Funny Face House and The Throw Ups playing at The Caravan

The Caravan in Downtown San Jose is hosting a night of weirdo art and loud rock and roll today featuring local San Jose artists: Funny Face House Lawnmower Band and the chaotic energy of The Throw Ups. It’s a free show, but bring a can of soup for their food drive, and they'll donate a box to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Come rock out for a cause and experience a night of wild live music.

The Caravan is located at 98 Almaden Avenue.

Dia de los Muertos San Jose

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life, family, and culture. San Jose's Dia San Jose Festival & Oldies Never Die Concert is a two day event featuring live music, food, and art. 

It takes place at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose on Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th. You can find tickets and more information over here.

Symphony San Jose presents SYMPHONIC SPOOKTACULAR “Haunting Harmonies” October 26 and 27, 2024

Even Symphony San Jose is getting into the Halloween spirit this year. The program includes everything from J.S. Bach to John Williams. The shows are at the beautiful California Theatre and tickets are $35-$115. The full press release is below and you can buy tickets here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Just in time for Halloween, Symphony San Jose and Symphony San Jose Chorale conjure up some of classical music’s scariest hits.

Symphonic Spooktacular features “Haunting Harmonies” with music including J.S. Bach’s Toccata & Fugue, Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho Suite, and John Williams’ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

 

It’s the perfect Halloween concert for the entire family. A Costume Contest with Spooktacular prizes will be held for those who feel like dressing up. Don’t feel like dressing up? Come as you are and enjoy the costume parade.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: SYMPHONIC SPOOKTACULAR “Haunting Harmonies”

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. 

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115   (Additional $6.50 fee per ticket.)

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org 

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

THE PROGRAM:

J.S. Bach: Toccata and Fugue, BWV 565 in D minor

Camille Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre

Modest Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain

John Williams: Devil’s Dance (from (The Witches of Eastwick”)

Andrew Lloyd Weber: Phantom of the Opera

Edvard Grieg: In the Hall of the Mountain King

Franz Schubert: Die Erlkönig

Bernard Herrman: Suite from Psycho

John Williams: Double Trouble (from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

John Williams: Duel of the Fates (from Star Wars The Phantom Menace)

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Peter Jaffe

Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose Chorale

 

FUN FACTS:

The violin solo in Danse Macabre represents Death playing the fiddle, while the xylophone imitates the sound of rattling bones.

The screeching violins and eerie melodies of the Psycho score have become synonymous with suspense and terror in cinema, influencing countless horror film composers in the years since its release.

 

ArtWork: Courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Photos courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Cultura in the Park 2024

Today the celebration for Mexican Independence Day takes place in Downtown San Jose at Plaza de Cesar Chavez from noon to 4pm. The party includes live music, food, low riders, vendors, art, and cultural performances. 

Pobladores Night Market this Thursdays in SoFA

This week the Pobladores night market has been extended from 5:30-9pm to 10pm in Downtown San Jose's artsy SoFA District. There will be music, vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and live performances. It's a great option for a Thursday night to get ready for an action-packed weekend.

Sorry for the delays in posts the past week, had some personal issues and am working on getting back on a regular schedule.

Rising popstar Celeste Doshi brings brat summer to town

It's finally the weekend, so what better time to promote a local San Jose artist. Celeste Doshi is an indie pop singer-songwriter known for her emotionally charged and edgy lyrics. Her debut single, "I Wish I Never Met You," was released on July 1st and showcases her brutally honest songwriting style, capturing the feelings of heartbreak and frustration. 

The song is produced by Emmy Award-winning composer Mike Meiers. Celeste's music has been compared to the style of Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray. She has performed at various venues in San Jose and Los Gatos and was selected to participate in the Mastermind Songwriting Retreat in Nashville in 2023. Celeste is working on her debut EP, "twentysomething," set to be released in 2025, which promises to delve deeper into the experiences of a sensitive young woman navigating the complexities of life.

You can listen to her first single here!

Other Links:

Spotify

Apple Music

Insta

TikTok

Frozen sing-along today at The Tech Interactive

The Tech Interactive is collaborating with Broadway San Jose for a sing-along event featuring what is still one of the most popular children's movies. Kids can belt out their favorite tunes and dance with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf during this one-day event. It runs from 10:30am-12:30pm at The Tech.

BollyBE: Uniting Communities and Overcoming Barriers through Dance

There are so many excellent resources, events, and free classes offered by San Jose libraries. I'm starting to take advantage of them myself with a toddler running around. 

Below we have a guest post from Anusha Upadhyayula. The library played a crucial role in shaping her identity as an Indian American. Inspired by all of the great multicultural events local libraries host, the author founded BollyBE, a community-driven initiative that uses Bollywood dance to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity. BollyBE workshops at the Morgan Hill Library have been well-received, with attendees praising the multicultural environment and the fun, easy-to-follow dance routines. Anusha's goal is to spread the joy of Bollywood dance and create a welcoming space for all to learn and celebrate South Asian culture, aiming to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity.

You can sign up your kids for free classes hosted by BollyBE over here. Even if you are not interested in dance, it's a great story that showcases one of the many benefits of living in a diverse city.

BollyBE: Uniting Communities and Overcoming Barriers through Dance

The cozy book-lined walls of the library and the memories of the time I spent there attending “Family Time” story sessions and “Mommy & Me” dances are forever etched in my mind. The library helped expand my boundaries as I participated in Lunar New Year and other cultural events and learnt about cultures of the world. Slowly, as I grew older, my sense of identity became increasingly complex. As an Indian American, I struggled with which part of that word I resonated with more closely. Should I embrace my Indian heritage? Or should I be just American? The lack of representation of my South Asian heritage in my community made me feel that it was an insignificant part of who I was. That’s when I fell in love with Bollywood music and dance.

When we listen to a song, regardless of the language, the human body naturally responds, whether it’s tapping feet or swaying to the rhythm. Rhythm, music, and dance transcend language barriers and cultural divides. They possess a unique power to convey entire stories without the need to understand the words themselves. Through Bollywood dance and music, with its soulful melodies and energetic beats, I discovered a way to connect with my heritage. Bollywood movies played a significant role in this discovery, as they seamlessly intertwined dance and music with cultural storytelling. Attending Indian weddings and community events further deepened my love for Bollywood dance, as I witnessed how dance and music were not only integral to the culture of South Asia but also to the community. 

Inspired by the key role dance and music play within a culture and a community and eager to share my own South Asian culture with the rest of the world, I founded BollyBE. From there, it only felt fitting to give back to the library community and share a piece of my own identity in the place that played such a key role in developing it throughout the years. BollyBE is not just about teaching dance steps; it’s about creating a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn, and celebrate South Asian culture.

When I first taught a beginners’ garba routine (a dance style from the state of Gujarat in India), many attendees were eager to delve into the complexities and historical roots of the dance, highlighting the appreciation people have for South Asian art forms and cultural representation. The overwhelming love and enthusiasm for our workshops, especially at the Morgan Hill Library, is a testament to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create at BollyBE. Durdana, who attended one of our Bollywood dance classes, shared her experience, highlighting the unique and multicultural nature of our events: “I attended Anusha’s Bollywood dance class in Morgan Hill, CA. My friends and I had decided to go because we thought it might be fun. We are Pakistani, so we are very familiar with Bollywood music and dance. It was very interesting to see a very diverse group of people turn up for the dance class - not just Indian/Pakistanis. Everyone had a lot of fun, and I think it was great as a multicultural immersion event.”

BollyBE not only provides a platform for cultural immersion but also offers a free and enjoyable way to incorporate physical exercise into people’s routines. Dance experience doesn’t matter at BollyBE; it’s easy for beginners, and participants are encouraged to have fun while dancing. This inclusive approach was highlighted by Kiran R., who attended a BollyBE workshop at the Morgan Hill library with three friends. Kiran shared, “We had a blast. It was fun, great music, easy steps (for women with not so great hearing and body coordination). Anusha broke down the steps and made them easy to follow and didn’t mind the giggles we dissolved into while laughing at ourselves. She is a fantastic teacher, can’t wait to take another class with her.”

As I continue teaching in different library branches across Santa Clara County, my goal is to spread the joy of Bollywood dance and create a welcoming space for all to learn and celebrate South Asian culture together. Through BollyBE, I aim to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity. I believe that by sharing the beauty of Bollywood dance, we can inspire people to embrace and celebrate their own cultural identities while appreciating the richness of other cultures. In this way, BollyBE is not just a dance initiative; it’s a cultural movement, bringing people together through the universal language of dance.

-Anusha Upadhyayula

Industry Standard aka Indy performing in San Jose on June 3rd

Prepare for a night of electrifying Afrobeats, Pop, and R&B music as Industry Standard, better known as Indy, takes the stage at The Coterie Den in Japantown. This highly anticipated event offers fans an opportunity to experience Indy's unique blend of infectious rhythms and soulful melodies in an intimate setting.

Indy has quickly risen to prominence in the Afrobeats genre, known for his captivating stage presence and a unique sound that blends elements of Pop and R&B. His performance in San Jose is set to showcase his biggest hits as well as new, unreleased tracks that are sure to become fan favorites.

The Coterie Den at 169 Jackson St. in San Jose will provide the perfect backdrop for Indy's performance. With its exceptional acoustics and intimate setting, The Coterie Den remains a favorite destination for music lovers in San Jose. Doors open for the show at 7pm on June 3rd.

About Indy:

Indy, also known as Industry Standard, is an Atlanta-based Afrobeats artist renowned for his innovative sound and dynamic performances. With a growing international fanbase, Indy continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats, blending elements of Pop and R&B to create a truly unique musical experience.

About The Coterie Den:

The Coterie Den is a premier live music venue in San Jose, known for its exceptional acoustics and intimate setting. It has hosted a variety of acclaimed artists and remains a favorite destination for music lovers.

For more information, visit: https://thecoterieden.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thecoterieden/

Culture Night Market today

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is hosting a Culture Night Market today right outside Little Italy in Downtown San Jose. The free event includes live music, a soccer tournament, a screening of Shrek (7:30pm-10pm), food trucks, and of course the vendors you would expect from a night market. It's going to be 77 degrees outside--perfect weather for an event like this.

The event is both kid and pet friendly and will run from 4pm-10pm at Arena Green East, 340 W. St. John St., San Jose, CA 95110.

Pianist Nicolas Namoradze performs for Steinway Society in San Jose

WHO: Steinway Society – The Bay Area presents

WHAT:  Nicolas Namoradze 

WHEN: Sunday, January 21, 2024 @ 2:30 pm

WHERE: Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St., San Jose.  Live and LIVE STREAMED

MORE INFO: https://steinwaysociety.com/

 

Pianist and composer Nicolas Namoradze came to international attention in 2018 upon winning the triennial Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary, Canada—among the largest prizes in classical music. His recitals around the globe have been met with universal critical praise, and recent album releases have received extraordinary accolades, including the Choc de Classica, Record of the Month in Limelight, Instrumental Disc of the Month in BBC Music Magazine, Editor’s Choice in Gramophone, Editor’s Choice in Presto Classical and Critics’ Choice in International Piano.

 

Among the most critically acclaimed musicians of his generation, Namoradze was bestowed the 2020 & 2021 Young Pianist Award by the UK Critics’ Circle, which called him “very much more than a top-flight pianist.” Recent highlights include recitals at concert halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin and the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan; festival appearances at Tanglewood, Banff, Gstaad, Santa Fe and more; and performances with orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Budapest Festival Orchestra and Sinfonieorchester Basel.

 

Namoradze earned his master’s at The Juilliard School and his doctorate at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in neuropsychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College, London, where his research interests include the effects of mental practice and mindfulness on musical performance. Namoradze is the author of the book “Ligeti’s Macroharmonies,” published by Springer in the Computational Music Science series, and his compositions are published by Muse Press.

 

”Set to become one of the truly important artists of his generation.”

–American classical pianist Emanual Ax

THE PROGRAM:

Bach-Busoni, “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr” BWV 639

Bach, French Suite No. 1 in D minor BWV 812

1.    Allemande

2.    Courante

3.    Sarabande

4.    Minuet

5.    Gigue

Bach, The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

1.    Contrapunctus VI

2.    Contrapunctus VII

Fauré, Preludes Op. 103

1.    No. 3 in G minor

2.    No. 6 in E-flat minor

3.    No. 9 in E minor

Ligeti, Etudes

1.    1. No. 11, “En suspens” 

2.    2. No. 13, “L’escalier du diable”

3.    3. No. 16, “Pour Irina”

INTERMISSION 

Nicolas Namoradze, Memories of Rachmaninoff’s “Georgian Song”

Pärt, Für Alina

Pärt, Variationen zur Gesundung von Arinuschka

Rachmaninoff-Namoradze, Adagio from Symphony No. 2, Op. 27

Scriabin, Sonata No. 4 Op. 30

 

TICKETS:

Single Tickets: $45 to $70 

General Admission: $70/$60/$50

Senior & student: $65/$55/$45

Livestream online: $25 per household / live + unlimited listens for 48 hours  

Purchase Tickets: https://steinwaysociety.com/

Box Office: 408.300.5635

Email: office@steinwaysociety.com

Fountain Blues Foundation event this Sunday, Dec 3rd 🎷

The San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is held in Downtown San Jose every summer and in 2024 they'll be going on their 41st year. To prepare for this even they are hosting a fundraiser this Sunday at the Tabard Theater which will come alive with the soulful melodies of the Fountain Blues Foundation's Board of Directors, featuring The Bob Gonzalez Band, Pearl Alley, and other members of the Board.

The even runs from 4pm-7pm and reserved Cabaret Table Seating is $45 while reserved Tiered Seating: $35.

Your ticket also includes delectable hors d’oeuvres by Poor House Bistro:

- Sausage Bread with Marinara Sauce

- Fried Chicken with Marinara & BBQ Ranch Sauce

- Caprese on a Stick (Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil with Balsamic Drizzle)

Attendance will make a difference in preserving and promoting the blues culture in San Jose! Tickets are available at: fountainblues.com/event/directors-cut/

BEAUTIFICA 360 at The Tech Interactive

BEAUTIFICA is a follow-up to one of the best selling planetarium music experiences in the world. The show provides a 360 degree journey through real and artificial worlds paired with an immersive audio experience. It's a sensory experience suitable for all ages 6 and up.

The Tech Interactive is screening it on their IMAX Dome Theater this weekend on Friday, September 1st and Saturday, September 2nd with showtimes at 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm.

There are still a few seats available. For more info and tickets to this unique experience, click here. 

Here are a couple promo codes if you are going with kids or larger groups:

BEAUTIFICAFAMILY - 10% off for adults booking with children

BEAUTIFICAGROUP - 10% off when booking 6 or more tickets

Vinyl nights and vintage night market at NOITE in SoFA

Are you someone who refuses to give up their Vinyl collection? Still into vintage games, trading cards, or other cool stuff from the 80s and 90s? I just learned about a new event that you might be interested in.

There's a Vinyl night, record swap, and vintage night market every Thursday in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. It's hosted at NOITE, a lounge that sits on top of Petiscos (San Jose's first and only Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant) at the corner of South 1st Street and East San Salvador Street.

Even though the space is used as a nightclub or lounge on some nights, all ages are welcome for this event which runs from 7-11pm. For more info head over here.

Source: u/lechugaking on Reddit

Taylor Swift is the mayor of what?

Santa Clara is temporary being renamed "Swiftie Clara" and Taylor will become the honorary mayor for two days. Shockingly, this is not an April Fool's joke. Also, KBAY 94.5 will become "Tay Bay" for three days and play nothing but Taylor Swift music. 

If you haven't gotten tickets yet, don't worry. Ticketmaster still has plenty for you starting at only $1,000 a person. Of course, those will be up in the nosebleeds. If you want to be close to the stage, expect to pay Super Bowl prices... $4k and up.

What does this have to do with San Jose? Unless you are a huge Taylor Swift fan and either have tickets or plan to listen to the concert from the streets (which thousands, maybe tens of thousands of people will actually do) you are going to want to avoid every freeway and major road near Levi's Stadium this Friday and Saturday. That includes 101, 237, Montague Expressway, and don't even think about getting anywhere near Tasman Drive.

The concert at Levi's Stadium will be the second time Taylor Swift performs at the venue, after her 1989 World Tour in 2015. She will be joined by two opening acts: HAIM and Gracie Adams, both rising stars in the pop scene. The show will start at 6:30 p.m., but fans will be getting there many, many hours beforehand. Some are even planning to wear adult diapers to not miss a single song, which I really wish was an exaggeration.

Source: literally every news site

The Future of St. James Park

One of San Jose's most underutilized resources is St. James Park. It has such a great location and historical significance, yet it has become little more than a bastion for the homeless. The SJDA is doing their best to activate it with movies and yoga, but the park itself needs to change. This is especially needed with several high-density housing projects planned for the immediate area.

Now, plans to transform St. James into a modern flagship community amenity are coming together.

Below are illustrations of the new spaces that are being planned that will offer a variety of experiences. These includes a live music venue, children's park, dog park, and plenty of open spaces. All this while keeping the original trees, fountains, and statues. The ETA to see this to fruition is 2028. It sounds like an eternity, but this could be St. James Park in less than 5 years.

Source: SVBJ

Naglee Park PorchFest returns June 17th, 3-7pm

The Naglee Park PorchFest brought together the neighborhood during the pandemic and is now returning on June 17th. This event turns porches, driveways, and lawns into stages for bands. The Campus Community Association and Messenger events organizes the bands, food trucks, and bathrooms but the real party is being hosted by the neighbors of Naglee Park.

In it's inaugural year--Summer 2020--bands were loaded onto trucks and paraded through the neighborhood while neighbors watched on their lawn. This year they have grown to 10 bands in 10 different locations which you can find on the map below.

It all does down this Saturday from 3-7pm on 12-14th Streets just south of Santa Clara Street.

40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

Get ready for the 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, the ultimate celebration of music, beer, and community on June 17th at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park! This year's festival is set to feature an amazing lineup of world-class blues musicians, including The Devon Allman Project featuring Larry McCray & Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) “In the Spirit of the Allman Brothers”, Chris Cain Band, Diunna Greenleaf Band, and Andre Thierry & His Accordion Soul Music.

But that's not all - in addition to the incredible music, you can enjoy a wide selection of beers from over 40 craft breweries and delicious food options.

There’s $25 GA tickets and $85 VIP tickets that provide a seat in a shaded section located near the stage, along with exclusive access to a private bar and flushable toilets. Additionally, the package comes with two drink vouchers and a commemorative 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival t-shirt.

Get your tickets now and visit fountainblues.com/festival for more information. Don't miss out on the 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival!

Midtown Immersive Night Parties

Midtown San Jose is not typically an area where you see community events. The Abierto initiative is looking to change that with Midtown Immersive Night Parties. For the next four Fridays on a small tract of land in an industrial area you'll find Moveable Feast food trucks, a beer garden, a maker market, and live music.

This is a great way to discover a part of San Jose off the beaten path that is just minutes from Downtown San Jose and Santana Row. Again, it happens every Friday until June 16th from 5-9pm at 245 McEvoy Street. You don't need to RSVP, but you can to show your support over here.

Content Pick-Up Party 15.2 "Sight & Sound"

Content Magazine is releasing their next issue on Friday, March 3rd. As is tradition they are hosting a party to celebrate the release, which is taking place at Open San Jose (38 South Second Street, next to the Improv). Music will be provided by Needle to the Groove and visual art will come courtesy of artists featured in issue 15.2. This also coincides with South First Fridays, so you can enjoy one of the newer art exhibitions at the same time.

The event takes place from 6:30-9:30pm and is free to the public. Content Subscribers also get a complimentary beverage and hors d'oeuvres.

For more info and to RSVP, head over here.

Join us in celebrating the release of Issue 15.2, “Sight and Sound,” at Open San José on Friday, March 3 from 6:30-9:30pm at the next Content Pick-Up Party.

 

Enjoy music and visual art by 15.2 featured artists Danny Fernandez, Jimmy Castañeda, Trinh Mai, Angela Johal, John Todd, San José Photo Walk (Julie Chon, Diana Mae, 35mmallie, Yvonne Yeh, Sheldon Chang), Kelly Peters, Gathering Artisans Collective (James, Clarice, and Jafar Green), Kayla Dinh, Andrew Saman, Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus, Azeem Ward, and Raue (Paige Kalenian and Jax Huckle), and album picks by Needle to the Groove. You can also catch the opening of a new South First Friday exhibition at Chopsticks Alley and an art auction at Works/San José!

 

Become a Content Magazine member today to grab your advance copy of Issue 15.2 at the Pick-Up Party and receive a complimentary beverage and hors d'oeuvres as a toast to your support and 11 years of Content Magazine.