February 15, 2008

Community Calendar

Unless otherwise noted all phone numbers are in the 408 area code.

MUSIC

Feb. 9 - 24
Opera San Jose opens its first production in 2008 with Giuseppe Verdi’s ground-breaking opera, Rigoletto. Eight performances are scheduled at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José. Based on Le roi s’amuse, Victor Hugo’s stinging attack on the French court, Rigoletto was Verdi’s 16th opera and his first masterpiece. It tells the story of a hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto, who is desperate to keep his beloved daughter, Gilda, from the grasp of the hedonistic Duke of Mantua. As this deeply human saga unfolds, it juxtaposes good and evil, purity and promiscuity, pride and humility. Conductors are David Rohrbaugh and Anthony Quartuccio. This production is in Italian with English Supertitles. Evening performances are at 8 p.m., matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $66 - $88 and can be purchased through the Box Office at 437-4450 or online at www.operasj.org. Pictured: Khori Dastoor as Gilda, Isaac Hurtado as the Duke of Mantua.

Mar. 15
The San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Classic: SJYS, under the artistic leadership of Maestro Yair Samet, announces its second concert of the season, “Spring Classic”, held at 2:30 p.m. at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose. This performance will feature two outstanding young musicians and winners of the San Jose Youth Symphony Young Artist Competition (YAC) – clarinetist Joseph T. Morris performing Weber Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor and, pianist Angela Hwang performing Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 43. Advance tickets are available at http://www.sjys.org/concerts/tickets.html or at the box office before the concert. Admission is $15/Adults, $10/Students and Seniors, and $5 for children under 13. For further information, call 885-9220 or sjys@sjys.org.

ART

Jan. 12 – Mar. 2
History San José hosts “Becoming American: Teenagers & Immigration”, an exhibition of photographs from
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, featuring photographs by Barbara Beirne. This exhibit will be open to the public at History Park. Students from Andrew Hill High School, Downtown College Prep, Notre Dame High School, Oak Grove High School, Overfelt High School and Santa Teresa High School will also be exhibiting their first-hand experience with immigration expressed through their photography.  Their assignment, with their families’ permission, was to select a friend or peer to photograph and document their experience of immigration into the United States. Sometimes the subject matter was the student himself. Exhibition descriptions and tour schedules are available at www.sites.si.edu.

Feb. 28
Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) presents Mi Coche / My Culture---Livin’ the Lowrider Lifestyle - an exhibition representing the diversity and heritage of South Bay culture.  This is a unique visual arts exhibition that will encompass the art, design, and the Chicano subclture of lowrider automobiles from their origins in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  This exhibit is sponsored in part by The Castellano Family Foundation. The exhibition at The Plaza is open to the public with free admission.  La Galería is open Monday through Fridays noon to 5 p.m. Weekends and after-hours are by appointment.

THEATER

Jan. 26 – Feb. 24
The San Jose Repertory Theater presents Robert Clyman’s “Tranced”, a politically charged, fast paced thriller. Delve into the murky depths of international intrigue, mystery and persuasion as Clyman questions the very nature of truth and moral responsibility.  Directed by Barbara Damashek, “Tranced” features Kenya Brome, James Carpenter, Thom Rivera, and Stacy Ross. Tickets are $15 - $59 and are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office, 101 Paseo de San Antonio in San Jose or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 367-7255.

Feb. 6 – Mar. 2
In honor of its 25th Anniversary Season, San Jose Stage Company presents a revival production of David Mamet's masterpiece, “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Mamet’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play sparkles with the rough but lyrical dialogue and universal themes that still resonate with today’s audiences. Performances staged at The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose. For tickets and additional information, visit www.sanjosestage.com

Ongoing
The Tabard Theatre Company announces auditions for “Pandemonium,” a world premiere production based on the story of Pandora’s Box, written and directed by Susannah Greenwood. All auditions are by appointment only beginning Feb. 2. No preparation is necessary, as auditions will consist of cold reading from the script and improv and/or movement, depending on the role. Rehearsals begin mid-March, 2008 and Performances run April 24 - May 10 with matinees on weekends and school shows at 11am on April 24 and May 8 at The Theatre on San Pedro Square, Downtown San Jose. The tabard is looking for a fun group of people from a diverse background of ethnicity, age, and theatre experience, with a willingness to explore these characters and authentically represent them from a cultural perspective. For more information or to make an audition appointment, contact Cathy Cassetta at 408-979-0231 or cathy@tabardtheatre.org. For additional information about Tabard, please visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org. Audition packets will be e-mailed the week before auditions. Packets will include audition location and directions.

DANCE

Feb. 15 - 24
Ballet San Jose presents Dennis Nahat’s version of one of the greatest romantic ballets ever written – “Swan Lake” - at the Center for the Performing Arts. This production features over 135 characters in opulent costumes and beautiful scenery from David Guthrie.   Danced to a live performance by Symphony Silicon Valley, the romantic tale follows Prince Siegfried as he attempts to rescue his beloved Princess Odette from the wicked Baron Von Rothbart who has cast a spell on the young beauty and turned her into this Queen of the Swans.  Nahat’s prologue highlights the villainous nature of Rothbart by delving into the source of his evil. Admission is $25-$82 (discounts for students, seniors, groups) To purchase tickets, call the box office at 288-2800, or visit www.balletsanjose.org.

Mar. 15
Elements Dance Company Auditions: E.D.C. provides specialized training in Hip-Hop and Break Dance Styles as well as competition skills/performance Strength. Audition time for Junior and Teen teams (ages 11 years and older) is 10 a.m. – noon. Classes are available for children 5 – 10 years beginning Mar. 29 from 9 – 10 a.m. No audition is required for these classes. Location is Nancy Doize School of Dance, 3001 Ross Avenue in San Jose. For more information, call Alisha Simms at 623-2163 or missalisha@hotmail.com

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Feb. 12 – May 1
"Planning for a Wedding?", a new exhibit for the Sunnyvale Lace Museum will feature exquisite bridal gowns from 1890 to 1950.  Walk down the aisle and see vintage and unique accessories, such as fans, shoes, gloves, hats and parasols in a fascinating look at history.  The gift shop also offers heirloom quality lace handkerchiefs and other items for the bride.  The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale. Parking is free.

Feb. 29
Plant a Pizza! When the moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, that’s AMORE! What makes pizza taste so good? Freshly grown ingredients, of course! Participants aged 5 – 10 years can join Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens from 3:30 – 5 p.m. as we learn about where those yummy ingredients come from. Plant basil, oregano, tomatoes and wheat to take home for your very own pizza herb garden. Grind wheat and sample fresh ingredients as we make mini pizzas for a delicious afternoon snack. Mmmm…after school class has never tasted so good! All workshops take place at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Fees are $8/members, $15/non-members and pre-registration is required. To register, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Parents need not be present during the workshop.

Mar. 1
Santa Teresa High School’s 5th Annual Athletic Booster Club Crab Feed and Rib Dinner is just around the corner! Sponsored by the Santa Teresa Athletic Booster Club (STABC), this highly anticipated event supports the 700-plus student athletes of STHS. The Feed will be at the American Legion Hall, 958 Homestead Road in Santa Clara (Corner of Bascom and Homestead) from 6 - 11 p.m. Entertainment, dancing and prizes are just the beginning! This event is catered by The Fish market and Armadillo Willy’s. Tickets are $50 per person (pre sale only, no tickets will be sold at the door) by contacting STcrab@stabc.org or by phone at 274-1261 Come support your STHS Saints Athletics with a great time, great food and great company!

Mar. 1
“Sciencepalooza!” returns to feature local students: Students in grades 9 – 12 from Oak Grove and Santa Teresa High Schools will join more than 1,200 potential future scientists from the East Side Union High School District and compete for prizes and recognition at the ninth annual sciencepalooza! at Expo Hall at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Over 125 volunteer judges will review projects from 9 – 11 a.m. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at Noon. Prizes will also be awarded to school science departments in several areas, including best projects in engineering, environment and innovation. The school with the best overall projects will receive a $ 2,500 cash award.

Mar. 7
Coyote Crest 4H Club hosts it’s 3rd Annual Talent Showcase at 7:30 p.m. at the Coyote Grange Hall, 8140 Monterey Hwy in Coyote CA.  Admission is $1 at the door. Beverages and baked goods will be available for a small fee.  Come out and see what the Santa Clara County 4H Youth Development Program has to offer your family.  The Coyote Grange Hall is also available for party, wedding, dance & theatre group rentals. 

Mar. 8
The Children’s Discovery Museum presents The Brian Waite Band performing at 1 and 2:30 p.m. as part of its “Green Week” festivities. Come dance, learn and laugh with the trio that has rocked its way into the hearts of both kids and parents around the world, as they lead a musical adventure to Earth's past and future. For more information on this and other “Green Week” activities, visit www.cdm.org/new after Mar. 1

CLASSES

Mar. 2
Mandarin Chinese Language classes: CSL, Mandarin Chinese as Second Language courses, will be offered every Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m., beginning on Mar. 2. The curriculum includes four 10-week quarters.  Come and learn to speak, read, and write conversational Chinese. You'll learn Chinese pinyin (basic pronunciation) and simple Chinese sentence structures.  Learn from a native speaker who speaks perfect Beijing Mandarin.  Make new friends. Stand out from the crowd.  Build better relationships and be prepared before your travel aboard. A free informational session is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.  Lunch will be provided at 1pm.  The free session will be held at 5150 Camden Avenue, San Jose, 95124.  For more information, call 979-1257 or visit www.friendshipagape.com/csl.

Ongoing
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instruction at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue, CA 95125. Beginning Jan. 26, the school offers classes for pre-school through teenagers, as well as adult beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.,  For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.

Ceramics classes for adults.  Great news! Hands On Clay classes in Almaden is now accepting applications for its newly added morning classes. These small, relaxing classes are held on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:30-1 p.m.. Limited space might also be available for Tuesday and Thursday evening classes. The fee includes instructions, clay, glazes, use of tools, and kiln firings. For more information, call 679-0238. Space is limited to only four students for each class, so register today!

FIFTY-PLUS

Mar. 8
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Avenue. Registration for intermediate courses at 1:30 p.m. Registration for Computer Fundamentals at 3 p.m. Courses include Basic Digital Photography, Basic Digital Photo Editing, Greeting Cards, Windows XP, File Management and Computer Tips and Techniques. All classes will be held at the Almaden Community Center. For more information call Don House at (408)268-1703 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
Are you looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity that is meaningful and fun?  The Role Model Program needs adult volunteers to inspire elementary and middle school students to succeed! Time commitment is just one hour a week for six weeks. The Role Model Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students to achieve their goals, dreams, and learning that education can open the door to a successful future. To learn more contact The Role Model Program Model Program at 246-0433 or go on-line to www.therolemodelpro-gram.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Feb. 27 – Mar. 9
Cinequest Film Festival returns to San Jose: The Cinequest Film Festival is a discovery festival of films and technology forums that was recently named the Top 10 festival in the world by the Ultimate film Festival Survival Guide. This year’s event features a number of Maverick Spirit events featuring presentations at San Jose’s California Theater by such acclaimed artists as Danny Glover, Michael Keaton, John Leguizamo. For more event information, visit www.cinequest.org. or call 295-3378. Ticket prices vary by event.

Feb. 29
Junior League of San Jose hosts its Biennial Fashion Show, In Vogue, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. Preview the hottest trends for modern families by top designers such as Azadeh, Tiffany & Co, Macy’s, Brooks Brothers and Anne Fontaine. Attendees have a chance to win an Apple iPhone, Nintendo Wii and more. Proceeds benefit programs for the children of San Jose including Children’s Discovery Museum, Bring Me A Book Foundation and Kids in the Kitchen. Fashion Show – 11 a.m., $85; Gala Dinner Fashion Show: 5:30 p.m. $165. For tickets, call 264-3058 or visit www.jlsj.org.

Mar. 15
The Coyote Grange Hall is hosting a Multi-Family Flea Market. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 8140 Monterey Road, between Bailey and Metcalf. This is a fundraising event to benefit The Grange.

Ongoing
Delight your sweetie with a Singing Valentine! Bay Area Showcase Chorus is delivering Singing Valentines through out the Bay Area.  We will send one of our quartets to your loved one at home, at the office, restaurant or location of your choice. The quartet will sing two love songs, in your name, and present your sweetheart a personalized Valentine card, a sweet treat and flower.  We also have a phone delivery option. For more information, visit our Website: http://www.singharmony.org/valentines/ or phone 227-7461.

February is Spay/Neuter month: The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) and participating local veterinarians are offering 50 percent discounts on all spay/neuter surgeries during the month of February. This program is designed to encourage the public to sterilize their pets to prevent unwanted litters and overpopulation. Throughout the month, female cat spays are $62.50 and male cat neuters are just $37.50. Spay/neuter surgeries for dogs are priced by the animal’s weight and sex and range from $57.50 for a male dog under 30 pounds to $92.50 for a female dog weighing between 76 and 99 pounds. Prices include a brief pre-op exam, pre-anesthetic, anesthetic, spay/neuter surgery and hospitalization on the day of surgery. There are additional charges for animals in-heat, pregnant, cryptorchid and/or obese and all animals must be current on all vaccinations. For more information, visit www.hssv.org. Appointments can call 727-3383, ext. 828.

Come join The Humane Society Silicon Valley for our weekly “Meet and Treat!” every Wednesday at HSSV, 2530 Lafayette Street, in Santa Clara from 5 – 7 p.m. Not sure about adopting just yet? Come down and visit with animal guests outside their kennels. Play with canine companions throughout the shelter, or experience cuddly cats in your lap. And of course we have our adorable rabbits too. We will have tasty treats for people as well. For more information, call 727-3383 or visit www.hssv.org

MOMS Club of San Jose - Blossom Hill/Santa Teresa chapter: We are a playgroup that meets a few times per week for many fun, social activities. Our website is www.bayareamoms.org, Contact Victoria Meline for more information 888-5838.

The Almaden Valley Al-Anon Family Groups meet every Friday from 10to 11:45 a.m. and on Sundays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 1198 Redmond Avenue, San Jose. Al-Anon helps families and friends learn what they can do about excessive drinking, alcoholism and its effects on the entire family. Meetings do not require appointments. There is no charge for attendance. For more information, call 379-1051 or visit the web site at http://www.ncwsa. org/scvafg/

12-Step Christian Program - Celebrate Recovery! Program held every Monday night at 7 p.m. at Generations Foursquare Church, 133 Bernal Road in San Jose. For more information, call 504-7687 or visit celebraterecovery@generationsfoursquare.org



We are seeking calendar items pertaining to the South Bay communities we cover in our seven monthly community newspapers: Blossom Valley, Cambrian, Campbell, Evergreen, Santa Teresa, Willow Glen, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by e-mail or fax several weeks before the event. Send an email to candy@timesmediainc.com or fax to Candy Richter at 494-7078. Photos should be sent digitally as jpegs or mailed to Calendar, Times Newspapers, 1310 Tully Rd., Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95122. Due to the large volume of items received calendar requests left on voice mail cannot be used. Space is limited.