San Jose Jazz Festival Founder Bruce Labadie to Retire After 36 Years
Bruce Labadie, the founder of the San Jose Jazz Festival, is retiring after 36 years, marking his final appearance at the annual event held in downtown San Jose.
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 9, 2026 —
Bruce Labadie, the driving force behind the San Jose Jazz Festival for over three decades, is set to retire. His departure marks the end of an era for the prominent downtown San Jose event, which he founded 36 years ago.
Labadie’s final appearance at the helm of the festival will be this year, culminating his long tenure. Over his 36 years of leadership, he has been instrumental in shaping the festival into a significant cultural fixture in the South Bay.
The San Jose Jazz Festival has become a well-established annual gathering, drawing a diverse audience to downtown San Jose to celebrate jazz music. Labadie’s vision and dedication have been central to its sustained success and growth throughout its history.
Details regarding the specific timing of his retirement beyond this year’s festival or any succession plans were not immediately available. The festival’s organizers have not yet released further information on the transition.
Story summarized from the original created by Tiffany Liou on abc7news.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
