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 City's Festivities |
10300 Torre Avenue, Civic Center Between Pacifica and Rodriguez San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95014 United States +1 408 252 7054 http://www.cupertino-chamber.o... |
Cupertino Jubilee is a fund raising event, held at the Civic Center in September every year. It is organized by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, which is a non-profit organization. There are several activities scheduled during the event, not to forget the various food stalls! Sample the scrumptious grub while witnessing the live musical performances. Even dance and choir performances are scheduled. Enjoy! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Meadow magic |
Woz Way At West San Carlos Street San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 998 8497 |
The Violent Femmes and More, and the Greg Kihn Band are to grace this open air venue in July 2006. The lush lawns and adequate facilities make this a sought after venue in the summers. It is located near the Children's Discovery Museum. Parking is available but arriving before hand is much more convenient. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ronnie@Fremont |
 Big, bad, over-the-top musical |
255 Almaden Boulevard (Corner of W San Carlos Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 277 3900 http://www.hairsprayontour.com/ |
How such an over-the-top, energized production can span more than two hours and end with a cast fresh and bubbling with smiles is beyond comprehension. But they do it, and do it extraordinarily. From the pompadours to the beehives, checkered skirts to psychedelic dresses, this three years and running hit captures the 1960s at its best. Based off of a 1988 John Waters film, this musical manages to maintain its lighthearted atmosphere while attacking heated issues like segregation, and teen stereotypes. Opening with Tracy (Keala Settle), a plump teenager whose dream is to be on Corny Collins' (Paul McQuillan) dance show and date dreamy Link (Aaron Tveit), from the beginning a sweet, frilly atmosphere is created. High pitched voices, precise dance numbers, and catchy lyrics make it hard to keep from tapping your foot during the non-stop entertainment. When Tracy gets all that she wished for, instead of pouncing on those who pushed her down, she brings out the lively side of her obese mother (humorously played by masculine J.P Dougherty), and stages a protest against segregation. After all, she learned her dance moves from some smooth-moving black dancers while in detention. During these numbers, the dancers are so light on their feet that the technical moves seem simple, adding a whole new groove to the hopping music. Tracy's antithesis Penny Pingleton (Melissa Larsen) is an exception to the rest as she often relieves the play with her normal, nerdy awkwardness. It would be hard to miss the outcast on the bustling stage, but then again, this play wants you to notice the odd ball out. Credits: Director, Jack O'Brien; Producer, Marilynn Sheldon; Choreographer, Jerry Mitchell, Music, Marc Shaiman; Lyrics, Scott Wittman; Orchestration, Harold Wheeler; Sound, Steve C. Kennedy; Costumes, William Ivey Long; Set, David Rockwell; light, Kenneth Posner - Erin Podlipnik Tickets: $46-$73 Performances: Tu-F 8p, Sa 2p & 8p, Su 1p & 6:30p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Experience the Worldwide Irish Dance Sensation |
255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose Center for Performing Arts San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 888 455 7469 / +1 408 453 7108 http://www.amtsj.org |
An amazing mix of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance, Lord of the Dance has been a worldwide phenomenon since its opening in Dublin in 1996. Based on ancient Irish folklore, this unique performance presents a tale of good vs. evil through precision dancing, vibrant costumes and an intense soundtrack. Strobe lights, smoke machines, fire torches and a rainbow of color costume changes add to the show's non-stop, sledgehammer-impact leading up to the duel between Dark Lord Don Dorcha and the Lord of the Dance. The fast-paced, energetic and powerful dancing is accompanied by an Irish and rock-inspired score featuring Gaelic pipes, violins, flutes, tin whistles and accordions. Continuously updated, the Lord of the Dance troupe includes traditional Irish dance champions performing over 151,000 taps per show. Artistic Director and creator, Michael Flatley is the first American to win the All-World Championship in Irish Dance and the Guiness Book record holder for the "world's fastest feet." Marie Duffy-Messenger is the Dance Director and Ronan Hardiman, the composer. 50 million people around the world have experienced the unique dance and drama of Lord of the Dance and audiences to the San Jose Center for Performing Arts will not be disappointed. The energy of the dancers is highly contagious and the audience can't help but to clap along as they feel their heartbeats rising to the sounds of over 20 pairs of thundering feet synchronized to a dramatic soundtrack. The high-spirited show leaves you pumped up and wanting more. Tickets: $45-$72 Shows: Tu-F 8p; Sa 2p, 8p; Su 1p, 6:30p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Famous Broadway Musical |
255 Almaden Boulevard American Musical Theatre of San Jose San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 453 7108 (Tickets) / +1 888 455 7468 (Toll Free) http://www.amtsj.org |
Eight years after delivering a creative jolt that rejuvenated Broadway, the rock opera 'Rent' is still thrilling audiences with its bittersweet celebration of life, love, art and commerce in the age of AIDS. Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical about a community of struggling young artists in New York's Lower East Side comes to Northern California in a rousing presentation by the American Musical Theatre of San Jose. This nitty gritty update of Puccini's 'La Boheme' introduces a racially and sexually diverse cast of characters that includes Mimi and Roger, two young, apparently doomed lovers; a transvestite named Angel; a contentious lesbian couple; a landlord who wants to evict his former roommates so he can start a cyber-art studio; a quartet of moms; a chorus of homeless people; and video artist Mark, who records the often tempestuous proceedings. Great dancing, explosive, often poignant music and lyrics might make you believe that love conquers all. Another tug at the heartstrings: The American Theatre Company is standing by the show's tradition of offering $20 tickets in a lottery, in accordance with Larson's original request to offer good seats to those who can't afford it. And for the rest of you, you can't afford to miss 'Rent'! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Symphony and musical theatre |
255 Almaden Blvd (Corner of W San Carlos Ave) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95110 United States +1 408 277 3900 http://www.sjcc.com/cftpa/inde... |
This 2,600-seat city-owned theatre, designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, is the venue for the San Jose Symphony, the American Musical Theatre of San Jose and San Jose Cleveland Ballet. The Center also hosts plays, concerts, and a variety of cultural events year-round. Thick carpet, plush seats, ample legroom and a sloping floor create a comfortable viewing environment. The theatre has accommodations for ten wheelchairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nj@bitmap.org |
 Photo: Sharon Gonzales |
 Photo: Vicky Luu |
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A Different Perspective |
PMB 108, 1346 The Almeda, Suite 7 GPCCSJ, Inc. San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95126 United States +1 408 278 5563 (Organizers) http://www.sjgaypride.com/ |
More than 20,000 people crowd the streets of the venue during this flamboyant festival of freedom and assertion. Though primarily for those with alternate lifestyles, the parade is attended by one and all. Generally held over a weekend, it features a Community Day in the park on a Saturday, followed by a massive parade on Sunday. Onlookers are treated to colorful costumes, music and events. Entertainment in the form of a Latin stage and dance areas keep the crowds grooving, while numerous food stalls provide the fuel. Other activities include arts and crafts workshops and information booths. A karaoke show, Mr. and Mrs. Gay South Bay contest and a Battle of the Bands program are also crowd pullers during the parade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: TroysPhotos  |
 Photo: TroysPhotos |
 Photo: Alex and Dean |
 Photo: Alex and Dean |
 Photo: Jo-An Torres For Life ICP IRLM36, RCC RGDC13 |
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Remembering the ancestors |
640 North Fifth Street San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95112 United States +1 408 293 9292 http://www.sjbetsuin.com/ |
Over a weekend in summer, Japantown comes alive to the beats of Taiko drummers, as they pound their way along the streets. Organized by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the free festival is celebrated to remember the dead and to reconnect with their spirits. Cultural and religious tradition is at its peak here, with music, dress, food and ritual coming together in the presence of colorful lanterns on a Japanese dance pavilion. Expect to see some beautiful kimonos and Hapi coats on more than 700 Bon Odori dancers who move to the music of the Chidori Band of San Jose. Food booths include sushi, meats and desserts from both America and Japan, while bingo, game stalls and a raffle provide other entertainment. The "Buddhism 101" workshop offers opportunities for locals to learn about the faith, at the Jose Buddhist Temple, as part of the celebrations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kevin Tien |
 Photo: Mike |
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Days of the Monarch |
2531 West Cliff Drive Natural Bridges State Park San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95060 United States +1 831 423 4609 / +1 831 429 1840 (Organizers) http://www.scparkfriends.org/p... |
During October, make a trip to the Natural Bridges State Park, as this is where the lives of Monarch butterflies are closely studied and explored. The Annual Welcome Back Monarchs Day celebrates the return of these flighty beauties who have braved a journey right from Canada and the Rocky Mountains to the State Park. Come by with your kids to enjoy the various story narrations at the venue. Also gain some gardening tips, apart from admiring the several arts and crafts on display. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! |
255 Almaden Bl (@ Park) San Jose and Silicon Valley, CA 95113 United States +1 408 453 7100 http://www.amtsj.org/ |
Everybody loves The Wizard of Oz, and this timeless fairy tale comes to life with AMTSJ's latest production. Based on the children's books of L. Frank Baum (1856-1919), the 1939 movie is one the most popular of all time. Come follow the adventures of Dorothy (Kari Yancy) and Toto as they meander the Yellow Brick Road through the enchanting Land of Oz to find her way back home to Kansas. Her performance establishes her as a talented singer and actress with a promising career. Along the way, she encounters Munchkins, a Good Witch (Beth Flynn), a Wicked Witch (Elizabeth Palmer), and of course, the Scarecrow (Robert Tunstall), the Tinman (Nathan Baynard), and the cowardly Lion (James Monroe Iglehart). Accompanied by a 21-piece orchestra, songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead," and "Yellow Brick Road," as well as "Jitterbug," which was cut from the movie, add an affectionate counterpoint to the onstage hijinks. This is a top-notch production, whose staging is as efficient as its story. The visual effects, with plenty of smoke, fire, flying monkeys, and disappearing witches, will have you saying "Wow, what a show!" Above all, The Wizard of Oz reminds us that there really is "no place like home." Cast includes Kari Yancy as Dorothy, 4-year-old Gus as Toto, Robert Tunstall as the Scarecrow, Nathan Baynard as the Tinman, James Monroe Iglehart as the Lion, Beth Flynn as Glinda, and Elizabeth Palmer as the Wicked Witch. Tickets: $46-$73 Performances: Tu-F 8p; Sa 2p, 8p; Su 1p, 6:30p Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dale Walker |