Looking Sharp in Mezlan at San Jose Jazz Fundraiser

Bringing jazz music to San Jose is a full-time job-just ask the good folks atÿ San Jose Jazz. From facilitating a wealth of educational programs to coordinating concerts, holding special events, and even hosting two annual festivals dedicated solely to the underrated musical genres, San Jose Jazz (SJJ) keeps jazz's rich tradition alive in Silicon Valley. For 25 years, the organization has operated programs such as the long-running Summer Jazz Camp, which teaches over 65,000 San Jose area youths the study, practice, and performance of jazz music to promote healthy growth and development. By sponsoring events such as Free Jazz Wednesdays and Music in the Market, SJJ provides the pubic with over 160 opportunities each year to enjoy the experience while footing the bill to ensure no one misses out. SJJ's annual Jazz Summer Fest features over 120 artists from across the globe performing on 12 stages over three days, and its cooler-weather counterpart, Winter Fest, features an invigorating mix of internationally renowned artists and local talent. To support its not-for-profit mission, SJJ depends on donations, membership fees, and fundraisers. On January 29, theÿ Silicon Valley Capital Clubÿ generously hosted San Jose Jazz'sÿ B#SV: Be Sharp Silicon Valley!ÿ fundraising event. The event featured celebrity bartending and a men's fashion show with an impressive roster of Silicon Valley's celebrities and influential figures acting as bartenders and models for the evening.ÿMezlan San Joseÿwas honored to have four San Jose-area luminaries model our Mezlan and Bacco Bucci footwear, blazers and jackets:

• Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D., CEO & President,ÿ Silicon Valley Community Foundation, wore the Mezlan Antonello Jacket and Mezlan Barbate II shoes in brown.
• Muhammed Chaudhry, CEO,ÿ Silicon Valley Education Foundation, wore Mezlan Barto II Jacket and Bacco Bucci Flavio driver shoes in yellow.
• Len Ramirez, News Reporter,ÿ KPIX 5, wore Mezlan Cashmere Jacket and Bacco Bucci Balboni boots in black and gray.
• Dr. Harsha Vittal M.D.,ÿ Gastroenterologist, South Bay Gastroenterology, wore the Mezlan Mombo Graphite Suede Blazer and Mezlan Barbate II shoes in black.

  All models and the clothing and shoes they showcased looked terrific. A silent auction benefited San Jose Jazz, and the live music and stunning views from the Capital Club created an unforgettable atmosphere. Complimentary premium wines, beer, cocktails and appetizers were provided by local businesses and generously sponsored byÿAlcario and Carmen Castellano. Vicki Thompson,ÿ Silicon Valley Business Journalÿ photographer, wrote about the event and captured it in aÿ slideshow.   For a first-hand account from a celebrity bartender at the event and a San Jose Mercury News columnist,ÿSal Pizzaro, read his story in San Jose Mercury News,ÿ Silicon Valley community leaders look sharp for San Jose Jazz. Thank you to San Jose Jazz, distinguished guests, sponsors and all participants for keeping the rich tradition of jazz alive in San Jose. We at Mezlan are proud to have been part of the event and its worthy cause. The San Jose Jazz Winter Fest is just around the corner, and we're very much looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Muhammed Chaudry wearing Mezlan (photo by Vicki Thompson of Silicon Valley Business Journal)

Four community leaders. (from left) Muhammed Chaudry, Dr. Harsha Vittal, Emmett D Carson, and Len Ramirez modeling Mezlan shoes and jackets, with Larry Bonner (center), Mezlan San Jose manager (photo by Daniel Garcia of Content Magazine)