Thousands of People Expected at the 17th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival Presented by Southwest Airlines August 18, 19, and 20th

SAN JOSE, CA (San Jose Jazz Society) - Three-Day New Orleans-Themed Event Features National and Local Names in Jazz on Nine Stages; 80 Performances Including Biggest Names in Latin, Salsa, Blues, Big Band and More

Thousands of people are expected in downtown San Jose August 18-20, 2006 as the 17th annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines kicks off this weekend. Some of the top names in jazz will be on hand in a tribute to New Orleans including the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Bay Area blues legend Tommy Castro.

The Festival kicks off Friday, August 18, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. On Saturday and Sunday, performances will commence at noon at all of the Jazz Festival's stage venues. The weekend after hours events include the Jazz Beyond stage at the San Jose Repertory Theater, Jazz films, free music in local restaurants, a 48-hours jazz jams and Jazz Mass. Friday night admission to the festival is free. Saturday and Sunday admission for the Festival is $5.00 per day and children 12 and under free. San Jose Jazz Society members receive free admission. VIP tickets include preferred seating and free food and beverages are available. Festival attendees may purchase tickets at the door or at Bay Area Borders stores.

For more complete information about the Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival and how to plan your weekend, visit www.sanjosejazz.org. Special hotel packages are available for festival weekend. Proceeds from the Festival go to the San Jose Jazz Society's music and education programs.