Mar 5-7: MalicJewels Jewelry & Gift Show. In the market for an exquisite piece of jewelry? Look no further than this show, a virtual one-stop shop with exhibitors from around the world selling thousands of wares. Fri, 12-6; Sat, 10-6; Sun, 11-5. (Santa Clara: Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy.; 408/748-7000; www.worldgemjewelry.com)
Mar 5-7: Bay Area Golf Show. Expert golfers and newbies alike all look forward to this annual show, featuring exhibits on the latest equipment, areas for practicing your swing, putting greens and free lessons from PGA professionals. Put your own skills to the test during the Putting Challenge, the Firestone Long Drive Challenge or Short Game Central. Fri, 11-5; Sat, 9-5; Sun, 9-4. (San Jose: Convention Center, South Hall, 435 S. Market St.; 206/367-2420; www.bayareagolfshow.com)
Mar 19-21: San Jose Spring Home & Landscape Show. If home renovation is on your mind, get inspiration at this show with hundreds of merchants, product demonstrations, sample interior and exterior exhibits, new product spotlights and live advice from experts on remodeling, landscaping, decorating. Fri, 11-9; Sat, 10-8; Sun 10-6. (San Jose: McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St.; 888/433-3976; www.acshomeshow.com)
Mar 24-28: San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. Explore four acres of beautiful gardens; attend seminars on gardening techniques, edible gardens, sustainability and more; shop for supplies; get the latest scoop on new plants; see bonsai demonstrations; and let your little ones visit Sproutopia, the show’s popular hands-on learning area. Wed-Sat, 10-8; Sun, 10-6. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware; 206/789-5333; www.sfgardenshow.com)
Mar 28: Modern Bridal Faire. Make your dream wedding come true with this comprehensive event, featuring the area’s best designers, wedding professionals and vendors all in one place. Don’t miss honeymoon giveaways, such as a trip to Paris; runway shows focusing on the latest bridal fashions; and a wealth of designer showcases. 11-4. (San Jose: Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St.; 800/400-2099; www.modernbridal.com)
Film Events
Thru Mar 7: Cinequest. Celebrate the spirit of independent cinema with San Jose’s annual film festival, which showcases scores of original works by established and up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the world, as well as workshops, awards ceremonies and special guests of honor. Times vary. (San Jose: Various locations; 408/295-3378; www.cinequest.org)
Other Events
Thru Mar 21: Cirque du Soleil presents OVO. Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal-based theatrical circus company, brings yet another breathtaking show of mind-boggling acrobatic talent, lavish productions, colorful characters and evocative live music. Ths time delving into the world of insects, an amazing drama unfolds before your eyes as performers put on stunning displays of strength, flexibility and agility. Adding to the fun are otherworldly sets that offer an insect’s-eye view of the natural world; futuristic costumes that evoke the characteristics of real insects; and comedy routines that add levity to this mind-blowing production. Tues-Thurs, 8pm; Fri-Sat, 4 & 8pm; Sun, 1 & 5pm. (San Jose: Taylor Street Bridge at Taylor St. and Hwy. 87; 866/6-CIRQUE; www.cirquedusoleil.com)
Mar 7-12: Shooting Star Tournament. The world’s best poker players will be at “San Jose’s place to play” when the World Poker Tour (WPT) returns to Bay 101 Casino for the 14th Annual Shooting Star tournament. Things will kick off with a $2,000 buy-in no-limit Hold'em tournament on March 7th, followed by the WPT Shooting Star main event March 8th -12th, with the $10,000 buy-in, no-limit Hold'em championship. Bay 101’s unique and popular Shooting Star tournament is the only WPT event held in Northern California. Various times. (San Jose: Bay 101, 1801 Bering Dr., 408/451-8888; www.bay101.com)
Dine & Wine Events
Mar 12-13: J. Lohr Wine & Appetizer Pairing Seminar. Chef Jaimie Casey presents six appetizers paired with world-class J. Lohr wines. Compare and contrast flavors, as well as learn a few strategies that chefs use to pair food with wine. 7pm. (San Jose: J. Lohr Winery, 1000 Lenzen Ave.; 408/918-2176; www.jlohr.com)
Mar 27-28: Wineries of Santa Clara Valley Passport Weekend. Explore the bounties that this unique viticultural region has to offer during this special weekend, when local wineries throw open their doors to an oenophile public. Get a passport from a participating winery, and get a special stamp at each location you visit; enjoy special wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, discount prices on select wines, and more. (Santa Clara: various locations; 408/842-6438; www.gilroyvisitor.org/wineries)
Mar 27-28: Pinot Paradise. Celebrate this popular wine varietal with a weekend of tastings, pairings, seminars and more. Take a self-guided wine tour of the region’s Pinot Noir-producing wineries, and taste special barrel samples and limited library wines during Pathway to Pinot Paradise on Mar 27 from 11-5. The Grand Cruz event at Villa Ragusa in Campbell on Mar 28 features more than 30 local wineries pouring their best Pinots, as well as a dozen local gourmet restaurants serving first-rate dishes. (Mar 27: various Santa Cruz locations. Mar 28, 2-5pm: Campbell: Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St.; 831/685-VINE; www.scmwa.com)
Art Exhibits
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University• Tracing the Past, Drawing the Future: Master Ink Painters in 20th-Century China (thru July 4) Drawing upon paintings and calligraphy on loan from Chinese collections new to American audiences, the exhibition highlights the monumental portraits, vibrant bird-and-flower paintings, and spectacular landscapes by master ink painters. • Longing for Sea-Change (thru Jun 26) features a series of video works by modern artists living in Africa. •The Eye of the Beholder: Honoring Ruth and Robert Halperin (Mar 17-May 30) Covering about 40 works given to the Cantor Center by the late Ruth L. Halperin and her husband, Robert, this exhibition features a mélange of modern and contemporary art as well as African and other non-Western objects. Wed-Sun, 11-5, Thurs, ’til 8pm. Wed-Sun, 11-5, Thurs ‘til 8pm. (Stanford: Lomita Dr. & Museum Way; 650/723-4177; www.museum.stanford.edu)
Palo Alto Art Center • Treasures from the Mexican Museum: A Spirited Legacy (thru Apr 18) On loan from the Mexican Museum in San Francisco is a survey of artifacts and art works that all explore different facets of Mexican and Mexican-American art and culture, such as emblems of spirituality, iconic portraiture and more. Tues-Sat 10-5 (extra hours Tues, Wed & Thurs 7-10pm); Sun, 1-5. (Palo Alto: 1313 Newell Rd.; 650/329-2366; www.cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter)
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art• Ted Fullwood: Energy Machines (thru Apr 3) This exhibition focuses on fiber works by the San Jose-based artist. • By a Thread (thru May 15) See this exhibition of artwork by emerging and mid-career Bay Area artists who create nostalgic, and poetic works using thread as their primary medium. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat, 12-5. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat, 12-5. (San Jose: 560 S. First St.; 408/283-8155; www.sjica.org)
San Jose Museum of Art• Juicy Paint (thru June 6) Explore the ways in which artists explore and exploited the dimensionality of paint through works by such artists as Elmer Bischoff, Joan Brown and Phe Ruiz. •Wayne Thiebaud: 70 Years of Painting (thru July 4) is a survey of this major American painter’s work, including his earliest and most recent works. • New Stories from the Edge of Asia: Plastic Life (Mar 13-Sept 19) This exhibit showcases Pacific Rim artists who use such media as animation, video and film to weave together such dichotomies as the past and present, the local and universal and the ancient and futuristic. Tues-Sun, 11-5. (San Jose: 110 S. Market St.; 408/294-2787; www.sjmusart.org)
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles • Poetic License: The Art of Joan Schulze (thru May 9) explores the 40-year career of Bay Area fiber artist Schulze through her early art quilts, her digitally enhanced quilts and more. • Navajo Weaving in the Present Tense (thru May 4) examines the work of Lucy and Ellen Begay, which is rooted in the Burntwater Navajo rug weaving style. Tues-Sun, 10-5; first Fri of every month, also open 8pm-11pm. (San Jose: 520 S. First St.; 408/971-0323; www.sjquiltmuseum.org)
Triton Museum• A Survey of Paintings by H. Ikemoto (thru Mar 7) See a selection of powerful works by this respected Japanese-American artist. • Statewide Drawing and Print Competition & Exhibition (thru Mar 14) This juried selection of about 70 drawings and prints all convey the diversity of both media. • Xicama: Spiritual Reflections/Relexíones Expiritúales (Mar 20-June 20) displays the work of six Bay Area Chicana artists who explore their heritages through their complex works. • Robert Chiarito (Mar 13-June 6) is known for his Expressionist paintings, generated by random strokes. Tues-Sat, 11-5; Thurs, ’til 9pm. (Santa Clara: 1505 Warburton Ave.; 408/247-3754; www.tritonmuseum.org)
Mar 3: Peter Serkin and the Orion String Quartet. The celebrated pianist joins the talented quartet for a program including Beethoven’s String Quartet in E flat major, Op. 74 “Harp;” Bach’s 1st Contrapunctus from Art of the Fugue BWV 1080; Kirchner’s String Quartet No. 4; and Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University, Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Mar 6: Celebration of Russian Arts. This fundraiser and homage to Russian artistic greats includes a reception, silent auction and musical performances by local groups. The Slavyanka Russian Chorus offers a capella concerts with a repertoire drawing from Orthodox liturgical, Russian and Slavic folk music; other highlights include performances of compositions by Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov. 6:30pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/299-5115; www.trianontheatre.com)
Mar 7: San Jose Chamber Orchestra teams up with clarinetist Michael Corner for a program of Bach’s Goldberg Variations and Osvldo Golijov’s The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind. 7pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/295-4416; www.trianontheatre.com)
Mar 13: Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra presents English Suite. English horn player Peter Lemberg offers up Mozart’s Adagio; Vincent Persichetti’s Concerto for English Horn; Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 6; and Hubert Parry’s English Suite. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, 3921 Fabian Way; 650/856-3848; www.pacomusic.org)
Mar 13: Music at the Mission presents Music in the Time of Turmoil: From Conflict to Redemption. Armed conflict may bring out the worst in humanity but as this moving program shows, it can also bring out the best. Program includes Olivier Messaien’s Quartet for the End of Time; Paul Schoenfield’s Sparks of Glory; Leos Janacek’s Sonata for Violin and Piano; and Christos Hatzis Dance of the Dictators. Concert at 8pm; preconcert talk at 7:15pm. (Fremont: Mission San Jose, 43300 Mission Blvd.; 510/402-1724; www.musicsouthbay.org)
Mar 14: Tilden Piano Trio. Formed in 2004 by three Bay Area- based Julliard alums, this group plays a program comprising Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 70 #2; Sarn Oliver’s Piano Trio (Untitled); and Schumann’s Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 63. 7pm. Presented by the San Jose Chamber Music Society. 7pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/286-5111; www.trianontheatre.com)
Mar 14: Ives Quartet. The foursome joins clarinetist Jerome Simas to present a program including Mozart’s String Quartet in B-flat Major, K. 458 “The Hunt;” Dan Becker’s Time Rising; and Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115. 7pm. (Burlingame: Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr.; 650/762-1130; www.kohl-mansion.com)
Mar 18-21: Symphony Silicon Valley presents Richly Russian. Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the most romantic and virtuosic concertos ever written, as well as Reinhold Gliére’s Russian Sailor’s Dance and Prokofieve’s Symphony No. 5. Thurs, 7:30pm; Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (San Jose: California Theater, 345 S. First St.; 408/286-2600; www.symphonysiliconvalley.org)
Mar 19-20: Peninsula Symphony presents The Red Violin. Violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn performs with one of the world’s most legendary instruments, the Red Mendelssohn Stradivarius of 1720, which inspired the Academy Award-winning film “The Red Violin.” Program includes Copland’s Suite from The Red Pony; John Corigliano’s Red Violin Chaconne; Ravel’s Tzigane; and Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 (“Scottish”). 8pm. (Mar 19 in San Mateo: Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware St. Mar 20 in Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/864-8816; www.flintcenter.com)
Mar 20: Steinway Society of the Bay Area presents Kevin Kenner. The widely acclaimed pianist is known as being one of the greatest interpreters of Chopin, and plays an all-Chopin program including Waltz in E Major; Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor; and Souvenir de Paganini. 7:30pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/286-2600; www.trianontheatre.com)
Music: Jazz & Other
Mar 6: Terence Blanchard Quintet and Stanford Symphony Orchestra present A Tale of God’s Will (a Requiem for Katrina). Blanchard, a virtuoso jazz trumpeter and composer, and a New Orleans native, performs his stirring jazz suite, inspired by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the anger, despair, hope and resolve of residents in his hometown. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University, Memorial Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Mar 7: Brian Bromberg and the San Jose Jazz Orchestra. Bromberg, a bassist whose talents range from acoustic and electric bass to Piccolo and synthesizer bass, joins the orchestra for a special evening. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2-4pm. (San Jose: Improv, 62 S. Second St.; 408/280-7475; www.sanjosejazz.org)
Mar 10: Ladysmith Black Mambazo. By blending the intricate rhythms and harmonies of South African musical traditions with Christian gospel music, this unique group creates unparalleled musical and spiritual alchemy. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Mar 12: Vicki Genfan. This dynamic guitarist offers up an acoustic blend of traditional folk music with a touch of funk, jazz, world, classical and New Age. Presented by the South Bay Guitar Society. 7pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/292-0704; www.trianontheatre.com)
Mar 12-14: Symphony Silicon Valley presents Frank Loesser’s The Most Happy Fella. The story of a lonely but lovable grape farmer who pines for the beautiful waitress he met in a diner in San Francisco comes alive through Loesser’s lively musical score, which includes such Broadway hits as “I Made a Fist,” “Standing on the Corner,” and “Joey.” Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (San Jose: California Theater, 345 S. First St.; 408/286-2600; www.symphonysiliconvalley.org)
Mar 13: Carlos Perez. Enjoy the artistic talents of this internationally renowned classical guitarist. 8pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/292-0704; www.trianontheatre.com)
Mar 14: 3rd Annual Silicon Valley Composer Showcase. Ten to 12 original, juried compositions by local composers make their exciting debuts, performed by the Full Spectrum Jazz big band. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2-4pm. (San Jose: Improv, 62 S. Second St.; 408/280-7475; www.sanjosejazz.org)
Mar 19: A Tribute to Koko Taylor. Paying tribute to the late Grammy Award-winning blues singer Koko Taylor, “Queen of the Blues,” this performance features soul, blues and gospel singer Sista Monica Parker; blues guitarist and vocalist Pat Wilder; and blues artist Sharon Lewis. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Mar 21: Antonio Sanchez. This Mexico City native and three-time Grammy winner is one the hottest drummers on the international jazz scene. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2-4. (San Jose: Improv, 62 S. 2nd St.; 408/280-7475; www.sanjosejazz.org)
Mar 24: Jay-Z. One of the biggest, bestselling names in hip-hop storms San Jose with his Blueprint 3 tour. 7pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/998-TIXS; www.hppsj.com)
Mar 26: John Mayer. This talented pop, rock, blues and soul artist plays from his latest album, Battle Studies. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/998-TIXS; www.hppsj.com)
Mar 26: Hapa. This award-winning band blends traditional Hawaiian sounds with American acoustic folk/rock, Celtic and world influences. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Mar 31: Christian McBride and Friends present A Tribute to Herbie Hancock. Curated by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, this special presentation pays homage to pioneering jazz composer and keyboardist Hancock through the musical talents of bass superstar McBride. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University, Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Dance
Thru Mar 7: Ballet San Jose presents Romeo & Juliet. Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tragedy about two young lovers caught in the crossfire of their families’ feud plays out on the stage, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s breathtaking score. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 1:30pm. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 408/288-2800; www.balletsj.org)
Mar 6-7: Company C Contemporary Ballet presents Winter Program. Now in its second season, this company offers a program of new and classic works by nationally renowned choreographers, such as Charles Moulton, Amy Seiwert and Lar Lubovich. Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000; www.mvcpa.com)
Choral
Mar 13: Ragazzi Boys Chorus presents Ragazzi’s Many Talents. This special concert showcases the boys’ incredible voices with such classic pop hits as Elvis Presley’s “C’mon Everybody!” and the beloved 60’s classic “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” as well as in music ranging from opera, gospel, American minstrel tunes, and Broadway hits. 5pm. (Palo Alto: First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Rd.; 650/342-8785)
Theater & Musicals
Thru Mar 7: San Jose Stage Co. presents Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is the South Bay premiere of Tom Stoppard’s sweeping play, set in August 1968 as Russian tanks roll through Prague. Spanning two countries, three generations and 22 years, the story follows Jan, a Czech student and rock music fan; Esme, a drug-addled flower child; and Max, a Communist English professor; and the persistence of love and rock ‘n’ roll despite political turbulence. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: The Stage, 490 S. First St.; 408/283-7142; www.sanjose-stage.com)
Mar 5-27: Tabard Theater Company presents Lady Be Good! George & Ira Gershwin’s fast-paced, lighthearted musical comedy is a madcap romp driven by big laughs, plot twists and confused identities, stellar dance numbers and feel-good songs such as “I’d Rather Charleston” and “Fascinating Rhythm. ” Wed-Fri, 8pm (no shows Mar 10 & 17); Sat, 3 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St.; 800/838-3006; www.tabardtheatre.org)
Mar 10-Apr 4: TheatreWorks presents Sunsets and Margaritas. This heartwarming, critically acclaimed comedy is a comic confección sure to leave you laughing out loud. Gregorio Serrano’s elderly father has just crashed his car through the wall of his restaurant, but it seems the rest of his family is all spinning out of control as well. Between Gregorio’s lesbian Republican daughter and her unborn child, his wheelchair-bound, fashion-forward Chicano activist son, his own erratic visions of the Blessed Virgin and his frequent hyperventilation attacks, Gregorio is beginning to think that perhaps there’s a little bit of loco running in the family. Previews Mar 10-12, 8pm; Tues-Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2 & 7pm. (Palo Alto: Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Rd.; 650/463-1960; www.theatreworks.org)
Mar 13-Apr 18: San Jose Rep presents Ain’t Misbehavin.’ Revisit the Golden Age of Jazz of the 1920s and 1930s with this swinging tribute to the challenges and triumphs of the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance. The music of the legendary Fats Waller gets the joint jumpin’ as five phenomenal artists and a jazz band bring this sexy, funny musical to life with such famous tunes as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, “Black & Blue,” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.” (San Jose: 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com)
Mar 18-Apr 18: City Lights Theater Co. presents Cyrano. Frank Langella’s thrilling adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac follows the eponymous poet and swordsman whose giant nose makes him feel insecure and unworthy of true love. He agrees to help his handsome friend Christian woo the beautiful Roxanne, the woman they both love, but as she falls for Christian’s good looks and Cyrano’s beautiful words, the men are left wondering who Roxanne truly loves. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm (Apr 1 & 11) and 7pm (Mar 28). (San Jose: 529 S. Second St.; 408/295-4200; www.cltc.org)
Mar 20-28: Lyric Theatre presents Kismet: a Musical Arabian Night. This Tony award-winning musical follows a beggar poet who gets caught up in a web of humor, love and danger. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: Montgomery Theater, 291 S. Market St.; 408/986-1455; www.lyrictheatre.org)
Family
Mar 5-14: Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This heartwarming musical follows the trials and triumphs of six young people who all vie for top prize at a spelling bee. While these quirky and colorful overachievers compete with each other, they cope with the pitfalls of puberty and end up learning valuable lessons in life. Thurs-Fri, 7pm; Sat, 2 & 7pm; Sun, 1 & 6pm. (San Jose: Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St.; 408/288-5437; www.cmtsj.org)
Comedy
Mar 26: Jerry Seinfeld. This nationally and internationally acclaimed comedian, best known for his dry, sarcastic wit and social observations, is a juggernaut of the comedy world thanks to his long-running show Seinfeld, dubbed one of the greatest television programs of all time. 7 & 9:30pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/864-8816; www.flintcenter.com)
