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Bill Kopp on September 18, 2019
While she is popular the world over these days, contralto Diana Krall got off to a modest start. Her official debut, 1993’s Stepping Out, earned positive reviews, but it didn’t initially move many units. Yet that release did bring her to the attention of producer Tommy LiPuma. He produced her second LP, Only Trust Your Heart. That album reached the No. 8 position on Billboard’s jazz charts and established pianist-vocalist Krall as a major talent. Continue reading »
If the wedding day is an indication of what the marriage is going to be like, then, my friend, you are doomed. I get that your fiancée wants everything to be perfect (which in my experience is a sure way for the day to devolve into chaos) but a big part of achieving wedding day nirvana is attitude. So if you’re neurotic, rude, inconsiderate, and just overall bitchy it metastasizes to your wedding party, your wedding guests and even to the decorations. If you’re a grump on “the happiest day of your life” then even the floral centerpieces seem to wilt. Alas, that frown never turned upside down. The ceremony started 45 minutes late because the sun wasn’t set perfectly behind the altar. Then, after you demand the guests talk amongst themselves in the 100 degree heat with no shade or refreshments, you extended the post-ceremony photoshoot. It get better! You also surprised us with a TBD reception location, which turned out to be in Morgan Hill—almost an hour away from where the ceremony took place in Santa Cruz. Cherry on top? It was a dry wedding because—“ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!”—in an attempt to lose weight to fit into your dress, you’ve been sober the last 30 days and figured, “why not keep it going?!” No wonder you’re so uptight.
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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Avi Salem & Nick Veronin on September 11, 2019
A little bit of country, a little bit of rock & roll and a little bit of hip-hop swagger. For the second summer in a row, alt-rock hit-machine Cake joins forces with singer, songwriter and piano-pop powerhouse Ben Folds—hitting the road with guitars, trumpets and vibraslap in tow. Continue reading »
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Gary Singh on September 11, 2019
Each year the Steinbeck Center presents the Steinbeck Award, celebrating musicians, writers, documentarians, thinkers, artists and activists whose work embodies the empathetic spirit and values of John Steinbeck. Previous recipients include Bruce Springsteen, Rachel Maddow and Ken Burns. This year, British folk-pop superstars Mumford & Sons are set to accept SJSU’s illustrious prize in a celebration at Stanford’s Bing Concert Hall. The award is going to Mumford & Sons both because they’ve written songs inspired by Steinbeck and also because they’ve demonstrated a serious commitment to social engagement through their Gentlemen of the Road project, which supports global and local charities fighting for social justice. Continue reading »
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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
From the Hebei Province in China, this impressive group of flexible and high-flying performers is sure to dazzle. Watch as more than 40 world-class athletes incorporate elements of traditional and contemporary Chinese circus into their respective routines. The troupe blends dance, gymnastics and acrobatics in a mix of death-defying stunts and awe-inspiring skill. Hoop-diving, ladder-balancing, body contortion and an act that tests the limits of just how many individuals can hitch a ride on a bicycle—these are just a few of the talents in store. Children and JCC members receive a $5 discount to the show. Continue reading »
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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
Zach Leary, son of pioneering psychonaut Timothy Leary, is the host of “The MAPS Podcast” as well as “It’s All Happening with Zach Leary.” James Fadiman is an author and psychedelic researcher. During the Talking Art: Psychedelic Medicine event, the pair will discuss microdosing psychedelics—such as psilocybin and LSD—and the potential benefits of the practice, such as boosts to creativity and focus, as well as the history and politics of the countercultural movement. This event comes at the tail end of the “Surreal Sublime” exhibit at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, where many artists have incorporated psychedelia into their work. Continue reading »
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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
It’s sure to be a wild night when Colombian singer and songwriter Maluma brings his 11:11 world tour to the SAP Center. Maluma’s 2016 single “El Perdedor” is just one of several of his videos that have tallied more than a billion views on YouTube. Part of the new school of Latin heartthrobs, this young South American combines the bad-boy swagger of Pitbull with the charm and naturally disarming vibe of Enrique Iglesias. Mainstream US listeners will recognize him from his sultry feature on “Medellín”—an ode to Maluma’s hometown on Madonna’s latest album, Madame X. Continue reading »
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Anne Gelhaus on September 11, 2019
Authentic Polish cuisine, music and dance can be difficult to come by in this area. But every year, around the middle of September, the South Bay Polish community throws a party at St. Brother Albert’s Polish Catholic Mission. Food, of course, is primary, so count on plenty of pierogi and kielbasa to go around. Bands will be playing Polish folk music throughout the day, and dancers will repeat steps that have been passed down through generations. Traditional Polish crafts, like amber jewelry, woodwork, textiles and crystal glass will be available for sale. Continue reading »
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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
In anticipation of 2020—and Beethoven’s 250th birthday—the Community School of Music and Arts hosts the latest installment in its a concert series honoring the beautiful sonatas of our good friend, Ludwig van. Composed over the course of three decades, the 32 sonatas are widely recognized as some of the most important compositions in music. Axel Schmitt, CSMA faculty member and winner of the Los Angeles Liszt Competition, will perform at Tateuchi Hall. The evening’s performance will feature four sonatas, including “The Tempest” and “Waldstein.” Continue reading »
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C.J. Prusi on September 11, 2019
What better way to end the summer than with a cerveza preparada? Whether you come for the acidic tomato juice, the kick of the chile, the citric tang of lime or the pleasant buzz that comes along with finishing a few, the bartenders at Chacho’s are ready to celebrate this delicious Latin beverage. Keep things simple with a straightforward chavela or go high-octane with the “super chavela,” which comes with an added shot of tequila. The fiesta continues until 6pm, so there’s plenty of time to split some Chacho’s nachos with a friend as you kick a couple back. Continue reading »
