The Marigold Project Presents Dia De Los Muertos | November 2
Join individuals, community members, artists and families to view and participate in the yearly Dia de los Muertos Procession and Festival of Altars at Garfield Park. Participants are welcome to create altars in honor of their ancestors, loved ones, friends that have passed away. 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Location: Garfield Park Harrison St & 25th St San Francisco. For more information visit: www.dayofthedeadsf.org/
Lila Downs | November 3
An international superstar, Lila Downs reflects both her Mexican heritage and American upbringing. Lila’s folkloric style artfully combines elements of rancheras, cumbias, corridos, roots, and jazz to create a unique and beautiful hybrid. Since the early 1990s, Downs has released 11 CDs and blossomed into a world-renowned artist who regularly tours the U.S, Europe and South America. Further, she received an Academy Award nomination for her contribution to the blockbuster film Frida, received a Latin Grammy for the album Una Sangre, and a Grammy nomination for 2008’s Shake Away. Her most recent World Village recording, Lila Downs Y La Misteriosa En Paris, captures much of the excitement of her live performances, though the passion of this singular artist must be experienced in person. Location: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco 94102. For more info visit http://www.sfjazz.org
El Teatro Campesino: “Dia de los Muertos Celebration” | November 5-7
Esperanza del Valle will return to perform during El Teatro Campesino’s 5th annual “Dia de los Muertos Celebration.” Performances are scheduled for Nov. 5-7. For more information visit http://www.elteatrocampesino.com/
Redwood City International Latino Film Festival | November 5-7
For the fifth year in a row, the Festival brings three evenings of incredible, award-winning international Latino films and a fabulous gala kick-off event. The Redwood City International Latino Film Festival offers the best features, shorts, and documentaries from Latin America, Spain, and Latinos in the U.S. All films with English subtitles. For film listings and locations visit http://bit.ly/1WAQCn
SF Symphony Dia de los Muertos Family Concert | November 6
The Día de los Muertos Family Concert is part of the San Francisco Symphony’s ongoing commitment to providing compelling musical experiences for families. The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is the Symphony’s partner in the community for Día de los Muertos. Support for this concert is provided by the San Francisco Arts Commission. The San Francisco Symphony’s Music for Families series offers matinee performances focusing on different aspects of the orchestra and symphonic repertoire. Specially designed to be engaging, informative and fun, these matinee concerts introduce children and families to the world of live orchestral music. Begins at 1:00. Location: Davies Symphony Hall, Lobby Festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. Grove Street at Franklin, San Francisco. For more information visit http://bit.ly/aV8JLc
Aventura: The 1st Gay Latin Bay Area Cruise | November 6
“Aventura” a black tie affair for the Gay Latin yacht party. Boarding in Alameda at 8pm and returning at 1 am. Dance the night away to the music DJ Mas playing some great Latin beats. Tickets are $60 per person and will be presold only. Location: Alameda. For more information: Call Ale @510-282-2142 or Arleen@ 415 706-7333 for tickets and more information.
Machete Music Tour 2010 – Ivy Queen, Tego Calderon, Consculleula | November 7
For more than a decade, Ivy Queen has reigned as the woman who forged an entire genre, enriched the soundscape of Latin music and launched a musical movement to international success. Now, Her Majesty the diva, Ivy Queen, is back – with Sentimiento under the Univision Music Group label. Also onstage will be Tego Calderon and Consculleula. Organization: HP Pavilion Location: HP Pavilion, 525 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/dzlAuP
The Storm That Swept Mexico – Documentary | November 9
The Mexican Revolution, the first major political and social revolution of the 20th century, changed the course of Mexican history. This NEH-funded documentary produced by Raymond Telles and Kenn Rabin and narrated by Luis Valdez, tells the gripping story of the revolution, its causes, and its legacy. Luis Valdez who will introduce the film with brief remarks. Mr. Valdez, founder of El Teatro Campesino and regarded as one of the most important and influential American playwrights living today, received an Honorary Doctorate from Santa Clara University in 1992. This event is free, but reservations are recommended to secure admission. Organization: SCU College of Arts and Sciences Location: Santa Clara University – Recital Hall Franklin and Lafayette Street, Building 114, Santa Clara 95053. For more information visit http://scu.edu/cpa/cpa_tickets.cfm
Musical Tribute to the Mexican Revolution featuring Paco Padilla | November 9
Paco Padilla, a native son of Tlaquepaque, is an internationally acclaimed composer and performer of the modern Mexican folk music-inspired genre known as nuevo cancion or “new song.” Organization: Santa Clara University Department of Music Location: Santa Clara University – Recital Hall , Franklin and Lafayette Street, Building 114, Santa Clara 95053. For more information visit http://scu.edu/cpa/cpa_tickets.cfm
The Saddle Rack Presents: Country Jam Showdown | Nov. 14
Come out to The Saddle Rack located at 42011 Boscell Rd. Fremont, CA 94538 at 4pm to enjoy an afternoon of live country music. Support our local Latina Country Diva Jennifer Fuentes Hayward as she competes for the chance to be The Saddle Rack’s regular live performance! For more information visit http://www.jenniferhaywardmusic.com.
Vino y Queso Tasting | November 14
This event will include pairing Black Ridge Vineyards 100% estate-grown wines with distinctive Mexican artisan cheeses. Four flagship wines, as well as limited production wine-club only selections will be served as participants explore a variety of spicy melting cheeses used for Queso Fundido to mild cheeses in the Guava y Queso Blanco Dessert. Sunday 3:30pm-5pm. For more information visit http://bit.ly/dfsNhE
Tamale Making 101 | November 14
Chef Cortez will show you how to create a wonderful Mexican Christmas dinner with traditional tamales. During this hands-on workshop, you will learn to make these traditional wrapped wonders from scratch. Chef Cortez will share the history behind these ancient foods and teach you how to prepare the masa and the fillings. Then, you and your classmates will create a family-style assembly line to learn how to properly wrap and fold, then steam the tamales to perfection. A Chef demo will follow, showing dishes traditionally served on Christmas Eve alongside the tamales, including Ensalada de Nochebuena, a refreshing salad made with a medley of fruits and nuts. Then, the event will end on a sweet note with homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate with hints of cinnamon and spices along with Buñuelos, crispy tortilla-like treats that are a must for the Holiday season. 12pm-4pm. For more information visit http://bit.ly/dfsNhE
Pets In Need Adoption Fair with A Small Furry Prayer, Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life by Steven Kotler | November 14
Looking for a furry companion (or two)? We’re hosting a Pets In Need Adoption Fair to help you find the perfect dog, cat, puppy or kitten–just in time for the holiday season. All animals are spayed/neutered, current on their vaccinations, microchipped, and ready to go home. Please stop by! Who knows, perhaps you will find your new best friend and save two lives in the process–the wonderful dog, cat, puppy or kitten you take home and the one who is rescued to take his/her place. Location: Kepler’s Books , 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 94025. For more information visit http://www.keplers.com/
Alfredo Rodriguez – Carriage House Series | November 14
In his first year since moving to the United States, Alfredo Rodríguez has played to capacity crowds at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl; the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas; the Detroit Jazz Festival; the Monterey Jazz Festival; the famous Newport Jazz Festival; the San Francisco Jazz Festival, and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. Both his New York and his Los Angeles debuts sold out. His Miami and Dallas debuts both sold out. Opening for Herbie Hancock and others, Alfredo played for 18,000 fans at the LA Symphony’s official welcome for Gustavo Dudamel at the Hollywood Bowl. He also happens to be working on his debut album with music producer Quincy Jones. Location: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga 95070 For more info visit http://bit.ly/atVEEE
The Three Kings – Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, Author | November 18
Meet Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez at this reading and signing. In her book The Three Kings, Christy de la Cruz has it all… a great career as an interior designer for the stylish homes of New Mexico, marriage to a tall and handsome man, and a great family — especially her cousin Maggie. But as the holidays approach, she’s down to two out of three — that handsome husband has walked out the door. Christy is so not up for dating until Maggie takes Christy on the ultimate romantic project. Time: 7 pm Location: Borders – San Jose – Santana Row, 356 Santana Row, San Jose 95128. For more info visit http://bit.ly/zdljB
35th Anniversary Dinner Benefit – All Eyes Are on The Mexican Museum | November 20
The Museum is currently preparing for the completion of thier permanent home which will be built in downtown San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Arts District. The Museum offers educational and public programming throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. 6:00pm – 10:30pm. Location: Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco. For more information visit: http://www.mexicanmuseum.org/
Day of the Dead “To All Humanity” | Through November 21
The Visual Arts Department of ACFA “Hijos del Sol” will for the first time on the East Side of Salinas present its annual exhibit of Dias de los Muertos. Artist reception November 2, 5:00 – 7:00. Gallery Hours Wednesday – Friday, 10:00 – 1:00; Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 4:00. Location: El Centro de Belles Artes de Alisal, 745 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, CA. For more information visit www.hijosdelsolarts.com
Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 26
Thousands of people of all ages enjoy the Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony in Caesar Chavez Park. It is the kickoff to the Christmas holiday and to Christmas in the Park. Come see this beautiful tradition which sets off the holiday season at 5:30 pm. Location: Caesar Chavez Park, South Market Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.christmasinthepark.com/
Christmas in the Park | November 26 – January 1
San Jose’s best-known holiday tradition, Christmas in the Park, is now in its 30th year. Come stroll among sixty animated displays, hundreds of decorated trees and thousands of twinkling lights. There is also nightly entertainment by local schools and groups; check the North Pole information booth. Christmas in the Park draws more than 450,000 people to downtown San Jose during the four-week holiday season. Daily: 9am-12am. Location: Caesar Chavez Park, South Market Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.christmasinthepark.com/
Felipe Esparza | November 26 – 28
Felipe Esparza just won Last Comic Standing! He is best known for his raw, real-life comedy, his irreverent on-stage persona, wild hair, and his often-imitated phrase, “What‘s up, fool?“ On his new comedy album, Rebound Material, there are forty-four tracks about everything from the war in Iraq and sitting in the back of police cars — to partying with white people and Mexican birthday parties. He also shares, “I‘m not a tough guy, but I can beat up everyone at Trader Joe‘s, but at Food-for-Less I shut up. They don‘t have aisles, they have alleys.” 11/26 Friday – 11/28 Sunday Fri & Sat: 7pm & 9pm; Sun: 7pm. Location: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S 2nd Street, San Jose 95113. http://bit.ly/c2NzJ9
Happy Birthday San Jose | November 28
History Park says “Happy Birthday” to San Jose! This event will feature live music, candle lighting, birthday cake, and tours of the Peralta Adobe – Fallon House Historic Site. This event promises to be fun for the whole family!This 232nd San José Birthday event includes tours of the two-room Peralta Adobe, with the recamera or bedroom showing the very earliest lifestyle of the settlers and the sala or living room illustrating the Mexican Rancho period. On display on the adobe site is an example of straw-bale construction. 11/28 Sunday 12pm-5pm. Location: Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, 175 W St John Street, San Jose 95110. For more information visit http://bit.ly/ddchzX
Retrospective Anniversary Exhibition and Panel Series: Strategies for the Shift | Now – January 29, 2011
Galeria 4.0 is a commemorative exhibition documenting key aspects of Galeria’s forty-year history through archival materials and original artwork by over 40 artists. Galeria 4.0, A Retrospective will document the visual landscape that has contributed to the shaping of Galería’s mission of fostering public awareness and appreciation of Latino/Chicano art. The exhibition will traverse through the organization’s inception born of cultural activism to its current standing as an international forum for examination and expression of artistic concepts central to the Latino/Chicano experience.Location: 2857 24th St. San Francisco, Ca 94110. For more information visit: www.galeriadelaraza.org