{"id":373536,"date":"2026-06-24T21:20:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/373536\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T21:20:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T21:20:13","slug":"san-jose-fountain-blues-and-brews-festival-brings-big-talent-to-downtown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/373536\/","title":{"rendered":"San Jose Fountain Blues and Brews Festival brings big talent to downtown"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bay Area blues fans<\/a> have been counting down the days.<\/p>\n

And now the time has finally come for the San Jose Blues and Brews Festival<\/a>, which takes over Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose June 27 and 28. On both of those days, from noon to 8 p.m., the Plaza will be absolutely alive with quality blues music from headliners Eric Gales, Ronnie Baker Brooks and others.<\/p>\n

There will also be plenty of craft beer and other drinks, as well as barbecue and other treats, for sale.<\/p>\n

San Jose Fountain Blues and Brews<\/a> tickets are $30-$200, fountainblues.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s are just five of the many acts worth catching at this year\u2019s festival:<\/p>\n

Eric Gales<\/p>\n

The Saturday headliner is one of the many excellent artists who have benefited from all the attention paid to \u201cSinners,\u201d the hit film that was drenched equally with blood and blues. The top-tier guitar hero contributed to the movie\u2019s soundtrack and even performed during this year\u2019s Academy Awards, where the Ryan Coogler-directed film took home four trophies.<\/p>\n

Details: (6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage)<\/p>\n

Ronnie Baker Brooks<\/p>\n

The Chicago talent is the son of Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks and learned his licks from such legends as B.B. King, Albert Collins, Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor while growing up. The Sunday headliner\u2019s latest album is the appropriately titled \u201cBlues in My DNA,\u201d which propelled the vocalist-guitarist to victories in the Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year and Song of the Year categories at the 2025 Blues Music Awards.<\/p>\n

Details: 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage<\/p>\n

Ruthie Foster<\/p>\n

This phenomenal vocalist has been compared to the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Yet, she\u2019s definitely got her own vocal style and presence, one that draws from gospel, folk, soul and blues. Over the years, she\u2019s been nominated for five Grammy Awards \u2014 finally getting to take one home with her when \u201cMileage\u201d won the 2025 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.<\/p>\n

Details: 2-3:15 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage<\/p>\n

Blues Explosion<\/p>\n

This showcase, presented by JaZzLine Institute, features a number of talented artists from the Bay Area and beyond \u2014 The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Fillmore Slim, Lady Bianca and Alvon Johnson.<\/p>\n

Details: 12-1:15 p.m. Saturday, Main Stage<\/p>\n

Southern Avenue<\/p>\n

The Grammy-nominated band features vocalist Tierinii Jackson, drummer Tikyra \u201cT.K.\u201d Jackson and multi-instrumentalist Ava Jackson \u2014 three sisters who grew up signing gospel music in Memphis churches \u2014 as well as guitarist Ori Naftaly. Tierinii Jackson was also featured on the \u201cSinners\u201d soundtrack.<\/p>\n

Details: 4-5:15 p.m. Sunday, Main Stage<\/p>\n

Road Closures:<\/p>\n

The following festival-related street closures will be in effect from 1 p.m. June 26 to 8 a.m. June 29:<\/p>\n

1) Southbound Market Street will be closed between San Fernando Street and Park Avenue.<\/p>\n

2) Northbound Market St. Lane \u2013 One traffic lane will be closed between San Fernando Street and Paseo de San Antonio.<\/p>\n

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