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Nick Veronin on March 13, 2019
Adriel Favela y Javier Rosas are two of Mexico’s rising stars within the narcocorrido genre. Just like American gangster rap—and heavy metal before that—the music, which centers around stories of cartel life, has drawn plenty of hand-wringing from the authorities. It’s also spawned real-life violence. Back in 2015, Rosas was the victim of a drive-by shooting in Culiacán, home to the Sinaloa drug cartel. Despite taking a number of bullets, he survived and is now on tour with Favela. Together, they teamed on a 2018 hit, “La Escuela No Me Gustó,” which combines elements of banda, furious and infectious Spanish guitar picking and gangland lyrics. Continue reading »
These days, it can be hard to imagine a world where a stalwart, libertarian, survivalist cynic and a Hillary Clinton-loving, bright-eyed optimist would be friends. But as fans of Parks and Recreation know, there is such a place: the idyllic, fictional midwestern town of Pawnee, Indiana. The show gave us unforgettable characters, like Ron Swanson, and great catchphrases—treat yourself! But the NBC sitcom is also a time capsule of sorts, debuting just months after Obama’s inauguration and dropping the final curtain shortly before Donald Trump’s fateful escalator ride. Connect with your neighbors and reminisce about simpler times. Continue reading »
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Anne Gelhaus on March 13, 2019
While smaller in scale than that other French-Canadian troupe of acrobats, clowns and musicians currently in town, Cirque Eloize also uses these elements to tell a story through mind-bending acts of agility. Saloon features Korean plank, aerial straps and Cyr wheel acts set against a Wild West backdrop with songs by Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. For that authentic Western flavor, the show also features a juggler tossing beer bottles around a barroom and railroad workers doing somersaults while holding gigantic sledgehammers. Giddyup! Continue reading »
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Bill Kopp on March 13, 2019
Depending on who you ask, Blue Öyster Cult is either best-known their 1976 smash hit “Don’t Fear the Reaper” or for a 2000 Saturday Night Live sketch poking fun at the prominence of one of the track’s most prominent rhythmic elements. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on March 13, 2019
Jazz, hip-hop and the art of storytelling converge in a new three-act concert experience produced by Jonathan Borca. The aim of the production, which showcases some of San Jose’s most talented performing artists, including rappers, poets and instrumentalists. The main act brings together players from the more traditional Nineteen Orchestra and some of their younger contemporaries from 7th Street Band as Borca—who emcees under the stage name Francis—takes the microphone. It’s a great opportunity to see some of this city’s most promising performers all under one roof. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on March 13, 2019
The Irish don’t need whiskey or stout to cut loose. Turns out the only essential ingredients are a microphone and an audience—and if there are a few tumblers of uisce beatha going around, well… that’s just fine. The Irish Comedy Tour, which stops in San Jose this week, just a few days shy of Saint Patrick’s Day, brings a full slate of up-and-coming Irish comedians to town. The bill includes Sean Finnerty, Maureen Langan, Ger Staunton, Dave Nihill, Katie Boyle and Mark Hayes. All of them have been recognized for their talents in clubs and large stages around the world. Sláinte! Continue reading »
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Anne Gelhaus on March 13, 2019
Before Bruce Munro pulls up stakes at his “Stories in Light” exhibit on the grounds of Villa Montalvo, the arts center will receive a visit from author C.S. Lewis, whose Chronicles of Narnia inspired Munro’s light installations. Lewis will be portrayed by David Payne, who has played the author in more than 700 performances in 23 years. In this one-man show, part of Montalvo’s Carriage House Concert Series, Payne offers insights into the life and works of the renowned novelist, poet, essayist, academic, literary critic and broadcaster. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on March 13, 2019
Fresh off the release of her new single, “Wait For It,” Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter SiairaShawn comes to The Continental’s weekly Universal Grammar-hosted party, The Changing Same. With an ultra smooth and spacey sound, SiairaShawn taps into everything that’s so good about the new generation of Odd Future-adjacent SoCal future R&B artists—see: Frank Ocean, Syd Tha Kid and Thundercat. Burnt-orange synths, syruppy-slumping bass lines and tastefully minimalist guitar strokes support her breathy, soulful vocals as she sings about breaking hearts by the beach. Continue reading »
It was a beautiful warm afternoon, and you were a tall man crossing State Street in Los Altos. As I was two cars back, I could only see your face, which had a very peculiar, almost sheepish expression. Then as you reached the curb, I saw that you were holding the hand of your preschool son, who had a very proud expression as he was wearing an obviously brand-new yellow raincoat and rain hat. I still smile when I think of the discussion you two must have had before leaving your house with him wearing a raincoat on a beautiful sunny day. And I am glad you gave in.
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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Metro Staff on March 6, 2019
Those who are a part of this city’s nightlife scene know that San Jose is a lot like a small town. People watch out for each other. So when news of Robbie Matthews’ untimely death reached Rachel Warner of The Caravan, one of Matthews’ favourite watering holes, she knew what she had to do. Celebrating the life of Matthews—known to his close friends as Pickles—this Saturday’s gathering will feature live music from Pablo Escobar, Beerijuana, The Biffs and more. The bar will also be holding a raffle and accepting donations to help Matthews’ family cover funeral costs. Continue reading »
