SubZERO Festival Shows off San Jose's Swag

Street Swag Photo Booth 2010 from KeepitSoiled on Vimeo.

On June 4th in downtown San Jose, on South First Street between San Carlos and Williams, was an imaginative, wildly entertaining event called SubZERO. To me, it was like a flea market for the imagination. This was the third year they held the festival and is described by its organizers Brian Eder and Cherri Lakey of the Anno Domini Gallery as, "a diy, artistically bent, hi/lo-techno mashup where street meets geek."

And for a city that is known more for its hectic tech workers, an expressive art scene booming out of downtown was not expected. That day really changed everything I have ever seen in my 20 years of San Jose living.

There were all these types of people – young, old, of all ethnic backgrounds and social scenes – walking through the crowded street that was closed off for the event. I estimate I saw about 5,000 people that evening enjoying the eye-catching, out of the ordinary, exhibits of self-made art.

In one half of the festival towards San Carlos there was rock music being played, and the half towards Williams there was more of a Hip Hop vibe. All were local San Jose musicians. I was in a booth alongside my friends from De-Bug chatting up a storm with everyone passing by. Photographer Abe Menor had a booth called "Street Swag" where he took pictures of the "gritty grimers, shy smiles, top notch trenders" and more.

The street was lined with booths of people selling artwork, CDs, bikes, embroidered clothing, food, and anything that the heart desired. And the sights were amazing. There was a “television totem pole” which was 5 tv sets high, and on each screen was attached a different camera angle found all over the festival. There was a video confessions booth, where people shared their thoughts on the future of San Jose. And next to our booth, there was a projector projecting a painter creating an amazing airbrushed image. Up the street more, there were these handmade, life-sized puppets that look liked prehistoric creatures walking around amongst the people.

This festival was just so fascinating that I can't wait for it to come back next year. If you ever want to let out your creative side, I suggest that you get a spot and let loose. Or if you just want to see a whole different side of San Jose, then definitely too, you should come to this festival and get ready to be amazed.