February 2, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
February 3 – Friday
The Agenda Lounge 10 Year Anniversary Party 7p.m.-2 a.m. Join this spectacular celebration of food, drinks and music as the venerable nightspot commemorates its storied history. $1 Champagne and Grey Goose cocktails will be served throughout the evening to Agenda Lounge guests. In addition, the Agenda Lounge will serve complimentary hors d’oeurves created by Executive Chef Brad Kraten.The Agenda is located at 399 S. First Street in San Jose, Call 380-3042 or 287-3991for more information. Passes for complementary admission available at www.agendalounge.com
Proper Attire Recommended.

February 5 – Sunday
Congregation Beth David Sisterhood presents “From Oy to Gevalt – Evening of Yiddish Song” this two-hour concert with noted San Francisco Yiddish singer Jillian Tallmer will begin at 2 p.m. at the CBD Social Hall, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. Families especially welcome. If you can sing “Bim, Bam,” you can sing Yiddish! $10 adults, $6 Sisterhood Members, $5 Seniors 65+ Children 12 and under are free. Reservation deadline is January 28. For more information call 257-3455.

Ongoing
Unwined Wine Bar and Shop, 6946 Almaden Expressway features live music with Arturo Ville every Thursday. Come and enjoy the classical and contemporary stylings of a local guitar virtuoso. Performances are from 6 - 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 323-9463, or visit www.unwined.com.

ART
January 17 – April 9
The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles presents Jean Ray Laury: A Life by Design. Opening reception with the artist will be held at the museum, 520 South First Street in San Jose, on January 22 from 2 – 4 p.m. General admission is $5, Seniors and students with ID $4, children under 13 are free. Admission to the museum is free on the first Thursday of each month. For additional information call 971-0323 or visit www.sjquiltmuseum.org.

THEATER
January 20 – February 26
American Musical Theatre San Jose presents “The Lion King” at the Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown. Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s “The Lion King”. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images you’ll remember forever. Let your imagination run wild at the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation hailed as “a landmark event in entertainment” by Newsweek magazine. For tickets and additional information, call 1-888-455-SHOW or visit www.amtsj.org.

January 28 – February 26
San Jose Repertory Theatre presents Mark Harelik’s “The Immigrant,” the real-life story of Harelik’s paternal grandparents and their journey from Russia to Galveston, Texas in 1909. This production is directed by San Jose Rep’s John McCluggage. The San Jose Repertory Theatre is located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio in downtown San Jose. Preview performances are January 28, 29 and February 1 and 2. Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 367-7255.

February 8 – March 5
San Jose Stage Company, presents “Inherit The Wind,” directed by James Reese and performing at The Stage, 490 South First Street (at William St.) In a small Tennessee town, a young high school teacher is brought to trial for teaching from Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species. For the prosecution, three-time Presidential candidate Matthew Harrison Brady (Kevin Blackton) agrees to represent the World’s Christian Fundamentalists Association and drive Darwin out of the classrooms. For the defense, Henry Drummond (Randall King) is hired by the Baltimore Herald. These two titans of the judicial system square off to decide the fate of the teacher, Bertram Cates, with historical ramifications that still affect the American educational system today. Join us as we celebrate this searing American classic’s 50th anniversary. Tickets may be ordered by phone at 408.283.7142 or online at www.sanjosestage.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
February 10 - Friday
Valentine’s Garden Pavers After-school Workshop: Make a valentine for that special someone’s garden! They’ll be using natural and decorative materials to put together a unique and beautiful paver that will surely be displayed all year round. This workshop, held from 3:30 – 5 p.m., is designed for children five years of age and older and will be held at the GRP&G Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. The fee per child, per paver, is $5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle-Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

February 18 - Saturday
Yu Gi Oh! Sneak Preview: At the Civic Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a trading card tournament for one of the most popular games, Yu Gi Oh. Players pay an entry fee and are given cards to play with and can play for a few hours or play all day. Winners get packs of the newest set of cards. From more information, visit www.cascadegames.com.

CLASSES
January 4 – February 15, 2006
Rose pruning and care lessons will be offered in the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden every Wednesday, and Saturday. Lessons will begin at 9:00 am and last until 12:00 Noon. Participants must arrive by 9:15 to be included in the day’s training. We will gather in the center of the garden. Bring leather gloves and bypass shears, if you have them, although loaners are available. We also recommend you bring a hat and water. The Heritage Rose Garden is located on West Taylor Street, at Spring Street, within Guadalupe Gardens. Free parking is available on Taylor Street. Call the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 298-7657, or email Volunteer Coordinator Lucy Perez at lperez@grpg.org for further information.

FIFTY PLUS
Ongoing
AARP Information Center needs volunteers to staff their office. Duties include helping seniors find various services and programs, and providing information on senior needs. The office is located at 840 Willow Street, Suite 300, at the corner of Bird and Willow Streets on bus route #25. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 278-1855.

The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

VOLUNTEERS
February 7 - Tuesday
Vision Literacy needs tutor volunteers to help adults build their literacy skills. Tutor volunteer opportunities exist in community literacy, family literacy, substance abuse treatment programs and correctional facilities. Vision Literacy is conducting tutor volunteer orientations on the above dates. Call 262-1349 or email info@visionliteracy.org to register for one of these dates or for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS
January 19 – February 19
The cast of Corteo brings together over 50 artists from 13 different countries. Corteo explores the circus arts in a way that is brand new to Cirque du Soleil. Once again, the very limits of acrobatics are challenged as Daniele Finzi Pasca lends his unique touch to Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular performances.  Corteo redefines the springboard, the Korean frame and the tightwire, and presents acts that are as original as they are innovative. The desire to surprise and move audiences are a big part of the inspiration behind Corteo. Performance will be held at the Taylor Street Bridge (corner of Taylor Street & Highway 87). For tickets and show information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

MISCELLANEOUS
January 19 – February 19
The cast of Corteo brings together over 50 artists from 13 different countries. Corteo explores the circus arts in a way that is brand new to Cirque du Soleil. Once again, the very limits of acrobatics are challenged as Daniele Finzi Pasca lends his unique touch to Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular performances.  Corteo redefines the springboard, the Korean frame and the tightwire, and presents acts that are as original as they are innovative. The desire to surprise and move audiences are a big part of the inspiration behind Corteo. Performance will be held at the Taylor Street Bridge (corner of Taylor Street & Highway 87). For tickets and show information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

February 4 – Saturday
Heirloom Tomatoes – Presentation and Seed Planting: Spring is just around the corner and now is the time to start planning for your tomatoes. Join Cynthia Geske, owner of Love Apple Farm, and the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for a presentation from noon to 2 p.m. about the differences between heirlooms and hybrids, variety selection, climatic conditions, growing dates, soil prep, planting techniques, staking, fertilization, disease control, and seed-saving. The fee is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. All materials are included. Participants will receive seeds and a basic starter kit to launch them on their way to producing their own juicy tomatoes. Workshop location: 438 Coleman Avenue. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting Kary Wilson at education@grpg.org or 298-7657. Refunds for program will only be made if a program is cancelled or if there is a waiting list.

February 5 – Sunday
Mission Festival to be held at 11a.m. at Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church, 5370 Snell Ave, near Blossom Hill Rd. in San Jose. Learn about services and volunteer opportunities. Some of these community and church organizations offer: counseling, emergency food and shelter, refugee assistance, disaster relief and help with domestic violence. Refreshments provided, this event is free.

February 11 – Saturday
Hospice of the Valley proudly presents “Healing Hearts Seminar,” a healing model to work through the many facets of grief with Lyn Prashant, a certified grief counselor and Founder of Degriefing from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Campbell Community Center – Mary Campbell Room, Bldg Q in Campbell. Healthcare professionals and the general public are encouraged to attend. Six continuing education units are available for healthcare professionals. For additional information and to RSVP, call Hospice of the Valley at 947-1233 x460 or visit www.hospicevalley.org.


HAVE AN ITEM FOR OUR CALENDAR?
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, Fifty Plus, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by email 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 Road, Ste. 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.