21st Annual Cinequest Film Festival 2011 | March 1 – March 13
The Cinequest Film Festival is a soul-stirring and personable discovery festival of international films and digital media forums for movie lovers, Maverick film artists and film students. The Festival’s uniqueness stems from being always ahead of the curve, whether discovering independent voices in front of and behind the camera, showcasing new technology, or reinventing the very definition of film festival. It’s a celebration of Maverick movie-making and a laboratory of new ideas, all rolled into one. Special events include opening and closing night gala parties, Maverick Spirit Award events (with acclaimed actors such as Danny Glover and Michael Keaton), Film and Technology forums, and Cinequest Music events. The 100+ films will be shown in various theatres in downtown San Jose such as Camera 12, San Jose Repertory Theatre and the California Theatre. Ticket Information: $5-$10 for most screenings Festival passes are also available. For more information visit http://www.cinequest.org/indexCQ.php
20under40 Reinventing Arts and Arts Education for the 21st Century – Author Panel and Discussion | March 2
GenArts invites you to discuss the future of the arts sector with the authors of 20under40: Reinventing Arts and Arts Education for the 21st Century. Light Snacks and a No-Host bar will be provided at this free, public event. Low pay, unreliable career paths, frustrating glass ceilings… can the arts sector still attract and retain leaders? The arts sector is currently experiencing an exodus of Gen Xers and Millennials just when it needs their insights the most. 20under40 brings the voices of young arts professionals into the forefront. This year’s publication of 20under40 has kicked off a bold new dialogue concerning the future of the arts and arts education that is sure to shift the landscape. Featuring twenty essays written by arts leaders under the age of forty, 20under40 highlights twenty innovative visions for the evolution and survival of the arts in the 21st century. A limited selection of hardback books will also be available for signing and discounted rate of $25 at the event. Location: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N San Pedro Street, San Jose 95110
The Chicano Comedy Show | March 10
This night of comedy showcases rich, raw talent and hard-hitting jokes from an all-star line up. The comedy is based in the diverse Chicano Culture, but has global appeal for any audience. See the greatest up-and-coming Chicano Comics that are hot and performing in shows all around the country. Location: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S 2nd Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: $12 Two-item minimum. http://bit.ly/fJ7BDF
The Vagina Monologues – V-Day SJSU 2011’s Benefit for Women of Haiti | March 10 – 12
In 2011, V-Day’s Spotlight Campaign will be on the Women and Girls of Haiti. The Spotlight will highlight the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, and will focus on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010. All funds raised through the Spotlight Campaign will be used to support a revolutionary national campaign in Haiti lead by a coalition of women activists — including longtime V-Day activist Elvire Eugene — that will address sexual violence through art, advocacy, safe shelter and legal services. The proceeds of the V-Day SJSU 2011 will benefit the women and children of Haiti, as well as local non-profit organizations whose programming supports survivors of violence and work toward the ending of violence against women and girls. Thurs: 6pm, Fri, Sat: 8pm. Location: Morris Dailey Auditorium – San Jose State University, Paseo De Cesar E Chavez and Paseo de Carlos, San Jose 95192. Ticket Information: $8-$10. http://bit.ly/eRCm6X
Manny Maldonado – Comedy in Gilroy | March 12
Manny hails from Modesto CA where he began his comedy career after dropping out of college in the mid 90’s. His hard work and determination paid off, as he has now worked with Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, George Lopez and many other world renowned comedians. Manny’s TV credits include B.E.T. ‘s ComicView SI TV’s, Latino Laugh Festival, Byron Allens’s syndicated comedy show case, Comics Unleashed, and Telemundo’s Que Locos! In 2007 and 2008, Manny was selected to perform on the Crown Royal New Latin Kings of Comedy Tour with comic legend Paul Rodriguez. Ticket Information: $12-$15. Location: 9Lives, 7430 Monterey Street, Gilroy 95020. http://bit.ly/fxD314
Bless Me, Ultima – West Coast Premiere | March 17 – April 3
Teatro Visión proudly brings to the stage the West Coast premiere of Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima. This production, directed by Elisa Marina Alvarado, will be performed in English with Spanish translation provided through subtitles. First published in 1972, Bless Me, Ultima has become the best-selling Chicano novel of all time. The 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. Set in the sage covered plains of New Mexico, this magical production is sure to inspire renewed fascination with the world of young Tony and Ultima, the healer. Ticket Information: $8-$24 $30-$35 for Opening Gala (Sat 3/19). Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose 95116. http://teatrovision.org/teatrohome/
Man of La Mancha – Broadway In Concert Series | March 18 – 20
Man of La Mancha is a remarkable show and one of the great theater successes of our time. This is a play-within-a-play, based on Cervantes’ Don Quixote. It includes a poignant story of a dying old man whose impossible dream takes over his mind. Its All the Same, Dulcinea, I’m Only Thinking of Him, The Impossible Dream, I Really Like Him and Little Bird remain in your thoughts and your soul well after the lights come back up. His dream is Everyman’s dream. His tilting at windmills is Everyman’s great adventure. Somehow, the footlights disappear, time is telescoped and the Man of La Mancha speaks for humankind.This musical is presented in concert format with featured singers and full orchestra onstage. Ticket Information: $39-$75 Location: California Theatre, 345 S 1st Street, San Jose 95113. http://bit.ly/aaZQs5
Salsa Party – San Jose Jazz Winter Fest | March 18
Louie Romero, Manny Martinez, Hector Lugo, Derek James, Jorge Pomar, Steffen Kuehn, Pete Cornell, Carlos Aldama Perez, Silvestre Martinez, and Peter Meredith perform at this concert. Born in Brooklyn, Louie Romero began playing percussion at the age of seven, inspired by his father Juan. Louie began appearing on the New York salsa scene in the 1960’s. Presented by San Jose Jazz. Ticket Information: $15-$20. http://bit.ly/ha4B0g
Quidam – Cirque Du Soleil | March 24 – 27
Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world—the world of Quidam — where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. Quidam: a nameless passer-by, a solitary figure lingering on a street corner, a person rushing past and swallowed by the crowd. It could be anyone, anybody. Someone coming or going at the heart of our anonymous society. A member of the crowd, one of the silent majority. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the “quidam” whom this show allows to speak. This is the place that beckons—a place for dreaming and genuine relations where all quidams, by proclaiming their individuality, can finally emerge from anonymity. Location: Cow Palace, Geneva Avenue and Santos Street, Brisbane, 94134. http://bit.ly/fAYIfi
Applause for Paws – Concert | March 27
San Jose Wind Symphony and and Humane Society Silicon Valley join forces to honor our furry and feathered friends. It’s Dog Day Afternoon meets A Tail of Two Kitties in this concert featuring music inspired by the animal kingdom. This is a concert the kids will love, especially Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, with special guest narrator George Sampson of San Jose’s local radio station KLIV. Ticket Information: $5-$20. Location: McAfee Performing Arts and Lecture Center, 20300 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga 95070-5040. http://sjws.org/2010-2011-season/
Anjelah Johnson | March 31 – April 3
San Jose native Anjelah Johnson couldn’t be missed in 2007 when her comedic videos went viral all over the world. Nail Salon was one of the most viewed YouTube and Google videos that year. Now, more than seven million hits later, Anjelah Johnson has a devoted following in comedy clubs, online communities, colleges, churches and more. She was a cast member of FOX’s sketch comedy series MADtv. She is proud and humbled to have been one of the first Latina comedians to be invited to join this type of television program. Location: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S 2nd Street, San Jose 95113. http://www.improv.com/ComedyClub/SanJose/Calendar