The genius of Mystery Science Theater lies in its simplicity. Essentially, it’s a well-rehearsed trash-talking sesh—the kind of riff-fest that good friends have been enjoying over cold beers and bad movie reruns for decades. The brainchild of actor and comedian Joel Hodgson, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) follows a janitor trapped by mad scientists and forced to watch ridiculous B-movies as a part of a harebrained plot to take over the world. To stay sane, the janitor enlists some robot friends to join him in mocking various (and preposterous) sci-fi titles. MST3K is still going strong into its 30th anniversary year. Continue reading »
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Tad Malone on November 7, 2018
The Palo Alto Player’s newest production, All The Way, is a journey through the life and times of the sometimes controversial, sometimes iconoclastic president Lyndon Baines Johnson. Thrown into the position after his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated, Johnson quickly grew to fill the role, for better and for worse. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan, “All The Way” is a dramatic, action-packed portrayal of the winds of war and social change that bubbled up and boiled over in LBJ’s first year in the Oval Office. Runs through Nov. 18. Continue reading »
To the person at the nautical-themed discount clothing store who stepped in and paid my bill … so sorry I didn’t get your name. I was shocked, surprised, touched and I can’t thank you enough. My card was declined at the cashier (don’t know why, hardly use it, payment not due, card not expired) It. just. DECLINED. Anyways, your generosity just touched my heart. Thank you so much! Hope you are blessed today and every day. Wow, so nice to see and be surprised by humanity like that. I had the worst day at work, stressed and maybe shouldn’t be shopping … and you just put a smile back on my face. Truly touched. Thank you, and I’m sorry I didn’t know how to react to your kindness. But I am beyond grateful!
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 October 31, 2018
One of the most celebrated and admired acoustic guitarists working in a fingerpicking style, Leo Kottke is an acknowledged master of the six- and 12-string. With more than two dozen albums to his name (plus a pair of collaborative albums with Phish bassist Mike Gordon), Kottke continues to explore the potential of his chosen instruments in a relaxed and unassuming manner. Continue reading »
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Tad Malone on October 31, 2018
Stanford Live’s newest show is a spellbinding blend of music, history and humanity, all manifested through Jordi Savall’s engrossing tones. The celebrated Catalan composer and historian brings together a litany of dancers, musicians and singers for his program, The Routes of Slavery. Sponsored by UNESCO, the production pays homage to musical traditions from all over the world and serves as a musical discussion of humanity’s spirit and resistance to the evil traditions of slavery. The performance will feature a pre-show talk by associate professor of classics, Grant Park, as well as professor of history James Campbell. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on October 31, 2018
It’s hard enough to make it up to the city on a weeknight, let alone on a day where you also need to cast your ballots. But, if you have time, do both. Featuring 108 original works by the iconic Ralph Steadman—perhaps best known for illustrating a number of Hunter S. Thompson’s pieces, including Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas—this show will cover six decades of the artists’ creations. Plus, on Nov. 6, Steadman will be there in person. Those who show up with an “I Voted” sticker will get a special “Americans for Ralph Steadman” button. Continue reading »
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Tad Malone on October 31, 2018
Next week at the Hammer Theatre, University of Washington history professor and author Margaret O’Mara will be giving a free talk on the quiet synchronicity between privacy, tech disruption, and America’s political history. The discussion will be drawn from her forthcoming book, and measure the relationships between Silicon Valley, Sacramento and Washington D.C. She has the cred to back it up too; O’Mara is a Distinguished Lecturer of the Organization of American Historians, a past fellow for numerous organizations and think tanks including the Center for the Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, as well as a former employee of the Clinton White House. Continue reading »
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Tad Malone on October 31, 2018
Foothill College Theatre Art’s latest production is a journey through the relationship between siblings and their obsessions. Penned by award-winning playwright Qui Nguyen (best known for her work Vietgone), She Kills Monsters is a hilarious romp across a fantastical world—filled with fairies, elves, ogres and… evil cheerleaders. The play follows Agnes as she works to process the death of her sister Tilly with a little help from Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook. Lauded by critics as “breathtaking, hilarious, [and] heart-wrenching,” She Kills Monsters is a bittersweet tale of love, loss and teenage alienation. Runs through Nov. 18. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on October 31, 2018
It is time once again for the monthly South First Friday Art Walk in downtown San Jose’s SoFA District. This month features a reception by artist Mike Egan at Anno Domini; Egan’s third solo show, “Where Death Goes to Die,” is opening there. Also featured this time around at MACLA, an open mic youth showcase for aspiring rappers, spoken word artists, photographers, singers and other creatives. As usual Phantom Galleries will take over Pho 69—with “Out of the Darkness” by Whisper, while artist Monica Valdez will host a reception at The Pierce Apartments to showcase her new work, “Symbiosis.” Continue reading »
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Tad Malone on October 31, 2018
Local prog rock trio Divided by Seven celebrate the release of their new album, The Only Constant, at the Art Boutiki in San Jose. Mixing elements of alternative metal with tricky rhythms and melodic leads, the group recalls the work of late-’90s and turn-of-the-millennium hard rock acts, like Finger Eleven, Alice in Chains and Coheed and Cambira. To mark the album release, Divided by Seven will be performing along with guests Dokoe, and noise pop outfit Chilindrina. Doors open at 7:30pm. The show is all ages, but beer and wine will still be available. Continue reading »
