As the Silicon Alleys column approaches its 20-year mark, the writer reflects on the evolution of San Jose's live music scene. Revisiting Nashville prompts a realization that while the options in San Jose still lag behind, significant progress has been made since 2005. The closure of notable venues like Cactus Club and Saddle Rack once left music enthusiasts in the lurch, but now venues like the San Jose Jazz Break Room and upcoming projects like Levitt Pavilion signal a brighter future for music in the city. This change invites optimism and renewed appreciation for local efforts.
In 2005, Cactus Club had just closed three years earlier, not too much longer after the Saddle Rack closed. Fuel was gone and Blank Club had just opened up in its place.
Social media did not really exist yet. No one had mobile phones. No one cared about Wi-Fi. People in bars actually still talked to each other.
The San Jose Jazz Break Room finished up what I think was its best series ever with its New Works Fest, which included several SJSU alums, as well as out-of-towners.
The folks lobbying behind Levitt Pavilion surmounted another obstacle toward building a permanent concert stage for dozens of family-friendly gigs in St. James Park every year.
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