November 25, 2005

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC
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).

DANCE
December 15 – 24
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents “The Nutcracker”at the Center for the Performing Arts: A gift for everyone during the Holidays, Ballet SJSV’s “Nutcracker” has become a yearly festive tradition for thousands of children and families throughout the Bay Area. For tickets and more information, call 288-2800 or www.balletsanjose.org

ART
Nov. 17 – Jan. 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

December 2 - 17
The Tabard Theatre Company once again presents “The Taffetas,” back by popular demand, for an evening of seasonal songs and honeyed harmonies in “A Taffeta Christmas,” Local performers Vanessa Briggs, Diane Milo, Rebecca Lipon and Michelle N. Russell recreate the roles of the popular Taffeta sisters for The Tabard Theatre Company, in the musical directed by Nancy Kwong. Conceived and arranged by Rick Lewis, A TAFFETA CHRISTMAS runs for three weekends, December 2 – 17, at The Triton Hall Pavilion, 1900 Don Avenue, near Warburton Avenue, in Santa Clara. This is a toe-tapping show, guaranteed to warm hearts, rekindle fond memories and bring a sparkle to the season. For tickets, call the Tabard Box Office at 679-2330; 979-0231 or email tabtix@tabardtheatre.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
Sept. 30 – Jan. 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.

Nov. 18 – Jan.16, 2006
In its tenth season, Downtown Ice now has a permanent home in the Circle of Palms, nestled off Market Street between the San Jose Museum of Art and Fairmont San Jose.  The ice skating rink is scheduled to open at 5 p.m. and will operate daily through Jan. 16, 2006. The opening ceremony will feature performances by American Ice Theatre and skaters from Logitech Ice at San Jose. Following that, the Community Giving Tree lighting and official opening of Christmas in the Park will occur in Plaza de Cesar Chavez.   

December 2 – 11
Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose presents “The King and I” at the Montgomery Theater. CMT performers young and old are welcome to join us onstage this fall for a lavish, tale, rich in culture and tradition! Journey with us to 1862 Siam, when a British school teacher arrives in Bangkok to teach the King’s wives and children English. Our heroine Anna is little prepared for the task at hand, nor the great admiration and respect she’ll develop for the king. This Broadway classic from Rodgers, and Hammerstein will have you humming along to “Getting to Know You,” “Two Young Lovers,” and “Shall We Dance. For more information, call 288-5437 or visit www.cmtsj.org

December 3 – Saturday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Holiday Wreath Workshop: Get ready for the holidays the old-fashioned way by making a wreath to adorn your front door! Master Gardner Milli Wright will lead this workshop and provide a variety of materials. If you have tools and/or lights or ornaments that you would like to incorporate into your wreath, bring them along. The Cost is $12.00/Friends’members, $15.00/non-members. The workshop will be held from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the new Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early by contacting Kary Wilson at education@grpg.org or call 298-7657.

CLASSES
December 6, 7, 9, 13 & 16
ArtHouse Kids, 1043 Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen offers a selection of holiday-themed classes for adults and kids. Mosaic: Adults can learn in 2 sessions how to make fantastic broken dish and tile mosaics. All materials are provided but feel free to bring any tile or dishes that you would like to incorporate into your design. This class is 12/9 & 12/16 from
7 – 9 p.m. The fee is $85.

ArtHouse Kids will also offer a “Winter Gifts” class and a winter version of their popular “Little Picasso” class. Geared for a variety of ages, check the website for class descriptions, times, and fees. Call 975-9987 or visit www.arthousekids.com for more information.

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 ww.arthousekids.com or call 975-9987.

FIFTY PLUS
Ongoing:
The San Jose City Senior Centers Announces Upcoming Trips:
If you are adventurous, young at heart, looking to meet new friends, or just love to travel, the San Jose City Senior Centers invites you to join with them on their upcoming trips which include: The Vicki Lawrence show live on a overnight trip to Reno November 28th & 29; The Rat Pack at the Post Street Theater on Dec 11and a San Francisco trip to view Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on Dec. 14. For a complete list of upcoming trips and more information pick up brochures at a San Jose City Senior Center, or visit www.Sanjosetripsandtours.com or phone Sandy at 800-955-2877 to have a brochure mailed to you.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS
November 25 - 27
Originals Holiday Gift Show: San Jose McEnery Convention Center hosts The Originals Holiday Gift Show, formerly known as the Harvest Festival, a lively mix of unique and innovating craftsmanship and entertainment. Hundreds of accomplished artisans present their passions and creativity through each final product. All products are creatively designed and hand made. Let the atmosphere continue the journey as you experience live performances and gourmet cuisine. The show will travel to over fourteen destinations this fall. Each show is enhanced by friendly personal touches one must come and witness in person. The Harvest Festival is the superior alternative to any mall. This is truly an original experience you won’t want to miss. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4.50 to $8.50. For more information, visit www.originalsartandcraftshow.com

December 3 – Saturday
The inaugural “Silicon Valley E-Race Racism” 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 1 Mile Walk will take place at Lake Cunningham Park, 2305 South White Road in San Jose. EThe E-Race Racism Run/Walk will benefit youth leadership and health programs provided by the NAACP chapter of San Jose / Silicon Valley. The E-Race Racism Run/Walk check-in and race-day registration will open at 7:30 a.m., with the start time of all three events beginning at 9 a.m. For more E-Race Racism 5K Run/Walk information, including entry fees and/or an application, call On Your Mark Race Management at 209-795-7832 or visit their Web site at www.onyourmarkevents.com. For information about the NAACP Chapter of San Jose / Silicon Valley, visit www.sanjosenaacp.org.


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.