March 1, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER

March 7 – 10
“Nipples To the Wind” is based on 14 unforgettably funny female characters, all portrayed by 2 actors, Janye Anderson and Paula Coco. Ranging from intelligent humor to all-out hilarity, this “must-see” event wins over both male and female audiences. With live and original music featuring Kacey Jones. All performances are held at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. Admission is $30 - $45. For more information, visit www.Nipplestothewind.com

MUSIC

March 11 – Sunday
San Jose Chamber Orchestra presents “The Seasons” at Le Petit Trianon, 72 North 5th Street in San Jose, with Barbara Day Turner, conductor and featuring violinists Nora Chastain and Cynthia Baehr. The performance will feature works by Vivaldi and Piazzolla. Pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30/$35. For more information, call 295-4416 or visit www.sjco.org

ART

Beginning February 4 - Sunday
The Art Exhibit “Manuel Valencia: California’s Native Son” opens to the public at History Park in San Jose. Manuel Valencia was one of the earliest of the California artists of note.  After the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed his studio, Valencia moved his family from San Francisco to a home on Vine Street in San José. His passion for the spirit of the Californios is demonstrated in his work, which will open at the Leonard and David McKay Gallery inside the Pasetta House at History Park at Kelley Park in San José. This exhibit is on loan from the Hearst Gallery at St. Mary’s Collage in Moraga and contains over 25 paintings, as well as personal item lent by Valencia descendants Mary Lou Valencia Giller and Edwin Valencia, Jr. To learn more about Valencia’s life and art Curator Julie Armistead will lead a gallery tour at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Leonard and David McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House in History Park.

February 6 – April 30
The new exhibit, "Lacey Beginnings--Vintage Christening Gowns and Accessories" will be featured at the Sunnyvale Lace Museum, 552 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale.  This free exhibit showcases lace-trimmed christening gowns and accessories including bibs, booties, mitts, jewelry, feeding cups, and blankets from the 1800's to the present.  Cultural traditions are often carried on through lace and the examples in the exhibit can be traced back to the turn of the century.  Christening gowns, made especially for the ceremony of baptism, usually became family heirlooms and were used generation after generation.  Traditionally white to represent purity and innocence, the same gowns were used by both boys and girls and richly decorated with embroidery or lace.  All ages will enjoy viewing this informative exhibit.

Hours areTuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. parking is free.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

March 1 – 4
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose is proud to present “The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Megan McGrath and choreographed by Shannon Self. Performing at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose, this staging of the classic family tale promises a magical theatrical experience for audiences of all ages, as this story comes to life on stage. Based on the film, this colorful stage version includes your favorite Ozian songs including, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” “If I Only Had a Brain” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Tickets are $16 adults, $13 children 12 and under. Special Target Family Matinee performance Saturday, March 3 at 12 noon, all tickets $7.25.

March 7 & 21
The Pruneyard’s Camera 7, 1875 South Bascom in Campbell presents its “Diaper Days” film program catering exclusively to moms, dads and their kids. The special screenings are twice a month and feature first-run films. Diaper Days screenings are the first and third Wednesday of each month. Bring your baby bjorns and infant carriers; changing tables and baby-safe lights and sound levels provided. Showings are at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are only $6.75, with kids 4 and under admitted free.

March 8 – 10 & 15 - 17
Castillero Middle School’s Advanced Drama presents their Spring Musical, “Music Man Jr.” Take a trip to River City, Iowa -- without leaving Almaden Valley -- for this comedic Americana musical based on a hit Broadway show. You’ll be humming the tunes and tapping your feet as you watch the footloose con man set out to fleece a small town community and ultimately learn a valuable lesson in moral responsibility from the town’s librarian. It’s fun for the whole family! Order your tickets now for the best seats! Show time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances. Admission: Adults $10 and children (12 and under) $6. Advanced ticket order forms may be picked up in the school office and the tickets will also be available at the door – or call 781-0607. All performances will be staged in Castillero’s new theater, 6384 Leyland Park Drive in San Jose.

March 8 – 10 & 15 - 17
Leigh High School’s Center Stage Theatre, 5210 Leigh Avenue, presents Disney’s rollicking musical, Beauty and the Beast. Set in a French provincial town, a young girl dreams of far-off adventures and a poignant Beast learns a life-altering lesson in selflessness. It is a story of dreams, loyalty, and redemption. Beginning February 19, tickets will go on sale as follows: 1 ticket in Reserved Seating for $12; 4 tickets in Reserved Seating for $40 (Party pack); or 1 ticket in general seating for $10. Sign up early for Reserved Seating. Box opens at 6:45 p.m.. House opens at 7 p.m. with the entertainment starting promptly at 7:30PM. Come early to enjoy delicious fare at our Café de Lune. For tickets & information, contact Stephanie Holt at 627-1575 or phone beautyatleigh@yahoo.com

March 9 – Friday
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for the “Plant A Pizza” after-school workshop. What makes a pizza taste so good? Freshly grown ingredients, of course! Come and learn about where your food comes from. We’ll be planting tomatoes, basil, wheat and other yummy pizza ingredients. Hours are 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5 members/$10 non-members per child. This workshop 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. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. For more information please visit www.grpg.org , e-mail education@grpg.org or call 298-7657.

March 12 – Monday
The most successful family entertainment band in history, The Wiggles, are setting out on their most colorful adventure to date as they invite fans to go on a journey that will stretch imaginations to the end of the rainbow. Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers as part of the All-New live concert tour, “Racing to the Rainbow Live!,” in San Jose. The Wiggling commences at the HP Pavilion in San Jose for a pair of shows at 3 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com) and the venue box office. Prices range from $18-$35. Seating for tickets purchased at the $35 level will take place in the “hot potato seats” and will include an exclusive Wiggles giveaway.

Ongoing
Exchanged old cell phones for passes to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Now through February 28, bring in your old cell phones to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and they will give you one free admission pass in exchange.  One cell phone = one free pass. Cell Phones can be dropped off daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in exchange for the passes, or can be mailed to: Happy Hollow - Cell Phone Recycle Program 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA  95112 Tax receipts are available upon request. Limit 2 passes per person. 100% of funds raised through the program are donated to the Orangutan Conservancy, protecting one of the most critically endangered species on Earth. For more information, call 277-3065 or visit www.hhpz.org

CLASSES

March 13 – Tuesday
Parents Helping Parents is partnering with several other Bay Area non-profits to present a learning disabilities resource event for parents and professionals. “Navigating Learning Disabilities” will be presented from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Parents Place Resource Center, 200 Channing Avenue in Palo Alto. Event Keynote speaker is Carol Zepecki, Ed.D., Director of Student Services, Palo Alto USD. This event will also feature a student panel sharing experiences and success stories,  a learning disability simulation designed to increase awareness of the experiences of children with learning disabilities; a book fair, Parents Booth, vendor exhibits, and assistive technology demonstrations. Sponsored by Parents Place, Parents Helping Parents, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, WestEd and First 5 Santa Clara County. Admission is $25 - Scholarships available.  Register at www.parentsplaceonline.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

March 10 – Saturday
Ballet San Jose Presents “The Blue Suede Shoes Gala” held from 6 p.m. to Midnight in the Imperial Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel, San Jose. Put on your Dancing Shoes and join us for an elegant evening of Dining, Dancing and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Live music provided by Wayne Foster Entertainment of Beverly Hills - back by popular demand. Admission is $275 per person, Donor tables of 10-$2,500, and Sponsor tables of 10-$3,500 are available. This event includes a Cocktail Reception, Dinner and Dancing as well as both Live and Silent Auctions. To purchase tickets, contact Gala Reservations at 288-2820 x 240. Black Tie or Elvis Era Attire. For additional information visit www.balletsanjose.org

March 10 – Saturday
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Denim to Diamonds, with a James Bond-inspired twist, Diamonds are Forever. Guests begin the evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Tech Museum for a champagne reception and silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner and awards presentation/live auction at Parkside Hall. The evening ends back at the Tech with the Casino Royale, desserts, and dancing to the music of the Fabulous CruiseTones. Admission is $300 – 1,000. For more information call 650-470-6000 or visit www.ronaldhouse.net

March 10 – Saturday
The Princeton Plaza Arts, Crafts, Jewelry, Antiques and Collectible Show features gifts for every occasion. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Princeton Plaza Mall, 1375 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose,

March 10 -11
The Warehouse Sale at the McEnery Convention Center: Don’t miss your chance to buy high-end designer jeans for men and women at bargain basement prices – up to 80% off! Our racks are filled with Diesel, True Religion, Genetic Denim, Monarch, 575 Denim, Blue Cult, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Chip & Pepper, Antik Denim, Earnest Sewn, Sacred Blue, Taverniti, J & Company and lots more. We also carry hoodies, sweats, and tees by 2B Free, Monarchy, Grail, Ed Hardy, and more! Admission: Free with RSVP or $3 at door. Event hours for both days are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.thewarehousesale.com

Ongoing
September 15 - Saturday
Leland High School Class of 1987 20th Reunion! Held at 7:30 p.m. at the Hotel Montgomery, 211 South First Street in San Jose. For reservations call 1-866-823-0530. See www.classmates.com for more information. or contact Cynthia Bradley @ cwatt12@yahoo.com Other weekend activities also planned.

The Almaden Valley Women’s Club is currently in need of and recruiting volunteers. The AVWC is a nonprofit organization established in 1965. Through our annual Almaden Art & Wine Festival, we donate 100% of proceeds back to the community in the form of grants to local schools, scholarships to high school seniors in the 95120 area, The Assistance League of San Jose, clothes for the homeless, as well as many other local charities. AVWC holds seven regular meetings, the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. There are no meetings in July or August. Members are required to attend 5 general meetings. Membership dues are nominal and assistance is available if needed. For more information, call Mia Burnham at 839-6071 or email Mia at burnhamfamily@sbcglobal.net or visit our website at WWW.ALMADENARTWINEFESTIVAL.COM.

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.