September 27, 2007

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

Sept. 26 – 30
16th Annual San José International Mariachi Festival: The opening gala concert is 8 p.m. at San Jose State Event Center and will feature Grammy Award-winners Linda Ronstadt, and Los Lobos, plus Mariachi Cobre. Tickets are $40, $65, $80 and $125. Other events include outdoor music, a community festival and the best in Latin music from alternative to traditional. “Mostly Mariachi” closing concert on 9/30 features Marco Antiono Solis with Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, performing at the HP Pavilion at 7 p.m. Tickets are $55, $75 and $90. Event tickets are on sale now! Call Ticketmaster at 998-TIXS or (415) 421-TIXS or visit www.ticketmaster.com. The outdoor concerts are scheduled to perform at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose and will include Ozomatli, the LA-based band that blends Spanish-English mix-ups of hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, dub, and Middle Eastern funk, along with urban sound clashing. Plus, Marco Del Rio, the sensational 11-year-old musician from Fremont who is already well on the way to a great career. Del Rio performs on 9/30 at 3:15 p.m. For festival information call 1-800-MHC-VIVA or visit www.mhcviva.org

Sept. 29 - 30
Symphony Silicon Valley presents An American Anthem at the California Theatre: The season opens with the world premiere of David Amram’s symphonic version of Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land, commissioned by the Guthrie Foundation. The program includes Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony and Janácek’s Sinfonietta, led by Maestro Polivnick in his sixth appearance on SSV’s podium. Admission is $24 - $72. For tickets and additional information, call 286-2600 or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

THEATER

Sept. 19 – Oct. 14
Opening its 25th Anniversary Season, San Jose Stage Company presents “The Diary of Anne Frank”. This is a story the world knows by heart: a young Jewish girl’s harrowing account of hiding from the Nazis with her family in a tiny attic in Amsterdam. A striking new adaptation restores deleted passages from the diary, offering a richer look into this extraordinary young woman’s coming of age. Drawing on newly discovered material from the diary that changed the world, Kesselman’s play shows Anne Frank in a more human, realistic light as we honor the 60th anniversary of her diary’s publication. All performances are staged at The Stage, 490 South First Street in San Jose. This production is directed by Rick Singleton. Tickets are $20 - $45 and may be ordered by phone at 283-7142 or online at www.sanjosestage.com.

ART

Sept. 14 – Dec. 31
San Francisco’s Metreon, located at 101 4th Street, hosts the North American debut of Da Vinci – an Exhibition of Genius, celebrating the man who invented the forerunner to the tank, camera, and automobile, engineered bridges and cities, documented the intricacies of the human body, in addition to painting the most famous piece of art in the world. This stunning, interactive and experiential exhibition has taken 10 years to create, and includes 3D animations illuminating the genius behind the famous Vitruvian Man and the Last Supper. Come see the most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever assembled on the greatest creative mind of the Italian Renaissance.  Admission fees are Adult $19.50, Seniors (62+), $17.50 and kids aged 4-12 years are $15.50. For ticket information, visit davincithegenius.com.

Oct. 4 – 7
In honor of John Lennon’s 67th birthday, Legacy Fine Art Productions in conjunction with Yoko Ono present “Come Together - The Artwork of John Lennon” showcased at the Stanford Shopping Center (next to Tiffany & Co.) in Palo Alto. This exhibit will feature hand-signed pieces as well as limited edition prints. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Stanford Ronald McDonald House. A $2 donation is suggested at the door. For hours and additional information, visit www.stanfordshop.com or call 888-278-1969.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Sept. 29
Happy Hollow and the History Park presents Family Movie Night: This event, held at the San Jose Giants Municipal stadium, 588 East Alma is free to the public on a “first come, first served” availability. The evening’s movie will be “E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial” shown on the Jumbotron screen. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. The Giants BBQ will be open or bring your own picnic dinner. Bring your blankets – no chairs allowed in the outfield. No alcohol. In keeping with the “E.T. Phone Home” spirit, bring in your old cell phone for recycling and receive a Happy Hollow Park & Zoo admission pass and a History Park ice cream coupon in exchange! Limit one admission pass and ice cream coupon per person. For more information, 277-4193 or visit www.hhpz.org

Sept. 30
St. Elizabeth’s Day Home 100th Birthday Party: Join us for a free birthday celebration for families and community from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Day Home, 950 St. Elizabeth Drive in San Jose. Fun and entertainment for children of all ages! This event will feature a concert by Children’s Entertainer Jose Luis Orozco, a Mass honoring our founders, Sisters of the Holy Family, and many fun activities plus a BBQ and of course, a birthday cake! RSVP to 295-3456 or email info@stelizabthsdayhome.org

Sept. 30
Join St. Anthony Church in their parish’s 25 Anniversary celebration picnic! Bring the whole family out to 20101 McKean Road from 3 – 6 p.m. for this celebration event that will feature a catered BBQ, jump house and games fro the kids. It will be attended by current and former St. Anthony pastors and other clergy who have been associated with the parish over the years.

Oct. 5 - 7
Bay Area Sports Spectacular in South Hall: This 3-day extravaganza featuring sports greatest players, trading cards, PSA on-site grading memorabilia, autographs, 200+ vendor tables, and more. Come to meet and greet, get autographs, and take photos with sports superstars like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Mike Schmidt, Rickey Henderson, JaMarcus Russell, Tim Brown, Michael Huff, Frank Gore, Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus and 20+ other athletes. Admission is $5 - $10. For more information, visit www.gtsportsmarketing.com

Oct. 5 – 7
St. Frances Cabrini celebrates 51st Annual Fiesta: This much-anticipated event will feature carnival rides, games, gourmet food, an Opportunity Drawing, and gift baskets. The Live Entertainment line-up includes  HouseRockers on Friday night and The Cocktail Monkeys on Saturday. Event hours are 10/5 from 5 – 10 p.m. 10/6 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and on 10/7 from noon – 6 p.m.

CLASSES

Oct. 6
Free Home Compost Training Class: Learn how leaves, yard trimmings, and food scraps can be turned into a healthy soil amendment for your garden. The County of Santa Clara Home Composting Education Program is offering a free learn to compost class from10 a.m. - noon at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave. in San Jose. Attendees will also learn where to purchase low cost composting bins, worm bins and equipment.  To register, call 918-4640 or e-mail compost@pln.sccgov.org.  A full, countywide class schedule is available at www.ReduceWaste.org.

Ongoing
Hands On Clay ceramics classes in Almaden is accepting applications for its on-going classes. These small, relaxing classes for women are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery. The fee includes instructions, clay, glazes, use of tools, kiln firings, tea and pastries, too! For more information, call 679-0238. Space is very limited...register today!
Art for Children and Youth - Children can explore the pleasures of drawing and paint in a home environment. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and from 5 - 6:30 p.m. starting on Sept. 17. Space is limited, as there will only be four students per class; so sign up early! Class materials and a light snack will be provided. For more info, call Nelly at 997-0027.

FIFTY PLUS

Oct. 6
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave. in San Jose. Registration for intermediate courses is at 1:30 p.m. Registration for Computer Fundamentals is at 3 p.m. All classes will be held at the newly renovated Almaden Community Center. For more information call Don House at 268-1703 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

VOLUNTEERS

Ongoing
The Unicorn Thrift Shop in Almaden Valley has some opportunities for volunteers with a variety of skills. This shop is a major fundraiser for EMQ Children and Family Services. Training will be provided. We have a minimum of 7 hours per month of volunteer duty for membership. This retail store could use some reliable adults to join our organization. For further information call the store at 997-9188. The membership chairman is Jan Miller.

MISCELLANEOUS

Sept. 28
Una Delle Piu Belle Esperienza Italiana:  The Ultimate Italian Experience!  Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and vino, plus cocktails and entertainment.  Also,  a silent and live auction against the background of Willow Glen's oldest home and one of the region’s finest examples of historic preservation, the Roberto Adobe, 770 Lincoln Avenue, and Sunol/Splivalo Estate.    This event honors John Bruzzone for preserving and restoring this important cultural landmark, and kicks-off the 27th Annual Italian Family Festa and Founder’s Day Weekend in Willow Glen. Tickets are $85 or $75 per person for groups of 15 or more and $70 per person for PAC*SJ members.  After Sept. 21, all tickets will be $85 per person; $95 at the door.  Hours are 6-9:30 p.m. Proceeds will help preserve historic resources throughout San Jose.  Call 998-8105 or visit www.preservation.org for tickets and information.  Space is limited.

Sept. 28
Beginning Steps to Independence Announces “Steppin’ Out”, a Fundraiser to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary. Beginning Steps to Independence (BSTII) celebrates its 10th Anniversary with an evening of comedy, dining and dancing at Villa Ragusa, 35 South Second Street in Campbell. Auction items include sporting events, wine tours and a trip to Cabo San Lucas will be held to subsidize the children’s program. Event hours are 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. and tickets are $100 per person. Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m.Order tickets at www.conductiveed.org. BSTII gives hope to children who suffer from severe physical disabilities and need special assistance to learn how to walk, dress and even feed themselves.

Sept. 29
Pioneer High School Education Foundation E-waste Recycling: The Education Foundation is holding its fall e-waste recycling event from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Pioneer High School,1290 Blossom Hill Road. Proceeds from the event benefit students and teachers of PHS. Just drive in, drop off, and we'll unload items for you. We will accept televisions, monitors, computers, laptops, stereo/radio, printers, telephones, cell phones, ink cartridges, fax machines, DVD/VCR players, and cameras. For more information, visit www.pioneerhigh.org or email foundation@pioneerhigh.org

Oct. 2
The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley (CFSV) Presents: Tim Morgan Republican National Committee Treasurer speaking at The American Legion Hall, 958 Homestead Road in Santa Clara. Doors open and registration begins at 6 p.m. the talk will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free for CFSV Members and First Time Visitors: Non-members-2nd time visitors are $10. Individual Membership Fee is $50 per year. College/High School Students: no charge. Please send your check to: The Conservative Forum, PO Box 26922, San Jose, CA 95159. For more information, visit: www.theconservativeforum.com

Oct. 7
Santana Row celebrates its fifth anniversary with its first annual Pear Festival, a day of festivities honoring its heritage as a thriving, 65-acre pear orchard and the sweet fruit that it produced. Guests will be able to meet the farmers who grow pears, watch chefs who cook with pears and even taste wine that goes with pears!  Local musicians will fill the neighborhood with live musical performances, and all guests will receive exclusive “Perfect Pair” shopping and dining offers. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.santanarow.com or call 551-4611.

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.