October 24, 2005

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC
October 28-30
Intricate Rhythm, Elegant Sound: Performing at the Montgomery Theater, a group of brave die-hards, who want to combat the erosion of the ancient art form and to preserve it from extinction, the Taipei Quyi Troupe, under the direction of Master Lin Wen-Pin, was formed to rekindle the audiences’ interest in the Chinese vocal music art form. Providing a new interpretation and introduction of vocal music, the program includes folk songs, poems, operas, quyi, and pop songs that are favorites of the young and old alike. With articulate explanation, virtuoso performance, and interaction with the audience, it’s aimed to let the audience experience once again the beauty of song and rhythm. Performance times are 3 – 5 p.m. and 8 – 10 p.m. Admission is $25 - $100. For more information, visit www.dimensionarts.org

October 29 – 30
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “American Originals” at the California Theatre. Conductors Paul Polivnick & Dennis Wilson featuring David Amram “Triple Concerto,” Duke Ellington “Black, Brown & Beige” and George Gershwin “An American In Paris.” Performance times are 8 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. For tickets and additional information, call 286-2600 or visit www.symphonysanjose.org.

October 30 – Sunday
Gulf States Relief Concert: Join the South Bay Guitar Society and Mission Chamber Orchestra (MCO) as they team up with the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of recent hurricanes in the Gulf states.  A cast of local stars plus the San Jose Symphonic Choir will join MCO conducted by Emily Ray in performing this most unusual concert at the beautiful, new San Jose City Rotunda, 200 E. Santa Clara St. (at N. 5th St.) Classical, patriotic, and region-inspired selections will feature baritone Leroy Kromm, harpist Dan Levitan, flutist Leslie Zieren, guitarists Michael Bautista, Ben Zussman, Danny Yarritu, and the Dixie Bay Cats. The concert begins at 12:30 p.m. and admission is free. Donations will be accepted by the American Red Cross for hurricane victims. This program is offered in partnership with Artsopolis.com.

THEATER
October 15 – November 13
San Jose Rep’s 25th Anniversary Season continues with “The Tricky Part,” Martin Moran’s Obie Award-winning, one-man play about sexuality, spirituality, and the mystery of human experience. Written and performed by Moran and directed by Seth Barrish, The play is This run marks the play’s California premiere and only Bay Area engagement. Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office at 101 Paseo de San Antonio or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 367-7255.

October 20 – 30
The Tabard Theater Company presents “Smoke on the Mountain,” directed by Howard L. Miller, with music direction by Becky Dugan. Join the Sanders Family Singers as laughter rolls in like the morning fog in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina for a rousing time of bluegrass gospel music in a magnificent blend of story and song. They will delight you with some of the best old gospel tunes ever written, like “Church in the Wildwood”, “Wonderful Time Up There,” and “I’ll Fly Away.” The Tabard Theatre Company has designated the Children’s Storytime Area of the new Almaden Branch Library as the local non-profit organization to receive a portion of its concession proceeds for each production. All Performances are at Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Avenue in San Jose. For tickets and additional information, call the Tabard Box Office at 679-2330.

November 1 – 13
American Musical Theater San Jose presents “West Side Story” at the Center for the Performing Arts. The Jets and the Sharks, two feuding street gangs, are on a collision course on the alleys of New York City. Throughout the chaos, a love-story blossoms between Tony and Maria, who rise above the racial tensions and violence that surrounds them. But will it be enough for both of them to survive? Winner of 10 Academy® and 2 Tony® Awards, “West Side Story” is one of theatre’s finest accomplishments. With electrifying dances and some of the most magnificent music ever written for the Broadway stage including “Maria,” “Tonight” and “Somewhere.” For tickets and additional information, call 888-455-SHOW or visit www.amtsj.org.

CHILDREN/FAMILY
September 16 – October 8
Sunnyvale Community Theater presents “Sound of Music,” by Howard Lindsey and Russel Crouse, music by Rogers and Hammerstein. “The Sound of Music” is one of the most well loved family musicals based on the story of the Von Trapp family singers. For ticket and performance information, call 733-6611. All performances will be held at Sunnyvale Community Players, 550 E Remington in Sunnyvale.

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.

October 27 - 30
Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, the 31st U.S. National Taekwondo Championships will feature the best Taekwondo athletes in the country, including two-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion Steven Lopez, and his siblings, 2005 world champions Mark and Diana Lopez. The event will feature Olympic-type sparring competition in both the Elite Open division and the World Class Division, as well as competition in forms. For tickets and additional information, call 719-866-4632 or visit www.USA-Taekwondo.us

November 5 – Saturday
Take a guided, interpretive, tour from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. of the newly renovated Guadalupe River Park & Gardens trail system, new Visitor and Education Center, and points south. The tour will begin outside the Guadalupe Garden Center at 715 Spring Street and includes lunch provided by Lowry’s Irish Coffee House in the River Street Historic District and will continue on to Discovery Meadows where we will catch the light rail to head back towards Spring Street.

The cost of the tour is $20.00 for Friends members and $25.00 for non-members which includes the tour, lunch and light rail tickets. Please bring a water bottle, sun protection and wear layered clothing and good walking shoes – we will be walking about 3 miles in total! For reservations and further information, visit www.grpg.org or call 408-298-7657.

November 5 - 6
San Jose Reptile Show: Parkside Hall will host a reptile show and sale that includes education about reptiles. Over 5,000 reptiles on display. Cages and supplies will be available. Hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $8. For more information, visit www.upscalereptiles.com.

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 opportunity 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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Ongoing:
If you like to knit or crochet, or would like to learn, you are invited to join Crafters Who Care. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Evergreen Community Center, 4860 San Felipe Road). For more information, or if you have yarn to donate, please contact Dee Castagnoli at 238-7956 or deedle09@sbcglobal.net

Happy Hollow Corporation, San Jose seeks Board members for Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a respected and treasured San Jose entertainment attraction! Come share your expertise with other outstanding community members working on exciting upgrades at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo! For more information call Tammy Turnipseed at 277-3643.

MISCELLANEOUS
October 29 – Saturday
Time Out for Women: This one-day women’s conference at the Civic Auditorium is designed to uplift and build self-esteem to those who attend. It also gives a person a chance to sit back, relax and be spiritually fed. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $38 per person. Call 866-832-8211 or visit www.deseretbook.com for more information.

October 29 – Saturday
Santa Teresa Catholic Church will be the host site for EHC LifeBuilders Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Rummage Sale will be held in the parking lot at 794 Calero Avenue in San Jose, near the Blossom Hill exit of Hwy 85.
All proceeds go to EHC LifeBuilders, the largest provider of shelter, housing opportunities and support services to people in crisis and those experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County.

October 29 – 31
Outrageous Outgrowns: The Bay Area’s biggest resale event for babies and kids of all ages (maternity too)! Brand name clothing, toys, shoes, furniture, maternity and nursing items, and all types of accessories! At Parkside Hall from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.OutrageousOutgrowns.com.

HALLOWEEN/HARVEST HAPPENINGS

October 20 – 31
Gyro’s 3D Scream Fest: Gyro’s 3D Fear Factory has returned and expanded into the area’s largest haunted attraction to scare YOU! Join Evil Jack and his evil minions as they take over the South Hall. Scream your way through three haunted attractions! Enjoy themed games in Evil Jack’s Arcade. Soothe your hunger and quench your thirst in the Cut-throat Café and take home something to remember (or scare away) your nightmares. Admission is $24.95. For more information, call 888-260-1300 or visit www.3dfearfactory.com

October 28 – Friday
Get Ready for a Spooky Night at the Ainsley House! This ghoulish night is designed for families and will include Halloween crafts, bobbing for apples, spooky masks and flashlight tours of the house. Hours are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 866-2718 by 10/21 to reserve your space. The fee is $10 per person.

October 28 Friday
Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens presents “Pumpkin Fever” It’s pumpkin season! Come celebrate the harvest of this big, orange fruit and make pumpkin bread mix to take home and bake, decorate your own pumpkin, eat pumpkin seeds and learn about the history of pumpkins. Hours are 3:30 – 5 p.m. The cost of $15 per child includes all materials. Appropriate for children ages 5 – 10 years. This workshop will be held at the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center, 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

October 28 – Friday
ArtHouse Kids presents a Day of the Dead Art Show and Open House from 7 - 9pm. On display will be Day of the Dead art by local artists as well as ArtHouse students. You are welcome to bring an item or piece of art to add to our Dia de Los Muertos altar. Refreshments will be served, open to all ages. ArtHouse Kids Art School & Gallery, 1043 Lincoln Avenue, Willow Glen. For more information, call 975-9987or visit www.arthousekids.com

October 28 - Friday
The Alum Rock Youth Center, 137 North White Road, will be sponsoring “Fright Fest- A Haunted House Festival” from 6 – 10 p.m. This event will feature a Haunted House, Costume Contest, Music, Prizes, Food, Carnival games and a Jump-house. The cost is $5 per person and is appropriate for all ages. For more information call 251-5757.

October 30 – Sunday
Trick-or-Treat through Happy Hollow Park & Zoo! Trick-or-treat stations throughout the Park & Zoo will provide a fun, safe and family friendly experience for all. Stations open from 1 – 4 p.m. Park admission includes trick-or-treating, all rides, play areas, the Zoo and puppet shows. Happy Hollow will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on this event day. Admission is $6 per person. For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 277-4193.

October 31 – Monday
Children and parents can enjoy a safe and fun evening of games, bounce houses, candy-filled piñatas, a crawl through maze, a professional illusionist, a petting zoo, a melodrama, and lots of goodies. Hours are 6 – 9 p.m. The cost is only $7 per person at the door (max. of $28 per family); $5 per person if purchased in advance (max. of $20 per family).  Everyone will receive a treat bag with candy. The event will be held at Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Drive in San Jose, near Hwy 87 & Curtner. Guests wearing scary, gruesome, or offensive costumes will not be admitted.

October 31 – Monday
Evergreen Valley Church, 2750 Yerba Buena Road, will be sponsoring a “Trunks  & Treat” Festival from 5:30 – 8 p.m..  Car trunks will be loaded with candy for children to do “Trick or Treating” at this fun and safe event.  There will be games and a bounce house available as well.  Come join us for this family-oriented alternative to the door-to-door option.


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.