About Us
Our History.
San Jose Rocks began in 2006 as a program of History San José, originally founded by Dan Orloff and Tom Muller with the mission to collect, curate, and celebrate 
San Jose and Silicon Valley’s often overlooked role in shaping the music world. Even then, the vision was clear: to shine a light on the local bands, musicians, songwriters, DJs, inventors, venues, promoters, and technologists who helped shape the way the world makes, hears, and experiences music.
With strong support from History San José and an inspired creative community, San Jose Rocks hosted two Hall of Fame events in 2006 and 2007, generating major media attention and laying the foundation for what we’ve now relaunched as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Today, San Jose Rocks is more committed than ever to fulfilling the mission set forth back in 2006. We’re doing that through this site, social media, podcasts, blogs, marketing channels, and soon — through live events that invite the community to join us in documenting and honoring this important cultural history.
Why now?
We feel a sense of urgency. As time passes, so do the people, stories, and artifacts that connect us to our musical past. San Jose Rocks preserves those memories before they’re lost, and inspires future generations with the stories of this region’s influential and underrecognized role in shaping music and technology.
Past, present, and plugged in.
San Jose Rocks curates the people, places, and technologies that have defined the South Bay’s sound. And we don’t stop at nostalgia — we also shine a spotlight on the scenes and innovators shaping music today, such as:
East Side hardcore, DIY shows, lo-fi beats, EDM Crews
Local artists are making noise in garages, living rooms, and pop-up venues all across the valley.
Mariachi and Taiko
San Jose isn't just a rock city — it's home to one of the most vibrant mariachi communities in the U.S. and one of North America's leading Taiko ensembles.
Skate punk, hip-hop, VGM, and genre mashups
From The Faction to Getter, Giraffage, Super Soul Bros, and Snow tha Product, today's musicians are building new styles on top of the Valley's legacy of experimentation.
Tech meets sound
Companies such as NVIDIA (AI music generation), Gallien-Krueger (bass amps), and Morpheus Lights (concert lighting) continue to push boundaries.
San Jose’s musical history isn’t background noise. It’s a blueprint for the future. That’s why we’re building a living archive of sound, culture, and innovation — through stories, events, podcasts, and digital tools that connect generations and genres.
We’re here for the baby boomers who remember the Beatles’ first Bay Area shows — and for the teens producing the latest beats on laptops.
Our Team
Dan Orloff
Board President & Chief Rock Officer
Dan has been a visible and active leader in the Silicon Valley business and cultural community since 1977. Known for his ability to make connections and open doors, Dan has supported a wide range of organizations — from business ventures to nonprofit causes — while serving on numerous boards and commissions. A member of the Rotary Club of San Jose since 1994, he is recognized for his hands-on commitment to projects that strengthen community ties.
Dan Orloff, founder of San Jose Rocks and principal of Orloff Marketing (formerly Orloff/Williams).
Equally passionate about the arts, Dan has championed local music, history, and cultural preservation throughout his career. He has led marketing and communications for institutions such as Montalvo Arts Center, The Mountain Winery, and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. A past board member of the Fountain Blues Foundation, Dan helped guide California’s longest-running blues festival, held annually in downtown San Jose. Through San Jose Rocks, he works to honor San Jose and Silicon Valley’s unique role in shaping music and innovation.
Whether promoting civic initiatives as San Jose’s former Director of Marketing or playing drums and guitar in local cover bands, Dan has consistently brought his passion, expertise, and connections to enrich the community he calls home.
Ambassadors
Building a Board of Directors worthy of Silicon Valley's musical legacy takes time and intention. With the help of advisors from across Santa Clara County's 15 cities, we're identifying board members who represent the full range of music genres — from mariachi to punk, jazz to EDM — and the technology innovations that have shaped how the world experiences sound. This diverse leadership will ensure San Jose Rocks authentically reflects the communities we serve and the stories we tell.