“Fil Maresca slowed down long enough for San Jose Downtown Association to ask him a few questions about the SoFA Street Fair coming up on Sept. 24 and his long history helping build SoFA as a destination.”
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Read More“As has been the case with the past three fall SoFA Street Fairs—and 2016’s inaugural spring event—the focus will be on local bands. However, Maresca says, there is another focus he and his team have been devoting energy to this year: keeping SoFA Street Fair free and putting a little cash in the pockets of local artists.”
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Read More“Last year, seeing the effects of Silicon Valley’s second big tech boom—the new restaurants, bars and young professionals filling up the newly built apartment towers—Maresca felt that the time was right to “reupholster” his beloved SoFA Street Fair.His instincts were spot on. With veteran ska-punks Fishbone headlining, and more than 50 local and national acts supporting, the festival was a success—drawing large crowds and garnering favorable press from a number of local outlets.”
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Read More“The lineup featured over 50 bands, several outdoor stages, and many indoor venues such as South First Billiards and Heroes. In addition to a variety of food trucks (Mexican food, ice scream, strawberries with spongecake and cream, to name a few), the festival’s booths promoted San Jose private businesses and local artists, such as the Vape Bar, the 7 Stars Bar, the Aye Dios Mio! shop, and Classic Loot (featured recently in Content’s print issue). Everything was uniquely San Josean- you could distinctly feel the pride. People were thrilled to have the community support the music scene again, and many of the attendees and performers alike, expressed the hope that it will continue for another decade.”
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Read More“After more than a dozen years' absence, the SoFA Street Fair returns to a district that's once again thriving.Now, the festival is coming back, not to relive the past—and this is important—but to take advantage of the present. Several brand new waves of 20-somethings and early-30-somethings are screaming for live music again. For the festival, many bands from the original SoFA era are reuniting and a slew of newer bands will perform. Organizer and original SoFA instigator Fil Maresca says the SoFA Street Fair brand is one that still resonates with thousands of people.”
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Read More“The Bay Bridged: How would you describe the San Jose music scene for those unfamiliar with the territory?
Jimmy Arceneaux: There are a ton of great, talented young bands in the region that are kind of hidden, because of their location, to the greater Bay Area music scene. The problem is there are so many bands and not enough venues for them to play, especially if they’re underage. Most of the venues here are twenty-one plus, and it’s really tough for the kids to gig when all their friends can’t come to a show.
Gary Avila: I agree. The live music scene is definitely improving around here, but the kids do need some venues of their own. I think SoFA may help kickstart the push for more all ages shows in the area.”
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