Friday, August 2, 2013

The Beatles Tribute Show "In My Life" - Tickets Go On Sale Today

If you are a Beatles fan, you will definitely want to have a look at this show playing at the Montgomery Theater in Downtown San Jose. Tickets go on sale today and if you scroll down to the bottom you will find a discount code that can be used until August 9th. See the press release below for all the details.

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The Beatles are back with In My Life, the untold true story of the legendary Fab Four, at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose
Discounted tickets for nationally touring show available August 2 - 9
 
SAN JOSE, CA (07/23/2013)— The time is NOW to reserve your seat in history for In My Life - A Musical Theatre Tribute to The Beatles, the award-winning musical biography of The Beatles through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein. Featuring live music from renowned tribute band Abbey Road, the show is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades. The multi-media musical plays Sunday, November 3 at 7 pm at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose.
Tickets go on sale August 2, but through August 9, a discounted rate on tickets is offered. Ticket prices range from $40 - $60, but you will be able to take $10 off all tickets during this time. Use promo code "BEATLES" when purchasing tickets between these dates. Tickets may be purchased by phoning (408) 792-4111, visiting www.sanjosetheaters.org or dropping by the Box Office located at 135 W. San Carlos in San Jose. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm. The Montgomery Theater is located at 271 S Market St in San Jose 95113. The show is appropriate for all ages.
More than just a Beatles tribute concert, In My Life gives the audience the chance to “be there” at pivotal moments in the extraordinary career of The Beatles: Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, The Ed Sullivan Show, Shea Stadium, Abbey Road Studios and the final live performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp offices. With manager Brian Epstein serving as narrator, In My Life allows the audience to get a glimpse inside the world of The Beatles from their point of view, as well as hear some of the greatest songs ever written. Historical settings such as the Cavern Club are established on stage with videos and images, which play behind the actors and musicians on a video screen. 
With their tight harmonies, flawless renditions, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to detail, they recreate the magic of The Beatles, including the Fab Four’s cheeky personalities and familiar onstage banter.  Progressing through their various musical stages, the audience re-experiences the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the creation of the haunting “Blackbird” and the raucous rock and roll of “Revolution.”
 
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, NOW is the time to celebrate one rockin’ blast from the past with In My Life. Don’t miss this true story of the very first and most successful quartet of all time. Relive the songs you came to love, as you’re transported back in time for one special night. Whether you were old enough to remember The Beatles or a new fan, In My Lifewill get you up on your feet and dancing in the aisles.
The Beatles appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show remains one of the most iconic moments in music history, as 78 million Americans were glued to their televisions. February 9, 2014 will mark the Golden Anniversary of that golden moment. Join us as we relive that unforgettable time in music to the sounds of “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” a song that first played in America on December 17, 1963 at a Washington, D.C. radio station. From then on, these ordinary boys from across the pond were catapulted into record-breaking stardom!  
The four musician/actors cast to play John, Paul, George and Ringo were selected from 220 Beatle tribute musicians and are age appropriate for the Beatles (22 – 32 years of age). The band features Chris Paul Overall ("Paul"), Gregory Wilmot ("John"), Jesse Wilder ("George") and Axel Clarke ("Ringo"). Brian Epstein is played by Alxander Jon.

“The show delivers!” said the L.A. Times. “If you see one tribute show, see this one – smart and loads of fun,” said the O.C. Register. “This is the ticket for you,” said the Idaho Statesman. “The most original of all the shows on The Beatles,” San Diego Theatre Review.
 



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Downtown San Jose Renaissance Faire

The Renaissance Faire kicks off this weekend in Downtown San Jose near the HP Pavilion SAP Center. I have yet to check this out, but I hope this becomes as successful as the Gilroy one. The Faire features shows on three stages, hundreds of costumed performers, jousting, games, and medieval-themed shopping. Print out the image below for $2 off each adult admission.


Wednesday, July 31, 2013

SoFA Gets a $200k Grant for Pop-up Shops and Public Art!

Out of 254 applicants, the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded MACLA a $200,000 grant to support the SoFA Creates & Connects program. 59 cities nationwide were awarded these types of grants, but most were around $50,000. Only San Jose and Houston claimed the top prize of $200,000.

The program will feature new public art installations and events. Some of the cool things you can expect are illuminated directional signs by French artists at Zero1, a new shade structure in the park adjacent to MACLA, an arts event series, and "Pop-up Tiendas (Shops)."

In addition to the new mini-SPSM, Cafe Stritch, several hundred new apartments, and a convention center expansion nearby, and a new weekly food truck event... it seems like SoFA is about to explode into a thriving district. We're on the right track!

Source: SVBJ

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Santana Row Nabs Fogo de Chao and Scotch & Soda

As if Santana Row needed any other good news, Fogo de Chao is opening up 9,000 SQFT Brazilian steakhouse in the former Chili's space in early 2014. This is a very highly-rated restaurant and will be only the second location in California, with the other being in Beverly Hills. I apologize in advance to Chili fans, but this is going to be one heck of an upgrade. It will also be the only Brazilian Churrascaria in San Jose.

Scotch & Soda is an Amsterdam-based fashion retailer that only has seven locations in the US: New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Now you can add San Jose to that list. The 1,840 SQFT store will be next to Kate Spade New York and opens late Fall of this year.

For more info, check out the press release below.





Santana Row Welcomes Brazilian Steak House Fogo de Chao and Fashion Retailer Scotch & Soda
Exciting Additions Coming to Silicon Valley’s Premier Destination

San Jose, CA (July 18, 2013) – A Brazilian churrasco restaurant is opening early next year and a European-based fashion retailer is slated to open this fall at Santana Row.
Fogo de Chao, opening early 2014
The International Brazilian steakhouse opens its first Northern California restaurant at Santana Row, bringing the best of the centuries-old culinary tradition of churrasco to Silicon Valley.
The 8,978 square-foot restaurant is being constructed in the former Chili’s space on Winchester Boulevard and Olin Avenue. It will showcase a beautiful dining room with seating for 250 guests, several private and semi-private dining areas, outdoor seating and a lively bar. The interior of the restaurant will reflect a mixture of Northern California and Brazilian modern design.
The style of cooking goes back centuries and is known as, “The Gaucho Way of Preparing Meat.” An important element of the culture is churrasco: roasting meats over pits of open fire for delicious barbecues. Traditionally, it is served at every festive occasion, especially family gatherings. For more information about the restaurant, go to www.fogodechao.com.
Scotch & Soda, opening late fall, 2013
Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda is opening its first South Bay location at Santana Row in time for the holiday season.
The 1,840 square-foot store will be located on the corner of Tatum and Santana Row, next to kate spade new york.
Scotch & Soda at Santana Row will offer high-quality clothes and accessories for men and women. Rich in detail, they’re typically inspired by the best tried-and-tested classic and vintage styles and enriched with a wealth of inspiration from around the world. Though Scotch & Soda has been around since the ‘80s, the international fashion brand as we know it today originated in 2001 when the new owners combined their broad experience and shared love for making great garments. The women’s collection, Maison Scotch, entered the market with the Spring/Summer 2010 collection and accounts for a large part of the company’s continuous growth. For more information about the store, go to: www.scotch-soda.com.
About Santana Row
Santana Row a 1.5 million square foot mixed used development in the heart of San Jose, California, is Silicon Valley's premier destination for shopping,
dining, living and nightlife. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks and plazas, Santana Row features over 70 retail shops, more than 20 acclaimed restaurants, a 212-room boutique hotel and six-screen movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail collection, Santana Row offers 622 residential units featuring a fitness center, rooftop pool and resort-living accommodations, and 65,000 square feet of office space at 300 Santana Row, its newest office address. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.santanarow.com.
About Federal Realty
Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, and redevelopment of high quality retail real estate in the country’s best markets.  As of September 30, 2012, Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contained approximately 19.1 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.1% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of September 30, 2012, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.1% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 45 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For more information, please visit www.federalrealty.com.

Monday, July 29, 2013

CAFE STRITCH PRESENTS: “A Rahsaan Roland Kirk Tribute Week” Friday August 2--Sunday August 11, 2013

Cafe Stritch is about to host their largest Jazz event yet with a five-day tribute to Rahsaan Roland Kirk. If you ever wondered where Eulipia got it's name from (Cafe Stritch's predecessor), it came from Kirk's "Theme for the Eulipions." What about Cafe Stritch? Named after Kirk's iconic saxophone. For all those that enjoy live Jazz, you won't want to miss this! All of the relevant information is below and can also be found at the Cafe Stritch website over here.



Cafe Stritch, formerly Eulipia Restaurant in San Jose, continues its heritage of presenting first-rate jazz by presenting a five-day tribute to the great Rahsaan Roland Kirk.  In addition to three nights of performances by trombonist Steve Turre, one of the world’s pre-eminent jazz innovators, the week’s activities include a number of diverse activities revolving around Rahsaan’s life and work.  Betty Neals will be performing her legendary ‘Theme for the Eulipions” poem with Steve Turre’s group.

Kirk’s “Theme for the Eulipions” gave Eulipia its name in 1977, and the restaurant’s owners, and now their children, who own Cafe Stritch, carry on the tradition of reverence for the jazz of Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

Trombonist Steve Turre, who played for many years with Kirk, will be playing as part of a septet at Cafe Stritch on August 8, 9, and 10 and Kirk’s widow Dorthaan will attend all of the activities during the five day tribute in honor of her late husband.  Many friends of the late great jazzman will participate in the festivities.  The first-rate band includes Matt Clark on piano, Howard Wiley on tenor sax, Charles McNeal on alto sax, Marcus Shelby on bass, Darrell Green on drums, and vocalist Terrie Odabi.

No Walls Between Us, an exhibit of Kathy Sloane’s powerful, atmospheric portraits of jazz greats will be presented throughout the cafe with an artist’s reception being held on Saturday August 10 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM.  Drawn in part from her acclaimed book Keystone Korner: Portrait of a Jazz Club, the exhibit also includes jazz photos from her 30-year career.

The schedule of activities appears below:

Friday August 2 – Sunday September 29:  No Walls Between Us: an exhibit of jazz photographs by Kathy Sloane. (No admission charge)

Wednesday August 7 at 6pm: Birthday Party for Rahsaan featuring live jazz, a panel discussion with Dorthaan Kirk, Steve Turre, Betty Neals, and others, along with a screening of Adam Kahan’s Rahsaan documentary “The Case of the Three Sided Dream”. (No admission will be charged for any activities on August 7)

Thursday August 8, Friday August 9, and Saturday August 10 at 8pm: Rahsaan Tribute Septet Featuring Steve Turre performing two sets each night with special guest Betty Neals performing her iconic “Theme for the Eulipions”.  Tickets available for $15 at www.brownpapertickets.com/venue/169573

Saturday August 10 from 3pm to 6pm: Artist’s reception for No Walls Between Us: an exhibit of jazz photographs by Kathy Sloane.   (No admission charge)

Sunday August 11 at 6pm:  The Eulipions, Cafe Stritch’s house jazz collective pays tribute to Rahsaan. (No admission charge)

About Café Stritch:
Opened in March, 2013, Cafe Stritch was named for an iconic saxophone used by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the jazz great whose “Theme for the Eulipions,” gave rise to the name Eulipia, the white tablecloth restaurant and jazz club that preceded Cafe Stritch in the same location: 374 South First Street, San Jose, CA. (408) 280-6161.  Cafe Stritch features affordable food offerings such as fried chicken and waffles, hamburger sliders, jambalaya, salads, sandwiches and a variety of house-made soups. It offers a full bar including craft beers, Chromatic coffee and live music.

One South Market Construction Panorama

You guys have to check out this panoramic photo of the One South Market construction site. Click the photo to enlarge. As a bonus there is also a photo of things just getting started at the Family Justice Center.

Both are brought to you by Jeffrey Arko, who will be sending us more photo updates in the future as construction progresses. Thanks for your contributions!


Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Colossal Show @ MACLA



On August 3rd, MACLA Art Gallery will be the host of the Colossal Show, a variety show featuring some of the funniest comedians and most talented musicians.

Having an art gallery as a venue allows comedians to practice an alternative brand of comedy and musicians a very intimate setting for a memorable performance. Audiences are also afforded the opportunity to support the local performing art scene away from cover charges and the two-item minimum.

It's also BYOB! Beer and Wine only, but bring as much as you'd like. Food is also welcomed.

Ben DelCastillo will be hosting a stellar line-up. The show features comedians: David Nguyen, Imran G-i, Clare O'Kane, and Nick Aragon! We're also excited to have musicians Shaanz and Brooke D share the stage!

$10 is all we ask. Most of the proceeds goes towards covering the cost of producing the show

RSVP online @ thecolossalshow.ticketleap.com or call (408) 256-2690

Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8pm on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013.

The Mmoon Has Closed

Many of you know this already, but The Mmoon has officially closed their empanada shop and soccer lounge Downtown. Just like VeggieBox at the SPSM, I feel like the timing of the closure is not so great. Things are turning around Downtown and I hate to think that if they had just stuck around for just a few more months, they would have seen a huge improvement in business. With The Farmer's Union opening next door, San Pedro Square in general heating up, two new high-rises less than a block away, and the new Earthquakes Stadium... it seems they are leaving right before a key inflection point. Anyways, I am sad to see them go as I really enjoyed their empanadas and they were the first in a big wave of unique restaurants to come Downtown. I'm hoping they will have a worthy successor, as I'm sure that space will not be vacant for long.

The Mmoon Empanadas  
 
Dear Loyal Mmoon Customers,
Our Downtown San Jose location (Soccer Lounge) will be
closing permanently effective Tuesday, July 16
 
We are consolidating our operations to our Los Gatos store (only 5 miles from San Jose). We will continue to provide all catering and online delivery services and will expand our delivery zone to accommodate customers that have ordered from our San Jose location. 

Thank you for your patronage, we look forward to seeing you in Los Gatos.