November 30, 2007

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Dec. 7 – 8
Santa Clara Chorale performs “Comfort and Joy” concert featuring works by Benjamin Britten. Mission Santa Clara will host the Santa Clara Chorale’s annual holiday concert performance, “Comfort and Joy,” featuring all of the Christmas favorites to welcome the holiday season. A special performance of composer Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of the Carols” will also be featured, along with solos from members of the Chorale, brass music, the audience harp, and the organ. Tickets for this event are $5 to $25. For further information about this, and other performances of the season, call 369-1289 or visit www.scc.org.

Dec. 7 – 9
Bethel Church of San Jose, 1201 South Winchester Blvd. presents the Christmas spectacular “The Light of Christmas.” This is a full stage musical production and multimedia presentation featuring Voices of Bethel (a 100+ voice choir), the Bethel Orchestra, Kingdom Kids Choir and audience participation. Admission is free. For more information and show times, visit www.bethel.org.

Dec. 8
Symphony Silicon Valley will paint Pictures At An Exhibition, conducted by Guillermo Figueroa, play Fandango and works by Faure and Saint-Saens. The featured solo artist is cellist Gary Hoffman. Performances will be at the California Theater on Dec 8, at 8 p.m., and on Dec. 9, at 2:30 p.m. For more information or tickets, call 286-2600 or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org

Dec. 15
Sunnyvale Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, in Sunnyvale, presents the Christmas Jug Band – Join us for a holiday celebration Appalachian-style, during this one-night only performance. This hilarious show, featuring holiday novelty songs and raucous versions of more traditional tunes, is suitable for the whole family. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 students and seniors. For tickets and additional information, call 733-6611, or visit our website at: http://arts.inSunnyvale.com

Dec. 16
Polonsky Music School of Evergreen Village presents “An Honor Christmas Concert” performed by the best piano, violin, and voice students of the school. All performances will be held at the Santa Clara University Recital Hall (corner Lafayette/Franklin) at 6 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. For enquires call 472-3280

THEATER

Nov. 24 – Dec. 23
For its holiday feature, the San Jose Rep will present “This Wonderful Life”, a visually stunning stage adaptation of the 1946 Frank Capra classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. In this theatrical twist, San Jose Rep’s associate director Kirsten Brandt directs actor Dan Hiatt, who plays all 35 characters in a one-man tour de force. Tickets are $15-$59 and can be purchased by calling 367-7255. Or visit www.SJRep.com. Student tickets are 50 percent off the regular ticket price. Student ID is required. Run time is approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

Dec. 27 – 30
American Musical Theater San Jose presents “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Starring Ted Neely in the title role and Living Colour’s Corey Gover as Judas, this musical sensation marked the first collaboration of legends Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Songs that include “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” Everything’s Alright, “What’s the Buzz,” and “Superstar” make this latest production of the 1971 hit as dynamic and memorable as the original. Tickets are $14.75 - $74. For show times and additional information, or to purchase tickets, call 1-888-455-SHOW or visit www.sjtix.com.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Experience the wonder of the season during Gilroy Gardens Holidays Lights: Gilroy Gardens will be transformed this holiday season with millions of twinkling lights throughout the Park including themed rides and attractions that include holiday shopping, roasting chestnuts, and ice skating under the stars. Visit Santa’s Workshop, Snowflake Palace and guests will even enjoy a special visit from PEANUTS’ Snoopy direct from Knott’s Merry Farm ! Experience one of the most unique holiday experiences this season! For more information, operating schedule, or to purchase discount tickets visit www.gilroygardens.org/holidaylights or call (408) 840-7100.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 23
Visit the Gift Market at Winter Wonderland in downtown San José. New this holiday season is the arts-and-crafts and international dessert Gift Market in downtown San José’s Winter Wonderland on the Paseo de San Antonio, next to the Fairmont Hotel. This venue will offer visitors hand-made and imported gifts as well as demonstrations by the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) and samples from Schurra’s Chocolates. Winter Wonderland also features the giant Ferris wheel, traditional merry-go-round and other amusements, all in the newly-located Park Avenue area, between Market Street and Almaden Boulevard. Check the website for specific hours of rides, gift market and refreshments:  www.winterwonderlandsj.com or call 408-286-1313.

Nov. 23 – Dec. 31
Celebrate the season with a visit to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department’s 9th Annual Fantasy of Lights. Vasona Lake County Park will once again be transformed into a fantasy of thousands of colorful twinkling lights and many animated displays. The event is open nightly, including holidays, from 6 to 10 pm through New Year’s Eve. Visitors can enjoy the holiday spectacle from the comfort of their vehicle as they drive through the holiday lights and spectacular displays. Admission is $12 but holiday revelers on a budget can visit Fantasy of Lights Monday - Thursday only, Nov. 26 - Dec, 13, 2007, and receive the “Early Bird” admission price of only $10 and receive two pairs of free 3-D glasses and a gift bag with valuable coupons from local vendors, while supplies last. While there will be no additional discount for bringing a canned food item benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank this year, visitors are encouraged to do so to help ensure a happy holiday season for all. Visit www.parkhere.org and click on “Fantasy of Lights” for general information.

Dec. 1 – 9
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents “Annie Warbucks”: CMT’s 40th season opens with everyone’s favorite orphan as she starts her new life with Daddy Warbucks. “Annie Warbucks” has all the spirit, hope and twists and turns of the original Broadway hit – a perfect start for the holiday season. This production is directed and choreographed by Kevin R. Hauge. All performances staged at the Montgomery Theater. Tickets are $15 - $23. For more information, visit www.cmtsj.org or call 408-288-KIDS.

Dec. 5
Children of all ages are invited to San Jose’s first annual Children’s Lantern Parade. This event is inspired by a German tradition that honors St. Martin, the original Good Samaritan who gave all his possession to help those in need. In Downtown San José, participants will carry lanterns and follow children’s choirs singing traditional holiday songs. Participants will meet at St. James Park (on the corner of Second and St. John Streets) at 5:15 p.m. and the procession will begin at 6:15 p.m. from St. James Park, ending at the Winter Wonderland festive arcade of rides. Lanterns and songbook are $5 per child, with proceeds benefiting the JW House. Those who bring canned food or a new unwrapped toy, or who have bought a lantern, will receive a free-ride bracelet valid for the rest of the evening. The food and toys will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, as well as other local nonprofits.

Dec. 7
Nature’s Gift Workshop: With the giving season just around the corner why not create an artistic masterpiece for someone special using materials supplied by nature? Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for an afternoon of creativity at the Nature’s Gifts workshop, designed for ages 5 – 10 years. Learn how to make a natural card and how to gift wrap your creation using recycled materials. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. To register, call 298-7657 or visit www.grpg.org to learn more. Pre-registration is required and parents need not be present for the workshop. Fees are $10/members, $15/non-members.

Dec. 15
A fun family-oriented Posada will be held at Grace Church of Evergreen, 2650 Aborn Road at 6 p.m. This is a traditional winter season tradition celebrated with piñatas filled with candy and toys for the children, tamales for eating, simple drama and live music. Join us for song, a parade (weather permitting), good food and true seasonal family fun. Admission is $5 for adults, children with adults are free. For more information, call 274-1200 or email: gracelc@sbcglobal.net. Advance ticket purchase advised.

Ongoing
Eastridge Barnes and Noble offers a variety of story time activities for children and families to enjoy each week: On Mondays at 10:30 a.m. is “Toddler Time” for children 3 years and under. Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. is “Jamarama” pajama story time for all ages. Thursdays at 11 a.m. welcomes parents and children aged 3 – 5 years for “Preschool story time,” and every Saturday at 12:30 p.m. is a story time for the entire family. For more information, call our store at 270-9470.

CLASSES

Dec. 8
Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for our annual holiday wreath adult workshop from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Made with natural materials, our wreaths are a beautiful and aromatic decoration. Join Master Gardener Milli Wright as we use greenery to create a personal gift for your home. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided to assemble your wreath. If you have lights, ornaments, or other specialty objects you would like to incorporate, please bring them along. Workshop location is 438 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Fees are $15/members, $20 non-members. Pre-registration required by calling 298-7657.

VOLUNTEERS

Dec. 13
Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Sign-up to greet, inform, and thank our wonderful donors at Santa Clara County area blood drives or make important deliveries as a volunteer driver.  Minimum commitment is only two 3-hour shifts per month.  Evening and weekend volunteer shifts available.  Orientation takes place at our San Jose Blood Center at 2731 North First Street. Advanced sign-up is required.  For more information, call Anne at 510-594-5165 or email blackstonea@usa.redcross.org.

Crafters Who Care meets the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month at the Evergreen Community Center from 10-12 p.m. We are a group of ladies who use our crocheting, knitting, or sewing talents to make blankets for Project Linus and other charities. For more information, contact Erma Linn at ermadlinn@msn.com or 274-7517.

Ongoing
Kaiser Permanente San Jose is seeking volunteers. For as little as four hours a week you can make a difference in someone's life, as well as your own. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and take pride in knowing you are providing a community service. Gain retail and business experience volunteering in our newly remodeled Keepsake Gift Shop. We also have positions in the hospital or medical offices. We offer day, evening and weekend opportunities for those 18 and over. For more information go to our website at www.kpsanjose.org or call Teri at 972-7409.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dec. 4
The San Jose Woman's Club is presenting "The 4 Tune Cookies", a popular local Barbershop quartet in a program called "A Good Fortune for All", at the Clubhouse at 75 So. Eleventh St. in San Jose.   Hospitality begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by luncheon. Admission is $20, and includes the program.  For reservations call Betty Barnacle at 294-8908.

Dec. 8
Art Through Women's Eyes' 2nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Americana Ballroom, 707 Continental Circle in Mountain View. This event features works of arts and crafts from 15 South Bay artists including works in Acrylics, Glass, Ceramics, Jewelry, Oil, Photography, and Watercolor. Meet the artists in person, enjoy a truly unique exhibit, and purchase original pieces of art.  There will be raffles for donated art work and professional services all to benefit the Children's Shelter. On sale will also be holiday ornaments made by children, and the money raised from the sales will be donated to the Children's Shelter in San Jose.

Ongoing
Come join The Humane Society Silicon Valley for our weekly “Meet and Treat!” every Wednesday at HSSV, 2530 Lafayette Street, in Santa Clara. from 5 – 7 p.m. Not sure about adopting just yet? Come down and visit with animal guests outside their kennels. Play with canine companions throughout the shelter, or experience cuddly cats in your lap. And of course we have our adorable rabbits too. We will have tasty treats for people as well. For more information, call 727-3383 or visit www.hssv.org

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

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.