Mexicanisimo through Artists’ Eyes |April 1- September 23
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 fromMexico’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
La Raza Comica: Art Museum | Now – September 30
A major art exhibition focusing on Latinos in comics: La Raza Comica: A Celebration of the Latino American Experience in the Comic Arts.This exhibition features original works by artists including legendary underground cartoonist Spain Rodriguez, Lalo Alcaraz, Isis Rodriguez, Rafael Navarro, Richard Dominguez, Grasiela Rodriguez, Javier Hernandez, Jaime Crespo, Jose Cabrera and Mario Hernandez. The Latino Comics Expo was co-founded by Ricardo Padilla and Javier Hernandez to provide a showcase for Latino creators and others to share their work with the public. Cost: FREE.CartoonArt Museum|655 Mission StSan Francisco. http://cartoonart.org/2012/04/la-raza-comica-a-celebration-of-the-latino-american-experience-in-the-comic-arts/
Caras/Cuentos: Art Exhibit | Now – January 6
The new exhibit atFortMason’sMexicanMuseumfeatures multimedia pieces, ranging from photography to sculpture, and showcases the mystique of portraiture through nearly 30 pieces representing a wide range of Latino cultural expression, from pre-Hispanic to Chicano art. “Caras/Cuentos,” or “Masks/Faces,” aims to provoke discussion of Latino identity in a culturally fragmented society. Location: The Mexican Museum Fort Mason Center, Building D, at Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, S.F. open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (415) 202-9700.
Tortilla Soup (Salsa, Latin, Funk) – Sunnyvale Summer Music + Market Series | August 8
Tortilla Soup is made by combining ingredients such as R&B, blues, funk, soul, latin, Tex Mex, oldies and more. Formed in 2003, this Bay Area-based band includes musicians who have toured, recorded and performed for live audiences worldwide. This concert is part of the SunnyvaleSummer Music + Market Series. Enjoy arts and crafts, flowers, and fresh fruits and vegetables while enjoying the cool grooves of great local bands. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Location: SunnyvaleDowntown, Murphy Avenue & Washington Avenue, Sunnyvale 94086 http://www.sunnyvaledowntown.com/summer-series.html
Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, and Wisin and Yandel Live Tour 2012 | August 8
At the dawn of the new millennium, Enrique Iglesias was the best-selling Latin recording artist in the world. The son of multi-million-selling singer Julio Iglesias, Enrique was born in Madrid, Spain. In 1982, his mother sent him to live in Miamiwith his father. While there, Enrique was exposed to three different cultures and musical influences: Hispanic, European, and American. Actress, entertainer, music artist, film and TV producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez has been called one of the most powerful and celebrated celebrities in entertainment. Come listen to this incredible pop sensation. Rounding out the ticket will be the Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin and Yandel. Location: HP Pavilion, 525 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose95113. Ticket Information: $28-$176.50 http://www.hppavilion.com/schedule/
Duran Duran – Pop, Rock | August 8 & 9
The iconic 80s rock band Duran Duran will perform in Saratoga shortly after representing the music of England at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics in London. The Mountain Winery’s historic WineryBuilding, with its stunning Spanish portal, engenders old-world ambiance and provides a dramatic stage backdrop. The nature of the intimate 2500 seat amphitheater ensures an exceptional experience for star performers and guests alike. Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga95070. Ticket Information: $59.50-$149.50 $20 Parking; $15 for carpoolers (3+/car) http://concerts.mountainwinery.com/
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest | August 8-12
The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is one of the hottest events of the summer featuring a stellar lineup of international stars, emerging artists and regional favorites playing straight-ahead jazz, blues, salsa, Latin, R&B, and more! It’s not just the biggest live music event in Silicon Valley–it’s the perfect summer experience featuring: tasty food, wine and micro-brews; family fun and jazz for kids; and a Club Crawl and other after-hours events for the grown ups.Featured performers at the 23rd annual festival include: The Spinners; Morris Day & The Time; The Jazz Crusaders featuring Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder; Dianne Reeves; Terence Blanchard; Boney James; Coco Montoya; Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk; Jeff Hamilton Trio, Alessandro Penezzi Quartet, Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys; Yoshiaki Miyanoue Tokyo Quartet; BlackMahal; Wil Campa y Su Gran Union; Yesberger Band; and many others. Fri: 6pm Sat, Sun: 10am Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, South Market Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: $15-$20 http://jazzfest.sanjosejazz.org/
Seal with Special Guest Macy Gray | August 10
When Seal was a teenager in England, a new wave of American soul turned his head. Seal pays loving homage to that vibrant time in his own musical life with Soul 2, his eighth studio album and newest release, bringing his immense talents and deep sensibilities to songs that were coming out of Detroit, Memphis, and especially Philadelphia–a sound that in England became known as Northern Soul. Seal at once internalizes and evokes the spirit of such musical giants as Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Smokey Robinson, Bill Withers, the Spinners, and the O’Jays. Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: $55-$155 $20 Parking; $15 for carpoolers (3+/car). http://concerts.mountainwinery.com/
Gipsy Kings – Rumba Catalana | August 15
Gipsy Kings is a French music group from Arlesand Montpellier, France. Although group members were born in France, their parents were gitanos, Spanish Romani people who fled Cataloniaduring the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. Young brothers Nicolas, Canut, and Paul Reyes accompanied by their father, famed flamenco singer Jose Reyes, are the founding Gipsy Kings members.They are known for bringing Rumba Catalana, a pop-oriented version of traditional flamenco music, to worldwide audiences. Latin American beats had been joined with flamenco by gitanos since at least the 1950s, mixing complex strumming with rhythmic, percussive tapping on their guitars’ tops. The new Reyes generation–which eventually met and joined with three guitar-playing brothers from the Baliardo family–have been creating even more pop-oriented songs since 1982. Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: $55-$149.50 $20 Parking; $15 for carpoolers (3+/car) http://concerts.mountainwinery.com/
Festival of India 2012 | August 18-19
This Festival includes a parade with floats depicting Indian scenes and culture, Indian ethnic dances and people dressed in colorful Indian attire, and a Health Fair with over 100 Indian American physicians offering free medical services. Plus, there will be cultural entertainment such as Indian dances, classical and folk music, Gazals and qawalis, drama and fashion shows. A Mela (Fair) depicting an Indian bazaar of booths and stalls will be the focal point where authentic Indian food can be tasted and handcrafts, jewelry and clothes may be purchased. Sat, Sun: 10am-7pm. Free.
Fandango at the Peralta Adobe | August 19
The annual Fandango at Peralta Adobe takes place in the heart of the new San Pedro Square Market, and is part of History San Jose’s series of Family Days. This date is significant in that it commemorates the death 161 years ago of Maria Luis Peralta. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and he was one of the first Accolades (mayors) of Pueblode San Jose de Guadalupe. Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descendant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers. Time: 11am-5pm. Location: Peralta Adobe and Fallon House Historic Site, 175 W St John Street, San Jose95110. Ticket Information: $8 for adults $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID Free for children under 5 http://historysanjose.org/wp/events/fandango-at-the-peralta-adobe/
San Jose Pride Festival 2012 | August 19
The 37th annual Pride Festival is the largest event to celebrate the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allies community in the SouthBay. It includes live entertainment, food, vendors, business and nonprofit booths. Location: Discovery Meadow, E San Carlos Streetand Woz Way, San Jose 95110. http://www.sanjosepride.com/index.html
La Factoria | August 24-26
Chona, a recent immigrant and a factory worker, forms a family with the women from La Factoria. The women are resigned to a life of factory work–dreary, with no future. However, after seeing Chona do what she’s always dreamed of–perform stand-up comedy–everything changed. Now everyone’s dreaming! La Factoria is a moving, yet hilarious tale about family and reaching for your dreams. After 3 sell-out performances last year, La Factoria is back. Join the fun for lots of laughter and a great time! Fri, Sat: 7:30pm Sun: 1:30pm Location: Theatre onSan Pedro Square,29 N San Pedro Street,San Jose 95110. Ticket Information: $15. http://www.tabardtheatre.org/TOSPS/