A staple of the operatic repertoire, Giuseppe Verdi’s turbulent tale of love, revenge and the power of music, Il Trovatore, comes to the California Theatre. The opera tells the tale of a woman following her own heart despite various and violent patriarchal obstacles and features an emotional, heart-stopping score conducted by Joseph Marcheso, Opera San José’s music director and principal conductor. The production is directed by Brad Dalton, whose résumé includes San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera and many other international companies. The production runs through March 1.

Il Trovatore
Sat, 8pm, $55+
California Theatre, San Jose

For more than three decades the Italian American Heritage Foundation of San Jose has thrown this annual party to expose local audiences to classical Italian opera. This collaboration between Opera San Jose and the IAHFSJ opens with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner catered by Elegant Events SJ and a program of some of the opera world’s greatest hits—by Italian, as well as French, Russian and English composers. The night will conclude with group Christmas carols. Tickets are $45 for IAHF members and $50 for guests of members.

World of Italian Opera
Fri, 6pm, $45+
IAHF Hall, San Jose

It’s not every day that such iconic characters as Carmen, Tosca or Figaro roam the food court. But this weekend, Opera San Jose—celebrating its 35th year—serenades SoFa Market. Resident artists from the local company show off their vocal chops and mingle with fans. Attendees may enjoy drinks from the Fountainhead Bar while nibbling on a variety of choice snacks from Hawaiian Poke Bowl, Habana Cuba, Pizzetta 408, Tacos Los 3 Hermanos, Umi Hand Roll, Vietnoms, Sticks N’ Greens and Vitamina. First time at the opera? No sweat. The event is free, and you can leave the tux at home.

Opera in the Market
Sat, 7pm, Free
SoFA Market, San Jose

We walk around with the entire internet in our pockets, calling up ride-sharing services from our mobile devices and perusing menus online whilst en route to our favorite restaurants. The world is at our fingertips and waiting… well, that is so 20th century.

The organizers of the annual SoFa Street Fair certainly have gotten the memo—or email… or, uh… status update? Fans of local art and music won’t have to wait until fall for the return of the SoFA Street Fair, as an abridged installment of the annual festival is slated for this weekend.

The one-day SoFA Street Fair SPRING 16 will feature speakers, bands, DJs, opera, art exhibitions and even a few pile-drivers. And all of it is taking place on South First Street, Sunday, April 24.

With performances at Aura, BackBar SoFa, Café Stritch, The Continental, Haberdasher, Miami Beach Club, The Ritz, SoFA Market and more, there is a whole lot going on in a short amount of time. It’s all free, so the only thing you have to sweat is deciding who to check out. This cheat sheet ought to help with that.

Periscope: progressive, experimental; Heroes Stage, 2pm

Dave Miller & Friends: punk rock; SoFA Market, 2:30pm

No Water After Midnight: R&B, soul covers; San Carlos Stage, 3pm

Andre Hart: local visual artist; Aura Stage, 3:30pm

Julius Papp: house DJ; San Salvador DJ Stage, 4pm

Infinite Sleep: melodic metal, post-hardcore; BackBar Stage, 4:30pm

Jean Jackets: garage rock, indie; Café Stritch, 5pm

Rabbit Quinn: piano-driven, atmospheric indie; SoFA Market Stage, 5:30pm

DJ Dan: breakbeat, funky house; San Salvador DJ Stage, 6pm

Talkie: indie-pop, rock & roll; Aura Stage, 6:30pm

Citabria: progressive, alternative; The Ritz Stage, 7pm

Socorra: mellow indie rock; SoFA Market Stage, 7:30pm

ONOFF: rock & roll; Balanced Breakfast Stage, 8pm

Kwesi Young: alternative hip-hop, trap; Aura Stage, 8:30pm

SoFA Street Fair SPRING 16
Apr 24, 2pm-9pm, Free
SoFA District, San Jose