February 14, 2008

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

Feb. 9 – Feb. 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

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.

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. All performances will be staged at The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose. For tickets and additional information, visit www.sanjosestage.com

ART

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.

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.

CLASSES

Ongoing
The Committee to Promote Square Dancing is sponsoring a square dance refresher class for experienced dancers: Fees are $2.50/seniors and youth, $5/adults.  Classes meet Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Camden Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, 95124. For more information, call 723-0315.

Pottery classes for all ages and all levels!  Start whenever you want.  Learn to throw on the potter's wheel or hand-build your clay creations at Black Leopard Clayware in Willow Glen.   4- and 8-week classes are held 2-4:30 and 6:30-9 pm Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 - Noon Saturday mornings.  Tuition includes clay, glazes, and firings, plus free open lab time for ongoing students.  Maximum class size of 4 guarantees individual coaching and rapid progress.   Want to try it out before committing?  BLC's 2-hour intro to clay is held every Friday evening from 6-8 pm. All classes are by pre-registration.  For more information and to register, call (408) 448-4597 or visit our website at www.bleopard.com. 

VOLUNTEERS

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.therolemodelprogram.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Feb. 16 – 17
The American Cancer Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane in San Jose announces its annual fundraising event. Collectibles, artwork, designer clothing, will be available for purchase. Hours are 2/16 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 2/17 noon – 4 p.m. For more information, call 265-5535. Event proceeds support cancer research.

Feb. 17
Lawn Bowling competition at Willow Glen’s Frank Bramhall Park. Event time is 10 a.m., and the public is welcome to watch free of charge. Complimentary refreshments will be available. For more information, call Jerry at 499-5423.

Feb. 23
Princeton Plaza Fair: This monthly event will be held at Princeton Plaza (Meridian, at Kooser and Blossom Hill) inside the Mervyn’s Plaza. Fairs will also be held on the last Saturday of Feb., April, June and August. Nov. and Dec. events will be on the second Saturday of the month

Feb. 23
Castillero Middle School celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Castillero jazz band’s Big Band Dance.  Event hours are 7 -10 p.m. at the Castillero Indoor Commons.  This is an adults-only event featuring Castillero’s three award-winning Jazz Bands. A special guest performer is also scheduled for the evening. Guests will enjoy dancing to Big Band and Latin music, desserts, refreshments, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds will go directly to scholarships for band students needing financial aid to attend the Heritage Music Festival and competition in Fullerton and Disneyland in April 2008 as well as funding maintenance expenses for Castillero’s band program. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased in advance by calling Karen Potts at 998-3133 or at the door the evening of the event.

Feb. 26 – May 20
Divorce Recovery Workshops & Divorce Care 4 Kids: Calvary Church in Los Gatos is offering a Tuesday evening Divorce Recovery Workshop from 7 – 8:30 p.m. These sessions are here to help you heal from divorce and begin again. Learn why relationships go wrong, how to manage conflict, heal emotionally, and grow healthy relationships. Anyone who is divorced, separated or hurting from a major, non-marriage relationship break-up is welcome to attend. DivorceCare4Kids (ages 5-12) is also available to help your children deal with the unique issues they face in a divorce. Cost is $20 for the adult program. DivorceCare4Kids is $20 for one child and $30 for two or more children. For more information, visit our website at www.calvarylg.com/divorcerecovery or call the church office at 408.356.5126.

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. 1
The Leland High School Blue and Gold Auction at the San Jose Marriott:  This community-wide fundraising event will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight with proceeds benefiting LHS technology, sports and facilities upgrades. Enjoy an evening of silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing.  The auction items include vacation packages, spa and special event packages and wonderful hand-picked items. Check out the website for a more complete listing of auction items.   To download a ticket reservation form or to find out more information about the auction, go to www.lelandblueandgold.com.  Reserve your tickets now and help Leland High School fulfill the wishes of the staff, students and parents.

Ongoing
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 . Coffee and donuts for early bird shoppers. For more information, visit www.aplhazetaevents.com or call 761-6913.

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


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.