The Bay Area will soon welcome a new celebration of Jewish music with the inaugural edition of the Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival. The daylong event takes place May 22 at the Levy Campus of the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos.

The outdoor festival, which features both local and national music acts, is free. The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, the Koret Foundation, and the Taube Foundation are co-sponsors.

David Grisman (left) and Andy Statman

Artists on the lineup include jazz and bluegrass stars, folk singers and notable children’s entertainers. There will also be a wide selection of food, art vendors and a KidsZone.

“We find young families looking for opportunities to affiliate,” said Rabbi Josh Fenton, director of the JCC’s Center for Jewish Life & Learning. “They seek something of quality that’s fun and meaningful. Music is just so easy to connect to. You listen and you leave feeling good. A good feeling about the Jewish community is priceless.”

The schedule includes an afternoon of live music geared toward families, featuring nationally known children’s music bands the Macaroons and PapaHugs. Cantorial soloist and Jewish music educator Elana Jagoda will sing, as will L.A.-based Jewish pop star Craig Taubman with his band, Craig ’n Co.

In the evening, headliners and Bay Area locals David Grisman and Andy Statman will take center stage. Grisman is a famed American bluegrass mandolin player who played with Jerry Garcia, while Statman is a klezmer and jazz clarinetist of international standing.

“It’s the perfect spot,” added Fenton. “We’re expecting a big crowd. This is authentic Jewish artistic expression.”

Free parking will be available at the JCC’s Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Information: www.SiliconValleyJCC.org/music or (408) 357-7411.