SAN JOSE HEATS UP WITH SPRING EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
SAN JOSE, CA (March 11, 2013) – In the wake of superstorms and general winter blues, there’s no better time to warm up with spring getaways to San Jose, California, where warm temperatures and sunny skies invite visitors to play year-round. To make the decision easier, San Jose announces exciting spring events for adults and families to enjoy. For continued updates on events, visit www.sanjose.org.
FESTIVALS
Nikkei Matsuri Festival 2013 (Apr. 28) – Come celebrate Japanese heritage and culture at The San Jose Japantown Nikkei Matsuri Festival, located in one of the three remaining Japantowns in the nation and featuring food, music, dance, and traditional arts. http://www.jtown.org/events/2013/4/28/nikkei-matsuri-festival-2013
International Children’s Film Festival @ Children’s Discovery Museum (April 28) -- More than 100 quality short films made by both professional independent and student filmmakers will be screened over the two-day Festival. Creative, exciting, informative, often amazing films from around the world include animation, live action and documentary. www.cdm.org
PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
San Jose Museum of Art presents “Rising Dragon: Contemporary Chinese Photography” (Now through June 30) -- This exhibition of photography illustrates China’s astounding social and economic transformation in the 21st century. The exhibit showcases images by photographers working in mainland China between the years 2000 and 2012—both Years of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. www.sjmusart.org
ComedySportz Spring Events (Spring 2013) - The South Bay's longest running live show is an award-winning interactive comedy performance where two teams of "act-letes" compete for audience laughs and points while improvising scenes, games, operas and musicals based on your suggestions. Upcoming shows include the April Tax Free Show (April 13), Mother's Day Weekend (Mom's get in free - May 10 and 11), Father's Day Weekend (Dad's get in free - June 14 and 15). http://www.comedysportzsanjose.com
Institute of Contemporary Art presents “Val Britton: Intimate Immensity” (Now-May 18) – An immersive site-specific installation of collaged works on paper that draws on the language of maps to create imaginary landscapes that depict physical and psychological spaces. http://www.sjica.org/
Institute of Contemporary Art presents “Judith Rothchild: Black Magic” (Now-May 18) – An exhibition of exquisite mezzotint prints by this notable American-born, France-based artist. http://www.sjica.org/
Institute of Contemporary Art presents “Parallax Views” (Now-May 25) – Whether by photographing environments they have constructed or through deconstructing and reworking photographs they have taken, the artists in Parallax Views offer the viewer a new line of sight. Faced with the contemporary overload of images, these artists have altered, blended, and re-mixed their photographs in order to offer revitalizing views of the world. http://www.sjica.org/
Anno Domini presents “Deciphering the Ash of Effigies” (Now through April 13) -- This exhibit focuses on artist Joseph Loughborough, whose honesty, expressionism and possibly exorcism can be read from his impulsive and intuitive rapid-fire mark making, which strive to grasp a comprehension of the human condition. Drawing inspiration from various themes concerned with Camus/Kierkegaard's notion of ‘Absurdity.” Each drawing becomes story pursuing a standing point within the concept. www.galleryAD.com
San Jose Improv Spring Calendar (Spring 2013) – Downtown’s famous Improv comedy club is offering a great roster of talent this spring, such as Big Bad & Sexy Comedy Tour (March 21), Felipe Esparza (March 22-24), Edwin San Juan (March 28-30), Laugh Now Laugh Later (March 31), American Me Compedy (April 3), The Stowe Show (April 4), John Heffron (April 5-7), Unfiltered Underground (April 10), Todd Glass (April 11, 14), David Spade (April 12-13), Big Al’s Big Ass Comedy (April 17), Tom Segura (April 18, 20, 21) and more. http://sanjose.improv.com
Institute of Contemporary Art presents “In the Making: Works on View” (March 21-April 7) – See the works of artists Anne Chu, Anne Collier, Moyra Davey and more. http://www.icaboston.org
KALEID Gallery presents “Crime Scene by Julie Bilyeu” (Now through March 29) -- A new series of drawings that gives a unique perspective on criminally deviant behavior. www.KALEIDGallery.com
Ballet San Jose presents: “Program Two Mixed Repertory Ballet” (Mar. 22-Mar. 24) at the Center for the Performing Arts – This mixed repertory program features the company premiere of "Les Rendezvous," one of Sir Frederick Ashton's signature works. The exotic "Meditation from Thais" set to Jules Massenet's "Meditation" illuminates another part of the Ashton heritage. An encore performance of "Clear" from choreographer Stanton Welch with music by Johann Sebastian Bach follows, and the program concludes with "The Green Table," considered by many to be one of the most important ballets of the 20th century. http://www.sanjose.org/event/program-two-mixed-repertory-ballet
The Beatles Come Together (Mar. 23) at the Montgomery Theater – “Come Together” takes Beatles fans back to the days of the British Invasion and recreates the excitement of Beatle Mania with a live tribute. http://www.sanjose.org/node/22926
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “Verdi’s Requiem” (Mar. 23-Mar. 24) at the California Theatre – Celebrate Verdi’s 200th anniversary with a dramatic orchestral and choral infused performance of his breathtaking Requiem in the historic California Theatre. With opera credits that range from Milan to the Met, Maestro Bisanti returns to conduct this moving work by the great Italian master of vocal magic. http://www.sanjose.org/event/verdis-requiem
Nederlander Concerts presents “In the Mood - The 1940s Big Band, Swing Dance Musical” (Mar. 29) at the San Jose Civic – Step back in time and get yourself "In the Mood" with authentic 1940’s music and arrangements with the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra. http://www.sanjose.org/event/in-the-mood-the-1940s-big-band-swing-dance-musical
Broadway San Jose presents “Blue Man Group” (Apr. 2-Apr. 7) at the Center for the Performing Arts – International phenomenon Blue Man Group will thrill you with its high-octane theatrical experience, featuring an explosion of comedy, experimental music, and technology! http://www.sanjose.org/event/blue-man-group
Nederlander Concerts presents “Super WHY!” (Apr. 4) at the San Jose Civic – Take your kids on a live reading adventure traveling inside a book to find the answer to the question, "Who has the Greatest Super Power in the World?" This uplifting, entertaining, and educational show features kids' favorite literacy-powered super heroes. http://www.sanjosecivic.com/events/event_details.asp?id=2494
South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk (April 5, May 3) -- The South FIRST FRIDAYS art walk is a self-guided evening tour through 21 venues in the SoFA District (and beyond) including galleries, museums, and independent creative businesses featuring exhibitions and special performances. Take place 7–11pm. Free and open to the public. www.southfirstfridays.com 408-271-5155
KALEID Gallery presents: “CHILD-SIGHT: Solo Exhibition by Leah Jay (April 5-26) – Artist Leah Jay shows us how to rekindle the magical way we had of looking at the world as children -- through the medium of our dreams and by setting our imaginations free. www.KALEIDGallery.com
KALEID Gallery presents: “Light and Soul Experiences in Natural and Cultural Landscapes: Solo Exhibition by LAuruS Myth” (April 5-26) – This series by Artist LAuruS Myth depicts the fusion of sacred spaces, temples, and earth technologies. www.KALEIDGallery.com
Lyric Theatre of San Jose presents “Brigadoon” (Apr. 6-Apr. 14) at the Montgomery Theater – This classic Broadway musical follows two Americans exploring the Scottish highlands who discover the lost town of Brigadoon, which comes to life only one day every century. One of the Americans, Tommy, falls in love with a local girl, Fiona. The problem is that if Tommy stays in the town for more than a day, he can never return to New York. http://www.sanjose.org/event/brigadoon
Opera San Jose presents "Puccini's Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi" (Apr. 13-Apr. 28) at the California Theatre – Don’t miss double-bill of one-act operas by the great Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini--Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. The first is a drama of redemption, with a nun seeking eternal salvation for a mortal sin, while the other is a comedy of deceit, featuring a cunning con artist seeking worldly riches. http://www.sanjose.org/event/suor-angelica-gianni-schicchi
Innovation Arts and Entertainment presents “Good Vs Evil An Evening With Anthony Bourdain And Eric Ripert” (Apr. 13) at the Center for the Performing Arts – Join Anthony Bourdain-host of Travel Channel's "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations--and Eric Ripert--renowned chef of Le Bernardin--as they share stories and muse on the place of food in personal, community, and global life. It's an evening of storytelling and observation, providing frank and provocative insight into what really goes on behind the kitchen doors. http://www.sanjose.org/event/good-vs-evil-an-evening-with-anthony-bourdain-and-eric-ripert
Open Make @ The Tech: Music (Apr. 13) – A collaboration between The Tech Museum of Innovation, MAKE Magazine, and Pixar Animation Studios, Open Make is a monthly program highlighting the tools, techniques, and ingenuity of local Makers. For each Open Make, we'll host Maker-led activities, Meet-the-Maker talks, and Young Makers Sessions in our innovative new space, The Tech Studio. This session will focus on music. http://www.thetech.org/
Unique Live & Experiences Speaker Series 2013 presents “Lucie Arnaz: Celebrating My Mother and Me” (Apr. 15) at the California Theatre – Award-winning actress, Broadway entertainer and producer, Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball, will take you on a heart-warming journey through the life and career of her mother, sharing personal stories and home movies. Lucie will also share stories from her own career. http://www.sanjose.org/event/lucie-arnaz-unique-lives-and-experience-series
Nederlander Concerts presents “Joe Bonamassa” (Apr. 18) at the San Jose Civic – Award-winning blues rock star, guitar hero and singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa and his ace touring band will perform in support of his new solo album Driving Towards the Daylight for one night only. http://www.sanjose.org/event/joe-bonamassa
Ballet San Jose presents: “Program Three Mixed Repertory Ballet” (Apr. 19-Apr. 21) at the Center for the Performing Arts – This season-closing mixed repertory program features a world premiere ballet by choreographer Jessica Lang. The program also includes company premieres of "Glow-Stop" -- a fiercely athletic work by Jorma Elo set to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Philip Glass -- and "Duets," masterfully choreographed by Merce Cunningham and set to a fast-paced percussive score by John Cage. http://www.sanjose.org/event/program-three-mixed-repertory-ballet
Children's Musical Theater San Jose presents "A Chorus Line" (Apr. 19-Apr. 28) at the Montgomery Theater – Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Musical, A Chorus Line portrays the poignant ambitions of Broadway professionals attempting to land a job. This brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. http://www.sanjose.org/event/a-chorus-line-marquee-production
San Jose Downtown Association presents “Spring Fashion Fling” (April 25) – This Spring Fashion Fling after-work social event, part of the HER City Series, features tips from local designers and a fashion show of ready-to-wear styles by San Jose’s The Usuals and Friends, Lotus Jeans, Brixton Hue and more. And, of course, great food, drinks and a few surprises for HER citizens! Takes place at the San Jose Museum of Art. http://sjdowntown.com/hercity/
Children's Musical Theater San Jose presents "Disney's Aladdin Jr." (May 2-May 5) at the Montgomery Theater – All of your favorite characters are here in Disney's Aladdin Jr., a stage adaptation of the Disney hit film, complete with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides. http://www.sanjose.org/node/22835
Live Nation presents: Anjelah Johnson at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts (May 4) – Former MADtv cast member Anjelah Johnson is an Internet sensation garnering over 55 million views. Anjelah will bring down the house with her hilarious characters of “Bon Qui Qui” and “Tammi” from the Nail Salon.
Innovation Arts and Entertainment presents "David Sedaris" (May 6) at the California Theatre – With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, bestselling author David Sedaris features all-new readings of his next book entitled "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls" and a book signing. http://www.sanjose.org/event/lets-explore-diabetes-with-owls-david-sedaris-author
Broadway San Jose presents "Billy Elliot The Musical" (May 7-May 12) at the Center for the Performing Arts – Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever. http://www.sanjose.org/event/billy-elliot-the-musical
Children's Musical Theater San Jose presents "Phantom" (May 10-May 19) at the Montgomery Theater – This mesmerizing adaptation of Gaston Leroux' The Phantom of the Opera, created . By the Tony Award-winning authors of Nine, entertains audiences with beautiful songs and an expertly crafted book. http://www.sanjose.org/event/phantom
Symphony Silicon Valley presents "An American In Paris" (May 11-May 12) at the California Theatre – This American sampler program offers two city portraits: George Gershwin's high-spirited visit to busy Paris streets and crowded cafes, and Bernstein's vision of New York's excitement, brutality, and hope. They are prefaced by Cardenes, the Cuban-born Tchaikovsky Violin Competition winner, performing Korngold's concerto. http://www.sanjose.org/event/an-american-in-paris-concert-of-gershwin-bernstein-and-korngold-compositions
Unique Lives & Experiences Speaker Series 2013 presents "Sissy Spacek: My Extraordinary Life" (May 20) at the California Theatre – Oscar winning actress and film industry veteran Sissy Spacek will share her life stories and lessons with a keen sense of humor, big-hearted Texan voice, and earned wisdom that comes from never losing sight of her roots and ambitions. http://www.sanjose.org/event/sissy-spacek-unique-lives-and-experience-series
Symphony Silicon Valley presents "A Hero's Life" (Jun. 1-Jun. 2) at the California Theatre – Jason Vieaux--hailed as the modern master of his instrument--performs one of the most popular guitar concertos in the classical repertory,Concierto de Aranjuez, which is followed by Ein Heldenleben, or "A Hero's Life." This orchestral showpiece concludes Symphony Silicon Valley's eleventh season.http://www.sanjose.org/event/a-heros-life-symphony-concert
Broadway San Jose presents "Green Day's American Idiot" (Jun. 4-Jun. 9) at the Center for the Performing Arts– Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on one of the most exhilarating theatrical journeys of the season. http://www.sanjose.org/event/green-days-american-idiot
PUBLIC SHOWS AND HAPPENINGS
Japantown Certified Farmer’s Markets (Spring 2013 – Takes place Sunday mornings from 8:30am-Noon between 6th and 7th streets on the Corp Yard lot. Find everything from fruits, vegetable and flowers to hummus and tamales. www.japantownsanjose.org
J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc Appreciation (Mar. 21) – Director of Wine Education Lawrence Lohr take you on a tour of the wonderful world of Sauvignon Blanc. This educational seminar will feature a guided tasting tour, information on what it takes to produce Sauvignon Blanc, and the various factors that affect style and varietal character. http://www.jlohr.com/sanjoseevents
California’s Great America 2013 Opening Day (Mar. 29) – Popular Northern California theme park California’s Great America opens for the 2013 season. Later in the spring, the park will introduce Gold Striker, Northern California’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster with the longest initial descent tunnel on a wooden coaster – 174 feet. www.cagreatamerica.com.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (Spring 2013) – The zoo is offering a wide array of family-friendly fun to enjoy, such as the Crooked House Grand Opening (March 30), featuring a new slide, games and face painting in the crooked house meadow. Celebrate the National Day of Puppetry (April 6) with puppet shows, or Party for the Planet (April 21), where visitors can celebrate Earth Day with educational talks, arts and crafts and more.Check out Sunrise Safari – Not Your Average Farm (April 27), where kids can help wake up Happy Hollow's barn animals and discover that even the most unique farm animals have important jobs to do. See cool animals such as zebus, miniature horses, African pygmy goats, and more. http://www.hhpz.org
After Hours at the Tech - Earth Night (Apr. 4) – After Hours is the monthly evening event where adults 21 and older enjoy science, technology, entertainment, and cocktails together with their friends. Explore the entire museum under the ambiance of live music and dancing, play giant games like Over-Sized Chess, and grab a Glow-in-the-dark Techtini from our no-host bar. The April 4 theme focuses on planet earth. http://www.thetech.org/
J. Lohr Wine Descriptor Seminar (Apr. 5) – Train your palate and improve your wine vocabulary during this educational wine seminar and guided tasting of world-class J. Lohr wines. http://www.jlohr.com/sanjoseevents
David Spade at the San Jose Improv (Apr, 12-Apr.13) – For a good laugh, catch David Spade at the San Jose Improv. David became a household favorite for roles in “Saturday Night Live,” “Just Shoot Me” and most recently “Rules of Engagement.”
J. Lohr Spring Supper (Apr. 19) – Foodies won’t want to miss this sumptuous four-course gourmet wine-paired dinner catered by Chef David Page, served with a special library vintage of one of J. Lohr’s acclaimed Bordeux blends, the 2007 J. Lohn Cuvee POM. http://www.jlohr.com/sanjoseevents
Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Passport Day (April 20) – Check out this great wine region just minutes from San Jose, touted by Wine Spectator as the “most underappreciated appellation in the world.” This month’s focus is “California Wines: Down to Earth Month,” the second annual statewide celebration that Wine Institute coordinates to help highlight California's leadership in sustainable winegrowing and other environmental initiatives—and the people and places behind them. As a Passport holder, we invite you to explore our extraordinary earth-friendly viticultural region as well as our earth friendly wines, organic wine trails, barrel samples, and special tasting flights to support “Save Our Shores,” a local non-profit dedicated to clean beaches. Most Passport wineries are open 11am – 5pm (please call to confirm). Passports are $45 online. Passport weekends allow wine lovers to explore wineries in this special region, many of which are normally not open to the public. www.scmwa.com
J. Lohr Earth Day Dinner (Apr. 21) – Join Steve Lohr and Sustainability Coordinator Kathryn Teissier du Cros at J. Lohr’s first vegetarian dinner in celebration of Earth Day, which includes special wine pairings for each course. http://www.jlohr.com/sanjoseevents
Downtown Farmers’ Market 2013 (May 3-Nov. 15 on Fridays, except July 5) -- Browse through colorful flowers, gourmet foods and fresh fruits and vegetables from California-certified growers each Friday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market at San Pedro Square. Special fruit tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, games and surprises are offered throughout the season. http://sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/
Raging Waters San Jose Opening Day (May 11) -- Northern California's Largest Water Park, offering 23-acres and millions of gallons of family fun and attractions, opens for the season May 11. http://www.rwsplash.com
FanimeCon 2013 (May 24-May 28) – FanimeCon enjoys bringing together the fans and industry side of Japanese entertainment. From voice actors, animators, and authors, FanimeCon offers a variety of guests brought in for fans to meet and enjoy, with opportunities for autographs, taking part in shows and entertaining panels. http://www.fanime.com/
San Jose Orchid Exposition 8 (May 31-June 2) – Located at the Winchester Mystery House, this show offers orchid sales, raffles and skill sessions with renowned orchid growers. The Preview Night Gala on May 31 takes place 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission on June 1-2. Orchid exhibits featured on mansion tours. Free admission to orchid show with purchase of mansion tour. Tickets go on sale in April at www.winchestermysteryhouse.com. For more information: www.realorchidgrowers.com
J. Lohr Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Series (May 31) – Come relax reception style while you glean an education on the finer things in life! This fun-filled pairing event will include six world-class J. Lohr wines, an assortment of imported and domestic cheeses presented by a cheese expert and a decadent medley of chocolates from The Chocolate Garage. Complete the evening with a special tasting from Peet's Coffee & Tea. http://www.jlohr.com/sanjoseevents
South First Fridays and Summer Series Festivals 2013 (June 7) -- A diverse showcase of musicians and artists, the three South First Friday special outdoor events take place in conjunction with the monthly First Friday art gallery crawls in the SoFA District. The June event – a.k.a. SubZERO – is a DIY subculture festival that spans more than three blocks, with 100+ artists, special performances and three music stages. First Friday August & September is the STREET MRKTs which includes live music and more than 40 artisan booths. http://www.southfirstfridays.com
Starlight Cinemas 2013 (June 12, 19, 26) -- Take advantage of San Jose’s gorgeous weather by grabbing a lawn chair or blanket and enjoying free films under the stars in four of downtown’s central neighborhoods: San Pedro Square Market, the Historic District/Post St., St. James Park and SoFA District/South First St. Pre-screening entertainment changes with the season, starting at 7 p.m. www.sjdowntown.com
Dine Downtown Restaurant Week 2013 (June 21-30) -- More than 25 of downtown San Jose's best restaurants offer imaginative three-course prix fixe menus at affordable prices points to new and loyal customers.www.sjdowntown.com
SPORTING EVENTS
2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships (Mar. 21 & Mar. 23) at HP Pavilion – March Madness invades San Jose with second and third round tour action where tournament heavyweights and future Cinderellas play at the HP Pavilion. Visit www.hppavilion.com/schedule/
San Jose State University Annual Spring Football Game (March 23) -- Get your first look at the 2013 San Jose State football team at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans won the 2012 Military Bowl, were ranked #21 in the final national polls a year ago and return 15 starters. Game starts at 5 pm and admission is free. www.sjsuspartans.com
San Jose Sharks at HP Pavilion (Mar.27-Apr.7) – The Sharks enjoy a 7-game home stand against the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Time will vary for each game, visit www.sjsharks.com for timing of each home game.
San Jose Giants’ home opener and postgame firework show at Municipal Stadium (Apr. 11) – The San Jose Giants home opener begins against the Visalia Rawhide at 7 p.m. With a postgame firework show, fans are in for a treat after the game when they get to see the sky light up!
San Jose Sabercats against the Spokane Shock (Apr. 19) at HP Pavilion – The San Jose Sabercats look to strike a win against the Spokane Shock on April 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the HP Pavilion. For more information, visit www.thesanjosesabercats.com.
San Jose Earthquakes against the Portland Timbers at Buck Shaw Stadium (Apr.21) – The San Jose Earthquakes square off against the Portland Timbers at 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.sjearthquakes.com.
Team San Jose (TSJ)
Team San Jose, Inc. is an innovative partnership unifying the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotels, arts, labor and venues to deliver an exceptional visitor experience and serve as the gateway to San Jose as a destination. Our company manages the San Jose Convention Center and Arts and Entertainment venues including the California Theatre, the Center for the Performing Arts, Montgomery Theater, Parkside Hall, San Jose Civic and South Hall. For more information about San Jose and Team San Jose, please visit the new www.sanjose.org.
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