Jazz in the Neighborhood featuring Jon Dryden & Kevin Legnon & The American Vandals

12pm – 3pm: Jazz in the Neighborhood featuring Jon Dryden  – Step into the expressive world of Jon Dryden, a jazz pianist whose playing blends emotional depth with cerebral nuance—somewhere between the introspective lyricism of Vince Guaraldi and the exploratory abstraction of Paul Bley. With a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from San Jose State University and over three decades on the professional circuit—including nearly 20 years performing in Brooklyn—Dryden brings precision, maturity, and storytelling to every performance. His compositions—whether newly premiered at the New Works Fest or crafted in his studio—are tinged with metaphor, tension, and longing; they feel like “melancholy with a touch of hope,” forming subtle emotional frameworks that captivate and uplift.

As a grantee of the 2025 Jazz Aid Fund, Dryden has showcased new music at the San Jose Jazz New Works Fest, performing original pieces like “Circada” and the commissioned “That Would Be Telling” alongside a hand-picked ensemble of top-flight collaborators. His distinguished career spans work with major artists—from Norah Jones and Regina Carter to David Byrne—alongside composing for films, television, and theater. Whether performing solo, leading his trio, or mentoring the next generation in the Jazz Studies program at SJSU and Santa Clara University, Jon Dryden brings a refined sensitivity—and profound musical integrity—to the stage.

4pm – 7pm: Kevin Legnon & The American Vandals – Brace yourself for Kevin Legnon & The American Vandals, a high-octane force in American rock whose gritty vocals and fearless stage presence bring raw authenticity straight to the heart of every performance. Frontman Kevin Legnon commands the spotlight with soulful intensity, while the band drives forward with a blistering blend of rock, roots, and unfiltered attitude—making every note feel like a fiery declaration of independence. Their sound is unapologetic, thrilling, and rooted in the true grit of American music’s rebellious spirit.

Fresh, energetic, and undeniably rebellious, this band is carving out its own path in the live music scene—igniting stages with fierce and unforgettable sets. Supported by a seasoned ensemble with deep musical chops, their performances pulse with urgency and passion, creating an immersive experience that lingers long after the last chord fades. Whether tearing it up at a festival or delivering an intimate club performance, Kevin Legnon & The American Vandals deliver a show that’s equal parts raw power and pure heart.