JC Smith has long been one of the true aces on the Bay Area blues music scene.
The vocalist-guitarist, who has released several fine blues records during his award-winning career, tears it up on a regular basis at top clubs in San Francisco and his native San Jose.
Read more After years of lagging reforms, new agreement sets deadlines for Santa Clara County jail care
He’s also performed at such celebrated music gatherings as the Monterey Jazz Festival and the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.
And what do all those fine venues/festivals share in common? Well, among other things, they typically charge admission.
But that won’t be the case if you want to see Smith and his mighty blues band on Sept. 13 when they perform a free concert at the Music at the Mansion Summer Concert Series in Hayward. It’s the finale of the 2026 series, which also featured Puerto Rican music act the Latin Rhythm Boys, swing band 3 O’Clock Jump and R&B/funk group Chocolate Ice earlier.
Read more Blasted for harsh view of missing girl, Monterey County sheriff now says her safety is top priority
The series is hosted by Bay Area slack key guitar great Patrick Landeza, who has performed with Smith on previous occasions and hopefully will do so again at this show.
The music runs 1 to 5 p.m. at Mt. Eden Mansion, 2451 W. Tennyson Road. For more information, visit thehardfoundation.org.
Read more Bay Area Oktoberfest 2026: Your guide to beer, brats, music
About the Author
