Veggielution Avant Garden food and art fundraiser at KALEID gallery

Experience food, wine and art in the downtown San Jose to raise money for local artists and Veggielution!

What: Avant Garden 2011

When: April 15, 2011 7-10 pm

Where: KALEID Gallery 88 South 4th St. Downtown San José

Cost: Purchase pre-sale admission tickets $10 at http://www.veggielution.org/donate/Tickets at the door will be $10 

San Jose, Calif.--Avant Garden pushes the boundaries of food and art with innovative artists and chefs who will feature their creative artwork and appetizers to the public to raise money for Veggielution Community Farm. "We're really excited to see the outpouring of support for Veggielution's mission from the local artist community, and to build this bridge between healthy food and beautiful art,” says Amie Frisch, co-founder of Veggielution.  

Laura Stec, a local chef and author, Mike Borkenhagen, and other chefs will prepare appetizers and small plates in a live demo for guests.The sustainably grown, farm-fresh ingredients will be provided by Veggielution and other local growers. 

Avant-garde local artists will create Veggielution-inspired artwork available for purchase at the silent art auction. Pieces donated by artists explore food, urban and rural farming,  land, environmental, social, and health issues. Artists keep 0% to 40% of the final sale price of their artwork. The remaining proceeds support Veggielution.

Pre-sale admission tickets are $10 and come with 2 food tickets. Tickets at the door will be $10. Additional food tokens can be purchased for $3 each at the event. Purchase pre-sale admission tickets at http://www.veggielution.org/donate/

About Veggielution

Veggielution empowers youth and adults from diverse backgrounds to create a sustainable food system in San Jose. Our urban farm located at Emma Prusch Park in East San Jose engages the community by providing access to healthy and local food, creating youth leadership opportunities, and developing creative solutions to social and environmental justice issues. Our volunteer workdays, youth programs, sliding scale farm stand, and free community workshops give people a chance to get their hands dirty growing veggies. For details visit our website at www.veggielution.org.

---
Amie Frisch
Director, Veggielution
408.905.7327
amie@veggielution.org
www.veggielution.org

Two Games To Go

The regular season is about to end for the Sharks in two short games, both against the Phoenix Coyotes: today in Phoenix, and tomorrow in San Jose.

Two things we know for certain: the Sharks are in the playoffs and Sharks have again won the Pacific Division title.

What we, as Sharks fans, must do now is to hope for a successful post-season campaign. If the playoffs started today, the Sharks would face the Ducks, the same team that defeated them last game 6-2. Many would argue, however, that Coach Todd McLellan used that opportunity to give the Sharks added practice time and to give goaltender Antero Niittymaki some time in the net, due to the certainty of the Sharks qualifying for playoffs and the Division title.

Fortunately, the Sharks are also anticipating the return of both Ryane Clowe and Scott Nichol. Clowe had missed the last game due to a lower body injury, while Nichol had missed nearly twenty games due to an upper body injury. Both players will be vital to the Sharks’ success in the postseason.

For the Western Conference, only the Vancouver Canucks, the Sharks, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Los Angeles Kings have already qualified for postseason, meaning there is a close fight between five other teams scrambling to fill in four spots – one of those teams being the Phoenix Coyotes.

Fortunately for the Sharks, they have had relative success against the Coyotes this year, outscoring them 17-7 so far this season. The next few days will determine rather quickly just how the Western Conference teams will fill out.

The Sharks play the Coyotes tonight at 7:00pm PST in the first of their last two games of the regular season.

National Empanada Day at the Mmoon!

The Mmoon is celebrating National Empanada Day by giving away a FREE empanada to all customers between 8am-8pm today! They also just added 2 new empanadas I'm anxious to try, the Chicken Enchilada Empanada and the Tri-Berry Dessert Empanada. If you still haven't tried out The Mmoon, today is the day to do it.

Click the image below for more info!

Island Grill & Bamboo Lounge

New San Jose Froyo Truck - Twisted Chill

Well... it's about time. Finally someone in Norcal figured out a way to package self serve Frozen Yogurt into a food truck, and they just happen to be based out of San Jose.

The truck is called Twisted Chill and below are some mock ups, including one rough one of what the self serve section will look like. They are already planning to participate in SJ EATS!

Facebook Link
Twitter Link

Wednesday Wishlist: One of THESE up to Lick Observatory

April 2011 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• Business Improvement District fees are being slightly raised to help offset the loss of funds from the RDA.
• The convention center is a go and will include 125k sqft of new construction, new chillers, new boilers, new cooling towers, new fire alarm and building management systems, and a $20m renovation of existing "front-of-house" public spaces.
• Cinequest rakes in a record 91,000 attendees!
• Liquid Agency is doubling their office space in SoFA.
• Works moved to a new SoFA location at 365 Market.
• MACLA is adding 3700sqft of gallery space.
• Touchstone climbing is coming back Downtown in what used to be WET Nightclub.
• Groundwerx has added multiple new machines to better clean the streets of Downtown San Jose.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Convention Center Bonds Sold

The long overdue convention center expansion project is finally going to happen. $138.4 million in bonds were sold last Friday, which means the city has the cash in hand needed to start construction immediately.

The expansion will require demolishing the old MLK Main Library and adding 125,000sqft of convention and meeting space that will front San Carlos Street. Also in the plans are a general face-lift and modernization for the rest of the center. For more info, click here.

SJMADE + SJEATS

I have never been more proud to be a San Josean. Yesterday the SJMADE and SJEATS events took place and both were completely packed with people coming to support local vendors. SJMADE was entirely comprised of local store owners, artists, and purveyors of San Jose made and inspired goods. The two locations where this took place were entirely filled to capacity throughout the event. To give you an idea of how many people were there, it took me 10 minutes to walk from one side of the old Tied House building to the other. Half way through, all vendors selling food were completely sold out and by the end of the night many of the most popular products were entirely gone.

Going on at the same time was SJEATS. This was the very first event of it's kind in the South Bay and was run by Ryan Sebastian, the proprietor behind San Jose's famous Treatbot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck. It shares some similarities to Off the Grid in SF, featuring multiple gourmet food trucks. The difference was in the number of people. Just about every truck has a 1-2 hour line. Chairman Bao I think hit a 3 hour wait at one point. By the time I got there for lunch, 4 trucks were completely sold out of all food. Dinner was just as crazy with people lining up an hour before the trucks even got there. Despite the long waits, people were smiling, laughing, and having a great time. I went with a pretty large group, so we split up and went to 4 different trucks and then shared everything (and yes, the food was obscenely good). Also, several of the food trucks said this was the busiest they have ever been, period. Some claimed to sell twice as much product as they ever have at any event int the past, including Off the Grid.

What happened to the people tired of waiting for the food trucks? They cleaned house across the San Pedro Square restaurants, which were the busiest I have seen them... ever. By 2pm, The Mmoon was entirely sold out of empanadas. They had to close down for 2 hours and even after reopening they were down to only vegetarian options. La Pinata had a one hour wait. Satori was full, as were Peggie Su's, Los Cubanos, and San Pedro Bistro and Wine Bar.

For those who still fail to see Downtown San Jose's potential, these two events were pretty much proof that the surface hasn't even been scratched on what Downtown can become. One of the highlights for me was getting a glimpse of what San Pedro Square could become after the urban market opens up. When high-quality and unique products and services come together, the people will surely follow.

Little Italy San Jose Events!

Mask Making workshop with Carla Almanza-Dequant When: Sunday April 3rd - 11:00am - 5:00 pm Created By: Little Italy San Jose More Info: Mask making workshop with world famous artis, Carla Almanza - Dequant.  Lunch is included @ Paesano Ristorante. Cost $105 - Portion of proceeds will go to Little Italy 501c3. (Class requires a minimum of 5 participants) Details: Design and decorate a Venetian half mask.  All essential materials included. Blank "Carta Pesta" half mask, paints, ribbons, glue imported italian papers for decoupage, trim, gold and silver leafing, and glitter.  Please bring any specialty items you may want to add to you mask such as jewels, feathers, and lace. Carla will add her artistic touch to finish your mask. Reservations/Contact: Kathy Winkelman - gioiacustomerservice@yahoo.com Little Italy San Jose Wine Club Release #2 When: Tuesday April 19th - 5:30pm - 7:30pm Where: Paesano Ristorante (Patio) 350 West Julian #1, San Jose, CA What: Taste 4 Wines (La Tunella Biancosesto, Luisi Moscato D'Asti, Paolo Manzone Barbera, Attilio Ghisolfi Barolo) Details: $10 tasting fee (Includes tasting of 4 wines and Little Italy Logo wine glass) *If you buy wine at the event you will get $5 off your order from tasting fee Reservations: Contact Joshua DeVincenzi Melander (408) 394-2893jcmelander@yahoo.com Viva La Moto (Vintage Vespa & Ducati Show) When: Sunday May 22nd 12:00pm - 5:00pm Where: Little Italy San Jose (350 West Julian) Details: Festival with vendors and enthusiasts of Vintage and new Italian motorcycles.  Bring your own bike or enjoy those on display.  Food, and wine will be available. Price: Free

SJMADE + SJEATS Today

Local clothing, art, crafts and 20 food trucks... sounds like a plan!

South First Friday Tonight!

It's that time again, another Friday Friday! The weather is perfect tonight for a walk around SoFA with friends to checking out the latest local art while perhaps sipping on some wine.

The big change this month is that the Works galley has moved one street over to the ground floor of the Convention Center facing Market Street. Let's wish them well in their new home.

Sharks Clinch Playoffs With Home Blowout Victory

That’s right – the San Jose Sharks beat their rivals, the Dallas Stars, to the tune of 6-0.

In preparation for the game, each team had something to fight for: the Stars to lift themselves back into the playoff race (as they are currently placed ninth in the West), and the Sharks to guarantee placement in the post-season top eight. During this 2010-2011 season, the Stars have had much success against the Sharks, but perhaps last night was not their night. Either way, a game that emerged as a hard-hitting playoff-style game resulted in an absolute blowout by the Sharks.

(Even though I tend to give an update once every two to three games, this game rightfully deserves its own accolades on The San Jose Blog.)

No scoring occurred until the last five minutes of the first period, when a carry in/spin-o-rama setup by the very effective Joe Pavelski allowed a pinching Dan Boyle to score his seventh of the year.

Near the beginning of the second period, the Sharks were given a power play, allowing Logan Couture to tie the rookie goal lead with his 31st of the year. Most impressively, however, was during the middle of the second period when the Sharks were shorthanded on three different occasions (with minor penalties), and the Sharks proceeded to kill each penalty. The second period ended with a nifty goal by Marc- Edouard “Pickles” Vlasic to put the Sharks up to a 3-0 lead.

Naturally, as a D-man myself, it is always great to see the defensemen score.

During the third period, the Sharks extended their lead by yet another three goals. Patrick Marleau, currently on a miraculous scoring streak, contributed two of them. Additionally, Marleau released an unbelievable twelve shots on net during the game, a new Sharks franchise record for shots on net in one game by one player.

Both fans and players alike, however, were most likely to be awed by Ben Eager’s goal with just under six minutes left in the period. A pass by Jamal Meyers that went slightly behind Eager was picked up by him, put between his legs, sent over to his backhand, and shot right into the net past a stunned Dallas defenseman and goaltender.

Rather than explain this further, here is a video as proof of its "amazing factor":



As far as the performance of the other players, it is very hard to single out names and honorable mentions, because, quite frankly EVERYONE played well. Over 75% of the team had at least one point. Although not tallying goals, forwards Dany Heatley, Jamal Mayers, and Joe Thornton each had two assists.

If the Sharks were lacking on point totals, this game definitely evened out the playing field, so to speak.

With five games left on the horizon, it is now important for the team to prepare for the playoffs.

GO SHARKS!

San Jose Purchases San Francisco!

When one of the most egregious accounting errors of the 21st century came to light earlier this week and it was revealed that San Jose is actually running an undisclosed surplus for 2011, many wondered how this new found wealth would be spent. This morning it was announced that San Jose would be purchasing the city of San Francisco. After being pounded by budget deficits up to a half billion year after year, sources say the deal was a bargain for San Jose.

While no immediate changes are planned, there appears to be talks of a potential name change to mark the change in ownership. The San Jose city council have been tossing around options such as San Josisco, El Puble de San Francisco de San Jose, Almost Silicon Valley, and New Alviso.  Mayor Chuck Reed stated "We'll probably narrow it down to our top 2, then flip a coin."

More info to come as the story breaks!

San Jose Sharks: The Final Six Game Stretch

With a win tonight against the rival Dallas Stars at HP Pavilion, the San Jose Sharks can guarantee qualifying for playoffs. Not that Sharks fans alike have any doubt; the Sharks are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now, with an amped defensive line and a slew of hard working forwards putting up respectable point productions: namely Logan Couture, Ryane Clowe, Joe Pavelski, and Patrick Marleau.

The Sharks are currently seeded third in the Western Conference, just one point behind the Detroit Red Wings, a team that just last night suffered one of its worst losses in a 10-3 embarrassment to the St. Louis Blues – at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, no less. Fortunately, the Sharks have one game in hand, so with a win tonight, they can potentially be one point ahead of the Red Wings with equal games played.

Since the last Sharks-related update on The San Jose Blog, the Sharks have played two games: the first against the Los Angeles Kings (resulting in a shootout loss), and against the Phoenix Coyotes (resulting in a 4-1 Sharks victory).

The Kings game had been particularly exciting due to the third period scoring; more specifically a three goal outburst during the last three and a half minutes of play. As the Kings held on to a 2-1 lead for most of the game, Patrick Marleau tied it up with just 3:32 left in the third period, giving the Sharks and Sharks fans hope they could rally for a victory against the Kings. Not long thereafter, Joe Thornton took a penalty, giving the Kings a power play, and allowing Kings captain Dustin Brown to score with 1:42 left, lifting them back to a one goal lead.

As the game came to a close, and with Sharks goaltender Antti Niemi pulle for the extra attacker, the Sharks executed a successful last-minute effort, with Marleau scoring again to tie the game – with only four seconds left in regulation. Although the Sharks ended up losing in the eventual shootout, Marleau’s goal guaranteed the always helpful standings point.

The game versus the Coyotes saw the Sharks dominate, as usual. Niemi played extremely well, saving many hard-to-block shots, despite not having an incredibly large shot on net count. Logan Couture tallied twice, further making a strong case for himself as a top Calder Trophy contender. Ryane Clowe tallied as well, also adding a couple of assists and a fight (against none other than Twitter celebrity Paul Bissonnette @BizNasty2point0) to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick. The final score was a 4-1 Sharks victory in Phoenix.

Six more games are left for the Sharks to play before the end of the season – all against other Pacific Division teams. The Sharks are currently atop the Pacific Division with 97 points, two ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes, three ahead of the Los Angeles Kings, four ahead of the Anaheim Ducks, and ten ahead of the Dallas Stars. With the Pacific Division performing so well, it’s entirely possible that all five teams could be in the top eight by the end of the season – a rare feat, no doubt, but incentive for the Sharks to never stop playing well.

New Asian Strip Mall Coming to North San Jose

The Silicon Valley International Plaza is coming to the corner of Brokaw and Old Oakland road (next to Costco) and will feature over 100,000sqft of Asian-themed retail. The main anchors will be an Asian supermarket and a dim sum/seafood restaurant, but based on the photo below I'm expecting a lot of restaurants. Thanks to xThomasTroublex from the San Jose Development forum for the info. You can find more details on this project right over here.

Wednesday Wishlist: Seeking Ideas for New Bar/Restaurant

Alright guys, I need your help today! Let's throw out a hypothetical situation and say a new bar is coming to a key corner in Downtown San Jose. Let's also say it will serve some food, but will be more bar than restaurant. What do you think would make it a key attraction Downtown? Here are some ideas to help you get the gears turning:

• Interactive art (ability to write on the walls, etc.)
• Video games
• Live music
• Unique drinks from all around the world

What would you like to see? Please post your ideas in the comments!

Downtown San Jose Twilight Open House - Thursday @ 5-8pm

Another high-rise open house is coming to Downtown San Jose in just 2 days. There will be plenty of food from The Mmoon, Loft Bar and Bistro, and Mezcal! In addition, there will be pedicabs that will transport you for free from high-rise to high-rise. If you make it to all 3 venues, then you'll be entered into a raffle to win gift certificates for Ballet San Jose, Tova Day Spa, La Pastaia, Zanotto's, Lost Gatos Brewing Company, Satori Tea, and Andy's Pet Shop. You can register for the event right over here.

Born to be Wild is Coming to The Tech's IMAX Dome

Based on the trailer and press release below, this looks like one of the more interesting IMAX movies to come to The Tech in quite some time. I'm looking forward to this one.

For Immediate Release

March 22, 2011

BORN TO BE WILD Journeys into The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater

Documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman premieres April 8

SAN JOSE, SILICON VALLEY, CA. – Join IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures on a miraculous journey of second chances when Born to be Wild opens April 8 in The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech Museum. Follow young orphaned elephants and orangutans on the trip of a lifetime, from birth to rebirth, on the vivid screen of the nation’s second largest dome theater.

This family friendly documentary transports moviegoers to the far stretches of Kenya and Borneo and inspires them to take action to save Earth’s precious creatures. Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Stunningly captured in The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater - with its crystal clear images up to eight stories high and 13,000 watts of wrap-around digital surround sound - Born to be Wild is a heartwarming adventure that takes moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne M. Sheldrick.

“Spending so much time among the orphaned elephants and orangutans in this film was a life- changing experience,” said Producer/Writer Drew Fellman. “And IMAX makes it possible to share that wonder with the audience in a very profound way that takes us directly into the lives and struggles of these amazing animals.” 

INSERT TRAILER HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDc3KSgCU1Q

For information on tickets and show times, call (408) 294-TECH (8324) or visit the website at http://tickets.thetech.org/production/imax.asp.

About The Tech Museum

The Tech Museum is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum - located in the Capital of Silicon Valley - is a non-profit learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge, our annual team design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., The Tech Museum celebrates the Spirit 

Downtown San Jose Restaurant List Updates!

Here's the latest round of updates:

• We'll start off with the bad news. The following restaurants have closed:
• E&O Trading Company
• Ruffled Feathers
• Penguin Froyo
• Added the following restaurants:
• CJ's Cafe & Catering at 303 Almaden
• Supreme Dog at 284 S. 11th St.
• House of Bagels at 505 E. San Carlos St.

If you haven't bookmarked it yet, here's the link to the spreadsheet! There is also a permanent link over to the right entitled Downtown San Jose Restaurants.

Saturday Stats - San Jose Home Values

It looks like San Jose is the #1 city for expected increase in home values for 2011 based on a Forbes article. I like how they used a photo of Rivermark in Santa Clara for the article... close but no cigar. Here's the link. Thanks to DLo for the tip.

The Usuals: Works by Frances Marin Tonight

This Never Happened
New Works by Frances Marin
Friday, March 25, 2011
7:00p - 10:00p

Friday, March 25th
7:00p – 10:00p
On view thru April 18th

Performances by:
The Oddly Even (8p)
Fare Station (9p)

Storefront DJs:
James Vidal
Hells Bells

Check-out the new limited edition Frances Marin tee (20 pieces printed)!

Have some drinks and goodies in the back room!

 

Bike Party Survey

Interesting survey results from San Jose Bike Party participates. As soon as a bike sharing program comes to San Jose, I'm going to join the next run!

Survey Results

Bike Party’s goal is to build community through bicycling.  In order to determine if we are achieving our goal, we surveyed our riders and participants.

Over 500 participants responded to a self selection survey. (We posted in on the website and sent it out to the facebook group).

These are the results (with 585 completed).

34% of particiapants have attended 1-2 rides

28% have attended 3-4

13.6% have attended 4-6

15.3%  have attended more than 6 rides

After Riding with Bike Party,

30.3%  have purchased a bicycle

78.6% have purchased bicycle accessories

39.6% have paid for bicycle repairs

76% of riders have made friends because of Bike Party.

Because of Bike Party,

57.9% ride their bicycle more often for transportation

77.3% ride their bicycle more often for recreation

79.8% feel more confident riding solo or with a small group of friends

75% have learned more about local bicycle routes

79.8% have learned more about the local community

75.8% have learned more about safe riding

22.7% have participated with other groups

San Jose Sharks: The Last Eight Games

The San Jose Sharks are in a great position right now: first place in the Pacific Division, third place in the Western Conference (only one point behind the Detroit Red Wings), and currently riding the momentum of a four game win streak. Additionally, today's main roster is full of healthy players (with the exception of Scott Nichol, currently on injured reserve) ready to take on the post-season. All-star defenseman Dan Boyle recently made a return after missing several games due to an upper-body injury, and talented rookie Logan Couture had been able to play the very next game after suffering an ugly spill into the boards during the Sharks’ game versus the St. Louis Blues.

Many feared Couture would be out indefinitely due to his difficulty leaving the ice, although reports confirmed, in addition to Couture himself confirming on his Twitter account, that his injury was not as bad as expected and he would return for the very next game. Not only did Couture return, but he did so with flair, scoring another goal to contribute to the Sharks’ 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames last night.

For the rest of the season, the Sharks will be pitted against their tough Pacific Division rivals: two games against the Los Angeles Kings, three games against the Phoenix Coyotes, one game against the Dallas Stars, and two games against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks by no means have their first place position in the Pacific Division clinched, especially since their Division is, by far, the strongest performing in the Western Conference, with four out of the five Pacific teams currently in the top eight.

Fortunately for the Sharks, their current year acquisitions have all been big winners, each performing well: Ian White stepping up as a tough offensive defenseman, Kyle Wellwood as another Scott Nichol-type hard working player, and Ben Eager as a solid checking line player not afraid to use his size to his advantage (as many of us remember from last year’s playoffs when he was playing on the Chicago Blackhawks).

The Sharks’ scorers have also been performing.
- Patrick Marleau, after not scoring for much of the season, has had a recent point-scoring burst, hitting the 30-goal mark for the season during the game against the Flames last night.
- Joe Pavelski has displayed his masterful ability to set up plays, similar to teammate Joe Thornton.
-Fan favorite Ryane Clowe, the gritty corner master and enforcer, is very close to hitting sixty points already for the season (as is Dany Heatley).
- Veteran defensemen Douglas Murray, Marc Edouard Vlasic, and Jason Demers have been handling the blue line well, keeping standout netminder Antti Niemi well protected from wayward pucks.

Niemi has also been doing well in his own right, now being particularly famous in San Jose for his ability to see through screens to make amazing saves.

To give a proper “shout out” when it is due, based on last night’s game, I would like to congratulate on Torrey Mitchell’s two-goal game and to Mr. Number 69 Andrew Desjardins for his first NHL goal.

The Sharks play the Los Angeles Kings TONIGHT at the Staples Center, the start of the Sharks’ eight game campaign against familiar Division rivals. Let us hope the rest of the season goes well for the Sharks so a favorable playoff spot can be clinched!

SJBound: Clubhouse

Xanadu Contest!

Just a reminder that we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to Xanadu at the Retro Dome (valued at $88 each pair). This is the Broadway version that has become a huge hit, winning multiple awards and a Tony nomination. 

To win your free tickets, email your favorite San Jose-related memory from the 80s to josh@thesanjoseblog.com. If you weren't alive or can't remember the 80s, then steal a memory from your parents or friends!

Winners will be selected on Friday, good luck!

Every great while, along comes a musical that shows mankind the power of hope over despair, that illustrates in story and song the injustices of society and the common good of the common man. That musical is...Les Miserables.  THIS IS XANADU!

XANADU is the hit musical that took audiences and critics by surprise when it transformed an obscure film into the hottest comedy on Broadway. For the first time since its Broadway run, XANADU hits the Bay Area and takes over The Retro Dome. With its score of pop gems, a script that redefines musical theatre satire, and a finale lit by glitter balls and glow sticks, this hilarious, roller disco musical adventure rolls along to pop hits “(You Have to Believe We Are) Magic”, “All Over The World”, “Suddenly”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Xanadu.” Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is the most ridiculously wonderful time you’ll ever have in a theatre!

"I LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME! IT'S A GREAT MUSICAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN "HEAVEN ON WHEELS! CRIMINALLY FUNNY!" - THE NEW YORK TIMES

What is it? Xanadu is the hilarious new hit musical on wheels that is based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. This roller skating musical adventure was winner of Outstanding New Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Award) during its recent Broadway run. The show received raves from the New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily News and Time Out News, among many others.

Xanadu’s clever tale surrounds a Greek goddess (on roller skates, of course) who seeks to inspire a hapless artist in 1980 to create the world’s first roller disco! Now appearing for the very first time on the west coast at The Retro Dome, the best-reviewed musical of the 2007-2008 Broadway season brings a score of all the songs from the film plus three supersonic pop gems from Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, a script that redefines Broadway satire, and a finale that pulls out all the (roller skate) stops directly to local audiences.

When is it? Xanadu previews the weekend of February 25-27 and premieres March 4, 2011. Showings are on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Where is it? The Retro Dome is conveniently located near the intersection of three cities: San Jose, Saratoga and Campbell, CA, at 1694 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, Calif. 95129 (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road).

Who's in it? An extraordinarily talented cast of triple threats headline the production. Click here to get to know the artists.

Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online (click the link above), over the phone at 408-404-7711 or in person. The Box Office window is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and by appointment, and phone orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. During event days, The Retro Dome is open 90 minutes prior to showtime.

How much is it? Tickets are $44 and there are discounts available for students, seniors and military ($34) and children ($24). There are also discount for groups. Parking is free there are no additional box office fees.

Want to learn more? Click here for an interview with Director/Producer, Scott Evan Guggenheim

Guy Kawasaki is Speaking at the Computer History Museum, Mar 29th

A Silicon Valley legend takes the stage a week from today to promote his latest book: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions. If you are an entrepreneur or are currently dreaming of starting a company someday, you need to be at this event! Guy Kawasaki is the ultimate guru for starting companies in the valley. His books provide you with realistic expectations and guidance based on his vast experience--starting way back when he was the key evangelist and marketer for the original Apple Macintosh. For anyone looking to start a Silicon Valley company, this will time very well spent. The full press release is below.

As a side note, Guy also runs one of my favorite blogs... How to Change the World. This site is entertaining for anyone, even non-entrepreneurs!

NEWS RELEASE                                     

Contact:  Janet Poses

e-mail:    janet@ccice.org

Phone:    650 380-9432

Fax:        650 330-0649

For Immediate Release

Chamber of Commerce International Consortium for Entrepreneurs (CCICE) welcomes Guy Kawasaki on Tuesday March 29^th at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA.  Guy Kawasaki will be speaking about his tenth and latest book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions”. 

Register today at CCICE:

http://www.ccice.org/Guy-Kawasaki-Enchantment.html

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA—March  9, 2011-- As a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures and Founder of Alltop, Guy Kawasaki will be sharing his wisdom and perspectives relating to his new book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions.” 

This is a rare opportunity to hear Mr. Kawasaki along with Jenn Lim, Chief Happiness Officer for Zappos and Kate Bennett Eriksson, Ericsson Head of AT&T Innovation Centre, speak at the iconic center of Silicon Valley, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.

In Guy Kawasaki’s push for innovation he continues to motivate entrepreneurs to get creative and enchant partners, customers, clients, teams and more. In his latest book, Guy explains how to influence what people will do while maintaining the highest standards of ethics.  The book explains when and why enchantment is necessary and then the pillars of enchantment:  likability, trustworthiness, and a great cause.

”Enchantment” subsequently discusses:  launching, overcoming resistance, making enchantment endure, and using technology. There are even special chapters dedicated to enchanting your employees and your boss. Finally, because there are times you may want to resist enchantment, there’s even a chapter about how to do this.

Guy Kawasaki is a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine. Previously, he was an Apple Fellow at Apple Computer, Inc. Guy is the author of nine books including Reality Check, The Art of the Start, Rules for Revolutionaries, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Selling the Dream, and The Macintosh Way. He has a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

Read the latest from Guy Kawasaki at the American Express Open Forum:

http://www.openforum.com/connectodex/how-to-change-the-world

Xanadu Contest!

It's time for yet another contest! This time for one of San Jose's newest performing arts venue, and a place that I've been meaning to check out for some time now, The Retro Dome! What was once Century 25 near Westgate is now home to musical theater, retro film, live music, and comedy.

We're giving away 2 tickets to their latest production, Xanadu. Despite being based on a bad 80s movie, the Broadway version has become a smash hit, winning multiple awards and a Tony nomination. This is the very first time Xanadu is being performed in the Bay Area.

To win your free tickets, email your favorite San Jose memory from the 80s to josh@thesanjoseblog.com. If you weren't alive or can't remember the 80s, then ask your parents or friends. Feel free post your memory in the comments as well. I'll share some of the best ones at the end of the contest.

Winners will be selected on Friday, good luck!

Every great while, along comes a musical that shows mankind the power of hope over despair, that illustrates in story and song the injustices of society and the common good of the common man. That musical is...Les Miserables.  THIS IS XANADU!

XANADU is the hit musical that took audiences and critics by surprise when it transformed an obscure film into the hottest comedy on Broadway. For the first time since its Broadway run, XANADU hits the Bay Area and takes over The Retro Dome. With its score of pop gems, a script that redefines musical theatre satire, and a finale lit by glitter balls and glow sticks, this hilarious, roller disco musical adventure rolls along to pop hits “(You Have to Believe We Are) Magic”, “All Over The World”, “Suddenly”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Xanadu.” Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is the most ridiculously wonderful time you’ll ever have in a theatre!

"I LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME! IT'S A GREAT MUSICAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN "HEAVEN ON WHEELS! CRIMINALLY FUNNY!" - THE NEW YORK TIMES

What is it? Xanadu is the hilarious new hit musical on wheels that is based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. This roller skating musical adventure was winner of Outstanding New Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Award) during its recent Broadway run. The show received raves from the New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily News and Time Out News, among many others.

Xanadu’s clever tale surrounds a Greek goddess (on roller skates, of course) who seeks to inspire a hapless artist in 1980 to create the world’s first roller disco! Now appearing for the very first time on the west coast at The Retro Dome, the best-reviewed musical of the 2007-2008 Broadway season brings a score of all the songs from the film plus three supersonic pop gems from Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, a script that redefines Broadway satire, and a finale that pulls out all the (roller skate) stops directly to local audiences.

When is it? Xanadu previews the weekend of February 25-27 and premieres March 4, 2011. Showings are on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Where is it? The Retro Dome is conveniently located near the intersection of three cities: San Jose, Saratoga and Campbell, CA, at 1694 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, Calif. 95129 (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road).

Who's in it? An extraordinarily talented cast of triple threats headline the production. Click here to get to know the artists.

Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online (click the link above), over the phone at 408-404-7711 or in person. The Box Office window is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and by appointment, and phone orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. During event days, The Retro Dome is open 90 minutes prior to showtime.

How much is it? Tickets are $44 and there are discounts available for students, seniors and military ($34) and children ($24). There are also discount for groups. Parking is free there are no additional box office fees.

Want to learn more? Click here for an interview with Director/Producer, Scott Evan Guggenheim

Rock Climbing is Coming to SoFA!

Let's start off the week with some good news. The remnants of Club WET in SoFA will soon become a 14,000 sqft Rock Climbing Gym called Touchtone. WET was frequently wrought with issues--such as fights and a few stabbings--that I think created a negative perception of the area. I'm pretty confident this will be a better use for the space and hopefully they can incorporate a little artsy SoFA character into it.

By the way, there used to be a Touchtone in Downtown San Jose. It was right next to Camera 12 and had what might have been the smallest rock wall in existence. No, seriously it was maybe 10 feet tall. I had to chuckle at it every time I walked by. The new SoFA Touchtone won't have that same problem as the climbing walls will be at least 35 feet tall.