A Weekend With Pablo Picasso by Herbert Siguenza ~~~ November 12 - December 7, 2014

San Jose, CA – November 3, 2014 –San Jose Stage Company presents, in association with San Diego Repertory, A Weekend with Pablo Picasso, by actor/writer Herbert Siguenza of the powerful and politically-renowned theatrical troupe Culture Clash.

 

Siguenza created the original play at San Diego Repertory (2011) and stars as Pablo Picasso, the most influential artist in modern history. Set in the 1957 artist’s studio in southern France, the artist paints and speaks directly to the audience. Siguenza takes on the persona of Picasso, even in his art. Based upon the writings of Picasso, Siguenza creates six masterpieces live on stage each night of the performance.

 

“Six paintings in three days? Who do you think I am---Dali?” Picasso was the first rock-star artist—a ferocious pacifist, obsessive art maker, flamboyantly opinionated philosopher, and self-proclaimed clown. He relished his passionate views about love, death, war, beauty, eternity, and creativity. The Culture Clash artist, Siguenza’s one-man show, will amaze and promises a weekend you will never forget.

 

A Weekend With Pablo Picasso by Herbert Siguenza presented in association with San Diego Repertory runs November 12-December 7, 2014 and is directed by Todd Salovey, Artistic Director, San Diego Repertory Theatre.

 

 

SHOWS:

Previews: November 12 and 13 at 7:30 PM, November 14 at 8 PM

Opening: Saturday, November 15 at 8 PM

 

Run Dates: November 12 through December 7, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM

Spanish-language performance will be shown on Saturdays,November 22 and 29 at 2 PM

Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM

WHERE: San Jose Stage Company - 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA

TICKETS: For tickets ($20-$65) or more information, please call the box office at 408.283.7142 or order online www.thestage.org

 

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The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Season 2014-15 subscriptions are available at 408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org.

 

San Jose Stage Company has extended its offer to honor SJ Rep subscriptions. ‘A Weekend With Pablo Picasso’ was originally announced as part of SJ Rep’s 2014-15 Season. To redeem SJ Rep subscriptions, please call the box office 408.283.7142.

 

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About San Jose Stage Company: 

 

Launching its 32nd season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as the San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre and is now the South Bay’s only fully professional* theatre operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association. *pays artists union wages, pension & health.

 

The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent. 

 

Ranked the 2nd largest theatre and 8th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley (Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. San Jose Stage Company has produced over 150 productions, including 13 world premieres and 45 regional new works. 

 

Annually, The Stage employs over 150 artists, serves a diverse audience of 25,000, offers five core education and outreach programs and has housed over 300 independent performance groups. Located at the Gateway to the City’s Arts and Entertainment District, San Jose Stage Company, the SoFA Districts first arts anchor organization, continues to promote San Jose’s stature as a burgeoning regional arts center by providing live theatre experiences that enrich the quality of life in the community.

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. Season 2014-15 subscriptions are available at 408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org.

 

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Discover San Jose Store in Downtown San Jose!

Discover San Jose is a retail shop Downtown where everything they sell is made locally. You can find gifts by local artists, books by local authors, local college and sports team memorabilia, and foods made using local ingredients. They just made their first 30 second commercial spot which will air on the Travel Channel in 5,000 local hotel rooms. You can watch the video below.

Discover San Jose is located at 150 S. 1st Street, Suite 103, which is right behind the Fairmont Hotel. For more information on this great store supporting our local community, check out their Facebook Page over here!

Downtown Ice Returns Next Friday! (Nov 14-Jan 11)

Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice is returning to The Circle of Palms on November 14th and will be open all the way until January 11th. Over 100,000 skaters and spectators are expected to attend, which contribute $3 million to the Downtown San Jose economy.

Kristi Yamaguchi will star in a grand opening celebration on November 17th at 5pm. Also, keep an eye out for a light show that will play at 6pm and 9pm every day.

For hours, promotions, discounts, and more information, just scroll on down to read the full press release.

Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice

Nov. 14, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015

Opening ceremony with Kristi Yamaguchi Nov. 17, 5pm

SAN JOSE – Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice returns Nov. 14 to the Circle of Palms in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday attractions.

With Hawaiian Airlines as title sponsor, Yamaguchi and her Always Dream Foundation partner with the San Jose Downtown Association to produce the rink.  This three-way partnership has existed now for five years. 

“It brings great joy to see all the families celebrate the holiday season at Downtown Ice, which remains one of the most unique and attractive outdoor skating rinks in the country,” Yamaguchi said.  “I am honored to once again be associated with such a holiday treasure.”

The outdoor rink at 120 S. Market St. has generated holiday season merriment downtown for 19 years at three different locations.  More than 100,000 skaters and spectators are expected to attend Downtown Ice between Nov. 14 and Jan. 11.  The rink generates an estimated $3 million in economic impact to the downtown business community each year.

Skaters glide around 32 glimmering palms from which the circular rink gains its iconic form.  This season, the “Halo” light show reprises for its second year, with LEDs on the palms continuously changing color and patterns.  Choreographed displays to music take place at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

Yamaguchi, the 1992 Olympic figure skating gold-medal champion, will usher in the new season with an opening celebrationNov. 17 at 5 p.m.

During November and early December, Downtown Ice is open 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday; noon-midnight on Saturday; and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday.  During the winter break, the rink is open 11 a.m.-midnight daily.  Special holiday hours apply.  The $13-17 admission covers skate rental and one unlimited skating session. 

Discounts and details are at www.sjdowntown.com/downtownice.  The rink phone number is (408) 291-0525.

Downtown Ice is located within steps of Christmas in the Park displays, which occupies Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting Nov. 28.  These two downtown San Jose holiday attractions are supported in part by participants in the 5-kilometer TiVo Santa Run Silicon Valley held on Dec. 14.  Register at www.santarunsv.com.  Check www.sjdowntown.com/holidays for a complete schedule of downtown events.

Parking information is available at www.sjdowntownparking.com.

Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice skating details

When:  Open daily Nov. 14 – Jan. 11

Hours:
Nov. 14 – Dec. 19 and Jan. 6 – 11
Monday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
Friday: 5 p.m.–midnight
Saturday: noon–midnight
Sunday: noon–9 p.m.

Dec. 20 – Jan. 5Daily: 11 a.m.–midnight

Special holiday hours
Wed. Nov. 26, day before Thanksgiving:  5 p.m. - midnight

Thurs. Nov. 27, Thanksgiving:  2 p.m. – midnight

Fri. Nov. 28, day after Thanksgiving: 11am – midnightWed. Dec. 25, Christmas:  2pm – midnight
Tues. Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve:  11am – 10pm
Wed. Jan. 1, New Year's Day:  2pm – midnight

Opening Ceremony – Monday, Nov. 17, 5 p.m., featuring Kristi Yamaguchi, sponsors, and live music. 

Where:  Circle of Palms, downtown San Jose, 120 South Market Street, across from Plaza de Chavez, between the San Jose Museum of Art and Fairmont San Jose.

Admission:   

Nov. 14 – Dec. 19 and Jan. 6 – 11: Children 10-younger $13; 11-older $15

Dec. 20 – Jan. 5 (Winter Break): Children 10-younger $15; 11-older $17

Admission includes skate rental and ice time

Promotions:

• Downtown Ice and Hawaiian Airlines have combined on airfare discounts to the islands.  Go toapps.hawaiianairlines.com/Affiliate/Booking.aspx

• Holiday Hat Trick – combination $25 ticket to Downtown Ice, San Jose Museum of Art, and The Tech Museum exhibition (33 percent discount)

• Hawaiian Airlines Aloha Fridays – dress in Hawaiian garb for $10 skating Nov 14 and 21; Dec. 5 and 12, and Jan. 2 and 9.

Multiple other discounts are available, but cannot be combined, and are available online atsjdowntown.com/downtownice.

Contact Info:

http://sjdowntown.com/downtownice/

                       

Rink phone: (408) 291-0525 (operational Nov. 14 – Jan. 11)

SJDA’s event line: (408) 279-1775

Sponsors:

Hawaiian Airlines – www.hawaiianair.com

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation - www.alwaysdream.org

Wells Fargo Bank – www.wellsfargo.com

PG&E – www.pge.com

Skanska – www.skanska.com Barry Swenson - http://www.barryswensonbuilder.com/ Level 3 - http://www.level3.com/ Huawei - http://www.huawei.com/us/ PayPal – www.paypal.com

Searchlight San Jose

I'm not sure how I missed this site, but there is a really cool blog about San Jose oddities, urban legends, and interesting stories. It's called Searchlight San Jose and you can access it right over here or by using the blogroll to the right.  I love the writing style and there are quite a few tidbits in there that were completely new to me. As a teaser, below is what Downtown San Jose would look like today if the Electric Light Tower was still here.

Click here to read Searchlight San Jose!

Think Bigger San Jose: Why it's a good thing that Silicon Valley titans haven't built corporate fortresses in Downtown San Jose

Think Bigger San Jose has what I would call a controversial post among San Jose boosters. Mark argues that we don't need tech Goliaths in Downtown San Jose and should avoid pursuing them. His argument centers around the fact that corporate tech culture encourages employees to stay at their workplace instead of engage in the surrounding community. Instead, he suggests that Downtown go after new-generation startups with a more progressive vision of culture such as Apigee, Electirc Cloud, and Xactly. It's a great read--as are all of Mark's posts--so check it out over here and let us know what you think!

Source: Think Bigger San Jose

San Jose Native Comedian Phil Johnson Shooting 3rd Comedy Special at Art Boutiki!

Phil Johnson is a comedian that was raised in San Jose and still lives nearby. This Saturday (Nov 8th) he'll be filming his 3rd comedy special at Art Boutiki at 44 Race Street. He tours nationally and has appeared at the Sundance Film Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and can be heard on Sirius/XM radio's Raw Dog comedy station. This guy is hilarious, so go check him out and support a local entertainer!

Scroll down for more information and you can buy tickets over here.

LOUISVILLE, KY, - San Jose native and national comedian Phil Johnson is bringing his hilarious antics back home for a special filming of his 3rd DVD.

Johnson, who has appeared at the Sundance Film Festival, has an entertaining and action packed show filled with his two loves, comedy and music.  The comedian and singer/songwriter will be performing at The Art Boutiki, 44 Race St, San Jose, CA on Saturday, November 8th at 8 PM.

Advanced tickets for the “Comedy Special Taping with Phil Johnson” are on sale now for $10 per person or $15 for an advanced sale ticket including a DVD of Johnson’s performance. Tickets can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/philcomedyspecial. Tickets are $15 at the door.    

Comedy-goers can be part of the show and get their laughs with Johnson’s original music and stand up comedy.  His playful and good-humored songs are inspired by the oddities of everyday life, social issues and the flat out crazy things people do.

Johnson has performed at the Sundance Film Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sirius and XM radio comedy station Raw Dog. He has multiple DVDs and CDs with his clever sidesplitting comedy available for purchase.

Johnson grew up in the Berryessa area of San Jose and now calls Milpitas home. More information on Phil Johnson can be found on his website: www.PhilJohnsonComedy.com.

Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak Review

Several weeks ago I had the chance to tour and dine at Bourbon Steak & Pub at the new Levi's Stadium, which is actually three completely different experiences. You have a high-end restaurant, a more casual Pub, and the Tailgate which is used for private parties and special events such as away game buffets. All of it is run by Michael Mina along with executive chef John Cahill (formerly at Cafe des Amis). This project is so important to Michael Mina (long-time 49ers fan) that he is planning to make this restaurant his home-base for at least the next year. If you dine at Bourbon Steak, I would say there is a good chance he will have a hand in preparing some of your food and might even come out and say hello and pose for a few photos with diners. For a celebrity chef with two-dozen restaurants, he is surprisingly friendly and approachable.

There are two different hostess desks for the restaurants. One for Tailgate and another that is shared between Bourbon Steak and Bourbon Pub. That was one of my few gripes as I really think the Steakhouse deserved it's own desk.

Walking around Bourbon Steak and Tailgate, there were lobster pots that could hold 200 lobsters each on game day, a wood burning grill, 49ers Cheerleaders, a DJ that spins every day (Clee, who also is the official DJ during 49ers games), and the most impressive thing of all... an epic two-story wood-fire rotisserie! At 13 feet tall, it is the largest indoor rotisserie in the world. It is so large that it can cook a whole Waygu cow and is used to roast whole hogs for Happy Hour.

I happened to be there during a 49ers away game and had a chance to watch them prep for the fanciest game-day buffet I have seen over at the Tailgate area. Imagine Skylander Ranch 100% Waygu beef short loin, fresh crab, and a premium taco bar. You can get beers and signature cocktails by the cooler and there are plenty of games like bocce ball, ping pong, etc. to entertain you during commercials. The cost for the buffet is $35 for a single pass or $60 for all-you-can-eat. Completely worth it based on the quality of the food if you ask me. Tailgate has a second floor for private dining which is where the 49ers come to party after games (there is a door that leads directly there from the locker room).

The bars in Bourbon Pub and Tailgate have a huge assortment of 30-40 craft beers in addition to popular favorites. Of course, there are also American Bourbons from small batch barrels that help give this place its name.

A couple more unique things and I'll move on to the food. This is the only Bourbon steak that has a merchandise booth and the only one with an element of gamification. There is a custom "Fantasy Flip" interactive app that is somewhat similar to Fantasy Football. You get game points to redeem for prizes that go all the way up to having a dinner out on the Levi's Stadium field.

Over at Bourbon Steak the first thing I noticed when walking in were the assortment of TVs everywhere, pretty uncommon for a high-end restaurant. They were slightly dimmed and there was no audio and are only on when there is a special game going on. When they are turned off, they turn into mirrors--so freakin cool!

Food

Instead of bread for the table, Bourbon Steak serves three different kinds of fries with a variety of exotic flavorings and sauces. There were ancho chili fries with pickled ketchup, shallot fries with honey mustard, and herbed fries with truffle aioli (my favorite).

Just because bread isn't served by default, doesn't mean it doesn't exist in the restaurant. On the contrary, YOU MUST ASK FOR THE BREAD. Think of it as a secret item, like asking for animal style fries at In & Out. The awesome Bourbon Streak bread is made in house each day with black truffle butter.

The first course I had was a Michael Mina signature dish: tuna tar-tar mixed with quail egg, pine nuts, spices, and toast. You get to see each individual component of the dish and then it is mixed for you table-side. If you are okay with raw fish, this item is a must.

Second was beet & goat cheese salad, perhaps the best I've had anywhere. Other people that I have recommended this dish to have said the same thing. Not only was it delicious, but it was very artfully put together.

Next was a play on a Bay Area classic, Dungeness crab chioppino. I think this was my least favorite, not because anything was wrong with it but because everything else was so exceptional.

The first main course was swordfish + white beans and artichoke hearts. The fish was cooked perfectly and paired brilliantly with the white beans and sauces.

Finally, we get to the highlight of the night. An American Waygu Ribcap with creamed corn & broccoli. This was easily on my top 3 list for the best steaks I have ever had. The meat practically melted in your mouth. Despite being gluttonously full from all the other courses, I couldn't spare even a bite of the marbled steak. At $80+, this cut doesn't come cheap but is well worth it for a special occasion.

Drinks

You can't go to a place called Bourbon Steak and not get some Bourbon-based drinks! If you can handle a stiff drink, I would highly recommend their Bourbon tasting. This is quite a unique drinking experience that features three different Bourbons. To enhance their flavors, each comes paired with items like citrus, cinnamon, or vanilla--which is then smoked and used to coat each glass before the Bourbon is poured. They also serve this at Bourbon Pub and is worth a trip to get this alone. Everything is done table-side and it was one of the highlights of the night for me.

My wife doesn't like strong drinks so she ordered a Bramble, which she loved. She's very tough to please when it comes to alcohol, so the bartenders nailed this one. I also ordered my favorite cocktail, an Old Fashioned. It was surprisingly smooth and just had the right amount of sweetness. The quality of the cocktails was right up there with mixology-type bars.

While we did not order wine with our food, they had an encyclopedia of vintages to choose from. Prices for a bottle start around $50 and go all the way up to the cost of a midsize sedan. No seriously, there is a wine on the list called Domaine de la Romanee - Corti that will run you $19,000. I'm guessing its being saved for the 49ers after a Superbowl win.

Dessert

We shared two different desserts before having to be rolled to our car. The first was an exceptional cheese course. I didn't write down the names of the cheeses but they all met my wife's approval, including a blue cheese which she typically does not like. There was a delicious croissant toast to accompany the cheeses.

The second was a Devil's food cake with malted vanilla ice cream. If you see this on the menu when you go, I would highly recommend it.

Service

I really have to thank the restaurant for the outstanding service we received. Each course was well-timed and everyone that we spoke too was friendly and patient with my barrage of questions. I would say this was on par with the Michelin Star restaurants I have been to in the Bay Area. Our waitress even ran out to the street when she noticed that I forgot my notebook on the table. This will be my new go-to restaurant for special events like Anniversaries!

Knight Cities Challenge opens in San Jose for Applications

Have an idea that will make San Jose a better place? The inaugural Knight Cities Challenge is giving away $5 million to civic innovators that will help cities attract and keep the best and brightest, create economic prospects, and spur connection and civic involvement. The contest is open for only two more weeks (sorry for not posting sooner) and all the details are below!

Knight Cities Challenge opens in San Jose for applications

Submissions are open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 14

SAN JOSE— What’s your best idea to make cities more successful? The first-ever Knight Cities Challenge is calling on innovators in San Jose of all types to answer this question.

The national challenge, which seeks new ideas to make San Jose and the other 25 communities where Knight invests more vibrant places to live and work, is an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.  Winners will receive a share of $5 million and become part of a network of civic innovators working to make our cities more vibrant places to live and work. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 14 at KnightCities.org.

“No project is too small — so long as your idea is big,” said Carol Coletta, Knight Foundation vice president for community and national initiatives. “Our hope is to inspire people—even those who have not previously thought of themselves as civic innovators—to get involved in shaping the future of their cities.”

The challenge has just two rules:

1) A submission may come from anywhere, but the project must take place in or benefit San Jose or one of the other 25 Knight communities.

2) The idea should focus on one or more of three key drivers of city success:

• Talent: Ideas that help cities attract and keep the best and brightest
• Opportunity: Ideas that create economic prospects and break down divides
• Engagement: Ideas that spur connection and civic involvement

The challenge is open to anyone from anywhere; neighbors, architects, activists, artists, city planners, entrepreneurs, students, educators, city officials, as well as governments and organizations are encouraged to apply. More information is available on KnightCities.org.

The brief application is designed to make the submission process easier, and asks for two primary pieces of information about your project:

1)    Describe your idea and how it will advance talent, opportunity or engagement.

2)    Describe what you intend to learn.

For those who want to learn more, virtual office hours are being held Oct. 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. ET online (using ID 448711858), or via phone at 1-888-240-2560; and Oct. 14 from 3 to 4 p.m. ET online (using ID 829368066), or via phone at 1-888-240-2560.

We are also hosting community Q&A sessions in many of the 26 Knight communities, to provide an overview of the challenge and answer any questions you may have, including tips on applying. Take a look at the current schedule of events and check back for updates.

The application period for the Knight Cities Challenge will close at 5 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2014. Community members and entrepreneurs, as well as experts in urban planning, design, academia and government will help Knight review entries. Knight will announce finalists and winners in early 2015.

The 26 Knight communities include eight that have a resident program director: Akron, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Detroit; Macon, Ga.; Miami; Philadelphia; St. Paul, Minn.; and San Jose, Calif. In 18 cities community foundations guide Knight’s grantmaking: Aberdeen, S.D.; Biloxi, Miss.; Boulder, Colo.; Bradenton, Fla.; Columbia, S.C.; Columbus, Ga.; Duluth, Minn.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Gary, Ind.; Grand Forks, N.D.; Lexington, Ky.; Long Beach, Calif.; Milledgeville, Ga.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Palm Beach County, Fla.; State College, Penn.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and Wichita, Kan.

Have an idea? Visit KnightCities.org to apply. The challenge closes on Nov. 14, 2014, at 5 p.m. ET.

About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.KnightFoundation.org.