November 19, 2005

CALENDAR

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

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.

December 16 – 18
Nuestra Navidad – A Family Christmas at the Montgomery Theater: México’s Christmas fandangos are lively manifestations of el pueblo which sings, dances and preserves in its songs and dances the throbbing backbones of its visions of the world, its history and provincial traditions. Nuestra Navidad offer roots of the past and tree of the present where music, songs and dance come together in a flavor of ancestral rituals. Admission is $6 - $12. For tickets and performance information call 984-0342 or visit www.aztlanacademy.org.

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 at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose. “A Masked Ball,” based on Gustave III by August-Eugène Scribe, is the story of an absolute monarch in 18th-century Sweden. 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 are David Rohrbaugh, Bryan Nies. Stage direction by Bodo Igesz, with set design by Peter Crompton (co-produced with Festival Opera).

December 10 - 11
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “Mozart Festival” at the California Theatre: Maestro Cleve, internationally known Mozart interpreter, opens Symphony Silicon Valley’s Festival celebrating the 25th anniversary of Mozart’s birth with the great “Prague” Symphony, flanked by a joyful work for winds and an homage to Mozart from Tchaikovsky, Russia’s master of melody. Admission: $36 - $72. For more information, call 286-2600 or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

December 11 – Sunday
The award-winning California Youth Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Leo Eylar, will usher in the holiday season in with the world premiere of Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra by Dr. Paul Davies, chair of the Foothill College Music Department, at 2:30 p.m.in the Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Soloist will be Australian-born pianist Kate Ryder, now a resident of London, for whom the work was written and to whom it is dedicated. The program also includes a selection of traditional holiday favorites. Tickets are $12.00, and $6.00 and are available at the door. For performance and ticket information, call (650) 325-6666 or visit www.cys.org.

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

November 29 – December 4
American Musical Theatre San Jose presents “Mama Mia!” A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Everyone has fallen in love with the music, the story and the characters that make “Mamma Mia!” The ultimate feel-good show. Now it’s your turn to fall for this smash-hit musical that combines the storytelling magic of ABBA with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. All performances at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. For tickets and show times call 1-888-455-SHOW or visit www.amtsj.org.

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
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 18 – January 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.   

November 24 – Thursday
Feast for the Beasts: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Thanksgiving Event, 1300 Senter Road. Watch as the animals of Happy Hollow enjoy their own Holiday feasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is included with regular admission of $6. For more information, call 277-4193.

November 28, December 12, 19
See the stars at EVC: EVC Montgomery Hill Observatory Re-opens to the public! Evergreen Valley College announces the fall public schedule for its Montgomery Hill Observatory. Featuring Two Schmidt-Cassegrain Celestron Telescopes — a 14” and an 8” — and one 13” Dobsonian. The Public Viewing Nights include viewings of Mars, the Moon, Globular Clusters, and Deep Sky Nebulae. Attendance is free but limited.  For reservations, call 270-6490, Mon – Fri. between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Parking is available at the student lot next to the Observatory gate. Viewing hours are 7:30 - 9 p.m.

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.

December 7 – Saturday
Mt. Pleasant High School invites you to its Annual “Cardinal Winter Holiday Event.” The festivities will include a visit from Santa, Face Painting, Letters to Santa, Cookies and Hot Chocolate, Crafts for Sale, Caroling and Dickens Characters. There will be something for everyone, so come and enjoy!. If you would like to sell your own Handmade Crafts or Artwork, we have space for 20 tables. The table fee is $15.00. The table reservations are limited, so sign up early. Contact Rebecca Palmer at Mt. Pleasant High School 937.2896.

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
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.

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
November 20 – Sunday
Silver Creek Valley Country Club Women’s Club will hold its third annual Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SCVCC clubhouse, 5460 Country Club Parkway in San Jose. Browse through the works of local artists displaying their wares, including jewelry, turned wooden bowls, blown glass, watercolor paintings, note cards, soaps, silk scarves, handmade holiday and quilted items and much more.

November 20 – Sunday
The First Annual “Christmas in the Garden” sponsored by the St. Francis Garden Gift Shop, will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community, 5111 San Felipe Road in San Jose. This event will feature many one-of-a-kind Nativity sets, ornaments, handmade and hand-painted treasures, gorgeous jewelry, Bibles, books and selected gifts. Large fresh pine fragrant wreaths will be available for your door or to make your own family living Advent Wreath. Small tabletop Christmas trees will also be available after Thanksgiving.Coffee, cookies and apple cider will be served. We welcome children and hope to have a day care room prepared where they will be cared for while you take your time browsing.

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.

December 3 – Saturday
The 2nd Annual Los Paseos Association Holiday Craft Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Los Paseos Association Clubhouse, 7047 Via Ramada in San Jose. This event features handmade jewelry, scented ornaments, gift baskets, handmade candles, hand painted windows and vases, crochet towels and scarves, soy wax candles, wine holders, quilts, stained glass, herbal self-care products, hand knitted and needlework items, aromatherapy and lavendar crafts, handmade note cards, baked goods and more!

December 16 –18
25th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at the San José McEnery Convention Center: Powersports enthusiasts can see the latest and greatest innovations, products and services, aftermarket products, as well as the hottest new motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and more. Admission is $12/Adult, $5 for Children 6-11 years. For more information and event hours visit http://noc.motorcycleshows.com.



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.