Icrebreaker Opens Today in Santana Row

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

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

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

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

WHERE:       356 Santana Row
  San Jose, CA 95128

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

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

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

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

Two New Bike Corridors

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

Source: One Square Mile

Hedding Street by Richard Masoner / Cycleicious

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

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

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

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

Source: SJBJ

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

San Jose, CA – August 9, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # # 

About History San José: 

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

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

www.historysanjose.org

About SquareCrow’s Ball:

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

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

About Second Harvest Food Bank:

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

The Mmoon Expansion

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Bostaph’s Beat Recognized: A BADAAS

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

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

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

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

Nate Brown’s Syncopated Stick Tricks And Legendary Drum Kits

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

Kenny Aronoff’s Signature Session

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

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

Prince Drummers Participate

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

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

About Enter Music Publishing

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

Siren Fish & Reptiles Now Open Downtown

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

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

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

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

To read Mark's post, click here!