Kool & The Gang at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest at Plaza De César Chávez

“There’s a party going on right there / a celebration to last throughout the years.” With those lyrics, shouts of “Yahoo!” and that opening snare drum salvo, Kool & the Gang’s dancefloor hymn makes any occasion a “Celebration.” With scores of other timeless hits, they’ll close 2018 Summer Fest in style.

Started in 1964 by brothers Ronald and Robert “Kool” Bell, Kool & the Gang released its all-instrumental self-titled debut in 1969. The group thrived through the funk, disco and post-modern eras starting in 1973 with the success of Wild & Peaceful and its hit singles “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.”...

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“There’s a party going on right there / a celebration to last throughout the years.” With those lyrics, shouts of “Yahoo!” and that opening snare drum salvo, Kool & the Gang’s dancefloor hymn makes any occasion a “Celebration.” With scores of other timeless hits, they’ll close 2018 Summer Fest in style.

Started in 1964 by brothers Ronald and Robert “Kool” Bell, Kool & the Gang released its all-instrumental self-titled debut in 1969. The group thrived through the funk, disco and post-modern eras starting in 1973 with the success of Wild & Peaceful and its hit singles “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.”

“Ladies Night,” “Get Down on It,” “Too Hot,” “Fresh” and, of course, “Celebration” followed. Though the band can bring a beat like no-one’s business, they’re not afraid to display their sensitive side as heard on hits “Cherish” and “Joanna.”

Kool & the Gang has headlined festivals and their own tours and opened for acts as diverse as Elton John, Van Halen and Dave Matthews Band. They were also the only American group to participate in the recording of the historic, otherwise British and Northern Irish Band Aid “Do They Know It’s Christmas” charity single in 1984.

With a charismatic front man, a tight rhythm section and impeccable horns, Kool & the Gang is the nation’s party band with a history that’s as glorious as its songbook.

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