April 17, 2008

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

April 19 - May 4
Opera San Jose presents The Magic Flute at the California Theater: Easily one of the most charming and fanciful operas of all time, W.A. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (Die Zauberflöte). Of all of Mozart’s operas, this is the only one that never fell out of favor, from its premiere in 1791 to the present day. It is based on a fairy tale that contains all the necessary elements: a romance between a strong, handsome prince and a gentle heroine; a war between a wicked queen and a wise sorcerer; and plenty of comic situations. “The Magic Flute” is a delightful introduction to opera for youngsters. Admission is $65 - $85. For more information, 437-4450 or visit www.operasj.org

April 27
The Chinese Cultural Garden Foundation and the Institute of Sino-American Studies presents the fourth Opera in the Park concert at 3 p.m. in Overfelt Gardens Park, 368 Educational Park Drive, in San Jose. Crossing cultures and genres in an intimate setting, this musical journey showcases renowned Bay Area artists—soprano Kristin Clayton, mezzo-soprano Zheng Cao, tenor Kenji Tashiro and pianist Andrew Fleischman—in an afternoon performance of songs and arias by Fauré, Mahler, Canteloube, Offenbach and San Francisco composer Jake Heggie alongside traditional American and Chinese works, among others. For more information, visit http://chineseculturalgarden.org.

THEATER

April 2 - 27
San Jose Stage Company, in conjunction with San Francisco-based Thick Description Theater Company, presents “Blade To The Heat.” Directed by Tony Kelly, this production combines boxing and music for a visually riveting drama. Previous co-productions with Thick Description include last season's “Gibraltar”, as well as “Uncle Vanya” and “Ghosts”. All performances held at The Stage, 490 South First Street in San Jose. Tickets are $20 - $40 and may be ordered by phone at 283-7142 or online at www.sanjosestage.com.

April 11 – May 6
Sunnyvale Community Players proudly presents: "Fame - the Musical", set during the last years of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984). Bittersweet but ultimately inspiring, this production follows a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. The issues tackled - prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance – still resonate today. All performances are at the Sunnyvale Community Theatre, 550 E. Remington Ave. Sunnyvale. Visit www.sunnyvaleplayers.org for more information. 

April 19 – May 10
Actors Theatre Center presents the musical production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Avenue in San Jose. Ticket prices are $23 – 25 and include an intermission snack. A Hoedown Buffet Dinner is also available. The 4/20 matinee and buffet is $40. Shows generally begin at 8 p.m. see website at www.theatrecenter.biz or call 985-5500 for further show times and other information.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

April 18 – 27
Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose presents “Ragtime” at the Montgomery Theater: “Ragtime” intertwines three distinct stories that poignantly illustrate history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and love and hate. This epic new musical is by the award-winning composer/lyricist team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once On This Island, Seussical). For more information, call-288-KIDS or visit www.cmtsj.org

April 19
The Almaden Library presents two special events: The ever-popular Spring Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the Almaden Library, will take place in the Community Room from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offered are gently used paperback and hardcover books, DVDs and VHS videos. As part of the Library’s salute to the Month of the Young Child, Andrea Gaspari will share her musical and storytelling gifts in the Family Place from 2 – 2:45 p.m. Location for both events is 6445 Camden Avenue in San Jose. For more information please call 808-3040.

April 26
The 14th Annual Spring in Guadalupe Gardens, a celebration of the out-of-doors showcasing gardening and protecting the environment, is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 in Guadalupe River Park & Gardens.  It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose, as well as in the park’s Heritage Rose Garden -- at the peak of its bloom with spectacular color and fragrance -- historic orchard, green meadows and paved trails between Coleman and Taylor streets.  Admission and parking are free. Entertainment and hands-on activities for all ages will be featured throughout the day including sales of unusual plants, workshops and lectures, fun kid’s activities, and solar power exhibits. For more information on this event, contact the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens at www.grpg.org or 298-7657

April 26
The 20th Annual San Jose Children's Faire at Discovery Meadows: Event hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it is expected to draw 5,000 attendees. "Growing Up Green: Healthy Children, Healthy Families, Healthy Community" is the theme for this year's event, which features family-oriented stage entertainment, special attractions, and activity booths offering hands-on activities for children, ages two to 12, in addition to information about education, child care, health and safety resources, creative arts and recreational programs.

April 27
Santa Clara.County Rose Society presents the 65th Annual Rose Show, "Fun with Roses" at the Cupertino Square Mall (formerly Vallco Fashion Park), from 1-4 p.m. The event is open to the public at no charge. For further information about the Rose Show call Barbara Gordon, 650-969-3261 or Meredith Brown, President, 264-9697.

Ongoing
Don’t miss out on the summer fun at Cevalo Riding Academy. Registration is underway for our popular summer horsemanship camps and sessions are filling up fast. Designed for children 6 and up, our day camp sessions are a perfect way for aspiring riders to learn more about horses and jump-start their riding skills. Summer sessions start June 16th and run through Aug. 22. Early sign-ups are encouraged as space is limited. For more information, visit Cevalo’s web site at www.cevaloridingacademy.org and click on the “Camps” link, or email info@cevaloridingacademy.org.

CLASSES

April 16 – June 18
Los Gatos recreation Center offers Tai Chi Chuan classes: Sessions meet every Wednesday at 11:30-12:30 p.m. for Beginners. Location is ,the Los Gatos Recreation Center 123 E. Main Street, Room B. Fees are $85 for 10 classes or $13 per class for drop-ins. For more information, call Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department at 354-8700, x221 or x225, or visit www.lgsrecreation.org.

April 26
Cynthia Sandberg to Speak About Tomatoes at Spring in Guadalupe Gardens: Cynthia Sandberg, owner of Love Apple Farm, will discuss her tips and tricks for harvesting that bumper crop of tomatoes. Seminar time is 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the entertainment stage. Sandburg’s event vendor booth at the event will have plants for sale and answers to follow up questions. For more information, contact the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens at www.grpg.org or 298-7657.

Ongoing
Children's Drawing & Painting Classes - art classes for children 7-12 years old are offered in Nelly Rouhani's house in Almaden. Classes are on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. with a maximum 4:1 child to teacher ratio. Children will learn about the fundamentals of drawing and paint using various media. Tuition is $100 per month, and includes all required materials. A snack will be provided. For more information, call 607-7588 or email niloufarafshin@sbcglobal.net.

Clay classes for adults.  New handbuilding ceramics classes are forming now. These small, relaxing clay classes are held on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m., and Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. The fee includes instructions, clay, glazes, use of tools, and kiln firings. The classes are held in the artist's studio in Almaden. For more information or to register, call 679-0238. Space is limited to only 4 students for each class, so register today!

FIFTY-PLUS

April 19
Senior Seminar: This specialized seminar will featuring a panel of cross-industry experts discussing issues important to you. Topics will include Retirement Planning, Senior Living Options, Reverse Mortgages and information on Prop. 60 & 90 tax relief, as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist and Medicare representative. Location is the Old Almaden Winery, 5730 Chambertin Drive in San Jose. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon. Reservations are suggested. RSVP to either Margaret Guerrettaz at 621-1790, or Barbara Money at 888-5252.

MISCELLANEOUS

April 18 – 19
The San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) will host its 5th Annual Jewelry Show and Auction Benefit from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free and all net proceeds benefit the Museum. Visitors will be treated to exciting jewelry designs by premier Bay Area artists, original artwork, raffles, and silent auction items. Featured artists include pearl designer Soni Bergman and jewelry designer Lynn Guenter. Silent auction items include helicopter ride with the San Jose Police Department, theme gift baskets, hotel packages, gift certificates, and much more.

April 19
Rescued Cockers for adoption at Petco, 886 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose. Hours are 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Fee of $400 includes: spay/neuter, rabies, bordatella, DHLPP (5 in 1) shots and a microchip. Pet ages are 2-5 yrs. No pups. Dogs were saved from deaths in Southern CA shelters. For more information, call 835-4264 or (760) 891-0282, or visit http://adoptcockers.blogspot.com. This event is sponsored by DPS for Homeless Tails and Shelter Cocker Rescue, both of Romoland, CA.

April 26
Alpha Zeta Events presents the Princeton Plaza Faire. This arts and crafts, antiques, and collectibles event will feature free antique appraisals from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is 1375 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose (by Mervyns).

April 26 - 27
Annual Jewelry Extravaganza: The American Cancer Society Discovers Shop presents its annual sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 4/26 and from noon to 4 p.m. on 4/27. Proceeds support cancer research. The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop is located at 1103 Branham Lane, San Jose. For more information, call 265-5535.

April 29
The South Bay Civil War Round Table will meet at Holder's Country Inn, 998 De Anza Blvd.,at 7 p.m. We meet on the last Tuesday of every month, except in December. Come about 6:45 p.m. or earlier to order dinner.  At this month’s meeting we’ll hear about stereo-views of the Civil War. Ron Perisho will discuss famous pictures, many by Mathew Brady, the documentary photography of the day.  Our speaker will begin by 7:15 p.m., so, listen for free, talk about history and receive our newsletter before deciding to join our round table.  Contact Bill Noyes at 374- 1541 for more information.

Ongoing
Willow Glen High School Class of 1988 Twenty Year Reunion. This event will be held on Sept. 13, at the Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E. Main St. in Los Gatos, at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $95 per person. For more information, go to Classmates.com and click on the Events/ Reunion link and register today.


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.