San José Jazz Weekend Festival to Celebrate its 12th Edition with International Talent and Free Admission in the Hotel Zone

The San José Jazz Weekend Festival will celebrate its twelfth edition this Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, in the hotel zone of San José del Cabo, across from Plaza del Pescador, with an international artistic program, cultural activities, and completely free admission for the public. During an interview on the program Los Cabos a la Carta, the festival organizer, Raquel Rocha, announced that the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on both days and will include street closures, as well as the support of municipal and state authorities and tourism organizations. “This year we are celebrating the twelfth edition. The festival began in 2013, but there was a hiatus for one year,” commented Rocha, who emphasized that the event has become one of the most important cultural activities in the region. The organizer explained that admission will be free, although she encouraged attendees to patronize the participating restaurants. “Just come prepared so you can shop at the food stalls that will be there as guests,” he said. Among the culinary offerings, he mentioned the participation of restaurants from Plaza del Pescador, as well as special guests like Palmilla Social Club and Tava. In addition to the music, the festival will include art exhibitions, children's activities, and the participation of the Soñar Despierto Foundation. For his part, the festival's artistic director, Hernán Hecht, announced that five groups will perform each day, showcasing a variety of styles within jazz and its contemporary fusions. “It's a really important event that you should attend; it's one of the few cultural events happening in the area,” Hecht said. Among the main artists, he highlighted the participation of Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdés, who will be accompanied by a trio and local musicians. “Chuchito has seven or eight Latin Grammy nominations, so he's a tremendous artist, very well-known internationally,” he stated. The program also includes performances by Alex Mercado Trio, Larry Ruiz Velasco, Rita Donte, Monique, Diego Ramírez Trio, Adrián Gamarra Quartet, and a James Brown tribute by the group Be Soul. Organizers estimate an attendance of between 5,000 and 6,000 people over the two days of the festival. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to share a great time,” concluded Hernán Hecht.