Mark Arroyo. Courtesy of San Jose Jazz.
Art and jazz are perfect companions. Take a break from the heat for a guitar-led improvisation by Mark Arroyo. Best known as the guitarist behind The Mark Arroyo Trio’s fully improvised sets around San José, Arroyo steps out on his own this time, guitar out front.
Register for tickets in advance to ensure a fast check-in at the front desk.
Public Notice
This weekend the Circle of Palms will have a barrier around the trees for the public’s safety. Several of the palm trees were recently found to be dead or dying. The City is working to remove the trees as quickly as possible. The San José Museum of Art will remain open and we look forward to seeing you!
About
Mark Arroyo and his trio came together almost by accident: Hotel De Anza’s Hedley Club needed a band, Arroyo answered the call, and the name stuck even though, as he puts it, “it’s always the three of us.” Since 2012, the group has built a following on fully improvised shows, reworking songs like Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” through washes of overdriven guitar, searching bass solos, and shifting rhythms. The approach echoes Keith Jarrett’s tradition of fully improvised concerts, though it remains rare for the South Bay jazz scene. Wax Poetics writer David Ma described their sets as blending genre-crossing covers with moody, story-like instrumentals.
In 2021, San Jose Jazz’s Jazz Aid Fund commissioned Arroyo to write “Pulse in Isolation,” a solo piece built from his own guitars, synthesizers and percussion. He’s kept expanding beyond the trio since, lending guitar to the Francis Experience Quintet and a new collaboration with vocalist Kia
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2026
Jazz, soul, funk, Latin energy and pure showmanship—San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is back with a lineup packed with jazz and R&B legends alongside the hottest rising stars. Headlining this year is Patti LaBelle, bringing six decades of vocal power and stage presence to downtown San Jose. She's joined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Zapp Ft. Tuxedo, Cory Wong, the Afro-Cuban All Stars, Javon Jackson with Nnenna Freelon, The Soul Rebels, Joe Bataan, Adi Oasis, Thee Sinseers and dozens more across eight stages over three days. Choose from four levels of access from GA to VIP with complimentary beverages and exclusive new events to make this the best weekend ever. August 7–9. All tickets now on sale! summerfest.sanjosejazz.org