JANUARY 2006

Jan 1-7.2006

Gallery House Opening Jan 3: "Small Is the New Big," a juried exhibit of small original 2D and 3D works of art. Through Feb 4. An opening reception will be held Jan 6, 6pm-8pm. 320 California Ave, Palo Alto, 650.326.1668 or www.GalleryHouse2.com.

Stellar Somerset Gallery Opening Jan 3: Floral Works by Doris Mitsch. Through Jan 27. An opening reception is held Jan 6, 6pm-9pm. 539 Bryant St, Palo Alto, 650.328.6688 or www.stellarsomersetgallery.com.

Burning Every Moment The Margaret Wingrove Dance Company presents two world premiere dances, "Tom and Viv" and "Sylvia and Ted." Featuring dancers from Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley. Jan 5 and 8, 7:30pm and Jan 6-7, 8pm. $20-$30 ($5 off tickets purchased before Dec 11). The Stage, 490 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7142 or www.mwdance.com.

Gallagher The watermelon-smashing comedian performs. Jan 7, 8pm. $21-$33. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Henry Winkler Actor Henry Winkler is the special guest at a dinner presented by the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley. The dinner is open to anyone who makes a gift to the 2006 Annual Campaign. Jan 7, 5:30pm pre-reception; 6:30pm Havdallah and dinner. Call for more information. Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, 408.357.7501.

Natasha Paremski The Steinway Society presents top young pianist Natasha Paremski. Jan 7, 8pm and Jan 8, 4pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

San Jose Chamber Players The players perform. With pianist Mark Anderson. Jan 7. $20-$100.14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, 408.286.2600, ext. 2 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Jan 8-14.2006

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area and national jazz. The series kicks off on Jan 8 with the program "Sunday Kind of Love," featuring vocalist Mary Stallings and the Geri Allen Trio. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $25-$30 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Cultural Xposure The San Jose Museum of Art and Pacific Art Collective host an evening of on-the-spot painting, live music, dance, poetry and more. Featured museum exhibits are "Visual Politics: The Art of Engagement" and "Tales From the Kiln: Contemporary Ceramics." DJ and live music performances, stand up poetry, silent wet paint auctions and more. Jan 13, 7pm-midnight. $10 nonmembers/$5 members. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, www.sjmusart.org.

Crab and Pasta Fundraiser Dinner All-you-can-eat cold cracked Dungeness crab, pasta, salad, French bread, dessert, coffee, wine and soft drinks are on the menu at this fundraiser for Saratoga Drama Group. The event also includes live entertainment, silent auctions and raffles. Jan 14, 5pm-9pm. $15-$40 (tickets sold in advance only). Saratoga Community Center, 19655 Allendale Ace, Saratoga, 408.893.1551 or www.saratogadramagroup.com.

Evening of Cultural Arts The city of Sunnyvale's 15th anniversary season of concerts features an expanded schedule. The event continues with Celtic harper and storyteller Patrick Ball. Jan 14, 8pm. $20-$25. Ticket packages start at $80. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.730.7725 or www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.

Jan 15-21.2006

Montalvo Gallery Opening Jan 15: "I Heard As If I Had No Ears: Lesley Dill and Tom Morgan Collaborate." Through March 19. Gallery at Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, www.montalvoarts.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Jan 15: "Wayne Shorter My Heart," a tribute to saxophonist Wayne Shorter, with vocalist and composer Michelle Amador. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles Opening Jan 17: "Jean Ray Laury: A Life by Design," an exhibit of works by seminal contemporary fiber artist Jean Ray Laury. Through April 9. An opening reception will be held Jan 22, 2pm-4pm. 520 S. First St, San Jose, 408.971.0323 or www.sjquiltmuseum.org.

Symphony Silicon Valley Chamber Music Concert The program features works by Stravinsky, Strauss, Bax and Dvorak. With Stephen Prutsman on piano. Jan 17, 7pm. Call for ticket information. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.286.2600 or www.symphonysiliconvalley.org.

MACLA Opening Jan 18: "Traces/Rastros: Recent Work by Maria Magadalena Campos-Pons." This will be the first exhibit of the photographer's work in Silicon Valley. Through Feb 25. An opening reception will be held Jan 20, 6pm-8pm. A program, featuring DJ contemporary Latin and Afro-Cuban music, will be held Feb 3, 8pm. Admission to the gallery and programs is free. MACLA, 510 S. First St., San Jose, 408.998.ARTE or www.maclaarte.org.

The Clean House TheatreWorks presents the Northern California premiere of a romantic comedy by playwright Sarah Ruhl. Jan 18-Feb 12. $20-$52. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000 or www.theatreworks.org.

Cirque du Soleil The legendary performing troupe returns with "Corteo." Jan 19-March 5. $40-$200. Under the Grand Chapiteau, Taylor Street and Highway 87, San Jose, 800.678.5440 or www.cirquedusoleil.com.

San Francisco Symphony With Michael Tilson Thomas conducting and guest soloist Lynn Harrell on cello. Jan 19, 8pm. $29-$55. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Visiting Mr. Green City Lights Theater Company presents a drama about a driver sentenced to community service visiting the elderly man that he nearly hit with his car. Jan 19-Feb 19. $15-$35. 529 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200 or www.cltc.org.

Behind the Counter With Mussolini The Italian American Heritage Foundation presents the off-Broadway comedy, "Behind the Counter With Mussolini," a one-man show about a Bronx deli owner. Jan 20-21, 7:30pm. $25 per person. Italian American Cultural Center, 425 N. Fourth St, San Jose, 408.293.7122 or www.ticketguys.com.

Charisma! Charisma members present their annual performance, celebrating spirituality through music, dance and the spoken word. Jan 20-21, 8pm and Jan 22, 2pm. $5 suggested donation. Fess Parker Studio Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art Opening Jan 20: "Hair Raising." Through March 11. Opening reception: Jan 20, 6pm-8pm. Also opening Jan 20: "we just telling stories" film project by Lawrence Andrews about the Medea Project Theater for Incarcerated Women. Through March 11. 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.8155 or www.sjica.org.

The Lion King American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Disney's "The Lion King," with a score by Elton John and Tim Rice. This production is directed by the award-winning director Julie Taymor. Jan 20-Feb 26. $51-$78 ($128 VIP seating). San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

25th Anniversary Gala The San Jose Repertory Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary season with entertainment directed by artistic director Timothy Near and a gala dinner. With a special performance by Mandy Patinkin. Jan 21. $500 performance and dinner/$100 performance and reception only. The performance will take place at the San Jose Rep, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, followed by dinner at the Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose. 408.367.7259 or see www.sjrep.com.

Dynamic Guitars The South Bay Guitar Society presents a concert of performances by masters of flamenco, classical and jazz guitar. With El Ajito, Lawrence Ferrara and the Headstock Guitar Ensemble, featuring Tim Volpicella, Ed Johnson and Scott Sorkin. Jan 21, 8pm. $15-$20. Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, 408.292.0704 or www.sbgs.org.

Julie Budd in Concert Singer Julie Budd performs songs from her new CD, "The New Classics" as well as everything from music by Gershwin and contemporary songwriters to Jewish and Yiddish music. Presented by the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center. Tickets include wine and cheese. Jan 21, 8pm. $60-$100. Teitelbaum Family Center for the Performing Arts, Gloria and Ken Levy Family Campus, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, 408.357.7438 or www.svjcc.org.

Peninsula Symphony The symphony presents "Tango," with guitarist Angel Romero and violinist Jeremy Cohen. The program includes selections by Astor Piazzola, Celedonio Romero, Leroy Anderson, Morton Gould and a new composition by guest artist Cohen. Jan 21, 8pm. $27-$32. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 650.941.5291 or www.peninsulasymphony.org.

Jan 22-28.2006

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Jan 22: "¡Piano Sabor!," with the Mark Levine Trio. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

San Jose Opera Guild Winter Party The party includes a screening of the feature film "Callas Forever," starring Fanny Ardant, Jeremy Irons and Joan Plowright, at the Los Gatos Cinema, 41 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. The movie will be followed by a private luncheon at Valeriano's Restaurant, 160 W. Main St, Los Gatos. Jan 22, 10:15am. $55 per person. For more information, call Olga Nespole at 408.395.2035 or email ajnespole@comcast.net or see www.sjoperaguild.org.

Saratoga Symphony The program includes works by Mozart, Dvorak and Bernstein. With director Dr. Jason Klein. Jan 22, 3pm. Free. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, www.st-andrews-saratoga.org. The orchestra also performs Jan 26, 7:30pm at Cogswell Polytechnical College, 1175 Bordeaux Drive, Sunnyvale, www.cogswell.edu/directions2campus.html.

Trio Jubilee The Los Gatos Community Concert Association presents a concert of unusual classical selections. Jan 22, 2:30pm. $20 ($5 student discount). Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St, Los Gatos, 408.377.1106 or 408.356.5698.

Zamacueca Stanford Lively Arts presents a performance of Peruvian, Mexican, Bolivian, Argentine and Chilean music and dance. Jan 22, 3pm. $12-$18. Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford, 650.725.2787.

Great Glass Auction The Bay Area Glass Institute holds its annual glass auction, featuring more than 100 pieces by well known local, national and international artists. A patron preview will be held Jan 27, 6pm-9pm, with the auction taking place Jan 28, 6:30pm-10pm. Fourth Street Summit Center, San Fernando and Fourth streets, San Jose, www.bagi.org.

Casino Night A fundraiser for EHC LifeBuilders' programs for homeless adults. The event includes casino games and entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a raffle and more. Jan 27, 7pm-11:30pm. $50 per person. Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second Ave, Campbell. For more information, call Ken Goldstein at 408.539.2131 or Alan Aerts at 408.871.7000 or see www.ehclifebuilders.org/events/casinonight.

Community Crab Feed St. Joseph of Cupertino School presents this annual fundraiser, featuring all-you-can-eat fresh crab, pasta, salad and garlic bread. Dessert and no-host beer and wine will also be available. Jan 27, 6pm. $30 ($35 after Jan 20). All proceeds from the event will go to school programs and services. 10120 N. De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, 408.252.6441.

de Saisset Museum Opening Jan 27: "Red Trailer Motel," an installation featuring miniature scenes by Michael C. McMillen. Also: "Dark Detour," multimedia installations of miniature buildings, film, photos and sound by Tracey Snelling. Through March 18. An opening reception and lecture will be held Jan 26, 6pm. Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.5125 or www.scu.edu.

In Celebration of Mozart The Santa Clara University department of music faculty, students and guests celebrate the music of Mozart with a commemorative concert held on the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth. Jan 27, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Ives Quartet The quartet presents works by Mozart, Beethoven and Leo Ornstein. With guest artist Janice Weber on piano. Severo Ornstein will present a pre-concert talk. Jan 27, 8pm. $15-$25. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose. Also Jan 28, 8pm. $15-$25. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 408.554.5832 or www.ivesquartet.org.

The Immigrant San José Repertory Theatre presents a true tale about a young Jewish man who flees Czarist Russia and makes a new home in a small Texas town. Jan 28-Feb 26. $22-$55. San José Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, 408.367.7255 or www.sjrep.com.

Winter Elements 06 Dance Showcase The Almaden-based Elements Dance Company presents a hip hop dance performance. Jan 28, 2pm and 6pm. $10-$12. Barrett Elementary School, 895 Barrett Ave, Morgan Hill, 408.623.2163 or www.elementsdance.com.

Jan 29-Feb 4.2006

Palo Alto Art Center Opening Jan 29: "Robert Brady: Sculpture, 1989-2005" and Drawings by Deborah Barrett. Through April 23. An opening reception will be held Jan 29, 4pm-6pm. A master artist workshop with Robert Brady will be offered Feb 26, 10am-4pm. $40 Palo Alto residents/$46 nonresidents). 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto.

San Jose Chamber Orchestra The orchestra celebrates the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth with program that includes Mozart's Symphony No. 1 in E Flat, Sinfonia Concertante and works inspired by Mozart. Jan 29, 7pm. $20-$30 seniors and students/$30-$40 general admission. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.4416 or www.sjco.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Jan 29: "Brazil Forever in My Heart," with vocalist Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasiliera. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Hot Stove Banquet This dinner honors area baseball players from the major and minor leagues, college and high school. The event includes an award ceremony and a raffle. Bob Melvin is the special guest and Ted Robinson is the master of ceremonies. Jan 30, 5:30pm. $35 per person/$350 table of ten. San Jose Scottish Rite Center, 2455 Masonic Drive, San Jose, 408.446.3443.

Olympiad of the Arts VIP Reception The event launches the 2006 visual arts, performing arts and creative writing competitions sponsored by the West Valley/Mission Colleges Foundation. The competitions are open to high school and community college students in Santa Clara County. Feb 1, 6:30pm. Linda Durnell Gallery, 24 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, 408.741.2066.

Stanford's Cantor Arts Center Opening Feb 1: "American ABC: Childhood in 19th-Century America." Through May 7. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Museum Way (off Palm Dr), Stanford, 650.723.4177 or www.stanford.edu/dept/ccva.

Stellar Somerset Gallery Opening Feb 1: "The Big Parade," an exhibit of works by James Lagiss. Through March 31. An opening reception will be held Feb 3, 6pm-9pm. 539 Bryant St, Palo Alto, 650.328.6688 or www.stellarsomersetgallery.com.

Antique Show The St. Christopher Ladies Guild presents its 36th annual antique show, featuring furniture, jewelry, china, glass, vintage prints and other home accessories. The event also includes a cafe, flower and garden shop and a boutique. Feb 3-4, 11am-9pm and Feb 5, 10am-5pm. $4 admission. Healy Hall, St. Christopher Church, Booksin and Curtner avenues, San Jose, 408.250.8058.

Boy Scouts Recognition Dinner All Boy Scouts, families and friends are invited to attend this dinner recognizing the more than 200 scouts who earned their Eagle Scout rank in 2005, congratulating the Silver Beaver Class of 2005, and welcome the 2006 council officers. Feb 3, 6pm. $45 ($50 at the door). San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose, 408.280.5088, ext. 25 or www.sccc-scouting.org.

ChoreoProject sjDANCEco presents a performance featuring works by 11 Bay Area choreographers. Feb 3-4, 7pm. $12-$15. San Jose State University, near Fourth and San Carlos streets, San Jose, www.sjDANCEco.org.

New Music Festival Renowned composer Chen Yi will be the honored guest at this exploration of new music. The festival will also feature works of Bay Area composers, including selections from Santa Clara University faculty member Pamela Layman Quist's "Requiem," which will be premiered by the SCU Choir directed by Thomas Colohan. Feb 3-5. Call for ticket prices. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Once on This Island Theatre in the Mountains presents the popular musical. Feb 3, 7:30pm; Feb 4, 1:30pm and 7:30pm; Feb 5, 12:30pm. Call for ticket information. Loma Prieta Community Center, 23800 Summit Road, Los Gatos, 408.353.9999 or www.theatreinthemountains.org.

An Evening With Bill Maher Maher, known for his political satire, performs. Feb 4, 8pm. $35-$65. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Cabaret Night 2006 The 15th annual gala benefit for Children's Musical Theater featuring dinner and drinks, music, live and silent auctions, performances by past CMT company members. Black tie optional. Sat, Feb 4, 6pm-midnight. $150 per person/$2000 table. Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St, Campbell, 408.288.5437 ext. 336 or events@cmtsj.org.

Evening of Cultural Arts The city of Sunnyvale's 15th anniversary season of concerts features an expanded schedule. The event continues with the Crooked Jades performing old-time country and bluegrass. Feb 4, 8pm. $20-$25. Ticket packages start at $80. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.730.7725 or www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.

Hats Off to the Arts The National League of American Pen Women, Santa Clara County Branch, hosts a celebrity luncheon honoring nine women achievers in art, letters and music. The event includes a buffet lunch, a silent auction and raffle, and a program, "History of Hats," featuring a musical fashion show of hats. Feb 4, 11am. $30 (deadline to buy tickets is Jan 30). First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 1980 Hamilton Ave, San Jose. For more information, call 408.238.2340 or email haugends@sbcglobal.net.

Night Moods Pianist Daniel Glover is the guest artist in a concert that features a program of Elgar, Mozart, Kodaly, Saint-Saens and Karidoyanes. Feb 4, 8pm. $5-$20. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.293.6060 or www.missionchamber.org.

Teddy Bear Concert Children, families and anyone who is young at heart is invited to bring teddy bears to a concert designed for young listeners. The program includes classical literature, folk music and children's music. Feb 4, 11am. $5 individual/$10 family (ticket proceeds will benefit the Janice Williams scholarship fund). The Music School, 728 W. Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, 408.739.9248.

FEBRUARY 2006

Feb 5-11.2006

Peking Opera Feb 5, 7pm. $20-$60. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816. www.flintcenter.com.

Philharmonia Quartett Berlin The San Jose Chamber Music Society presents a string quartet comprised of the concertmaster and section leaders of the renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The group will perform a program of works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Brahms. Feb 5, 7pm. $22-$32 ($3 discount for seniors and students). Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.286.5111 or www.sjchambermusic.org.

Robert Greenberg Classical music lecturer Greenberg presents "No Myth Will Mr. Mozart Be!" a discussion of the many myths that surrounded the life of Mozart. Sun, Feb 5, 2pm. Call for tickets. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Feb 5: The San Jose Jazz Society Youth Combo and Orchestra perform. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

The Onslow Project City Lights Theater Company's New Play Readers Series presents a staged reading of a new play by local playwright Morgan Ludlow. The play tells the story of how Dr. Harry Onslow brings his drowned wife back to life, using techniques they had developed together. The resurrected wife, however, isn't exactly the same as she was in life. Feb 6, 7:30pm. $5. City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200 or www.cltc.org.

Celebrity Forum With Bill Moyers. Feb 8-10, 8pm. For ticket information, call 650.949.7176. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, www.flintcenter.com.

Inherit the Wind San Jose Stage Company presents a drama based on the "Scopes Monkey Trial," chronicling the real-life courtroom battle 80 years ago of a teacher put on trial for teaching evolution in his classroom. Feb 8-March 5. $20-$42. The Stage, 490 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7142 or www.sanjosestage.com.

Leahy A musical group of eight siblings who perform a unique mix of jazz, country, Celtic and more. Feb 8, 7:30pm. $37.50-$45. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.montalvoarts.org.

Joshua Bell The young violin master performs. The program includes the world premiere of a work by Edgar Meyer that was commissioned by Montalvo Arts Center. Feb 9, 7:30pm. $65-$75. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

Cirque du Soleil EHC LifeBuilders Benefit Proceeds from a special performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo" will benefit EHC LifeBuilders' Youth Division. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Feb 10, 8pm. For more information, call 408.539.2121 or see www.sayscc.org.

Hearts and Hollywood Fundraiser Alta Vista School's fifth annual fundraiser. Feb 10, 6:30pm-11pm. $50 per person. Villa Ragusa, Campbell. http://altavista.unionsd.org.

The Telephone and The Medium The Santa Clara University department of music presents operatic two works by Gian Carlo Menotti, with musical direction by Nancy Wait-Kromm and an orchestral reduction by Hans Boepple. "The Telephone" is a comic tale of a man trying to propose to a woman who spends most of her time talking on the phone. "The Medium" is a thriller about a phony psychic who learns to her peril that the spirit world just might be real. Feb 10-11, 8pm and Feb 12, 2pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

La Boheme Opera San Jose presents Giacomo Puccini's classic tale of tragic love. Feb 11-24. $75-$95 opening night/$65-$85 regular performances. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.437.4450 or www.operasj.org.

San Jose Holiday Parade Crab Feed Fundraiser The San Jose Holiday Parade presents a fundraising dinner featuring all-you-can-eat cracked Dungeness crab, shrimp, green salad, Italian sausage and peppers, clam sauce pasta, garlic bread, pizza and beverages. Feb 11, 5:30pm-10:30pm. $40 per person/$350 table of ten. All proceeds benefit the San Jose Holiday Parade. Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Ave, San Jose, 408.793.4170.

Feb 12-18.2006

Love (A Musical Valentine) The San Jose Wind Symphony presents a romantic concert featuring selections from Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde," Goldmark's "Rustic Wedding Symphony," Grieg's "Heart Wounds" and Hanson's "Romantic Symphony." With coloratura soprano Cheryl Blalock as the guest soloist. Feb 12, 3pm. $15-$17. Santa Clara High School Theater, 3000 Benton St, Santa Clara, 408.927.SJWS or www.sjws.org.

NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala Feb 12, 7pm. $25-$85. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Feb 12: "It's All About the Love," featuring vocalist Jamie Davis. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

San Jose Wind Symphony The symphony presents "Love (A Musical Valentine)," a program that includes selections by Wagner, Goldmark, Grieg and Hanson. With guest soloist Cheryl Blalock, coloratura soprano. Feb 12, 3pm. $15-$17. Santa Clara High School Theater, Santa Clara 408.927.7597 or www.sjws.org.

Stephen Swedish The Steinway Society presents pianist and chamber musician Stephen Swedish. Feb 12, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

Touch My HeART "Hail Britannia!" is the theme of this fourth annual event benefiting the Art and History Museums of Los Gatos. The event includes gourmet food and wine, entertainment by Beatles tribute band The BBC, and auction of hand-painted art cat sculptures, a special auction of a work by Thomas Kinkade and the chance for two to win a trip to England. Feb 12, 6pm-10pm. $75 per person. The Opera House, Los Gatos, 408.354.1547 or www.LosGatosMuseum.org.

Valentines Variety Show The Peninsula Pops Orchestra presents a program that includes "Grand, Grand Overture for Orchestra," featuring the "music" of vacuum cleaners, rifles and a floor polisher; also music from "The Producers" and "Guys and Dolls," plus selections by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and others. Feb 12, 3pm. $10-$18. Spangenberg Theatre, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, 650.856.8432 or www.peninsulapops.org.

Young at Heart Project The Young at Heart Project, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of institutionalized seniors, presents the concert "Unforgettable Sounds: Four Decades of Popular Music." Performers include Shanna Carlson, Johnny Fabulous, Penny Hanna and the Jazz Birds. Feb 12, 2pm-4:30pm. Free to seniors age 62+/open to the public as space allows (donations accepted). Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 831.458.3423.

Adopt a Rose Event The Friends of the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens present a Valentine's Day event. Adopt a rose in the Heritage Rose Garden (which places a plaque by the rose in the garden for a year) and attend this reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Feb 14. $50. San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.2987657 or www.grpg.org.

Up With Love: A Valentine Affair With Swingin' Flair Well-known Bay Area entertainers Molly Bell and Travis Poelle perform a Valentine's Day concert featuring songs of love that range from jazz and rock tunes to musical theater and pop songs. Feb 14, 8pm. $17 advance/$20 at the door. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 650.508.1719 or www.missmollybell.com.

The Castle The Stanford University Department of Drama presents a Cold War allegory about a medieval knight who fortifies his castle to the point at which it takes on a life of its own. Feb 15-18. $8-$15. Memorial Auditorium, Stanford, 650.725.5838 or http://drama.stanford.edu.

Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance Feb 16-17, 8pm. $25-$55. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Private Lives Northside Theatre Company presents the Noel Coward romantic comedy. Feb 16-March 12. Call for tickets. Northside Theatre Company, 848 E. William St, San Jose, 408.288.7820 or www.northsidetheatre.com.

Carmen Mission City Opera presents the classic opera by Georges Bizet. Feb 17-25. $35-$45. Mission City Center for the Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe St, Santa Clara, 408.749.7607 or tickets@missioncityopera.org.

Urinetown Foothill Music Theatre presents the Tony-winning musical, which satirizes famous musicals from the past in a tale of an unlikely romance and an uprising of the poor in a city where a severe water shortage has led to strict regulation of toilets. Feb 17-March 12. $10-$24. Foothill College Playhouse, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, 650.949.7360 or www.foothillmusicals.com.

Red and Black Ball This Valentine's-themed event is presented by the India Community Center's singles' club and the Network for Indian Professionals. The event features tango lessons, DJ dancing, food and drinks, and the opportunity to mingle with local singles and couples. Feb 18, 8pm-midnight. $25 ICC members/$40 nonmembers (women get $5 off ICC ticket and $10 off nonmember ticket). India Community Center, 555 Los Coches St, Milpitas, 408.934.1130, www.indiacc.org.

Sacred Heart Nativity School Fiesta 2006 Dinner and auction. Feb 18. Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose, 408.993.1293 or www.shnativity.org/fiestaannualfundraiser.php.

Winter One Act Festival Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents a series of one-act plays. Feb 18-19, 2pm. $5. Fess Parker Studio Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

Feb 19-25.2006

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Feb 19: "The Long and Short of It," with Michael O'Neil and Kenny Washington. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Bluegrass/Slyde Smuin Ballet presents a Southern-style piece set to music by Edgar Meyer. The mixed program also includes the West Coast premiere of "The Eyes That Gently Touch," "Romanze," "To the Beatles, Revisited." Feb 22-26. $18-$50. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000 or www.smuinballet.org.

Disney on Ice Disney on Ice presents "Finding Nemo." Feb 22-26. $15-$60. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St, San Jose, 408.998.TIXS or www.ticketmaster.com.

Art Lecture "There's Nothing Informal About It: Participatory Arts Within the Cultural Ecology of Silicon Valley," a lecture by Maribel Alvarez, PhD. Dr. Alvarez will discuss her study of informal cultural groups in Silicon Valley and the structures that support the arts in our everyday lives. Feb 23, 7pm. Free. MACLA, 510 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7000 or www.ci-sv.org.

Birth City Lights Theater Company, in association with Bay Area Birth Information, presents Karen Brody's play based on more than 100 interviews with women about their birthing experiences. Feb 23-March 5. $25 (discounts available for students, seniors, educators and subscribers). City Lights Theater, 529 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200 or see www.cltc.org.

Carnival Montalvo! Live music and a live auction are featured at this event benefiting Montalvo's arts programs. Feb 24, 6pm (cocktails), 7:30pm (dinner). $250 per person. RSVP by Feb 10. Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 408.961.5855 or www.villamontalvo.org.

Delta Omicron Student Concert Members of the Delta Omicron musical fraternity perform. Feb 24, 8pm. Free. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

The Price The Santa Clara Players present Arthur Miller's drama about estranged brothers. Feb 24-March 18. $15 (opening night $18). Santa Clara Players Theatre, Don and Warburton avenues (behind the Triton Museum of Art), Santa Clara, 408.248.7993 or www.scplayers.org.

Brad Garrett A night of comedy with the actor and comedian from "Everybody Loves Raymond." Feb 25, 8pm. Call for tickets. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Goran Krivokapic The South Bay Guitar Society presents Yugoslavian guitarist Goran Krivokapic, 2004 GFA winner. Feb 25, 8pm. $15-$20. Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, 408.292.0704 or www.sbgs.org. The guitarist will also offer a master class on Feb 26, 11am-1pm. $5 at the door for audience members. Interested students can call 408.395.1326 for more information.

Mark Kosower The cellist performs and presents a master class. Feb 25-26. $20-$100.14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, 408.286.2600, ext. 2 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Mountain View Library Foundation Mardi Gras 2006 This fifth annual fundraiser for the Mountain View Library Foundation features Cajun food and drink, a silent auction and a performance by local band Spang-a-Lang, featuring Grammy Award winner Tony Lindsay, former lead singer of Santana. Entertainment also includes blues and jazz with the Cole Hamlin Trio. Feb 25. $60 advance/$70 door. Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St, Mountain View, 650.526.7014.

Pasta Dinner Fundraiser St. Leo the Great School hosts a pasta dinner. Feb 25, 4:30pm-8pm. $7.50 adults/$6 seniors and children/$3.50 children ages 3-10. St. Leo the Great School, 1051 W. San Fernando St, San Jose, 408.293.4846.

Feb 26-March 4.2006

Mardi Gras Jazz Party The And That's Jazz band performs at a monthly Dixieland concert and dance held by the South Bay Traditional Jazz Society. Guests can dance to the music or just listen and socialize. Musicians are invited to come and jam. Venue includes full bar and limited food. Feb 26, 1pm-5pm. $10-$15. Elks Lodge, 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, www.SouthBayJazz.org.

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra The orchestra presents "Romance and Rejoicing," a program of works by Mozart, Schumann, Robert Stern and Bach. Feb 26, 3pm. $32-$40. Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford University Campus, Palo Alto, 650.856.3848 or www.pacomusic.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. Feb 26: "Intention," with the Kristen Strom Quartet. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Asset Champions Breakfast Project Cornerstone, an organization for youth, holds its annual breakfast event. The keynote speaker is Chief Rob Davis of the San Jose Police Department. March 1, 7am-9am. $20 youth ticket/$45 (breakfast only)/$60 (breakfast and a copy of Project Cornerstone's new cookbook)/$450 table of ten. Wyndham Hotel, 1350 N. First St, San Jose. RSVP to www.projectcornerstone.org.

Cinequest 16 San Jose's annual film festival. March 1-12. www.cinequest.org.

Home on the Lane A bowl-a-thon fundraiser benefiting EHC LifeBuilders' Family Division. March 2006, date TBA. Cambrian Bowl, San Jose, www.ehclifebuilders.org/events.

SHE (In Absence of Love and Death) The Stanford University Department of Drama presents a tragicomedy by Russian playwright Edvard Radzinsky. March 1-4. $8-$15. Memorial Auditorium, Stanford, 650.725.5838 or http://drama.stanford.edu.

Beyond Cookies and Camping Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County host a special event recognizing the Honorable Erica Yew, Superior Court of Santa Clara County. March 2, 6pm. $175 per person (scholarships available. Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second Ave, Campbell, 408.287.4170, ext. 235 or www.girlscoutsofscc.org.

The Wind in the Willows Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents its youngest performers in a production of Kenneth Grahame's literary classic. March 2-5. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Harker School Fashion Show A fashion show and live auction will be held to benefit Harker School. The theme is "Cruisin' California--Join the Journey." All proceeds benefit the Harker Scholarship Fund, faculty development and the future Math, Science and Technology Center. March 3, 11am (luncheon fashion show); 5:30pm (dinner gala fashion show). Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.345.0115, fashionshow@harker.org or www.harker.org.

Spring Awakening Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents a frank 19th-century drama about teens struggling with their sexual coming-of-age in an atmosphere of repression and limited parental support. March 3-5 and 8-11. Wed-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 2pm. $5-$16. Louis B. Mayer Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

Winter Jazz Ensemble Concert The Santa Clara University Jazz Ensemble and Combo perform an evening of big-band and chamber jazz. March 3, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

A Celebration of Russian Arts This event presented by the County of Santa Clara's Moscow Sister County Commission includes a social reception, silent auction and a performance by the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet from St. Petersburg. March 4, 7pm-10pm. $15-$25 in advance/$20-$30 at the door. Le Petit Trianon. 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.299.5115 or sistercounties@ceo.sccgov.org.

Concordia Choir Concert The choir from Concordia University, Irvine, will perform. The choir is directed by Dr. Michael Busch, a graduate of San Jose State University and the University of Colorado. March 4, 7:30pm. A free will offering will be taken. The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 5825 Bollinger Road, Cupertino, 408.252.0345.

Denim to Diamonds 2006 "On the Cutting Edge" is this year's theme for the annual benefit for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. The house is home away from home for critically ill children and their families. March 4, 6:30pm-midnight. The Tech Museum of Innovation and Parkside Hall, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose. for sponsorship information, call Jeffrey Konigslie at 650.470.6005.

Ladies of Charity Black and White Ball The event features hosted cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dinner, and dancing to the music of the Lyratones. March 4, 6:30pm. $125 per person. Proceeds benefit St. Elizabeth's Day Home. San Jose Country Club, San Jose.

Music in the Schools Benefit Concert The Palo Alto branch of the Music Teachers' Association of California present a benefit concert featuring internationally acclaimed musicians Michail Gelfandbein, cello, and Irina Sharogradsky, cello. The program includes works by Bach, Brahms, Shostakovich and Chopin. March 4, 8pm. $5-$15. Palo Alto Art Center, Newell and Embarcadero roads, Palo Alto, www.mtacpa.org.

San Francisco Symphony The symphony performs a program of Brahms. March 4, 8pm. $29-$55. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Songs of the British Isles The Santa Clara University vocal faculty presents a concert of music from the British Isles, with selections by Ralph Vaughn-Williams, Michael Head, Gerald Finzi, Roger Quilter and others. March 4, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Zukerman Chamber Players Top violinist Pinchas Zukerman performs with four proteges. March 4, 8pm. $60-$70. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

MARCH 2006

March 5-11.2006

Oscar Night at the Coop The Sonoma Chicken Coop hosts an Academy Awards party featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and a dessert buffet. Guests can participate in a "predict the winners" contest and bid in a silent auction. Red carpet attire is optional; a contest will be held for the best dressed and most creative. Proceeds benefit the Autism Project at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. March 5, 4:30pm. $65 per seat. Sonoma Chicken Coop, 200 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell, 408.866.2699, ext. 2.

Robert Greenberg Classical music lecturer Greenberg presents "Mozart's Chamber Music." The lecture will include a guest fortepiano performer. Sun, March 5, 2pm. Call for tickets. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. March 5: Primary Colors featuring Nate Pruitt. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Irish Week The San Jose/Dublin Sister City Committee presents its 20th anniversary celebration of the sister city relationship. Events include a visit from a delegation of Dublin city officials, including the Lord Mayor of Dublin; a visit from the Dublin Boxing Team; Irish Breakfast and flag raising at city hall; Spirit of Ireland Dinner (March 10) and a concert by the Dublin Youth Symphony Orchestra. March 6-11. www.sanjosedublin.org.

Anna in the Tropics TheatreWorks presents the Northern California premiere of a Nilo Cruz' Pulitzer-winning drama about a dashing young storyteller who entertains workers at a cigar factory in Prohibition-era Florida. March 8-April 2. $21-$51. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650.903.6000 or www.theatreworks.org.

11th Annual Spring Fling Soroptimist International of Los Gatos-Saratoga presents its annual fashion show fundraiser benefiting House on the Hill, scholarship programs and other community organizations. The event includes a silent auction, door prizes, raffles and music. The show will feature fashions from Coldwater Creek at Westfield Valley Fair, Patrick James, Inc., of Palo Alto and the Children's Place at Westfield Oakridge. March 9, 11:30am. $50. Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St, Campbell, 408.249.5300.

Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents Dennis Nahat's "Romeo and Juliet." March 9-12. Call for ticket information. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 408.288.2800 or www.balletsanjose.org.

Electricidad Teatro Vision presents renowned playwright Luis Alfaro's retelling of Sophocles' "Electra." March 9-April 2. $7-$30. Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Road, San Jose, 408.272.9926 or www.teatrovision.org.

Talking Art The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art presents a series of monthly salon-style discussions focusing on issues of importance to the Bay Area artistic community. This month features "Sizzle: Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire" a condensed version of a semester-long course will help participants prepare for careers as professional artists. March 9, 7pm-9pm. Free to SJICA members/$5 nonmembers. San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.8155.

19th Annual Opera San Jose Benefit The Italian American Heritage Foundation Cultural Committee presents a celebration and benefit for Opera San Jose. Resident artists from Opera San Jose will perform at evening that also includes dinner, a raffle and a program of dedicated arias. March 10, 6:30pm. Contact for ticket information. Italian American Heritage Foundation, 425 N. Fourth St, San Jose, 408.293.7122 or iahf@sbcglobal.net.

Alvin Ailey Dance Company March 10-11, 8pm and March 12, 4pm. $36-$66. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

Asian Law Alliance Anniversary Dinner The dinner will honor attorney Dale Minami, Chong-Moon Lee of Diamond Multimedia Systems and Adak, Inc. and Jim Beall, chairperson of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. News anchor Syndie Kohara emcees the event, which features cocktails and dinner. March 10, 6pm. $150 per person/$1500-$15000 table of ten. The Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.287.9710 or www.asianlawalliance.org.

Les Miserables Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents the Broadway favorite. March 10-19. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Winter Orchestra Concert Emily Ray conducts the Santa Clara University orchestra in a concert of familiar classics by Beethoven, Bizet and others. The concert also includes movie tunes. March 10, 8pm. $5-$12. Mission Church, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Child Advocates Annual Gala This fundraiser for Child Advocates features cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions, with state senator Joe Simitian serving as auctioneer. Judge Leonard Edwards will receive a lifetime achievement award for his dedication to abused and neglected children. The event also features the premiere of a short film about Child Advocates. Black tie is suggested. March 11, 6pm. $175 per person/$1750 table of ten. Santa Clara Marriott, Santa Clara. 408.573.5602 or carolyn@cadvocates.org. www.cadvocates.org.

Dancing Under the Dome The Valley Medical Center Foundation presents a benefit for the new cancer center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. The event includes music by David Dumont's L'il Big Band, famous dancers from "Dancing With the Stars," cocktails, dinner and dancing. March 11, 6pm. $175 per person. The Rotunda, San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St, San Jose. 408.885.5201 or www.vmcfoundation.org.

Golden Circle Fundraiser The Santa Clara University Board of Fellows presents the 40th annual black-tie fundraiser to benefit Santa Clara University's Golden Circle Endowed Scholarship Fund. With special guest Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld." The event features three dinner/dancing options: rock & roll (sold out), big band, and quiet dinner music. March 11, 4:30pm mass at St. Joseph Cathedral; 6pm show time; 7:30pm dinner at the Fairmont Hotel. $200-$300 general seating/$400-$500 prime seating. The Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose. For more information, call 408.554.4400 or see www.scu.edu/goldencircle.

Guitar Festival The South Bay Guitar Society presents a day of performances by student guitarists, as well as exhibits, demonstrations and film screenings. March 11. Call for tickets. Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, 408.292.0704 or www.sbgs.org.

Katrina Benefit Concert Featuring Brian Bensing on flute and Adam Roszkiewicz on guitar. The program includes works by Gary Schocker, Robert Beaser, Astor Piazzolla, Keith Gates and Dusan Bogdanovic. A light reception follows the concert. A portion of CD sales will also be donated to Katrina relief. March 11, 7pm. Hillside Church, 545 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, www.brianbensing.com.

Lunar New Year Unity Parade This fourth annual event kicks off a multicultural day featuring an international fair with cultural booths, performances and ethnic foods. March 11, 10:30am-5pm. Free parking at De Anza College. Memorial Park, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Mary Avenue, Cupertino, 408.973.13498 or www.unityparade.org.

The Romantics The West Valley Masterworks Chorale, directed by Lou de la Rosa, and the Santa Clara Chorale, directed by Thomas Colohan, present a choral music concert featuring works by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Bernstein and others. March 11, 8pm at Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, and March 12, 3pm at Mission City Center for the Performing Arts, 3250 Monroe St, Santa Clara. Tickets are $15-$20. 408.741.4663 or 408.369.1289. www.westvalleychoirs.org or www.scc.org.

March 12-18.2006

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra The orchestra presents its 21st Annual Bach Celebration featuring members of the orchestra, alumni and distinguished Bay Area musicians performing a variety of Bach's instrumental and vocal chamber music. March 12, 19, 26, 7:30pm. Valley Presbyterian Church, Portola Valley, 650.856.3848 or www.pacomusic.org.

San Jose Chamber Orchestra The orchestra presents "Sound Intrigue," a concert of works by Bloch, Dvorak and Hyo-shin Na. Anthony Quartuccio conducts Thomas Schultz, piano, and Kyle Bruckmann, oboe. March 12, 7pm (preconcert chat 6:30pm). $20-$40. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.4416 or www.sjco.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. March 12: "Come Sunday," with the Aaron Lington Quintet. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

New Playwrights' Festival Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents a staged readings of plays by student playwrights, performed and directed by students. Feb 18-19, 7pm. $5. Fess Parker Studio Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

Third Day With the David Crowder Band. March 16, 7pm. $25.50-$45.50. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

A Taste of California This fundraiser for One World Montessori school features wines from California wineries and California cheeses, as well as hors d'oeuvres and desserts. The event also includes live jazz entertainment. March 17, 6:30pm-10:30pm. $40 regular tickets/$100 patron tickets include expedited admission, an event gift bag and the opportunity to bid on a gift basket. The Decathlon Club, 3250 Central Expressway, Santa Clara. for more information, call 408.723.5140 or see www.oneworldmontessori.com.

Ju Percussion Group A program presented by Dimension Performing Arts. March 17, 8pm. $22-$100. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.864.8816 or www.flintcenter.com.

The Romantics and Americana Thomas Colohan conducts the Santa Clara University choral ensembles in a program of Bruckner motets, Romantic Russian church music, love songs, folk songs, and an American work by SCU faculty member Pamela Layman Quist. The concert also includes movie tunes. March 17, 8pm. $5-$12. Mission Church, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

A Night to Remember Services for Brain Injury holds its annual gala featuring cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing. March 18, 5:30pm. $115 per person. Villa Ragusa, 35 S. Second St, San Jose, Campbell, 408.434.2277 or www.SBICares.org.

Ballet Gala A gala evening celebrating 20 years of ballet in Silicon Valley honoring Dennis Nahat, the artistic director of Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley and the company's dancers. This black-tie event features live and silent auctions and dancing to music by Wayne Foster Entertainment. March 18, 6pm-midnight. $250 per person/$2500 donor tables/$3500 sponsor tables. Imperial Ballroom, Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.253.1354 or www.balletsanjose.org.

Charity Glo-Ball Tournament The Future Business Leaders of America at Homestead High School will hold a twilight golf tournament. Players will be provided with glo-balls designed for night play. Player fees include nine holes of golf, food, drinks and prizes. All proceeds benefit the Cupertino Historical Society and Museum. March 18, 5:30pm. $75 player registration/tee sponsorships start at $150. Blackberry Farm Golf Course, 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 408.253.4362 or kworrall@pacbell.net.

Evening of Cultural Arts The city of Sunnyvale's 15th anniversary season of performances features an expanded schedule. The event continues with Eth-Noh-Tec, the storytelling duo of Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang. March 18, 8pm. $20-$25. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.730.7725 or www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.

San Jose Youth Symphony The symphony performs works by Holst, Prokofiev and Dvorak. With soloists Kenric Tam on piano and Joseph Chun on cello. Conducted by Yair Samet. March 18, 2:30pm. $5-$15. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.885.9220 or www.sjys.org.

The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow San José Repertory Theatre presents a comedy about a brilliant teenage agoraphobic and her efforts to find her birth mother. March 18-April 16. $22-$55. San José Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, 408.367.7255 or www.sjrep.com.

The Magician's Nephew Tabard Theatre Company presents the prequel to "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which the company presented last season. $10-$22. March 24-April 2. Historic Hoover Theatre, San Jose, 408.679.2330 or www.tabardtheatre.org.

Valley Lights Gala This benefit for Books Aloud features no-host cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, dinner and dancing to the music of The Wetmore Band and DJ Dinero. Gary Scott Thomas of KRTY is the master of ceremonies and Dan Morgan is the auctioneer. Black-tie optional. March 18, 6pm. $150 per person/$1000 table of eight. Hyatt San Jose Hotel, San Jose, www.booksaloud.org/donations.htm.

Youth Science Institute Benefit Concert Kentucky-based folk/roots duo Wishing Chair performs a concert to raise funds for the Youth Science Institute (YSI), an organization that offers nature-based science education for young people. YSI holds classes at parks in Los Gatos, Saratoga and San Jose. March 18, 7:30pm. $15-$150+ sliding scale at the door. Congregational Community Church of Campbell, 400 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell. For more information, call 408.356.4945, ext. 11.

March 19-25.2006

Nathan Granger with Beau Bledsoe The Los Gatos Community Concert Association presents a concert by operatic tenor Nathan Granner and classical guitarist Beau Bledsoe. March 19, 2:30pm. $10 students/$45 seniors/$50 adults for season subscriptions. Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St, Los Gatos, 408.377.1106 or 408.356.5698.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. March 19: "Music Moves," with vocalist Clairdee. 3pm. The series runs through March 26. $12-$17 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

Saratoga Symphony The Saratoga Symphony performs two programs. The first concert features Niels Gade's "Echoes of Ossian Overture," Victor Herbert's Cello Concerto No. 2, with guest soloist Lawrence Granger on cello, and John Rutter's "Mass of the Children" featuring St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Choir and Ragazzi Boys Choir, conducted by Shulamit Hoffmann. March 19, 3pm. $10-$15. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 13601 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga, www.st-andrews-saratoga.org. The symphony also performs Gade's "Echoes of Ossian Overture," waltzes by Johann Strauss Jr and Richard Strauss, works by Bizet and Victor Herbert's Cello Concerto No. 2, with guest soloist Lawrence Granger on cello. March 23, 7:30pm. Free. Cogswell Polytechnical College, 1175 Bordeaux Drive, Sunnyvale, www.cogswell.edu/directions2campus.html.

Stanford's Cantor Arts Center Opening March 22: "Desire, Anxiety, and Loss: The Prints of Edvard Munch." Through June 25. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Museum Way (off Palm Dr), Stanford, 650.723.4177 or www.stanford.edu/dept/ccva.

The Nerd City Lights Theater Company presents a comedy about a surprise visitor who quickly becomes a nuisance. March 23-April 23. $15-$35. 529 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200 or www.cltc.org.

Junior League Fashion Show This year's theme is "La Dolce Vita." The event includes six different showcase drawings, two live auctions and a silent auction. Prizes include a Vespa, a Sonoma Valley getaway, landscape design, a spa experience and more. The grand prize is a diamond in a setting of the winner's choice. This event features three different seatings. Fashion show and luncheon, March 24, 11am, $75; fashion show and Bellini brunch, March 25, 11am, $85; fashion show and evening gala, March 25, 5:30pm, $150. Imperial Ballroom, Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose. For more information, call 408.264.3402, email fashionshow@jlsj.org or see www.jlsj.org.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art Opening March 24: "Rio de Historias/A River of Stories," drawings, prints and artists' books by Gustavo Ramos Rivera. Through May 20. Opening reception: March 24, 6pm-8pm. 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.8155 or www.sjica.org.

Die Fledermaus Lyric Theatre presents the Johann Strauss' beloved opera. March 25, March 30-April 1, 8pm, and March 26 and April 2, 2pm. $20-$27. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.986.1455 or www.lyrictheatre.org.

Fur Ball "The Wizard of Paws" is the theme this year for this annual benefit for Humane Society Silicon Valley. The event features a gourmet dinner (chicken or vegetarian option available), silent and live auctions, Animal of the Year Awards, music, dancing and more. Cocktail attire; faux fur and costumes are encouraged. Two-legged guests only. March 25, 6pm-11pm. $150 per person/ $1500 table of ten. DoubleTree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, 408.727.3383, ext. 879 or www.hssv.org.

Guy Buffet Art Show The Fairmont Hotel presents a show featuring art by renowned artist Guy Buffet. The show will the artist's first in San Jose. March 25-26, 2pm-8pm. Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.998.1900 or www.fairmont.com/sanjose/.

Opera Guild Lecture Popular speaker Dr. Alexandra Amati-Camperi, associate professor of music at the University of San Francisco, discusses "From Bel Canto to Realismo." Presented by the San Jose Opera Guild. March 25, 10am. $10 guild nonmembers. $30 includes lunch. Los Gatos History Club, 123 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos, 408.395.1498 or www.sjoperaguild.org.

The Mitty Auction A fundraiser for Archbishop Mitty High School. March 25, 6pm. $100 per person. For information and reservations, call 408.342.4224 or email sjanigian@mitty.com.

March 26-April 1.2006

All-You-Can-Eat Crab Carnivale The DeFrank Center and the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce present an event featuring a Venetian carnivale theme. Fresh cracked crab and hot pasta will be served. Proceeds benefit the DeFrank Center's youth programs and the Rainbow Chamber's Scholarship Fund. March 25, 5:30pm-9pm. $45 per person. Billy DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.293.3040, www.defrank.org/events/2006_03_25_crab-carnivale.html.

California Youth Symphony The symphony continues its season with a concert featuring CYS young artist competition winner Kenric Tam as piano soloist. The program includes selections by Shostakovich, Copland, Stravinsky and Prokofiev. March 26, 2:30pm. $6-$12. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, 650.325.6666 or www.cys.org.

San Jose Jazz Society Sunday Series The 18th annual series returns with a lineup of twelve weekly jazz concerts featuring top names in Bay Area jazz. The series concludes on March 26 with a performance by vocalist Paula West. 3pm. $25-$30 individual tickets/$125-$175 subscriptions. The Improv, 62 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.288.7557 or www.sanjosejazz.org.

San Jose Museum of Art Opening March 26: "¡Arte Caliente!," an exhibit featuring works in a variety of media by California and Texas Chicano artists. From the collection of Joe A. Diaz. Through June 11. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

Silent Auction for Music Lovers The Bay Area Showcase Chorus holds a silent auction benefit featuring music by vocal ensembles. Dessert and champagne will be served. March 26, 7pm-10pm. $3. Agnews Developmental Center Multipurpose Room, 3500 Zanker Road, San Jose. 408.973.1555 or www.singharmony.org.

Van Cliburn Gold Medalist The Steinway Society presents a concert by the 2005 winner of the Van Cliburn gold medal. March 26, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

Winchester Orchestra Henry Mollicone conducts the orchestra in a program of works by Handel, Tchaikovsky, Vincent D'Indy and Benedetto Marcello. With soloists Elizabeth Jaxon on harp, Ruth Neville on piano, and William Trimble, saxophone. March 26, 7pm. $5-$15. Trinity Cathedral, Second and St. John streets, San Jose, 408.269.1905.

TheatreWorks for Children "Civil War." March 27, 10am. For reservations and ticket information, call 800.497.5007. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, www.flintcenter.com.

Gypsy American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents a musical about famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. March 28-April 9. $46-$73. San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

Celebrity Forum With Ken Burns. March 29-31, 8pm. For ticket information, call 650.949.7176. Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, www.flintcenter.com.

Fashion Plates The Santa Clara University Catala Club presents a benefit for the Catala Club Endowed Scholarship Funds. The event includes themed tables, a silent auction and a fashion show presented by Designer's Corner. March 29, 11am no-host social, table and auction viewing and bidding; lunch held at noon. $55 per person. Benson Memorial Center, Santa Clara University. For more information, call Marge Valente at 408.292.7556.

Tom Perrotta The author of "Election," "Joe College" and "Bad Haircut" presents his latest novel "Little Children." March 30, 7:30pm. $20-$25. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.montalvoarts.org.

Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Clinic The Saratoga Foothill Club presents its first appraisal clinic. The event is a fundraiser for the club's foundation to preserve the historic Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse and grounds. Appraisals will be offered by Bonhams & Butterfields of San Francisco. The public is invited to bring furniture, jewelry, art, silver, arms and armor, books and more. March 31, 10am-4pm. $7 per item/five item limit. Cash and checks. Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place, Saratoga, 408.354.0596.

Duo Erato The South Bay Guitar Society presents a concert by Martha Masters and Risa Carlson. April 1, 8pm. $15-$25. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.292.0704 or www.sbgs.org.

Mr. Pim Passes By Tabard Theatre Company presents a witty, grown-up comedy by A.A. Milne, who is best known as the author of "Winnie the Pooh." April-May, specific dates TBA. Joint Venture Churches, 6581 Camden Ave, San Jose, 408.979.0231 or www.tabardtheatre.org.

Peninsula Pops Orchestra The orchestra presents "Big Band Blast." With special guest jazz trombonist Dave Gregoric. April 1, 8pm. Also, April 2, 3pm. $10-$18. Spangenberg Theatre, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, 650.856.8432 or www.peninsulapops.com.

Rivers of Chocolate A gourmet chocolate tasting event benefiting benefiting EHC LifeBuilders' Youth Division. April 2006, date TBA. www.ehclifebuilders.org/events

Second Annual Gala Event to benefit the Stroke Awareness Foundation This fundraiser for the Stroke Awareness Foundation features cash prizes for raffle winners. April 1, 5:30pm. Club Regent, Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.879.8433 or www.strokeinfo.org.

Yefim Bronfman The Grammy-winning piano virtuoso performs. April 1, 8pm. $55-$65. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

APRIL 2006

April 2-8.2006

A Trek to the Stars The San Jose Wind Symphony presents a space-themed concert, which includes Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (from 2001: A Space Odyssey), Holst's "The Planets" and John Williams' score from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." April 2, 3pm. $15-$17. Homestead High School Theater, 21370 Homestead Road, Cupertino, 408.927.SJWS or www.sjws.org.

Camerata California The eight-member early music ensemble Camerata California performs "Pleasures and Pastimes," a program of lighthearted secular English vocal and instrumental music from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. April 2, 4:30pm. Free-will donation. St. Luke's Church, 20 University Ave, Los Gatos, 408.281.3965 or 650.969.2341. www.stlukeslg.org.

Robert Greenberg Classical music lecturer Greenberg presents "Mozart's Concerti and Symphonies." Sun, April 2, 2pm. Call for tickets. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

San Jose Wind Symphony The symphony presents "A Trek to the Stars," a program featuring works by Strauss, Holst and John Williams. April 2, 3pm. $15-$17. Homestead High School Theater, Cupertino, 408.927.7597 or www.sjws.org.

Frederica von Stade and Samuel Ramey Renoewned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and bass Samuel Ramey perform. April 4, 7:30pm. $60-$100. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.961.5858 or www.montalvoarts.org.

The Sisters Rosensweig TheatreWorks presents Wendy Wasserstein's award-winning play about three women and their quest for self-fulfillment. April 5-30. $20-$54. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000 or www.theatreworks.org.

True West San Jose Stage Company presents Sam Shepard's darkly humorous tale of two feuding brothers. April 5-30. $20-$42. The Stage, 490 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7142 or www.sanjosestage.com.

Business Hall of Fame Dinner A fundraiser for Junior Achievement. April 6. info@jascc.org.

All Creatures Great and Small Santa Clara University voice professor Nancy Wait-Kromm presents the third in her five-part series of art-song recitals. The concert includes a menagerie of poetic songs celebrating the animal kingdom. April 7, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Presentation High Fashion Show "Time After Time" is the theme of this year's fashion show. The annual event is a fundraiser for scholarships at Presentation High School. Models will be Presentation High School senior students, faculty, staff, alumnae and parents and male students from area high schools. The Presentation dance team and choir will perform. The event also includes music by DJ King Raffi. The show features two seatings: a luncheon or a dinner gala. April 7, 11:30am luncheon show or 6:30pm gala dinner dance. $85 per person for luncheon/$150 per person for dinner gala. Santa Clara Marriott, Santa Clara, 408.264.5110, ext. 2447 or www.pres-net.com.

Evening of Cultural Arts The city of Sunnyvale's 15th anniversary season of concerts features an expanded schedule. The event continues with women's choral group Kitka performing traditional folk songs and new work from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Russia, Ukraine, Kazhakstan and other countries. April 8, 8pm. $20-$25. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.730.7725 or www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.

Noonie's Masterpiece in Purple Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents a play about a budding child artist who receives inspiration from the spirits of some famous painters. April 8, 2pm and 4pm. $3. Fess Parker Studio Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

April 9-15.2006

Karin Schaupp The Los Gatos Community Concert Association concludes its season with a concert by classical guitarist Karin Schaupp. April 9, 2:30pm. $10 students/$45 seniors/$50 adults for season subscriptions. Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St, Los Gatos, 408.377.1106 or 408.356.5698.

Montalvo Service Group Spring Brunch A champagne brunch at the historic Villa Montalvo. Proceeds benefit Montalvo Center for the Arts. April 9, 11:30am. $48 adults/$22 under 10. Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. Reservations required, call 408.961.5834.

San Jose Chamber Orchestra The orchestra presents "Mostly Mollicone," a program celebrating a milestone birthday of locally based composer Henry Mollicone. Featuring a program of works by Mollicone, with special guests who include sopranos Erie Mills and Maria Spacagna, tenor Brian Staufenbiel, William Trimble on saxophone, Anthony Quartuccio on accordion and Mollicone himself at the piano. April 9, 7pm. $20-$30 seniors and students/$30-$40 general admission. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.4416 or www.sjco.org.

History San Jose Opening April 11: "It's Our Fault, Too," an exhibit that marks the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and examines the quake's impact on San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley.

Talking Art The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art presents a series of monthly salon-style discussions focusing on issues of importance to the Bay Area artistic community. This month features "The Gallery Game" a discussion with representatives from commercial galleries, nonprofit spaces and alternative venues. April 13, 7pm-9pm. Free to SJICA members/$5 nonmembers. San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.8155.

Eggstravaganza The Campbell Kiwanis Club presents an Easter egg and candy hunt. The event also features face-painting, games, arts and crafts, a jump house and photos with the Easter Bunny. Coffee and donuts will be for sale starting at 7:30am. April 15, 9am (egg hunt starts at 10:30am sharp). Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, 408.866.2769.

April 16-22.2006

Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents Dennis Nahat's "Slavonic and Hungarian Dances" plus Michael Fokine's "Les Sylphides." April 20-23. Call for ticket information. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 408.288.2800 or www.balletsanjose.org.

Steel Magnolias Northside Theatre Company presents poignant drama about small-town Southern life. April 20-May 14. Call for tickets. Northside Theatre Company, 848 E. William St, San Jose, 408.288.7820 or www.northsidetheatre.com.

A Spring Evening of Chamber Music Santa Clara University music faculty members team up for a concert of chamber music favorites, including selections by Brahms, and songs from Britain for baritone and guitar. April 21, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Christopher Parkening Guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening performs. April 21, 8pm. $40-$45. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

Rhythm Spirit San Jose Taiko presents its annual concert. The performance includes a new arrangement of "Ichigo Ichie," the work composed for the company's 30th anniversary in 2003. April 21, 8pm and April 22, 2pm and 8pm. $20-$25. Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, 408.293.9344 or www.taiko.org.

Symphony in Flowers Tour The Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony presents its annual tour of three distinctive private gardens in Woodside and Portola Valley. The tour also includes talks by horticultural experts, garden strolls led by landscape designers, musicians and plein air painters in each garden, as well as the symphony store and refreshments. Proceeds from the garden tour benefit the San Francisco Symphony and its outreach projects. April 21 and April 22, 10am-4pm. Rain or shine. $35 advance/$49 at the gate. Box lunches are available by pre-reservation. Tickets and information are available on the web, www.symphonyinflowers.org, or call 650.566.8029.

Don Giovanni Opera San Jose presents Mozart's masterpiece that retells the legend of Don Juan. April 22-May 5. Call for ticket information. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.437.4450 or www.operasj.org.

MS Walk The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Silicon Valley chapter, holds its annual fundraiser to fight multiple sclerosis. The walk features continental breakfast provided by Whole Foods Market, a Jazzercize warmup, fully stocked rest stops and a party at the finish line. Leashed pets are welcome. The route is a 10K loop along the Los Gatos Creek Trail. April 22, 7:30am (registration); 9am (walk begins). 1.800.FIGHT.MS or www.nationalmssociety.org/cau.

Spring in Guadalupe Gardens A nature-themed family event. April 22. www.grpg.org.

April 23-29.2006 Dancin' Downtown 2006 This annual day-long dance festival features performances by a variety of dance companies. April 23, noon-5pm. Circle of Palms, (in front of the San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St), San Jose, www.sjDANCEco.org.

Food and Wine Classic Proceeds benefit Montalvo's arts programs. April 23, 5:30pm. $150 per person. Villa Montalvo, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 408.961.5855 or www.villamontalvo.org.

Gourmetheatre American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents a unique fundraising gala event featuring a surprise dinner lottery featuring top Silicon Valley restaurants. Guests learn where they will be eating dinner only after an announcement during the event. April 23, 4pm. The event begins at American Musical Theatre of San Jose Workshops, 1717 Technology Drive, San Jose, 408.453.1542.

Young Artists Concert Presented by the Steinway Society the Bay Area. April 23, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

Stomp American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents the dramatic percussion performance group. April 25-30 and May 2-7. $46-$73. San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

Disney's Aladdin Jr. Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents its youngest performers in a retelling of the legend of Aladdin. April 27-30. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Junior League Volunteer Recognition Luncheon April 28. www.jlsj.org.

Cypress String Quartet The quartet presents the world premiere of a new work by George Tsontakis. Also, works by Beethoven. April 29, 8pm. $10-$20. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.286.5111 or www.sjchambermusic.org.

Iphigenia at Aulis San José Repertory Theatre presents Euripides' drama about the Greek princess whose father is willing to sacrifice her to be successful in the Trojan War. Presented by the Dance Brigade. April 29-May 28. San José Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, 408.367.7255 or www.sjrep.com.

Wild Crush: A Wine Affaire The Environmental Volunteers, a local nature education organization, present a fundraiser featuring wine tasting, gourmet dining and a live auction. April 29, 6:30pm. $150 per person/$1200 table of eight (includes program recognition). Quadras Center, 2400 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 408.828.1723 or www.evols.org.

April 30-May 6

The Cook Teatro Vision closes its season with Eduardo Machado's drama set on the eve of the Cuban revolution. May 4-21. Call for ticket information. Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Road, San Jose, 408.272.9926 or www.teatrovision.org.

Entertaining Throughout the Seasons EMQ VIP League's annual fundraiser. The event is a luncheon featuring designer and specialty table drawings, a silent auction and guest speaker Diane Dorrans Saeks, the author of "San Francisco Style." May 5. Fairmont Hotel, 170 S. Market St, San Jose. For more information, call 408.335.1832.

Phantom Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's dramatic musical. May 5-14. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Via Ball May 5. www.viaservices.org.

Arthritis Foundation Walk The Arthritis Foundation is seeking walkers to participate in the Arthritis Walk, which raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis. The event features a three-mile and a one-mile course, with activities for the whole family. In many areas, pet owners are invited to bring their leashed dogs to walk with them. May 6. St. James Park, St. James and First streets, San Jose, 800.464.6240 or www.arthritis.org.

Bay Bells 20th Anniversary Gala The Bay Bells Community Handbell Ensemble celebrates its 20th anniversary with a concert and reception. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres will be served and the concert will feature music written for handbells by contemporary composers as well as arrangements of works by Gershwin, Moussorgsky and others. Dessert, featuring a chocolate fountain, a raffle will conclude the evening. May 6, 6:30pm. $35. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 650.887.2243 or www.baybells.org.

Cupertino Rotary Club Golf Tournament May 6.

Thibault Cauvin The South Bay Guitar Society presents a concert by French guitarist Thibault Cauvin. May 6, 8pm. $15-$20. Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, 408.292.0704 or www.sbgs.org.

MAY 2006

May 7-13.2006

The Cook Teatro Vision closes its season with Eduardo Machado's drama set on the eve of the Cuban revolution. May 4-21. Call for ticket information. Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Road, San Jose, 408.272.9926 or www.teatrovision.org.

Robert Greenberg Classical music lecturer Greenberg presents "Mozart's Operas." A guest soprano will perform an aria and discuss her relationship with Mozart's music. Sun, May 7, 2pm. Call for tickets. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

San Jose Chamber Players A brunch concert. May 7. $20-$100.14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, 408.286.2600, ext. 2 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Bruce Northam The award-winning travel writer presents his latest book "Globetrotter Dogma: 100 Canons for Escaping the Rat Race and Exploring the World." May 11, 7:30pm. $20-$25. Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.montalvoarts.org.

Talking Art The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art presents a series of monthly salon-style discussions focusing on issues of importance to the Bay Area artistic community. This month features "To Go or Not to Go: MFA Programs Exposed" a discussion with artists who teach in MFA programs throughout the region who will talk about their curricula and the next generation of working artists. May 11, 7pm-9pm. Free to SJICA members/$5 nonmembers. San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, 451 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.8155.

Ives Quartet The quartet presents works by Bourland and Mendelssohn. May 12, 8pm. $15-$25. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose. Also May 11, 8pm. $15-$25. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave, Palo Alto. 408.554.5832 or www.ivesquartet.org.

Little Theater's Production of Hamlet The Santa Clara Players conclude their season with a comedy/drama about a New York director who directs a production of Hamlet in rural West Virginia. May 12-June 3. $15 (opening night $18). Santa Clara Players Theatre, Don and Warburton avenues (behind the Triton Museum of Art), Santa Clara, 408.248.7993 or www.scplayers.org.

The Shadow Box Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning drama about three terminally ill patients who are visited by their loved ones at a Northern California hospital. May 12-14 and 17-20. Wed-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 2pm. $5-$16. Louis B. Mayer Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

Arts Panorama An event highlighting the member organizations of the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition. May 13. Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose, www.svarts.org.

May 14-20.2006

Frederic Chiu The Steinway Society presents a concert by pianist Frederic Chiu. May 14, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston The author of "The Legend of Fire-Horse Woman." May 18, 7:30pm. $20-$25. (Houston leads a writing workshop, "Memoir Into Fiction," May 18, 3pm-5pm. $50.) Carriage House Theatre, 15400 Montalvo Rd, Saratoga, 408.961.5858 or www.montalvoarts.org.

String of Pearls City Lights Theater Company presents a play by Michele Lowe. May 18-June 18. $15-$35. 529 S. Second St, San Jose, 408.295.4200 or www.cltc.org.

The Full Monty Children's Musical Theater of San Jose is the first non-equity to present this cheeky musical. The show will be presented for the company's annual Marquee production, which features all adult performers in a fundraiser for the company. May 18-21. $35. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Byte Night USA 2.0 EHC LifeBuilders presents an annual sleep-out event to help end homelessness by simulating a night in the life of a homeless person in order to raise awareness and funds. May 19, 6pm. James F. Boccardo Regional Reception Center, San Jose, www.ehclifebuilders.org.

In the Footsteps of Mozart Thomas Colohan and Emily Ray direct the Santa Clara University choral ensembles and orchestra in a program that celebrates Mozart's 250th birthday. The concert also includes works by Dvorak, Debussy and some new American compositions. Harpist Ruthanne Adams is the guest soloist. May 19, 8pm. $5-$12. Mission Church, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

The Little Mermaid Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley presents a ballet based on the fairy tale as part of its children's subscription series. May 19-20. Call for ticket information. California Theater, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.288.2800 or www.balletsanjose.org.

Spring Jazz Ensemble Concert John Russell conducts the Santa Clara University jazz ensemble in a concert of jazz favorites, featuring a special guest artist. May 20, 8pm. $5-$12. Recital Hall, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

May 21-27.2006

San Jose Chamber Orchestra The orchestra closes its 15th season with a program of works written for the orchestra by Jeremy Cohen. The composer will also make a guest appearance performing on the violin. May 21, 7pm. $20-$30 seniors and students/$30-$40 general admission. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.4416 or www.sjco.org.

Evening of Cultural Arts The city of Sunnyvale's 15th anniversary season of performances features an expanded schedule. The event concludes with "Nijinsky Speaks," a one-man show by dancer Leonard Crofoot. May 27, 8pm. $20-$25. Ticket packages start at $80. Sunnyvale Community Center, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, 408.730.7725 or www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.

May 28-June 3.2006

Reinin' in the Hurricane Smuin Ballet presents a work choreographed by Kirk Peterson and set to the music of country western favorites like Gene Autry, K.D. Lang and Johnny Cash. The mixed program also includes the world premiere of "Symphony of Psalms," "The Blue Angel." May 31-June 4. Call for tickets. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, 650.903.6000 or www.smuinballet.org.

Urinetown San Jose Stage Company presents the Tony-award winning musical. May 31-June 25. $20-$42. The Stage, 490 S. First St, San Jose, 408.283.7142 or www.sanjosestage.com.

Once on This Island Santa Clara University Theatre Arts department presents a musical that offers a tropical-island update of the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid." June 2-4 and 6-10. Wed-Sat, 8pm and Sun, 2pm. $5-$16. Louis B. Mayer Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or www.scu.edu/cpa.

Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra The orchestra concludes its season with "Yesterday and Tomorrow," a program of works by Bach, Mozart and a new work by Matthew Cmiel, written for the orchestra. June 3, 8pm. $32-$40. Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford University Campus, Palo Alto, 650.856.3848 or www.pacomusic.org.

Rotary Roundup Charities Auction A fundraiser presented by the Rotary Club of San Jose North. Items for auction include art, electronics, sports merchandise, and travel, entertainment, sports, and dining packages and more. Barbecue dinner. June 3. Holy Family Community Center, 4848 Pearl Ave, San Jose. For information on donating goods to the auction or purchasing tickets, call Sue Bebb at 408.377.7737 or see www.vossmedia.com/sjnr/index.html.

Thomas Hampson Baritone Thomas Hampson performs historical American songs. June 3, 8pm. $35-$60. California Theatre, 345 S. First St, San Jose, 408.961.5858 or www.villamontalvo.org.

JUNE 2006

June 4-10.2006

Once on This Island Fundraising Dinner An island-themed fundraiser to support the performing arts. The event includes a three-course dinner and tickets to the opening night of the musical "Once on This Island." $60. Mission Gardens, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.554.4015 or http://cms.scu.edu/cpa.

Peninsula Pops Orchestra The orchestra closes its season with "Hollywood or Bust!" June 4, 3pm. $10-$18. Spangenberg Theatre, 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, 650.856.8432 or www.peninsulapops.com.

Hairspray American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents the Tony-award winning musical about 1960s dance TV. June 6-18. $142-$443 season subscriptions. San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

2 Pianos, 4 Hands San José Repertory Theatre presents a comedy about two boys pursuing the career of concert pianist. June 10-July 9. San José Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, 408.367.7255 or www.sjrep.com.

June 11-17.2006

Richard Glazier The Steinway Society the Bay Area presents a concert by pianist Richard Glazier. June 11, 7pm. Call for ticket prices. Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St, San Jose, 408.295.6500 or www.steinwaythebayarea.com.

June 18-24.2006

California Suite Northside Theatre Company concludes its season with Neil Simon's comic play about various guests who stay in the same suite of a Beverly Hills hotel over a year's time. Jun 22-July 16. Call for tickets. Northside Theatre Company, 848 E. William St, San Jose, 408.288.7820 or www.northsidetheatre.com.

June 25-July 1.2006

Festival for Independence A Fourth of July weekend festival featuring an outdoor movie screening, live music, cultural activities, children's games and a fireworks show sponsored by the City of San Jose. July 1-4. Discovery Meadow, Woz Way and San Carlos Street, San Jose, www.ehclifebuilders.org.

San Jose Museum of Art Opening July 1: "Jennifer Steinkamp" an exhibit of abstract installations by Los Angeles artist Jennifer Steinkamp. Through Oct 1. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

JULY 2006

July 2-8.2006

San Jose Museum of Art Opening July 2: "Jennifer Steinkamp, Part I," an exhibit of abstract installations by Los Angeles artist Jennifer Steinkamp. Through Oct 1. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

EHC LifeBuilders America Festival for Independence An all-day festival featuring arts and crafts, children's activities, food and drink and live music to celebrate the Fourth of July. Proceeds benefit the Emergency Housing Consortium. July 4. Discovery Meadow, Woz Way and San Carlos Street, San Jose, www.americafestival.com.

July 9-15.2006

Godspell Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents its youngest performers in the popular Stephen Schwartz musical. July 14-23. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

July 23-29.2006

Side Show Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents a musical that follows conjoined twin sisters who leave the sideshow business to pursue a career in Vaudeville. July 28-Aug 6. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

San Jose Museum of Art Opening July 29: "Suburban Escape," an exhibit featuring works by more than 30 artists who depict California's growing suburban landscape in their works. Through Dec 3. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

July 30-Aug 5.2006 San Jose Museum of Art Opening July 30: "Jennifer Steinkamp, Part II," an exhibit of abstract installations by Los Angeles artist Jennifer Steinkamp. Through Oct 29. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

AUGUST 2006

Aug 6-12.2006

Heidi Children's Musical Theatre of San Jose presents its youngest performers in the family favorite. Aug 10-13. Season packages start at $37. Montgomery Theatre, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408.288.5437 or www.cmtsj.org.

Aug 13-19.2006

San Jose Jazz Festival Aug 17-20. Downtown San Jose. www.sanjosejazz.org/festival.html.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Sep 17-Sep 23.2006

Stanford's Cantor Arts Center Opening Sep 20: "The Virgin, Saints and Angels: South American Paintings 1600-1825 From the Thoma Collection." Through Jan 14, 2007. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Museum Way (off Palm Dr), Stanford, 650.723.4177 or www.stanford.edu/dept/ccva.

OCTOBER 2006

Oct 22-28.2006

San Jose Museum of Art Opening Oct 22: "Family Legacies: The Art of Betye, Lezley and Alison Saar," an exhibit of works by artists who are mother and daughters. Through Jan 7. 110 S. Market St, San Jose, 408.294.2787 or www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org.

Oct 29-Nov 4.2006

The King and I American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents the favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Oct 31-Nov 12. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

NOVEMBER 2006

Nov 19-25.2006

Christmas Dreamland American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents a new original holiday musical. Nov 24-Dec 31. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose, 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.

Nov 26-Dec 22.2006

The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue TheatreWorks presents the West Coast premiere of an adaptation of Moliere's "Les Femmes Savantes," which reimagines the farce in New York City during the Jazz Age. Nov 29-Dec 23. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650.903.6000 or www.theatreworks.org.