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Mike Huguenor on June 4, 2021
How about some good news from 2020? Last summer, a parent from the Peninsula-based Ragazzi Boys Chorus invented a new device that finally allows musicians to perform together over the internet without lag time. Now a regular part of the 200+ person chorus’ A/V setup, the “Virtual Studio” allows the massive choral group to deliver some truly cutting-edge (and dulcet) online performances. “Join Together in Song,” the Chorus’ final performance of the year, features each of Ragazzi’s numerous talented groups, and is free (donation requested) online. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 4, 2021
Local presenter (((folkYEAH!))) has long been bringing far-flung music to far-flung places around the Bay, but this event might just be the furthest out yet. Presented in conjunction with the freaky Austin psych festival Levitation, heavy French trio Slift perform in front of a disused particle microscope at the CEMES laboratory in Toulouse, France. Described by one reviewer as “garage rock with cosmic atmosphere and mantra-like repetition,” last February’s Ummon was an appropriately massive omen for the rest of 2020. Get cosmic from the comfort of your couch with this unique livestream event. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 4, 2021
Pride may have started as a riot, but Jo’s Comedy & Bangou Productions are hoping for more of a laugh riot this year. Presented both online and in person at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, “Pride & Joy” is a queer comedy event that brings together some of the Bay’s funniest LGBTQI & POC comedians, all while plying you with tacos (not available online). Hosted by CYTHIAINPUBLIC, the event promises to include a “Rainbow Explosion,” and features sets by Tammy Tealove, Ivy Vasquez, Kyle From Work, and headliner Marcus Williams, along with music from DJ Asthmatc. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 4, 2021
San Jose rapper Trauma Fresh, “the Human Typhoon,” has been promising a lot from new album Crime Spree, and based on lead single “What About You,” it sounds like he might be right. Released in April, the track bounces to the post-hyphy production of legendary local Traxamillion, bobbing with an audible Bay bop as Trauma croons “Mobbing deep in my city, what about you?” and “I’m for the nitty and the gritty, what about you?” With a video shot in Backesto Park that opens with the new San Jose logo outside Enso downtown, it’s all about the 408. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 4, 2021
So far there is exactly one great San Jose anthem of the new millennium: “The Hometown” by Rey Resurreccion. Spitting on top of a heartstring-tugging banda beat from DJ Cutso, Rey makes the case for all the golden grains of the Valley of the Heart’s Delight: “Barbeques, fairgrounds, go karts, taquerias / pho noodle, Music in the Park, and fly senoritas.” On new album Tiger’s Eye, Rey gets to flex his considerable chops as a producer, dropping ten instrumentals inspired by the hypnotic stone, “said to keep you focused, grounded, and centered, even when surrounded by chaos.” Continue reading »
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Mighty Mike McGee on June 4, 2021
Summer really adds color to downtown, and this Friday is a chance to see just how colorful SoFA District can be. Under the blooming jacaranda, Anno Domini, KALEID, Works/San José, Art Ark Gallery, The Citadel, ICA and SJ Museum of Quilts and Textiles will be open and ready for your foot traffic. All that’s missing is a closed off South First Street and booths full of makers and shakers. All of that will be back this August, when Street MRKT returns with food and entertainment to boot. But for now, it’s the dawn of summer, and these galleries are providing one of the most essential services ever known. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 2, 2021
Ian Santillano may be from Hayward, but the spunky young guitarist and self-described “Greasy Mayer” spends a lot of time gigging in San Jose. This Friday’s free livestream will be filmed on stage at Art Boutiki, an appropriately funky location for Santillano’s deep grooves, soulful melodies, and sweat-drenched fretboard freakouts. The guitarist recently also composed a new tune for San Jose Jazz, as part of their Jazz Aid Fund grant program. A little bit of soul, a little bit of rock, and a whole lot of heart. That’s the Greasy Mayer. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on June 2, 2021
In Shylock, a Jewish actor throws a Shakespeare Festival into chaos with his controversial performance as the notorious moneylender from Merchant of Venice. The festival is canceled (along with the actor’s career), and he is left having to defend his actions, and explain his artistic choices. Exploring themes of censorship, artistic freedom, and cultural representation, Shylock is a timely piece with a lot to say, and an exciting start to the Tabard’s 20th season. Performances run June 4-20, and are viewable both in person and online. Continue reading »
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Dan Mitchell on June 2, 2021
From the beginning, a weird assumption has permeated discussions of cannabis legalization: that if removing legal penalties from pot means more people will use it, that’s a problem.
It’s not surprising that prohibitionists believe this (or say they do). But it’s odd that advocates of legal pot often seem—mostly by implication—to agree. This usually happens when pro-legalization people trot out statistics that purportedly show that legalization doesn’t increase pot consumption, or doesn’t do so by much.
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Dan Mitchell on May 26, 2021
In the spring of 2020, the then-struggling cannabis industry freaked out. It seemed possible, even likely, that the industry would shut down along with large swaths of the rest of the economy.
Soon after governments across the country deemed weed an essential business, it became clear that the Covid-19 pandemic would not only not hurt the industry, but might actually turn out to be just the boost it needed—though the cost, horrendous levels of suffering and death, is one nobody wanted to pay.
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