CIRCO Award-winning Mexican documentary | April 15 – April 21
Gorgeously filmed along the back roads of rural Mexico, CIRCO follows the Ponce family’s hardscrabble circus as it struggles to stay together despite mounting debt, dwindling audiences and a simmering family conflict. Tino, the ringmaster, is driven by his dream to lead his parents’ circus to success and corrals the energy of his whole family, including his four young children, towards this singular goal. But his wife Ivonne is determined to make a change. Feeling exploited by her in-laws, she longs to return to her kids a childhood lost to laboring in the circus. Through this intricately woven story of a marriage in trouble and of a century-old family tradition that hangs in the balance, CIRCO opens the viewer to the luminous world of a traveling circus while examining the universal themes of family bonds, filial responsibility and the weight of cultural inheritance. Original music by Calexico. Winner of the Golden Starfish Award for Best Documentary at the 2010 Hamptons Film Festival. Tickets are $10.00 for general admission and $8.00 seniors and children. Location: Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA. http://on.fb.me/hnVhP9
Chicago | April 15 – April 23
Marquee Productions presents Chicago, winner of six Tony Awards, five prestigious Drama Desk Awards, and two Laurence Olivier Awards, including “Best Musical Revival.” This tantalizing tale of treachery, murder, fame and fortune is electrified with exhilarating dance numbers and show-stopping tunes. Known both for its choreography by the famed Bob Fosse and the 2002 movie, which won six Academy Awards, the show flaunts celebrity, scandal, and corruption in Jazz-age Chicago. It was the first musical since Oliver! (1969) to win an Oscar for “Best Picture.” The production is directed and choreographed by Kevin R. Hauge, artistic director of CMTSJ. All photos by Chris Ayers. Location: Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.cmtsj.org/
Poncho Sanchez – Latin Jazz Percussionist | April 16
If music were about pictures, percussionist Poncho Sanchez’s music would best be described as a kaleidoscopic swirl of some of the hottest colors and brightest lights to emerge from either side of the border. At any given show, on any given record, fragments of Latin jazz, swing, bebop, salsa and other infectious grooves collide and churn in a fiery swirl, with results that are no less than dazzling. Location: Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton 94566. Ticket Information: $7-$32. http://www.firehousearts.org/events/events-list
Wine Class Series with Mark Hollys | April 17
Mark Hollys, the talented, certified wine professional from Windows On The World will be hosting this event in association with Executive Chef Jay for an afternoon of wine education and food pairing. This is a perfect event for couples, romantic dates and wedding or party planning! A class will be featured every month. This first class will cover the following wines:Whites: Ksar Chardonnay from Morocco with Nut and Cheese Sampler and Vinho Verde From Portugal with Vegetarian Briwatts. Blush: White Zinfandel from California Central Coast with Spicy Cucumber Salad. Reds:Pinot Noir from Chile with Chicken Kebabs, Red Diamond from Washington State with Kefta Meatballs, and Primitivo from Amador, CA with Beef Kebabs. Seating is limited. The class includes education and tasting of six wines, their profile, history and what made them so famous. You will leave the class with a sense of guaranteed euphoria and, more importantly, a deeper knowledge and appreciation of wines along with the increased ability to make an informed decision when pairing wine and food. Location: Morocco’s Restaurant, 86 N Market Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: $45; pre-payment requested. http://www.moroccosrestaurant.com/
CSU-Monterey Bay Earth Week Kick-off | April 18
Latina author Graciela Tiscareno-Sato, who wrote Latinovating.com will kick off Earth Week with insith inot the first book showcasing Latino-Led innovation and entrepreneurshiop in the green economy. This book takes you inside organizations where real, long-term sustainable practices and innovations are happening today. It spotlights the Latinos and Latinas leading these companies, innovating new ideas and technologies to retool America’s energy grid, lighting systems, commercial printing, communication infrastructure and much more. American Latinos have a historical and cultural bias to conserve and reuse resources. It’s no wonder that today Latinos are at the forefront of many sustainable initiatives. Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm. Location: CSU-Monterey Bay at the University Center. http://www.latinnovating.com/
Vic Moraga – Latin-Infused Contemporary Music | April 18
Vic Moraga first began performing in San Francisco on the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach. After attending college, workshops, private lessons and plenty of woodshedding, he has achieved success as a songwriter, mastered vocal techniques, guitar methods, and performance skills. He currently performs popular and original music solo and with his group, The Moraga Band. The shows are exciting and receive rave reviews. No cover and music starts at 7 pm. Location: Morocco’s Restaurant, 86 N Market Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: $45; pre-payment requested. http://www.moroccosrestaurant.com/
Balenciaga and Spain – Art Lecture | April 20
SF Museums of Fine Arts Docent Ellen Harden will lecture on the current deYoung exhibit, Balenciaga and Spain. She will speak of the profound influence of Spain on the work of haute couture master, Cristobal Balenciaga. Event is free. Location: Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga 95070, 408-867-6126.
San Francisco International Film Festival | April 21 – May 5
Galeria is excited to co-present The Tiniest Place, directed by Tatiana Huezo, at the 54th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21-May 5). Years after the Salvadoran military destroyed the village of Cinquera in that country’s civil war, survivors have returned to rebuild their community. Soulful, beautifully rendered, this amazing debut is an evocative testament to place, memory and the power of life to rebound from tragedy. http://fest11.sffs.org/
SNAG Earth Day Celebration (GINAA 2010 Award) | April 22
Celebrate la madre tierra with a party on Earth Day! An artists’ exhibition, eco-fashion show, performances traditional song and dance, and a juice bar in a bio-bus, parked right outside Galeria! About SNAG: Seventh Native American Generation (SNAG) provides Native youth the opportunity to achieve balance and harmony, address historical and modern grievances, and explore and develop leadership and community skills through arts and cultural expression. Through a holistic approach that combines spirituality, tradition and multi-media skills, we aim to shape the next generation of Native leaders. 7-11pm. $5 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds). Location: Galeria de la Raza, 2857 24th Street, San Francisco. http://www.snagmagazine.com/
Noche Bohemia 2011 | April 23
“A Night of Love, A Night of Art, A Night of Community” presented by The Noche Bohemia. In its fourth year, The Noche Bohemia has a cast that includes piano, classical performances, along with poetry, songs, paintings, photography creating a night of romanticism and beautiful memories. The MC’s for Noche Bohemia 2011 are Maggie Fernandez La Preciosa Radio Promotion Director and Esmeralda Montenegro former Univision Anchorwoman. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The entire community is invited to attend. All presentations will be conducted in Spanish. The event is free of charge. Location: National Steinbeck Center, One Main Street, Salinas CA. http://bit.ly/eAg1Nk
San Jose KraftBrew Fest | April 23
Naglee Park Garage will host the inaugural KraftBrew Fest in the Landmark Ballroom of the San Jose Woman’s Club. This event will feature an assortment of Belgian Ales and American micros; gourmet food pairing; live music from Hurricane Roses and Ben Henderson; and special guest brewery speakers. This free admission event will have beer and food available for purchase. From 12 pm to 6 pm and event is free. Location: San Jose Women’s Club and Landmark Ballroom, 75 S 11th Street, San Jose 95112. http://www.sjwomansclub.org/arts_and_culture_events.html
La Boheme | April 23 – May 8
She’s a dreamer — simple, sweet, and shy. She calls herself Mimì, even though it’s not actually her name. She spends her days embroidering flowers and her nights longing for springtime. And she is very much alone and on her own. Literally in search of light – a match for her only candle – she, instead, finds happiness and friendship with a band of young Parisian bohemians. They include a handsome but insecure poet, a philosopher, a painter, a musician, and a good-time girl. Briefly, Mimì and Rodolfo make a place of love for themselves… until jealousy and poverty prevail. Eventually, she succumbs to tuberculosis – the scourge of the underclass – but she is never consumed by self-pity, and she dies surrounded by those who love her. La Bohème is Puccini at his most tender and sympathetic. He loves these foolish young Parisians because he was once a struggling bohemian, just like them. He understands their happiness and pain, and he is never judgmental. His music pierces our hearts with its beauty and directness. For generations, La Bohème has been the best First Opera, the best Date Opera… and, for many, the Best Opera. Ticket Information: $51-$91.Location: California Theatre, 345 S 1st Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.operasj.org/
El TEATRO CAMPESINO presents VICTOR IN SHADOW | April 21 – May 8
The play chronicles the 1973 coup d’etat in Chile that led to the violent installation of dictator Augusto Pinochet and the symbolic and tragic death of the famed folk singer. Shortly after the election of Marxist President Salvador Allende, right-wing opposition prompted the overthrow of Allende’s government and the systematic repression of hundreds of thousands of Chileans-including Jara. Victor in Shadow takes a fascinating look into the life and death of a popular singer, dramatizing the songwriter’s tumultuous career and his subsequent captivity just days following the 1973 coup. The production features original compositions by Victor Jara, Altahualpa Yupanqui and several notable songwriters from South America. Pulsing with the richness of Latin folk rhythms, Victor in Shadow includes a live performance by musical director, Rafael Manriquez (guitar), Jorge Tapia (flutes), Fernando Torres (Charango) and Ingrid Rubis (Piano). Bay Area actors Leanna Sharp, Cristal Gonzalez, Lakin Valdez, Alfredo Avila and ETC veteran Anahuac Valdez join the cast for this production. Co-directed by Lakin and Kinan Valdez, Victor in Shadow promises to be an evening of scintillating theatre, which aims to shed light on a vibrant yet tragic period in Chilean history. Tickets are only $12 in advance or $15 day of show for General Admission, $10 for Students. Bargain Thursday evenings offer the opportunity to see the show for only $8. www.elteatrocampesino.com
Bright Green Day | April 29
In partnership with the City of San Jose and the United States Department of Energy’s Solar America Communities Program, Bright Green Day is an environmental awareness event that features environmental workshops, local organizations with information about new solar technologies for home and work, self-guided tours of the Clean Energy Showcase. Local bands will provide an array of music, and food trucks will serve fresh cultural dishes including Treatbot, a karaoke ice cream truck from the future. Free event. Location: San Jose City Hall, 200 E Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.sanjoseca.gov/
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival | April 30 and May 1
The 28th Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival honors Cupertino’s Sister City relationship with Toyokawa, Japan. There will be delicious Japanese and American food, outdoor entertainment by taiko drum groups, classical Japanese dancers, martial art schools, musical groups and more. There will also be indoor Japanese cultural displays, demonstrations, musical performances, and over sixty arts and crafts booths. Enjoy the festival and the beautiful park with many trees, large lawn areas, ponds, and a special children’s play area with hands-on activities. Sunday Sat-Sun: 10am-5pm and event is free. Location: Memorial Park – Cupertino, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Mary Avenue, Cupertino 95014. http://www.cupertinotoyokawa.org/
Tacos & Tequila Fest | April 30
Kick off the Cinco de Mayo Festivities by coming on a colorful adventure to Jalisco, Mexico, home of Tequila and savor some of its best flavors, paired with some delicious local Latino cuisines. Soledad Community Fiesta cordially invite you to join us in the 1st Annual “Tacos & Tequila Fest” on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Soledad Community Center in Soledad. The fun starts at 6:00 pm with a strolling reception with multiple areas to sample tequilas as well as hors d’oeuvres from our local restaurants. The spirit of Mexico will be enhanced with the festive music playing in the background getting you in the mood to enjoy “Tacos & Tequila”. Proceeds generated will be for Scholarship Funding for Soledad High Schools. http://bit.ly/fXSJa5
Viva Carnival! – The Mission Masquerade Ball | April 30
The Mission Masquerade Ball will showcase the sights, sounds and shimmer of South America’s Carnival celebrations! Featuring dinner, dancing, masks, and music by Receita de Samba, it is going to be a night to remember! Proceeds from the Ball will help support the main stage concerts and educational outreach programs of Music at the Mission. Support Fremont’s only Classical Chamber Music Series and party, Brazilian-style! Advance reservations are required. Tickets are $75 and includes dinner. Location: Hilton Hotel, Newark/Fremont. http://www.musicatmsj.org/ball.html
Cultura & Old School Ways (GINAA 2010 Award) | April 30 – May 14
Galeria is honored to host Cholo Style Magazine’s art exhibit entitled Cultura & Old School Ways, opening Saturday, April 30. Cholo Magazine was a recipient of the 2010 GINAA Program. The exhibition will feature original drawings, paintings and photographs by Victor A. Spider from San Francisco (Cholo Style Magazine), Luis de Quetzalcoatl Tattoo (San Francisco), Chato de San Francisco (Mission District), Mosca de Chiques, Pino de Wilmas, Tuddy de East Los Angeles, and “Memo” Sanchez de SGV. Cultura & Old School Ways will speak of the cultural heritage, barrio life, and cultural pride of ‘Cholo’ artists.The term “cholo” usually indicates a person of Mexican or Mexican-American descent who is associated with American youth movements such as the “lowrider” subculture, or the hip hop scene in general. The word is sometimes associated with Latino gang culture, especially in popular media. Opening reception, Saturday, April 30, 7:30-10 pm and exhibition runs through May 14. Location: Location: Galeria de la Raza, 2857 24th Street, San Francisco. http://www.galeriadelaraza.org/index.php
The Latin Music Experience – A Night of Edu-tainment | May 4
Ethnic Studies professor, Rudy ‘El Professor’ Ramirez will be presenting The Latin Music Experience which includes a PowerPoint presentation and live performance of top notch musicians. Co-hosted by Alexa Weber Morales. Sponsored by Diversity In Action Group, Latinos Unidos, Office of Student Life, etc. 7pm-9:30pm. Location: College of San Mateo Theatre, 1700 W Hillsdale Boulevard, Building 3, San Mateo 94402. http://bitly.com/fAYIfi
Ricky Martin | May 4
After critical praise for his MTV Unplugged and Ricky Martin Live – Black & White Tour performance albums, Grammy-winning superstar Ricky Martin returns with his first new studio album in six years. Fan anticipation for the principally Spanish album is running so high that Musica+Alma+Sexo is already the #1 selling Latin album at Amazon on the strength of presales alone. Show starts at 8 pm. Ticket Information: $34.50-$102.50. Location: HP Pavilion, 525 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113. http://bitly.com/fAYIfi
Malo 40th Anniversary Cinco de Mayo Celebration | May 6
Legendary Latin Rock band Malo is one of the most successful and enduring bands in the world. Their 1972 hit single, Suavecito is the ultimate Hispanic love song, and four decades later, still one of the most played tracks on classic radio. Malo’s line-up has been a virtual who’s who of Latin Rock all-stars, including trumpeteer Luis Gasca, percussionists Pete & Coke Escovedo, Francisco Aguabella, and Victor Pantoja, keyboardist Richard Comode, musicians Tom Poole, Raul Rekow, and Pablo Tellez, as well as lead vocalist Richard Bean (of Sapo fame). Emilio & Gloria Estevan credit Malo with helping them to create their very own Miami Sound Machine. Malo has toured the world, playing with such rock greats as The Rolling Stones, WAR, Tierra, El Chicano, and Queen, and still continue to tour extensively, forty years after their debut. Lava is a funky brew of Latin Jazz, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rock, Funk, and Salsa. Lava covers such artists as Santana, Poncho Sanchez and War as well as latin standards that have been in the top 40 over the past 30 years. Known as “The Sweetheart of Latin Rock, Inc”, Blanca recently brought together some very talented musicians to form the band Blanca which includes Robert Zamora (lead guitar), Mike Juarez (drums) and Oscar Tablada (bass). The new four/piece band has been pulling in their own audience and recruiting new fans everywhere they play. Ticket Information: $20-$25. Location: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City 94063. http://tickets.foxrwc.com/
Forever Tango – Dance Show | May 7
Forever Tango traces the colorful history of tango through music, dance, and dramatic vignettes. The dancers tango in their own specific styles, offering unspoken insight into this mysterious and passionate art form. Created and directed by Luis Bravo, the original production took San Francisco by storm in 1994 and later went on to Broadway for a year-long run, where it garnered multiple Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. Ticket Information: $40-$100. Location: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose 95113.
LOL! Latina on the Loose! | May 13 – May 22
Teatro Vision presents Mina Olivera’s award-winning one-woman performance, LOL! Latina on the Loose! It is a rollicking, whirlwind trip from Brazil to the United States by way of Switzerland and El Salvador during which a girl becomes a woman.. As much as her revolutionary parents try to prepare her for the rollercoaster ride of young love, bad boyfriends, indifferent teachers and dreams of stardom, it is the voice of a tough grandmother who helps her land on her feet. Olivera’s one-woman performance is filled with energy, desire and hope. Ticket Information: $12-$30.Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose 95116. http://teatrovision.org/teatrohome/
Latinnovating.com Book Launch at 2011 Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit | May 14
Written by Graciela Tiscareno-Sato, this book takes you inside organizations where real, long-term sustainable practices and innovations are happening today. It spotlights the Latinos and Latinas leading these companies, innovating new ideas and technologies to retool America’s energy grid, lighting systems, commercial printing, communication infrastructure and much more. American Latinos have a historical and cultural bias to conserve and reuse resources. It’s no wonder that today Latinos are at the forefront of many sustainable initiatives. Unfortunately, the average American employee and the mainstream American media have absolutely no idea of these innovations, contributions and opportunities. It’s time to change the conversation. You will read about: 1) Industry transformations and success stories of sustainable businesses 2)Who is creating long-term solutions for our new sustainable, green economy and 3) How Latinos are applying their hard work, talent, education, innovative thinking, culturally-engrained environmental advocacy, and creative spirit to improve America for all Americans. Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto. http://www.latinnovating.com/
La Causa | May 17
Journey to a defining moment in history! In this mind blowing multi-media presentation, a live actor will interface with dynamic, archival imagery on a large screen and take you there. In the late 1960’s a new movement changed the lives of Latin American farm workers who fought for civil rights, battled racism and indecent working conditions. La Causa is the story of Marta Hernandez and her life-changing involvement in the Farm Workers Movement, led by Cesar Chavez. Experience this chapter of American history as one young woman balances the demands ofher family and culture, and fights to see her people free of poverty. Location: San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware Avenue, San Mateo 94401. Ticket Information: $4-$9. http://www.performingartsforyouth.org/season.html