February 9, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

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.

February 11 – March 16
“BENT: Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Scandinavian Art”: curated by Whitney Chadwick, at the Fine Arts Gallery, Fine Arts Bldg. SFSU campus. This cutting-edge international group show looks at the ways in which issues of gender and sexuality inform the work of four artists: Eija-Liisa Ahtila, Jesper Just, Annika Larsson and Annica Karlsson Rixon. Through photography, video and film, they draw from the rich media bank of images of masculinity and femininity circulated in advertising, film, historical art and popular culture. BENT is a project of the International Center for the Arts (ICA) at San Francisco State University. For more information call 415-338-6535, or visit www.sfsu.edu/~gallery . Admission is free. 

MUSIC
February 11 – 26
Opera San Jose opens its first production of 2006 with Giacomo Puccini’s tender love story, La bohème, at the California Theatre at 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose. La bohème is a timeless look at youthful exuberance and selfless love, and remains one of the most treasured operas of all time. Based on Henri Murger’s memoir, Scènes de la vie de bohème, it is the story of a delicate young seamstress and a starry-eyed would-be poet—two impoverished and lonely people warmed by a brief caress of love. For performance information, call 437-4450 or visit www.operasj.org Admission $65 - $300.

February 18 – Saturday
Halik by Aegis: At the Civic Auditorium from 7 – 10 p.m. The popular chart-topping Filipino rock group Aegis opens their first U.S. Tour with guest artist Camile Velasco, America Idol Finalist, A2C & Manel. To purchase tickets or get additional information, call 808-393-7000 or visit www.alohamediacommunications.com Tickets are $25 - $75.

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

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.

February 11 – March 12
Sunnyvale Community Players presents “Anne of Green Gables - The Musical”, at the Sunnyvale Community Theater, 550 East Remington Drive. This is the classic tale of an orphan girl who rises from destitution to happiness in the farm country entirely by virtue of her pluck and personality. Performances are on Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm; and Sunday Matinees at 2:30. All tickets are $15. Information can be found on www.sunnyvaleplayers.org.

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

February 22 - 26
Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” bringing Nemo’s underwater world to life at the HP Pavilion. Join Curious Nemo, his overprotective father, Marlin, and their pal Dory in a comical journey of friendship and fun. Featuring over 38 costumed skaters, spectatcular oversized props, including a 43-foot life-sized blue whale, and digital projection effects, this Disney On Ice presentation is one of the most innovative ice shows created. Directed by Disney On Ice veteran Patty Vincent, she is joined by Costume designer Scott Lane, and Choreographer Cindy Stuart. Tickets are $15 - $60, and can be purchased by call in 998-8497 or online at ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.disneyonice.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.

February 25 – Saturday
Learn to meditate! Free spiritual video seminar and meditation class to be held from 2 - 4 PM at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., Meeting Room 225 (second floor). Free convenient parking across from the library at 4th and San Fernando St. (take parking ticket to enter, no validation required).

Beverage refreshments will be served. This event is a free service to the public and presented by the non-profit Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, San Jose Center. For more information, please contact: 603-5037. Come meet new friends and fellow meditators!

MISCELLANEOUS
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

February 11 – Saturday
Join the Children’s Discovery Museum as it recreates an informal yet charming Mexican tradition called a “Lunada,” at the museum’s outdoor amphitheater from 5:30 - 8 p.m. In small towns and pueblos around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. A new addition to the family “Lunada” is a hands-on visual arts element. For information or to perform, leave a message on the Lunada line at 298-5437 ext. 264. For the evenings line-up go to www.cdm.org/lunada. Sponsored by The City of San Jose, FIRST 5, and Super Mercado Mexicano.

February 11 – Saturday
Princeton Plaza (Blossom Hill Rd between Kooser and Meridian) will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come early for the best selection of art, crafts, antiques and collectibles. For more information, call 761-6913, or visit www.alphazetaevent.com.

February 14 – Tuesday
Valentine’s Day Dinner: Spend a romantic Valentine’s Day sipping champagne and enjoying a splendid prix-fixe five-course dinner in the ocean-view Portola Restaurant in the Monterey Bay Aquarium from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. $80 per person for aquarium members; $100 per person for non-members. Seating is limited; please make reservations by calling 831-648-7963. Reservations must be secured with a credit card. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org for more information about this and other “Edible Explorations: Aquarium Chef Dinner Series” programs.

February 14 - Tuesday
Adopt a Rose for Valentine’s Day: Are you looking for something special to give your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Look no further! Nothing says “I love you,” like a beautiful rose, an elegant package, and a special evening out. When you adopt a rose in the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden for a donation of $50.00, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will place an engraved plaque in front of the rose with your personal inscription – for one full year. It’s a gift that will last much longer than a bouquet of cut flowers! A special gift card announcing your rose adoption will be elegantly packaged with a small box of chocolates from Schurra’s Candy Factory, gourmet popcorn from Hip Pop, and two tickets for a romantic ride on the Children’s Carousel at Arena Green. Present this package to your favorite person at a white wine and hors d’veuves reception the evening of February 14 at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 451 South First Street in San Jose. ICA will be showing an exhibition featuring art made of, and about, human hair. The exhibit, “Hair Raising,” will be unusual and fun to see. For more information about adopting a rose for your Valentine, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org

February 16 – Thursday
Who owns the water? Private water companies are being bought up by corporate giants—with varied impacts on communities in the U.S. and in South America. The Guadalupe Group of Sierra Club will view an award-winning film, “Thirst!”, on the subject at its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m., in the Community Room of the Saratoga Library—on Saratoga Ave. at Fruitvale Ave., in Saratoga. The Public is invited; refreshments are provided (bring your own cup to minimize paper/plastic waste). For more information, call Marj Ottenberg at 867-4576.

February 17 – Friday
Blendz, 267 East Campbell Avenue, will be hosting its first Blood Drive from noon to 4 p.m. With the recent news that there is a shortage of blood donations, we are committed to our part by hosting & donating at this event. To make an appointment to donate, call Mona Liza Reyes at 385-1023, or visit monaliza@blendz.com. The Bloodmobile will be parked curbside for your convenience. All donors will receive a free 16 oz. juice and a 20% discount. Potential donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 lbs, and have not traveled to a malaria area in the last 12 months. Bring picture identification.

Ongoing
Auditions- Easy Street Theatre Co is currently holding Auditions for the psychological thriller “The Haunting of Hill House”. Written by F. Andrew Leslie from the celebrated novel by Shirley Jackson. Auditions are now and ongoing thru end of Feb until cast. Needed are Male and female actors from 25-60 years old plus. Call for details: 345-7070.

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.