Mayor Matt Mahan will seek a San Jose convention center expansion and new 800+ room hotel

When the Convention Center South Hall was built in 2005, the big blue circus tent (pictured below) was never designed to be a permanent fixture. This land has been earmarked for a convention center expansion and potentially another hotel for quite some time. Now there is an actual reference to that project--and no this isn't an April Fool's joke.

As part of the Silicon Valley Business Journal's "Future of Downtown San Jose" event last week, the mayor stated:

"If we want to go attract big events, we need to eventually expand the convention center and add a headquarters hotel where someone could take down 800 rooms at a time," Mahan said. "That’s something I’m looking to pursue with all of you in the years ahead."

If this happens during his term this would be an enormous win for San Jose. It would attract bigger conferences while being able to better support world class events such as the Super Bowl and World Cup, both coming to the South Bay in 2026.

As for the hotel reference, the San Jose Fairmont including the annex had 805 rooms total, and that was the largest hotel in Silicon Valley. San Francisco has several hotels much larger that that, including the Hilton San Francisco with 1,900 rooms and the Parc 55 with 1,000... both of which have gone bankrupt with the change in San Francisco's popularity recently. 

A flagship brand as scale directly connected to an expanded convention center and a block away from the artsy SoFA District would be a major boon to Downtown and draw conferences not only from other parts of Northern California but across the country.

Source: SVBJ

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience coming to San Jose on Sep 24

Finally, events are returning to the San Jose McEnery Center! Nederlander Concerts & Beyond Exhibitions is presenting Beyond Van Gogh for a limited engagement in San Jose. Over 300 of Van Gogh's artwork will be projected onto walls, set in motion, and paired with music and narration.

Prices start at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids. There are also VIP packages that come with a giftbag. You can learn more and book a time slot over here.

BEYOND VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE OPENS SEPTEMBER 24 AT THE MCENERY CONVENTION CENTERBEYOND VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE OPENS SEPTEMBER 24 AT THE MCENERY CONVENTION CENTER 

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 4

 

SAN JOSE, CA — JUNE 2, 2021 —  Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience (www.vangoghsanjose.com), proudly presented by Nederlander Concerts & Beyond Exhibitions, will open at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center – South Hall on September 24. Open for a limited engagement, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience was created by French-Canadian Creative Director Mathieu St-Arnaud and his team at Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio.  This exhilarating experience features more than 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic artworks, exciting the art lovers' senses through a three-dimensional lens in a way that’s never been experienced before.  Guests will walk through an all-new, exclusively designed space which will transport them into Van Gogh’s world, becoming one of the brush strokes on his colorful canvasses and illuminating the senses.

Prices start at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus the addition of ticketing fees. This world-renowned art experience will be open for a limited-time, so be sure to get tickets while they are still available.  Tickets are on-sale Friday, June 4 at www.vangoghsanjose.com.

“We are beyond thrilled to bring Beyond Van Gogh’s art to life in San Jose,” says Mathieu St-Arnaud, Normal Studio.

Cinematic Van Gogh exhibitions have crossed the ocean from European cities to North America in recent years and met with great critical acclaim, with sold out audiences in every market. In a distinctive and unique multimedia artistic adventure, using cutting-edge multi-dimensional projection technology developed by some of the world’s greatest Audio Visual designers and technicians, Beyond Van Gogh encompasses the same iconic flare of Van Gogh’s vast body of work, with a refreshing new twist unlike anything art lovers have seen before. Using the artist’s own dreams, thoughts, and words to drive an unmatched narrative experience, Van Gogh’s exquisite works on projection-swathed walls invite guests to fully immerse themselves in his swirling and colorful flowers, cafes and stunning landscapes.

While journeying through Beyond Van Gogh guests witness his stunning masterpieces, including instantly-recognizable classics such as “The Starry Night”, “Sunflowers”, and ‘Café Terrace at Night”, now freed from their frames. Van Gogh’s art is thrillingly brought to life by appearing and disappearing, flowing across walls, floors and ceilings, captivating and enveloping guests into the incredible detail of his work. A new appreciation of this tortured artists’ stunning work will undoubtedly emerge as guests travel through, hearing Van Gogh’s own words set to a symphonic score.  It’s no surprise that millions of people all over the world credit Van Gogh with enhancing their relationship with art. Beyond Van Gogh will only strengthen that connection.

As immersive art installations deeply resonate around the globe, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience continues to amaze audiences and will stay in San Jose for a limited engagement before moving across North America. Art lovers near and far will have the opportunity to live this truly unique and unforgettable experience.

***

About Normal Studio:

Pushing the boundaries of performing arts, entertainment, and public installations since 2009, Normal Studio believes in making life legendary. Using multimedia magic and fusing physical and technological elements to transform spaces into full-on immersive experiences, Normal Studio tells stories in new and different ways by reimagining what’s possible. The result is a unique adventure that sparks awe and wonder, making an unforgettable impact on people’s everyday lives.

 

About Beyond Exhibitions:
Beyond Exhibitions is a company comprised of like-minded individuals who have worked across the globe with some of the greatest entertainers and brands known to man.  With Beyond Van Gogh, the team brings their collective understanding of audiences, entertainment, and art together to proudly present Vincent Van Gogh like he has never been seen before.

 

About Nederlander Concerts:

Nederlander Concerts promotes and produces a wide range of quality live entertainment throughout the United States and in 2020 was ranked among the top 20 promoters in the country.  A boutique, independent event promotion firm, Nederlander exclusively operates and programs the most coveted and awarded small to mid-sized venues, including the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles, City National Grove of Anaheim, San Jose Civic, and California Performing Arts Center in San Jose, Heart Health Park in Sacramento,  among others. Also, the company promotes events at third party arenas, theatres, and clubs across the country, including the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, San Diego Civic, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester and many more.

Apple WWDC 2019 returning to Downtown San Jose

Apple's largest event of the year will happen in the middle of San Jose between June 3 and June 7th. The event brings tens of thousands not only the the McEnery Convention Center, but to supplemental events hosted all over Downtown.

If you are a developer and and want to register, today is your last day to join the lottery for a chance to buy the $1,599 admission pass over here.

Source: SVBJ

Harvest Festival 2017 - Nov. 24-26 at the SJ Convention Center

The West Coast's largest indoor arts and crafts show is coming to Downtown San Jose this weekend. The festival features thousands of American-made arts and crafts including original art, jewelry, clothing, toys, and home decor. Many of the gifts can be custom ordered or personalized.

To compliment the shopping, there will be an assortment of food, music, and live entertainment. Several bands will be performing throughout the show including Le Jazz Hot. Holiday-themed entertainers will also wander the halls throughout the three day show.

While parents shop, kids can play at an interactive KidZone. Here they can build their own art projects such as gingerbread cookie decorating.

The Harvest Festival will run from (Black) Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26th at the San Jose Convention Center. Hours are 10am-5pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, $4 for teenagers, and those 12 & under are free. You can print a $2 off coupon on this page (lower right). Admission includes the whole weekend, not just a specific day.

For more information or to buy tickets, head over to the Harvest Festival website over here.

Apple has moved its big conference to San Jose

The largest company in the world announced that they are moving their World Wide Developer Conference Conference (WWDC) from San Francisco to San Jose earlier this year. This will make our city ground zero for new software and app announcements related to iOS, MacOS, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. This is not the first time that Apple has made major product announcements in San Jose in recent years, but it is the first time since 2002 that they have hosted their largest event in Silicon Valley proper.

The direct impact goes far beyond the conference itself. There are many related events such as AltConf (the Alternative Apple Developer Conference) which has also moved from San Francisco to the San Jose Marriott and the Layers Design Conference, which has moved to the Montgomery Theater. Both events run nearly the full duration of the Apple conference.

Apple has also worked with the City of San Jose to plan for entertainment and special events outside of the Convention Center for attendees to enjoy. 5,000 developers will be attending WWDC, but double that number could be in the area for festivities and supporting events built around the conference.

The Apple WWDC kicks off today and runs until June 9th. If you are an Apple fanboy or fangirl, this is a good week to swing by Downtown.

Sources: SVBJ, 9to5Mac

The Silicon Valley Auto Show begins today

The largest auto show in the South Bay begins today at the San Jose Convention Center in Downtown San Jose. In addition to the hundreds of new vehicles on display from popular manufacturers, there will be several concept and exotic cars on display such as the McLaren 570S and 650S. It is still missing my favorite car company, Tesla, but that is expected given their sales model.

Event hours are 10am-10pm Thursday to Friday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. Tickets are $11 for adults and $8 for children, students, seniors, and military. Children under 6 are free. You can purchase tickets over here.

Harvest Festival 2016 - Nov. 25-27 at the SJ Convention Center

The West Coast's largest indoor arts and crafts show is coming to Downtown San Jose in two weeks. The festival features thousands of American-made arts and crafts including original art, jewelry, clothing, toys, and home decor. Many of the gifts can be custom ordered or personalized.

To compliment the shopping, there will be an assortment of food, music, and live entertainment. Several bands will be performing throughout the show including James Garner's Cash Tribute. Holiday-themed entertainers will also wander the halls throughout the three day show.

While parents shop, kids can play at an interactive KidZone. Here the tykes can build their own art projects such as gingerbread cookie decorating.

The Harvest Festival will run from (Black) Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27th at the San Jose Convention Center. Hours are 9am-6pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and military, $4 for teenagers, and those 12 & under are free. You can print a $2 off coupon on this page (lower right). Admission includes the whole weekend, not just a specific day.

For more information or to buy tickets, head over to the Harvest Festival website over here.

Creative Convergence Silicon Valley: C2SV returns to San Jose’s SoFA District, Oct. 6-8

The fourth annual C2SV conference kicks off next week in SoFA. It is Silicon Valley's version of South by Southwest, combining a tech conference with music festival. For all of the details, schedules, and for tickets (which range from $99-199), head over to the C2SV website.

San Jose, CA., — Now in its fourth year, Silicon Valley’s pre-eminent technology and music festival, Creative Convergence Silicon Valley (C2SV), will bring together business disrupters and technology luminaries for two days of forward­-looking discussions and three nights of music and parties with established and emerging musical artists.

The festival will take a deep look at the technology industry’s mixed record of promoting women into leadership positions as Michele Madansky and Hillary Mickell take the stage to present “The Elephant in the Valley.” Thursday evening will feature the SoFA Design Crawl, in which the district’s marketing and product design firms welcome visitors into their studios, and a night of music headlined by electronic music legend DJ Donald Glaude.
                                                                     
Friday will feature a rich lineup of speakers and topics, with highlights including best-selling author Antonio García Martínez talking about “Chaos Monkeys,” and a discussion about business reinvention with George Zimmer, former CEO of Men’s Wearhouse and current CEO of Generation Tux.

More notable presenters will be added. Previous conferences have featured industry legends such as personal computer inventor Steve Wozniak, video game pioneer Nolan Bushnell and antivirus buccaneer John McAfee.

C2SV will be held at the historic California Theatre, 27 South Market Street, in downtown San Jose’s creative district, SoFA. The conference starts on Thursday, Oct. 6, and ends on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016.

   # # #

About C2SV

Creative Convergence Silicon Valley (C2SV) was established in 2012 as the one­-day Silicon Valley Sound Experience (SVSX) and was greatly expanded in 2013 as the first conference of its type at the expanded San Jose McEnery Convention Center.  Visit:  www.c2sv.com  for more details.

Silicon Valley Comic Con is returning in 2017 bigger and better

Steve Wozniak's comic con has announced dates for its sophomore debut next year. The expanded event will run from April 21-23 at the San Jose Convention Center as well as neighboring Downtown San Jose venues (South Hall, The City National Civic, and the California Theatre).

Silicon Valley Comic Con 2017 features sessions with celebrities, tech innovators, scientists, comics, artists, video games, virtual reality, and consumer electronics. The inaugural 2016 event drew 60,000 attendees, making it the largest fan expo in Northern California and it generated $12.5 million in revenue for San Jose and local businesses. Next year's event will very likely exceed those metrics.

For more info check out the press release below or the Silicon Valley Comic Con website over here. VIP Platinum and Gold ticket packages are already available.

SILICON VALLEY COMIC CON REVEALS DATES FOR 2017 AND EXPANSION INTO ADDITIONAL DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE VENUES
VIP Tickets on Sale Now for Steve Wozniak’s Pop Culture and Technology Expo

San Jose, Calif. - July 13, 2016 - Silicon Valley Comic Con (SVCC), Steve Wozniak’s popular expo celebrating the Age of the Geek will return to downtown San Jose the weekend of April 21-23, 2017. Over the course of the three-day show, the 2016 event welcomed 60,000 attendees who enjoyed a sold-out show floor of 350+ exhibitors and dozens of packed panels and fan Q&As. The largest fan expo in Northern California, Silicon Valley Comic Con generated $12.5 million of revenue for the city and surrounding businesses, making it one of San Jose’s largest revenue generating events. Pairing science with fiction, Silicon Valley Comic Con aims to inspire and entertain with celebrity appearances, science/tech discussions, film / TV screenings, panels with award-winning authors and artists, displays with comicbook artists, cosplay contests and more.

“Where else can you participate in Q&As with a renowned quantum physicist and the cast of ‘Back to the Future’ in one day? What an amazing time to be a geek!” said Steve Wozniak. “The first SVCC went well beyond everyone’s expectations, and we walked away from the event absolutely brimming with ideas for 2017. As technology and pop culture continue to drive each other, SVCC will showcase the best of Silicon Valley.”

After its successful inaugural year, SVCC has already outgrown the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Three new surrounding locations will host SVCC events and exhibits: South Hall, The City National Civic, and The California Theatre, with more venue expansion plans in the works. In addition, Silicon Valley Comic Con is working closely with Team San Jose and the City of San Jose to increase public parking and public transportation options.

“Nearly 90% of SVCC’s 2016 attendees said they would recommend the show to their friends, and the most common feedback was that they wanted even more great content across exhibits, panels and opportunities to meet or hear from their favorite celebrity and tech icons,” said Trip Hunter, CEO of Silicon Valley Comic Con. “Expanding into a variety of new venues will allow us to bring even more compelling content our fans and partners are seeking.”

VIP Platinum and Gold ticket packages can be purchased today at www.svcomiccon.com. VIP ticket package perks include early entrance to the show, priority panel entry, access to a private VIP lounge, private autograph signings and more.

To inquire about custom sponsorship and exhibitor packages or media partnerships, contact marketing@svcomiccon.com. The exhibitor application is also available online now. For more information about SVCC, visit www.svcomiccon.com.

ABOUT SILICON VALLEY COMIC CON
With Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak at the helm, Silicon Valley Comic Con celebrates the Age of the Geek by bringing together America’s two greatest superheroes: pop culture and technology. Featuring top celebrities, tech innovators, comics, scientists, independent artists, cosplay, video games, virtual reality, consumer electronics, music, apps and more, Silicon Valley Comic Con is where the entertainment and technology worlds intersect. Silicon Valley Comic Con 2017 will take place April 21-23, 2017 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and surrounding downtown San Jose locations.

TheFitExpo, Northern California’s Largest Fitness Expo, returns to San Jose McEnery Convention Center today and tomorrow

Don’t miss 15 Free Competitions, Non-Stop Cutting Edge Classes, 300 Companies Selling the Hottest New Health & Fitness Products and Tons of Free Samples!

(San Jose, Calif.) – TheFitExpo™ San Jose, presented by Bodybuilding.com and sponsored by Subway Restaurants, is returning to San Jose for the fifth year Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2016, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

“This year we have added a number of new exhibits and events for our loyal followers as well as for first-time attendees,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director, TheFitExpo/National Fitness Productions. “With summer only a month away, we want to invite people of all ages and from all fitness levels tocome out and experience everything TheFitExpo has to offer. We hope to inspire them to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Exciting attractions this year include:

Xtreme Top Box Throwdown – This athletic event provides the opportunity for area CrossFit-style teams and individuals to showcase their skills and test their abilities for $16,500 in case and prizes (Register online in advance)

Battle of the Bar 13 – Presented by World Calisthenics Organization, this competitive sports program has been created by Athletes for Athletes to elevate Calisthenics or street workout movements into a professional series of competitions in order to bring it to the forefront of competitive sports programs.

Extreme Tricking and Sports Karate – Bay Area’s Team LoopKicks will host this event, performing their aesthetic blend of kicks, flips, twists and intricate groundwork. And they’ll not only hold battles (contests) but they will teach you how to do it, too!

Special Kids and Youth Programming – Special kid’s and youth activities at the expo will feature a Spartan Kids workout, Kids and Youth Nutrition Seminar and Cooking Demo, a Martial Arts Workshop and Performance, and an anti-bulling Seminar and The Railey & Raifa's Kids Zone featuring a bouncy house ($10 charge for bouncy house).

Several fan-favorites competitions set to return include: Gracie Regionals 2016 (Jiu Jitsu Tournament), Odd Haugen Strength Classic (Strong Man Challenge, The Visegrip Viking Grip Challenge presented by Ironmind, North American USA Open MAS Wrestling Tournament), and USPA American Cup Powerlifting Championships. Plus, attendees can get into the action and compete for cash and prizes in the MAXREP’s 4 CA$H and TheFitExpo’s BEST! competitions.

Fitness greats slated to appear include: fitness icon and creator of the Tae Bo exercise program Billy Blanks; celebrity MMA Fighter and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz; 5x and current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath; 6X World Champion Powerlifter CT Fletcher; top physique trainer and coach of 13 Olympia titles Hany Rambod; 2X IFFBB Olympian James Hurst; Oakland’s own Kali Muscle, bodybuilder with 27 million views on YouTube and successful author, actor, philanthropist, motivator; Northern
California’s Maria Kang, whose Facebook photo went viral and got over 16 million views with her "No More Excuse Diet;” top Hollywood physique expert Eric the Trainer; actor and fitness celebrity Roland Kickinger, and many more.

Attendees can also meet the cast of the new docudrama The Perfect Physique Saturday, May 21 at a special seminar hosted by T.J. Hoban (fitness model/actor/producer). Special appearances include Jeremy Buendia (2nd and current Men’s Physique Olympia Champion), David Kimmerle (cover model/fitness expert), Tonnell Rodrigue (IFBB Pro), David Morin (Cover model/actor/physique competitor), Hany Rambod (trainer and coach of 15 Olympia titles); Dennis James (IFBB Pro
Bodybuilder master trainer), and Kandice King (Producer/Director/Writer of The Perfect Physique). This show reveals what it takes to become a champion and allows viewers to get to know each athlete
and to understand his internal struggles and sacrifices.

Come dressed to work out as Evolution Fitness offers free express workouts and fitness challenges daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Group Exercise Stage. The areas top pros will offer sessions in POUND, Spartan SGX, R.I.P.P.E.D., Spartan SGX, Celebrity SweatPlus, everyone who participates will win a prize. Also, personal trainers and group fitness instructors can earn up to six Continuing Education Units. (Separate fee to participate).

The Healthy Living Pavilion will feature a variety of demonstrations by leading experts as well as unique products and services to help live a healthy lifestyle. Fun cooking demos will include: the Naked Chef from MTV’s Snack Off and author of 14 Minute Snacks Cookbook Jacques Laventure; the Fit DJ, Lauren Pappas, who has rocked the turntables for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, the Sundance Film Festival Keeping up with the Kardashians and more; Silicon Valley’s Aaron Vaden, owner of an innovative healthy food truck and catering service called Lean On Wheels that specializes in gluten-free, dairy-free all-natural meals as well as sports supplements in the Bay Area and more. Innovative products will be available to sample and purchase including Daiya vegan cheese, Arctic Zero’s fit frozen desert, black bean pasta by Explore Asian, NuGo protein bars that are wholesome and naturally delicious, Chef’s Cuts Jerky, and much more. Plus, an online wellness platform by Kenzai and even a monitoring devise by Ernest Sports to help improve a golfer’s swing.

On Sunday, May 22, TheFitExpo has teamed up with Tickets for Kids Charities, Y Cares and Unity Care to bring 75 local at-risk youth for a free day at the expo to teach them about health and fitness.

TheFitExpo adult tickets are $25 per day or $40 for the full weekend. Children 12 years and under are $10 per day and children 6 and under are free. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plenty of parking is available. Discount coupons are available at participating Subway Restaurants, GNC locations, Jamba Juice, Sports Authority, Nutrishop, and hundreds of local gyms.

TheFitExpo is produced by National Fitness Productions (NFP). Title Sponsor is Bodybuilding.com. Presenting Sponsor is Subway Restaurants. Supporting Sponsors are GAT, Monster Energy, GNC, MYO Buddy Products. Media Sponsors are ESPN Deportes 860 AM radio, Men’s Health Magazine and Women’s Health Magazine.

For full event information call 888-FIT- EXPO or visit www.thefitexpo.com.

San Jose Convention Center Expansion and Hotel

There was an ill-fated expansion of the San Jose Convention Center planned in the late 90s and early 2000s. Several years after that project failed, a temporary blue-and-white tent went built behind the Convention Center known as South Hall. It is easily one of the ugliest structures Downtown, but serves its purpose as an 80,000 SQFT overflow space for large conventions.

San Jose officials want to take down this monster and build a proper expansion of the center along with a new full-service high-rise hotel. I think we can all agree that would be a big improvement for this space. However, the main complication is that the land is now owned by the Redevelopment Agency's "Successor Agency" and acquisition might be complicated. If San Jose can get rights to the building, it will then cost about a million dollars to tear it down and get the site ready for future development.

Source: The Merc

Harvest Festival 2015 - November 27-29 at the Convention Center

Next month the Harvest Festival is bringing a huge assortment of arts & crafts to Downtown San Jose. The festival--now a San Jose Black Friday holiday shopping tradition--features 24,000 American-made arts and crafts. In fact, it is the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast. You have everything from original art, jewelry, clothing, toys, and home decor. Many of the gifts can be custom ordered or personalized.

To compliment the shopping, there will be an assortment of food and music. Several bands will be performing throughout the show including James Garner's Cash Tribute and Le Jazz Hot (French Gypsy Jazz). There will also be holiday-themed entertainers wandering the festival.

While parents shop, kids can play at an expanded and interactive KidZone. Here the tykes can build their own art projects such as gingerbread cookie decorating.

New to the San Jose Harvest Festival this year is a series of Safety and Basic Use classes hosted by TechShop San Jose. Topics include sewing and vinyl cutting. Usually these classes are $90, but will be offered first-come-first-serve for $5 at the festival.

The Harvest Festival will run from (Black) Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29th at the San Jose Convention Center. Hours are 9am-6pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for teenagers, and those 12 & under are free. Admission includes the whole weekend, not just a specific day. The first 100 people in line on Black Friday get in for free. Also the first 100 people to visit the Christmas in the Park booth each day will get a special gift.

For more information or to buy tickets, head over to the Harvest Festival website over here.

The Fencing Center is Celebrating Their Anniversary on July 5th

Not only are the U.S. National Fencing Championships in San Jose this year (June 27-July 6), but the oldest fencing club in Silicon Valley--and the largest fencing venue in the Bay Area by far--is celebrating the one-year anniversary of their new facility by unveiling two large sculptures on July 5th. The unveiling event will have food, drinks, and music and me emceed by Scott Knies (Executive Director of the San Jose Downtown Association).

To be honest, I had no idea we had such a prestigious fencing facility in San Jose. The Fencing Center has been responsible for Junior and Senior National Champions, U.S. Olympic Team members, NCAA all-Americans, and prominent international fencing officials and coaches. For more info, check out the press release below or head over to their website (wow, they managed to register the domain fencing.com).

SAN JOSE – With more than 4,000 athletes in town for the U.S. Fencing National Championships, the South Bay’s oldest fencing club, The Fencing Center of San Jose, will celebrate the one-year anniversary of its new facility with the unveiling of two sculptures by former U.S. Olympic fencer Peter Schifrin on July 5. 

The Fencing Center will host “A Celebration of U.S. Fencing,” open to the public, on July 5 from 6-8 p.m. The reception will feature a performance by Schifrin at 7 p.m. when his two fencing themed sculptures, “The Salute” and “The Final Touch,” are presented to The Fencing Center where they will be on permanent loan. 

The largest fencing tournament in the world, the Nationals will feature both individual and team events in three weapons – foil, saber and epee – with national titles awarded for both men and women in all age groups, plus berths on National teams.

While the National Championships take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center June 27-July 6, The Fencing Center welcomes all competitors to practice for free at its new 15,000 square foot club just south of downtown San Jose at 1290 S. First Street. 

The two bronze sculptures of fencers are the first sports-themed work Schifrin has created since his San Jose State University days as a young epee fencer who represented the U.S. in the 1984 Olympic Games. A former Fencing Center coach and now an art professor at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Schifrin is known for his public art sculptures, notably Coyotes in San Jose and Confluence in San Francisco. 

“The Fencing Center’s dedication to the art of fencing continues through these powerful sculptures that celebrate the very joy of our sport,” said Sandeep Tawari, president of The Fencing Center Board of Directors.

Connie Yu, a long time coach at the club, commissioned the sculptures in homage to the legacy of The Fencing Center in San Jose. Yu, while a fencer herself, served on The Fencing Center’s first board of directors, and her three children, Jennifer, Jessica and Martin were all fencers, too.

“Fencing is an art form as well as a competitive sport. It’s not just about making the touches and winning,” Yu said. “I want to bring back the culture and pageantry that inspire people to be fencers, and having Peter’s sculptures here can help do that.”

The Fencing Center has a long association with downtown San Jose. Its first club opened in 1982 on the second floor of the old Mercury News Building at 10 Notre Dame Avenue, then moved to 40 North Street after incorporating as a non-profit organization, and finally operating for 18 years at 110 Stockton Avenue just behind the SAP Center until last year.

The Fencing Center boasts a long roster of members who have become Junior and Senior National champions, U.S. Olympic Team members, NCAA all-Americans, international fencing officials and prominent fencing coaches. The center continues its tradition of offering classes for all weapons and levels of fencing, including an introductory course, as well as being a host site for local and regional tournaments with 16 Olympic length strips, making it by far the largest fencing venue in the Bay Area. 

The special event on July 5 begins at 6 p.m. with food, beverages and music. The program will commence at 7 p.m. and be emceed by The Fencing Center’s first Executive Director, Scott Knies. There will be open fencing from 8 - 10 p.m. 

A $10 donation per person is suggested. 

For more information on The Fencing Center of San Jose: www.fencing.com. 

For more information on The U.S. Fencing National Championships: www.usfencing.org

San Jose Convention Center Getting The Alternative Press Expo

APE (The Alternative Press Expo) is moving to San Jose and will take place on October 3rd and 4th. APE is an annual indie comics show that was previously hosted in San Francisco. One of the key goals will to make APE in San Jose a multi-venue event with additional programming in the SoFA District across the street.

The San Jose Convention Center also hosts the mainstream Big Wow Comics Fest each April. Landing another comics convention is a big win for the local arts community.

Source: Comics Beat

San Jose Harvest Festival Kicks Off Today

The San Jose Harvest Festival starts today and continues all the way through Sunday. Instead of going to the mall, why not look for more unique and personal gifts at one of the largest indoor arts and crafts festivals. Over 24,000 items will be available for purchase, all handmade in the US.

The event is located at the San Jose Convention Center and also includes live music, entertainment, and kid's zone, and festival foods. Tickets are $9 for general admission, $7 for seniors, and $4 for kids. For more information, head over here.

Top Rated Craft Show Boasts Shopping, Music, Food and Prizes

(San Jose, Calif.)--- Don't be fooled by empty "door buster" deals designed to lure you to the Big Box retail stores this Black weekend. For a truly enjoyable shopping experience, visit the San Jose Harvest Festival®, November 28-30 at the San Jose Convention Center, and help support the independent artisan instead.

The San Jose Harvest Festival® is one of the largest indoor arts and craft shows on the West Coast and was recently rated among the top 200 craft shows in the country.  The show offers over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts, including original art, jewelry, photography, clothing, specialty foods, holiday decor, and more.

Many of the artists at the Harvest Festival offer bargains and show specials that can only be obtained at the event. Plus, attendees can meet the artists and can often get their purchases personalized. There will be a grab bag prize drawing each day, and the Grand Prize drawing, happening of the show, features a brand new ipad mini.

Throughout the weekend, the Harvest Festival offers upbeat live music, including performances from Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that blends American Roots styles into a completely original sound, mixing infectious grooves with deep musicality and spectacular solos. On Saturday afternoon, there will be a special one time performance by the Sweet Adeline's.

Gingerbread on the Go will co-host the KidZone and will feature make-and-take gingerbread cookie projects. Nature of Art for Kids, an eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will also be participating by offering crafts using "green" and repurposed materials. Plus, parents can stop by the New York Life booth to obtain a free Child ID kit.

The Harvest Festival will welcome back its official non-profit partner, Humane Society Silicon Valley, a charity committed to animal welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag and parcel check.

Loaves and Fishes, a San Jose based non-profit organization which serves free, nutritious meals to the working poor, families, homeless and seniors, will be the food donation partner for the show. Anyone who brings a monetary or non-perishable food donation to the show will receive $2 off their admission.

San Jose Ramen Yokocho is on!

If you love Ramen, head over to Downtown San Jose either this weekend or next! The San Jose Ramen Yokocho in the Convention Center will feature 9-10 exotic Ramen selections (including a deconstructed Ramen burger). Below is the full Ramen lineup for the event. In addition to the great soups, there is an all-day Doraemon film screening, art exhibits, and vendors. The event is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-9pm and next Friday from 4pm-9pm. I'm going tomorrow, can't wait!

Largest Ramen Event in the US Coming to San Jose!

The largest ramen event in the country is coming to the San Jose Convention Center on October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Given that we have one of only three remaining Japantowns in the country and a large population that enjoys Japanese cuisines, San Jose is a logical destination for this event.

9-10 Ramen Shops will be participating each day, and the food looks awesome! Have a look at the press release below and a few photos from the participating eateries.

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Ramen Yokocho festivals by the Ramen Yokocho Association (RamenyokochoUS.com) have been hugely popular, attracting over 100,000 ramen lovers throughout the last 5 events in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

The next Yokocho will take place at the San Jose Convention Center's (www.sanjose.org) South Hall in downtown San Jose on October 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). This Japanese noodle festival will feature the best ramen from Japan and the US. From America, the original ramen burger creator will unveil a new dish. Two of the best ramen shops from Kyushu, where tonkotsu ramen was born, will present their special bowls. From ramen hot spots, Tokyo and Osaka, renowned ramen chefs will bring both traditional and innovative dishes. 10 ramen shops are scheduled for the first week, and 9 are scheduled for the second week.

Some of the notable ramen shops include: Kohmen from Ikebukuro, Tokyo where many ramen shops are competing to be the best. They are known for its slow cooked tonkotsu and chicken blend soup (they call it “jyukusei soup”). Kohmen has nearly 20 years of history in Ikebukuro. Chanpon-Tei offers ramen noodle soup topped with pork, seafood and vegetables, called “chanpon ramen”. Tonkotsu has been the popular broth in the U.S. Chanpon-Tei’s seafood broth is unique and gives Ramen Yokocho attendees an option to try something different. There’s also beef based Kamitoku Ramen from Ginza, Tokyo. Pioneer in beef based soup, Kamitoku Ramen’s soup is often compared to French oxtail soup. Keizo Shimamoto of ramen burger fame just announced that he’ll be joining Ramen Yokocho, and bringing “Burger Ramen” (a soupless noodle dish, not his usual ramen burger).

For all ramen line ups, please see the attached poster.

Dates: Friday-Sunday; October 3-5 and 10-12, 2014
Time: Fridays: 4PM-9PM; Saturdays and Sundays: 11AM-9PM
Venue: San Jose Convention Center South Hall
Address: 435 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Price: Admission $5/person (children 12 and under are Free); ramen $8/bowl **Cash Only
VIP ticket $60 (presale on website; includes admission, 2 ramen, souvenir, ramen express lane)

Ramen Yokocho Association was established in Southern California in 2013 to promote the understanding of the delicious Japanese noodle soup, Ramen. “Yokocho” means alleyway in Japanese. When you visit Japan, you will see small alleys filled with a variety of shops. Following that tradition, Ramen Yokocho Association is eager to please ramen enthusiasts and ramen novices alike by bringing different styles of ramen noodles to events. There are many kinds of noodles, toppings, and soups depending on the region. Ramen Yokocho is planning to bring the event nationwide.

Inaugural Silicon Valley Contemporary Show Starts Tomorrow

In a major win for the San Jose art scene, a new event called Silicon Valley Contemporary (SVC) is premiering tomorrow at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. As you can tell by the map below, this is going to be a huge event featuring hundreds of artists and 52 galleries across 10 different countries. There will even be video art and digital installations from around the world, which I think is the genre of art that will play a significant role in defining a strong brand image for San Jose in the near future. Traditional art such as paintings, photography, prints, and sculpture will also be featured.

In total SVC will have around $100 million in contemporary art available for acquisition, which is the largest selection of important art work for acquisition ever assembled in Silicon Valley. The event also includes an assortment of speakers, meet & greets with the artists, and side-events like a contemporary home tour.

The main exhibition runs from 11am-8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11am-6pm on Sunday. There is also a VIP preview event tomorrow. Tickets start at $25. For more information and tickets, visit the SVC website over here.

 

Harvest Festival: Handmade Black Friday Shopping

The Harvest Festival is coming back to San Jose this weekend at the newly remodeled San Jose Convention Center! I had the opportunity to check this out last year and it completely exceeded my expectations. There are so many vendors here, it will blow your mind. This year's event will feature over 24,000 different items--all handmade in the US--including original art, clothing, jewelry, gourmet food, and photography. If you are planning on doing Christmas shopping this weekend, these are gifts with a lot more character than what you would typically find in the mall. Live music and a Kid's area will also be in the mix.

Fore more information you can read the press release below or visit their website over here.

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Black Friday, the Handmade Way

San Jose Harvest Festival Offers Over 24,000 Handmade Arts and Crafts Right in Time for the Holidays

(San Jose, Calif., October 18, 2013)--- This Black Friday, many people are looking for great deals and unique gifts for their friends and family without the stress and hassle of visiting a crowded mall. Shoppers will find all that and more at the San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 29 - December 1 at the San Jose Convention Center.

The San Jose Harvest Festival is the largest indoor arts and craft shows on the West Coast and was recently rated among the top 200 craft shows in the country.  The show offers over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, original art, clothing, specialty foods, holiday decor, and more.

Attendees can meet the artists who created each item sand even get purchases personalized. Items available range from affordable $5 stocking stuffers to upscale, fine jewelry worth thousands of dollars. The Grand Prize, which will be awarded at the end of the show tour, is a beautiful Randy Polk designed ring and bracelet with Mother of Pearl, diamonds and orange sapphires, valued at over $5,000,

Throughout the weekend, the Harvest Festival offers fabulous live entertainment, including performances from Cash Tribute featuring James Garner. Playing the hits of the famed "Man in Black", Cash Tribute treats audience members to a glimpse into the life and music of Johnny Cash.

New this year to the strolling entertainment is the group Le Jazz Hot. This popular Bay Area gypsy Jazz group will use their traditional Jazz style with classic Holiday favorites, serenading attendees the moment they enter the show.

Gingerbread on the Go will co-host the KidZone and will feature take-and-make gingerbread cookie projects. Nature of Art for Kids, an eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will also be participating in the KidZone offering crafts using "green" and upcycled materials. Plus, kids of all ages can enjoy live entertainment from Scott Land, an expert marionette performer who is known for his work on the film Team America: World Police.

The official charity of the show is Humane Society Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag and parcel check.

Loaves and Fishes, a San Jose based non-profit  organization which serves free, nutritious meals to the working poor, families, homeless and seniors, will be the food donation partner for the show. Anyone who brings a monetary or non-perishable food donation to the show will receive $2 off their admission.

What:             The San Jose Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show

When:             November 29-Dec.1st

Where:            San Jose Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose CA  95113)

Hours:            Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Cost:              Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under:  Free

Info:                For tickets and information, please call 1-800-346-1212or visit www.harvestfestival.com

ABOUT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW®:

The Harvest Festivals began 41 years ago in San Francisco as a destination for artists and craftspeople to sell their handmade products. Today, the event has grown to encompass nine shows in the state of California and Nevada, continuing its tradition of only featuring arts and crafts made in the United States.  Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as an artisan, ensuring a rich diversity and high quality of all products sold. The Harvest Festivals are owned and managed by a Western Exhibitors.

San Jose Harvest Festival

The largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast is coming to San Jose next week at the convention center. Over 24,000 unique arts and crafts--all made in the US--will be featured at the show. So this Black Friday, why not support some independent artisans instead of the traditional big box stores. All of the details are below!

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San Jose Harvest Festival Celebrates Black Friday by Supporting Independent, American Artisans

(San Jose, Calif., September 3, 2012)--- This year, Black Friday shoppers have the chance to forgo the big box stores and support independent artists and craftspeople by visiting the San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 23-25 at the San Jose Convention Center.

"Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year," said Nancy Glenn, Harvest Festival Show Manager. "Our goal, just as it was 40 years ago, is to give visibility to the small businessperson by providing a venue to showcase and sell their crafts."  

2012 marks the 40th Anniversary tour of the Harvest Festivals, which began in San Francisco as a forum for independent artists to exhibit their wares. The show continues to hold to its time honored traditions of vetted, American made crafts in an environment offering down-home family fun.  

Adding to the entertainment this year is crowd favorite Tom Rigney and Flambeau, a band that blends American Roots styles into a completely original sound, mixing infectious grooves with deep musicality and spectacular solos. Also appearing on the main stage is John Park, known for his "Funny Waiter" show where he melds comedy and intricate tricks like plate spinning. There will also be the lovable strolling performers like Mama Claus and Eddie the Elf who wander the aisles and serenade shoppers with holiday classics.

Nature of Art for Kids, an eco-friendly company offering non-toxic art supplies for children, will host the hands on KidZone where kids can participate in take and make arts and crafts. Located next to the KidZone will be a special Child ID feature, sponsored by New York Life. Parents can bring their child to be photographed, fingerprinted and get essential information stored on a CD to have if needed in an emergency.

The San Jose Glass Artist Alliance will also be hosting a stained glass  workshop where Harvest Festival patrons can learn the intricacies of glass art and, for a small fee to cover materials, create their own ornament.

The official charity of the show is Humane Society Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization committed to animal welfare in every facet. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the proceeds from the bag and parcel check.

Plus, anyone who brings a non-perishable food donation to support the Second Harvest Food Bank will receive a $2 off admission discount.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, featuring over 24,000 handmade gifts. Attendees can interact with artisans, get purchases personalized and browse from such items as original art, photography, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, pottery, home decor and more.

What:             The San Jose Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show

When:             November 23-25, 2012 (San Jose Convention Center, 150 W. San Carlos St, San Jose CA  95113)

Hours:            Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Cost:              Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under:  Free

Info:              For tickets and information, please call 1-800-346-1212 or visit www.harvestfestival.com