Tuesday, June 5, 2012

New Retail Coming to Santana Row

It looks like many new additions are coming to Santana Row this year. Two new retailers have just been announced. Lavazza Espression is a high-end espresso shop that will be added near the office lobby in the 300 building (same building with The Yard House). Drybar will setup shop across from Hotel Valencia and offer women a shampoo and hair styling for $35. A press release with more information for both is below.

Also slated for Santana Row this year: H&M expansion into the former Border's Store, Kate Spade New York, Icebreaker TouchLab, Clary Sage Organics and The Veggie Grill (a very highly-rated vegetarian restaurant replacing Wahoo's).

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Coming to Santana Row:
Drybar, a Blowouts Only Salon, and Lavazza
Espression, an Italian Coffee Shop

San Jose, CA (May 30, 2012) - Drybar, a buzzed about shampoo and blow dry-only salon and
Lavazza Espression, an Italy-based coffee shop, are the newest additions opening at Santana
Row. They're the most recent tenants to sign on at the Bay Area's most dynamic shopping and
dining destination.

Drybar is slated to open this summer at 377 Santana Row, across the street from Park
Valencia. The salon started a revolutionary concept by offering women a shampoo and blow-dry
styling for a flat rate of $35 and the motto, "No cuts. No color. Just blowouts."
The founder, Alli Webb, opened the first salon in Brentwood (in L.A.) and  Drybar has since
grown to 14 locations across the country. Celebrity regulars include Jennifer Love Hewitt,
Amanda Bynes, Mary Steenburgen, Maria Shriver and Rose McGowan, who liked the concept
so much that she became an investor.

Company CEO is Webb's brother, Michael Landau, a former brand marketing manager for
Yahoo!

The 1,499 square foot location at Santana Row features all the whimsical components that
make Drybar such a hit: bright yellow ionic hair dryers that hang from ceiling fixtures and a
menu of blowout styles named after cocktails. Ask for a Mai Tai and you'll get a sexy beach look.
The Manhattan is a sleek city blowout. They're served with complimentary wine, champagne,
coffee or tea.

Lavazza Espression is scheduled to open this fall at 300 Santana Row next to Hastens at the
entrance of the office lobby. Lavazza's history started more than 110 years ago when founder
Luigi Lavazza opened a small grocery store in Turin. He is credited with inventing the concept of
the blend, the art of mixing coffee of different origins to obtain a flavorful brew.

Lavazza, known as Italy's favorite coffee since 2007, is expanding its presence around the world
with a contemporary and innovative approach to coffee with Espression cafes, a place where
consumers can experience an extraordinary blend of coffee creations and fresh food in an
atmosphere of award-winning design. Innovation and research are two essential ingredients for
Espression. The menu ranges from the very best of Italian traditional coffee drinks coffee and a
rich menu offering featuring fresh bakery goods, panini sandwiches, chocolate drinks and
gelato. The chain's signature atmosphere is the embodiment of eclectic creativity, characterized
by a sophisticated ambience of the best in Italian design.

Drybar and Lavazza join kate spade New York, Icebreaker TouchLab, Clary Sage Organics and
The Veggie Grill as the newest additions to Santana Row. Meanwhile, retailer H&M is tripling its
space by moving to the 26,000 square-foot location formerly occupied by Borders Books. The
move to the corner spot on Olin Avenue and Santana Row is expected in the fall and means the
store will be large enough to also carry apparel and accessories for men and children.

Monday, June 4, 2012

New San Jose Band: Light the Rocket!

San Jose has been getting a lot of great music news in 2012. New venues for live music have been popping up all over the place (especially Downtown), it is now possible to catch great performances 7 days a week, and many new artists from all over the South Bay have joined the local music scene. Just when I thought things couldn't get better, they just did...

Light the Rocket is a new band where pretty much every single member was born and raised in San Jose, all of their music is recorded in San Jose, and their first music video was entirely shot at the Music Go Round in San Jose. If you had any doubts of their local ties, see how many Sharks shirts and jerseys you can find by the end of the music video below (there is even a "hella" variant from Bay Area Diehards).

Alright, so they're local and they're representing, but are they any good? Nope... they are friggin phenomenal. I think I've listened to all of their songs 7 or 8 times already. I love their sound--reminds me a bit of Dashboard Confessional. It's a long road, but I wouldn't be surprised if these guys one day surpass Smashmouth as San Jose's claim to musical fame for the newer generations.

Check out their Facebook page over here, listen to their songs here, and of course don't forget to watch their first music video below for their debut song, "Carefully"!






Sunday, June 3, 2012

San Jose's Playphone Raises $51.5M

Playphone is a San Jose-based company that specialized in multi-player social gaming for mobile devices. They are based on Airport Parkway and raised $51.5 million by selling off equity.

For more info on the company (and to get some games) check out their site over here.

Source: SJBJ

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Saturday, June 2, 2012

New Website for Live Music Downtown

It's amazing how much our live music scene has been growing lately Downtown. Pagoda, The San Pedro Square Market (3 venues here), and even Good Karma are getting into the action. Fortunately, a new website is making it really easy to see what is going down each night and where. Bookmark www.LiveAndLocalSJ.com to find great music 7 nights a week.

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Downtown ...  Live ...  365

Spread the word

Build the scene


Metro Newspapers
Band info,
previews, reviews

Ticketing and
future shows

7 Days Out
$ = paid show
All ages unless you see 21+
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23

THURSDAY, MAY 24

The Night Cat Trio (roots blues) - Poor House Bistro 6 p.m.
100% (indie rock/punk) with The Dinners (Indie) - Caravan Lounge 9 p.m.
Chris Landon (multi-genre crooner) – Good Karma Vegan CafĂ© 8 p.m.
So Timeless (R&B/soul/funk/jazz) - Blush Raw Bar & Lounge 7 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. 
Russo Alberts Trio (classic jazz) - Hedley Club Lounge 8 p.m. 
Band TBD - Rock at O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub 9 p.m. 21+
Live Jazz at Loft Bar & Bistro 7:30 p.m.
SDK (Rock Espanol, Latin Fusions, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa +Top 40) - Azucar Latin Bistro Mojito Bar & Lounge 9 p.m.  21+

FRIDAY, MAY 25
Rick Vandivier (guitar extraordinaire/R&B and jazz) -  Hedley Club Lounge  8:30 p.m.
Sluxy BoBoo (Devo-influenced electronica) -Caravan Lounge 9 p.m.
The Rubber Duckies (alternative electronic/dance) with Stock Foto – The Blank Club  9 p.m. $ 21+
Steven Gary (rock, reggae, country, pop) - A Perfect Finish Wine Bar 9 p.m. 21+
Live Mariachi – Chacho’s Restaurant 6 p.m. 
SDK (Rock Espanol, Latin Fusions, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa +Top 40) -  Azucar Latin Bistro Mojito Bar & Lounge  9 p.m. 21+

SATURDAY, MAY 26
Melted Horses (70’s inspired bluesy rock) - Caravan Lounge  10 p.m. 21+
John Garcia Band (blues/jazz) - Poor House Bistro 6 p.m.
Kavanaugh Brothers Celtic Experience (Irish Rock/Soul) -  Caffe Frascati  (315 S. First St.) 8 p.m.
Kristen Strom (Jazz saxophonist) at  Hedley Club Lounge  8:30 p.m.
Zombie Pool Party (metal) with String Theory at Johnny V’s. 9 p.m. 21+
The Kirk Tamura Trio (traditional jazz) -  A Perfect Finish Wine Bar  9 p.m. 21+

SUNDAY, MAY 27 :
Danny Owens (Jazz) –  Good Karma Vegan CafĂ©  5 p.m.
Traditional Irish Music - O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub 6 p.m. 21+

MONDAY, MAY 28
Acoustic open mic – Philz coffee (118 Paseo de San Antonio) 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 29
Traditional Irish Music - O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub 6 p.m. 21+
Open mic night –  Caffe Frascati  7 p.m.
Acoustic open mic night –  Poor House Bistro  6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
Bug Horn Rex – (New Orleans Jazz, Funk/Soul) - The Naglee Park Garage 7 p.m.
Ron Thompson (Blues) -  Poor House Bistro 6 p.m.
Beerijuana (metal/hardcore) with Smooth Sailing and Granted Earth –The Blank Club 9 p.m. $ 21+


SubZERO Art & Music Festival
Friday, June 1 – music starts at 6 p.m.
SoFA District (South First St. between San Carlos and Reed streets)

Metro Presents Fountain Blues FestivalJuly 14 – music starts at Noon.
St. James Park (entrance at St. John and First St.).

KraftBrew SummerFest (with live music stages)
Saturday, July 21 - starts at Noon.
Post Street, between Market and First St

Symphony Silicon Valley Target Summer Pops
Saturday July 28 – Sunday July 29 and
Friday Aug. 3 – Sunday 5; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00p.m. and Sundays at 5:30pm.
Click here to download the schedule.
San Jose State University Campus (San Carlos St. at 4th Street) 

San Jose Jazz Summer Festival
Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12 (times vary).
Main stage in Plaza de Cesar Chavez; multiple stages throughout downtown 



Left Coast Live (3+ stages of live bands all night)
Saturday, September 22 – starts at 4 p.m.
Post Street, between Market and First St.




Friday, June 1, 2012

The Koonzy Paddle Premiers Tonight @ SJSU


06/01 Friday - 06/10 Sunday
Thurs, Fri: 8pm
Sat: 7pm
Sun: 3pm

The Koonzy Paddle

The Koonzy Paddle is a bare-knuckled story about two salty, conflicted brothers, Lyle and Darryl Driggers. Darryl -- long after his divorce and in the grip of resurgent alcoholism -- marries a young woman he has met through an internet mail order bride service. When his new wife betrays him, trouble ensues, and Darryl escapes to the home of his brother and sister-in-law. With the arrival of his vindictive daughter, their lives become a turmoil of comic conflict that awakens memories of sibling grudges and a poignant past, causing the brothers to engage in their ludicrous childhood ritual of "gettin' even."
This humorous play is being co-produced by Spotlite Stage Company and Chamber Productions in association with the SJSU Alumni Association's Alumni Outreach Campaign.
The entire cast and crew are comprised of current students and alumni from SJSU's Theatre Department and is a "Tribute" to the late Theatre Department Chairman, Dr. Hal J Todd.
It was co-directed by Erica Schwehr and it features Steve Trinwith, Wendy Howard-Benham, Stephanie Marsh Ballard and Wes Finlay.
Chamber Productions & Spotlite Stage Company
ocation:
Hal Todd Theatre - San Jose State University
5th Street & San Fernando Street
San Jose 95192
408-400-3818
Opening Night $25 Friday and Saturday evenings $25 (Student/Senior $15) Thursday Evening $20 (Student/Senior $15) Sunday Matinees $15 (Student/Senior $10)

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Free Pass to the San Jose Greek Festival!

The Greek Festival is taking place this weekend near St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. There will be tons of food, music, and entertainment. Just print out the flyer below and you'll get in for free!

For a full list of events, click here.



From Blight to Bright - A Cycle Centered Community Cleanup morning in Willow Glen


by 

Willow Glen Neighborhood Association to launch “from Blight to Bright”; a series of community led beautification projects
Community Cleanup to encourage local residents to walk to “The Avenue”

Photo:BikePortland.org
The Willow Glen Neighborhood Association is hosting the first in a series of community cleanup days this summer on June 9, at 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. This event seeks to highlight the importance of the growing residential communities to the north, along with the increased need for safe and clean areas to walk and bike. From Blight to Bright will include residents from the Elements Apartment Community along with participants in San Jose’s monthly Bike Party rides; helping to move tools and debris by bike.

“With budget cuts severely limiting city services, we felt the Willow Glen community should help out” said Richard Zappelli, Vice President of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and tireless community advocate. “We have received tremendous support from our members, the Elements Apartment Community, and our District 6 City Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio.

The bicycling community has also responded by offering some of their ‘work” bikes to help move food, tools, and debris. As many residents and visitors of Willow Glen are aware, “The Avenue” is clean and well landscaped due to the efforts of the Willow Glen Business Association and financial support from the Willow Glen Community Benefit Improvement District.


 
When: Saturday, June 9th, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: A 1,900 foot section of Lincoln Ave. from Coe Ave. north to Parkmoor Ave. (see map)
Meet at: The Elements, 1201 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA, for breakfast, tools and assignments. (see map)
Transit available: Light Rail line 902 at Race Street Station, VTA Bus 65 on Parkmoor. With a 12 minute walk from Stevens Creek Blvd. to the north, routes 81 and 23, and with a 24 minute
walk from Coe Ave. to the south via VTA route 64 (see map)
Tools: We will have some tools but feel free to bring your own brooms, hoes, and gloves. See registration via link below. Also if you have a bike trailer that would be great.
To register (to get a count for food and tools): Click here

For the full press release, click here.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wednesday Wishlist: Bike Sharing Program

Oh wait a minute... this one is actually coming true. Check out this post from our friends at One Square Mile:

San Jose Bikeshare announces 20 proposed stations
by 
Last Tuesday, May 22, San Jose Bikeshare announced 20 proposed locations to place Bikeshare pods within the downtown and Japantown areas (see Google Map below). Obvious key locations such as City Hall, SJSU, Diridon Station, and the HP Pavillion were included but other lower key areas of downtown were included as well.

The stations extend from Japantown in the north, Gore Park in the south, Diridon Station in the west, and 9th and San Salvador on the eastern edge of downtown. For those of you who missed the news this summer the city is planning to begin work to close the eastern streetside of Gore Park, South 1st St. to through traffic creating (after Paseo de San Antonio) one of San Jose's few permanent street closures or Paseos.

What do you think of the locations? Could you do any better? Let us know what you think.

For the latest in San Jose Bikeshare news follow them on Twitter.

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View San Jose Bike Share - Proposed Locations in a larger map