Xanadu Contest!

It's time for yet another contest! This time for one of San Jose's newest performing arts venue, and a place that I've been meaning to check out for some time now, The Retro Dome! What was once Century 25 near Westgate is now home to musical theater, retro film, live music, and comedy.

We're giving away 2 tickets to their latest production, Xanadu. Despite being based on a bad 80s movie, the Broadway version has become a smash hit, winning multiple awards and a Tony nomination. This is the very first time Xanadu is being performed in the Bay Area.

To win your free tickets, email your favorite San Jose memory from the 80s to josh@thesanjoseblog.com. If you weren't alive or can't remember the 80s, then ask your parents or friends. Feel free post your memory in the comments as well. I'll share some of the best ones at the end of the contest.

Winners will be selected on Friday, good luck!

Every great while, along comes a musical that shows mankind the power of hope over despair, that illustrates in story and song the injustices of society and the common good of the common man. That musical is...Les Miserables.  THIS IS XANADU!

XANADU is the hit musical that took audiences and critics by surprise when it transformed an obscure film into the hottest comedy on Broadway. For the first time since its Broadway run, XANADU hits the Bay Area and takes over The Retro Dome. With its score of pop gems, a script that redefines musical theatre satire, and a finale lit by glitter balls and glow sticks, this hilarious, roller disco musical adventure rolls along to pop hits “(You Have to Believe We Are) Magic”, “All Over The World”, “Suddenly”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Xanadu.” Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is the most ridiculously wonderful time you’ll ever have in a theatre!

"I LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME! IT'S A GREAT MUSICAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN "HEAVEN ON WHEELS! CRIMINALLY FUNNY!" - THE NEW YORK TIMES

What is it? Xanadu is the hilarious new hit musical on wheels that is based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. This roller skating musical adventure was winner of Outstanding New Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Award) during its recent Broadway run. The show received raves from the New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily News and Time Out News, among many others.

Xanadu’s clever tale surrounds a Greek goddess (on roller skates, of course) who seeks to inspire a hapless artist in 1980 to create the world’s first roller disco! Now appearing for the very first time on the west coast at The Retro Dome, the best-reviewed musical of the 2007-2008 Broadway season brings a score of all the songs from the film plus three supersonic pop gems from Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, a script that redefines Broadway satire, and a finale that pulls out all the (roller skate) stops directly to local audiences.

When is it? Xanadu previews the weekend of February 25-27 and premieres March 4, 2011. Showings are on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Where is it? The Retro Dome is conveniently located near the intersection of three cities: San Jose, Saratoga and Campbell, CA, at 1694 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, Calif. 95129 (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road).

Who's in it? An extraordinarily talented cast of triple threats headline the production. Click here to get to know the artists.

Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online (click the link above), over the phone at 408-404-7711 or in person. The Box Office window is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and by appointment, and phone orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. During event days, The Retro Dome is open 90 minutes prior to showtime.

How much is it? Tickets are $44 and there are discounts available for students, seniors and military ($34) and children ($24). There are also discount for groups. Parking is free there are no additional box office fees.

Want to learn more? Click here for an interview with Director/Producer, Scott Evan Guggenheim

Rock Climbing is Coming to SoFA!

Let's start off the week with some good news. The remnants of Club WET in SoFA will soon become a 14,000 sqft Rock Climbing Gym called Touchtone. WET was frequently wrought with issues--such as fights and a few stabbings--that I think created a negative perception of the area. I'm pretty confident this will be a better use for the space and hopefully they can incorporate a little artsy SoFA character into it.

By the way, there used to be a Touchtone in Downtown San Jose. It was right next to Camera 12 and had what might have been the smallest rock wall in existence. No, seriously it was maybe 10 feet tall. I had to chuckle at it every time I walked by. The new SoFA Touchtone won't have that same problem as the climbing walls will be at least 35 feet tall.

March 2011 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• Christmas in The Park is being planned for 2011, but the organizer needs to replace $370,000 of funding that used to come from the city.
• The city has developed a master plan for the area around Diridon Station incorporating  5 million sqft of office space, 420,000 sqft of retail, 2,600 residential units, 900 hotel rooms, and an underground train station.
• MACLA (a center for Latin American arts) in SoFA has received a $100k Ford Foundation grant and is looking to expand its presence Downtown. There were only 12 organization to receive the grant from the 700 applicants
• CJ's Cafe and Catering at 303 Almaden is under new ownership.
• Us Studio Hair Salon is now open at 54 W. Santa Clara and also features vintage and custom designed clothing.
• Team San Jose and Groundwerx have come to the rescue of two downtown Heritage clocks that stopped working. They are now operational again.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

San Jose Metblogs: SJ Dishcrawl #3

Dishcrawl San Jose: Exotic San Pedro Square

from San Jose Metblogs by Jennifer Bullock

Want the scoop on next week’s San Jose Dishcrawl?

On March 23rd food lovers will gather once again to roam about downtown tasting food with exotic twists.


For just $26 (or $27 for ‘latebirds’) you will get to try delicious food from:

Tikka Bytes Food Truck – known for their authentic Indian street food dishes like pani purr. – I saw them at Edgewood Eats the other day but only glanced at their menu since I knew they’d be at Dishcrawl. I can’t wait to try their food, it looked and smelled so good.
Tikka Bytes Web // Facebook // @TikkaBytesTruck

Satori Tea – Who knew there was a tea bar in San Pedro square? It is totally hidden. Looking forward to trying something new. I’m not a big tea drinker but that’s only because I don’t know what I’d like! Anyone else feel the same way? This is yet another great reason for an event like Dishcrawl.
Satori Tea: Web // Facebook // @SatoriTea

And now announcing two other stops!

Morocco’s Restaurant – fresh culinary delights of Moroccan cuisine.
Morocco’s Restataurant: Web // Facebook // @Moroccos

LilPuffs.com – Gourmet marshmallows! They come in six flavors: Strawberry Raspberry, Mango, Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Chocolate. I’m crossing my fingers that we get to try the pineapple one. Someone from LP will be handing out fluffy delicious marshmallows to the Dishcrawl crowd.
LilPuffs: Web // Facebook // @Lil_Puffs

If you were at one of the previous Dishcrawls the crowd started at one of location. Food and/or drinks are served as the crowd mingles with each other. The owners of the establishment (or chefs) talk to the crowd about the culture of the food. It’s a really great experience for people who want to learn just a little bit more about different cuisines (or uniquely crafted food.) After the first location, it’s time to move on to the next!

There’s a twist to next week’s Dishcrawl that will change it up a bit.

“We’re making one big change this month.” says Dishcrawl Founder Tracy Lee. “Our last two Dishcrawls have been massive, but this time Dishcrawlers can expect more intimate groups for a more relaxed time. Besides that, folks can expect just as great of a time and the same fabulous food experience!”

So there you go San Jose – what are you waiting for? Go get your tickets now before it’s too late!

What: Dishcrawl San Jose: Discovering San Pedro Square’s Exotic Food Side
When: March 23rd, 7pm-9:45pm
Where: Misc locations, San Pedro Square area

Dishcrawl: Web // Facebook // @Dishcrawl // Tickets

The Future of St. James Park Meeting: Wed 3/23

Francis Enriquez Penrose sent a message to the members of San Jose: Downtown Dwellers

IMPORTANT MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF ST. JAMES PARK! 

It’s time to talk about “next steps” and other issues at St. James Park! Council member Liccardo and a PRNS representative will be present to hear comments, concerns and suggestions regarding the future of St. James Park. Please spread the word.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 23 @ 7:00pm
WHERE: San Jose Athletic Club, 196 N. 3rd Street
CONTACT: Fred Buzo at 535-4931 or fred.buzo@ http://www.facebook.com/l/b42b0g59udyjhnVKpW24H_XpXUA/sanjoseca.gov

A Taste of Paris Video + Special Offer

WhiteRoadFilms:

SPECIAL OFFER: Throughout March, mention White Road Films or sjdowntown.com to receive a free cup of coffee with the purchase of two pastries.

We personally believe in this boulangerie.

http://atasteofparis.net

Lionel comes from a region in France called Alsace. His
father was a baker and the fifth generation to run the Haeberle
Bakery in a city in Alsace named Colmar.

Now, Lionel Haeberle becomes the sixth generation of
authentic French Chefs to offer bakery items of the highest
quality to his customers.

Ann is a 5th generation Californian with a family history that
goes back to early settlements on the East Coast. And though
Ann was not born in San Jose, her great-great-grandparents
married and raised a family there, developing strong roots in
the community where her mother was also born and raised.

Generations of Ann's family members also attended and
graduated from San Jose State University, to which the shop is
closely located. Her family has long standing ties to the San
Jose Bay Area

Ann and Lionel Haeberle are excited to welcome you to their
first bakery here in the heart of the Silicon Valley!

Stop by and ask for a sample of their quality French menu
items. And bring a friend!

Participate in the Downtown Version of the Great American Litter Pick Up

Francis Enriquez PenroseMarch 17, 2011 at 12:06am

Subject: NOT TO LATE FOR THIS SATURDAY! VOLUNTEER AT...

THE GREAT AMERICAN LITTER PICK UP
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Register 8:00-8:30am /Clean-up: 8:30 – 11:30 AM • Celebration: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Help us clean up litter in San José. To participate in this year’s Litter Pick Up…

Step 1: Call (408) 277-3208 and sign up for one of the meeting locations listed below.

Step 2: On the day of the event, register at your meeting location and receive litter clean-up supplies*.

Step 3: Following the event, join us for a Celebration Lunch at your Council District’s Event Kickoff Location. Lunch is free for volunteers.

Where?: For District 3
-Roosevelt Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St.
-Washington United Youth Center, 921 S. First St.

If you are interested in participating please follow directions above…Of course you can choose either of the location because this is for DOWNTOWN!

* Donated supplies are limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own pick-up stick and gloves.

Of course you can choose either of the location because this is for OUR DOWNTOWN!

Operation Prom Dress, Saturday April 9th

Since 2008, Operation Prom Dress has given away over 1,500 dresses to young women across San Jose that are unable to afford one on their own. The event is hosted by the City of San Jose and Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen. This is a fantastic way to ensure that everyone has a chance to attend their prom, a once or twice in a lifetime event. If you know anyone that would be interested in attending, please spread the word!

SolFocus is Moving Headquarters from Mountain View to San Jose

SolFocus, a venture-backed manufacturer of solar energy systems, is moving their headquarters from Mountain View to San Jose at the corner of Brokaw and Zanker. This is just another in a series of moves that will help San Jose become the green-tech capital of the world. Source: SJBJ

Sharks Rally From Two Goal Deficit To Trample Stars

The San Jose Sharks’ game last night against the Chicago Blackhawks is now all but forgotten. Exiting Chicago from a disappointing 6-3 loss, with five of the Hawks goals coming from the second period, the Sharks knew they would have to significantly ramp up their focus and intensity if a difficult rival like the Dallas Stars were to be defeated.

And ramp up they did.

Following a scoreless first period, where the Sharks led in shots on net, the second period opened with a Stars two goal lead. The Stars scored a very controversial first goal, which developed after Stars forward Jamie Langenbrunner blatantly boarded Sharks defenseman Niclas Wallin from behind, head first. Adding insult to injury, Langenbrunner’s actions went unpenalized, and the Stars were credited with a goal. (Wallin never returned for the duration of the game, and it is likely the hit caused a concussion.)

After the Stars shortly thereafter scored a shorthanded goal to raise their lead to 2-0, the Sharks unleashed their intensity. Following the disappointing start to the second period, the Sharks considerably increased their takeaways, dominated puck control, and scored two more goals before the second period ended: the first from a Joe Thornton slap shot, and the second by Dany Heatley in front of the net on a five on three power play. If the Sharks’ tying effort wasn’t enough, defenseman Douglas Murray demonstrated his superior fighting skill by controlling a fight versus Stars forward Steve Ott, eventually tackling him to the ice, after Ott attempted to cheap shot him (for a massive hit Murray delivered to Loui Eriksson).

The Sharks’ intensity continued through the rest of the game. Ryane Clowe and Torrey Mitchell each got a tally within the first four minutes of the third period, both set up by Joe Pavelski, the Sharks’ adroit playmaking forward. While the Stars managed a power play goal by Jamie Benn in the middle of the third, the remainder of the game stayed scoreless until the Sharks’ Logan Couture took a penalty and the Stars pulled their goaltender, giving them a six on four advantage with the empty net.

Rather than convert their power play to a goal, Joe Thornton fired a shot from the far blue line to score, making the score 5-3 Sharks. Despite the game’s then predictable outcome, the Stars tried their six on four advantage again, this time with Dany Heatley scoring on the empty net. Given the Sharks’ player disadvantage and the Stars’ pulled goaltender, both Thornton’s and Heatley’s goals were credited as shorthanded, empty net goals.

Heatley and Thornton would each end up with two goals apiece.

Honorable mention goes to the clear first star of the game, Joe Pavelski. Despite not scoring, he managed four assists, and was solely responsible for setting up each goal he assisted on singlehandedly. I additionally would like to credit the fantastic defense, namely Douglas Murray (who rarely fails to disappoint) and “Pickles” Vlasic. Both players proved to be extremely fearless when it came to taking the body and blocking shots. Vlasic, near the end of the game, took a puck to the face, but fortunately managed to shake it off later.