April 8, 2008

CALENDAR

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

MUSIC

Apr. 19 – May 4
Opera San Jose presents The Magic Flute at the California Theater: Easily one of the most charming and fanciful operas of all time, W.A. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” (Die Zauberflöte). Of all of Mozart’s operas, this is the only one that never fell out of favor, from its premiere in 1791 to the present day. It is based on a fairy tale that contains all the necessary elements: a romance between a strong, handsome prince and a gentle heroine; a war between a wicked queen and a wise sorcerer; and plenty of comic situations. “The Magic Flute” is a delightful introduction to opera for youngsters. Admission is $65 - $85. For more information, 437-4450 or visit www.operasj.org

May 9
Inspirational speaker and Grammy-nominated singer, Kathy Troccoli will perform at a special Live-to-Give benefit concert and dessert for women of all ages to raise money for Teen Challenge and Finding Sophia. The benefit will take place at 7 p.m. at Calvary Church, 16330 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, Tickets are $25 and are available at the Calvary Church office. For more information, call Aylin Justice at 458-1725 or visit the Calvary Church website at www.calvarylg.com.

ART

May 4
51st Saratoga Rotary Art Show will feature over 200 artists representing a variety of mediums. Come and enjoy the great food, entertainment, raffle and Kid’s Korner. This year will also include a special wine tasting of Saratoga’s premier wineries. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Location is West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Proceeds from the show benefit the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation which has given nearly $2 million to local charities and non-profit organizations.

THEATER

Apr. 2 – 27
San Jose Stage Company, in conjunction with San Francisco-based Thick Description Theater Company, presents “Blade To The Heat.” Directed by Tony Kelly, this production combines boxing and music for visually riveting drama. Previous co-productions with Thick Description include last season's “Gibraltar”, as well as “Uncle Vanya” and “Ghosts”. Tickets are $20 - $40 and may be ordered by phone at 283-7142 or online at www.sanjosestage.com

Apr. 11 – May 6
Sunnyvale Community Players proudly presents: "Fame - the Musical", set during the last years of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984). Bittersweet but ultimately inspiring, this production follows a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. The issues tackled - prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance – still resonate today. All performances are at the Sunnyvale Community Theatre, 550 E. Remington Ave. Sunnyvale. Visit www.sunnyvaleplayers.org for more information. 

Apr. 19 – May 10
Actors Theatre Center presents the musical production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Avenue in San Jose. Ticket prices are $23 – 25 and include an intermission snack. A Hoedown Buffet Dinner is also available. The 4/20 matinee and buffet is $40. Shows generally begin at 8 p.m. see website at www.theatrecenter.biz or call 985-5500 for further show times and other information.

CHILDREN/FAMILY

Apr. 12
Spring Native Plant Sale: See scores of native plants, seeds, and bulbs suitable for California gardens, and speak to experts about lawn alternatives such as native perennials, wildflowers, and grasses. Native plant books, posters, and note cards available for purchase with cash or check only. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hidden Villa Ranch, CNPS Nursery, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. Parking is free. Bring boxes to carry your purchases home. For more information, visit www.cnps-scv.org, email cnps_scv@yahoo.com, or call 650-941-1068.

Apr. 18 – 27
Children’s Musical Theatre San Jose presents “Ragtime” at the Montgomery Theater: “Ragtime” intertwines three distinct stories that poignantly illustrate history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and love and hate. This epic new musical is by the award-winning composer/lyricist team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Once On This Island, Seussical). For more information, call-288-KIDS or visit www.cmtsj.org

Apr. 26
The 20th Annual San Jose Children's Faire at Discovery Meadows: Event hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is expected to draw 5,000 attendees. "Growing Up Green: Healthy Children, Healthy Families, Healthy Community" is the theme for this year's event, which features family-oriented stage entertainment, special attractions, and activity booths offering hands-on activities for children, ages two to 12, in addition to information about education, child care, health and safety resources, creative arts and recreational programs.

CLASSES

Apr.16 – June 18
Los Gatos recreation Center offers Tai Chi Chuan classes: Sessions meet every Wednesday at 11:30-12:30 p.m. for Beginners. Location is ,the Los Gatos Recreation Center 123 E. Main Street, Room B. Fees are $85 for 10 classes or $13 per class for drop-ins. For more information, call Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department at 354-8700, x221 or x225, or visit www.lgsrecreation.org.

Apr. 17
Learn more about SBA Resources for the small business owner: This free workshop at the Campbell Library will show you how the Small Business Administration and its resource partners can help you with loans and business management skills. Discussion hours are 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and free to the public. Please call the library to reserve your space today at 866-1991.

Apr. 26
Cynthia Sandberg to Speak About Tomatoes at Spring in Guadalupe Gardens: Cynthia Sandberg, owner of Love Apple Farm, will discuss her tips and tricks for harvesting that bumper crop of tomatoes. Seminar time is 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the entertainment stage. Snadberg’s event vendor booth at the event will have plants for sale and answers to follow up questions. For more information, contact the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens at www.grpg.org or 298-7657.

Apr. 30
Gardening for the 21st Century- Gardening & Landscaping with Native Plants – Join Alrie Middlebrook, president and co-founder of California Native Garden Foundation, and author of Designing California Native Gardens and learn more about gardening and landscaping with native plants. Other topics include using sustainable technology and techniques to achieve your goal. The program is free and open to the public. This seminar is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Campbell Library Community Room, 77 Harrison Ave., Campbell. Questions? Call the library at 866-1991.

May 6 - 29
Friends, Fitness & Fun -- Introduction To Synchronized Swimming: The renowned Santa Clara Aquamaids Synchronized Swimming coaches will lead a fitness program that enhances strength, flexibility, and overall health in a fun, non-competitive environment. Eligible participants should be ages 7 to 12-years-old and able to swim 25 yards. Sessions fees are $160 fro four weeks and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Wilson/Adult Education pool, 1840 Benton Street, Santa Clara, For more program information and registration, contact Cathy Van De Hey 988-9936 or visit  www.aquamaids.org

Ongoing
Mindfulness (Vipassana) meditations. Alternate walking and sitting Vipassana meditations. Every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sitting Vipassana meditations are held every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Both sessions are free. Classes are held at the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. For more information call Tony at 732-3322 or 505-5190, or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Apr. 12
San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP’s 56th Annual Freedom & Friendship Gala: Eight individuals and four organizations will be honored and awarded at this event. These prestigious awards are given to individuals who have been nominated and selected for demonstrating a superior commitment and support advocacy to our community. Event time is 6 p.m. at Parkside Hall. For more information, call 295-3394 or www.sanjosenaacp.org . Admission: $130 - $175

Apr. 18
Presentation High School’s 42nd Annual Scholarship Fashion Show will be held at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel. This year’s event – “Bloom” - features a luncheon show beginning at 11:30 a.m., as well as a gala dinner dance show beginning at 6:30 p.m. Luncheon tickets are $95 per person. Dinner tickets are $165 per person and include dancing to the sounds of C D Boys. Proceeds will benefit the Presentation High School Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact the Presentation High School Development Office at 264-5110 x 2428, or visit the show website, at www.presentationfashionshow.com

Apr. 19
This spring, show some more skin!  Attend our Spring Seminar at 10:30 a.m. at Clarity Medical Spa.  Find out about the latest treatments on laser hair removal as well as cellulite/fat reduction.  Come for refreshments, raffle prices, a presentation about revolutionary treatments and seminar discounts! 20% percent off any laser hair removal package and 20 percent off any cellulite & fat reduction package.  RSVP required. Call 270-3877 to reserve your space or visit www.claritymedicalspa.com

Apr. 25 – 27
Three-Day Vipassana (Mindfulness) Meditation Retreat: Conducted under the guidance of Meditation Master Venerable Sayadaw Sujiva, this event will feature instruction and practices on Vipassana and Metta meditations, as well as sitting and walking meditations, interviews, and Dharma Talks. lunch is provided. Retreat hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on 4/25 nad 4/26 and from 8 a.m. to noon on 4/27. Seminar location is the Mindful Living Alliance Insight Meditation Center, 419 California Street in Campbell. RSVP to Tony at 732-3322 or e-mail MLA899@Gmail.com, or visit www.MindfulLivingAlliance.org.

Apr. 26
Campbell Artists' Guild Meeting & Demonstration will feature artist Donna Orme discussing experimental print-making techniques. Event time is 1 – 3:30 p.m. in the Campbell Library Community Room, 77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell. For more infromation, visit www.campbellartistsguild.org or call 873-7194.

Ongoing
Santa Clara High School Class of 1968 Reunion. This event is open to any attendee of the school from it’s inception up through the Class of 1981. Our event, “The Panther Festival” – is named in honor of the school’s mascot until it changed to “Bruins” in 1981- and it will include a BBQ picnic and music performance to be held on Jun. 14, 2008 at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, CA. A website for the event is available at www.pantherfestival.com.
Willow Glen High School Class of 1988 Twenty Year Reunion. This event will be held on Sept. 13, 2008 at the Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E. Main St. in Los Gatos, at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $95 per person. For more information, go to Classmates.com and click on the Events/ Reunion link and register today.



HAVE AN ITEM FOR OUR CALENDAR?
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.