Music in the Park | June 2 – August 25
Music in the Park is downtown’s most anticipated concert series. The world’s biggest stars have appeared on the stage at Plaza de Cesar Chavez for 23 years. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family. FREE CONCERTS; 5:30 p.m. EACH THURSDAY, JUNE-AUGUST. Plaza de Cesar Chavez (Market Street between San Fernando and San Carlos streets). http://bit.ly/ndaIX
Sandra Aran – Jazz Vocals | June 17
Vocalist Sandra Aran made her musical debut at age five in her native Mexico City. Since then, she has made music and performing her life. Studying the art of jazz and scat singing by transcribing the music of Al Jarreau, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Bobby McFerrin, Ms. Aran kept an active performance schedule as an adolescent. In her teens, she formed her first band while studying classical piano and composition at the National University of Mexico. Ms. Aran performs within the jazz idom with a conviction that few musicians can match. Although her smooth sound and explosive stage presence are reminiscent of Sade, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Flora Purim, it is her original approach to jazz standards and her own material that make her truly unique. Location: The Hedley Club, 233 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113. http://bit.ly/2GThLM
Anjelah Johnson | June 23 – 26
Come check out funny girl Anjelah Johnson. San Jose, California native Anjelah Nicole Johnson made a huge splash with one of the most successful, viral comedy videos of all time, “Nail Salon.” This was one of the most-viewed YouTube and Google videos of 2007, and propelled Anjelah to new heights of touring, television and beyond. Her second Youtube video “Bon Qui Qui at King Burger,” a Mad TV sketch has also drawn millions of hits. Anjelah has a devoted following in comedy clubs, online communities, colleges and churches everywhere. 6/23 (Thu) — 8pm (tickets) — $30.50; 6/24 (Fri) — 8pm (tickets) & 10:15pm (tickets) — $32.50; 6/25 (Sat) — 8pm (tickets) & 10:15pm (tickets) — $32.50; 6/26 (Sun) — 8pm (tickets) — $30.50. Location: Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco. http://www.cobbscomedyclub.com/index.html
Museum of Crafts and Fine Arts – The Olmec, Maya and Aztec | June 23
Investigate the pyramids and people of Meso-America. Press authentic hieroglyphs into clay to make a wall hanging. This event is part of the Summer Reading Club that starts on Thursday, June 9 and runs through the end of August. Readers, listeners, and parents are invited to join. Read or listen for 600 minutes to win an array of awards and to get a ticket for the big raffle held at the end of the summer. Sign up at any Redwood City Library. Event starts at 3:00. Location: Fair Oaks Library, 2510 Middlefield Road, Redwood City 94063. http://bit.ly/mM6Hh4http://bit.ly/mM6Hh4
Ruckatan – Concert in the Park | June 24
This Latin Tribe is composed of seven players who have all contributed to the local Latin Rock scene in the Bay Area and internationally with various Latin, Reggae and Rock acts. Ruckatan is a fusion of Latin and Reggae. Members hailing from three different continents infuse their culture and love of their roots into this band. The music is very dance oriented with many Latin and Caribbean flavors, a celebration of life and music. Time: 7 pm-8:30 pm. Location: Lions Wayside Park, First Street & Neal Street, Pleasanton 94566. http://bit.ly/bF9UQf
Tito Gonzalez y su Trio, Cuban Music – On the Town Summer Series | June 25
Authentic Cuban dance music is what you get with Tito’s playful and interactive high energy band. They play rumba, guaracha and son montuno, music pioneered by such greats as Arsenio Rodriguez and later revived by the Buena Vista Social Club. Bring your picnic basket and lawn chair to Oshman’s Jessica L. Saal Town Square for this event. The On the Town Summer Series is open to everyone, whether or not you’re a member of the OFJCC. No registration is needed; just show up and join the fun! Time: 7:00 Location: Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto 94303. http://bit.ly/mTppvK
Dia de San Juan – Puerto Rican Cultural Festival | June 25
The Western Regional Puerto Rican Council’s annual Día de San Juan is one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer festival season. Like the huge San José Jazz Festival, El Día de San Juan is a major cultural event in Silicon Valley. El Día de San Juan does elicit an expectation, an excitement, and a ‘buzz’ among its supporters unmatched by its much larger brethren. As the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, families and supporters proudly mark the day on their calendars to ensure nothing will conflict with that singular Saturday in June or July when, as one, we will gather under “la bonita bandera de la Isla del Encanto” —Puerto Rico— to sing, dance, eat, play, and rejoice. It’s our day to celebrate who we are and where we come from. “Somos Puertorriqueños… hasta la muerte.” Time: 11am-7pm. Ticket Information: $20-$25. Location: History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose 95112. http://www.wrprc.org/wrprc/
Colibri – Family Concert | June 25
Colibri, Spanish for hummingbird, is a duo that presents lively, interactive musical journeys through Latin America. Using an exciting array of traditional folk instruments, Lichi Fuentes and Alisa Peres create a bridge linking children in the U.S. with those in the Spanish-speaking world. Time: 2:00 Location: Willow Glen Branch Library, 1157 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose 95125. http://www.sjpl.org/calendar
Fiesta Flamenca | June 26
An evening of passion and fire with Emmy Award winning dancer Yaelisa and the fabulous dancers, singers and musicians of Caminos Flamencos. Caminos Flamencos was founded by Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer Yaelisa. The mission of Caminos Flamencos is to create and present contemporary, traditional and theatrical dance programs showcasing artists from Spain and the U.S., which reflect the changing face of flamenco in the 21st century. Their programs seek to preserve the legacy of Spain’s rich artistic heritage, and bring them to people of all backgrounds, enriching the lives of people with Spanish and Hispanic ancestry, and of the community at large. Time: 7 pm Location: Angelica’s Bistro, 863 Main Street, Redwood City 94063. http://www.angelicasbistro.com/entertainment.htm
God Bless America Celebration | July 4
This patriotic celebration features live music, choirs, solo singers, food booths, vendor booth, and fun jump houses for kids. Fun for the whole family, it is being held directly following the Morgan Hill Parade at the Morgan Hill Community Center. 1pm-6pm Location: Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill 95037.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July | July 4
The San Mateo County History Museum will present an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July inside the 101 Year-Old Courthouse in Redwood City. Take a turn at hand-cranking the homemade vanilla ice cream then take a taste. Make traditional Independence Day crafts such as whirligigs, parachutes to fly and American Flags to wave! 10am-4pm Location: San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway Street, Redwood City 94063-1618. Ticket Information: $1.50-$2.50 Free for children 5 & under. http://www.historysmc.org/Fourth.html
Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration | July 4
Don’t miss this annual celebration, which will be held at the Kevin Moran Park in Saratoga. Children and adults are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, pets and themselves in red, white and blue. It will include color guard, patriotic tunes from the McCartysville Band, singing, American historical characters, and it concludes with a family parade. After the parade, popsicles are given to children. Shade is provided for seniors and handicapped.This event is sponsored by the City of Saratoga, Saratoga Rotary, Saratoga Historical Foundation, Saratoga Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints and Saratoga Federated Church. 9:30am-11am Location: Kevin Moran Park, 12415 Scully Avenue, Saratoga 95070. http://www.saratogajuly4.com/
Let Freedom Ring – Concert | July 4
Help celebrate our nation’s birthday with a good old-fashioned concert in the park. It will include marches, popular tunes and patriotic songs, capped off by a rousing 1812 Overture, complete with cannons! This free concert takes place on Los Gatos High School’s front lawn, so arrive early with blankets, chairs and plenty of sunscreen! This event is sponsored in part by the Town of Los Gatos, Los Gatos High School and the Los Gatos Recreation Department. 1:30 pm
Hot San Jose Nights | July 6 – July 10
This event features classic, exotic, and special interest cars and trucks, and it benefits the Willow Glen Lions. It includes Indoor Autorama; Outdoor Show-n-Shine; Classic Car Auction; 3 Cruises; 2 Poker Walks; Friday night Drive-In Movie for participants with a different movie on two screens; Vendors; Swap Meet; Charity Casino; a Prom on Thursday night; a Soap Box Derby; and live bands all weekend long! See the Official Site for more details. Thursday: 5pm-10pm, Friday: 12pm-7pm, Sat: 8am-7pm and Sun: 8am-5pm. Ticket Information: $10 Free for kids 15 and under (w/Adult) Car Participant: $60. Location: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose 95111. http://www.hotsanjosenights.com/
Pop Fiction – Music at the Pruneyard | July 6
The group Pop Fiction plays covers from the ’70’s through today. This concert is part of the Pruneyard’s Music on Main Street summer concert series. You are welcome to bring a chair. While admission is free, this concert will benefit the Rock Bottom Foundation, Inc. 5pm-8pm. http://bit.ly/kTdkvm
Felipe Esparza | July 7 – July 10
Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor best known for his raw, real-life comedy that audiences everywhere can relate to. Known for his wild hair and his often-imitated phrase, “what’s up, fool?”, people are always surprised to find out that Felipe is also the same person referred to and imitated in several infamous stories by fellow comedian, Gabriel Iglesias. Felipe has most recently been seen as the winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing (2010) and is currently touring comedy clubs and theaters across the country. Fri: 7:30pm, 9:30pm, Sat: 7pm, 9:30pm and Sun: 7pm. Ticket Information: $15-$30 Two-item minimum Ages 17+. Location: Tommy T’s Comedy Steakhouse, 5104 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton 94566. http://bit.ly/MGGlx
Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival | July 9 –July 10
The quaint village atmosphere of Downtown Los Altos transforms into a bustling center of activity the second weekend in July with the annual Arts and Wine Festival on Main and State Streets. Its features include the original work of over 400 artists, three stages of music, street performers, a KidZone with TV entertainers and storybook characters, gourmet foods from around the world, and an array of Santa Cruz Mountain premium wines. Over the years, this popular festival has earned the reputation of being ranked among the Top 75 in the nation. It attracts over 100,000 visitors yearly, supports local arts and entertainment, Downtown Village revitalization, encourages economic prosperity and promotes a community atmosphere unique to the Downtown District. 10am-6pm. http://downtownlosaltos.org/
Ray Obiedo and the Urban Latin Jazz Project – Jazz on Main 2011 | July 11
The Urban Latin Jazz Project is made up of some of the finest jazz musicians the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. With its heavy influence of Afro Cuban and Brazilian rhythms, a traditional West Coast Latin Jazz sound is always at the core of the ensemble. Guitarist/composer, Ray Obiedo, formed this group in 2002 to further explore his love of world music. His compositions for the group are drawn from many musical influences, including mainstream Jazz, Afro/Funk, and Caribbean, as well as other musical genres. A unique aspect of the group is its ability to incorporate funky R & B groove elements into its various arrangements. The Urban Latin Jazz Project works with a wonderfully rich array of textures and colors, melding together all of it’s musical elements for a delightfully distinct Bay Area flavor. 6pm-8pm http://www.redwoodcity.org/events/jazzonmain.html
Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos | July 26
Latin rock fans are in store for a special treat with this summer?s The Brotherhood Tour. Hosted by Los Lonely Boys and joined by co-headliners Los Lobos, The Brotherhood Tour brings that special Latin flavor for which they are both renowned. Since they began in 1973, Los Lobos has evolved into a respected artistic entity using eclectic musical molds built on the blues, rockabilly, jazz, Latin and their own Mexican-American heritage. Over three decades, they have released over fiteen albums, won the Best American/Mexican Grammy for Anselma in 1984, and in 1987, their cover of La Bamba shot straight to #1 on the Billboard Singles chart, where it remained for three weeks. In September 2006, Los Lobos released The Town and the City to much critical acclaim. The album?s lyrics deal with vocalist/guitarist/drummer Louis Perez?s childhood in East Los Angeles while the music portrays complex and original soundscapes. 7pm. Ticket Information: $39.50-$85 $20 Parking; $15 for carpoolers (3+/car). Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 95070. http://bit.ly/dcdkcj
3rd Annual Portera Common Community Celebration | July 27
Come spend a relaxing summer evening listening to a great 14 piece Michael Jackson tribute LIVE BAND www.foreverlandsf.com on July 27th from 6-8:30pm at the. The event benefits 4 charities: 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Career Closet, Sacred Heart Community Services & Community Health Partnership (FREE mammogram program). You bring whatever you can (see flyer on website) 100% goes to the charities. Promoting the idea of making it fun & easy to give what you can to help your local community. Go to www.PorteraCCC.com for the flyer & info. Bring your friends, family, dancing shoes & a lawn chair if you’d like; you’ll have a great time! Ticket Cost: FREE. Location: Pruneyard Shopping Center 1875 S.Bascom Av. Campbell, CA 95008. www.PorteraCCC.com
ArtRage | July 28
Stop by after work for social networking with a creative crowd. Enjoy music, specialty cocktails, and indie art experiences inspired by underground comic legend R. Crumb. There is a no-host bar. ArtRage is generously supported by grants from the Koret Foundation and the Richard A. Karp Charitable Foundation. Ticket Information: $5 2-for-1 for Members. Location: San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.sjmusart.org/
Aida | July 29 – August 7
Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a contemporary musical take on a grand classic tale of the timeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. As forbidden love blossoms between them, the young lovers are forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.With a pop-rock score that features stirring ballads and rousing choral numbers, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a modern crowd pleaser that embraces multi-cultural casting and exuberant dancing, staging and singing. Ticket Information: $15-$18. Location: Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.cmtsj.org/
Ernesto Martinez – Final Fridays | July 29
Ernesto Martinez is a composer, instrument inventor, pianist, and piano tuner from Mexico City. He is interested in exploring composition, performance and human perception on motion disciplines like music and dance. This concert takes place in the Lucas Artists Programs Commons. July 29. Location: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga 95070. http://www.montalvoarts.org/
The Changes Face of Homelessness – Photographic Exhibition | July 29 – November 6
The Changing Face of Homelessness features a collection of portraits created by Santa Clara University students who enrolled in the course Exploring Society through Photography, taught by Renee Billingslea from 2006-2011. In addition to learning camera function and examining ethics in photography, students visited local shelters and got to know individuals and families experiencing extreme poverty. Midway through the quarter, students held a “portrait day” and everyone living in the inn was invited to have their portrait taken free of charge. Later, they were given copies of the photographs. Students haven taken great care to ensure that individuals are shown in a positive light as a continuing process of breaking down stereotypes perpetuated by our society. Oftentimes, the difference between the homeless population and ourselves is circumstance. Tues-Sun: 11am-4pm. Location: de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 95053. http://www.scu.edu/desaisset/exhibitions/
Gilroy Garlic Festival | July 29, 30 & 31
The 33rd annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair”; three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts and live entertainment. Adult General Admission $ 17.00, Children (ages 6-12) $ 8.00, Under age 6 – Free, Seniors (60+) $ 8.00. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Gates close at 6 p.m.). Location: Christmas Hill Park; Gilroy,CA,, 30 miles south of San Jose off Highway 101 http://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com/