News Summary
The second edition of the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival attracted over 1,000 attendees, showcasing the power of music in bridging cultural divides. Funded by Qualcomm co-founder Irwin M. Jacobs, the festival featured performances by Grammy winners and rising stars, honoring legendary musicians and celebrating diverse jazz styles. With an emphasis on cultural inclusion and community participation, the festival highlighted its mission to promote music as a tool for unity amidst rising tensions.
San Diego welcomed over 1,000 attendees this past weekend for the second edition of the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, a celebration not only of music but also of cultural unity. The festival opened on Thursday in downtown San Diego and concluded on Sunday in downtown Tijuana, featuring a range of diverse performances and highlighting the significance of music to bridge borders.
Generous support for the festival came from Qualcomm co-founder Irwin M. Jacobs, who provided nearly $400,000 in seed funding. This financial backing underlined the festival’s ambition to promote jazz and its accessibility for a diverse audience. The Saturday lineup was particularly notable, taking place at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, where both indoor and outdoor stages showcased performances from prominent and rising stars in the jazz world.
Featured acts included several Grammy Award winners, such as John Clayton, David Sanchez, Arturo O’Farrill, and Jorge Francisco Castillo. A highlight of the event was a centennial tribute to renowned saxophonist James Moody, performed by Clayton and Sanchez. Moody, who passed away in 2010, was a longtime resident of San Diego and his legacy was celebrated through a diverse array of performances blending jazz with Afro-Cuban styles and traditional Mexican son jarocho folk music.
Additionally, the festival honored the late pianist Mike Wofford, husband of Holly Hofmann, who passed away earlier this year. Rising jazz vocalists Gabrielle Cavassa and Lucia, winners of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2021 and 2022, also captivated attendees with their performances. Cavassa delivered a unique rendition of “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” alongside her original song “Bossy Nova.”
The festival also featured talented trumpet player Ivan Trujillo, who set the tone with a robust opening performance alongside his band. Festival founder Daniel Atkinson stressed the festival’s mission to provide great jazz to everyone across the border, fostering connections between San Diego and Tijuana. The event brought together over 1,000 attendees, emphasizing the cultural significance of the festival amidst rising international tensions.
The festival aimed to showcase the unifying power of music, drawing together a diverse audience from various backgrounds and communities. Local artists and community members were invited to participate, further enhancing the festival’s inclusive atmosphere. Programming featured a mix of local, regional, and international talent to celebrate various jazz styles and cultural backgrounds.
As the festival concluded, a collaboration between the Fandango Fronterizo Colectivo and the Afro-Latin Ensemble energized the audience to dance, embodying the festival’s themes of unity and cultural celebration. Addressing the audience, O’Farrill highlighted the current climate of anti-immigrant policies, emphasizing the importance of overcoming divisions through music. The festival served as a powerful reminder of collaboration and unity, showcasing its ability to uplift and bring together diverse communities even in a polarized environment.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Jazz Festival Soars High
- JazzTimes: Crossing Borders Jazz Festival
- Times of San Diego: Tribute to James Moody
- Google Search: San Diego International Jazz Festival
- Daily Gazette: Jazz Festival 2025 Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
