Music in the Air … with Mark ‘Fenny’ Fenichel: Recalling Woodstock, and the summer continues to thrive with live music

Take it to the streets and join the party in downtown Gilroy

Photo courtesy SBCL
San Benito County Line plays the final Downtown Live event Aug. 3 beginning at 5 p.m.

By Mark Fenichel

Mark “Fenny” Fenichel

Every August I reminisce about my adventurous week at the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair now 54 years ago.

I think about the heat and humidity and the smell of patchouli oil, incense, cow manure and marijuana wafting through the air. I recall the long lines for those nasty port-a-potties and the empty shelves at the local market in town a couple miles away. I remember the feeling of freedom of the open space in the rolling hills of upstate New York and the thoughts of my few unlucky friends fighting a war thousands of miles away in Vietnam. And the good feeling of love and brotherhood amongst the thousands of people I didn’t know but felt like they were all close friends. It was so much more than a three-day music concert. At the time none of us would have ever known we would be part of the most historic music event of all time.

The summer continues to thrive with outdoor music events. Silicon Valley’s premier annual music event, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2023 returns for its 33rd festival season from Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13 in and around Plaza de César Chavez Park in downtown San Jose.

Renowned as one of North America’s foremost music events with its dynamic three-day programming, San Jose Jazz presents a thrilling artist lineup for one of the summer’s major outdoor music festivals.

SJZ Summer Fest 2023 features 100 acts across eight stages, with acclaimed headliners on the main  stage. For the full line-up and ticket information go to www.sanjosejazz.org.

Here in South Valley the final Downtown Gilroy Live concert Aug. 3 will be featuring an evening of country music from the San Benito County Line. Take it to the streets and join the party in downtown Gilroy beginning at 5 p.m.

Morgan Hill’s free Friday Night Music Series has just three more events Aug. 4, 11 and 18. Aug. 4 will feature Maroon Vibes, Aug. 11 it’s Superbad and the final event will be Soul Kiss. For more details go to www..org.

One more thing, you do not have to be Italian to enjoy the 41st Annual Italian Family Festa Aug. 5 & 6 at History Park 1650 Senter Road in San Jose. The Festa begins both days at 11 a.m. with live music. For more details visit www.italianfamilyfesta.org

If you have a musical tip feel free to reach out at [email protected].