Historic San Jose Music Event Brings Inclusive Entertainment Through Professional Sign Language Services

On June 22, 2024, Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose will host a groundbreaking concert experience as legendary Mexican rock band EL TRI performs with professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for the first time. This milestone marks a significant step toward making live entertainment genuinely accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees throughout the Bay Area.

Breaking Barriers Through Trilingual Interpretation

The concert will feature interpreters from Pro Bono ASL, an organization specializing in culturally competent language services. What makes this particular event especially meaningful is the trilingual expertise of the interpreters—they are fluent in Spanish, English, and American Sign Language. This multilingual approach directly serves the Latino deaf community, a demographic that often faces barriers to equal access in entertainment and cultural events.

“Music transcends all boundaries, and hearing status should never prevent anyone from experiencing the energy and emotion of a live performance,” explained Alex Lora, the iconic lead singer of EL TRI. “We’re excited that fans across the entire spectrum of our audience can connect with our music in San Jose.”

Comprehensive Accessibility Beyond the Concert Stage

Comcast’s commitment to accessibility extends throughout the Bay Area. The company has recently activated American Sign Language Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services at eight regional Xfinity Store locations, including the Xfinity store by Comcast San Jose, CA, and surrounding areas. Customers requiring ASL support can visit these locations where trained representatives provide live interpreter access through Communication Service for the Deaf partnership.

Rorri Burton, Founder of Pro Bono ASL, emphasized the historical significance: “These interpreters represent the intersectionality and cultural awareness that the deaf community deserves. By bringing trilingual professionals to this event, we’re creating genuine inclusion, not tokenistic accessibility.”

Broader Digital Inclusion Initiatives

The accessibility focus reflects deeper industry trends. Research from the American Community Survey indicates that 3.6% of the U.S. population identifies as deaf or hard-of-hearing. More concerning, Pew Research Center data reveals that 23% of people with disabilities never access the internet, while 57% lack home broadband connections.

In response, Comcast has invested significantly in digital inclusion efforts. Recent announcements include $60,000 in community grants distributed to three organizations: San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California School for the Deaf, and the World Institute on Disability. These funds specifically support digital accessibility training and community engagement for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired students, families, and seniors.

Through its Project UP initiative, Comcast continues developing Internet Essentials programs, establishing Lift Zones for skill development, and training initiatives designed to eliminate connectivity barriers.

Event Details and Entertainment Lineup

The Music in the Park event begins at 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Beyond the EL TRI concert, attendees will enjoy traditional Lucha Libre wrestling matches featuring local performers including “El Gladiador del aire” El Viento and “Rey de las pesadillas” El Cucuy. Interpreters will provide Spanish-to-ASL translation for all announcements, ensuring comprehensive access to the complete entertainment experience.

Comcast’s Decade-Long Accessibility Commitment

This initiative reflects Comcast’s sustained investment in accessible technology and services spanning over ten years. The company has developed innovative tools including the Large Button Voice Remote, recognized by USA Today as the Best Accessible Design remote in 2023, and the Xfinity Adaptive Web Remote.

The convergence of cultural celebration, community engagement, and technological accessibility at this Music in the Park event demonstrates how corporations and specialized organizations can collaborate to create genuinely inclusive public experiences. For deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and visitors in the San Jose area, this concert represents more than entertainment—it represents recognition and equal participation in community life.