For the first time in its 11-year edition, the San José Jazz Weekend International Festival will welcome a headlining artist from Japan: internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Miki Yamanaka. Set to perform on both Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, 2025, Miki brings a powerful blend of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and global perspective that promises to leave an unforgettable mark on the Baja California Sur jazz scene—and on the evolution of the festival itself.
Born and raised in Japan, Miki Yamanaka is now one of the most exciting voices in New York City’s thriving jazz circuit. A fixture at iconic venues like the Village Vanguard and Mezzrow, she has shared the stage with some of the greatest living jazz musicians and continues to be recognized for her refined sound, rooted in tradition but fearlessly contemporary.
Miki’s music is a reflection of her cultural duality: Japanese lyricism meets the soulful swing of New York. Her compositions are elegant yet bold, drawing inspiration from her early classical training, Japanese aesthetics, and bebop roots. Her 2020 release, Human Dust Suite, was lauded by critics for its poetic narrative and sophisticated phrasing, establishing her as a standout artist among her generation.
Her performance at the San José Jazz Weekend International Festival is more than a concert; it is a historic milestone. In a festival that has steadily grown into one of Mexico’s leading free-entry jazz events, hosting over 5,000 attendees annually, the presence of a pianist like Yamanaka signals a new chapter in international visibility, artistic ambition, and cultural prestige.
Jazz lovers in Los Cabos and beyond can expect an intimate yet explosive live performance, one where every note tells a story—from the shores of Japan to the stages of New York, and now to the breezy, ocean-kissed air of San José del Cabo.
Don’t miss Miki Yamanaka, live at the 11th edition of the San José Jazz Weekend International Festival on May 23 and 24, 2025.
