Dennis Rowland and Full Spectrum Jazz played to a happy & packed audience last night for the opening concert in the Jazz on the Plazz series  at the Town Plaza Park.

The music, which played from 6:30pm to a little past 8:30pm, was fantastic. Dennis Rowland is an engaging performer, both when singing and when chatting with the audience.  The Full Spectrum Jazz is an awesome band by itself, but also worked in perfect sync with Mr. Rowland.

The crowd stayed to the end despite some fairly cool winds blowing in through the pass from Santa Cruz, especially after sunset (microclimates: it was warm and nearly windless out in Belwood, so the temp change caught me by surprise - next time, I'll remember to bring layers).  Loads of booths ringed the periphery, enabling concert attendees to buy a little food (oysters, anyone?), wine or coffee.  Patrons at Willow Street, just on the other side of North Santa Cruz Avenue, got to enjoy patio dining enhanced by great jazz. Not a bad way to take in the music!

Blankets are no longer permitted as they were causing loads of damage to the lawn, and most of the concert goers seemed aware of this and came prepared with soccer-viewing type chairs.  This seemed to actually improve the overall situation as more people fit into the lawn area with chairs rather than a patchwork quilt of towels and blankets.

Many thanks to all the sponsors who make Jazz on the Plazz possible.  See you next week!

For information on the schedule for Jazz on the Plazz, Music in the Park, and Vasona Vibrations (the three free music concert series in Los Gatos), please visit my post with the detailed schedule:Los Gatos Free Music Concerts in 2009: Jazz on the Plazz, Music in the Park and Vasona Vibrations

Summer in Los Gatos is a joy - there's so much to do, and most of it doesn't cost a dime, thanks to the generosity of many sponsors.  There are three free music concert series in Los Gatos, and together they provide a wide spectrum of musical styles and entertainment.  Included are jazz, classical, rock & roll tribute bands, and much more.

Below please find the combined schedule - I have done my best to make it accurate but cannot guarantee anything so please double check with the website for each of the series. If you're here over Independence Day weekend, you're in for a double treat as there are 2 concerts on July 4th!

For general information about Music in the Park, Jazz on the Plazz and Vasona Vibrations, please see their websites:

Below please find the combined schedule of musical events in Los Gatos as planned with links to the musicians' websites when possible.  Music in the Park will have local talent do lead-in music from 4:15 to 4:45 to get the ball rolling. Please arrive early to the shows to get a great spot! 

Additonaly, on August 15 & 16 there's the Fiesta de Artes at the Civic Center, and music will be there as well.

And finally, the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival is another fun (though not free) event to put on your calendar. Performances run from mid-July to early August and are held at Oak Meadow Park.

Enjoy the summer!  Whether you live in Los Gatos, Saratoga, San Jose, or anywhere in Silicon Valley, the many events, mostly free, are a wonderful draw to our town.  See you there!