March 21, 2008

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Mar. 22
Sing for the Children - Hat Cho Tuoi Tho: This fundraising concert event will be held at the California Theater in San Jose at 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit The International Children’s Assistance Network. For more information, visit www.ican2.org.

Mar. 27 – 30
Symphony Silicon Valley presents Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the California Theater.
The Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, directed by Elena Sharkova, joins the orchestra for a wonderful production of Johannes Brahms' Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor Choral. Tickets are $36 - $72. For more information, call 286-2600 x23 or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

Mar. 28 – 30
The South Bay Guitar Society presents its 4th Annual Guitar solo & ensemble Festival in the School of Music Building at SJSU. Offerings include studio recitals, lectures, exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and clinics – all without charge. There will also be master-classes and evening concerts for a modest admission. Over 60 registered recitalists will present in adjudicated recitals in both solo and ensemble format. Music styles heard in this festival will include classical, flamenco and jazz. For more information, visit www.sbgs.org

Apr. 8
Free Opera Preview - Singers from Opera San José and lecturer Larry Hancock will preview their upcoming production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. Events time is noon, at the Beethoven Center in MLK Library, 4th and San Fernando in downtown San Jose. For more Information, visit www.sjoperaguild.org or call 275-6199.

THEATER

Mar. 29 – Apr. 6
Lyric Theatre presents “1776” at the Montgomery Theater: History tells of America's early leaders creating a bold and forthright Declaration of Independence in 1776. The real story of the Declaration is the basis for this entertaining musical, as the founding fathers are brought to life with all their personality, dilemmas, and family sacrifices in the turbulent years as America strives to separate from England as its own fledgling nation. Admission is $12 - $34. For more information, call 986-1455 or visit www.lyrictheatre.org

DANCE

Mar. 22
The Flamenco Society of San Jose will host “Juerga” (Flamenco Jam Session) at the Hoover Theater beginning at 7 p.m. This event will feature various performers, including a cast of three great flamenco dancers. Our special guest direct from Miami; Adela. Joining the line up are Rubina Valenzuela, and Amanda, along with superbly talented supporting musicians. We encourage audience participation and always include aspiring students, as well as music and dance from other cultures. Admission is $14/General, $12/Students and Seniors.This promises to be a very special event that will take place at the new home for the society the Historic Hoover Theater in San Jose. Seating is limited so ticket purchases should be made soon. For advance purchase, call 510-792-8355.

Mar. 30
Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose, with Artistic Director Mythili Kumar present the Spring Concert and Student Recital at the Mexican Heritage Theater at 3 p.m. This annual event will feature stories of the six shrines of Lord Kartikeya and include performance by principal dancer, Rasika Kumar. To purchase ticket online, visit www.sulekha.com/bayarea, or call 983-0491. Tickets prices are $10 - $25. For more information, visit www.abhinaya.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Mar. 16
Great America Theme Park set to open season with new attractions: New for 2008 - -FireFall, a thrill ride taking guests head-over-heels as they twist, turn and spin through both fire and water effects. Great America is the only place in Northern California to offer Nickelodeon® characters and the most rides, most water rides and most coasters. For more information, visit www.cagreatamerica.com.

Mar. 22
The Hunt – Eggstravaganza! The 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids 2 years to 6th grade will be held at Dove Hill Elementary, 1460 Colt Way in San Jose at 1 p.m. This free public event is sponsored by Evergreen Valley Church. Come and enjoy the fun while your little ones search for loads of candy! Golden Ticket prizes will be distributed and children will have the opportunity to take a photo with the Easter Bunny and play games. For more information, call Evergreen Valley Church at 274-7422.

Mar. 22
The 11th Annual Bunnies & Bonnets Parade and Old Fashioned Kids’ Fair return to downtown Campbell. The festivities begin at noon with marching bands, baton dancers, classic cars and more. It's a wonderful Campbell tradition the entire family can enjoy! The parade will start at the east end of Downtown, by the railroad tracks, and run along Campbell Avenue to Third Street, and will be held rain or shine. But that's only the start of all the fun - following the parade, around 1 p.m. an old fashioned fair for children will be held on South First Street between Campbell Avenue and Orchard City Drive. There will be live music and free games for all the kids.

Mar. 22
Campbell Kiwanis Club presents the annual Campbell Eggstravaganza at the Campbell Community Center. Designed for children ages 2-12, this highly anticipated family fun event begins at 10:30 a.m. SHARP with a traditional egg and candy hunt on the Athletic Fields of the Campbell Community Center, 1 West Campbell Avenue. Please bring a bag or basket for your child. Thousands of plastic colored eggs will be sprinkled throughout the lawn. Please be sure to arrive on time, as the eggs will go fast. Other festivities that morning, beginning at 9 a.m., will include face painting, finger nail painting, games, arts and crafts activities, a jump house, and pictures with the Eggstravaganza Bunny. Coffee and donuts will be sold to the dedicated bleary-eyes parents beginning at 7:30 a.m. This free event is open to the public. For more information, call 866-2769.

Mar. 23
Grace Church of Evergreen’s Easter celebration shall focus on the ‘Family Experience’. The annual Easter event will include special music from the new Worship Leadership Team and each child will receive a cute stuffed animal (while supplies last!) to underline the joy of spring from the Christian perspective. An Easter Egg Hunt with the assistance of Scout Troop 264 will follow the Worship Service ending with a Potluck Easter Brunch. Easter Service is at 9.30 a.m. at Grace Church of Evergreen 2650 Aborn Rd at Kettmann. Call Pastor John Goldstein at 274-1200 for further details.

Mar. 24
Audition sign ups for the California Youth Symphony has started for all CYS ensembles, encompassing eight programs for all symphonic instruments, from beginning to advanced levels, for musicians of high school age and younger. Registration deadline is Mar. 24. Auditions will take place at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills, on April 19 and April 26. Registration forms may be downloaded from the CYS website: www.cys.org and mailed in immediately, along with a check for $15 payable to “CYS.” Please check the website for audition requirements and to download forms, or contact the California Youth Symphony office by calling 650-325-6666.

Mar. 24 – 28
Children’s Discovery Museum presents “It’s So Easy Being Green” Week. Celebrate the Earth all week long. Local conservation organizations will be on hand with fun activities and information to help you reduce, reuse, recycle and re-think your impact on our world.  Learn how to cook with the energy of the sun, make sustainable food choices, or even start your own organic farm.  Find out how you can help preserve our city’s natural resources, get up close and personal with local wildlife, and much, much more! Visit Children’s Discovery Museum during Green Week and learn to live lightly on the Earth Hours are M – F from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go online at www.cdm.org/new for more Green Week details.

Mar. 25 – 26
The Wiggles at San Jose’s HP Pavilion: The most successful family entertainment band in history, The Wiggles, are bringing their all-new live concert tour, “Pop Go The Wiggles!” to San Jose. Tour performance times are 3/25 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 3/26 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the San Jose show are available through all Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com) and at the HP Pavilion box office. Admission is $18-$35. Seating for tickets purchased at the $35 level will take place in the “hot potato seats” and will include an exclusive Wiggles giveaway.

CLASSES

Apr. 5
Learn about growing Citrus at MetroED’s World Garden Workshop: This free workshop, held the Erikson Adult Center, 4849 Pearl Ave, San Jose, will feature growing tips from Master Gardener Nancy Garrison, chair person for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Rare Fruit Growers. Workshop hours are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register, call 723-6450 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email your name and phone number to ritab@metroed.net . Sign-up early, space is limited.

FIFTY-PLUS

Apr. 9
Argentine Tango Classes at the Willow Glen Senior Center, 2175 Lincoln Avenue. Spice up your life with tango! This new 6-week class session welcomes both singles and couples and will teach the fundamentals of Argentine Tango. Classes are Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m., the cost is $55 for San Jose residents. Wear smooth-soled shoes (non-grip) and come prepared to have fun. This course is offered through the city of San Jose. For more information call 448-6400.

VOLUNTEER

Apr. 5
Volunteer for the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority’s “Weed Pull Day.” Help to beautify your city open spaces by donating a few hours of your time to rid our open space areas of invasive plants. Removal site is near Alum Rock Park in San Jose. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., lunch is included. For more information, email dneumann@openspaceauthority.org, or call 226-3175.

Ongoing
The Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens provides several volunteer opportunities to get you involved in the beauty of the Park & Gardens. Meet new people and contribute to a great local project! We can accommodate large groups – a great team building experience! Volunteer opportunities are also available at the Historic Orchard, Guadalupe River Trails, Native Plants Landscape, and the Drought Tolerant Garden. Groups are welcome. For more information, visit our website www.grpg.org or contact Volunteer Coordinator Lucy Perez at lperez@grpg.org or 298-7657.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mar. 1 – May 17
Spring Walking Series at Guadalupe River Park & Gardens: Start the New Year out right by registering for a structured walking series from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. with Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens. Step after step, you’ll become healthier through these group walks that will take place on the beautiful paved trails of the Guadalupe River Park. Whether you are an avid walker or new to a walking program, you will learn about proper equipment, walking technique, stretching and beneficial strength exercises for walkers while meeting others who enjoy walking. Fees are $50/members, $60/non-members. All participants must be 18 years or older. All classes will meet at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (408) 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more.

Mar. 23
Evergreen Valley Church Easter Services Times are 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. Evergreen Valley Church is located at 2750 Yerba Buena Road in San Jose. For additional information, call 274-7422.

Mar. 28 – 29
The Lace Museum, 552 South Murphy Ave, in Sunnyvale is hosting its semi-annual vintage lace sale. This event includes vintage linens--tablecloths, placemats, napkins, pillow cases, sheets, and bedspreads, vintage lace edging, antique lace edged handkerchiefs, jewelry, and many more items. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with free parking.

Mar. 31
Joint Venture Churches of Almaden presents “Enhancing Our Lives With Humor,” the light-hearted topic of Vivian Silva at the second in a series of free seminars dealing with “Care in Crisis.” Discussion begins at 7:30 p.m. at the church – 6581 Camden Ave. in San Jose. For additional information, call 268-0843.

Apr. 10
Wine Tasting and Live Band Dance for Single Professionals: Single professionals of all ages are invited to Number One Broadway, 102 S. Santa Cruz Ave in Los Gatos to meet new friends who appreciate fine wines and live music. Featured entertainment is “Sweet Lucy.” The cost is $30 at the door and includes all the wines you can taste, from boutique wineries, accompanied by appetizers to cleanse the palate, plus live entertainment. For more information, call 415/507-9962 or visit www.ThePartyHotline.com.

Ongoing
Our Annual Jewelry Extravaganza is coming in April! We need your tax-deductible jewelry donations now for another successful event. Proceeds support cancer research. American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 1103 Branham Lane, for more information, call 265-5535.

Humane Society Silicon Valley will stay open later to accommodate the public during the spring/summer months. Beginning on Monday, Mar. 10, our Adoptions Program will be open from 11:30 a.m.- 8:30p.m. Monday through Friday with the last appointment/walk in taken at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, we will be open from 10a.m.-7p.m. with the last weekend appointment/walk in taken at 6p.m.

12-Step Christian Program - Celebrate Recovery! Program held every Monday night at 7 p.m. at Generations Foursquare Church, 133 Bernal Road in San Jose. For more information, call 504-7687 or visit celebraterecovery@generationsfoursquare.org

Get listed!

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, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by e-mail 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 Rd., Suite 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.