November 10, 2005

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
November 11 – 12
Gary Vecchiarelli Productions presents “Big Band Swing” featuring Pete Jacobs and his Wartime Radio Revue 16-piece Orchestra at the San Jose Elk’s Lodge Grand Ballroom on 11/11 from 7 – 11 p.m. and at the American GI Forum Grand Ballroom on 11/12 from 3 – 7 p.m. Special guests include Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients. For ticket information call 800-640-7777, for general information call 294-4444, or visit bigbanddance@earthlink.net

November 19 – December 4
Opera San Jose continues its 22nd anniversary season with Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic “A Masked Ball.” Eight performances are scheduled from November 19 through December 4 at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose. “A Masked Ball” is full of the power and ardent passion. Based on Gustave III by August-Eugène Scribe, it is the story of an absolute monarch in 18th-century Sweden who, nonetheless, was a progressive in his views on education, culture, and taxes. His nobles plotted against him, jealous for their lost power, and assassinated him at a masquerade ball. Verdi and librettist Antonio Somma enriched this infamous passage of history with a dose of dramatic license, reinterpreting the regicide as an act of marital jealousy, with the assassin believing his wife to have been unfaithful with the king. This is Italian opera at its expressive, passionate height.In Italian with English Supertitles. Conductors—David Rohrbaugh, Bryan Nies. Stage director—Bodo Igesz. Set design—Peter Crompton (co-produced with Festival Opera).

ART
November 17 – January 7, 2006
The Art Museum of Los Gatos, 4 Tait Avenue, announces the opening exhibits of local artists James Warren Perry, featuring his series of California landscape paintings, and Richard Shaw, showcasing his trompe l’oueil porcelain sculpture. A public reception with both artists will be held on Sunday, November 20, from 2 – 5 p.m. Musuem hours are Wed – Sun, from noon – 4 p.m. admission is free. For more information, call 395-7375.

THEATER
November 25 – Friday
Mothers & Other Goddesses: A comedy show & an aerobic workout! Laugh and burn calories at the hilarious Mothers & Other Goddesses—a show created especially for women and the men who love them—coming to The Gaslighter Theater in Campbell – 8 p.m. show.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
September 30 – January 6, 2006
“Game On: The History and Culture of Videogames.” Explore the history, culture and future of video games at this temporary exhibit. “Game On” is a highly interactive exhibit that examines the exploding video game industry from the game design process and beyond. Come experience the past forty years of electronic gaming, and reflect on where the industry will go next. “Game On” was organized by the Barbican Art Gallery London in collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland. “Game On” will be at The Tech through January 6, 2006.

November 1 – December 2
The Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House Foundation is now taking reservations for its popular Holiday Tea and Tours at the historic Ainsley House in Campbell. Tickets to the silver-service holiday afternoon teas, followed by a docent-led tour of the holiday-inspired decorated Ainsley House, are available on the following dates: December 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 11. The tea and tours are $20 per person weekdays, and $25 per person weekends. Teas are at 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. Each year, 15 rooms at the 1925 English Tudor Revival historic house museum are decorated for the holidays during November and December by area interior designers, house decorators, and community groups to give the house a festive look. For information, call 866-2119 or visit www.cityofcampbell.com.

November 12 – Saturday
Almaden Oaks Plaza Fair, 6109 Meridian Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This Holiday Fair will feature many handcrafted items, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, vintage clothing , pottery, paintings and much more. Live entertainment by cyber jazz recording artist Ajama Akinyele. Free parking and admission.

November 12 – 13
Santa Teresa High School Holiday Boutique! STHS, 6150 Snell Avenue, presents its Annual Holiday Boutique/fundraiser. Do your holiday shopping with us!  Select from seventy-five vendors: handmade crafts, holiday decorations. jewelry, purses, blankets, scarves, natural cosmetics, candy and jams. Shop with your favorite direct sales marketers for Tupperware, Southern Living at Home, Creative Memories, Pampered Chef, Princess House, etc.  Live entertainment, food, free parking and admission. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on 11/12 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 11/13. For more information call 347-6200 or visit www.STNET.esuhsd.org.

November 11, 12, & 17- 19
Leigh High School’s Fall production, “CLUE: the Play,” written by Jonathan Lynn and adapted by Jim Fourniadis and Cameron Eng will feature students on stage and on tech crew. Show time is 7:30p.m. at Leigh High School.  The Box Office opens at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or 4/$35 and there is no reserved seating.  For ticket information phone 356.3837.

November 18 – Friday
Alta Vista Elementary School, 200 Blossom Valley Dr in Los Gatos presents its first Annual Holiday Boutique. This is a great opportunity to purchase many handcrafted gifts from crafters in our local community, as well as get some great holiday shopping done. 10% of ALL vendor proceeds go to support Technology and 100% of Alta Vista’s profits will go towards technology. Come and enjoy refreshments, raffle prizes, lots of holiday cheer and some surprises too! We also have a coloring\craft station for kids while parents shop. Boutique hours are 2 – 8 p.m.

CLASSES
Ongoing:
Italian courses in Downtown San Jose: Italian Language courses will be offered at Holy Cross Parish, 580 East Jackson St. in San Jose. Beginner’s class meets on Mondays, 9-11a.m. the fee is $144 for 12 classes.

Intermediate class meets on Fridays, 9-11 a.m. the fee is also $144 for 12 classes. Advanced class meets on Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. the fee is $172 for 12 classes. Call 646-0232 for registration and additional information.
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 9:00 - 12:00, starting September 17. 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.

Fall Art Classes for Kids: The ArtHouse offers Fall fine art classes for kids ages 2-15. Classes include Little Picasso’s, a parent participation class, Masterpiece, which combines art history with  hands-on experiences, Drawing and Painting Techniques and Guest Artist Workshop where kids get the oportunity to work with a new artist each week. ArtHouse Kids, 1043 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose. For more information, visit www.arthousekids.com or call 975-9987.

FIFTY PLUS
October 6 - November 10
San Jose State University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is offering a course entitled “The Portuguese in the Santa Clara Valley.”  This course is held on Thursdays from 1 - 3 p.m. and will meet in the University’s Professional Development Center, 2160 Lundy Avenue. The fee is $75 per person. Parking is free.  The Osher Institute is a program for people age 50 years and over.

MISCELLANEOUS
November 11 - 13
The Bay Area Ski & Snowboard Show: The San Jose McEnery Convention Center will host the 10th Annual Consumer show. This event will feature exhibit booths showcasing skiing and snowboarding resorts, factory equipment reps, “Show specials” and as $1,000,000 Ski & Snowboard sale with holiday bargains for everyone from Mel Cotton’s and other specialty retailers. Added family entertainment includes free ski lessons for all ages from Alpine Meadows Resort, a free climbing wall, valuable prizes donated by exhibitors and even a Jeep Tire Chain contest where you can win lift tickets and cash while you check out the newest Jeep 2005/2006 models! Plus a FREE bonus Lift ticket to a Lake Tahoe Area Resort is included with full price regular admission! Restrictions apply. Hours are 3 – 10 p.m. on 11/11, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on 11/12 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 11/13. Admission is $15. Visit www.BayAreaSnowShow.com for more information.

November 12 – Saturday
Presentation High School’s 25t Anniversary Years Auction and fundraising dinner. Cocktails and Silent Auction at 6 p.m., Dinner at 8:15 p.m., Oral Auction at 9:15 pm. For more information call 264-5110, ext. 2465.

November 12 – 13
Bradley’s Hallmark Holiday Open House - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done early! Choose from a large selection of Christmas cards, giftwrap and gifts for everyone on your list. Fitz & Floyd, Snow Babies, Dept. 56, and more. Bradley’s is located at 6942 Almaden Expressway in San Jose.

November 12 – 13
The Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 21350 Almaden Road presents its first ever Yuletide Bazaar. Come and shop for the finest holiday goods, arts, crafts, greenery, candies and baked goods at the Museum’s 1st Annual Yuletide Bazaar. Local artisans and treat-makers will help make this a special event with a taste of Victorian flair. Call 323-1107 for information or directions. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

November 13 – Sunday
Café Hair, 3960 Almaden Expressway, will be hosting an open house in celebration of their newly remodeled salon.  The event is from 3:00 – 6:00 pm with drinks and hors d’ oeuvres to be served.  There will be gifts and a drawing!

November 15 – Tuesday
DiCicco’s Ristorante presents “A Guided Tour of Italy.” Come eat and drink your way through the regions and vineyards of Italy. Five different food courses will be served with a new wine from a different region. Guide Cristina Rinaldi will discuss the making of the wine, history of wineries and share stories of the winemakers. Seating at 6 p.m. $49 per guest, $25 deposit required at the time of reservation. Call 377-5850 to reserve your seat.

November 16 – Wednesday
Jeep presents Warren Miller’s Higher Ground: The Montgomery Theater will screen Warren Miller’s 56th annual feature film event highlighting some of the best skiers and snowboarders riding in awe inspiring locations all over North America and across Europe. Be sure to kick off your winter season with us and get inspired to hit the hills! The film is from 8 – 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.warrenmiller.com.

November 19 – Saturday
Joint Venture Churches Music Director John Leslie portrays the character of Matthias, a follower of Jesus who was selected to join the remaining 11 disciples after Judas betrayed Jesus and took his own life. “Matthias: the Thirteenth Apostle” will open the Almaden Adventures in the Arts 2005-06 season at 7:30 p.m. at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue, in San Jose. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 general, $8 students and $5 children ($20, $10 and $5 respectively at the door). Child care will be provided. Tickets are limited and reservations are recommended. For more information or reservations, call 268-0243.

November 19 – 20
The Tabard Theatre Company will be holding auditions for the upcoming production of “The Magician’s Nephew,” based on C. S. Lewis’ first installment in “The Chronicles of Narnia,” adapted by Aurand Harris and brought to life on stage by Susannah Greenwood. Adult and child actors ranging in age from 6 to 60 are sought to portray over 20 human, animal, and fantasy creatures of Narnia. Those auditioning will simply be asked to read from the script. Auditions are by appointment only, by calling 979-0231. Callbacks are on November 21. The Production is slated for March 18 – April 2, 2006.

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.