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Metro Staff on October 23, 2019
Some people think of the ukulele as a souvenir, says the Hawaiian born uke virtuoso Taimane. She doesn’t take offense. In fact, she likes it, as it sets audience expectations low. That’s when she comes in and blows minds. With well over two decades of experience on the diminutive “underdog of instruments,” Taimane is comfortable shredding through Bach, Led Zeppelin or her own material. She comes to town in support of her latest full-length album, Elemental, which was released last summer. It is a suite of songs about earth, wind, fire, water, ether and the underworld. Continue reading »
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Jeffrey Edalatpour on October 23, 2019
Lynn Nottage’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama takes place during the Great Recession of 2008. A group of co-workers, friends and family members struggle to find jobs or cling to the ones they have. When someone is given a chance to move off of the backbreaking factory floor and into a management position, envy and old enmities threaten to tear these long-term relationships apart. Most of the action happens in a neighborhood bar where the community comes together, and where it also starts to disintegrate. Better than an economist’s assessment of the era, Nottage’s writing feels as authentic as documentarian’s film. The play runs through Nov. 10. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on October 23, 2019
This ain’t your grandfather’s rock opera. The 50th anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s take on Jesus’ last days sports a contemporary look—including a clean-shaven Christ (Aaron LaVigne)—that uses updated production values to crank up the spectacle and appeal to today’s audiences. The story, told from the perspective of Judas (James Delisco Beeks), is still as thought-provoking as it was in 1970, positing that the apostle’s betrayal was not all about the Pontiuses. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on October 23, 2019
In its time, the Cactus Club (1988-2002) did everything that a rock & roll club should: It pissed off the neighbors, the city and square authority figures all over San Jose. It also served as the glue holding together the city’s local music scene, drawing rising midsize headliners and giving regional groups supporting slots. Bands from the early ’90s Cactus Club era—including Cafe of Regret, Firme and 187 Calm—reunite this week to remember the glory days and support local musician Matt Kolb, who is fighting cancer. Kolb will speak at the event, which is hosted by Cactus Club successor, The Ritz. Continue reading »
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Bill Kopp on October 23, 2019
Over the course of its three decades performing, progressive metal outfit Dream Theater has periodically created concept albums. Their 1999 LP, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory, was the band’s first concept album and marked the debut of Jordan Rudess as the group’s keyboardist. Continue reading »
It puzzles me how you have enough clout to work for a premier comedy club. A couple of weeks ago, I attended your impromptu sidewalk interviews, during which you trash-talked a prior interviewee. Afterward, you walked me over to a co-worker who told me she would send me an email with a link and training dates. Well, I never received it. Just last week, I noticed you on the sidewalk again at that same table where you were soliciting job applications when we first met. I approached to follow up on our previous conversation, but you made it quite apparent that you had no time for me. When I asked about the job, you replied coldly, “Everyone has been hired.” I asked why you were still outside, and you responded that it was due to inside construction. “Then why is there a ‘Job Fair’ sign right there?” I asked. You shook your head side to side and rolled your eyes. I walked away, and while I was crossing the street you sarcastically shouted, “God bless you.” Listen, I don’t need no blessings. But you should pray for divine intervention to undo whatever it is that cursed you with the charm of a caveman.
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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Nick Veronin on October 16, 2019
Holding court over his kit, drummer and composer Kendrick Scott proves that percussion is about so much more than keeping time. On his 2016 composition, “Philando,” the Houston-born musician improvises over an ambient drone and a recording of the Philando Castile shooting, heightening the emotional narration of Castile’s girlfriend Diamond Reynolds with swelling cymbals, rumbling toms and popping snares. Scott will perform with his band Oracle alongside guitarist Mike Moreno, pianist Taylor Eigsti and bassist Brandon Owens. The concert launches a new Hammer Theatre Center-San Jose Jazz collaboration, the Black Cab Jazz series. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on October 16, 2019
It was 60 years ago this Sunday that KFJC first broadcast from a broom closet at Foothill College. In six decades that followed, the humble station has become synonymous with adventurous tastes and documenting the bleeding-edge of underground music, both at home and on location around the world. In the process, KFJC has defied the state of radio, proving that truly alternative music still has a place on the air. To commemorate the 60th anniversary, they’re hosting an open house and inviting the community to come meet the DJs, enjoy some music, snack and celebrate. Long live the Wave of the West! Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on October 16, 2019
Mark Farina has been spinning records for a long time. Born and raised in Chicago, the tastemaking Bay Area transplant helped shape the San Francisco electronic scene in the early ’90s. Whether you find him at the helm of a pulsating house mix or weaving together a more downtempo groove, it is advisable to wear comfy shoes. This dance pioneer is known for his lengthy and engrossing sets. Joining Farina will be local techno-house hero Arturo Garces and the Ritz’s resident DJ and IDM encyclopedia, Basura. Continue reading »
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Conor Agnew on October 16, 2019
Trailblazing emcee, producer and Bay Area legend Lyrics Born has always had great taste in collaborators. Perhaps best known for the hit 2003 single “Callin Out,” the Japanese-born hip-hop head has worked with DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Lateef the Truthspeaker and many others over the course of his 25-year career. His latest choice collaboration comes in the form of Rapp Nite, which he made with celebrated San Jose spinner DJ Paolo “Cutso” Bello. The final installment of San Jose Jazz’s “Do You Know San Jose?” concert series will kick off this year’s Pow! Wow! public art festival. Continue reading »
