Soladigm Raises $55M

Soladigm manufactures energy efficient "Dynamic Glass" for buildings. The dynamic part means their glass can go from clear to dark on demand and reduce HVAC energy consumption by 25-30%. This latest round (Series D) brings their total funding to $125M.

Source: SJBJ

Color Me Rad - Sep 1st @ Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Now this isn't your everyday 5k run! This Saturday at the Fairgrounds, runners are going to be "color bombed" every 5 minutes, similar to what happens in the Indian festival of Holi (wiki it). For those of you wondering what being color bombed means, the video below will explain everything. If you're interested, click here for more info.

Icrebreaker Opens Today in Santana Row

WHAT:         Icebreaker, the New Zealand company that pioneered the merino wool adventure apparel category, today announced it will open on Santana Row on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.

Peninsula and South Bay fitness enthusiasts, from runners to cyclists to yogis, will rejoice in a new 1,500 sq. ft. TouchLab store.

Wool may not be the typical fabric choice for Bay Area dwellers, but Icebreaker apparel is not made from any ordinary sheep. Handpicked from New Zealand merinos based in the Southern Alps, enduring temperatures between -4 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, Icebreaker apparel offers unique insulating and cooling properties in a luxuriously soft format that won't irritate the skin.

The San Jose TouchLab store will feature Icebreaker's complete line of pure merino wool apparel, including its Outdoor, Running, Travel, Kids, Underwear and City collections and Socks and Accessories, all made from handpicked merino wool born in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. To celebrate the opening, Icebreaker will reveal its new Fall 2012 line.

WHERE:       356 Santana Row
  San Jose, CA 95128

HOURS:    Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm

ABOUT:        Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino wool layering system for the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. Icebreaker merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 43 countries.

                   Icebreaker opened its first California TouchLab store in San Francisco in November 2011. The company has three other US TouchLabs: one in Portland, Oregon (home of its US headquarters), and two in New York City – Soho and the Meatpacking District. In Canada, there are TouchLabs in Vancouver, British Columbia, and in Montréal, Canada.

See icebreaker.com for more information about Icebreaker, and jeremymoon.me for more information on Icebreaker founder and CEO Jeremy Moon.

Two New Bike Corridors

Last week the city council approved two brand new bike corridors, Hedding Street and Ocala Avenue. Over 20 people spoke in favor of the new bike lanes at the meeting and the vote was near unanimous. This comes at a good time as a new bike sharing/rental program is coming to San Jose by the end of the year.

Source: One Square Mile

Hedding Street by Richard Masoner / Cycleicious

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Officially Adds San Jose-Tokyo Route!

Well, it's finally official. Come January 11th of next year, San Jose International will have a direct flight to Narita International in Tokyo. To top it off, the plane used is going to be a Boeing 787, a brand new aircraft with incredible amenities and comfort in all classes.

There will be 5 round trip flights each week (no flights on Tues and Thurs). The San Jose flight will depart at 11:45am and arrive in Tokyo at 4:10pm. The Tokyo flight will leave at 4:35pm and arrive at 10:10am the next day in San Jose.

I'm hoping for a fare sale to launch the new route and that many more international flights will be coming to SJC!

Source: SJBJ

SquareCrow’s Ball at History Park Benefits History San José and Second Harvest Food Bank

San Jose, CA – August 9, 2012

Most of us equate square dancing with the angst of grade school gym class or choosing partners. Those days are gone, and these days square dancing, as well as round dancing, is actually fun.

The Third Annual SquareCrow’s Ball will set out to prove just that on September 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at History Park.

This year’s SquareCrow’s Ball will also benefit both History San José and Second Harvest Food Bank. Tickets are set at an affordable $15 per person, or $10 and two canned goods, with proceeds going to both nonprofits.

“Folk dancing builds community,” said Jane Maxfield, coordinator of the SquareCrow’s Ball. “Dancing together is not as stupid as you thought it was in grade school. And you don’t need to know how to dance. You can learn everything you need by just coming to the Ball.”

The SquareCrow’s Ball will bring together music, food, dancing and a silent auction. Caller Scot Byars will provide dancers the opportunity to revel under the Light Tower at History Park.

“The SquareCrow’s Ball and dancing under the Light Tower brings a liveliness to History Park,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. “This is a wonderful marriage of History Park with historic music and cultural heritage. And we are honored to share that stage with Second Harvest Food Bank.”

Live music by Fiddle Road will demonstrate a diverse musical repertoire  of a colorful blend of Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun and Ol' Timey songs expressed joyfully through guitar, fiddle, mandolin, five-string and tenor banjos, stand up bass and ukulele.

Pies will be offered by Coco’s Bakery Restaurant of Sunnyvale, coffee from Red Rock, and of course, San Jose’s own Treat Ice Cream is available in O’Brien’s Café in the Pacific Hotel at History Park.

History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes Avenues, at the south end of Kelley Park. For the purpose of GPS routing, 635 Phelan in San Jose, CA will direct to the south parking lot.

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

www.historysanjose.org

About SquareCrow’s Ball:

In early 2010 five friends who enjoy square dancing decided to put together a square dance as an opportunity to expose others to the fun of square dancing and to give square dancers an opportunity to give back to others in their community.

The first SquareCrow’s Ball in 2010 brought together members of 14 different square dance clubs and benefited both History San Jose and the Second Harvest Food Bank.  Rich Reel – of El Camino Reelers, Sunnyvale Squares, and Western Star Dancers – was the very gracious and entertaining caller who donated his services and helped make this event such a success.  http://squarecrowsball.wordpress.com/

About Second Harvest Food Bank:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to an average of nearly one quarter of a million people each month. The Food Bank mobilizes individuals, companies and community partners to connect people to the nutritious food they need. Nearly half of the food distributed is fresh produce. Second Harvest also plays a leading role in promoting federal nutrition programs and educating families on how to make healthier food choices. Visit www.SHFB.org to get involved.

The Mmoon Expansion

The Mmoon is expanding! They opened their first location in Downtown San Jose two years ago, offering their unique and delicious empanadas on a spacious corner lot on Santa Clara Street near San Pedro Square. Now they are opening a second location in downtown Los Gatos! Additional info in the release below:




The Mmoon, a family-owned empanada eatery, is excited to announce the opening of their second location in historic downtown Los Gatos this spring. The new location will be at 81 West Main Street, next door to the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to open our second store in Los Gatos. We have learned over the past year that empanadas are new to many people and we look forward to bringing a small taste of Argentina to a wonderful community,” says co-founder, Mike Mendez.

The Mmoon opened its first location in downtown San Jose in September 2010 and has since
become a popular destination for a quick lunch or pre-Sharks game meal. The eatery features an
assortment of gourmet artisanal empanadas, fresh salads, homemade dressings and sauces
(including their signature blended churri sauce – a secret family recipe spanning four generations).

The Mmoon looks forward to opening their doors to the Los Gatos community the week of May 14th.

About the Mmoon
The Mmoon features Argentine-inspired gourmet empanadas. Founded by the Mendez family in
2010, their mission is to offer quick service and quality food at an affordable price. Simple quality
makes each empanada special. The causal eatery offers catering, delivery and take and bake. The
Mmoon is located in downtown San Jose’s historic San Pedro Square at 177 W. Santa Clara Street.
For more information about the Mmoon, please visit www.themmoon.com.

DRUM! Night 2012 A Hit; Paul Bostaph, Newark, Wins BADASS

DRUM! Night 2012 A Hit With Diverse Drumming Performances; Paul Bostaph Reels In Second Annual BADASS Award

San Jose, Calif., Enter Music Publishing’s third annual DRUM! Night was quite a hit. The event, a benefit for San Jose’s Lincoln High, featured diverse drum concerts and clinics by world-respected drummers and local legends. The third annual benefit, which also included a raffle and silent auction, rocked the San Jose Repertory Theater on August. 10.

“Enter Music Publishing really has made it a commitment to conduct events like this for the good of music education,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of the company. “Let’s face it. These days, high schools need help from the community to keep music in the educational mix. DRUM! Night, without a doubt, was an attempt to demonstrate the power of drumming to high school-age musicians.”

Paul Bostaph’s Beat Recognized: A BADAAS

Among the highlights of DRUM! Night was the awarding of the second annual BADAAS Award (Bay Area Drummers Achievement Awards) to Paul Bostaph, the local metal star who has been a key member of Slayer, Testament, and other bands.

Last year Mike Bordin (Soundgarden) won the inaugural award. Bostaph, who hails from Newark, Calif., and came to fame playing with Forbidden, before moving on to Slayer, Exodus, and Testament. In his acceptance speech he thanked all the drummers and companies, who have stood behind him throughout his career.

Pre-Event Percussive Highlights: From San Jose Taiko To Roland’s V-Drums Lab

Before the event, San Jose Taiko performed a street concert outside the theater. Inside, Roland set up a V-Drums Lab, so attendees could check out the latest and greatest from the electronic drum manufacturer.

Nate Brown’s Syncopated Stick Tricks And Legendary Drum Kits

In addition, Nate Brown performed a stick tricks clinic for the assembed drummers. At the same time, Drummers Tradition of San Rafael, Calif. created a mini-museum of vintage drum kits including a Ronnie Montrose set (originally played by Denny Carmassi) and the set used on Rick James "SuperFly." Other exhibitions included Louie Bellson memorabilia and Power Wrist Builders.

Kenny Aronoff’s Signature Session

Kenny Aronoff, the all-world session and touring ace who has played on dozens of top hits wowed the crowd with some of the hits from Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, and others he's recorded or performed with. He described the tension of playing inaugurations and major Kennedy Center Events. He also provided great advice to drummers. He noted to the drummers in attendance that if they want a career in music, "Hard work is not just something you do for four years in college. It's your whole life."

During another performance, Tim Yeung (Morbid Angel, Divine Heresy) performed a high-octane set of metal grooves. During discussion with the audience he emphasized the role of listening and relationships, among band members, friends, and musicians and audiences.

Prince Drummers Participate

Cora Coleman-Dunham and her trio with husband Josh Dunham, put aside their busy touring/recording schedule to attend DRUM! Night. The two of them anchored Prince's 2010-2011 percussive lineups. Her set featured great improvisation and melodies she played on her tuned drum set, as well as big funky grooves.

A Worthy Cause 
As discussed above, DRUM! Night 2012 was a benefit to raise money for Lincoln High School and proved successful. The Raffle and Silent Auction raised thousands for the school and raised awareness for music education. Lucky raffle winners walked off with a Gretsch Drum Kit, and sets of Zildjian and Sabian cymbals.

About Enter Music Publishing

Founded in San Jose, CA in 1991, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.

Siren Fish & Reptiles Now Open Downtown

Another retail slot has been filled Downtown! Siren Fish & Reptile is now open for business at 18 N 1st Street (near the intersection with E. Santa Clara). They have a pretty impressive collection of lizards, amphibians, snakes, fish, and even birds. Even if you are not a fish or reptile hobbyist, you should still stroll in and have a look.

You can also check out their website over here and their Facebook page here.

Wednesday Wishlist: Taking the Public Art Mural to a Larger Level

On the Think Bigger San Jose blog there is a new post about upping public art to a new level. Mark has a couple awesome ideas in there such as doing a full-building mural on the ugly windowless AT&T building on Almaden and creating rooftop murals that can be seen from airplanes and Google maps, turning all of Downtown into a work of art. These ideas are out-of-the-box, disruptive (in a good way), and exactly what Downtown needs.

To read Mark's post, click here!

Winchester Mystery House Fright Nights are Returning!

My favorite Halloween event by far from last year is not only returning, it's expanding. Fright Nights at the Winchester Mystery House is adding over 100 characters and new surprises in it's 40-min maze entitled "Curse of Sarah Winchester: The Resurrection." I'm hoping most of the Hollywood-caliber props from last year will return as well.

They are also adding a brand new kind of mansion flashlight tour, one without a tour guide. It sounds like there may even be actors in parts of the mansion this time around. Each Fright Night ticket includes access to both attractions. I can't wait! Full details below:

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SAN JOSE, CA, August 12, 2012 -- The award-winning Winchester Mystery House attraction "Fright Nights" returns for a second year kicking off on Friday, September 28, 2012. The world-famous mysterious, rambling and reportedly haunted home of Sarah Winchester has more thrills and exciting additions to last year’s award-winning Maze and House tour.

Throughout September and October (see complete schedule below), the grounds of the Winchester Estate will be transformed into the world’s most terrifying Halloween experience. Filled with haunted walk-through attractions, roaming scare performers, and nightmare inducing tales, “Fright Nights” will once again be an open house visitors won’t want to miss.

“We are excited to bring 'Fright Nights' back to life for a second year at the Winchester Mystery House," said Brett Tomberlin, President, Imagination Design Works, the production team behind the special event. "To give visitors even more, we are stepping up the 40-minute maze by adding over 100 spine-chilling characters and surprises around every corner. The ‘Flashlight Tour’ is also ramped up in a way that will shock and awe visitors."

CURSE OF SARAH WINCHESTER: THE RESURRECTION
Maze Length: 40 Minutes
Guests at “Fright Nights” will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the all-new “Curse of Sarah Winchester Maze” – an interactive, multi-sensory gateway between Heaven and Hell which will be opened exclusively for visitors of “Fright Nights.” For a lifetime, Sarah Winchester built and rebuilt her house to avoid a treacherous curse and to escape her husband’s legacy of damnation. Those who perished by the Winchester rifle are seeking revenge, and are now ready to sacrifice souls before midnight strikes.

Visitors find themselves trapped inside a mansion empowered by the undead, traveling through the Corn Fields of Winchester Mystery House, into the haunted ruins of the family Graveyard and ultimately, a showdown with Sarah herself in the middle of one of her infamous séances.

“WALK WITH THE SPIRITS” FLASHLIGHT TOUR
Tour Length: 35 Minutes
Tour the mansion as you never have before - on your own. Since her death, millions of people have visited Sarah’s home and many have reported sighting ghosts. Do the phantoms she communed with or perhaps Sarah herself still lurk nightly in the maze-like corridors of the Winchester Mystery House?

You'll tour the rambling, mysterious mansion with only the moonlight, a souvenir flashlight, and your imagination to provide illumination through the bewildering labyrinth of rooms and stairways. Guests experience bone-chilling creatures and blood-curdling moments as they find themselves trapped inside the mansion empowered by the undead.

EVENT DATES, TIMES, LOCATION AND ADMISSION:

WHERE:
Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House
525 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408.247.2101

TICKET INFO:
"Slasher Savings" Pre-sale tickets from Aug. 12 – Sept. 9: $35 or $50 VIP

Two-pack tickets available at any Northern CA Costco from Sept. 10 – Oct. 31: $54.99

From Sept. 28 – Oct. 14: $40 or $55 VIP From Oct. 15 – Nov. 3: $45 or $60 VIP

Tickets available for purchase starting August 12th by visiting WinchesterMysteryHouse.com/tickets

*VIP tickets include front of line access
*Regular and VIP tickets include access to the Curse of Sarah Winchester Maze and Walk with the Spirits Flashlight Tour

FRIGHT NIGHTS DATES AND TIMES:
September 28-29
6:30pm – 12:00am

September 30
6:30pm – 11:00pm

October 7, 29, 30
6:30Pm – 11:00pm

October 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
6:30pm – 11:30pm

October 5, 6, 31
6:30pm – 12:00am

October 12, 13, 19, 20
6:30pm – 12:30am

October 26, 27
6:30pm – 1:00am

November 2, 3
6:30pm – 12:00am

Featured event partners and key sponsors include: Ghirardelli Chocolate, Dead Dog’s Hot Dogs, Psycho Donuts, Monster Energy Drink, Crystal Head Vodka, San Jose State University, Santana Row, Costco and Togo’s. Media partner includes: 94.9 The Wild.

ABOUT THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE:
The Winchester Mystery House is a California State Historical Landmark (#868) and was designed and built by Winchester rifle heiress, Sarah Winchester. The attraction is one of the top tourist attractions in the world and has recently been honored with the following accolades: World's Most Haunted Places #2, Travel Channel; The Scariest Locations In America #3, HauntWorld Magazine; 10 Great Places To Get Spooked #5 USA Today.

ABOUT IMAGINATION DESIGN WORKS (IDW):
IDW Productions is an independent entertainment Production Company formed for the purpose of creating feature length motion pictures, television programming and live entertainment productions. The company is owned and run by Brett Tomberlin and is the creative entity behind this year’s Fright Nights. IDW has also announced a major feature film about the House slated to premiere in 2013. Fans are invited to follow the Winchester Mystery House and Brett Tomberlin on Twitter at: twitter.com/WinchesterHouse or via Facebook at: facebook.com/winchestermysteryhouse (Official).

TWO BUCK Tuesday Aug 21st!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

Join us at KALEID Gallery for this upcoming TWO BUCK Tuesday, August 21st, 7pm-10pm!
Come enjoy an inspired evening of performances, live painting, $2 art & quirky people get together!
Here’s some of what you have to look forward to this time:

LIVE ART by:

Nik Caesar

Brianna Stevens

John Hageman

Fernando Armo

Joe Perea

David Canvese

Al Preciado

Steven Borelli will also be on hand painting live and available for conversation about his current feature solo exhibition "Creatively Maladjusted".

Listen to the sweet sounds of an indie/electronic/80’s set by J. Swizza & DJ Coco


Enjoy live improvisational belly dance by Nour El Ain!


Delicia Bites brings savory and robust flavors to traditional Mexican flan. With each spoonful of these delightful bites your taste buds will be taken on a flavorful journey. ~Buen Provecho
Tuesday, August 21st, 7-10pm
It’s free and open to all ages!


88 South Fourth Street (@ San Fernando)

San Jose, CA 95112

info@KALEIDGallery.com

408-947-1785

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, noon -7pm, free admission

Catch Vincent Kartheiser in "The Death of the Novel" at the San Jose Rep!

The Death of the Novel

By Jonathan Marc Feldman
Directed by Rick Lombardo

Hollywood is coming to the San Jose Rep! Vincent Kartheiser, (currently on AMC's Mad Men as Pete Campbell) stars along with Vaishnavi Sharma, Patrick Jones, Zarah Mahler and Amy Pietz. 

The production, as described on the San Jose Repertory's website:

Brilliant young novelist Sebastian Justice claims to be the most well-adjusted, depressed agoraphobic in Manhattan. While he rants about anything from global warming to tennis, his publisher-ordered psychologist (a “writer’s block-whisperer”) tries to get to the bottom of his grief. But when a stunning and mysterious Saudi woman intrudes into his self-contained world his emotional descent takes a sudden turn, for the raving beauty may not be the person she says she is. Will this stranger be the one to help him find his way back, and at what cost? Identities blur in this enthralling and evocative story that takes a look at the modern world through the eyes of a brilliant and tragically wounded artist.

I'm really looking forward to checking out this show. The story sounds intriguing, but I must admit my inner fangirl is squeeing. While I do watch Mad Men, my first exposure to Vincent was his portrayal of Connor in television show, Angel. It will no doubt be a treat to see him in this production. Additionally, I've been a fan of Amy Pietz from back in the day when she starred with Lea Thompson in Caroline in the City. Another favorite show of my back in the 90s. (What can I say, I was a TV nut.)

How Vincent Kartheiser Found the Lead Role

The production runs from August 30th - September 22nd.

Pay What You Will Night: August 30th

Click here for show and ticket information.

August 2012 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• A pilot program launched in July to turn some street parking spaces into sidewalk dining (similar to the space outside Caffe Frascati). Chacho's is expected to be one of the first restaurants to take advantage of this
• The City Council is selling off RDA-owned parcels in order to help pay down the agency's $4B debt. (The new owners of these parcels will hopefully be willing to redevelop them into something that adds value to the community).
• A $210M family courthouse has been approved in the new state budget and construction is set to begin in 2013 and end in 2015. This will create 20 new courtrooms in a 234,000 sqft building that could be up to 9 or 10 stories tall.
• Sign code has been amended to be more flexible, allowing programmable electronic signs on a variety of businesses and larger signs for event venues such as the Rep (which can now have up to a 25 foot high electronic sign)
• 3,500 people attended the Fountain Blues Festival in St. James Park, a 33% increase over the previous year.
• Groundwerx projects planned for the rest of 2012:
• Install decorative LED lighting along First and Second streets between Santa Clara and San Carlos (the transit mall).
• Paint a design on the walls of the parking lot fronting Almaden and Woz across from the convention center.
• Assist in the construction of granite benches in SoFA
• New Businesses
• Original Gravity Public House (66 S. First) - New craft brew pub with 25 beers on tap that rotate multiple times per week, gourmet sausages, and duck-fat fries (Josh: have already been here, epic new addition Downtown)
• Siren Fish & Reptiles (18 N. First) - Specialty pets such as fish, birds, and reptiles.
• Lilies Hair Studio & Barber Shop (196 N. Third - 2nd Floor)
• Beauty P & T Hair and Nail Salon (92 E. San Salvador)
• Don's Shoeshine (160 W. Santa Clara St.)

To read the full newsletter, click here!

MythBusters Audition Tomorrow

Do you love science? Have you ever watched the popular show MythBusters on the Discovery Channel? Would you like to "bust" a few myths of your own? Well, come audition August 20 from 2 - 7 p.m. for MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition, the blockbuster exhibition is making its West Coast premiere at The Tech Museum. You may earn a spot on the museum's team of "MythBusters" that perform live MythBusting demonstrations for hundreds of visitors!

This is a paid position. Rehearsals start in September and the exhibition runs October 13, 2012 through January 6, 2013.  Shifts available from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. daily during the run of the exhibition.  Audition will consist of a reading from a provided script and an improv exercise so dress appropriately.

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time for registration.
Bring a current resume, headshot and your availability for September 2012 though January 6, 2013

Audition Location:
The Tech Museum
201 S. Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113

Please call:
(408) 795-6116

¡VivaFest! Mexican Heritage and Mariachi Festival Forms Partnership with CasaQ for Curatorial Cultural Events

San Jose, CA - August 8, 2012 - This year when ¡VivaFest! was looking to expand the 21st Annual Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival they turned to none other than Darlene Tenes of CasaQ, who is renowned for creating exclusive events and cultural experiences which incorporate the traditions and customs of Spain, Mexico and Latin America.

“¡VivaFest! is proud to be partnering with Darlene Tenes of CasaQ,” remarks Marcela Davison Aviles, Mexican Heritage Corporation President and CEO, “who has created  memorable events that celebrate the foods, films and history of Mexico and Latin America.”

Two significant occasions this year gave Tenes the inspiration for four of the many events planned: the 20th Anniversary of Como Agua Para Chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate) movie and the end of the Maya Calendar.

Like Water for Chocolate is an award-winning film based on the best-selling novel by Laura Esquivel, with a cult-like following of romantics and foodies making it the highest grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the United States. The romantic fable from Mexico centers on a young woman who discovers that her cooking has magical effects. The original film will be shown at the Tech Museum along with a chocolate tasting, and on a separate evening, a multi-course dinner at the Fairmont San Jose. Diners will indulge on an incredible menu of Mexican cuisine based on the book with special guest Grammy award winning artist, Lila Downs who is currently working on a musical adaptation of Like Water for Chocolate for Broadway.

Additional events will examine the end of the Maya Calendar phenomenon with world-renowned experts of Maya spirituality, astronomy, language, culture, science and philosophy. The Tech Museum will host “Maya Calendar Revealed” event which will feature the documentary 2012: The Beginning by Shannon Kring Bruset along with a panel of experts including Dr. Isabel Hawkins, an astronomer and Maya expert from the Exploratorium and Doña María Ávila Vera, a Maya elder from the Yucatán, Mexico and Dr. Jean Molesky-Poz author of Contemporary Maya Spirituality: The Ancient Ways Are Not Lost. One special guest, Tata José Soc Chivalán, a Maya spiritual leader, will be traveling for the first time not just outside his country of Guatemala but also outside of his village. “The Maya Empire Feast” will take place at the Fairmont San Jose and will feature indigenous foods of the Maya exploring the rich abundance of fruits, meats and vegetables native to the Yucatán region of Mexico prior to the Spanish Conquistadors arrival in the Americas. The event has been billed as a “dining experience for the most adventurous foodies” and is rumored to have an iguana course.

CasaQ’s Cine y Cena events will also include an evening with award-winning producer/writer Rick Najera best known for his work with In Living Color, MadTV, Latinologues and Nothing Like the Holidays who will give guests a behind the scenes look at his latest film offering Taco Shop. This comedy centered on a young man nicknamed Smokes, played by Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf fame, quits his taco shop job to open his own shop across the street and ends up finding himself in an all-out war when a gourmet taco truck parks across the street. There will of course be dueling taco trucks to start off the evening.

“I am excited to create and be a part of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Darlene Tenes, CasaQ founder,  “and am fortunate to have the opportunity to bring together such an array of interesting people to share their knowledge, talents and gifts with others.”

CasaQ events for ¡VivaFest!  range in price from $5 to $250 per person, and will be take place between September 8 through 30, 2012 at the Fairmont San Jose, Tech Museum and other locations in San Jose, CA.

Reservations and more information for CasaQ’s exclusive events for VivaFest can be found at http://www.casaqevents.com

  # # #

About CasaQ
CasaQ is a San Jose-based Hispanic lifestyle company, founded in 2005 by Darlene Tenes that is dedicated to providing unique products, services and content geared toward people who embrace the Latino culture. Ms. Tenes is renowned for planning festive and creative Hispanic events, which incorporate the traditions and customs of Spain, Mexico and Latin America. www.casaq.com

About the Mexican Heritage Corporation:  Now in its 21th year, VivaFest! is Northern California’s leading Latino cultural destination event. With a mission to affirm, celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Mexican community and showcase multicultural arts within the region and nationally, MHC both presents and produces a vibrant array of multi-disciplinary arts programs in theatre, dance, and music education and in the visual arts. Visit www.mhcviva.org or www.vivafest.org.

TechXploration: Unlearn How Things Work

TechEploration is a meetup group that plugs you into the latest conversations about emerging tech, trends, and issues with the industry's top thought leaders. They also offer food, music, and networking opportunities along with their events. For more info on their latest event, just continue reading or head over to their webpage over here.

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Jay Silver will join us to launch the "invention kit for everyone": MaKey MaKey!

RSVP now to reserve your spot!

Food and Craft Beer @ 6:47 PM

Presentation, Demos and Q&A @ 7:19 PM

PayPal Town Hall

2161 North 1st Street, San Jose, CA (map)

What is MaKey MaKey?

Brought to life by an over 2,000% funded Kickstarter campaign, MaKey MaKey is "an invention kit for the 21st century. Turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the internet. It's a simple Invention Kit for Beginners and Experts doing art, engineering, and everything in between."

Wait, I'm a TechXplorer so I need more technical info than that...* (see below)

Ever played Mario on Play-Doh or Piano on Bananas? Alligator clip the Internet to your world and start inventing the future.

About Jay Silver:

• Creator of Drawdio, Singing Fingers, Scratch and MaKey MaKey!
• Maker Research Scientist, Intel
• PhD student, MIT Media Lab

Come Xplore:

• How the Maker Movement is transforming the prototyping of interactive systems
• What Intel and others are doing to support and learn from the Maker Movement
• Why you shouldn't (but could!) use your cat as a game controller =)

RSVP now to reserve your spot!

*MaKey MaKey is...

MaKey MaKey is a printed circuit board with an ATMega32u4 microcontroller running Arduino Leonardo firmware. It uses the Human Interface Device (HID) protocol to communicate with your computer, and it can send keypresses, mouse clicks, and mouse movements. For sensing closed switches on the digital input pins, we use high resistance switching to make it so you can close a switch even through materials like your skin, leaves, and play-doh. We use a pull-up resistor of 10-50 mega ohms. This technique attracts noise on the input, so we use a moving window averager to lowpass the noise in software, saving money on hardware filtering. There are six inputs on the front of the board, which can be attached to via alligator clipping, soldering to the pads, or any other method you can think of. There are another 12 inputs on the back, 6 for keyboard keys, and 6 for mouse motion, which you can access with jumpers via the female headers. If you wish to use a different set of keys, or otherwise change the behavior of your MaKey MaKey, you can simply reprogram it using the Arduino environment. By cutting a trace on the back of the board, you can disconnect the large pull-up resistors if you want to, which would be necessary in a small minority of Arduino projects. more info here.

Assyrian Food Festival Aug 18-19

There are a myriad of ethnic festivals in San Jose, but this is one I have never heard of before. This weekend in Willow Glen the Assyrian Food Festival kicks off. There is no entrance fee and there's even a free shuttle from Tamien Station. The food is in the Mediterranean genre with staples such as hummus, dolmas, and kebabs along with some unique cultural dishes. Sounds really interesting!

The festival will be centered around the Assyrian Church of the East on 680 Minnesota Avenue. For more festival info have a look at their website.

Source: The Merc

The Screwtape Letters Comes to San Jose

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Chicago, IL -THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS, the provocative and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view, comes to San Jose for two performances only.  The production will run at the San Jose Performing Arts Center, 255 Almaden Boulevard, Saturday, September 22 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The National Tour ofTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS kicked off after a hit nine-month run at the Westside Theatre in New York City where it entertained 50,000 theatergoers.  Prior to that,THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS was a sold out hit in Chicago and Washington D. C. where it ran for a combined eight months.

Now in its second smash year,THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS’ National Tour has delighted capacity audiences in 50 major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Seattle, Dallas and Houston.   Over 200,000 have seen this production on tour, which continues to attract a national following.

Associated Press callsTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS “Devilishly funny!” The Chicago Sun-Times hails the productionas “Smart, sizzling entertainment!;” The Boston Globe raves that it is“Engrossing and Entertaining!” andThe Chicago Tribune says THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is “Very smart...richly rewarding...exuberant theatricality!”

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS creates a topsy-turvy morally inverted universe set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy” and the devil is referred to as “Our Father below.”  The play follows His Abysmal Sublimity Screwtape, Satan’s top psychiatrist (due to his profound understanding of human nature), and his slavish creature-demon Toadpipe, as they train an apprentice demon, Wormwood, on how to ruin the life and damn the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth.  Screwtape is played by award-winning actor Max McLean.

Along withThe Chronicles of Narnia (includingThe Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe),The Great Divorce andMere Christianity, THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is still one of Lewis’ most popular and influential works.  The book's piercing insight into human nature and the lucid and humorous way Lewis makes his readers squirm in self-recognition made it an immediate success.  When first published in 1942 it brought worldwide fame to this little-known Oxford don including the cover ofTime Magazine.

The idea for Screwtapefirst came to Lewis after listening to Hitler’s Reichstag Speech on July 19, 1940, while it was simultaneously translated on BBC Radio.  Lewis wrote“I don’t know if I’m weaker than other people, but it is a positive revelation to me how while the speech lasts it is impossible not to waver just a little… Statements which I know to be untrue all but convince me…if only the man says them unflinchingly.”

Lewisdedicated it to his close friend J. R. R. Tolkien who had expressed to Lewis that delving too deeply into the craft of evil would have consequences.  Lewis admitted as much when he wrote “Though I had never written anything more easily, I never wrote with less enjoyment . . . though it was easy to twist one’s mind into the diabolical attitude, it was not fun, or not for long. The work into which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst, and itch. Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded.”

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is produced by New York City based Fellowship for the Performing Arts. Max McLean serves as Artistic Director.  Executive Producer and General Manager is Ken Denison of Aruba Productions. Scenic Design is by Cameron Anderson, Costumes by Michael Bevins, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, and Original Music and Sound Design by John Gromada.

The performance schedule forTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is Saturday, September 22 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Tickets are available in the following price tiers: $59, $49 and $39.  There are a limited number of premium seats available for $89 and student seats for $25 (student ID required).  For groups of 10 or more (including student groups) call 866.476.8707.

To purchase tickets, visitwww.ScrewtapeonStage.com,call 408.792.4111 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p,m,or visit the box office at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W San Carlos St., San Jose (in advance) or theSan Jose Performing Arts Center box office, 255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose (day of).    

Content Magazine Pick-up Party Tomorrow

My favorite publication is having a "Pick-Up Party" over at Willow Glen's newest Gastropub, The Table. This eatery is owned by Jim Stump (A.P. Stumps & Los Gatos Brewing Co.) so my expectations are high for the food and drinks. Hop on in anytime between 6 and 8pm, pick up the best San Jose-oriented magazine on the planet, throw back a few drinks/appetizers, and hang out with the awesome staff of Content!

The address is 1110 Willow Street and the Facebook page for the event is here.

Corazon Flamenco at Santa Clara University!

Arte Flamenco de San Jose is throwing their annual flamenco show next week in Santa Clara University's Mayer Theater. Past performances have been stellar and this is definitely something worth adding to your calendar. Next week's event is also the sole source of funding for this nonprofit organization, so the proceeds are going to a great cause! Full info below:

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Can't make it to Seville Spain this year for the Flamenco Bienal?  Come to Santa Clara to fill your soul with flamenco music, song and dance!

Arte Flamenco de San José, a non-profit organization since 1992, provides an opportunity for student dancers, semi-professionals, and professionals to exhibit their talents in our annual show, "Corazon Flamenco" - The Heart of Flamenco, on Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 3:00pm at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre at Santa Clara University.  Call 408-280-5332 for tickets, $20 General Seating or $25 for Limited Reserved Seating.

Join us, as we bring to you a little bit of Spain, on a Sunday afternoon with a beautiful concert of Flamenco guitar, song and dance with colorful traditional costumes and choreography.  The concert features professionals and the students of Arte Flamenco de San José and stars Carola Zertuche, singers Roberto Zamora and Regina Elmore will be accompanied by guitarists David Gutierrez and El Espigote.

DevineGrind Coffee is Open Downtown

I have several posts coming about new eateries in Downtown San Jose. There have been a ton of new places that have opened recently, many of which are exceptional and unique to Downtown San Jose. I'm hoping that DevineGrind will be one of those places. While I haven't visited this new coffee shot yet, so far I have heard good things and it has a great 4 star rating on Yelp.

DevineGrind sits at the corner of Devine and 2nd Streets, near St. James Park (an area currently under-served by restaurants). They serve coffee, espresso, tea, Italian sodas, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, pastries, and sandwiches. DevineGrind also has an enclosed patio area and free WiFi. The shop is family owned and the service is standing out in the reviews so far. These are exactly the types of places we should try to support versus the cookie-cutter cafes like Starbucks and Peets.

Thanks to Luke (who also provided the photo) and Silvia for the tip.

Happy Birthday Car 124!

Come celebrate the 100th birthday of of History San Jose's signature red Trolley #124 today in History Park. All of the details are below:

Starts: Sunday, August 12th 2012 at 11:00 am
Ends: Sunday, August 12th 2012 at 4:00 pm

Part of the Family Days Series: History San Jose Members get in free to all four events!

Join Online

Happy Birthday Car 124! The second in a series of four Family Days will be Sunday, August 12th, when we celebrate Trolley #124’s 100th Birthday. Ride this signature red Trolley, hop aboard a Horse Drawn Car, or try pumping the Hand-car. Come see our Vintage Vehicles including fire engines, the stage coach, one of the first electric cars, and Model T’s.

Kids can create crafts, and everyone will enjoy the live music of the Peninsula Banjo Band at 3:00 on the plaza. Even the San Jose Giants will help us celebrate! We will be offering free tickets to that evening’s game to anyone attending the birthday party (while supplies last). Food will be available for purchase.

Location: History Park
Admission: History San Jose Members are free! $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID. Children five and under are free.
Hours: 11am – 5pm; Main Activities 12pm – 4pm

Two San Jose Petitions

Today I would like to plug two change.org petitions floating around related to San Jose. The first is a petition to save the Mount Umunhum Radar Tower pictured below, which is a historical remnant from the cold war. The current plan is to tear down down all buildings on site before converting this area to public use, with the potential exception of this tower if enough people speak out. We do not have many physical icons or landmarks in the south bay, so if you want to fight to save this one just head over here.

The second one is entitled "San Francisco Giants stop holding San Jose Hostage: Give San Jose back to the A's so MLB and the city of San Jose can thrive." Yup, I think that title pretty much sums it up. You can sign this one right here.

Hat tip to John for submitting these two.

Casino M8trix is Open!

(Sans the 8th Floor)

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is Expanding to The San Pedro Square Market This Year!

from http://www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com/the-san-pedro-square-market-blog/bid/58659/San-Jose-Jazz-Summer-Fest-at-SPSM-This-Weekend

The Market will be home to two stages for the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest! In order to enjoy the music, you will need to purchase a Jazz Festival wristband. They will be available at the door, on the festival grounds, and various locations throughout downtown. Please see the map below for more information.

METRO MARKET STAGE (SPSM, Perazzo Building)
Friday 8/10/12 $15
6pm De Jazz Vu

8pm Poblano Project

10pm Yesberger Band

12am Marcus L. Miller with Freedom Jazz Movement

Saturday 8/11/12 $20
10am Harold Fethe Quartet

12pm Just-AZz

2pm “Taking Flight” Female Songwriters
4pm Fatum Brothers’ Peacetet

6pm Yoshiaki Miyanoue Tokyo Quartet

8pm Grooveyard Shift

10pm Ben Flocks / B-Flo & the Love Machine
12am Synchronicity
Sunday 8/12/12 $20
10am Dixie Six

12pm Kevin Coelho

2pm Jackie Gage and the JurassiC
4pm TBA

6pm Monica Marquis

JC Smith’s Blues Club (SPSM, Lusardi Building) 

Fri, Aug 10 @ 9pm–1am

Sat, Aug 11 @ 9pm–1am

$10 with festival admission / $15 without; at the door only

JC Smith’s Blues Club, located inside San Pedro Square Market’s Lusardi Building, will salute the original living legends of South Bay Blues Friday, Aug 10 with performances by JC Smith Band, Chris Cain, Andy Just, Gary Smith and Sammy Varela. Legally Blue will open the club’s Summer Fest after party Saturday, set to include Chicago artists Toranzo Cannon, Sharon Lewis and Dave Specter in addition to Wendy Dewitt, La Tenaza, Livia Slingerland, Lady Chico and more! 

Downtown San Jose Whole Foods Updates

Last week at City Hall there was community meeting to go over the new Whole Foods breaking ground in 2013 on the corner of The Alameda and Stockton. It sounds like there was some push-back from the community on a long corrugated steel wall that would face the Alameda and have no windows. As you might guess, having a giant empty wall on a major thoroughfare is not ideal for vibrancy on the street. The good news is that the design process is still in progress and there is time for revisions.

Now, for some really good news. There will be a two-story building anchoring the corner of The Alameda and Stockton that will contain a brew pub and restaurant. This will be the very first brewery to be a part of a Whole Foods and the plan is for it to continue to stay open late even after the grocery store closes. There will also be a patio between this building and the main building, designed as an area where the community can gather. Parking should not be a problem with 141 spaces in the back (will be interesting to see how they prevent people going to the HP Pavilion from parking here).

The entire project should be done by 2014, which I have a feeling will be a banner year for Downtown.

Source: The Merc

Casino M8trix May Open Today!

Based on this YouTube video from last week, it looks like San Jose's long-awaited new Casino may actually be opening . It has been a long and complicated journey, but it looks like the doors will be swung wide open today open sans the penthouse gaming floor (boo). Even non-gamblers will be able to enjoy the 4 new restaurants--a couple of which should be open very late into the night--and of course the solid addition to our skyline. Of all the high-rises in San Jose at the moment, this is the one that I think best represents a "Silicon Valley" aesthetic.

For anyone that checks out M8trix, be sure to post your thoughts in the comments.



UPDATE: M8trix Ribbon Cutting is tomorrow at 8am, but it does open today at 10am.

Dishcrawl: "Unexpected - 8 Restaurants, Theatre, And More!"

You have to hand it to Dishcrawl. They continue to step up their events time and time again. This is going to be the first Dishcrawl that will be done in conjunction with 1stACT Silicon Valley and the San Jose Downtown Association. The new twist this time around is going to be 10 unexpected performances (hence the name) including opera and interpretive dance. This is a self-guided Dishcrawl across 8 different venues featuring food and drinks from the Fairmont, Mezcal, Green Barrel Wine, SV Local Market, and many others. Read all of the details below or head straight to the Discrawl site to reserve your spots!

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Dress up and get your date night on with the first "Unexpected" event!

Experience 10 unexpected performances from opera to interpretive dance while strolling through 8 restaurants in the heart of Downtown San Jose!

Some of the dish and drink pairings you can expect are from Fairmont, Mezcal, SV Local Market, and Green Barrel Wine. Full list to be disclosed early August, but don't wait to purchase tix!

This event is eat as you please, self guided and open to all ages. Checkin at Fairmont San Jose.

$19 entry fee online, $25 day of. Dine and wine as you please through 8 stops. All dishes $5 and drinks $5. (Click here to purchase tickets.)

Please inquire about vegetarian options at hi@dishcrawl.com.

Discover The Unexpected is a series of events to be programmed throughout the Silicon Valley powered by 1stACT Silicon Valley and the San Jose Downtown Association.

About LiveSV LiveSV.com provides a robust, current and easy-to-use online platform for the arts, culture and entertainment community to engage, participate and communicate with their audiences. LiveSV.com is the place to go to discover, experience and share what’s new and unique in the Silicon Valley. Powered by Arts Council Silicon Valley.

About Dishcrawl Dishcrawl creates dining experiences and events to satisfy anyone’s craving. You can find your local Dishcrawl Ambassador leading you through progressive dinners, prix fixe dinners, and other fun food events! Visit Dishcrawl.com for a local dining experience.

Enter Music Publishing Continues Its Commitment To Education With DRUM! Night Benefit For Lincoln High School

San Jose, Calif. – For a third consecutive year, the editorial staff of Enter Music Publishing, publishers of DRUM! Magazine, has joined a host of high-profile cosponsors to present DRUM! Night!. The biggest drumming event in Northern California, DRUM! Night is a benefit with two goals: raise money for Lincoln High School and to create greater awareness for the cause of music education in schools.

DRUM! Night 2012 will transform the San Jose Repertory Theatre into a drummer’s playground on Friday, August 10. Like last year, DRUM! Night promises to be an exciting evening of drum clinics, performances, instruction, exhibits, raffles, and awards. Additionally, last year’s DRUM! Night was very well received by those who attended and the media. Joshua Santos, publisher of the San Jose Blog, noted that “DRUM! Night was a booming success.”

DRUM! Night’s Diverse Lineup
The show will spotlight the talents of three incredible drummers — Kenny Aronoff (Chickenfoot, John Fogerty), Tim Yeung (Morbid Angel, Divine Heresy), and Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyoncé) — demonstrating startling chops and sharing professional playing tips.

Between acts, the animated punk-rock ensemble Street Drum Corps will provide percussive interludes on drums and everyday objects, while acting as the evening’s MCs to welcome the star performers onstage.

“We’re really excited about this year’s lineup,” said Andy Doerschuk, editorial director of Enter Music Publishing. “It’s such a diverse presentation of styles, from straight-up rock, to extreme metal, and funk. All those incredible chops will definitely keep the audience on their toes.”

Pre-Show Percussive Events
As attendees queue up before the show, the award-winning ensemble San Jose Taiko will take over the plaza outside the theater at 4:30 p.m. to showcase their infectious brand of choreographed drumming that draws from both Japanese and Western traditions.

While the main show begins at 6:30, the doors will open at 5:00 to allow early attendees to tour through a vintage drum museum, a Roland electronic drums lab, and exhibits of gear made by drum and percussion manufacturers. In the meantime, onlinedrummer.com’s celebrated educator Nate Brown will conduct a pre-show “stick tricks” workshop in the lobby.

BADAAs Awards
To celebrate the rich drumming history of the San Francisco Bay Area, in 2011 DRUM! inaugurated the Bay Area Drummers Achievement Awards (or BADAAS). The first award was presented to Mike Bordin, best known for his work with Faith No More and Ozzy Osbourne.

This year’s winner has been chosen and notified by the editors of DRUM! Magazine, and the prized trophy is being engraved with his name, which will remain a mystery until it is presented during DRUM! Night 2012.

“We’re lucky to be part of such an incredible music community here in the Bay Area,” said DRUM! publisher Phil Hood. “We realized DRUM! Night gives us a prime opportunity to honor those drummers who have contributed to this legacy.”

Raffle & Silent Auction
DRUM! Night raffle tickets are already on sale for a chance to win a full drum kit featuring Gretsch Renown57 drums and Zildjian Z3 cymbals (check event web site for details — drumnight2012.com). In addition, participating cosponsors will contribute drums, cymbals, hardware, sticks, and drumheads to a silent auction. Winners will be announced at the close of the show.

Signature Series Cosponsors
Cosponsors for DRUM! Night 2012 include DW, Zildjian, Ddrum, Sabian, Tama, Vic Firth, Remo, Vater, Gretsch, Samson, Yamaha, Roland, Meinl, Ahead, Axis, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2012, and Metro Newspapers.

Tickets
Advance tickets for DRUM! Night 2012 are $35 for premium seats, $30 for house seating, and $20 for balcony seats. Tickets are available on drumnight2012.com or by calling 408-971-9794, ex. 210.

About Enter Music Publishing
Founded in San Jose, CA in 1991, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.

History San José Highlights Both Historic Locations in August

 ‘Happy Birthday Car 124’ at History Park on Sunday, August 12

& the Annual Fandango! at the Peralta Adobe

in the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, August 19 

San José, CA – July 26, 2012

The second of the series of the History San José’s Family Days will be on Sunday, August 12, Happy Birthday Car 124!, a celebration of Trolley #124’s 100^th birthday party at History Park. A great place for a birthday party, this signature red trolley will be running on its track, there will be a trolley car drawn by a horse, and visitors can pump themselves a ride on a vintage hand-car. Vintage vehicles on display will include fire engines, an electric car, and Model T’s.

There will be crafts for the kids, live music featuring the Peninsula Banjo Band. And what a birthday party---cake included! Even the San Jose Giants will celebrate. Party-goers can stay, picnic and watch the fireworks after the baseball game. Food typical of the Gay Nineties will be available for purchase all afternoon.

Then on the following week, Sunday, August 19, is the annual Fandango! at the Peralta Adobe, in the heart of the new San Pedro Square Market.

This date is significant in that it commemorates the death 161 years ago of Maria Luis Peralta. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and was one of the first Accolades (mayor) of Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descedant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers. Children will have the opportunity to make adobe bricks, corn husk “pocket buddies”, candles, rope a steer and learn more about the mission and rancho period of California.

Then mark all calendars, as Saturday, October 13 is the last in the series of Family Days. Filipino-American Heritage Day, celebrating Filipino American Month in October, will honor Filipino Americans and the current exhibit, Through My Father’s Eyes: The Filipino American Photographs of Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado (1914 – 1976). The exhibition is in the Gallery at the Pacific Hotel, and is a collection of 50 photographs chosen from more than 3,000 discovered by his daughter, Janet Alvarado after his death. This exhibit offers a rare view into the daily life of the Filipino-American community in the post-World War II era in the Bay Area. That celebration will include filipino foods, dancing and music, and other activities.

The series of Family Days at History Park is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José.

Upcoming events include:

·      Haunt History Park, safe trick-or-treating, on October 28;

·      Happy Birthday San Jose! At the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House at the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, November 18;

·      Children’s Holiday Festival with Santa Claus at History Park on Saturday, December 8;

·      the Heritage Holiday Tea is on December 1 at the Fallon House.

General admission is $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID and children under five are free. Admission is free to members of History San Jose.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San José, CA  95112.

www.historysanjose.org