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Julia Baum on May 23, 2018
South Bay communities that once made pariahs of pot clubs have now warmed up to them. In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, Santa Clara County jurisdictions like Los Altos and Milpitas, as well as Redwood City in San Mateo County, now want a slice of California’s legal and highly lucrative cannabis market and are in various stages of making that happen.
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The other day I exited the light rail (going south) at Tamien. I noticed a young man who pushed the door so it would not close. I thought some not very kind thoughts about him. Then I turned around and saw people running up the stairs from the Caltrain. And the doors were open and the people made it. I also saw a young woman doing it. And then, when the doors had closed another straggler ran towards the light rail. And the train operator waited for her as well. So much kindness. It made me feel really warm inside.
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
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Bill Kopp on May 21, 2018
Henry Threadgill has a well-deserved reputation as a jazz innovator. Working with unusual ensembles that include instrumental combinations not often thought of in a jazz context, Threadgill has made a series of boundary-pushing albums beginning in the 1970s and continuing today. For his efforts, the composer, saxophonist and flutist has earned many accolades and awards, including the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for music. Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 18, 2018
An all-female cast of composers and songwriters perform 20 original songs inspired by and in honor of 20 remarkable women leaders, paying homage to the extraordinary achievements and courageous life choices made by women worldwide. A collaboration between the Women Like Us Foundation and Vital Voices, two female-run nonprofits focused on uplifting and supporting women in leadership positions globally, the project is led by Hamilton music director Kurt Crowley and features tributes to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former first lady Michelle Obama, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, among others. (AS) Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 18, 2018
The South Bay Musical Theater’s musical adaptation of the story of Quasimodo incorporates elements of both the original Victor Hugo novel as well as the Disney animation that brought it to millions of American households. Featuring music by Grammy award-winning composer Alan Menken—who composed the scores to such ’90s Disney films as Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas and Aladdin—and Stephen Schwartz, the Academy Award-winning lyricist for Wicked, the show also includes a full vocal choir, which underscores the musical’s Gothic, 15th-century theme. (AS) Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on May 18, 2018
Some people think of the ukulele as a souvenir, says the Hawaiian born uke virtuoso Taimane. She doesn’t take offense. In fact, she likes it, as it sets audience expectations low. That’s when she comes in and blows minds. With 24 years’ experience on the diminutive “underdog of instruments,” Taimane is comfortable shredding through Bach, Led Zeppelin or her own material. She comes to town courtesy of San Jose Jazz and in support of her new album, Elemental—a suite of songs about earth, wind, fire, water, ether and the underworld—due out June 5. (NV) Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 18, 2018
Calling all tinkerers, hackers and makers: Over the course of three days, immerse yourself in the curiosity and creativity of the Bay Area Maker Faire—a celebration of all aspects of maker culture. With over 800 exhibits and nine stages of performers, speakers and demonstrators, the whole family can explore hands-on activities as diverse and unique as a sauerkraut making marathon or a build-your-own-planet workshop. Notable speakers include Mythbusters co-host and ultimate tinkerer Adam Savage as well as Danielle Feinberg, director of photography at Pixar. The Faire runs through Sunday. (AS) Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 18, 2018
Make America hyphy again at the Back Bar SoFa, where Northern California rappers Clyde Carson, Celly Cel and Big Tone will get live for an evening that will undoubtedly include thizz dancing and hopefully, at least one audience singalong to Mac Dre’s “Feeling Myself.” Carson, known as the former leader of rap group The Team and as the creator of Hyphy Juice, will headline alongside Vallejo native Celly Cel, whose hit single “It’s Going Down” landed him on the Billboard Top 100. Opening support comes from Big Tone, a frequent collaborator with E-40, Too $hort and Baby Bash. (AS) Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 17, 2018
Matt Beilis may be the only singer-songwriter who has opened for both Inspectah Deck and REO Speedwagon. After trading in his cushy job in the finance sector for a gig in a piano store, he began uploading original compositions to YouTube, where he caught the attention of celebrities like Ashton Kutcher, Ryan Seacrest and Ariana Grande. He brings his unique, soulful voice, as well as his piano, to Montalvo Arts Center. But expect the unexpected: Beilis is known for incorporating electronic beats into an otherwise acoustic set. (AS) Continue reading »
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Avi Salem on May 17, 2018
A multitude of words could describe the gay male experience at age 50, but playwright and actor Joe Gulla thinks it can be distilled down to just one: faggy. Gulla makes his Bay Area debut with his one-man monologue show, which describes in vivid, often cringeworthy, detail the trials and tribulations of growing up Italian, Catholic and gay in the Bronx—and in the ’80s, no less. From the lifetime subscription to Playboy his father bought him at 14, to an almost-encounter with a prostitute that was offered to him as a birthday gift at 16, Gulla chronicles both the hilarity and emotion of his teenage years through poignant vignettes and passionate dialogue. Runs through Friday. (AS) Continue reading »
