May 11, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

ART
March 24 – May 20
The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) will showcase “Driving by Braille,” a video by Kerry Loewen in the gallery’s First Street window.  “Driving by Braille” is part of the ICA’s installation series “Night Moves,” providing after-dark programming in the gallery’s front and rear windows, giving the ICA a nighttime presence while  animating the downtown cultural landscape. The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 12 – 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Admission to exhibitions is free.

MUSIC
May 13 – Saturday
The Chancel Choir of 1st Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose presents “ With A Voice of Singing, an afternoon of sacred and secular choral music” at 4 p.m. This is a free concert; however an offering will be taken during the performance.

May 20 - Saturday
“Doce Brazil,” featuring ginger/guitarist Jennifer Lee will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue, in San Jose. The core members of Doce Brazil are Argentinean guitarist/composer/arranger/musical director Hugo Wainzinger, Brazilian percussionist Claudio Bebianno, and, the trio’s front person, vocalist/guitarist Jennifer Lee. The band will perform with guest artists, Brazilian pianist/composer Weber Iago and accordionist Rich Kuhns. Doce Brazil has been featured at the SFJazz Summerfest and has played for sold out concert venues throughout the Bay Area. Advance tickets are $15 general, $8 students and $5 children ($20, $10 and $5 respectively at the door). Child care will be provided. For more information, please call 268-0243.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
May 5 – 14
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents its Mainstage production of “Phantom.” Based upon the book by Author Kopit with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, this production will stage at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose. “Phantom” is the mesmerizing tale of tainted love and self-sacrifice and features memorable tunes such as "Home", "Melodie de Paris" and "Who Could Have Dreamed Up You". This production of “Phantom” also marks the grand finale for one of CMT’s most treasured guest directors, John McCluggage. McCluggage is to become artistic director of New Hampshire's Seacoast Repertory Theatre. For tickets or additional information call 288-5437 or visit www.cmtsj.org. Admission:$11 - $15

May 13 – Saturday
Silicon Valley Arts Coalition, presents “I am Art!” Children’s Arts Discovery Day and Silent Auction featuring interactive, hands-on fine and performing arts presentations for children by members of Silicon Valley Arts Coalition and SVAC annual silent auction. Event hours are 1 – 5 p.m. and admission is free with the purchase of a regular admission ticket to Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. For more information, call 251-8440, or visit www.svArts.org.

May 13 - Saturday
Niosha Dance Academy presents its 6th annual Persian Dance & Music Performance from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Campbell Heritage Theatre, in Campbell. Come and learn about the wonderful Persian/ Iranian dances, music, and traditions! Tickets are numbered and can be purchased on line: http://www.niosha.com, www.heritagetheatre.org or phone 866-2700. All proceeds benefit Cancer patients!

May 14 - Sunday
Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester Blvd in Campbell proudly presents the Saint Petersburg Men's Ensemble in “A Russian Fantasy,” a delightful program of Russian Songs at 7 p.m.  This program includes works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Shvedov, Chesnokov, Folk Songs, Worker's Songs, Songs of the Cossacks and more.  Finish Mother's Day in style by treating Mom to a world-class choral experience. Tickets are $15. For information call 378-3472, or go online to www.campbell-umc.org.

May 18 – 21
The Union Middle School Drama Club is presenting “Seussical The Musical.” Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters in their own classic and colorful tales. As each story unfolds, you will marvel at how relevant and profound Seussical's subtle themes are; making this musical one that appeals to all ages. Performance times are: May 18 – 7 p.m.; May 19 - 7:30 p.m.; May 20 – 1 p.m.* & 7:30 p.m.; May 21 – 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (*Signers for deaf & hard-of-hearing at this show). Location is 2130 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd. Tickets: $5 bleacher seat; $8 reserved seat. Ticket Information: seussical_ums_tickets@yahoo.com.

May 18 – Thursday
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, 1342 Naglee Avenue in San Jose, will offer free admission in honor of International Museum Day, which has been celebrated by museums all over the world since 1977. The event fosters dialogue and involvement between museum professionals and the community.

May 19 – Friday
Celebrate with us as Sleeping Beauty marries her Prince Charming! Los Gatos Ballet proudly presents a student performance of "Aurora's Wedding", choreographed by directors Marcie Ryken and Crystal Petzel. This ballet, featuring Maximo Califano of Ballet San Jose/Silicon Valley, highlights students of all abilities. Additionally, the recital presents the Youth Choreography Showcase, a Los Gatos Ballet program that allows advanced students to develop and present their own visions of dance. Both performance will be held at the Campbell Heritage Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 and can be obtained at the Campbell Box Office (408-866-2700) or online at www.heritagetheatre.org. For information about a special 10:30 a.m. student matinee presentation, call Los Gatos Ballet at 399-7577.

May 19-June 10
South Valley Civic Theatre presents "Annie", one of the world's best-loved musicals, at the Morgan Hill Playhouse, in downtown Morgan Hill (corner of Monterey and Fifth).  With its upbeat ending and a wonderful musical score, it's no wonder this heartwarming show has become an international sensation. Directed by Colleen Chipman, Musical Direction by James Chipman, Choreography by Kat Hepner. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors or students. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. on: May 19, 20, 26, 27 June 2, 3, 9 & 10.  There are also two Saturday Matinees, May 27 & June 3 at 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the SVCT web site at www.svct.org or call 408-842-7469.

May 20 – Saturday
Holy Family Church, 4850 Pearl Avenue in San Jose will be having an Electronic Waste Collection Event. Just Drive-In and Drop-Off all your unwanted stuff. It’s free! Don’t trash your old electronics-recycle them while helping raise funds for the Holy Family community. What we accept: Computers (CPUs) Monitors, VCRs, Printers, Fax Machines, Stereo Components, Telephones, Microwaves, TVs, Mice, Keyboards, Radio, DVD’s, Speakers. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 20 – Saturday
Valley Christian School, 100 Skyway Drive in San Jose presents “Festival of the Arts,” from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The day will feature musical concerts, art displays, dance and drama performances, computer animation, huge inflatables, hands on fun, and food. Admission is free. For information, call 513-2415.

CLASSES
May 13 – Saturday
Art and Movement in Grief Work: A Heathcare Professionals Workshop. Learn how to apply creative ways to process grief and loss through expressive art and gentle, relaxing mind and body movement. $55.00 workshop fee includes six (6) continuing education units and lunch. Nurses, psychologists, social workers, bereavement counselors, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend this workshop from 9:30am – 4:30 pm, at Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 7A, San Jose CA. For more information and to pre-register, call Hospice of the Valley at 408.947.1233 x460 or visit www.hospicevalley.org

MISCELLANEOUS
May 1 – July 30
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum,1342 Naglee Avenue, San Jose, will explore the life and career of Leonardo Da Vinci in its new exhibit "Leonardo Da Vinci: Artist, Scientist, Mystic." This family-friendly exhibit will feature reproductions of Leonardo¹s sketches, scale models of his inventions  (including the winged-glider), and materials from the Rosicrucian Library. Docents will be available, and there will be gallery discussions regarding Leonardo¹s historical context of, his spiritual and artistic sides, and his being a link between the Ancient World and the Modern World. Entrance to the Exhibit is included with Museum Admission. For more information visit www.egyptianmuseum.org or call 947-3636.

May 13 – Saturday
STBikes Cat’s Hill Classic Bicycle Race will be held in downtown Los Gatos. Presented by the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club, more than 700 cyclists are expected to participate in this annual cycling criterium. Some of the participants from past years have been Tour de France champion Greg LeMond, Olympic and U.S. speed skating gold medalist Eric Heiden and world champion cyclist Karen Kurreck. Racing is from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Start/Finish Line is at the intersection of Tait and Nicholson Avenues, Los Gatos. For maps and information, go to www.catshill.org, or contact Scott Barth, Race Director, at 248-8913.

May 13 – Saturday
Mother’s Day Outdoors Sale: Visit Almaden Oaks Plaza, 6109 Meridian Avenue, and shop for unique gifts for Mom, wife, daughter or grandmother on Mother's Day! Our Mother's Day gifts include collectible items, new, antique, fine jewelry and more. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 13 – Saturday
Supervisor Jim Beall’s Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue in San Jose. Bring your questions, concerns and suggestions for Supervisor Beall to this free event. Your RSVP is appreciated – call 299-5040.

May 13 – Saturday
Dartmouth Middle School, 5575 Dartmouth Avenue is hosting an Electronic Waste Collection Event at their location. Just drive-in and drop-off all your unwanted stuff - it’s free! Don’t trash your old electronics - recycle them while helping Dartmouth Middle School Cheer Squad raise funds. What we accept:  Computers (CPUs) Monitors, VCRs, Printers, Fax Machines, Stereo Components, Telephones, Microwaves, TVs, Mice, Keyboards, Radio, DVD’s, and Speakers.

May 17 – Wednesday
Free Vipassana Meditation Classes – Instruction and Practices on walking and sitting meditations, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the MLA Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For information call Tony at 732-3322 or e-mail MLA9988@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

May 19 – Friday
Sunset Dinner in the Vineyard: Italian“Family- Style” dining under the stars 6:30 - 10 p.m. Join Guglielmo Winery for an authentic Italian “family-style” dinner! Held in our beautiful Villa Emile Event Center and surrounded by our estate vines and scenic rolling hills. This exquisite outdoor setting will provide the perfect backdrop for this special evening. We will begin with appetizers and a Champagne and Wine reception, followed by exquisite Italian cuisine prepared especially for you by Majid Bahriny. Majid is well known for his culinary creations at Mama Mia’s Ristorante Italiano in Morgan Hill. Your dinner will be paired with our award-winning wines. After dinner kick up your heels and dance the night away to an assortment of d.j style music. Tickets $65.00 per person—all inclusive. For reservations call Tammi Roberts at 408-779-2145 or drop by our Tasting Room.

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.