by
Kyle Martin on December 15, 2021
This Thursday, the self-proclaimed “most famous half-Persian comedian in the world” Kevan K-Von Moezzi comes to the Improv for a single set. The comic from Reno, NV, found fame after taking a job on MTV’s Disaster Date—where unwitting contestants earned $1 for every minute spent on a horrible date—and has since appeared on Last Comic Standing, Dry Bar Comedy and more. His TedTalk on Persian New Year has also become a fan favorite, as have his podcast (The Right Show) and YouTube channel, where he skewers everything from workout plans to ’90s music. Continue reading »
by
David Ma on December 8, 2021
In rural South Vietnam, in a modest courtyard in the early 1960s, a little girl with black bangs crouches by her neighbor’s radio, listening to faraway sounds from the BBC. She spends many of her mornings like this, listening to Brenda Lee, Connie Francis and Elvis. Outside the courtyard, life is beset with war, one that would rapidly intensify as the decade wore on. Continue reading »
by
Jay Edgar on December 8, 2021
A few years back, guitarist Bryan Salazar befriended the guys from a local band called Outliars, connecting over their shared love of garage rock.
“Early Ty Segall, ’60s garage rock, Thee Oh Sees, King Gizzard … we just bonded over that kind of music,” Salazar says. Continue reading »
by
Grace Stetson on December 8, 2021
Music makes everything better—and what better way to learn about the first celebration of Chanukah than through a musical? This Sunday, 3Below hosts its final showing of the G-rated musical The MeshugaNutcracker!, a wild family-friendly comedy that provides viewers young and old a history lesson along with delightful orchestration. The masterful story interweaves Judah Maccabee’s saga with the Jewish experience during the Holocaust and the celebration of the first Chanukah, all set in the fictional town of Chelm. A fun holiday lesson—complete with sing-alongs. Continue reading »
by
Jay Edgar on December 8, 2021
Rock/funk/soul outfit Sweet HayaH have been a welcome fixture in the San Jose music scene for a while now, and have coaxed audiences all around the Bay Area to sway their hips to the global rhythms underpinning their unique sound. Vocalist Nehal is a powerful force, her energetic vibrato and sunny charisma providing a one of a kind atmosphere for their live performances. At Art Boutiki, they’re joined by local alt-rockers Periscope and Relapse for a holiday show that’s quickly becoming a sweet, sweet holiday tradition. Continue reading »
by
Grace Stetson on December 8, 2021
What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some caroling? This Saturday, the Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale will host its 14th annual “Carols in the California” program, featuring carols new and old for the whole family. The program includes audience sing-alongs at the outdoor California Theatre, giving locals a taste of the holiday season without the winter temperatures. Before and after the performance, attendees are encouraged to take in the other sights around downtown San Jose, including Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland rides, or to bring some cocoa for the full experience. Continue reading »
by
Alec Adams on December 8, 2021
Though Christmas music has its nay-sayers, complaints about Christmas music are sometimes more tiring than the Christmas music itself. What’s the problem with classically constructed, fun pop songs that we save for three-to-six weeks of the year? I have a feeling Jose Hernandez, leader of the three time Grammy nominated mariachi group Sol de Mexico, would agree with me. This weekend, Hernandez’s thirteen piece ensemble gives two performances of classic Christmas Music this Saturday, full of rich arrangements and the liveliness of a full mariachi band. Continue reading »
by
Elliott Sky Case on December 8, 2021
No one plays Chopin quite like Nikolay Khozyainov. The 29 year old piano prodigy debuted at Moscow Conservatory at the tender age of seven, and in 2010, he became the youngest finalist in the Fryderyk Chopin Competition. This year, Khozyainov performed at the Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa in Mallorca, where Chopin spent an ascetic winter and wrote some legendary compositions. San Joseans, however, need not sequester themselves in a freezing monk’s cell to enjoy these masterpieces: simply tune in to the Steinway Society’s streams this weekend. Continue reading »
by
Kyle Martin on December 8, 2021
Jazz, jazz and more jazz is scheduled for Christmas at the Shed, an annual swingin’ party for the holidays at the Drying Shed featuring the Bay Area’s beloved A Touch of Brass Big Band. The 18-piece orchestra brings private, corporate and community shows to Northern California with enough brass to make a grown man cry. The band is known for winning over fans everywhere they go: from tech company networking events to east side backyard bashes. A Touch of Brass spins tunes for a great time, and this year’s show is expected to dazzle. Continue reading »
by
Elliott Sky Case on December 8, 2021
It may already be December, but Halloween is never over for those who truly believe. This Thursday, downtown fixture The Caravan Lounge hosts SHRINE, a certified Goth Nite featuring DJs Hex Embrace, C_Death, and (the most goth name of them all) Julian. Hex Embrace has been spotted spinning all over the Bay anywhere dark dance tunes are needed. Vampires and normies alike can undulate to the eerie, pulsating sounds of darkwave, post-punk and industrial every second Thursday of the month. Caravan’s no-cover tradition (more drinks!) has 6-inch platforms clomping and black makeup melting until 1am. Continue reading »
