May 1: Santana Row Summer Fashion Show. Grab a glass of champagne and head poolside at Santana Row’s resort-style residential complex to check out the coolest summer fashions with two exciting runway shows featuring styles from such retailers as Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Cole Haan, BCBGMaxAzria and more. Also catch Priscilla of Boston’s runway debut with the latest bridal designs. 12 & 3pm. (San Jose: Santana Heights, 377 Santana Row; 408/551-4611; www.santanarow.com)
May 2: Cinco de Mayo Festival. Celebrate this important Mexican-American holiday and have a blast at this annual fiesta, which kicks off with a vibrant parade. The festivities then flow over into Discover Meadow with a bevy of arts and crafts vendors, mouthwatering food and live performances featuring vibrant folklórico groups. Begins 10am. (San Jose: Guadalupe River Park, Discovery Meadow and Plaza de Cesar Chavez; 408/288-9470; www.sjgif.org)
May 6-9: Filoli Flower Show. The splendor of Filoli Estate’s house and gardens is illuminated here, as floral designers present their beautiful arrangements. Guests may stroll the gardens at twilight, listen to live music, tour the greenhouse, attend lectures on flowers and enjoy great wine and hors d’oeuvres. Thurs, 5:30-8; Fri-Sun, 10-3:30. (Woodside: 86 Cañada Rd.; 650/364-8300; www.filoli.org)
May 7-9: Stanford Powwow. The largest celebration of Native American cultures in America returns to offer an extraordinary experience. Take in energetic dance shows by performers clad in vibrant costumes; beautiful arts and crafts; delicious food and drink; fun contests; and even a basketball tournament and a 5K Fun Run/Walk. This outdoor event is held rain or shine. Dances run Fri, 7-11pm; Sat, 11am-11pm; Sun, 11am-6pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University at El Camino Real and Embarcadero Rd.; 650/723-4078; www.stanfordpowwow.org)
May 15-16: Mountain View A La Carte & Art. Kick off the lazy days of summer with this open-air festival which offers live music; a juried art show featuring more than 200 artists and craftspeople; fine food and wine; a farmers market; cooking demonstrations; a kiddie fun zone; and more. 10-6. (Mountain View: Castro St., between Church St. and Evelyn Ave.; 650/964-3395; www.miramarevents.com)
May 15-16: Fine Art in the Park. Enjoy one of the Bay Area’s premier open-air art shows, with a selection of juried, original works by about 200 artists as the main draw. From paintings and jewelry to sculptures and ceramics, something is sure to catch you eye. Food and beverages as well as entertainment round out the fun. 10:30-5:30. (Los Altos: Lincoln Park, 199 University Ave.; www.rotaryartshow.com)
May 16: Immigrants Day Festival. Celebrate San Mateo County’s rainbow of cultures, from Chinese, Mexican and Croatian to Portuguese, Irish and African-American with international foods, live performances, craft activities for kids and more. Don’t miss the special salute to the Old County Courthouse as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. 12-5. (Redwood City: San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway St.; 650/299-0104; www.historysmc.org/annualimmigrants.html)
May 21-23: San Carlos Hometown Days. This family friendly festival offers plenty to keep the little ones busy, including arts and crafts, food and game booths, live entertainment, a petting zoo, bouncy playgrounds, a skateboard area and more. Beer and wine gardens keep the good times rolling for Mom and Dad. Fri, 5:30-9; Sat, 10-9; Sun, 7-5. (San Carlos: Burton Park, 900 Chestnut St.; 650-594-2700; www.sancarloshometowndays.com)
May 22-23: Boogie on the Bayou. You don’t have to go to New Orleans to let the good times roll with this big annual event in historic downtown Campbell. Featuring more than 200 arts and crafts booths, kiddie activities, live zydeco performances, American and international cuisine with Cajun and New Orleans influences, and more, this is a guaranteed good time. Sat, 10-6; Sun, 10-5. (Campbell: Downtown Campbell area; 408/378-6252; www.downtowncampbell.com)
May 22-23: Maker Faire. Creativity takes flight with the Maker Faire, the world’s largest DIY festival, where crafters, engineers, techies, artists and more come together for a weekend of playful discovery. Put together by Craft Magazine and Make Magazine, this fun showcase pays tribute to made-from-scratch creations, from fighting robots and a life-size model of the Mousetrap board game to quirky jewelry and hip clothing. See live craft demonstrations; stop by makers’ booths to check out their projects; shop for stylish duds; and take in a live concert or two while sampling delicious food. New this year is the Raygun Gothic Rocketship, a kitschy 40-foot rocket; The Orb, a spherical surface display that can project images and video; and Soma, a sculpture that uses metal, fire and light to represent neurons in the human brain. It’s a non-stop wow-fest that’s sure to let your imagination run wild. Sat, 10-8; Sun, 10-6. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr.; 707/827-7074; www.makerfaire.org)
May 28-31: FanimeCon. The largest anime convention in Northern California makes a splash in downtown San Jose to celebrate this fascinating Japanese art form. Fans can enjoy nonstop anime and Asian cinema screenings, play games and compete in contests, attend panel discussions, browse galleries, shop the dealers marketplace and see live performances. Times vary. (San Jose: Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St.; www.fanimecon.com)
May 29-30: Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival. Celebrate the venerable mushroom with the flair of Mardi Gras with a variety of gourmet delights, live music, arts and crafts, a wine and beer garden, strolling musicians and street performers. Sat, 10-7; Sun, 10-6. (Morgan Hill: Outdoor Community Center Amphitheater, 17000 Monterey Rd.; 408/778-1786; www.mhmushroommardigras.com)
Dine & Wine Events
May 14: Vino & Vistas. Sip wine and get pampered at this annual event, where guests can enjoy wine-themed spa mini-treatments; a silent and live auction; mouthwatering appetizers, unlimited wine tasting; and a special show by performance artist David Garibaldi. 6-9. (San Jose: Fourth Street Summit Center, 88 S. 4th St.; 408/501-7550; www.php.com/vino-and-vistas-2010)
May 23: Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Express. All aboard the wine train as local wineries and restaurants offer the best that the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer. Here, you’ll be able to taste from 70 wines, ride the Wine Express, sample hors d’oeuvres and participate in live and silent auctions. 1-5pm. (Felton: Roaring Camp Railroads, Graham Hill Rd.; 831/335-4484; www.scmwa.com)
May 27: Sake San Jose. Get a taste of historic Japantown. This annual event combines sake tasting with a walk through this historic neighborhood. Local businesses and restaurants will be offering different types of sake made in Japan and the U.S. Perfect for connoisseurs and novices alike to learn about this distinct spirit. Also enjoy live music and dance. 5-8:30pm. (San Jose: on Jackson St., between 3rd and 7th Sts.; 408/294-2505; www.sakesanjose.com)
May 13, 15-16: Symphony Silicon Valley presents Cellos & Tchaikovsky. Under the direction of Hungarian maestro Gregory Vajda, the symphony offers a program comprising Mendelssohn’s The Fair Melusina Overture; Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei; and Piotr Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Orchestra Suite No. 3. Thurs, 7:30pm; Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (San Jose: California Theatre, 345 S. First St.; 408/286-2600; www.symphonysiliconvalley.org)
May 15: South Bay Guitar Society presents a Showcase Concert. Enjoy an evening of classical, jazz, Latin and steel string guitar performances by such artists as John Vidovic, Sofia Gleeson, Brian Moran and Neil Hogan. 8pm. (San Jose: Theatre On San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St.; 408/292-0704; www.sbgs.org)
May 22: Music at the Mission presents Music & the Spoken Word. Explore the many facets of music with narration through comedic, tragic and absurd works including those by Jack London and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Also on tap is the premier of a newly commissioned piece by Bay Area composer Mark Fish. 7:15pm. (Fremont: Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd.; 510/402-1724; www.musicatthemission.org)
May 21-22: Peninsula Symphony presents Tchaikovsky’s 5th. The symphony’s program comprises Piotr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces Eugene Onegin: Polonaise; Violin Concert; and Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64. 8pm. Fri, 8pm in San Mateo; Sat, 8pm in Cupertino. (San Mateo: Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware St.; and Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 650/941-5291; www.flintcenter.com)
Music: Jazz & Other
May 1: The Eagles. Make like a “Desperado” and head to “Hotel California” during a “Tequila Sunrise” through this popular Los Angeles band’s seminal rock music. 8pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 1: Gin Blossoms. With such hits as “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You,” the Gin Blossoms helped shape the rock soundscape of the 1990s. 8pm. (Campbell: 1 W. Campell Ave.; 408/866-2700; )www.ci.campbell.ca.us/heritagetheatre
May 6: Daughtry. Fronted by a former American Idol contestant, this North Carolina alternative rock band has made a splash on the national music scene. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 11: James Taylor & Carole King. In the early 70s, Taylor got his big break with his mega-hit, “You’ve Got a Friend,” a cover of King’s classic. Now, these two folk rock heroes join forces for a special performance. 8pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 13: Wild Jam 2010. Today’s hottest hip hop and R&B stars come together, including Usher, Lil Jon and Jay Sean. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 13: Richie Havens. Since his historic debut at Woodstock in the late 60s, Havens’ recognizable voice and soulful singing style has entertained audiences for years. Join in on a special and poignant performance. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
May 14: Brooke White and Michael Johns. These American Idol 7 finalists perform selections from their albums on the Billboard top 100 list. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
May 15: Chayanne. This popular Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and sometime actor returns to thrill fans. 8pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 23: Brian Ho Organ Jazz Quartet. The dynamic foursome pays tribute to Jimmy Smith, who revolutionized the way the organ was played and heard. 4-6. (San Jose: City Lights Theater, 529 2nd St.; 408/295-4200; www.sanjosejazz.org)
May 28: Roberto Carlos. This legendary Brazilian singer has achieved much international recognition in his 50-year career. 8pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-7070; www.hppsj.com)
May 29: Tim McGraw. The Grammy-winning pop country superstar and actor makes a special appearance and shares the spotlight with his special guests Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft. 7pm. (Mountain View: Shoreline Amphiteatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy.; 650/967-3000; www.shorelineamp.com)
Dance
May 6-9: Ballet San Jose closes its 2009-2010 season with Spring Repertory 2, featuring three beautifully staged and enthralling ballets from world-renowned dance makers. Things kick into high gear with Gaîté Parisienne, a rousing, can-can-inspired romp set in a Parisian café to the colorful music of Jacques Offenbach (pictured above). The program takes a haunting turn with Jardin aux Lilas, Anthony Tudor’s sad Victorian tale about a woman who enters a marriage of convenience while her heart belongs to someone else. Finally, the evening ends with George Balanchine’s Agon, a ballet for twelve dancers set to Stravinsky’s music and inspired by such 17th-century French court dances as the sarabande and galliard. Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 1:30 & 8pm; Sun, 1:30pm. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 408/288-2800; www.balletsj.org)
May 29-30: Smuin Ballet offers a stimulating Spring Program, comprising three ballets: Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort, which focuses on the interplay between six men, six women and six fencing foils; Michael Smuin’s Songs of Mahler, where ballet flows through a range of emotions, from playfulness to passion; and Ma Cong’s quick-paced and flirtatious French Twist, featuring five selections by French composer Hugues Le Bars. Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 800/745-3000; www.smuinballet.org)
Opera
Thru May 9: Opera San Jose presents Puccini’s La Rondine. A wealthy banker’s mistress enjoys a life of luxury but wistfully reminisces about a handsome stranger she met at a Parisian nightclub. When she and the young man unexpectedly reunite and fall in love, she runs off with him to the Riviera. But, coming to her senses, the woman realizes her scandalous past will ruin her lover, and she returns to her benefactor. Shows at 8pm except Sun, 3pm. (San Jose: California Theatre, 345 S. First St.; 408/437-4450; www.operasj.org)
May 21, 23, 29-30: West Bay Opera presents La Traviata. Giuseppe Verdi’s classic tragedy about love and loss takes the stage. The story centers on Violetta, a Parisian courtesan, who gives up her opulent life to live with her love, the nobleman Alfredo. She leaves high society behind for a blissful life with him in the country. But when Alfredo’s father intervenes and convinces Violetta to leave and save his family’s honor, she abandons him. When she falls ill and destitute, she lives long enough to see Alfredo return, and she dies in his arms. Featuring some of the most well-known arias in opera, this is a sweeping production that shouldn’t be missed. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (Palo Alto: 221 Lambert Ave.; 650/843-3900; www.wbopera.org)
May 22: Soli Deo Gloria and Orchestra Gloria presents From the Heart. Featuring the Duruflé Requiem and works by John Rutter, Eleanor Daley, Stephen Chatman, plus four specially-commissioned premieres by Bay Area composers, this is a concert in memory of mothers and fathers. 5pm. (Palo Alto: First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave.; 888/SDG-SONG; www.sdgloria.org)
Theater & Musicals
Thru May 9: TheatreWorks presents To Kill a Mockingbird, the classic coming-of-age story by Harper Lee. When a black man is accused of assaulting a white woman on weak evidence, Atticus Finch stands up for truth in the face of racism while his daughter, Scout, learns the hard truths of the adult world. It’s an utterly engaging tale of heartache and joy, innocence and integrity. Tues-Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm (no 2pm show May 1); Sun, 2 & 7pm (no 7pm show May 2). (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/463-1960; www.theatreworks.org)
Thru May 2: San Jose Stage Co. presents Dirty Blonde. Mae West’s saucy quotes and bawdy double entendres raised more than a few eyebrows in her heyday, making her one of most celebrated comedic actresses of all time. This Tony-winning play traces her career, starting from her vaudeville days to the height of her status as a Hollywood sex symbol. Part musical, love story and amusing reflection on the cult of celebrity, this is an apropos tribute to one of cinema’s most colorful figures. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: 490 S. First St.; 408/283-7142; www.sanjose-stage.com)
Thru May 2: Teatro Vision presents Perla, Leonard Madrid’s dreamy and magical tale set in Portales, New Mexico and in the night terrain of dreams. Perla tries to stall her upcoming wedding to explore her dreamscapes and find and save her father, a Norteño singer and infamous womanizer. This is a reflection on the power of one woman’s subconscious to resolve her inner turmoil and move forward with life. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave.; 408/272-9926; www.teatrovision.org)
May 8-June 6: San Jose Rep presents Sonia Flew. To protect their daughter from Cuba’s Communist regime, Sonia’s parents send her to the United States, never to see her again. Thirty years later, Sonia is a wife and mother of two, living in the Midwest when 9/11 takes place. When her son announces he’s quitting college to join the army, Sonia once again faces feelings of abandonment and grief as political forces once again threaten to break apart her family. Tues, 7:30pm; Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com)
May 20-June 20: City Lights Theater Company presents Second Weekend in September. After sparks fly between married businessman Michael and college student David in the early 80s, their one-night stand turns into a full-blown affair. After meeting one weekend a year for decades, the two lovers start leading separate lives; David becomes an activist in the gay community, while Michael continues to live in the closet. Will their love withstand a changing world? Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm (June 13 & 20 and 7pm (May 30 & June 6). (San Jose: City Lights Theater, 529 2nd St.; 408/295-4200; www.cltc.org)
Special Event
May 5: Laurie Anderson. The multi-talented Anderson comes to Palo Alto to present her new work, Delusion. Combining technology, mystery and contemporary short stories, this work debuted at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. One of the country’s leading performance artists, Anderson’s mastery over technology in the arts has garnered her international attention. 8pm. (Stanford University, Memorial Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
