Blues Traveler, Brenton Wood and WAR dates also set.
SAN JOSE – Music in the Park, presented by Metro kicks off its 28th season on June 23 with New Zealand-based roots-reggae rockers Katchafire.
Island reggae artists One-A-Chord from Monterey Bay, Mango Kingz from the Bay Area, and guest reggae DJ Robert Rankin from San Jose open the show, which starts at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, off Market Street in the center of downtown San Jose.
Katchafire, a five-piece all-Maori band formed in 1997, is regaled as one of the most cherished, original live reggae bands in the world. Roots reggae artists at their core, Katchafire also integrates R&B, funk, dancehall and pop themes into their live playing. Most recently they put out a single Burn it Down and offered Stir It Up on a recent tribute to Bob Marley, in the wake of four studio albums, multiple awards and platinum sales. www.katchafire.co.nz
Also coming to Music in the Park this summer:
July 20: Grammy-winners Blues Traveler, one of America’s favorite jam bands, celebrating their 30th anniversary. www.bluestraveler.com
Aug. 3: Brenton Wood brings his chest full of R&B hits up from Los Angeles to perform for his South Bay audience. twitter.com/brentonwood Wood will perform in lieu of Bootsy Collins, who was previously announced but had to cancel for medical reasons.
Aug. 25: WAR, self-described as “The Original Afro Cuban Jazz Rock Blues band.” Hit parade includes “Why Can’t We be Friends,’ “Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World is a Ghetto” and more classics. Eric Burden of the Animals co-founded the band in 1969. www.war.com
All shows include local openers.
Advanced tickets are $10 per adult and free for 12-under when accompanied by an adult. Tickets and information are available at www.musicintheparksj.com. Day-of-the-event admission will cost $15 per adult.
Music in the Park is produced by the San Jose Downtown Association and supported by the City of San Jose. Other major sponsors include: Deloitte, Coors Light and Ballast Point.
About San Jose Downtown Association: SJDA, a non-profit membership-based organization founded in 1986, represents business and property owners and works to enhance downtown’s vitality and livability. www.sjdowntown.com
Contact: Rick Jensen
Communications Director