October 5, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

THEATER

September 23 – October 14
Saratoga Drama Group presents “Bye, Bye Birdie” at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Considered on of the captivating musicals of modern times, “Bye, Bye Birdie” follows rock heartthrob Conrad Birdie on the verge of his induction into the Army. When his publicity-minded agent decides to send Birdie off with a kiss from a member of his fan club – on the Ed Sullivan show – things begin to go awry. Classic songs from the production include “What Did I Ever See In Him?”, “Spanish Rose” and “Kids.” For tickets and information, call 266-4734. Directed by Tim Harris, music by Charles Strouse, choreography by Kayvon Kordestani.

MUSIC

September 22 – October 1
Mission City Opera presents “The Magic Flute” performed on selected dates at the Mission City Center for the Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe Street in Santa Clara. This production will be presented in English with English and Chinese Supertitles. Suitable for the whole family, “The Magic Flute” is filled with imaginative and lively characters, and many of Mozart’s most recognizable melodies. For ticket and show time information, call 749-7607 or visit www.missioncityopera.org

October 6-7
Barbershop Harmony Convention at the Civic Auditorium: Voices in Harmony Chorus is hosting this year’s annual Far Western District Contest and Convention. 27 Quartets and 25 Choruses will compete for the top awards, the winners receiving an invitation to the Barbershop Harmony Society’s International Convention in July, 2007. Admission is $30 - $50. For more information, call 247-1180.

October 13 – Friday
Branham High School's Battle of the Bands: Teen bands battle for top honors in this outdoor rock concert party. Judging panel consists of local musicians and a talent scout with prizes for the top 3 bands. Interested bands contact Bill@BranhamMusic.com.  Bands must fill out an entry form with $15 band entry fee.  All bands must have at least one band member as a current CUHSD student.  Advance tickets on sale at www.BranhamMusic.com thru Branham's PayPaw for $8 plus transaction fee or $10 at the door, per availability.  This event is expected to sell out. Doors open at 6:30 p. m, concert is 7-10p.m. at Branham HS,1570 Branham Lane in San Jose.  All proceeds benefit Braham HS Music Department.

October 20 – Friday
Boyz II Men at the Campbell Heritage Theater: Introduced by Bell Biv Devoe’s Michael Bivins through Motown Records in 1991, this Philadelphia high school vocal group sky-rocketed to one of the most successful R&B vocal sensations in the early 90s. Characterized by their multiple lead arrangements and rich harmonies, Boyz II Men topped the charts with hits “One Sweet Day,”“Ill Make Love to You,” and “End of the Road.” Performing one night only. For tickets and additional information, call 866-2700 or visit wwwheritagetheatre.org

ART

October 1 – 31
Monsieur Beans of Willow Glen, 1383 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose, presents an art exhibit of original paintings by Pauline J. Jensen. This showing will features 20 works including “Glass Walkways – Halfmoon Bay” and “Dreams of Travel” (water color) and “People of Korea.” (oil) An artist’s reception will be held on October 8 from 2 – 5 p.m. refreshments will be served.

October 14 - 15
“Art by the Pound” brings animal and art lovers under one roof, featuring animals available for adoption from Humane Society Silicon Valley and animal inspired artwork from Santa Clara artist Sonya Paz. The event hours are from 1 pm - 6 pm both days at the Sonya Paz Fine Art Gallery (www.sonyapaz.com), 1793 Lafayette Street, Suite 110, in Santa Clara. A percentage of the proceeds will directly benefit the shelter animals. The special exhibit will continue through October 22.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 6-8
San Jose Arts Festival at the San José McEnery Convention Center: This event features 170 exhibitors offering more than 10,000 original works for sale in all price ranges. Festival visitors have the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and craftspeople about how they make their unique items. Admission is $6.50 - $7.50. For more information, call 805-461-6700 or visit www.americanartfestivals.com

October 7 – Saturday
Scarecrow-Making Workshop: Gather ‘round for this wonderful opportunity to spend time with friends/family and let your collective creativity flow! Additionally, all scarecrows will be invited to participate in the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens’ sponsored Scarecrow Contest at Pumpkins in the Park on Saturday, October 14.  The workshop will be held at the new Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. One scarecrow allowed per group.  Scarecrow building materials are included in the workshop fee. Children under eighteen years old must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by sending a check to: Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 438 Coleman Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted via phone or mail. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 298-7657.

October 13 – 15
More than 220 local churches from San Jose and neighboring communities will join together to host pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie at San Jose’s HP Pavilion for the 2006 Greater Silicon Valley Harvest. The evangelistic outreach event will feature a timely message about faith from Laurie as well as some of Christian music’s hottest artists, including newsboys, Salvador, Jeremy Camp, Seventh Day Slumber, Kutless, Todd Agnew, Crystal Lewis and Chris Rice. 

Laurie is also the pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, located in Riverside, CA. The Harvest will also include a Saturday evening event called Amplify, designed especially for teens and young adults, as well as a first-ever Saturday afternoon Spanish-language matinee. All three days are free of charge, and will be broadcast live on the internet at www.harvest.org.  HP Pavilion charges $10 for parking.

October 13 – 14
International Gift Faire: Fairly-traded folk art and handicrafts from Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit job creation and marketing program for artisans in 30 developing countries. Event hours are Fri., Oct. 13, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lincoln Glen Fellowship Hall, 2700 Booksin Ave., San Jose. For more information, visit www.internationalgiftfaire.com.

October 14 – Saturday
The Almaden branch of the San Jose Public Library will be hosting a Kindergarten Readiness Program to prepare parents of pre-school aged children for a successful transition into kindergarten. Program hours are from 2:30 - 4 p.m. Topics will include: transition to the classroom, administrative work to register your child, dental health, and a discussion of basic motor and cognitive skills. The presenter’s panel will hold a brief Q & A session following the program. For more information, or to sign up, call: 272-3663.

October 14 – Saturday
“Pumpkins in the Park” at Discovery Meadow: Now in its 11th year, this much-anticipated family event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is produced by Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. This is a celebration of the environment and the fall harvest season and features a variety of specialty apples to taste, fresh pressed apple cider, and entertainment by popular children’s entertainers the Banana Slug String Band, Zun Zun and many more. Events also include pumpkin decorating, puppet shows, environmental education activities and the chance to learn some traditional circus arts from Cosmo the Clown. Celebrate Fire Prevention Week with the San Jose Fire Department, too! Admission is free! For more information, call 408-298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org

CLASSES

September 16 – October 28
South Bay Deutscher Schulverein, a German Saturday Language School, offers German language instructions at the Willow Glen Educational Park, Middle School Section, 2001 Cottle Avenue. The school offers pre-school/kindergarten through adult courses on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., For more information visit our website www.sbds.org or call 266 5100. Please note that no information is available weekdays at the school location.

Ongoing
“Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is accepting students for its Fall 2006 classes. These are small classes (4-6 students) taught by a teacher/artist. Class fees include instructions, all materials, use of tools, and kiln firings. Adult classes are held on Thursday evenings, and youth classes are on Sunday early afternoons. For more information or to register call 679-0238. Classes will be held in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery.

FIFTY PLUS

October 6 – Friday
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in cooperation with Stanford University and Willows Senior Center in San Jose is sponsoring a two-week workshop, “Arthritis Quick Start Workshop and Study.” Attendees will learn about pain management, arthritis medications, and the latest in exercise. In addition, workshop sponsors will help participants design and carry out individualized self-management programs. Free workshop courses are from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited. For more information or to register, call the Stanford Patient Education Research Center at 1-800-366-2624. The Willows Senior Center is located at 2175 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose.

October 7 – Saturday
SeniorNet, computer classes for adults 50 and over will hold registration for computer classes at the "new" Almaden Community Center located at 6445 Camden Avenue. Registration for intermediate courses at 1:30 p.m. Registration for Computer Fundamentals at 3 p.m. All classes will be held at the Almaden Community Center. For more information call Don House 268-1703 or visit www.snlcsj.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

August 5 – October 28
The Sunnyvale Lace Museum’s new exhibit, “Hooked on Crochet: will feature one-of-a-kind items from the turn of the 20th century to the present. Come see examples of adult and children clothing, bedspreads, tablecloths and other crochet items from a craft that was once one of American women's greatest past time. This is a free exhibit. The Lace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 552 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale, with free parking.

October 3 – 8
The Mexican Heritage Plaza’s Annual San Jose International Mariachi Festival, Concerts and Conference celebrates its “Quinceanera.” Festival highlights include the Gala Premier Concert at 7 p.m. on 10/6 and a Mariachi Mass on 10/8 at 9:30 a.m. at History Park, plus much more. Musical guests will include Juan Gabriel, Mariachi Cobre, and Los Lupenos de San Jose just to name a few. For tickets and additional information, visit www.mhcviva.org or call 1-800-MHC-VIVA. The Festival is presented by Kmart.

October 7 – Saturday
Pet Blessing: Come have your pets blessed, at St. Stephen's in-the-fields Episcopal Church. In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, all pets large and small are blessed and receive a certificate at this charming ceremony, outside under the oak tree. Bring your friends. The blessing begins at 4 p.m.at 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd in San Jose. For more information, call 226-9763 or visit www.ststephensinthefields.org.

October 8 – Sunday
The Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society will be hosting a “History Month Open House” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Santa Clara Library, 2635 Homestead in Santa Clara. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 615-2986.

October 8 – Sunday
Want to help homeless animals? Grab your dog and head to Rock Bottom Brewery in Campbell for their Tails & Ales fundraising event from 5-8 pm. Meet & mingle with other dog lovers and their canine companions. Your $10 donation will help benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley and entitle you to free food and discounted beer for the evening. Visit www.hssv.org for details or call 408.727.3383 ext. 873.

October 12 – Thursday
The SJSU African American Faculty and Staff fundraiser “Family Comedy Night” will be held in the Barrett Ballroom at SJSU from 7 – 9 p.m. This night of fun and entertainment features Reggie Steele, Bobby Quevedo, Edwin Okongo, Eleanor Curry, and Brenda Davis. Admission is $20 General, $10 for Students and Seniors. All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, call Dr. Oscar Battle, Jr. at 924-8117 or 924-3133. Come on out and enjoy an evening of laughter – why? Because laughter is good health for YOU! Proceeds benefit the AAFS Association.

October 14 – Saturday
Branham High School Class of 1986.  Our 20th Reunion is at the Wyndham Hotel.  We are looking for you and your high school friends.  Please email Jennifer Bentson Vazquez at jcjenvaz@sbglobal.net to get on the mailing list and visit http://www.classencounters.com for more information.

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.