Feb 12-14: Hillsborough Antique Show. What’s old is new again as hundreds of dealers showcase their wares, including antiques, collectibles, fine and decorative art, furniture and more. If you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind antique, you’re likely to find it here. Fri, 11-8; Sat, 11-7; Sun 11-5. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware; 303/595-0812; www.hillsboroughantiqueshow.com)
Feb 13-14: Tet Festival 2010. Celebrate the year of the tiger with this colorful annual festival, which boasts live entertainment performances; exhibitors; photograph, bonsai and arts and crafts displays; games and rides; traditional ceremonies; and much more. (San Jose: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd.; 408/295-9210; www.hoitetfairgrounds.org)
Feb 25-28: Stitches Show. This annual expo includes workshops for everyone from newbies to experienced knitters; special demonstrations; book signings; retailers offering books, supplies, patterns, yarns and more; door prizes; and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow stitchers. Thurs-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 10-4. (Santa Clara: Convention Center; 5001 Great America Pkwy.; 800/237-7099; www.knittinguniverse.com)
Feb 27: Chinese New Year Parade. This is one of the top parades in the world, and one of the grandest night-illuminated parades in the country. Check out this long-running event, which started in the 1860s and is still going strong today. Parade highlights include beautifully designed floats, folk and lion dancers, marching bands, stilt walkers, acrobats, a 250 foot long Golden Dragon and more. 5:15-8pm. (San Francisco: Market and Second St. to Kearny and Jackson; 415/986-1370; www.chineseparade.com)
Feb 27: Monster Jam. The world’s premier monster truck series rumbles into town, featuring a slew of huge, dinosaur-sized vehicles. About 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with 66-inch-tall wheels and an average weight of at least 10,000 pounds, these customized machines are built to thrill. With a pre-show pit party, crazy freestyle stunts and racing competitions, it’s a guaranteed rip-roaring good time. 7pm. (Oakland: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way; 800/745-3000; www.monsterjam.com)
Feb 27-28: 69th Annual Camellia Show. Stop and smell the camellias at this free show, featuring thousands of delicate blooms of different sizes, colors and breeds. Learn all about this beautiful flower at special lectures; see a juried selection of show flowers from 75 major exhibitors; and more. Sat, 2:30-5; Sun, 11-4. (Santa Clara: Community Recreation Center, 969 Kiely Blvd.; 408/615-3080; www.scccamelliasociety.com)
Special Events
Feb 4: The Reduced Shakespeare Company presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Take a wild, fast-paced romp throughout Shakespeare’s plays in this hilarious revue that has been acclaimed the world over for more than a decade. This was London’s longest-running comedy, and for good reason—with razor-sharp wit, wacky costume changes and high-energy zaniness, this three-man act takes you on a rollicking romp through 89 beloved works—in under an hour and a half. Featuring the original London cast. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 4-Mar 7:Cirque du Soleil presents OVO. Let your imagination take flight with the breathtaking OVO, Cirque du Soleil’s newest show to hit San Jose. This time, the Montreal-based company, whose mind-boggling acrobatic talent, lavish productions and colorful characters have become its hallmarks, unexpectedly delves into the world of insects. 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)
Feb 19-20: Defending the Caveman. Ever wonder just why men and women can’t understand each other? Comedian Rob Becker tries to explain in his hilarious one-man show, which blends stand-up comedy, lectures and therapy sessions. Fri, 8pm; Sat, 5 & 8pm. (Campbell: Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave.; 408/866-2700; www.ci.campbell.ca.us/heritagetheatre)
Feb 24-28: Disney On Ice brings World of Fantasy. Rev up your engines for nonstop fun with characters from popular movies as Cars, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, as well as a journey into Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri, 10:30am & 7:30pm; Sat, 11am, 3 & 7pm; Sun, 11am, 3 & 7pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion: 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 800/745-3000; www.hppsj.com)
Exhibits
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University• Frank Lobdell Figure Drawings (thru Feb 21) focuses on the San Francisco abstract expressionist painter’s exploration of the human body as inspiration. • Longing for Sea-Change (thru Jun 26) features a series of video works by modern artists living in Africa. • Tracing the Past, Drawing the Future: Master Ink Painters in 20th-Century China (Feb 17-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. 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 April 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• Theodora Varnay Jones (thru Feb 20) This solo exhibition features two- and three-dimensional works resulting from Jones’ exploration and interpretation of form, space and repetition. • Ted Fullwood: Energy Machines (Feb 6-Apr 3) This exhibition focuses on fiber works by the San Jose-based artist. 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• Variations on a Theme (thru Feb 7 ) explores works by nearly 40 contemporary artists, organized by thematic groupings such as environment/sustainability, the urban landscape and labor-intensive artistic techniques. • Ansel Adams: Early Works (thru Feb 28) See small-scale prints by the iconic photographer, naturalist and explorer taken early in his career. • 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 (Feb 16-July 3) is a survey of this major American painter’s work, including his earliest and most recent works. Tues-Sun, 11-5. (San Jose: 110 S. Market St.; 408/294-2787; www.sjmusart.org)
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles • Still Crazy (thru Feb 7) Take a closer look at the crazy quilt making movement during the Victorian period between 1876-1900. Heavily embellished with fine dress fabrics like brocades, silks and velvets, as well as ribbons, embroidery and more, these fascinating quilts don’t fail to impress. • Reincarnation: The Crazy Collage Aesthetic of India & Japan (thru Feb 7) Discover how different cultures interpreted the “crazy collage” movement with such pieces as vintage Japanese kimonos and contemporary Indian works. • Poetic License: The Art of Joan Schulze (Feb 16-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 (Feb 16-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 (Mar 7) See a selection of powerful works by this respected Japanese-American artist. • Statewide Drawing and Print Competition & Exhibition (Mar 14) This juried selection of about 70 drawings and prints all convey the diversity of both media. Tues-Sat, 11-5; Thurs, ’til 9pm. (Santa Clara: 1505 Warburton Ave.; 408/247-3754; www.tritonmuseum.org)
Feb 7: Ying Quartet. Join this talented foursome as they perform timeless selections by Haydn, Dvorak and Barber. 7pm. (Burlingame: Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr.; 650/762-1130; www.kohl-mansion.com)
Feb 11: San Francisco Symphony presents Holst’s The Planets. Let your imagination soar out of this world with Gustav Holst’s masterpiece, which takes you across the universe with odes to such planets as Mars, Jupiter and Neptune. Program also includes Walton’s Violin Concerto. 8pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/864-8816; www.flintcenter.com)
Feb 13: Takacs String Quartet offers a program featuring Schumann’s Quartet in F Major, Op. 41 #2, Beethoven’s Razumovsky’s Quartet in E Minor, Op. 59 #2 and a new quartet written especially for the quartet. Presented by San Jose Chamber Music Society. 8pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon Theatre, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/286-5111; www.trianontheatre.com)
Feb 14: San Jose Mission Chamber Orchestra presents Diamonds and Dreams. Starring saxophonist Ashu, this program includes Mendelssohn’s Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream and Mozart’s Symphony No. 34. 7:30pm. (San Jose: Le Petit Trianon Theatre, 72 N. Fifth St.; 408/286-3350; www.missionchamber.org)
Feb 17: Mischa Dichter. This master pianist offers a program including Beethoven’s Six Bagatelles, op. 126, Bartok’s 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs, and Schubert’s Sonata in A Minor, op. 143; he also discusses his inspiring recovery from a debilitating bout with Dupuytrin’s disease, which affected his hands and ability to play. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University, Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 27: Santa Clara University Symphony Orchestra presents Fright Night at the Symphony. No need to wait until Halloween to hear these spooky classical favorites, including selections by Dvorak, Mussorgsky, Liadov, Berlioz, John Williams, and others. 7:30pm. (Santa Clara: Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real; 408/554-4015; www.scu.edu/cas/music)
Feb 28: Cypress String Quartet presents Elena Ruehr Quartet. The foursome takes a different approach to their concerts, focusing on a work based on the popular novel Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, offering an analysis and discussion as well as a performance of the piece. 3pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/ 961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Music: Jazz & Other
Feb 5: Valentine’s Super Love Jam. Join a host of R&B and soul artists, such as Heatwave, the Delfonics and Zapp, for an evening of romance. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion: 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/998-TIXS; www.hppsj.com)
Feb 10: Chris Botti. This gifted trumpeter, composer and performer has made a name for himself in the contemporary jazz world with his signature sound. 7:30pm. (Cupertino: The Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/864-8816; www.flintcenter.com)
Feb 14: The Terry Disley Love Experience. Listen to some red-hot, romantic jazz by this acclaimed UK jazz pianist and composer, who’s known for his original blend of music ranging from be-bop and salsa to reggae and world music. 4:30pm. (Half Moon Bay: 311 Mirada Rd.; 650/726-4143; www.bachddsoc.org)
Feb 14: Pamela Rose with Wild Women of Song. This special Valentine’s Day join San Francisco jazz and blues vocalist Rose as she brings the music of notable women songwriters alive on the stage. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2pm. (San Jose: San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St.; 408/280-7475; www.sanjosejazz.org)
Feb 14: Masters of Persian Music presents Three Generations. Two of Iran’s most prominent figures in Persian classical music join the next generation of musical masters for a transformative performance. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 16: Billy Joel and Elton John. Two of the biggest names in pop come together on one stage and come face to face for an unforgettable performance. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion: 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/998-TIXS; www.hppsj.com)
Feb 19: Vusi Mahlasela. Renowned as one of South Africa’s foremost songwriters—and with a distinctive voice that ranges from a velvety tenor to a plaintive soprano—Mahlasela blends folk rhythms with world pop, blues, and soul. His themes include the struggle for freedom, and forgiveness and reconciliation with enemies. Presented by Stanford Lively Arts. 8pm. (Palo Alto: Stanford University, Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 21: Michael Longo Trio. This former protégé of pianist Oscar Peterson is also known for his long association with the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and his impressive recording credits, which include Vince Guaraldi’s “Peanuts” specials. 4:30pm. (Half Moon Bay: 311 Mirada Rd.; 650/726-4143; www.bachddsoc.org)
Feb 21: Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet presents The Latin Side of Duke Ellington. Celebrate classic Duke Ellington and explore how the band’s first tour in South America inspired the work Latin American Suite. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2pm. (San Jose: San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St.; 408/280-7475; )www.sanjosejazz.org
Feb 22: Bon Jovi. Famous the world over, this hard rock, glam-metal supergroup plays from its newest album, The Circle. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion: 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/998-TIXS; www.hppsj.com)
Feb 25: Bob James. This Grammy-nominated jazz artist has produced a wide repertoire of works during his long career, including several number-one jazz radio hits and five number-one tracks on the Billboard Jazz Charts. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/ 961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 28: Forman, Philpot & Covington Trio. Listen as this modern jazz trio offers an exciting mix of original compositions and crowd-pleasing reinterpretations of standards. 4:30pm. (Half Moon Bay: Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, 311 Mirada Rd.; 650/726-4143; www.bachddsoc.org)
Feb 28: Hot Club of San Francisco. The energetic gypsy jazz sounds of Django Reinhardt get a modern twist with innovative arrangements of classic songs and original works using violin, bass and guitars from Reinhardt’s original Hot Club de France. Part of San Jose Jazz’s Winter Series. 2pm. (San Jose: Improv, 62 S. 2nd St.; 408/280-7475; www.sanjosejazz.org)
Feb 28: Acoustic Alchemy. The Grammy-nominated British group is best known for shaping the contemporary instrumental and smooth jazz scene, and has released a number of records over the past two decades, most recently a greatest hits album. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/ 961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Dance
Feb 6: Dhol Di Awaz. The West Coast’s premier bhangra competition is sure to get the audience’s feet tapping. Sit back and enjoy as skilled dancers clad in vibrant costumes try to outperform each other with routines rooted in this popular Punjabi folk dance. 6pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 408/864-8816; www.flintcenter.com)
Feb 20: Chinese Performing Artists of America presents Spring Festival Silicon Valley 2010: Chinese New Year Gala. This is an international event. East meets west during this showcase of spectacular Chinese kung fu, dances and acrobatics, as well as an internationally renowned vocalist from Afghanistan, performers from San Jose Taiko, ballet dancers from Ballet San Jose and a guest star from China. 7:30pm. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 408/973-8276; www.chineseperformingarts.org)
Feb 21: Nan Hai Arts presents Cultures of China: Festival of Spring. This annual grand performance ushers in the Chinese New Year with award-winning solo and group dance programs, in addition to bel canto and pop songs. 6pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.; 650/259-2100; www.flintcenter.com)
Feb 24-28: Smuin Ballet presents Fly Me to the Moon. Let the sunshine in with a swinging tribute to Frank Sinatra, infusing Michael Smuin’s signature Broadway flair with such classics as “The Lady is a Tramp” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” The program also includes Soon These Two Worlds, a piece choreographed by Amy Seiwert and the dramatic ballet Medea. Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000; www.mvcpa.com)
Feb 27: Afsaneh Art & Culture Society and Ballet Afsaneh present Celebration of Planet Earth. East meets west during a special alliance of international artists promoting peace and environmental consciousness through music and dance performances. 3 & 7:30pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000; www.mvcpa.com)
Feb 27-March 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)
Opera
Feb 6-21: Opera San Jose performs The Marriage of Figaro. Appropriately considered the most perfect comic opera ever written, this masterpiece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart continues to charm audiences to this day with both its music as well as its colorful plot. When his lecherous married boss, Count Almaviva, makes a pass at Figaro’s fiancée, Susanna, the valet doesn’t take it lying down—in fact, the betrothed couple, with the help of Almaviva’s wife, concoct a clever, brilliantly executed scheme to take down the Count and his fellow aristocrats. Full of hilarious deceptions, well-beloved arias, and a rich score, this opera is not to be missed. Tues, Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. (San Jose: California Theatre, 345 S. First St.; 408/437-4450; www.operasj.org)
Theater & Musicals
Thru Feb 14: TheatreWorks presents Daddy Long Legs. This new musical romance, set in turn-of-the-century England, focuses on Jerusha Abbott, a precocious orphan sent to a prestigious college by a mysterious benefactor known only as Daddy Long Legs. As she grows into a spirited independent woman, her journey to adulthood is chronicled in a series of witty letters. But the question remains: Who is behind Jerusha’s success? Tues-Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 and/or 8pm; Sun, 2 and/or 7pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000; www.theatreworks.org)
Thru Feb 14: Teatro Visión presents Taking Flight, a funny, fascinating play about two friends who struggle to overcome a tragedy that affects not only their lives, but the world at large. Written by and starring Adriana Sevahn Nichols, this tribute to the resilience of the human spirit is sure to touch your heart. Daily, 8pm (no shows thru Feb 4 and Feb 8-10; 2pm show on Feb 7 & 14). (San Jose: Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave.; 408/272-9926; www.teatrovision.org)
Thru Feb 20: South Bay Musical Theatre presents Ain’t Misbehavin.’ This award-winning Broadway musical captures the soul of 1930s Harlem through finger-snapping music and comedy. Fri-Sat, 8pm (Feb 13: 2:30pm); Sun, 2:30pm. Extra show Feb 18, 8pm. (Saratoga: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.; 408/266-4734; www.southbaymt.com)
Thru Feb 20: Tabard Theater Company presents Hold On to Love. Ever wish you could get a second chance to make big life decisions and grab missed opportunities? Watch as eight characters get the opportunity to do just that thanks to a little magic and enchantment in this witty and whimsical comedic treasure by J.M. Barrie. Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro St.; 800/838-3006; www.tabardtheatre.org)
Thru Feb 21: City Lights Theater Co. presents Dead Man Walking. This adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film tells the powerful story of Sister Helen Prejean, who tries to save the life and soul of a convicted rapist and murderer. But she soon realizes that the only path to redemption is to make him face the truth of what happened to his victims. Thurs-Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun, 7pm (Feb 7); Sun, 2pm (Feb 14 & 21). (San Jose: 529 S. 2nd St.; 408/295-4200; www.cltc.org)
Thru Feb 21: San Jose Rep presents The Weir. When Valerie moves from bustling Dublin to rural Ireland, she meets a group of barflies in the local pub who take refuge from the outside world by telling each other stories. After they discover Valerie has moved into a house that’s considered haunted, they start spinning supernatural tales, which evolve into confessions of love, loss and loneliness. Sat, 3 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm; Tues, 7:30pm; Wed-Fri, 8pm (extra show 11am, Feb 3). (San Jose: 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com)
Feb 6-28: Arclight Repertory Theater presents Persimmons In Winter. The premiere by Korean-American playwright Vivian Sung Soon Keh tells the tale of two Korean sisters who find their love and friendship tested by the brutality of war, poverty and American cultural assimilation. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: MACLA Arts Center, 510 S. First St.; 800/838-3006; www.arclightrep.org)
Feb 10-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)
