San Jose Jazz Winter Fest 2015 brings national and local talents in jazz, hip hop and R&B to San Jose starting Feb. 27 with an increased emphasis this year on SoFa District venues.

According to artistic and festival director Bruce Labadie the move is an opportunity for the festival to expand, and the SoFa district has been an ever increasing presence in San Jose’s nightlife scene with new restaurants and venues.

 For Winter Fest, performances will take place at Cafe Stritch, The Continental, Hotel De Anza Hedley Club, The Fairmont, MACLA, San Jose Stage Company and San Pedro Square Market.

Back in San Jose after a sold-out show at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, Taylor McFerrin, son of vocalist Bobby Mcferrin (best known for his 80s hit “Don’t Worry be Happy”), performs March 4 with songs from his recently released debut album Early Riser. A producer, composer and pianist based in Brooklyn, his style fuses free-form jazz and classic hip hop with electronic music.

Other highlights include LA-based Kris Bowers, who blends jazz with elements of rock, R&B and other genres, and Kendrick Scott, who hailed as one of the top drummers of his generation. He performs at Winter Fest with Taylor Eigsti, a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer.

 San Jose Jazz Winter Fest National Headliners:

Taylor McFerrin
Kris Bowers
Kendrick Scott & Taylor Eigsti
Marc Cary Focus Trio
Mads Tolling Quartet with Tierney Sutton
Les Yeux Noirs

Bay Area Youth Ensemble Performances

San Jose State University Jazz Orchestra
San Jose Jazz High School All Stars
Folsom High School Jazz Band Big Band
Santa Teresa High School Big Band
Valley Christian High School Big Band
Archbishop Mitty High School Big Band

Tickets are available starting at $12. More info.