The Mmoon Expansion

The Mmoon is expanding! They opened their first location in Downtown San Jose two years ago, offering their unique and delicious empanadas on a spacious corner lot on Santa Clara Street near San Pedro Square. Now they are opening a second location in downtown Los Gatos! Additional info in the release below:




The Mmoon, a family-owned empanada eatery, is excited to announce the opening of their second location in historic downtown Los Gatos this spring. The new location will be at 81 West Main Street, next door to the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to open our second store in Los Gatos. We have learned over the past year that empanadas are new to many people and we look forward to bringing a small taste of Argentina to a wonderful community,” says co-founder, Mike Mendez.

The Mmoon opened its first location in downtown San Jose in September 2010 and has since
become a popular destination for a quick lunch or pre-Sharks game meal. The eatery features an
assortment of gourmet artisanal empanadas, fresh salads, homemade dressings and sauces
(including their signature blended churri sauce – a secret family recipe spanning four generations).

The Mmoon looks forward to opening their doors to the Los Gatos community the week of May 14th.

About the Mmoon
The Mmoon features Argentine-inspired gourmet empanadas. Founded by the Mendez family in
2010, their mission is to offer quick service and quality food at an affordable price. Simple quality
makes each empanada special. The causal eatery offers catering, delivery and take and bake. The
Mmoon is located in downtown San Jose’s historic San Pedro Square at 177 W. Santa Clara Street.
For more information about the Mmoon, please visit www.themmoon.com.

DRUM! Night 2012 A Hit; Paul Bostaph, Newark, Wins BADASS

DRUM! Night 2012 A Hit With Diverse Drumming Performances; Paul Bostaph Reels In Second Annual BADASS Award

San Jose, Calif., Enter Music Publishing’s third annual DRUM! Night was quite a hit. The event, a benefit for San Jose’s Lincoln High, featured diverse drum concerts and clinics by world-respected drummers and local legends. The third annual benefit, which also included a raffle and silent auction, rocked the San Jose Repertory Theater on August. 10.

“Enter Music Publishing really has made it a commitment to conduct events like this for the good of music education,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of the company. “Let’s face it. These days, high schools need help from the community to keep music in the educational mix. DRUM! Night, without a doubt, was an attempt to demonstrate the power of drumming to high school-age musicians.”

Paul Bostaph’s Beat Recognized: A BADAAS

Among the highlights of DRUM! Night was the awarding of the second annual BADAAS Award (Bay Area Drummers Achievement Awards) to Paul Bostaph, the local metal star who has been a key member of Slayer, Testament, and other bands.

Last year Mike Bordin (Soundgarden) won the inaugural award. Bostaph, who hails from Newark, Calif., and came to fame playing with Forbidden, before moving on to Slayer, Exodus, and Testament. In his acceptance speech he thanked all the drummers and companies, who have stood behind him throughout his career.

Pre-Event Percussive Highlights: From San Jose Taiko To Roland’s V-Drums Lab

Before the event, San Jose Taiko performed a street concert outside the theater. Inside, Roland set up a V-Drums Lab, so attendees could check out the latest and greatest from the electronic drum manufacturer.

Nate Brown’s Syncopated Stick Tricks And Legendary Drum Kits

In addition, Nate Brown performed a stick tricks clinic for the assembed drummers. At the same time, Drummers Tradition of San Rafael, Calif. created a mini-museum of vintage drum kits including a Ronnie Montrose set (originally played by Denny Carmassi) and the set used on Rick James "SuperFly." Other exhibitions included Louie Bellson memorabilia and Power Wrist Builders.

Kenny Aronoff’s Signature Session

Kenny Aronoff, the all-world session and touring ace who has played on dozens of top hits wowed the crowd with some of the hits from Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins, and others he's recorded or performed with. He described the tension of playing inaugurations and major Kennedy Center Events. He also provided great advice to drummers. He noted to the drummers in attendance that if they want a career in music, "Hard work is not just something you do for four years in college. It's your whole life."

During another performance, Tim Yeung (Morbid Angel, Divine Heresy) performed a high-octane set of metal grooves. During discussion with the audience he emphasized the role of listening and relationships, among band members, friends, and musicians and audiences.

Prince Drummers Participate

Cora Coleman-Dunham and her trio with husband Josh Dunham, put aside their busy touring/recording schedule to attend DRUM! Night. The two of them anchored Prince's 2010-2011 percussive lineups. Her set featured great improvisation and melodies she played on her tuned drum set, as well as big funky grooves.

A Worthy Cause 
As discussed above, DRUM! Night 2012 was a benefit to raise money for Lincoln High School and proved successful. The Raffle and Silent Auction raised thousands for the school and raised awareness for music education. Lucky raffle winners walked off with a Gretsch Drum Kit, and sets of Zildjian and Sabian cymbals.

About Enter Music Publishing

Founded in San Jose, CA in 1991, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.

Siren Fish & Reptiles Now Open Downtown

Another retail slot has been filled Downtown! Siren Fish & Reptile is now open for business at 18 N 1st Street (near the intersection with E. Santa Clara). They have a pretty impressive collection of lizards, amphibians, snakes, fish, and even birds. Even if you are not a fish or reptile hobbyist, you should still stroll in and have a look.

You can also check out their website over here and their Facebook page here.

Wednesday Wishlist: Taking the Public Art Mural to a Larger Level

On the Think Bigger San Jose blog there is a new post about upping public art to a new level. Mark has a couple awesome ideas in there such as doing a full-building mural on the ugly windowless AT&T building on Almaden and creating rooftop murals that can be seen from airplanes and Google maps, turning all of Downtown into a work of art. These ideas are out-of-the-box, disruptive (in a good way), and exactly what Downtown needs.

To read Mark's post, click here!

Winchester Mystery House Fright Nights are Returning!

My favorite Halloween event by far from last year is not only returning, it's expanding. Fright Nights at the Winchester Mystery House is adding over 100 characters and new surprises in it's 40-min maze entitled "Curse of Sarah Winchester: The Resurrection." I'm hoping most of the Hollywood-caliber props from last year will return as well.

They are also adding a brand new kind of mansion flashlight tour, one without a tour guide. It sounds like there may even be actors in parts of the mansion this time around. Each Fright Night ticket includes access to both attractions. I can't wait! Full details below:

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SAN JOSE, CA, August 12, 2012 -- The award-winning Winchester Mystery House attraction "Fright Nights" returns for a second year kicking off on Friday, September 28, 2012. The world-famous mysterious, rambling and reportedly haunted home of Sarah Winchester has more thrills and exciting additions to last year’s award-winning Maze and House tour.

Throughout September and October (see complete schedule below), the grounds of the Winchester Estate will be transformed into the world’s most terrifying Halloween experience. Filled with haunted walk-through attractions, roaming scare performers, and nightmare inducing tales, “Fright Nights” will once again be an open house visitors won’t want to miss.

“We are excited to bring 'Fright Nights' back to life for a second year at the Winchester Mystery House," said Brett Tomberlin, President, Imagination Design Works, the production team behind the special event. "To give visitors even more, we are stepping up the 40-minute maze by adding over 100 spine-chilling characters and surprises around every corner. The ‘Flashlight Tour’ is also ramped up in a way that will shock and awe visitors."

CURSE OF SARAH WINCHESTER: THE RESURRECTION
Maze Length: 40 Minutes
Guests at “Fright Nights” will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the all-new “Curse of Sarah Winchester Maze” – an interactive, multi-sensory gateway between Heaven and Hell which will be opened exclusively for visitors of “Fright Nights.” For a lifetime, Sarah Winchester built and rebuilt her house to avoid a treacherous curse and to escape her husband’s legacy of damnation. Those who perished by the Winchester rifle are seeking revenge, and are now ready to sacrifice souls before midnight strikes.

Visitors find themselves trapped inside a mansion empowered by the undead, traveling through the Corn Fields of Winchester Mystery House, into the haunted ruins of the family Graveyard and ultimately, a showdown with Sarah herself in the middle of one of her infamous séances.

“WALK WITH THE SPIRITS” FLASHLIGHT TOUR
Tour Length: 35 Minutes
Tour the mansion as you never have before - on your own. Since her death, millions of people have visited Sarah’s home and many have reported sighting ghosts. Do the phantoms she communed with or perhaps Sarah herself still lurk nightly in the maze-like corridors of the Winchester Mystery House?

You'll tour the rambling, mysterious mansion with only the moonlight, a souvenir flashlight, and your imagination to provide illumination through the bewildering labyrinth of rooms and stairways. Guests experience bone-chilling creatures and blood-curdling moments as they find themselves trapped inside the mansion empowered by the undead.

EVENT DATES, TIMES, LOCATION AND ADMISSION:

WHERE:
Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House
525 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone: 408.247.2101

TICKET INFO:
"Slasher Savings" Pre-sale tickets from Aug. 12 – Sept. 9: $35 or $50 VIP

Two-pack tickets available at any Northern CA Costco from Sept. 10 – Oct. 31: $54.99

From Sept. 28 – Oct. 14: $40 or $55 VIP From Oct. 15 – Nov. 3: $45 or $60 VIP

Tickets available for purchase starting August 12th by visiting WinchesterMysteryHouse.com/tickets

*VIP tickets include front of line access
*Regular and VIP tickets include access to the Curse of Sarah Winchester Maze and Walk with the Spirits Flashlight Tour

FRIGHT NIGHTS DATES AND TIMES:
September 28-29
6:30pm – 12:00am

September 30
6:30pm – 11:00pm

October 7, 29, 30
6:30Pm – 11:00pm

October 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
6:30pm – 11:30pm

October 5, 6, 31
6:30pm – 12:00am

October 12, 13, 19, 20
6:30pm – 12:30am

October 26, 27
6:30pm – 1:00am

November 2, 3
6:30pm – 12:00am

Featured event partners and key sponsors include: Ghirardelli Chocolate, Dead Dog’s Hot Dogs, Psycho Donuts, Monster Energy Drink, Crystal Head Vodka, San Jose State University, Santana Row, Costco and Togo’s. Media partner includes: 94.9 The Wild.

ABOUT THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE:
The Winchester Mystery House is a California State Historical Landmark (#868) and was designed and built by Winchester rifle heiress, Sarah Winchester. The attraction is one of the top tourist attractions in the world and has recently been honored with the following accolades: World's Most Haunted Places #2, Travel Channel; The Scariest Locations In America #3, HauntWorld Magazine; 10 Great Places To Get Spooked #5 USA Today.

ABOUT IMAGINATION DESIGN WORKS (IDW):
IDW Productions is an independent entertainment Production Company formed for the purpose of creating feature length motion pictures, television programming and live entertainment productions. The company is owned and run by Brett Tomberlin and is the creative entity behind this year’s Fright Nights. IDW has also announced a major feature film about the House slated to premiere in 2013. Fans are invited to follow the Winchester Mystery House and Brett Tomberlin on Twitter at: twitter.com/WinchesterHouse or via Facebook at: facebook.com/winchestermysteryhouse (Official).

TWO BUCK Tuesday Aug 21st!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

Join us at KALEID Gallery for this upcoming TWO BUCK Tuesday, August 21st, 7pm-10pm!
Come enjoy an inspired evening of performances, live painting, $2 art & quirky people get together!
Here’s some of what you have to look forward to this time:

LIVE ART by:

Nik Caesar

Brianna Stevens

John Hageman

Fernando Armo

Joe Perea

David Canvese

Al Preciado

Steven Borelli will also be on hand painting live and available for conversation about his current feature solo exhibition "Creatively Maladjusted".

Listen to the sweet sounds of an indie/electronic/80’s set by J. Swizza & DJ Coco


Enjoy live improvisational belly dance by Nour El Ain!


Delicia Bites brings savory and robust flavors to traditional Mexican flan. With each spoonful of these delightful bites your taste buds will be taken on a flavorful journey. ~Buen Provecho
Tuesday, August 21st, 7-10pm
It’s free and open to all ages!


88 South Fourth Street (@ San Fernando)

San Jose, CA 95112

info@KALEIDGallery.com

408-947-1785

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, noon -7pm, free admission

Catch Vincent Kartheiser in "The Death of the Novel" at the San Jose Rep!

The Death of the Novel

By Jonathan Marc Feldman
Directed by Rick Lombardo

Hollywood is coming to the San Jose Rep! Vincent Kartheiser, (currently on AMC's Mad Men as Pete Campbell) stars along with Vaishnavi Sharma, Patrick Jones, Zarah Mahler and Amy Pietz. 

The production, as described on the San Jose Repertory's website:

Brilliant young novelist Sebastian Justice claims to be the most well-adjusted, depressed agoraphobic in Manhattan. While he rants about anything from global warming to tennis, his publisher-ordered psychologist (a “writer’s block-whisperer”) tries to get to the bottom of his grief. But when a stunning and mysterious Saudi woman intrudes into his self-contained world his emotional descent takes a sudden turn, for the raving beauty may not be the person she says she is. Will this stranger be the one to help him find his way back, and at what cost? Identities blur in this enthralling and evocative story that takes a look at the modern world through the eyes of a brilliant and tragically wounded artist.

I'm really looking forward to checking out this show. The story sounds intriguing, but I must admit my inner fangirl is squeeing. While I do watch Mad Men, my first exposure to Vincent was his portrayal of Connor in television show, Angel. It will no doubt be a treat to see him in this production. Additionally, I've been a fan of Amy Pietz from back in the day when she starred with Lea Thompson in Caroline in the City. Another favorite show of my back in the 90s. (What can I say, I was a TV nut.)

How Vincent Kartheiser Found the Lead Role

The production runs from August 30th - September 22nd.

Pay What You Will Night: August 30th

Click here for show and ticket information.

August 2012 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• A pilot program launched in July to turn some street parking spaces into sidewalk dining (similar to the space outside Caffe Frascati). Chacho's is expected to be one of the first restaurants to take advantage of this
• The City Council is selling off RDA-owned parcels in order to help pay down the agency's $4B debt. (The new owners of these parcels will hopefully be willing to redevelop them into something that adds value to the community).
• A $210M family courthouse has been approved in the new state budget and construction is set to begin in 2013 and end in 2015. This will create 20 new courtrooms in a 234,000 sqft building that could be up to 9 or 10 stories tall.
• Sign code has been amended to be more flexible, allowing programmable electronic signs on a variety of businesses and larger signs for event venues such as the Rep (which can now have up to a 25 foot high electronic sign)
• 3,500 people attended the Fountain Blues Festival in St. James Park, a 33% increase over the previous year.
• Groundwerx projects planned for the rest of 2012:
• Install decorative LED lighting along First and Second streets between Santa Clara and San Carlos (the transit mall).
• Paint a design on the walls of the parking lot fronting Almaden and Woz across from the convention center.
• Assist in the construction of granite benches in SoFA
• New Businesses
• Original Gravity Public House (66 S. First) - New craft brew pub with 25 beers on tap that rotate multiple times per week, gourmet sausages, and duck-fat fries (Josh: have already been here, epic new addition Downtown)
• Siren Fish & Reptiles (18 N. First) - Specialty pets such as fish, birds, and reptiles.
• Lilies Hair Studio & Barber Shop (196 N. Third - 2nd Floor)
• Beauty P & T Hair and Nail Salon (92 E. San Salvador)
• Don's Shoeshine (160 W. Santa Clara St.)

To read the full newsletter, click here!