Bless Me, Ultima: The Play| April 1-3
“Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya has become the best selling Chicano novel of all time. Teatro Vision’s West Coast premiere of Anaya’s exciting stage adaptation brings to life this beloved story of a young boy’s struggle to understand sacrifices made by a curandera to heal wounds of jealousy and rage. The play is set in the covered plains of New Mexicoas they embark on this magical production of “Bless Me, Ultima: The Play” it is sure to inspire. The play will be held at The Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater inSan Jose, for more info and tickets visit: http://bit.ly/H1SOcM
Mexicanisimo through Artists’ Eyes |April 1- ongoing
The San Jose Museum of Art is featuring an exhibit highlighting Mexican and Mexican-American artists as they contrast the traditional art with the cutting-edge. These artists draw inspiration from Mexico’s deep well of visual culture, referencing folk art, popular culture, and vernacular craft traditions as well as contemporary idioms. Visit http://www.sjmusart.org/mexicanisimo-through-artists-eyes
Carolina Lugo’s & Carolé Acuña’s Ballet Flamenco| April 1 – ongoing
Carolina Lugo’s & Carolé Acuña’s Ballet Flamenco is featuring talent direct from Spain. Joining them on stage will be, dancer Antonio Arrebola, singer Kena Mendez, and from Bolivia, Eddie Navia. This company of international musicians and dancers will light up the floor with the pulsating sounds of footwork, song, castanets, syncopated hand clapping and guitar, painting a visual canvas in movement. This is a great opportunity to experience the high energy, passion and mastery of their artistry that defines a new dimension in Flamenco and Spanish dance. Show location varies, depending on date. For more info visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/118205
Gallery of California History| April 1-ongoing
The Oakland Museum of California is hosting a gallery, based on the theme of Coming to California. The Museum’s Gallery of California History has enabled visitors to explore major events and trends that have shaped Californiahistory. It houses thousands of historical artifacts, works of art, ethnographic materials, and original photographs from OMCA’s permanent collection—the largest, finest, and most comprehensive collection of Californiacultural material anywhere. General admission for the OaklandMuseumis $12. For more info visit: http://museumca.org/exhibit/gallery-california-history
Birding in Latino Culture |April 1
The Don Edwards S.F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center, is putting on a series of Spanish/English programs featuring, Birding in Latino Culture. This event will feature the importance of birds in Latino culture. Participants will review the Latino cultural significance of birds and learn the connection of shared migratory birds throughout theWestern Hemisphere. Also, participants will go on a guided walking tour through the marshlands. ThisWildlifeRefugeCenter is located inSan Jose. Event is free, but reservation required. http://bit.ly/H1Sb2Q
Art of Dr. Seuss |April 1
Everyone knows Dr. Seuss, whether young or old. Come enjoy the iconic, Art of Dr. Seuss presented by Dennis Rae Fine Art. The gallery features limited editions of Theodore Seuss Geisel’s “Secret Art”, “Archive Art”, and Illustrations from the famous Dr. Seuss Beginner Readers Book Collection. This free event is in San Francisco, for more info visit http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/events/?zventId=236214784
Hairspray |April 5-22
The Broadway hit and 8 Tony winning musical, Hairspray will be coming to the bay area this spring. The musical highlights the year 1962 and Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion –to dance. Don’t miss the swingingly-soulful musical phenomenon which will have you wanting to get out of your seat and dance! The show is put on by, Broadway on the Bay at the Fox Theatre inRedwood City. Tickets start at $22, for more info visit: http://bit.ly/yTTmag
Traded Moons exhibit| April 7-May 12
Galería de la Raza is hosting an art exhibit bySan Franciscomixed media artist Geri Montano. Montano takes the symbol of the circle in addressing sex trafficking of indigenous women. The circle has long been associated with many motifs: the feminine, the moon, a medicine wheel or shield. This show uses this motif alongside art as a healing component. Traded Moons will feature over 40 circular panel’s documenting and illustrating ideas of power, freedom, pain, and hope during a time where over 80% of those involved in human trafficking are women. Also, a portion of works on display were created by sex traffic survivors. The exhibit is inSan Francisco, for more info visit: http://bit.ly/vZ3BeR
East Side Taco Festival |April 14
Come to San Joseto enjoy the largest taco event in America! Up to 30 of the most innovative food trucks will be selling Mexican tacos, Korean tacos, ice cream tacos, and more! If you have your own dreams of owning a taco truck, the festival will have a “Food Truck Startup” pavilion with everyone you would need to work with to start your dream. There will also be live music and art. The festival will be held at HistoryParkin San Jose, April 14th, Tickets $7. Visit http://sjtaco.com/
Cherry Blossom Festival| April 14-15, 21-22
The 2012 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrating its 45th year. This festival is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Each year, over 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday April 14-15 and April 21-22, 2012. The festival will be held on Post Streetbetween Laguna and Fillmore Streets in San Francisco. There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, and more. For more info visit: http://www.nccbf.org/
In the Heights |April 17-22
In the Heights is a 4 time Tony winning musical that shows an affectionate portrait of the Hispanic community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights. The community is on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. The story follows a group of lovers, as character Usnavi courts Vanessa, and dreams of opening a bar back home in the Dominican Republic. The character Nina is in love with Benny, but her father is against their union because he wants Nina to complete her education atStanfordUniversity, and is prepared to sell his business to finance her. The musical showcases hip-hop, salsa, meringue and soul music. The musical will be playing at theSan JoseCenter for the Performing Arts from April 17-22th, at 7:30 P.M. http://bit.ly/GZ3s2i
Autumn Gem: A Documentary on Modern China’s First Feminist |April 24
Autumn Gem is a documentary made by two Bay area filmmakers that focuses on the, “Chinese Joan of Arc” Qiu Jin, a radical women’s rights activist who defied tradition to become the leader of a revolutionary army. Jin attempted an armed uprising against the corrupt Qing Dynasty and became the first female martyr forChina’s 1911 Revolution. She boldly challenged traditional gender roles and demanded equal rights and opportunities for women. The screening and discussion will be held at the Evergreen Branch Library inSan Jose, April 24th at 5:30 P.M. This is a free event. http://bit.ly/HmC7WA
2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards | April 26
Telemundo confirms performances by top Latin music stars at the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards presented by State Farm®. Sixteen-time Billboard finalist Don Omar, 2011 Latin Artist of the Year Prince Royce, and Mexican superstar Paulina Rubio join previously announced performers: Latin urban star and entrepreneur Daddy Yankee, world-renowned Colombian singer/songwriter Juanes and platinum plus Regional Mexican Music artist Jenni Rivera. The most prestigious Latin music awards show will be produced and broadcast live in HD by Telemundo on Thursday, April 26 at 7PM/6c from BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Florida. http://www.telemundo.com/premiosbillboard
Anjelah Johnson | April 27 – 28
Our favorite funny girl Anjelah Johnson returns to the Bay Area. She became an internet sensation with her viral video “Nail Salon” and later, she appeared on “MADtv” as a series regular, which then spawned another internet sensation “Bon Qui Qui.” Johnson was nominated for an ALMA Award for her work on the show. Location:San JoseImprov,San Jose. http://anjelah.com/tour
Noche Bohemia- a night of poetry, music and art| April 28
NocheBohemiais a night of poetry, music, artistic dance, painting, writing, photography and community. Presented by Adela Castillo and Jose Alejandro Moran, the night will include a cast that highlights, artistic dance, harp, violin, and piano, along with poetry, song, paintings, photography creating a night of romanticism for all ages. The event will be held at The National Steinbeck Center inSalinas, and is free of charge. For more info visit: http://bit.ly/H5ErS0