December 7, 2006

Calendar of local events

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

MUSIC

December 9 – 10
Symphony Silicon Valley will perform at 8 pm in the California Theater. The program "Staring" features principal artists as soloists and features Jon Nakamatsu on the piano. The music of Ravel, Vivaldi, and Beethoven fills the concert for the Symphony Silicon Valley now in its fifth season. Tickets range from $56-$76 and can be ordered from the box office at 408.286.2600. See the web site at www.symphonysiliconvalley.org for more information.

December 11 – Monday
27th Annual “You-Sing-It Messiah” at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in San Jose, at 7:30 p.m. Sing with the choir and a professional orchestra! Tickets: $20. For tickets and more information, call 408-286-2600 ext 23 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For information on the San Jose Symphony, visit: www.sanjosesymphonicchoir.org or 408-995-3318

December 11 - 12
The renowned a cappella ensemble Chanticleer returns to Stanford Lively Arts for its popular yuletide concert. A local tradition, the concert features brilliant renditions of Gregorian chant, medieval and Renaissance music, contemporary classics and traditional carols. All performances will be held in the Memorial Church at Stanford University. Performance time is 8 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $44 - $40. Half-price tickets are available for young people age 15 and under and discounts are available for students and groups. For tickets, call 650-725-ARTS (2787) or visit http://livelyarts.stanford.edu

December 15 – Friday
The Downtown Campbell Business Association is sponsoring a free community songfest open to everyone from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Oddfellows parking lot in the middle of downtown at the corner of First Street and East Campbell Avenue. Dan Naylor, Music Director for Westmont High School, will be the conductor and has chosen songs appropriate to the season. All are invited to come and raise your voice in song with friends and neighbors in the inviting holiday atmosphere of cozy downtown Campbell.

December 15 -16
Fun Times Singers present "Reflections of Peace", a holiday concert of hope and beauty at 8 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Ave., in San Jose. Adults $14, Seniors & Students $10 - $2 discount with advanced purchase. Join us for cookies, coffee, and punch after the performance. For more information, call Nancy at 408-313-4205, or visit us on-line at http://www.FunTimesSingers.org.

THEATER

December 1 - 16
Directed by John A. Leslie, “The All Night Strut” is the latest offering from the Tabard Theater Company. Following on the heels of the Company’s critically-acclaimed season opener, “Mr. Pim Passes By,” this nostalgic romp into the swingin’ sounds of ’30’s and 40’s. Offering a musical journey through jitterbug to blues to gospel and big bands, it’s a foot-tappin’ evening for audiences of all ages. Performances run through December 16. For a complete listing of performance times, visit http://www.tabardtheatre.org. All Performances are at The Triton Museum Hall Pavilion, 1900 Don Avenue, in Santa Clara. Tickets are $22; Senior/Student discounts available. Seating limited. Reservations strongly recommended.  The Tabard Box Office can be reached at 679-2330.

December 15 - 17
The Aztlán Academy-San José will present J.H. Salazar’s “Nuestra Navidad” – A Family Christmas” at the Montgomery Theater, 271 South Market Street. Performances times are 12/15 & 16 at 8 p.m. and on 12/17 at 3 p.m. This performance will mark the 34th Anniversary of the Academy’s traditional family oriented Christmas program at the Montgomery Theater featuring Aztlán Dance Troupe, Conjunto Xitlali, Conjunto Atardecer, Mandinga and Kaisahan of San José Dance Company. Admission charges: $40- Sponsor, $20- General, $10- Children. Discount is available for groups of 10 or more. For general and ticket purchasing information, please call the Academy at 408/984-0342 or visit us at www.aztlanacademy.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

October 21 – January 15, 2007
The new exhibit, “Dragons and Fairies: Exploring Viet Nam through Folktales,” opens at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. “Dragons and Fairies” is designed to educate children ages 5-12 about the rich cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. It provides an opportunity to explore the lives and traditions of people living in modern and ancient Viet Nam. The Children’s Discover Museum is located at 180 Woz Way, in downtown San Jose, at the intersection of Woz Way and Auzerais Street. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday: noon-5 p.m. Member’s only hour is Sunday 11 a.m. – noon.

November 17 – January 1, 2007
Ice skate under the stars – and palm trees – in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday activities.  Beginning its 11th season, Downtown Ice has become a holiday tradition and one of the best skating experiences in the West.  The stunning rink, produced by the San Jose Downtown Association, is recognized as a San Jose holiday icon. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (subject to weather conditions) weeknights and noon to midnight on weekends and Dec. 17-31. Admission is 12 years and younger: $12, General $14. Prices include skate rentals and unlimited ice time. For more information, visit www.sjdowntown.com. Rink direct phone line is 291-0525.

November 24 – December 24
American Musical Theatre San Jose presents the world premiere of “Christmas Dreamland”, a show-stopping extravaganza for the entire family. This new holiday spectacular will be staged at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell at the Campbell Community Center.

November 24 – December 23
Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights™ opens for a third season at California’s only horticultural theme park with two new additions – a festive “Home for the Holidays” parade and special appearances by Snoopy from Knott’s Merry Farm! For an extended 18 select evenings through December 23, Bonfante Gardens will sparkle with millions of dazzling lights, an all-you-can-eat holiday feast, ice skating under the stars at Gilroy’s only ice skating venue, holiday themed rides and visits with Santa. New in 2006, guests will be treated to a spectacular, all-new “Home for the Holidays” parade at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

December 2 - 16
Celebrate the Christmas Holiday Season with California Theatre Center (CTC)! CTC is producing two enchanting, hour long, Holiday shows produced especially for children of all ages to enjoy in December. Silicon Valley's very own professional repertory company devoted to performing for and educating young audiences reprises its perennial favorite, The Elves and the Shoemaker. And a new delightful musical, Madeline’s Christmas. Reservations are strongly recommended as these productions tend to sell out quickly! Call 408-245-2978 for tickets and more information.

December 8 – 10
Bethel Church of San Jose, 1201 South Winchester Blvd, presents its annual Christmas Spectacular, “Come Home for the Holidays”, a musical celebration of Christmas for all ages! The five scheduled performances will feature a 100-voice choir, full orchestra and multimedia production. Admission is free – General Seating is available in Bethel’s 2000 seat auditorium. Performances are 12/8 at 8 p.m., 12/9 at 3 & 7 p.m. and 12/10 at 3 & 7 p.m. The doors open one hour prior to production time. For more information, call (408)246-6790 x114 or visit us at www.bethel.org

December 9 – Saturday
The Vineland Branch Library and P&T Puppets Present - The Night Before Chris Mouse: The Tale of Christopher Mouse Puppet Show Meet Jack Frost, Jingles the Dwarf, Grinny the Green-nosed reindeer and Frosty the Snowman at this original P&T Puppet Theater production. This all mouse (and cat) cast will delight all ages. The show is set to the music of Tchaikowsky, Greig, and Beethoven. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Event time is 11 a.m. in the Community Room, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd., for more information, call (408) 808-3000

CLASSES

December 9 – Saturday
Holiday Decorating Tips from Friends of Guadalupe River Parks and Gardens: Add a personal touch to your holidays this year with a festive wreath made from local, natural materials. A variety of supplies will be provided, including grapevine, greenery and other garden materials as well as the tools needed to put the wreaths together. Step-by-step instruction from Master Gardner Milli Wright will provide even beginners with impressive results they can take home with them. If you have tools and/or lights or ornaments that you would like to use, feel free to bring them along. Hours are 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Fee is $15 members/$20 non-members – Classes held at the Education Center, located at 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Houle, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 408-298-7657.

December 12 - 14
ArtHouse Kids Holiday Workshops & Winter Classes: The ArtHouse is now taking registration for our "Creative Holiday Gifts" workshops for kids 5-12 years. Dates are 12/6,7,13 & 14. $30 per session. Also our "Little Picasso's Holiday Art for kids 2-4 years with a parent held 12/5, 6, 12 & 13, $20. per session. Our Winter classes begin in January for kids 2-15. 1043 Lincoln Ave, San Jose. www.arthousekids.com

Ongoing
Ever wanted to learn ceramics? “Hands On Clay” classes in Almaden is now accepting students for Winter 2007. The fee for these small classes (4 students) includes instructions, all materials, use of tools, and kiln firings. The adult classes are held on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. in Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar's Little Falls Drive art studio and gallery. For more information or to register call (408) 679-0238 or e-mail avidehzworld@yahoo.com

VOLUNTEERS

December 11 - 16
“Gifts for Teens” needs help assembling donated items into gift baskets for distribution. Contact Elaine Benoit at (408) 268-9654 or (408) 294-2430 or e-mail at ebenoit@pacbell.net

MISCELLANEOUS

December 1 – Friday
The Leland High School Speech and Debate Association will present “Performance Night” at 7 p.m. at the LHS cafeteria, 6677 Camden Avenue in San Jose. Our talented students, under the direction of Mrs. Gay Brasher, will present literary speeches, original works, and impromptu presentations. This night promises to be very entertaining. Come and see what makes the LHS Speech and Debate team one of the finest in the nation. Tickets will be available at the door. Adults are $5, Students $3. For more information, call Linda York at 927-8739.

December 9 – Saturday
The Princeton Plaza Holiday Fair will be transforming into a winter wonderland once again and offering opportunities to find that one-of-a-kind gift for the Holiday Season. Exhibitors include more than 30 crafters and vendors with unique products under one roof. Live Entertainment by “Jazz By Design”, Holiday Sing Along! Ruffle Tickets, Coffee and Donuts will be served to all early birds! For more information visit Alphazetaevents.com,  or call Nada at 761-6913.

December 9 – 10
The Guglielmo family announces their 18th annual Holiday Gift Faire — taking place at the family winery in Morgan Hill, 1480 East Main Avenue, Morgan Hill. Choose from dozens of professionally designed Holiday gift baskets - or be creative and put together your own unique basket from the large selection of tempting delights available. Our talented buying team promises many new and exciting gift ideas debuting this year. Many of the gifts can be shipped directly from the winery – saving you valuable Holiday shopping time! Event hours for all four days are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 779-2145 or visit www.guglielmowinery.com.

December 15 – Friday
The Santa Clara County Division, of the California Retired Teachers Association, will meet for luncheon at the Three Flames restaurant, 1547 Meridian Avenue, at 11:30 a.m. Join us for good food, fellowship, and Christmas music provided by the West Valley College Choir. Call Roger Evans (294-8346) for reservations.

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.