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Grace Stetson on September 22, 2021
As the changing global environment has led to deeper discussions regarding climate change, artists are increasingly bringing those reflections to their work. Beginning this Wednesday, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles’ new exhibit features striking tapestry works that clearly showcase the detrimental effects of climate change across the planet. Curated by renowned local artists Deborah Corsini and Alex Friedman, the work stitches together weavers from across the West Coast—all members of Tapestry Weavers West—and features more than 25 artists speaking to one of the most important issues facing us today. Continue reading »
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Jay Edgar on September 22, 2021
Peter Thiel has long been known as one of Sand Hill Road’s most eccentric VCs, so out there that HBO’s Silicon Valley needed to spread his infamous quirks and beliefs among several characters. But beyond the quackery lies an incredibly powerful figure who has significantly shaped the world we live in. In his new biography of the far-right tech leader, Max Chafkin explores the increasing political cloud of Peter Thiel, and how his vision for the world is being realized, give or take eternal life through blood transfusion. Chafkin is joined in conversation with Bloomberg’s Emily Chang in an online seminar hosted by the Kepler LIterary Foundation. Continue reading »
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Elliott Sky Case on September 15, 2021
Our society has lauded a lot of heroes in the past year and a half—health professionals, teachers, grocery, food-service workers, etc.—many of whom may not feel the public nods of recognition translate to real-life appreciation.
But in sci-fi author Andy Weir’s newest novel, Project Hail Mary, protagonist Dr. Ryland Grace is a schoolteacher suddenly thrust into the position of becoming humanity’s sole hero, whether he wants to or not. When astronomers discover that a single-cell life form soon to be named “Astrophage” (star-eater) threatens to decrease solar output and cause global extinction, Dr. Ryland Grace finds himself at the forefront of an impossible-seeming mission. Continue reading »
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Jay Edgar on September 15, 2021
In March 2020, after two successful preview nights, playwright and San Jose State professor Kirsten Brandt was dismayed to have to cancel the world premiere of her latest play, Coded.
“It was incredibly heartbreaking,” she says. “We had been working for so long on it and it was a world premiere…nobody knew what would happen after we shut down.” Continue reading »
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Bill Kopp on September 15, 2021
Though rooted in acoustic flamenco guitar, the music of Mexico City-based duo Rodrigo y Gabriela is open to—and draws from—the entirety of popular and traditional music.
Across more than two decades, six studio albums, three live releases, three EPs and countless live dates across the globe, Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero have bent the music of other artists into what some have called their “acoustic speed metal” style. Continue reading »
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Jay Edgar on September 15, 2021
Singer-songwriter Amy D has cultivated a unique sound from a variety of sources. Pulling from jazz, reggae, world and neo-soul traditions, the songstress has gained a following for her insane vocal talents and heartfelt lyrics. Like so many in the neo-soul canon, D’s vocals create a breezy, uplifting energy, backed by far-out synths and groovy guitars. A perfect mix of accessible and provocative, her singing is a breath of fresh air. Amy D performs at the garden of the historical Ainsley House as part of the Campbell Museum’s Fall Garden Concert Series. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on September 15, 2021
Despite sharing a name with the famous singing cowboy, Roy Rogers is in fact a singular musician: no one else on Earth plays the slide guitar quite like this Redding bluesman. His speed, expression and melodic sensibilities are renowned worldwide. As a session man, Rogers has played with everyone from Santana to Linda Ronstadt, but at Poor House, he brings his own Delta Rhythm Kings to headline the eighth annual L’il Easy Backyard Party. It’s a day full of music and good times, with many more talented performers included, like renaissance man Maurice Tani and the enchanting Aireene Espiritu. Continue reading »
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Kyle Martin on September 15, 2021
Though the ocean may be a few miles from San Jo, the roots riddim of reggae and island music will be on full display Saturday at the Liquid Lounge for Island Jamz Night. There, showgoers can sample a wide mix of island reggae flavors with singer Chris Niu, Tongan reggae artist Molo Try, Sacramento reggae singer Rudemon and Oakland artist Will 84, who mixes it all together with some pop. Listening to these artists is like transporting to a paradise where fruit trees grow and there’s a cool, cool breeze blowing around—where skyscrapers aren’t the mission for locals, and where a shady patch in the sand is the congregation spot. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on September 15, 2021
Like most fests last year, Post Street’s Jubilee Wellness Festival was sidelined due to the pandemic. However, the Jubilee’s similarity to most festivals ends there. The free, outdoor event in San Jose’s recently defined Qmunity District (aka Post Street) dedicates itself to health and wellness in the South Bay’s LGBTQ+ community, providing free dental exams, rapid STI testing, on-site COVID vaccinations and many more services—alongside musicians, dancers, DJs, performers and games. There will be drag, there will be drinks, good times will be had and—before anyone asks—yes, the Moby Dick ride is back. Continue reading »
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Kyle Martin on September 15, 2021
The newest exhibitions at Triton Museum include the works of San Francisco-based Chinese artist Dora Duan and Sacramento-based French artist Robert-Jean Ray. A photographer and a painter, respectively, both are celebrated artists in their own right. Born in China, Duan studied at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco and started her own photo studio in 2012. Her images encompass dream-like landscapes and emotions. Meanwhile, Ray’s paintings and collages highlight his bi-racial upbringing and perspectives living as a male of European and African heritage—works meant to be viewed up close and personal. Continue reading »
