January 7, 2005

CALENDAR

Unless otherwise noted all phone numbers are in the 408 area code.

MUSIC
January 9, 16, 23 & 30
The San Jose Jazz Society kicks off its 2005 Sunday Jazz Series with performances by Kim Nalley on Jan. 9th and The Taylor Eigsti Trio on Jan.16, Tierney Sutton on Jan. 23, and Mimi Fox with Harvie Swartz on Jan. 30. All performances will be held at the Hyatt Sainte Claire in downtown from 3 – 5 p.m. Tickets for all performances are $12 for members and $17 for non members, except the Jan. 23 performance, which is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit www.sanjosejazz.org.

January 14 – Saturday
Critically acclaimed organist Keith Thompson will be performing a recital at 7:30 p.m. at Joint Venture Churches of Almaden as part of the Almaden Adventure in the Arts series. Tickets are $15 general and $8 students. Child care will be provided. For more information, call 268-0243. Joint Venture Churches is located at 6581 Camden Avenue in San Jose.

January 21 – Saturday
Organist Berdie Bowlsby is slated to perform at the Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Avenue, as part of the Almaden Adventures in the Arts concert series. Joining Bowlsby as a special guest will be Jeff Bowlsby, an accomplished alto and tenor trombonist. Tickets are $15 general seating, $8 for students. Child care is available. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

January 15 - 16
Symphony Silicon Valley presents “The Continental” at the California Theater in downtown. The evening will feature conductor Paul Polivnick, and Soloist Ju-Young Baek on violin. Works will include Stravinsky’s “Song of the Nightingale,” Mendelssohn’s symphony No. 4 in A major, “Italian Symphoiny,” and Sibeius’ Violin Concerto in D minor. Performances are at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, call 286-2600, or visit www.symphonysiliconvalley.org.

THEATER
January 11 - 23, 2005
American Musical Theater of San Jose opens the New Year with the multi-Tony Award winner, “Chicago,” in a limited two-week engagement at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This razzle-dazzle musical features award-winning choreography by Ann Reinking and lyrics from master Broadway composers John Kander and Fred Ebb. For love, betrayal, murder, and music and song, Chicago has it all. Tickets range from $45 - $72. For more information, call 453-7108 or visit www.amtsj.org.

January 20 – February 5
Easy Street Theater Company, now housed in Adobe Hall, 1352 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, will kick off their 2005 season with the acclaimed musical “Man of La Mancha,” based on Cervantes’ ‘Don Quixote.” This production is directed by Becky Wilding with musical direction by David Herberg. Tickets are 435 general, $30 senoirs/students. For more information, call 236-2149, or visit www.easystreettheare.com.

January 28 – February 26
The Tabard Theatre Company presents “The Taffetas,” where harmony and crinoline take center stage in this jog down memory lane. Set in Muncie, Indiana, in the 1950’s, “The Taffetas” (reminiscent of “Forever Plaid”) follows the ambitions of four musical sisters determined to end up on The Ed Sullivan Show. This fun, lively musical review of ‘50s hits will be presented at two venues: From January 28 through February 5 at Joint Venture Churches, and from February 11 through February 26 at Bella Mia restaurant. For ticket prices and performance times, visit www.tabardtheatre.org or call 979-0231.

MEETINGS
Ongoing:
The Billy De Frank Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, 938 The Alameda in San Jose, hosts a weekly “Coming Out Group,” which offers a safe space to explore different subjects. Topics include how to come out to yourself, and how to comfortably live and work as a gay or lesbian in the larger community. All groups are run by trained facilitators in a closed door meeting room. This grou newets every Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 293-3040 or visit www.defrank.org.
Las Madres Adoption Group is a wonderful support system for those who have gone through the adoption process and are looking to share the joys and challenges of parenting an adopted child.  We have regular play dates for newborns-5 years old and monthly “mom’s night out.” For more information, contact Barb Griswold at barbgris@aol.com or call toll free 1-877-LasMadres.  
Oakridge Century Theatres in association with Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups presents CineMamas! A morning out to the movies for moms and their little ones. This group meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., There are three showings to choose from, baby-safe sound levels, cheerios at the concession stand and a relaxing atmosphere with other moms who understand kids are kids! Check CineMamas.com for a weekly update on what is showing. Kids under 3 are free!

CHILDREN & FAMILY
January 7- 8
Parkside Hall will host the San Jose Coin Club’s 37th Annual Coin Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 General, attendees 17 years and under are free. Buy, sell and trade coins. Free appraisals. For more information, call 226-2404 or www.sanjosecoinclub.org.

January 8 - Saturday
The Almaden Valley Girls Softball League will be holding registration for its spring 2005 season.  Sign-ups take place at Graystone Elementary School from 9 a.m. - 2p.m., and on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 6-9 p.m. New players must bring a copy of their birth certificate.  Discounts for multiple children are available. For more information, call the hotline at 808-1405, or visit www.avgsl.org

January 8 – Saturday
The Vineland Branch Library presents the Sci-Fi Book Club!
Science Fiction Fans ... we have a book club for you! You are invited to join this month’s discussion of Sheri S. Tepper’s “The Fresco.” This event takes place at the Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Rd., at 2 p.m. call 808-3000 for more information.

January 21 – Friday
Although the traditional New Years celebration in the United States is January 1st, in China they do not welcome in the New Year until February 9th this year! Join the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens for a creative and educational afternoon learning about Chinese New Year, the Woolen Mills China Town, that was located near Guadalupe Gardens, and creating traditional Chinese New Year crafts. A list of additional local Chinese New Year events and resources will be provided. This is a great way to learn more about San Jose history and celebrate Chinese culture in the Bay Area. The workshop is from 3 – 5 p.m. and designed for children five years of age and older and will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, 715 Spring Street in San Jose. The fee is $5.00, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. For more information please visit www.grpg.org or contact Kary Wilson, the Education Coordinator, at education@grpg.org or 298-7657.

January 22 – Saturday
The South Bay Scottish Society’s 11th Annual Burns Supper and Ceilidh Dance will be held at Orchard City Hall, 1 West Campbell Avenue in Campbell from 6:30 – 10 p.m. The festivities feature a traditional dinner, poetry recitations, entertainment, raffle and ample ceilidh dancing. The cost is $27 fro SBSS members, $32 for non-members, and $40 at the door. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended by calling 629-9325, or visit www.southbayscots.com.

January 22 – Saturday
Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley School, 40 North First Street in downtown San Jose, is accepting Professional Division Students ages 8 and up. Auditions are required, and will be held at the school at 2 p.m. Come ready to dance ballet. There is a $20 Processing fee. The school is also accepting Open Division Students age 4 to 8 years old. No audition or processing fee is required for the Open Division. The.Spring Semester, 2005 runs from February 1 through June 4, 2005. For more information call 2882820 x223 or visit www.balletsanjose.org

January 24 – 29, 2005
Cantabile Youth Singers will be auditioning boys and girls, 6 years and older, for its Spring 2005 Season. Auditions will be by appointment only, with classes beginning in February. Singers are divided into four levels: Preparatory Singers, Intermediate Singers, Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble. All weekly rehearsals are in Los Altos at Foothill Congregational Church. For more information, call 650-424-1410.

CLASSES
January 12 - Wednesday
The Campbell Library is sponsoring a series of three free job search workshops presented by Catherine Thur, Job Search Coach. The first session features “The Changing Job Market: What’s Hot and What’s Not”. Thur will be available after each session to give individualized help to participants. The program starts at 7:15 p.m. and will be held in the community room of the Campbell Public Library, 77 Harrison Ave in Campbell. For questions call the library at 866-1991.

January 19 – February 23, 2005
Hospice of the Valley offers a new “Art and Movement” grief support group for those experiencing grief and loss. This class combines art therapy and the gentle movements of T’ai Chi Chih geared specifically to the tasks of grief. Opened to all losses, the six week session begins January 19 through February 23, 2005 on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 8p.m. at Hospice of the Valley, 1150 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 7A, in San Jose No previous art or T’ai Chi Chih experience needed. In addition, there are ongoing loss-specific groups for adults and age-specific groups for children and teens. For information and pre-group interview, call  947.1233 or email request@hospicevalley.org or visit www.hospicevalley.org. For information on Tai Chi Chih, visit www.taichichih.org

January 19 – April 13
Tai Chi Chuan Classes meet on Wednesdays, at the Los Gatos Recreation Center 123 E. Main Street, Room B in Los Gatos. Beginning classes are from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 12:30-1:30 p.m. The fee is $94 for 11 classes. Call Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department at 354-8700 x221 or x225.For more information. Tai Chi is a soft, internal energy martial art that promotes balance and flexibility, strength, clarity, health and relaxation. Classes are appropriate for people of all ages.

January 20 - Thursday
CakeWorks, 2891 South Bascom Avenue in Campbell will be offering four cake decorating courses. Each course is 2 weeks and classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 – 9 p.m. Additional specialty classes will also be available. Beginners through Advanced level decorators are welcome. For more information and class fees, call Julie at 377-6808, or visit www.cakeworks.com.

MISCELLANEOUS
January 5 - 9
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center will host the San Jose International Auto Show featuring hundreds of 2005 model vehicles and concept cars. This show will offer attendees the opportunity of an up-close look at the future of automotive design and the latest technological advancements. Show hours are 1/5 & 1/6 from noon to 10 p.m. 1/7 & 1/8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on 1/9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $9 for individuals 13 years and older, $7 for students with I.D. For more information, visit www.sjautoshow.com

January 8 – Saturday
The Rev. Paul Smith-Telfer will speak about insights of humor in religion at 8:30 a.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the Almaden Valley United Church of Christ (Congregaitonal), 6581 Camden Avenue, San Jose. For more information, call 268-0243.

January 22 – Saturday
The Italian American Heritage Foundation invites the public to attend a Winter Dinner Dance at the Italian American Heritage Cultural Center, 425 N. 4th Street in San Jose. This event, honoring the installation of the 2005 President Salvatore Caruso and the 2005 Officers and Directors, will feature a no host cocktail and social hour from 6 – 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by “Mack the Knife” dance band. Tickets are $27.50 per person, $10 for children 10 years and under. Children under 3 years are free. For more information and to make reservations, call 293-7122.

January 8, 2005 – Saturday
Does winter pruning make you feel overwhelmed? Not sure what to prune or how to do it? Join Tom Liggett and the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens to find out how to take care of your plants now to make them look good the rest of the year. This Pruning Workshop, held from 9 a.m. to noon, will start with a short, indoor presentation and then move on into the gardens for hands-on demonstrations, and will also include a discussion on how to properly sharpen shears, so bring them along. The workshop will be held at the Guadalupe Garden Center, 715 Spring Street. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early. Cost is $12 for Friends’ members, $15 for non-membersFor more information please visit www.grpg.org or call 298-7657.

HAVE AN ITEM FOR OUR CALENDAR?
We are seeking calendar items pertaining to the south bay communities we cover in our seven monthly community newspapers: Blossom Valley, Cambrian, Campbell, Evergreen, Santa Teresa, Willow Glen, Fifty Plus, and our weekly publication, Almaden Times Weekly. Items must be submitted by email or fax several weeks before the event. Send an email to candy@timesmediainc. com or fax to Candy Richter at 494-7078. Photos should be sent digitally as jpegs or mailed to Calendar, Times Newspapers, 1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107, San Jose, CA 95122. Due to the large volume of items received calendar requests left on voice mail cannot be used. Space is limited.