Featured Event: 26th Annual Solo Mujeres Exhibit | April 9- May 25
“If Gender is a Kind of Doing” About: Artists: Regina José Galindo, Deborah Roberts, Elizabeth “Oscar” Maynard, Rye Purvis, Laura Lucía Sanz, Lorraine García-Nakata, Ana Teresa Fernandez.This exhibit privileges formal achievement in visual art, showcasing expertise and training in visual fields; but it also asks “if gender is a kind of doing, an incessant activity performed in part, without one’s knowing and without one’s willing?” (Butler 2004, 35). Engaging Judith Butler’s question, the exhibit analyzes constructions of the female gender by including several compositions of the female form. From painting and drawing, to video and performance art, the works move viewers beyond formal values of art, and toward an understanding of the racial, patriarchal, and classed constructions of gender. Furthermore, If gender is a kind of doing is an annual show for the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, and, historically, a Latina-only show. This fact complicates the bodies that are on display because many of them represent the female form outside racial definitions of the “Latina,” challenging notions of what is exotic and what is “normal.” Location: MCCLA Galleries, 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. http://www.missionculturalcenter.org/MCCLA_New/gallery.html
Exhibit: Marching Through History with Cesar Chavez | April 2 – September 30
A Photo Documentary by Cathy Murphy. This powerful exhibit captures life in the fields and on the line for Cesar Chavez and members of the United Farm Workers (UFW). An official UFW photographer, Cathy Murphy was also very close to Chavez and her intimate images offer a human portrait of this iconic hero. Location: J. Paul Leonard Library Gallery, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Avenue, Room 460, San Francisco, CA 94132. Visit website for details: http://action.ufw.org/page/event/detail/cesarchavez2013/wqb
ImmigraNation | May 14
Supporting act(s): ImmigraNation First generation immigrant Samson Koletkar, and daughter of immigrants Dhaya Lakshminarayanan bring you “ImmigraNation” a show about immigration, America, and dumb things people say related to the first two. Immigration is a current hot topic because Democrats want to keep winning national elections and Republicans want to start doing that. Everyone says America is a “Country of Immigrants” except Native Americans who say it is a country of “Illegal Immigrants.” While politicians are debating this subject, we are busy making fun of them and sharing our experience as immigrants. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. There is a two drink minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. Location: Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111. Time 8:00 pm.Website: http://punchlinecomedyclub.com/event/1C004A79FA298BD2
A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande | May 10
7:30pm A conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande, with Barbara Marshman, Editorial Editor, San Jose Mercury News.Reyna Grande is an award-winning novelist and memoirist. The Distance Between Us, Reyna’s latest book, was published on August 28, 2012, by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. In this memoir, Reyna writes about her life before and after illegally immigrating from Mexico to the United States. A National Book Circle Critics Award finalist, The Distance Between Us is an inspirational coming-of-age story about the pursuit of a better life. The Los Angeles Times hailed it as ‘the Angela’s Ashes of the modern Mexican immigrant. Location: Center for Employment Training http://vivafest.org/a-conversation-with-national-book-critics-nominee-reyna-grande
4th Annual Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit | May 11
This year the 4th Annual Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit will take place on Saturday, May 11 at the Stanford Faculty Club, 439 Lagunita Dr., Stanford, CA 94305. This summit is a great opportunity for networking with top executives and prominent academic leaders. http://www.estiempo.com
Cooking Class for Adults with The Culinary Dude | May 11
Having started cooking at age 7 to gain a merit badge for Cub Scouts, The Culinary Dude, Chef Scott Davis, has never stopped creating amazing, imaginative and healthy food since. Receiving a degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a degree from the Le Cordon Bleu Program at California Culinary Academy, The Culinary Dude has combined both his passions.With the goal of empowering people in the kitchen, his workshops are presented in a non-threatening, pressure-free environment. Location: Gilroy Library, 350 W 6th Street, Gilroy 95020-6193. Ticket Information: Free. http://events.sccl.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes | May 11
2:00pm FREE and open to the public Co-sponsored by California Music Center and Mexican Heritage CorporationWorld-renowned violinist, conductor and teacher, Andrés Cárdenes, will work with four advanced Bay Area violin students: Anthony Angeles; Isabella Costanza; James Jin; and Clara McCreery. They will perform works by Bach, Ysaÿe, and Prokofiev.Recognized worldwide as a musical phenomenon, Grammy-nominated Andrés Cárdenes parlays his myriad talents into one of classical music’s most versatile careers. An intensely passionate and personally charismatic artist, Cuban-born Cárdenes has garnered international acclaim from critics and audiences alike for his compelling performances as a violinist, conductor, violist, chamber musician, concertmaster, and recording artist.Since capturing Second Prize in the 1982 Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition in Moscow, Mr. Cárdenes has appeared as a soloist on four continents with over 100 orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, Moscow Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic, Shanghai Symphony, Sinfonica Nacional de Caracas, Sinfonica de Barcelona, and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. He has collaborated with many of today’s greatest conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Mariss Jansons, Charles Dutoit, Christoph Eschenbach, Sir André Previn, Leonard Slatkin, Jaap van Zweden, David Zinman and Manfred Honeck.For more information on Andrés Cárdenes, please visit andrescardenes.com For questions about the master class, please Email: info@californiamusiccenter.org, info@mhcviva.orgor call (415) 252-1122. Location historic Hoover center http://vivafest.org/a-conversation-and-violin-master-class-with-maestro-andres-cardenes
Haiku in the Garden | May 11
Come enjoy a Haiku Workshop from 10am to noon followed by a Reading/Open Reading from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. Featured poets will include: Dennis Bolger, Gregory Longenecker, and Michael Sheffield. Location: Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 S King Road, San Jose 95116. Ticket Information: Free
Hawaiian May Day Festival | May 11-12
Come enjoy Hawaiian music and dance by Bay Area music groups and Hula Halau in the Amphitheater. There will also be arts and crafts booths, ono food booths, jumpy houses, and more for the children! Sat, Sun: 9am-6pm. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton 94566. Ticket Information: $10 per day* Free for children 5 and under $8 Parking *$5 discount for mothers on Mother’s Day – coupon available on Official Site http://www.kumuhulaassociation.com/
Flamenco Jam Session | May 11
The Flamenco Society of San Jose will host a “Juerga” (Flamenco jam session) featuring various performers, presenting as a special guest Koko de la Isla and Company, accompanied with a great cast of artists, along with the Flamenco Society students. This show is not to be missed! We encourage audience participation. We always include aspiring students, as well as music and dance from other cultures.This promises to be a very special event. Feel the passion, power and emotion of flamenco in an intimate setting. Come see and hear the wonderful singing and beautiful dance of great artists. It will be a great performance, full of excitement and passion! Doors open at 6:30pm. Location: Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Avenue, San Jose 95126. Ticket Information: $12-$19. http://www.theflamencosociety.org/
Latinas Contra Cancer Mothers Day Walk 2013 | May 12
WALK kicks off from San Jose City Hall at 9am. On-site registration opens at 7a.m. Zumba Warmup at 8:15. 7 am-12 noon. $25 Registration – Ages 18-62; $15 Registration – Ages 6-17, Seniors 63 and over; FREE – Ages 5 and under with purchase of $5 T-shirt. $10 – Brunch only. 7 am-12 noon. http://www.latinascontracancer.org/events.html
Mother’s Day Brunch – The Mountain Winery | May 12
Enjoy live music and the breathtaking view from the Chateau Deck while you dine on an abundant buffet prepared especially for you and Mom! In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to our Historic Winery Building. 10am-2pm. Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: $79 for adults $29 for children (6-12 years old)* Free parking *Please contact Katelyn by phone of e-mail if you are bringing a child under the age of 6. http://www.mountainwinery.com/events
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch | May 12
Reservations are now being taken for the popular Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at the Montalvo Arts Center. The buffet brunch is sponsored by the Montalvo Service Group, which supports the Montalvo Art Center by holding several fund-raising events during the year. Three seating choices are available at 11:30am, noon, and 1pm. Location: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: Adults are $57. Children 5-10 are $27. Children 4 and under are free. To make reservations, call or email by May 1st. http://www.montalvoarts.org/
Maya’s Notebook – Isabel Allende, Author Event | May 14
Neglected by her parents, 19-year-old Maya Nidal has grown up in a rambling old house in Berkeley with her grandparents. Her grandmother is a force of nature. Popo, Maya’s grandfather, is an African American astronomer and professor–a gentle man whose solid, comforting presence helps calm the turbulence of Maya’s adolescence. When Popo dies of cancer, Maya goes completely off the rails. She turns to drugs, alcohol, and petty crime–a downward spiral that eventually bottoms out in Las Vegas. Her one chance for survival is her grandmother, who helps her escape to a remote island off the coast of Chile. Here Maya tries to make sense of the past, unravels mysterious truths about life and about her family, and embarks on her greatest adventure: the journey into her own soul.Born in Peru and raised in Chile, Isabel Allende is the author of eight novels, including “Zorro,” Portrait in Sepia,” and “Daughter of Fortune.” She has also written: a collection of stories; three memoirs, including “My Invented Country” and “Paula”; and a trilogy of children’s novels. Her books have been translated into more than 27 languages and have become bestsellers across four continents. In 2004 she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award in 2012. 7:30pm. Location: Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 94025. Ticket Information: $15 (does not include book) $32 (includes book) http://www.keplers.com/
Felipe Esparza | May 16-19
Felipe Esparza is best known for his raw, real-life comedy, his irreverent on-stage persona, his wild hair, and his often-imitated phrase: “What’s up fool?” He is a product of the streets of East Los Angeles. There is no subject that Felipe can’t make fun of. He could stand on a stage without a single joke and make people laugh, but that wouldn’t happen. He is one of the best comedy writers in the business. Many people are surprised to find out that Felipe is the same person referred to and imitated in several onstage stories by fellow comedian Gabriel Iglesias. Esparza is the winner of the seventh season of “Last Comic Standing” and appeared on the new Comedy Central series “Russell Simmons Presents: Stand-Up at the El Rey.” Other TV credits include: ABC’s “Comics Unleashed,” Showtime’s “Comics Without Borders,” BET’s “Comic View” and “One Mic Stand,” and Galavision’s “Que Locos”–where he holds the title of most appearances by any comedian. He has also appeared in the films “The Deported” and “I’m Not Like That No More.” The latter is based on Felipe’s stand-up material and stars Felipe and Paul Rodriguez as father and son. Thurs: 7:30pm Fri: 7:30pm, 9:30pm Sat: 7pm, 9:30pm Sun: 7pm. Location: Tommy T’s Comedy Steakhouse, 5104 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton 94566. Ticket Information: $15-$30 Two-drink minimum Ages 17+ http://tommyts.com/pleasanton/calendar.html
Steve Trevino | May 16-19
Steve Trevino has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and the nationally-syndicated “Comics Unleashed.” He has also been a guest on “The Bob and Tom Show,” and was a regular on the Three Amigos Comedy Tour. Steve Trevino’s first one-hour stand-up special, “Grampa Joe’s Son,” is a testament to his years growing up in a Mexican-American household in the heart of Corpus Cristi, Texas and a result of his ten years touring on the road, beginning as an opener for Carlos Mencia. Thurs: 8pm Fri: 9pm Sat: 8pm, 10:30pm Sun: 8pm. Location: Rooster T Feathers, 157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale 94087. Ticket Information: $14-$20 Two-item minimum Ages 21+ http://www.roostertfeathers.com/
Girls on the Run 5K | May 18
Join Girls on the Run for our annual 5K on Saturday, May 18th! This year marks the 10th anniversary of the run and we want you to join us. The race kicks off at 8am and will be held in and around Vasona Park in Los Gatos. We hope to see you there!Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley in an independent council of Girls on the Run International. We use the power of running to inspire girls to develop self-respect and value healthy lifestyles. Location: Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos 95032. Ticket Information: $30 between 4/1 and 4/28 $35 between 4/29 and 5/15 Discounts available for families of 4+. Register early as race may sell out! http://www.girlsontherun-sv.org/index.php
The Color Run 5k | May 18
The Color Run 5k paint race event is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. For our events, it is about participants of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a very long time. Location: Arena Green Santa Clara Street Autumn Street San Jose 95110. Ticket Information: $35- $50 http://www.thecolorrun.com/san-jose
Funny Girl | May 18 – June 8
Funny Girl is the musical story of Fanny Brice, who rose from Vaudeville comedienne to the Ziegfeld Follies to radio and Hollywood film stardom, becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers of her time. From her humble beginnings in a New York Lower East Side back street, Fanny is star-struck and determined. You’ll follow her tale through backstage drama and onstage spectacle as she wins audiences and hearts with her exuberant talent. When Fanny meets elegant, handsome gambler Nicky Arnstein, she can’t believe he is interested in a girl like her. Fanny and Nicky embark on the romance of a lifetime in this sweeping, tuneful, and beloved story. Featuring hit songs like People and Don’t Rain On My Parade, Funny Girl is a wonderfully warm, life-affirming journey that you’re sure to love! Fri, Sat: 8pm Sun: 2:30pm -plus- Thurs 6/6: 8pm. Location: Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: $20-$33 $42 Opening Night (includes champagne reception). http://www.southbaymt.com/
Jeff Garcia | May 18 & May 19
One afternoon in 1991, a fifteen-year-old Jeff Garcia was getting ready for the first night of the rest of his life. Jeff entered an amateur comedy competition at a local Los Angeles club. Jeff was full of idioms, sarcasm, and street jokes. Jeff’s edgy, street-smart brand of comedy took second place that night. He went back to La Puente, California with an eight-inch trophy and fifty dollars in his pocket. By the time Jeff Garcia was sixteen, he landed his first television spot on HBO’s “Loco Slam.” Since then, Jeff has made over twelve television appearances–including NBC’s “Friday Night Videos,” “Vibe with Sinbad,” and Galavision’s “Funny is Funny”–showcasing his comedy talent. Sat: 7pm, 9pm Sun: 7pm. Location: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S 2nd Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: $20 Two-item minimum Ages 18+ http://sanjose.improv.com/showListCalendar.cfm
Hairspray | May 23-26
Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local television dance show. NorCal Academy of Performing Arts is dedicated to nurturing the musical and artistic talents of children and youth, including those with special needs and developmental disabilities, through participation in the field of performing arts. Location: Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market Street, San Jose 95113. Ticket Information: See Official Site http://gonorcalarts.org/
Genre Film Festival | May 24 – 26
This is a festival where you the audience get to help choose your favorite films. Be a judge and be a part of helping artist show their hard work and dedication to their craft. Three Nights of Films. We are just doing the basic genres:Comedy, Horror and Drama. Our version of the Oscars. You get to dress up and watch the films and actors you have selected win. You are the Academy. Fri: 6pm Sat: 12pm Sun: 1pm. Location: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N San Pedro Street, San Jose 95110. Ticket Information: Price Ranges: $7.50-$125.00 http://genrefilmfest.com/
Juanes | May 24
With six solo albums to his credit and multi-platinum sales of over 15 million copies, Juanes is the world’s leading all-Spanish language rock artist. Juanes is also frequently recognized as one of the Spanish-speaking world’s leading social media voices with an online following of over 10 million fans.The Colombian superstar’s dedication as a global activist also extends far beyond his passionate lyrics and is seen in his wide ranging charitable work for his own Mi Sangre Foundation and as a co-founder of the “Paz sin Fronteras” (Peace Without Borders) organization–which utilizes music to unite populaces regardless of political or geographic divides and advocate that all people are entitled to the basic human right of peace. 7:30pm 5:30pm Gates open. Location: The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga 95070. Ticket Information: $39.50-$99.50 $20 Parking; $15 for carpoolers (3+/car) http://www.mountainwinery.com/
Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival | May 25 & 26
The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival, now in its 34th year of turning Memorial Day weekend into a celebration of the mushroom, has big plans for this year’s free event. The two-day festival of family-fun includes live entertainment on two stages, arts and crafts, gourmet offerings, mushroom education, strolling musicians, street performers, and several city blocks of unique booths. For children, Munchkinland captivates kids with rides, games, and continuous entertainment.The festival raises funds for educational scholarships, which are granted annually and provides an opportunity for many local non-profit organizations, clubs, and schools to create awareness of their cause.Mushrooms, the region’s predominant local crop, are the stars of the festival with opportunities for guests to taste fresh, locally grown mushrooms and learn about their important health benefits. Sat: 10am-7pm Sun: 10am-6pm. Location: Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill 95037. Ticket Information: Free http://www.mhmmg.org/
San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation | May 25
The feast day will be filled with tastings, art, and performances. There will be a curated selection of over 35 of the best food trucks from all over the Bay Area serving their best rendition of a taco. All plates will be $5 or less. Short rib tacos, nacho tacos, Vietnamese shrimp tacos, and even ice cream tacos is just a sample of the day’s menu. Tacos in the competition will be voted on by attendees. Finalists will be judged by a celebrity panel and prizes will be awarded based on quality and presentation. The onsite Firehouse building will be converted into a VIP area with all you can eat tacos and an open bar.While food is the main attraction, various entertainment options will be provided for the crowd. A music program entitled “Concert in the Park” will be provided with various live musical acts throughout the day. There will be a kids area near the stables with pinatas, balloon artists, and face painters. Luche Libre (Mexican-style masked wrestling) with full wrestling ring will also occur throughout the festival. A selection of approximately twenty art, jewelry, and clothing vendors and community partners will have a presence at the event. The taco festival will also play host to the second annual U.S. Air Accordion Championship competition. Location: History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose 95112; Time: 11am – 5pm; Ticket Information: General Admission: $10 Kids (11 and under): Free VIP: $150 http://sjtaco.com/