Two special SubZERO events for tonight

As a reminder, tonight is the start of an epic two-day arts festival in SoFA called SubZERO. There are two special events I wanted to quickly highlight:

Works San Jose is having an opening reception for System Overlord between 7pm and 10pm. This project brings together designers are artist who are pushing the limits of print and new media. They always have a compelling showcase and I'm sure their latest collection will not disappoint.

You also have to swing by the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles and check out "Before You Were Born" by Laurie Shapiro. This is an immersive, walk-in exhibit that has an accompanying live performance. The exhibits at this museum continue to become more and more ambitious, and this one sets a new bar! Below are a couple photographs by Octavio Martinez to help you get a feel for the scope of this piece.

Admission is free at all venues, including the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles which normally do charge a fee outside of FIRST FRIDAY events.

First San Jose Pancakes & Booze Art Show

Art, Pancakes, and Booze. Those are the three main ingredients in SoFA's newest event. Over 50 artists will be displaying their work along with live body painting and music. It all goes down at Forager, 420 South First Street on May 20th.

This event is 21+ only and admission is $5-10. That includes unlimited pancakes and good times. For tickets head over here. For more info, the full press release is below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Jose -- Batter sizzles, beer foams, and bare flesh is slathered in paint as gawkers look on. Indie musicians and DJs thunder sound waves off the canvas-lined, graffiti-strewn walls. Revelers stuff their faces with endless pancakes.

What is this, some type of hipster themed IHOP? A Lady Gaga video? Banksy’s mom’s basement? Nah, it’s the Pancakes & Booze Art Show – the hottest pop-up traveling art event in all the land.

This is no stuffy wine-and-cheese, someone-gag-me-with-a-cocktail-napkin gallery. It’s an innovative reimagining of the art show concept, as DIY art movement mayhem. Up-and-coming artists strut and sell their stuff in a free verse, electric funhouse of mayhem.

You know you want to come, right? Hit me up so we can talk about ways to convince your editor to pay you to visit the show and maybe relax that no-alcohol-on-the-job policy. Hell, even bring your boss along If you like.

WHAT: Pancakes & Booze Art Show: Over 50 emerging artists showcasing their hottest work in a Warhol-style, anything-goes, massive warehouse environment--live music, body painting, multimedia displays, and FREE pancakes! The show originated in 2009 in Los Angeles and since has popped up more than 200 times in 30 cities around the world. Each show draws as many as 1000 guests throughout the night.

WHEN: May 20th 8:00p - 2:00a

WHERE: 420 S. First Street San Jose, CA 95172

ABOUT TOM: Tom Kirlin, 38, left his movie career as a Hollywood cameraman to start Pancakes & Booze in 2009. Born in Tucson, Ariz., he’s a travel fiend who has visited over forty countries across every continent but Antarctica. At 6-foot-6, he’s a hell of a ringer in pick-up basketball games. Bug him at info@pancakesandbooze.com

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show

FaceBook | Instagram | Twitter
www.PancakesAndBooze.com

The SoFA Street Fair kicks off this Sunday

A great free music festival is happening this weekend in Downtown's SoFA district. Local, regional, and national live music acts will be taking to the stage in the middle of South First Street. This is also a great opportunity to check out SoFA's hotspots like Cafe Stritch, Forager, and the now full SoFA Market. The event starts at 2pm and goes into the night.

For more details, check out the SoFA Street Fair Facebook page.

San Jose Flood Relief Fundraiser @ SoFA Market

There will be a fundraiser Downtown tomorrow benefiting San Jose flood victims. Up to 20% of food and drink sales between 4pm-9pm at the SoFA Market on First Street will be donated to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, one of the key organizations helping flood victims right now. You can also try out SoFA's two newest eateries while you are there: Pizzeta 408 and Toasted Craft Sandwiches. This also happens to be SoFA's first city fundraiser. There is nothing like eating and drinking for a good cause!

South First Fridays happening tomorrow in SoFA

Experience the South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk tomorrow from 7-11pm in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. 20 different venues will be open late and featuring a variety of local art and entertainment. To learn more about the participants before the walk, head over to the South FIRST FRIDAYS website over here!

SoFA Market now validates parking

Just like I was a proponent of the San Pedro Square Market, I am huge fan of the SoFA Market on the other side of Downtown San Jose. It is a lot smaller than the SPSM, but is also more intimate and less crowded. Inside you'll find craft cocktails and beers, ramen, poke, gilled burgers, gelato-pops, coffee, smoothies, and soon thin-crust pizza. The SoFA Market is also addressing the biggest detractor to visiting.. parking. You can now get validated parking from all of the vendors in the SoFA Market.

If you have never visited this market or haven't visited in a while, now is a great time to check it out. The SoFA Market is located at 387 S. 1st street, across from another great place--Cafe Stritch.

New art unveiling at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles tonight

The first Artist in Residence for the SJMQT is Amy Ahlstrom, an urban, pop art quilter. She is unveiling five San Jose-themed quilts at the First Friday Art Walk tonight entitled "Faces & Places of San Jose." She asked people to submit photos of San Jose graffiti, faces, street art, buildings, signage, and she made the quilts based on those photos. Below is a video that explains her process as well as a couple preview photos.

While you are in the museum, there is also a new exhibit called the "California Art Quilt Revolution" which showcases 40 years of Northern Californian quilting history.

The museum will be open late along with the rest of the galleries in SoFA and admission is free for South First Friday. It's a cool museum--make sure to include it in your art walk!

Young Creatures playing at Back Bar SoFA

Young Creatures is a psych/rock band playing at the Back Bar SoFA tomorrow. To get a feel for their music, you can sample their work at Soundcloud. There you can even check out Slow, the first single off of their upcoming 2017 album.

The show starts at 9pm, is 21+, and only costs $5 to get in. Back Bar is located at 418 S. Market Street. For more info, follow the Young Creatures Facebook Page.

Creative Convergence Silicon Valley: C2SV returns to San Jose’s SoFA District, Oct. 6-8

The fourth annual C2SV conference kicks off next week in SoFA. It is Silicon Valley's version of South by Southwest, combining a tech conference with music festival. For all of the details, schedules, and for tickets (which range from $99-199), head over to the C2SV website.

San Jose, CA., — Now in its fourth year, Silicon Valley’s pre-eminent technology and music festival, Creative Convergence Silicon Valley (C2SV), will bring together business disrupters and technology luminaries for two days of forward­-looking discussions and three nights of music and parties with established and emerging musical artists.

The festival will take a deep look at the technology industry’s mixed record of promoting women into leadership positions as Michele Madansky and Hillary Mickell take the stage to present “The Elephant in the Valley.” Thursday evening will feature the SoFA Design Crawl, in which the district’s marketing and product design firms welcome visitors into their studios, and a night of music headlined by electronic music legend DJ Donald Glaude.
                                                                     
Friday will feature a rich lineup of speakers and topics, with highlights including best-selling author Antonio García Martínez talking about “Chaos Monkeys,” and a discussion about business reinvention with George Zimmer, former CEO of Men’s Wearhouse and current CEO of Generation Tux.

More notable presenters will be added. Previous conferences have featured industry legends such as personal computer inventor Steve Wozniak, video game pioneer Nolan Bushnell and antivirus buccaneer John McAfee.

C2SV will be held at the historic California Theatre, 27 South Market Street, in downtown San Jose’s creative district, SoFA. The conference starts on Thursday, Oct. 6, and ends on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016.

   # # #

About C2SV

Creative Convergence Silicon Valley (C2SV) was established in 2012 as the one­-day Silicon Valley Sound Experience (SVSX) and was greatly expanded in 2013 as the first conference of its type at the expanded San Jose McEnery Convention Center.  Visit:  www.c2sv.com  for more details.

Toasted Craft Sandwiches broke ground at the SoFA Market

One of the two last empty spaces in the SoFA Market is now officially under construction. "Toasted Craft Sandwiches" will be coming to SoFA later this year along with another new eatery called Pizzetta 408. Also, if you guys haven't tried Milk & Wood's ice cream and gelato popsicles yet, you have to get on over there and try them out. The SoFA Market is located at 387 S. 1st Street in Downtown San Jose.

SubZERO 2016 kicks off tonight and continues tomorrow!

One of my favorite arts festivals in the Bay Area kicks off tonight and continues all the way to tomorrow night in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. Below is the description straight from the SubZERO website:

"Focused on emerging and present subcultures thriving in our region, SubZERO is a DIY, artistically bent, hi/lo-techno mashup where street meets geek. Come downtown on June 3rd & 4th to San Jose's SoFA District from 6pm 'til midnight for an inspired evening of arts & culture. In addition to the South FIRST FRIDAYS monthly art walk you'll find outdoor stages of entertainment plus artists, performers & musicians celebrating the indie creative spirit!"

There are hundreds of art exhibits and live performances spanning multiple blocks, all of them free. Three different stages will be playing live music. Food Trucks will keep you nourished and a beer garden focusing on local craft beers will help your brain absorb all of that art and culture.

Hope to see you guys there! To see the full list of galleries, artists, vendors, and musicians, head over to the SubZERO website! 

SoFA Street Fair is bringing tons of live music to San Jose today

2016's SoFA Street Fair is much larger than last year's event. Over 100 live bands will play on two outdoor stages and multiple indoor stages (15 total). There will even be vendors and wrestling matches. The event is completely free and runs from 2pm to 7pm. For more information check out their Facebook page over here.

Content Issue 8.1 pick up party

The latest edition of Content Magazine is called Sight and Sound and features Chris Wondolowski, Kwesi Young, B. Lewis, Christ Reed, and The International Culinary Center. The publishers are throwing a pick up party during the SoFA Street Fair on April 24th between 3pm and 6pm.

There will be live music and subscribers will get one free drink when they pick up the magazine. For more information, head over here.

Lively street art installed in SoFA

If you have driven past the intersection of South 1st Street and San Salvador Street, you already know about the vivacious street art that now covers most of the intersection. The work is called "Symphony of Style; Color, Light, and Sound" and was done by the artist Scape Martinez. The print is 25 feet by 20 feet and is reflective of the architecture, nightlife, and creative energy in Downtown San Jose's SoFA district. If you haven't seen it yet, it is worthy of a detour the next time you are in the area.

Source: Phantom Galleries

Rockage 5.0

Rockage 5.0 is a three-day celebration of retro gaming and indie music. The event was previously hosted at SJSU's Student Union; however, this year they are taking over Downtown San Jose. The event will be dispersed across several venues such as Cafe Stritch, The Ritz, SoFA Market, and of course the AFK Gamer Lounge. One admission gets you into all of the venues.

There will be over 100 classic arcades and pinball machines as well as classic console games. You'll have over 18 live bands and DJs as well as all sorts of events, food, drinks, tournaments, and vendors. All ages are welcome except for events at The Ritz (21+).

It all goes down this weekend from March 11-13th. Events run from 4pm-2am on Friday and Saturday and 4pm-midnight on Sunday.

For more information and to get tickets ($30 for a 3-day pass), head over here.

LINKS:
website: http://rockageSJ.com/
twitter: http://twitter.com/rockageSJ
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rockageSJ
FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/212253359119989/

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP (updated 2/24):
Super Soul Bros. Bit Brigade 
Kirby’s Dream Band
Druniverse 
Fartbarf
Hawk Jones
Vector Hold 
Cola
Nick Reinhart Of Tera Melos
Sweet Peaches
Super Videogame Remix Live w/ VJ Bildo
Viking Guitar
Continuum Kingdom
Survival Guide
Bonnie & The Bang Bang
DJ Cookye
Vic Viper
DJ Bit
Rayza House

SPECIAL EVENTS:
3/12 Rocket League Social at AFKgg Gamer Lounge
3/13 Ubsey Movies: Earthbound Film Fest at AFKgg Gamer Lounge

SCHEDULE:
Friday: Gaming starts at Cafe Stritch, SoFA Market and Metro Newspapers at 4pm. Music starts at 7pm at Cafe Stritch and SoFA Market.

Saturday: AFKgg Gamer Lounge opens at 11am for the Rockage Rocket League Social w/ Kirby's Dream Band and more. Gaming starts in Cafe Stritch, Metro Newspapers and The Ritz (21+ only) at 4pm, music starts at 7pm.

Sunday: AFKgg Gamer Lounge opens at 11am for the Ubsey Movies: Earthbound Film Fest w/ special guests and more. Gaming starts at Cafe Stritch, Metro Newspapers and The Ritz (21+ only) at 4pm, music starts at 7pm.

VENUE INFO:
Cafe Stritch (374 S. 1st St. 408-280-6161)
The Ritz (21+ only) (400 S. 1st St.)
Metro Newspapers (380 S. 1st St. 408-298-8000)
SoFA Market (387 S 1st St. 408-642-5270)
AFKgg Gamer Lounge (163 W. Santa Clara St. 408-766-0235)

Rockage 5.0 art by Other Life Art / David Canavese
CONTACT: Looking to help out with rockage 5.0? rockageSJ@gmail.com

Rockage 5.0 FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

This is an ALL AGES event. You need to have valid ID to enter The Ritz, 21+ only. 

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Caltrain Diridon Station, VTA Light Rail, VTA Bus. Parking: $5 after 5pm on weekends in various garages (San Pedro, 2nd Street), FREE street parking after 6pm and on Sundays.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

Cosplay is great, but no weapons please.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

RockageSJ@gmail.com

Is my wristband transferrable?

Wristbands are non-transferrable.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, just a valid ID. 

What is the refund policy? 

Sorry, no refunds.

Where can I eat?

SoFA District in Downtown San Jose has many amazing spots to eat. All of our venues will be serving food, except for Metro Newspapers and The Ritz.

Will single day passes be sold?

Cafe Stritch and The Ritz will have single day tickets at the door the day of each show. These tickets will get you into multiple venues for one day.

WHEN

Friday, March 11, 2016 at 4:00 PM - Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 11:30 PM (PST) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Cafe Stritch, The Ritz and more - 374 S 1st St San Jose, CA 95113 - View Map

Cellista performs Messiaen's "The End of Time" at Anno Domini Gallery on Feb 20, March 12, 13

San Jose cellist and musical entrepreneur Freya Seeburger, also known as Cellista, will be performing Olivier Messiaen's "Quartet For the End of Time," on February 20, March 12 and March 13 at Anno Domini Gallery in San Jose. This unique musical presentation is part of an installation she created with visual artist Barron Storey, illustrator of Neil Gaiman's Sandman Chronicles, that will be on display at Anno Domini starting February 5. 

Storey's artwork was created in response to Messiaen's famous quartet, which was composed and performed in a Nazi prisoner of war camp in 1941. Cellista and the Juxtapositions Chamber Ensemble will be performing the quartet nearly 75 years to the day of its premiere in Germany. Tickets to the February 20, March 12 and March 13 shows are available online at artful.ly/theendoftime. The February 5 art opening is free to the public; Cellista will be reading an introduction to "The End of Time" that explains its historical significance and relevance to San Jose. 

SoFA Market Getting Traction

Now that the SoFA Market has been open for just over a year, it finally seems like it is getting the traction it deserves. 8/10 of the retail pads are now leased. The SoFA Market is currently home to Vero's Coffee, The Fountainhead Bar, On the Flipside, Konjoe Tei, Pokebowl, and Vitamina. Two places are coming soon: Milk & Wood (Gelato on a Stick) and Toasted Craft Sandwiches. It also sounds like the ninth lease will be a pizza joint. Hit the source link below for a nice article on the market's journey. Five years ago, nobody would have thought a project like this would work Downtown. Now we have both the San Pedro Square Market and the SoFA Market helping to rejuvenate their respective areas.

Source: SVBJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk Tonight

Experience the latest South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk tonight from 7-11pm in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. 20 different venues will be open late and featuring a variety of local art and entertainment. To learn more about the participants before the walk tonight, head over to the South FIRST FRIDAYS website over here!

The Stunning Gateway Tower is Getting Closer to Reality!

New renderings have been released for the proposed Gateway Tower in SoFA (between Market Street and First Street in Downtown San Jose). If this gets built, I think it will be the most architecturally-bold building in the San Jose skyline. While you can't see it in the renders, this project would also integrate the facades of two historic buildings into the ground floor--combining old and new in a way not common in San Jose.

The latest version of the proposal now has 292 units across 24 floors (up from 280 units). Another nice change is boosting the ceiling height of the retail component from 15 feet to 20 feet, making it really stand out. There will be between 4,000 and 6,000 SQFT of retail in the project. 20 feet should also be tall enough for a partial second floor if desired by the retailer.

If all goes well, this could break ground in less than a year. The developer wants to get started by Q3 2016.

Source: SVBJ

SoFA Street Fair

The SoFA Street Fair is a celebration of music, art and culture Downtown. The event debuted in 1992, became a raging success, then took a hiatus, and was restarted last year. When it was in its prime, it would draw crowds of 20,000 people. Now the organizers are trying to repeat that success with three outdoor stages, 12 indoor stages, and 100 performances throughout the day. To compliment the music there will be food trucks, beer gardens, and a variety of vendors. It all goes down this Sunday from 2pm to 10pm.

For more info on the event, check out their Facebook page over here.

Help us make more LīVE Music this September at the SoFA Street Fair, a celebration of LīVE music, art, and culture in downtown San Jose’s SoFA District.

Beginning with its debut in 1992, The SoFA Street Fair drew music-lovers of all ages to experience world-class music by legendary local acts, while taking in the unique (counter)culture of the neighborhood. In no time, the festival became one of the most highly anticipated events in downtown San Jose, drawing crowds of 20,000 in its prime. Some would say it helped define what the community is today—a thriving arts and live music destination.

Now, the event is back and better than ever with three outdoor stages, 12 indoor stages, and up to 100 performances throughout the day. Food trucks, beer gardens, all-ages activities and artisan vendors will fill the streets, with LīVE events all day and night in adjacent arts and music venues. It’s all happening Sunday, September 13, for all ages, and always FREE to all, just as it was in 1992.