“When I got the call about [volunteering with San Jose Jazz]  I couldn’t pass that up. To help promote that music more, especially in a culturally diverse area like San Jose, that was a dream calling. Once I got involved, it’s in me now. I bleed jazz.”

- Jim Snowden, inaugural San Jose Jazz Board Member and decades-long Summer Fest volunteer.

When most people think of San Jose Jazz, they think of Summer Fest; where for nearly a quarter of a century, the second weekend in August has thrown the streets of downtown San Jose into a full-on mix of sounds from around the world--with stages blaring anything from straight-ahead and Latin jazz to swing, blues and more.  For some residents of Silicon Valley, volunteering for Summer Fest is a long-standing, even familial, tradition, while for others, volunteering for three hot days of sizzling summer jazz is something new.  Either way--whether veterans or newbies--our volunteers are the lifeblood of the festival; We couldn’t do it without them!

With a mission to build a stronger and more vibrant community through music education and live performance, San Jose Jazz needs volunteers not only during our two annual festivals, but throughout the year as well.  Can you help us?

Volunteering at our festivals:

During Winter Fest and Summer Fest, San Jose Jazz needs help with everything from checking wristbands at the door, to ushering, to operating the elevator at the Theater on San Pedro Square; no matter your interest, we can usually find something interesting for you to do!  Recruitment for Winter Fest volunteers begins in January, while recruitment for Summer Fest begins mid-spring.  To be alerted to upcoming festival recruitment, job descriptions and activities please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and ask to be added to the “Volunteer” and/or “Festival” email lists, in order to ensure hearing from us once volunteer recruitment begins.

Year-round volunteer positions:

Administrative Support: Work with various departments within San Jose Jazz to assist with different projects throughout the year.  Jobs can range from inputting Marketing survey information into an online database, to stuffing envelopes for Membership or Finance.  Times and duties will vary.

Jazz Messenger:  If you live for music and meeting new people, this is for you! The San Jose Jazz Messengers are a group of outgoing volunteers who love music and enjoy interacting with people. As a Messenger, you will act as host of our free weekly concerts and various other events. You'll share your love of live music and let people know about San Jose Jazz education and performance programs, as well as membership and other opportunities to support the great work we do in the community. This is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can connect with other music lovers and share your passion for live performance.

Special Event Assistance:  Work with San Jose Jazz staff to support performances, House Concerts and fundraising events throughout the year.  Duties will vary.

Video Editing:  Work with the Marketing and Education Departments to create videos from existing San Jose Jazz video footage to document programs or to share via social media.

If you have any further questions, or would like to be a part of our team, please contact the San Jose Jazz Volunteer Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via phone at (408) 288-7557 ext. 2310.

How to get to our office

We are located at 145 West San Carlos Street in downtown San Jose, across the street from the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

Light Rail: Disembark at the Convention Center stop. Single ride fare for seniors (65+) is $1.00. Regular fare: $2.00. To use the VTA trip planner, click here

Buses: To use VTA trip planner: click here

Caltrain: Stop at Diridon Station. From Monday through Friday, take the free DASH shuttle to Convention Center stop (about a 5-minute ride.) Shuttle stops running at 7:18pm.  The walk from the San Jose Jazz offices to Diridon station is about 15 minutes.

Parking: There are multiple surface lots and parking garages in the area. Click here for a downtown San Jose parking map.