May 25, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

June 4 – Sunday
Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose presents “Sing You Now” at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1100 Shasta Avenue in San Jose at 4 p.m. Join us for our Spring Season performance Appropriate for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $6 for children $8 for adults. For advance tickets or for more information call: 979-9997 or www.vivaceyouthchorus.org

Ongoing
Unwined Wine Bar and Shop, 6946 Almaden Expressway features live music with Arturo Ville every First, Third (and Fifth) Thursday; and Don Balistreri, solo guitar every second and fourth Thursday. All Thursday night performances are from 6 - 9 p.m. Every Sunday features The Steve Cannon Jazz Ensemble from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 323-9463, or visit www.unwined.com Check the website for Wine tasting and Wine Education class schedules.

ART

June 3 – 4
The Triton Museum of Art and the Alliance of Visual Artists present the 11th Annual AVArtfest, a festival of arts held in the sculpture gardens of the Triton Museum from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.  ArtFest is where art collectors discover affordable original juried art works for sale.  These pieces are created by hundreds of local artists who work in all media. A variety of art demonstrations, as well as music and food, can be enjoyed in the park setting on both days.  A portion of the art sales goes to support the Triton Museum of Art. Admission is free.

DANCE

June 3 – 4
The Montgomery Theater presents: “Shaab-e Shiraz: Shirazi Nights” Traditional Persian and Central Asian dance, concert & poetry. Admission is $35 per person. For more information, call 927-7004 or visit www.dancesilkroad.org.

THEATER

May 31 – June 25
The San Jose Stage Company, 490 South First Street in San Jose, presents “Urinetown,” the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. In this tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution, the citizens must use public amenities regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Along the way, “Urinetown” spoofs everything from “Guys and Dolls” to “Les Miserables.” Directed by Rick Singleton with Choreography by Dottie Lester-White and Musical Direction by Don Dally. Book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollman. For tickets and show information, call The Stage box office at 283-7142.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

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, and 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.

June 2 – July 23
California Theatre Center’s Summer Rep 2006 season opens with the production “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, by Clark M. Gesner.” Based on the loveable “Peanuts” comic strip characters created by Charles Schulz, this fun and poignant Tony Award-winning musical takes the audience through a day in the life of Charlie Brown. From wild optimism to utter despair, Charlie and his friends offer their unique wisdom and insights into life. All performances held at the Sunnyvale Theatre at the Sunnyvale Community Center, 505 East Remmington Drive in Sunnyvale. For performance times and ticket information visit www.ctcinc.org or call 720-0873.

June 3 – Saturday
Turn off the T.V. and come outside! The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens have a great morning Family Fitness Walk planned right along the Guadalupe River Park trails. Walk hours are 9:30 - 11 a.m. All you need is to bring is your enthusiasm, walking shoes, water and sun protection. The instructor, Kristin Strellis, received her BA in Exercise Science from Johnson State College, Vermont and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer. She is also CPR, AED and First Aid certified. Kristin will start off with some tips on walking correctly as well as the health benefits of walking. Along the trail she will show how many features of the park, like stairs and low walls, can be used for fitness opportunities along the way and will also be incorporating fun games, yoga and stretching into the walk. We’ll finish off with a healthy snack and a handout that will include all the activities that were introduced during the walk so you and your family can come back and do it all again and as often as you would like. Please bring a water bottle, sun protection and wear good walking shoes. Cost is $10 Adult/members, $12 Adult/non-members. $8 per child (5 years and older). Space is limited to only 20 Participants, so reserve now by contacting Kary Houle at education@grpg.org or 298-7657. Please visit www.grpg.org for more information.

June 4 – Sunday
The Mexican Heritage Plaza Theatre, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, presents: “Zamacueca!” This unique, first in the world, production features 15 musicians and 40 dancers representing five different countries who take the stage to tell the tale of interweaving commercial enterprise, historical trade routes, and economic and political development that connect the cultural heritage and spirits of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the United States. This legacy is over 150 years old and continues to live today in Mexico and South America. The journey is one of nostalgia and the complexly beautiful art of music and dance. Performance time is 2 p.m. tickets are $12, $8 advance ticket sale discounts available. Student discounts available day of show. For more information and ticket purchases call 928-5517 or 928-5563 or visit www.mhcviva.org

CLASSES

ArtHouse Kids Summer Camps. The Arthouse, 1043 Lincoln Avenue, is currently taking registration for our summer camps which begin the week on June 26. Camps include Little Picasso's, Multicultural Art & Cooking, Pop Art, Animals in Art, The Art of Nature and more. For more information, call 975-9987, or visit www.arthouse kids.com

Ongoing
Fine Art Classes will be held on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at the New Almaden Community Club, Bertram Rd (behind La Foret Restaurant). Instruction in oil, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic. All skill levels welcome. Go to www.galafineart.com or call 268-2990 for more information and materials lists.

Tai Chi Chuan classes at Hakone Gardens: Beginning/intermediate classes are ongoing and meet on Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:55 p.m., Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, close to downtown Saratoga. Fees are $96 for a consecutive 8-week series or $20 for a drop-in class. For more information, call Instructor at 295-9439 or email linda@xs.com. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art. It promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. This class is suitable for people of all ages.

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 26 – 29
FanimeCon 2006: Held at the McEnery Convention Center & Civic Auditorium in San Jose, FanimeCon is the Bay Area’s biggest anime convention. This event includes live panel discussions, workshops, cosplay events, music, gaming, 24-hour anime programming and dances. Not-to-miss features include huge dealers’ rooms full of anime and manga goods. For more information, visit www.fanime.com.

June 2 – Friday
Unique Lives & Experiences presents “Lily Tomlin” at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. Lily and her hilarious characters will sound off on modern life, love, childhood, the media, pop culture, the past and the future. You will find yourself laughing at life, at Lily and most of all, yourself! Call 1-877-882-8124 or visit www.eventsunlimited.org for more information. Admission: $132 - $252.

June 3 – Saturday
The Center for the Performing Arts presents “The Latin Show,” featuring Salsa Band, Mariachi Band, Tango Band, Flamenco guitarists and singers, International Latin Dance Champions, Salsa dancers troops, Argentine Tango dancers, Mexican Folkorico dancers, Brazilian dancers and drummers. This event showcases artists raising money to get Ballroom dance/Etiquette training in our schools. Andrew P. Hill will present the first of many pilot programs for kids. General dancing to live music will be available to the public after the show. Performance time is 7:30 p.m. Call 925-937-0761 or visit www.adrianflorespresents.com for more information. Admission: $28 - $48.

June 3 – 4
Don't miss this special class on lace knitting taught by Ele Schwartz at the Sunnyvale Lace Museum. The class takes place June 3 and June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Basic skills (knit and purl stitches) are required. Cost for two days is $100 and includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon snacks. Class size is limited so register fast. Registration deadline is May 20. You can register by calling 730-4695 or go to: http://www.thelacemuseum.org.

June 6 – Tuesday
Rally to Stop Domestic Violence will be held at City Hall Plaza, 200 E. Santa Clara Street from 12 – 1 p.m. Speakers will include: Councilmember Forrest Williams, Mayor Ron Gonzales, Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Supervising District Attorney, Family Violence Division Dan Nishigaya and Asst. Chief of Police Tuck Younis. Come show your support for the elimination of domestic violence. You too can make a difference

Ongoing
Branham High School Class of 1976.  Our 30th Reunion is September 30 at Coyote Ranch.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Pam Poor at pamela.schuur@comcast.net to get on the mailing list and visit www.geocities/branham76 for updates.

Humane Society of Silicon Valley Companion Animal Loss Support Group Meetings: First Wednesday of each month 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Humane Society Silicon Valley, 2530 Lafayette St. Santa Clara. Facilitator: Adam Dorsay, M.A. For more information, call 450-1800.

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.