Summer Fest: Here are 8 shows you shouldn't miss
From Bad Plus to Cimafunk, event offers a deep lineup
As in past years, Summer Fest presents a fundamental challenge to the laws of physics.
If unable to be in two or three locations at the same moment, one must make difficult decisions regarding which musicians to see and when. Whether you plant yourself in one spot or hustle between venues, there's a wealth of options. Here are suggestions for some of the event's most intriguing shows.
The Bad Plus
WHEN & WHERE >> 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at Montgomery Theater Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM >> The evolution from power trio to piano-less quartet has taken The Bad Plus into intriguing new territory, with founding members bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King joined by guitarist Ben Monder and imperturbably cool-toned tenor saxophonist Chris Speed. Note: The band also plays Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz Aug. 10; www.kuumbwajazz.org).
Billy Childs
WHEN & WHERE >> 9 p.m. Aug. 11 at Montgomery Theater Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE HIM >> A pianist, composer and arranger of the highest order, Billy Childs has kept a low performance profile over the past three years, making his reemergence a postpeak pandemic gift. He performs with his Los Angeles trio featuring bassist Dan Chmielinski and drummer Christian Euman.
Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few
WHEN & WHERE >> 1 p.m. Aug. 12 at PG&E Hammer Theatre Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM >> Chicago-reared saxophonist Isaiah Collier's recent four-night run at Black Cat was a revelation, and his spiritually charged bandstand communions offer medicine for melancholy, boredom and general lack of awe.
Yakiv Tsvietinskyi with SJZ Collective
WHEN & WHERE >> 1 p.m. Aug. 13 at Montgomery Theater Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE HIM >> Returning to San Jose after an impressive turn at Winter Fest, Ukrainian trumpeter Yakiv Tsvietinskyi joins forces with the SJZ Collective to explore the music of late trumpet giant Freddie Hubbard.
Veronica Swift
WHEN & WHERE >> 2 pm Aug. 13 at Sobrato Organization Main Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE HER >> A protean singer who can belt out glam rock, scat scorching bebop lines to rival any saxophonist, or stop time with a heart-bearing ballad, Veronica Swift contains multitudes, and part of the drama of her performances is not knowing which side she's bringing to the party. Note >> She also plays at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco Oct. 12.
Connie Han
WHEN & WHERE >> 3 p.m. Aug. 13 at PG&E Hammer Theater Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE HER >> A technically dazzling player with a moreis-more aesthetic, pianist Connie Han performs with her longtime trio featuring bassist Ryan Berg and drummer Bill Wysaske, players who are game for her most audacious flights.
NOTE >> the trio returns next month for performances at SFJAZZ, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, Sept. 2224.
Vocal Gents of Jazz
Featuring Kenny Washington, Nicolas Bearde and Jamie Davis
WHEN & WHERE >> 5 p.m. Aug. 13 at PG&E Hammer Theatre Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THEM >> A soul-steeped collaboration that brings together masters who've defined male jazz singing in the Bay Area and beyond over the past three decades, this triumvirate offers boundless possibilities for tag-teamwork.
Cimafunk
WHEN & WHERE >> 4 p.m. Aug. 12 at Sobrato Organization Main Stage, 9 p.m. Aug. 12 at 200 Park Stage
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE HIM >> A superstar in Cuba and a rising force on the international scene, Cimafunk is charismatic, witty and sometimes goofy Grammynominated Havana rocker who has forged a distinctive mélange of Afrobeat, funk, and timba.