July 15, 2004

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
July 8 – September 2
The ever-popular Miller Music in the Park free outdoor concert series at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, located a Market Street and Park Avenue in downtown San Jose, will begin its 16th year with a performance by Reggae great Barrington Levy. These concerts feature top regional, national and international entertainers and take place every Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Food and drink are available at the show. Additional artists for the month of July include Fiesta folk band “Calexico,” on July 15, “roots rock “The BoDeans,” on July 22, and Beatles-tribute band “White Album Ensemble” on July 29. For additional information, visit www.sjdowntown.com.

July 8 – August 5
The Almaden Valley 2004 Summer Concert Series at Greystone Park will feature 5 weeks of top local entertainers at free public concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. Opening the season will be “Sage,” on July 8, “Mystic Pilots” on July 15, “The Crew” on July 22, “The Hitmen” on July 29, and concluding with “Rock Hard” on August 5.

July 15 - 17
Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expressway presents live music every weekend. This week features “Roshambo” on July 15, “Liquid Courage” on July 16, and “Switch”on July 17 For more information, and performance times, call 266-0550 or visit www.britanniaarms.com.

July 16 - 18
Almaden Feed and Fuel, 18950 Almaden Road, presents live music every Friday through Sunday. This week’s entertainment features “Old Brown Shoe” on July 16, “Radop Flyers” on July 17, and “Minus 4” on July 18. For more information and performance times call 268-8950.

July 18 – Sunday
San Jose Opera Guild presents “Opera in the Park” a free concert to be held on the lawn at the Los Gatos Civic Center, 110 East Main Street, in Los Gatos. Concert hours 5 – 7 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a fundraising buffet dinner at Kuleto’s on the Terrace of the Hotel Los Gatos, 210 East Main Street. The cost per person for the dinner is $60. Proceeds from this event will benefit the San Jose Opera Guild. For additional information, call Elliot Swanson at 867-1225.

July 22 – Thursday
Le Petit Trianon Theatre in San Jose presents Leland High School’s own rising musical talent, mezzo-sporano Eryn Elash in concert. Joining Eryn will be tenor Sergio Maclean from New York, and Bass Baritone and proud father Silas Elash. Last fall, Eryn made her debut as a soloist at Carnegie Hall and was the special guest soloist with the “Opera Camerata of Washington” She has performed the roles of Mercedes in Bizet’s “Carmen,” and Lola in Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Eryn is a class of 2004 graduate and will be attending Chapman University in the fall. This concert is both a celebration of her talents and accomplishments and a fund raiser to further her studies in college. This performance begins at 7 p.m. The suggested donation is $20 per person. All proceeds of this concert will go to the Eryn Elash Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 993-2290.

THEATER
June 26 – July 31
The West Valley Light Opera Association presents “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” directed by Jeff M. Hicks, performing at the Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga. Join the June 26 opening night champagne gala at the 8 p.m. performance! This musical, based on Stephen Vincent Benet’s Novel “The Sobbin’ Women,” was made into a musical by MGM in the 1950’s. The story is a comedic tale about the rustic romances of seven wild Oregon pioneer backwoodsmen. Evening and matinee weekend shows will available through July 31. For more information, call 268-3777 or visit www.wvlo.org.

July 6 – 26
American Musical Theatre of San Jose opens its 70th season with “The Producers,” the new Mel Brooks musical and winner of a record 12 Tony Awards. This must-see comedic masterpiece makes its South Bay premiere at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for a limited four-week engagement from July 6 –25. Based on Brooks’ Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name, “The Producers” is the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a mousy accountant, and their sure-fire money-making scam; to raise more money than they need for a flop musical and then pocket the difference. The theatrical fiasco is none other than the musical “Springtime for Hitler.” For tickets and additional information, call 1-888-455-7469, or visit www.amtsj.org.

ART
July 17 – 31
Phillips Master Collection at Santana Row hosts an exhibition of recent works by Hungarian artist Csaba Markus. Markus’s paintings embrace “The Enchanting Female Vision” of his dreams, mythology and his reality. Opening night hours are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 17. For additional information, call 246-5989 or visit www.phillipsgalleries.com.

July 25 – October 11
Tokyo-based Artist, Yoshitomo Nara’s: Nothing Ever Happens will open at the San Jose Museum Of Art in downtown. This will be Nara’s first major solo museum exhibit in the united States and is accompanied by a 96-page catalogue with essays by pop icons including Billie Joe Armstrong of “Green Day,” author Dave Eggers and Debby Harry of “Blondie.” Nara’s deceptively simple paintings, drawings and sculptures invite viewers to reconnect with the defiant spirit that comes with youthful optimism and the belief that someday we may change the world. For more information, visit www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org or call recorded information at 294-2787.

LITERARY
July 16 – Friday
“Unlocking The Mystery of the Da Vinci Code” will be the discussion topic at Barnes and Nobel’s Friday Book Group. Join us on the third Friday of each month through September more interesting topics.

July 19 – Monday
Barnes and Noble Almaden, 5353 Almaden Expressway hosts the “Fictionally Speaking” Book Club at 7:30 p.m. This week’s title is “Elegance” by Kathleen Tessaro. Join this book club on the third Monday of each month for additional discussions.

July 21 – Wednesday
Barnes and Noble Almaden is proud to present a special Reading/Signing panel event at 7:30 p.m. featuring Kat Meads, author of “Sleep” and Ronald Ruiz, author of “The Big Bear.” Both novels are set in San Jose with different outcomes.

MEETINGS
July 19 – Tuesday
Business Leads Unlimited meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at Denny’s 1015 Blossom Hill Road. Please contact Richard at 378-2225 if you plan to attend.

July 19– Tuesday
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!

July 20 – Wednesday
South Valley Chapter of Leads Business Networking Group meets for lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Call or email Renee to get location details. 210-7361 or rdaggett@adminbooks.com

Ongoing:
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child. We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out”. For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.

HEALTH
July 16 – 17
The International Myeloma Foundation will be hosting a patient and family seminar at the Hayes Mansion, 200 Edenvale Avenue in San Jose. This event brings together patients families and physicians from around the country for an intensive two-day, interactive seminar. This event emphasizes education, research, support and advocacy to empower [patients and provide invaluable information and support within the myeloma community. For more information, visit www.myeloma. org/myeloma/up_event_detail.jsp or call 800-452-2873.

Ongoing:
The New Almaden Community Center will be hosting a weekly yoga class on Mon/Wed/Fri. at 6 a.m. and on Tues/Thurs. at 7 a.m. Attendees should bring their own yoga mats, however, there are a limited number of pads available. For more information, contact Tara at 997-9383. Class fees are $6 each or $24 per week. Classes are appropriate for both beginner and intermediate levels.
Bay Area Alzheimer’s Association now includes meetings at Kaiser Hospital, Santa Teresa Kaiser, Bldg. 3, Conference rm. 2 5755 Cottle Road. For more information call 800-660-1993

FIFTY PLUS
July 24 – Saturday
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold course registration at all three SeniorNet centers in San Jose. In Almaden, registration will be at the Almaden Hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, in the Fellowship Hall from 1:30 pm for intermediate students and from 3:00 pm for beginning students. All Almaden classes will be held at the Vineland Branch Public Library, 1540 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose. Other SeniorNet sites are Willow Senior Center,2175 Lincoln Ave. and Cypress Senior Center, 403 S. Cypress. For more information call Don House 268-1703.

Ongoing:
Spaces are still available in the following Almaden SeniorNet classes: Word 1, Digital Photography, Quicken, E-Mail A-Z, Internet/e-mail, Fine-tuning and Troubleshooting XP and Computer Fundamentals. All Almaden classes will be held at the Vineland Branch Public Library on 1540 Blossom Hill Road. The other SeniorNet sites are Willow Senior Center at 2175 Lincoln Avenue and Cypress Senior. Call Don House at 268-1703 for more information.
AARP Information Center needs volunteers to staff their office. Duties include helping seniors find various services and programs, and providing information on senior needs. The office is located at 840 Willow Street, Suite 300, at the corner of Bird and Willow Streets on bus route #25. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 278-1855.
The Geriatric Advisory Program is a service providing documented analysis, advice and resources to those caring for aging family members and is available through the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. Sliding scale fees available. 975-2988.

CHILDREN/
FAMILY EVENTS
July 16 – September 6
CANSTRUCTION comes to The Tech – Local architecture firms will compete to design and build the most creative food can exhibit in The Tech’s lobby. Come and enjoy this community service project where all the cans used will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

July 16 – Friday
The Tech Museum of Innovation presents the new IMAX file “India: Kingdom of the Tiger.” Taking you on a magic ride through this ancient and fast-growing country, this film examines the history and environmental challenges, and stars critically acclaimed Indian actress Smriti Mishra and Christopher Heyerdahi. A historical epic depicting Indian from 1910 to the present, this tale is told through the eyes of one of India’s most mysterious and compelling animals – the tiger. For additional information, visit www.thetech.org or call 294-8324.

July 16 – 25
Children’s Musical Theater of San Jose presents “The Wiz.” This hip rhythm and blues rendition of L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wizard of Oz” will be showing at the Montgomery Theater in downtown from July 16 – 25. For additional information, call 288-5437 or visit www.cmtsj.org.

July 16 – Friday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park and Gardens invite you to the Arena Green to enjoy children’s musician, Gary Lapow and to take a ride on the Carousel. Grab a picnic lunch and head for the lawn as Gary Lapow entertains with a host of original engaging songs that appeal to children and adults. There will be three performances at 11 a.m, 12:45 p.m, and 2 p.m. Between show take a leisurely ride on the carousel. All children 10 years and younger will be offered one free ride. For more information, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org.

July 20 – Tuesday
The Vineland Branch Library presents “Creative Scrapbooking for Teens.” Bring photos, special items, tickets brochures and assorted memorabilia on a particular theme and our expert host, Linda Levine, will demonstrate how to create a spectacular scrapbook. This workshop is designed for student in grades 6 – 12 and begins at 2:30 p.m. Basic supplies are free. For more information, call 978-1212

July 23 – Friday
The Third Annual Maxgames Vidoe Game Tournament brings the ultimate console video game tournament to the Tech Museum. Watch finalists on each platform battle it out in The Tech’s Giant Dome Theater. The cost to compete is $25 per person, per game. Tech Museum members play for only $15 per game. Competitors can register online via the Maxgames website at http://www.thetech.org/maxgames/. All entry fees go toward The Tech’s Annual Fund for Education.

July 23 – 25, 30 & August 1
All aboard for Thomas the Tank Engine, as the classic storybook friend rolls into Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, CA for a Day Out With Thomas. This fun-filled family event offers preschoolers and their grownups the opportunity to take an approximately 25-minute ride, with Thomas the Tank Engine, take photos with Sir Topham Hat, attend Thomas and Friends storytelling and video viewing, ride ponies and much more. Thomas train rides depart every 25 minutes between 9 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. daily. Advance purchase is recommended by calling 866-468-7630 or by visiting www.ticketweb.co. For more information, call 813-335-4484 x120 or visit www.roaringcamprr.com Day Out With Thomas tickets are $14 each.

VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care to animals, has volunteer opportunities
for foster caregivers for kittens and cats and for petfaire workers for our Saturday PetClub events.
For more information, visit www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.org, or contact us through volunteer@safehavenforanimals.com or call 420-7233.
Sacred Heart Community Service needs volunteers to assist in our Self-Sufficiency Programs, including Youth and Adult Education, JobLink and Embracing Families. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. For more information contact the Volunteer Office at 278-2171 or visit www.sacredheartcommunityservice.org.
Child Abuse Prevention Center is seeking volunteers to join the Volunteer Case Aide program, which assists children and their families by providing services requested by county social workers. Call (650) 595-7640 for more information.
Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is looking for volunteers to mentor and speak up for abused and neglected children/youth who have been placed in the foster care system. To find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child, call (408) 416-0400 or e-mail info@cadvocates.org.

MISCELLANEOUS
July 14 – 18
The 13th Annual International Mariachi Festival will feature some of the most respected and best known performers from around the world. This six-day event will include educational workshops, community and professional concerts and a mariachi mass. The festival concludes with an all day free public faire from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 18 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. For additional information, visit www.mhc.viva.org or call 928-5563.

July 16 – Friday
The Tech presents the new IMAX film, “Forces of Nature.” This production promises blood pumping action and drama when the ground shakes, mountains explode and the sky turns black and violent. Narrated by Kevin Bacon, this film showcases three scientists striving to understand the origins and behavior of natural disasters 0 putting their own lives in danger in the process.

August 1 – 31
August marks the 75th anniversary of the San Francisco Zoo! In celebration of this event, visitors to the Zoo during the month of August will have an opportunity to live fond memories of bygone days with special exhibitions and self-guided tours. The 100-acre zoological park was founded on its current site in 1929 and has been one of San Francisco’s most enduring recreational and educational attractions. The SF Zoo is on Sloat Blvd. and 47th Avenue, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 415-753-7080 or visit www.sfzoo.org

Ongoing
Welcome Wagon #3 is a non-profit, diverse group of volunteers dedicated to charity, community and each other. Welcome Wagon offers 15+ activity groups of various interests for our members to enjoy. Twice yearly WW hosts charity events to raise funds, giving back to the community. WW #3 meets as a whole on the third Wednesday of each month for luncheons and programs to various restaurants in the area. New members are always welcome! For additional information, call our new member hotline at 445-7015. Ask for President Glenda or membership chairs Beverly or Barbara.

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.