levitt san jose concert series

Formed in 2016, Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose is a non-profit with a mission to build community through free, all-ages, high-quality live music shows and performances on a permanent stage in historic St. James Park.

The Levitt San Jose Concert Series, will feature top local and national artists, giving a sneak peek of what’s to come when Levitt Pavilion San Jose joins the community of permanent Levitt venues across the country.

Enjoy a Summer picnic with friends and family and see how Levitt San Jose will build community through free, all-ages, high quality live music shows and performances in historic St. James Park.

2026 concert series

5.24.26

Onye & The Messengers

Esther Orobiyi + Kavah Jah & Remedy

  • Onye & The Messengers is an electrifying 7-piece Afrobeat and Global Groove dance band led by renowned Nigerian percussionist, songwriter, and cultural ambassador Onye Onyemaechi. Based in Northern California, the band delivers powerful, rhythm-driven performances that blend traditional West African music with Afrobeat, funk, jazz, and contemporary global sounds.

    Rooted in authenticity and community, Onye & The Messengers create immersive live experiences that move bodies, uplift spirits, and bring people together across cultures. Their performances are joyful, interactive, and deeply engaging—inviting audiences not just to listen, but to feel and participate.

6.7.2026

Devon Gilfillian

Sir Woman, AC Myles + Ben Henderson

Sir Woman, AC Myles + Ben Henderson

  • The "Nashville Soul" Experience

    Get ready for a night of grit, groove, and gospel-infused fire as Devon Gilfillian brings his magnetic live show to our stage. A Philadelphia native who found his musical heartbeat in Nashville, Gilfillian has become one of the most vital voices in modern soul—seamlessly bridging the gap between the classic R&B of the 60s and the bold, beat-heavy sounds of the future.

    The Journey to "Time Will Tell"

    This tour marks a pivotal moment for Gilfillian as he prepares to release his highly anticipated third studio album, Time Will Tell (dropping June 26, 2026). Recorded at the legendary RCA Studio A and executive produced by Neal H Pogue (OutKast, Tyler, the Creator), the new material is Gilfillian’s most personal and raw to date.

    From the "psychedelic country-western soul" of his new single "Hold On (Hourglass)" to the funk-heavy strut of "IRL," his latest work explores the friction of modern life with an organic, "real-deal" energy that can only be fully captured in a live setting.

    What to Expect

    • Genre-Defying Sound: A seamless blend of Philly soul, Nashville country-blues, and boom-bap hip-hop undertones.

    • A Vocal Powerhouse: Gilfillian’s voice moves effortlessly from a delicate falsetto to a commanding, soulful bellow that has earned him spots sharing the stage with icons like Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, and Brothers Osborne.

    • Electrifying Energy: Known for his high-octane performances, Gilfillian makes music that "ignites the mind while making the body move."

    Whether you’ve been following him since his Grammy-nominated debut Black Hole Rainbow or you’re discovering his "Nashville Soul" for the first time, this is a show that promises to be both a party and a spiritual experience.

    "I want people to dance and forget about the sht that’s going on in their life... give me the raw sht. Give me the friction. Give me the sweat." — Devon Gilfillian

    Don’t miss your chance to see Devon Gilfillian live before his new era officially takes over the airwaves.

6.14.2026

Thee Marloes

Thee Heart Tones

  • Hailing from Surabaya, Indonesia, Thee Marloes are bringing their signature blend of "Surabaya Soul" to our stage for an unforgettable night of music.

    Consisting of Natassya Sianturi (vocals/keys), Sinatrya “Raka” Dharaka (guitar/production), and Tommy Satwick (drums), the trio has quickly become a global standout on the esteemed Big Crown Records roster. Their sound is a mesmerizing bridge between worlds: a rich tapestry of classic soul, jazz, and pop, infused with a distinct Indonesian sensibility that feels both nostalgic and entirely new.

    Their debut album Perak garnered international acclaim, earning a spot on BBC Radio 6 Music's Albums of the Year. Whether Natassya is singing in English or Indonesian, her "sweet and captivating" vocals carry a universal emotional weight that transcends language. From punchy, funk-slapped dancefloor numbers like "Midnight Hotline" to cinematic, soulful ballads that feel like they belong in a Tarantino soundtrack, Thee Marloes create a space where raw, retro grooves meet modern sophistication.

    Fresh off the release of their latest album, Di Hotel Malibu, the band continues to push boundaries, evolving their sound into something even more "porous, conversational, and deeply Indonesian."

    Don't miss the chance to catch one of the most exciting acts in the global soul scene as they bring the heart of Surabaya to our city.

6.20.26

John Santos sextet

Future Dead Ringers

  • For over two decades, the John Santos Sextet has stood as a beacon of Afro-Latin jazz, blending master-level musicianship with a deep reverence for the cultural roots of the African diaspora. Led by seven-time Grammy nominee and San Francisco Mission District native John Santos, the ensemble is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and soulful groups in the genre today.

    The Sextet’s sound is a vibrant "musical banquet" that travels from the traditional rhythms of Cuban rumba and son to Puerto Rican bomba and plena, all filtered through the lens of modern jazz improvisation. Their latest acclaimed album, Horizontes (2025), continues their legacy of using music as a tool for storytelling and social significance, featuring intricate arrangements that highlight both the thundering power and sensual whispers of Afro-Caribbean percussion.

6.21.26

Los Rakas

Roge

  • Los Rakas is comprised of cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, pioneering Panamanians by way of the Bay Area on the frontier of a new Latin urban sound. Known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae, and dancehall music; the Grammy-nominated duo represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows. 


    Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka,” a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances. 


    In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Music Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014. In 2016, Los Rakas released their self-titled, second album earning them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album”. Their 2019 album Manes De Negocio is best described by Remezcla as a “socially conscious trap soiree”.  Los Rakas has performed with artists like Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Berner, JBalvin, Kehlani, Zion & LennoxCypress Hill, E40, Ice Cube, Kali Uchis, Shaggy, and Nina Sky to name a few. They have also collaborated with artists such as Blondie, Amara La Negra, Carmack, Kafu Banton, Kat Dahlia, D-Smoke, Goapele, P-Lo and in 2022 their hit single Uno2Tres will be featured in the FIFA 22 soundtrack.


    As KQED states, Los Rakas are “positioning themselves as the heirs of pioneering Black Panamanian reggaetoneros such as El General and Renato.” Los Rakas are turning the current Latin hip-hop world on its head.

8.30.2026

Los Calderones

  • Get ready for a night of infectious energy as Los Calderones take the stage, bringing their signature "Afro-Latino swag" and high-octane rhythms to the heart of the dance floor.

    Founded in 2020 by Cuban-born trombonist and visionary Obrayan Calderon, this Bay Area-based powerhouse is a true family affair that bridges the gap between traditional Cuban heritage and modern global grooves. Calderon, a graduate of Havana’s prestigious National School of Arts (ENA) who has toured with legends like Chucho Valdés, has built an ensemble that is as versatile as it is vibrant.

    The Los Calderones sound is a rich, tropical gumbo of styles—seamlessly blending Cuban Salsa, Latin Jazz, and Funk with the soulful, brassy spirit of a New Orleans Second Line. Their sets are a masterclass in musical storytelling, moving from romantic boleros to explosive, percussion-driven dance tracks like their hit singles "Dale Mambo," "Veneno," and the 2024 viral favorite "La Rumba Te Llama."

    Whether you’re a seasoned Salsero or just looking for a night of pure, joyful connection, Los Calderones deliver a world-class performance that captures the soul of Havana and the grit of the East Bay.

    Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka,” a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances. 


    In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Music Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014. In 2016, Los Rakas released their self-titled, second album earning them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album”. Their 2019 album Manes De Negocio is best described by Remezcla as a “socially conscious trap soiree”.  Los Rakas has performed with artists like Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Berner, JBalvin, Kehlani, Zion & LennoxCypress Hill, E40, Ice Cube, Kali Uchis, Shaggy, and Nina Sky to name a few. They have also collaborated with artists such as Blondie, Amara La Negra, Carmack, Kafu Banton, Kat Dahlia, D-Smoke, Goapele, P-Lo and in 2022 their hit single Uno2Tres will be featured in the FIFA 22 soundtrack.


    As KQED states, Los Rakas are “positioning themselves as the heirs of pioneering Black Panamanian reggaetoneros such as El General and Renato.” Los Rakas are turning the current Latin hip-hop world on its head.

7.5.2026

The Altons

Andre Cruz and the Black Diamond Rhythm Band

  • Emerging from Southeast Los Angeles, The Altons have become a fixture in the burgeoning West Coast souldies scene. Helping launch the Daptone Records imprint Penrose as one of the five premier groups on the label, The Altons blossomed from selling out local nightclubs to performing on the grand stages of Austin City Limits and the Corona Capital festival in Mexico–selling thousands of 45s in the process. 

    The heart of The Altons' alluring sound is the distinctive and oft romantic vocal harmony of Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce. Their voices intertwine effortlessly, bringing a level of intimacy and sincerity to the music that groups can seldom achieve. Ponce’s virtuosic guitar playing is anchored by the formidable rhythm section of Caitlin Moss on drums and Chris “Bolillo” Manjarrez on bass, creating a captivatingly organic synergy . Together, the evolution of their sound can best be heard via the soulful, sing-along hit singles: “Over and Over” [borrowed as the viral song "Otra Vez" by ProdMarvin, which took over TikTok and Instagram in 2023,] and “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know)” [sampled by Mary J. Blige on her Grammy-nominated album Good Morning Gorgeous.] 

    Their forthcoming debut album on Daptone Records, Heartache in Room 14, marks a significant evolution in their journey, as they collaborate with renowned Daptone Records producer Bosco Mann. "This whole album was a new experience for us, from the way we approach songwriting to how we recorded the music," explains Ponce. Flores adds, “Working at Penrose with Gabe was a turning point for us. Our songwriting process was broken down and rebuilt focusing on lyrics, melody and arrangement. We started to create songs that felt vulnerable lyrically and contagious melodically. We welcomed the change and were like sponges in the new environment taking it all in.” 

    The opening track “Waiting” is a testament to that vulnerability. Ponce and Flores’s tender vocals tell a story of longing, love and the patience that goes with it. Backed by a haunting organ and creeping rhythm, the song is a head nod to the classic soul sounds that inspired them–albeit delivered with hallucinatory aplomb. Sung in spanish they deliver “Del cielo te cuido,” a heartfelt homage to the boleros of their abuela’s living room and “Perdóname,” a mid tempo groover whose guitar driven instrumentation and heartbreaking lyrics create a moody juxtaposition that is uniquely theirs. “Your Light” , a dreamy, earnest declaration of love that further showcases the undeniably charming chemistry of Ponce and Flores.  With the verses sung in heavenly unison the pleading call and response chorus brings another layer of depth and emotion to the track. 

    Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025, and with extensive worldwide touring in the works, the highly anticipated Heartache in Room 14 is poised to take The Altons distinctive brand of soul music to lofty new heights.

9.06.2026

Peach Tree Rascals

DJ Leydis

  • From their humble beginnings in a San Jose shed to becoming a global phenomenon, the Peach Tree Rascals are the ultimate "DIY" success story. Composed of high school friends Isaac Pech, Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq, Joseph Barros, Dominic "Dom" Pizano, and creative director Jorge Olazaba, this collective is bringing their signature "sunny-day" sound to our stage.

    The Rascals first exploded onto the scene with their 2019 viral anthem "Mariposa," a track that captured the hearts of millions and reached #1 on the Alternative Radio charts. Since then, they have refused to be boxed into a single genre, instead crafting a kaleidoscopic blend of indie-pop, hip-hop, and alternative jazz. Their music feels like a West Coast summer: carefree, melodic, and deeply idealistic.

    Coming off the heels of their latest album, Love, The Rascals, and recent 2026 singles like "Dance the Night Away," the band has matured while keeping their infectious chemistry intact. Their live shows are a high-energy testament to their brotherhood, featuring a seamless flow between soulful vocals, rhythmic rap verses, and lush, organic instrumentation.

    Whether you know them from their 300 million+ streams or you’re discovering their vibrant, genre-fluid world for the first time, a Peach Tree Rascals show is a reminder of the power of community and the joy of making music with your best friends.


    Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka,” a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances. 


    In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Music Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014. In 2016, Los Rakas released their self-titled, second album earning them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album”. Their 2019 album Manes De Negocio is best described by Remezcla as a “socially conscious trap soiree”.  Los Rakas has performed with artists like Dave Chappelle, Snoop Dogg, Berner, JBalvin, Kehlani, Zion & LennoxCypress Hill, E40, Ice Cube, Kali Uchis, Shaggy, and Nina Sky to name a few. They have also collaborated with artists such as Blondie, Amara La Negra, Carmack, Kafu Banton, Kat Dahlia, D-Smoke, Goapele, P-Lo and in 2022 their hit single Uno2Tres will be featured in the FIFA 22 soundtrack.


    As KQED states, Los Rakas are “positioning themselves as the heirs of pioneering Black Panamanian reggaetoneros such as El General and Renato.” Los Rakas are turning the current Latin hip-hop world on its head.

7.26.26

Kev Choice Ensemble

  • Oakland’s own Renaissance man is returning to the stage. The Kev Choice Ensemble is more than just a band; it is a high-energy, genre-bending journey led by a visionary who sits comfortably at the intersection of hip-hop, jazz, classical, and soul.

    A master pianist, conscious MC, and prolific composer, Kev Choice has spent years defining the "Oakland sound." His pedigree is unmatched: from serving as the musical director for Ms. Lauryn Hill to collaborating with the Oakland and San Francisco Symphonies. With the Kev Choice Ensemble, he translates that orchestral grandness into a tight, groove-heavy experience that feels as much like a jazz club as it does a hip-hop arena.

    The Ensemble’s latest work, including the 2025 standout "Fear" and the lush, strings-infused "Loving You," showcases a band at the height of its powers. Their sets move seamlessly from virtuosic piano solos and intricate woodwind arrangements to hard-hitting boom-bap rhythms and socially conscious lyricism. It is music that demands your attention and moves your soul.

    Whether you’re here for the sophisticated jazz improvisations or the raw energy of East Bay hip-hop, the Kev Choice Ensemble delivers a world-class performance that proves why Choice remains one of the most influential cultural forces in music today.

8.16.2026

The Purple Ones

So Lauren

Prince vs. MJ DJ set + Lady Ryan

  • When the Bay Area’s premier Prince tribute meets Oakland’s resident musical polymath, the result is a high-voltage celebration of funk, soul, and pure artistry. The Kev Choice Ensemble joins forces with The Purple Ones for a night that honors the past while pushing the sound of the future.

    The Purple Ones

    The Purple Ones are not your standard tribute act. There are no impersonators or cheap wigs—just a massive, 11-piece "insatiable" funk machine dedicated to the musical language of Prince. Led by bandleader Morty Okin and featuring Prince’s own former Musical Director, Levi Seacer Jr. (The New Power Generation), the band captures the "controlled chaos" and raw energy of a live Prince performance. With a world-class horn section and a rotating cast of power-house vocalists, they deliver everything from the chart-topping hits to the deep B-side cuts that defined the Minneapolis sound.

    Kev Choice Ensemble

    Leading the charge is Kev Choice, a pianist, MC, and composer who bridges the gap between the symphony hall and the hip-hop stage. Having served as the musical director for Ms. Lauryn Hill and collaborated with the San Francisco Symphony, Choice brings a level of sophisticated arrangements and conscious lyricism that is uniquely Oakland. His ensemble blends jazz virtuosity with hard-hitting boom-bap, creating a sonic landscape that is both intellectual and dancefloor-ready.

    The Collaboration

    When these two powerhouses share the stage, the lineage of Black American music is on full display. Expect a seamless fusion where the intricate funk of the "Purple Army" meets the modern, genre-bending brilliance of the Kev Choice Ensemble. This is a celebration of rhythm, community, and the enduring legacy of the funk.

view past concert series

Thank You to Our 2026 Summer Concert Sponsors!

The music doesn’t stop at Levitt Pavilion San Jose thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. Your support has brought world-class performances, cultural connection, and free live music to thousands of people in the heart of downtown San Jose. Together, we’ve created a summer tradition that celebrates diversity, builds community, and makes the arts accessible to all.

We are deeply grateful to our 2026 sponsors whose belief in Levitt’s mission helped us host 10 incredible concerts—each one alive with joy, dancing, and connection.