow + Giusti drives, San Jose) on Thursday, Fernish Park (200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose) on Friday | 6-10 p.m. | FREE | Bring your family and your bag chair and enjoy this Disney classic under the stars (or, at the very least, under the slightly darker evening skies).

• LGBTQ+ Community Mixer | Gali Vineyards (21 W. Main St., Los Gatos) | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | FREE | Sip wine while you mix and mingle with local queer organizations, leaders, and community members at this month’s gathering.

• WVDC presents: “The Little Mermaid” | Center for the Performing Arts (255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose) | 6:30 p.m. (Thursday), 6:30 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. (Saturday), 3 p.m. (Saturday) | $35-$40 | Join the magical adventure under the sea for this dance studio’s recital.

• SVS presents: “All’s Well That Ends Well” | Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park (1320 Willow St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | FREE | Check out the final weekend of this free outdoor theatrical production. (Runs Thursdays-Sundays thru 6/23)

• Drink and Draw | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | FREE | Bring out your inner artiste while you sip on a tasty beverage and enjoy cumbias, grouperas romanticas, rock en español, and boleros from Discotera. Utensils + paper are provided.

• Noel Miller | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. (Thursday), 7:30 p.m. (Friday), 9:45 p.m. (Friday), 7 p.m. (Saturday), 9:30 p.m. Saturday) | $40 General, $90 VIP Banquette for 4 | This comedian, musician, director, and podcaster is co-founder of TMG Studios, and host of the “Tiny Meat Gang Podcast.” (Runs through Sat, 6/22)

• Matt O’Brien | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club (157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale) | 8 p.m. (Thursday, Friday), 7 p.m. (Saturday, Sunday) | $25 | Time Out Magazine named Matt one of their “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” so that should count for something. Joined by David Nguyen + Allison Hooker. (Runs thru Sunday, 6/23)

• Night of the Blade | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | FREE | This all vinyl heavy metal night features DJ’s Metal Messiah, Hellabastard, and Necroburst.

Friday, 6/21

• Make Music Day San Jose | Various locations | 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. | FREE (but you’re encouraged to register via Eventbrite) | Celebrate the Summer Solstice with community-curated concerts all across the city. From Plaza de Cesar Chavez to the Southside Community Center to Foxtale Fermentation Project to the San Jose Airport (yes, seriously).

• Día de San Juan Salsa Fest | Parque De Los Pobladores (510 S. First St., San Jose) | 5-10 p.m. | FREE | Live music, non-stop dancing, and family friendly fun at this outdoor SoFA Festival. Music courtesy Latin Rhythm Boys, Orchestra Taino, La Mixta Criolla, and DJ Leydis.

• San Jose Water Lantern Festival | Almaden Lake Park (6099 Winfield Blvd., San Jose) | 5:30-10 p.m. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) | $28.33+ Advance, $45.99 Day Before, $55.99 Day of Event | Join family, friends, and neighbors as you set your memories and hopes in a little LED lantern on the water. (Runs thru 6/23)

• Hyphy & Haute | Nirvana Soul Coffee (315 S. First St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | $20 | Check out the delicious chicken + waffles, mimosas, and local vendors while you enjoy drag performances by local artists Carter, Kendall, Jah Jah Feel, Catinni P. Vandon, and Tori Tia, with music by Eazy Bellucci.

• Tom Rhodes | Pruneyard Cinemas (1875 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 100, Campbell) | 7:30 p.m. (Friday), 6 p.m. (Saturday), 8:45 p.m. (Saturday) | $26+ | Help your local dine-in movie theater stay afloat and enjoy two nights of fantastic comedy, featuring Tom Rhodes, Kaseem Bentley, Shanti Charan. Friday’s show is hosted by Jose Contreras, with JD Arandia hosting Saturday. (Check out the Change.org petition here)

• Ren Geisick | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $20 Advance, $25 Day of Show | This Americana singer-songwriter blends classic country, blues, soul, and a hint of jazz.

• Free Throw | The Ritz (400 S. First St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $22 Advance, $25 Day of Show | Enjoy these Nashville-based emo kids along with Slow Joy and Fat Slice.

• Riot Radio | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 8:30 p.m. | FREE | These SacTown punks are joined by Seattle’s The Scoffs and Salinas’ own thrash punks, F.U.X.

• Serve | Splash Video Dance Bar (65 Post St., San Jose) | 10 p.m. | $10 (this is the usual cover, ymmv) | If you’re a Diva who divas, join Catinni P Vandon with guests for this weekly Drag spectacular. (Recurring)

Saturday, 6/22

• San Jose Reptile Show | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (344 Tully Rd., San Jose) | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sunday) | Check out live danger noodles, scaly dudes, and croaky fellas — all for sale, for education, and for you and your family’s enjoyment. (Slithers through 6/23)

• Bombas in the Park | History Park (635 Phelan Ave., San Jose) | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | FREE for kids 10 and under, $25 General | Rev your engine for classic cars, historic buildings, DJs, and a variety of vendors and food options at this family-friendly event.

• Pride Block Party | Arena Green West (Across from the SAP Center on N. Autumn St., San Jose) | Noon-4 p.m. | FREE | Celebrate Pride Month with a resource fair, music courtesy the Hardwoods (local Drag King band), DJ CRZ CTRL, food, drinks, and drag performances (featuring the incredible Middle Eastern and South East Asian performers Bindi Masala, Chai Auntea, Slut the Rock Johnson, and Sheidybee).

• Alex Lora and El Tri | Plaza de Cesar Chavez (1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose) | 4-10 p.m. | $40-$85 | Music in the Park returns with this legendary Mexican rock group.

• Culture Night Market | Alum Rock Village (23 N. White Rd., San Jose) | 4-10 p.m. | FREE | Enjoy food trucks courtesy Feast Mode (including Cousin’s Maine Lobster and GrillZillas), a beer garden, live music, games, kids activities, and 30+ local vendors.

• The Pride Bar Crawl | Mac’s Club (39 Post St., San Jose) | 4-10 p.m. | $25 (Single ticket), $80 (Group of 4+) | Show your Pride and join fellow LGBTQ+ folks and allies for a pub crawl through multiple downtown bars, culminating in a Drag Show at Splash Video Dance Bar at 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit SV Pride.

• Theatro Jornalero | School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum rock Ave., San Jose) | 5:30-7 p.m. | FREE | Hear the stories of Central American and Mexican day laborers as they reveal their histories and culture in this multi-lingual documentary theatre performance.

• Opera in the Park | The Municipal Rose Garden (1649 Nalgene Ave., San Jose) | 6-7 p.m. | FREE | Bring your pic-a-mic blanket and bag chair and enjoy opera’s greatest hits with Mary Evelyn Hangley, Deborah Rosengaus, Eugene Broncoveanu, Eric Levintow, and Veronika Agranov-Dafoe.

• Bay FC vs. Angel City FC | PayPal Park (1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | $18-$182 | The first 5K fans through the gate will receive a free Juneteenth pendant designed by Jackie Brown. Special performances and highlighting influential Black community members.

• Heavy Lemon | Jade Cathay (1339 N. First St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | $15 (the band also says no one will be turned away for lack of funds | Nothing says punk rock like Dim Sum! San Jose-based DIY rockers are celebrating the return of The Daisy Chain Reaction with guests Wonderful Wonderful, Half Calf, and Jock.

• La Llorona | School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose) | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | $26.50 | Learn the sorrowful tale of the spectral weaver of nightmares and culture from this operatic retelling of this Mexican tragedy.

• R50 | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $20 Advance, $25 Day of Show | From deep cuts to radio favorites, this Rush tribute band brings the best of this classic rock band’s catalogue.

• K-POP Night | The Ritz (400 S. First St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $17 Advance, $20 Day of Show | Unleash your inner K-POP star and dance along to your favorite tunes with fellow fans.

• Lip Service | Renegades Bar (501 W. Taylor St., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | $5 | Enjoy drinks, dancing, and drag at this weekly showcase hosted by Sexen City and Lady Jesus. This week’s performers include Woo Woo Monroe, Sis Phyllis, Just Karen, Audrey Elle, and Tsunomi Punoni. (Recurring)

• Casual Vibes | Caravan Lounge (98 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose) | 9 p.m. | FREE | Rock out to this San Jose group along with Egone, the Krypters, DJ Fuschia, and DJ Norbert.

Sunday, 6/23

• Boozy Adult Book Fair Bingo | Britannia Arms Almaden (5027 Almaden Expy., San Jose) | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | FREE | Sip on cocktails and get goosebumps as you re-live the memories of bygone Book Fairs for a night of literary delights, themed prizes, and more Lisa Frank than you could shake a garish dolphin at.

• Pride Pop Up | RedZone Sports Bar and Lounge (1150 Murphy Ave., San Jose) | Noon-5 p.m. | FREE | Enjoy 60+ vendors, food, drinks, music, family- and dog-friendly activities, and more at this LGBTQ+ pop up.

• Trae Crowder | San Jose Improv (62 S. Second St., San Jose) | 7 p.m. | $30 | “Chattanooga Charlie” from Veronica Mars takes the stage for a night of comedy.

• Noaa Reinecker and Friends | Art Boutiki (44 Race St., San Jose) | 8 p.m. | $25 Advance, $30 Day of Show | This low-key Austin-based singer-songwriter blends classic Americana and country. Joined onstage by the soulful sounds of Oakland-based band Heart Matter.

• Disco Connection: Waacking Takeover | Splash Video Dance Bar (65 Post St., San Jose) | 7-10 p.m. | FREE | Fun fact! Did you know that Waacking was created by queer artists in underground Los Angeles? Hell yeah. Celebrate Pride month with a mini dance lesson, feature performances, and an open dance floor with DJ Dennis Infante. Then, at 10:30 p.m., join Alina Maletti Galore for the weekly Wet N’ Wild drag showcase.

Farmers Markets

• Santana Row Farmers Market | Santana Row (between Olin Avenue and Olsen Drive) | Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.

• Berryessa Farmers Market | Piedmont Middle School (945 Piedmont Rd., San Jose) | Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Santa Teresa Farmers Market | Santa Teresa Branch Library (250 Camino Verde Dr., San Jose) | Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Sunnyvale Farmers Market | S. Murphy and E. Washington avenues | Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Santa Clara Farmers Market | Jackson Street at Homestead Road | Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Willow Glen Farmers Market | Willow Glen Elementary (1425 Lincoln Ave., San Jose) | Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Japantown Farmers Market | Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. (357 E. Taylor St., San Jose) | Sundays, 8 a.m.-Noon

• Alum Rock Village Farmers Market | James Lick High School (23 N. White Rd., San Jose) | Sundays, 8 a.m.-Noon

• Campbell Farmers Market | Downtown Campbell (Along E. Campbell Avenue between Central Avenue and 3rd Street) | Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Evergreen Farmers Market | Evergreen Village Square (4055 Evergreen Village Sq., San Jose) | Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Thanks so much for reading!

I’ve gotten quite a few requests on Reddit and in my inbox for more information on local Farmer’s Markets — and look, there are a ton in the South Bay. Consider the above list to be a quick primer, as opposed to comprehensive. I’ll update it as the weeks progress.

For those who reached out to ask about my pooch — thank you so much for the kind words! He’s doing well after his surgery. Definitely a grumpalump over not being able to go on super long walks (we usually go for 2-6 mile jaunts a few times a day), but he’s recovering just fine, nonetheless.

Until next week,

— Gregg