Entertainment | Almaden Valley Real Estate & Therese Swan – Almaden’s #1 Realtor 2011, 2010, 2009

Pioneer Performing Arts to Present the Classic American Musical 42nd Street

March 18, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

poster: 42nd Street Pioneer Performing Arts is presenting the classic American musical 42nd Street! This musical has a big band style book, and the pit orchestra will be filled with 15 musicians.

42nd Street tells the story of a chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, who must take over as the star of the show on short notice when the lead performer is injured.

In only thirty-six hours, Peggy learns twenty-five pages, six songs, and ten dance numbers – and becomes a star.

The musical is at Pioneer High School Performing Arts Center on March 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2011 at 7:00pm.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students and seniors 62 and older. Tickets are available at the door. Or, you can purchase tickets by contacting Anita Adams at 408-718-6974 or anitakadams@yahoo.com.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: 42nd Street Pioneer High School, Music, Pioneer 42nd Street Musical, Pioneer High School Performing Arts

Over the Hill Blues Band Playing at Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley

March 12, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

The music is back at Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley! Dance to some rockin’ blues on the outdoor patio after a good meal and some great drinks.

Over the Hill Blues Band is a high-energy blues cover band. The band plays traditional to contemporary blues (playlist). These guys keep the crowds moving and shaking with their unique, soulful style.

They cover great traditional artists like Robert Johnson, Jimmy Rogers, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Howling Wolf, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King.

They also cover tunes by classic bands like The Allman Brothers Band, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Cream and Led Zeppelin, as well as new bands like Trampled Under Foot, The Mannish Boys, and Mississippi Heat.

The performance is at Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 6-10pm. Watch a preview of the band on the Over the Hill Blues Band Channel.

If you’d like to book the band for a gig or to play at your private party, please contact Maria at 408-674-2868 or info@overthehillbluesband.com.

Filed Under: Dining, Entertainment Tagged With: Jazz Music in Almaden, Live Music in Almaden Valley, Music, Music at Sonoma Chicken Coop Almaden, Over the Hill Blues Band

Harpist Elizabeth Erickson Performing in Almaden Valley

March 9, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

photo: Harpist Elizabeth Erickson Accomplished Harpist, Elizabeth Erickson, will be performing in Almaden Valley. Her enchanting and delightful music is enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to seniors.

Elizabeth has played the piano and harp nearly all her life. A natural performer and teacher, she is loved by her students and appreciated by her audiences, whether at receptions, dinner parties, memorial services, or wherever elegant music is desired.

This special performance is at Almaden Community Center on March 16, 2011 from 6:30-7:30pm. The performance is free for everyone to enjoy.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Harp Concert Almaden, Harp Performance Almaden, Harpist Elizabeth Erickson, Music, St. Patrick's Day Almaden

Wings and Blings: Learn About the Butterflies and Wildflowers Native to Almaden Valley

February 20, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Photo by Steve Berardi

Want to get a sneak peek at the beauty to come this Spring? Cait Hutnik from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority is delivering a presentation – “Wings and Blings” – about the butterflies and wildflowers that are native to the Almaden Valley area.

This entertaining presentation includes photographs, specimens, and fun facts. Get ideas about where you can go on awesome hikes with fantastic views! This interesting event is suitable for families and people of all ages.

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority protects sensitive lands, preserves natural communities, and manages open space in ways that promote agriculture and compatible recreation.

Wings and Blings is at the Almaden Community Center in the Program Room on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The event is free. No registration required.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Family Tagged With: Almaden Butterflies, Almaden Wildflowers, Cait Hutnik, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority

Almaden Valley to Host 4th Annual / 2011 Battle of the Bands Competition Finale

February 16, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

logo: Battle of the Bands The Battle of the Bands concert finale is back! The top five finalists for the 4th Annual / 2011 Battle of the Bands will compete for prizes in a live concert here in Almaden Valley.

You are invited to attend this exciting live concert showcasing local talented bands and solo musicians from throughout San Jose.

Each of the five finalists will have up to 20 minutes to perform their set in front of an audience and judging panel of local music experts. The judging panel will determine the grand prize winner of the competition.

The Battle of the Bands concert is at Almaden Branch Library and Community Center on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 3-6pm.

Get the latest contest details for this year’s Battle of the Bands. The last day to submit participation entries is Saturday, February 19, 2011.

See the coverage by San Jose Mercury News of this year’s Battle of the Bands competition.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Teens Tagged With: Band Competition, Battle of the Bands Almaden Valley, Music, Music Competition

Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Performing in Almaden Valley

February 5, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

logo: Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Bring in the New Year and celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a live musical performance by Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra (FYOC).

In the past few years, FYCO’s concerts and performances have received exceptional praise from audiences, including arts organization observers. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) declared FYCO as “one of the very few ensembles in the United States dedicated to educating young people, their families and communities through traditional Chinese music, and is carrying out its mission with great success.”

FYCO was founded in 2000 by Gordon Lee along with thirteen musicians. FYCO currently has about one hundred musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments. Most of the students are American born Chinese youths ranging from nine to seventeen years of age.

The mission of FYOC is to train young musicians and promote Chinese music as an integral part of Chinese-American culture, thereby strengthening the Chinese community and enhancing the cultural diversity and richness of American Society.

The performance is at the Almaden Community Center on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 2:00 to 3:00pm. No pre-registration required. Just go and enjoy!

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Almaden Concert, Almaden Music, Chinese Instruments, Chinese Music in Almaden, Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra Coming, Live Music in Almaden, Music, Teen

16th Annual / 2011 Big Band Dance at Pioneer High Schoool

January 23, 2011 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

photo: pioneer high school music instructor Pioneer High School is holding its 16th Annual Big Band Dance benefiting the school’s Band & Orchestra Program.

This wonderful, fun-filled evening includes live music performances by Pioneer’s “S” Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band; dancing and brief ballroom dance lesson provided by Dance Boulevard at San Jose Dance Center; and appetizers, desserts, silent auction, and raffle prizes.

Local Historians Presenting on the History of Quicksilver Mining in New Almaden

December 30, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Entrance to Quicksilver Mine in New Almaden

Photo by Alexi Kostibas

Saratoga Historical Foundation is sponsoring a presentation on the “The History of New Almaden – Once the Largest Mine in California.”

The talk is being presented by noted authors and local historians Art Boudreault and Mike Boulland, authors of the book New Almaden – Images of America.

Guitar Quartet Presenting Holiday Concert in Almaden Valley

November 21, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

photo: guitarist A classical guitar quartet, featuring Ben Zussman, Scott Swink, Tom Gardin, and Jerry Snyder, will be presenting a concert of traditional, classical, and popular Christmas and Winter seasonal music for the Holidays.

This South Bay Guitar Society quartet will be playing selections by Enrique Granados, Celso Machado, Zequinha Abreu, Johnny Mercer, Michael Langer & Chen Atkins.

This free concert is at the Almaden Community Center on Tuesday, December 14, 6:30-8:00pm.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Christmas Music, Guitar Concert, Guitar Quartet, Holiday Music, Music, South Bay Guitar Society

Leland Drama Department Presents Chicago (a.k.a., Play Ball)

November 14, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Publicity photo of film actress Phyllis Haver (circa 1920-1922).

Leland Drama Department presents Chicago (a.k.a., Play Ball), a satirical comedy about crime in the 1920′s, with the Leland Jazz Band playing live.

Chicago offers social criticism of our judicial system, and a public fascinated by famous criminals. This one has got it all! (The play is Adapted and Directed by Elizabeth A. Taylor, Leland English and Drama Teacher.)

Chicago was written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a Journalist and Playwright who covered the female crime wave happening in the Windy City during the 1920′s.

The play is at Leland High School November 17-20, 2010, at 7pm each night, with an additional matinee show on November 20, 2010, at 1:00pm.

General admission tickets will be sold at the door and are $5 per person. The play is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Teens Tagged With: Almaden Drama, Almaden Theater, Leland Drama Department

Almaden Community Center 2010 Halloween Party

September 19, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Image: Child Halloween Drawing A safe and fun Halloween party in Almaden Valley for kids ages 4-7. Children should go in costume. They will enjoy food, games, crafts, and stories.

The party is at the Almaden Community Center on Friday, October 29, 2010, from 5pm to 7pm. The price is $21 per child for San Jose residents, and $25 for non-residents. You can register your child online.

Do you know of any other events or activities happening in Almaden Valley for Halloween? If so, we’d like to know. Send us an email, submit the form, or tell us about it in the comments to this post.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Kids Tagged With: Almaden Community Center Halloween Party, Almaden Halloween Party, Almaden Valley Halloween Events, Halloween in Almaden Valley

CreaTV San Jose’s 2010 Party – “A Taste of Things to Come”

April 25, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

[post card: a taste of things to come] CreaTV San Jose, a non-profit, public benefit corporation serving the City of San Jose, invites you to attend its 2nd Annual May Party – A Taste of Things to Come.

This is an evening that will tickle your taste buds and whet your appetite for exciting things to come to CreaTV San Jose.

The party will feature award‐winning local wines, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, decadent chocolate, inspired music, great company and a few surprises.

All proceeds for this event will help support CreaTV San Jose’s mission is to inspire, educate, and connect San Jose communities, using media to foster civic and social engagement.

The party is at Sonoma Chicken Coop in Almaden Valley on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:00pm. The price is $25 per person in advance, and $35 per person at the door. You can purchase tickets online.

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment Tagged With: A Taste of Things to Come, Almaden Valley, CreaTV San Jose, Fundraisers, Music, Sonoma Chicken Coop, Wine

Teen Talent Show 2010 Finale in Almaden Valley

April 24, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

[logo: teen talent show] Winners of the regional Teen Talent Show tournaments will by in Almaden Valley to show off their unique talents and compete in the 2010 Teen Talent Show Finale. Come and enjoy the remarkable talent of our local teens.

The regional tournaments are being held at six San Jose branch library locations on Saturday, May 1, 2010, 2-4pm. Prizes will be awarded to 1st – 3rd place winners at the regional events.

The first and second place winners from each of the regional tournaments will participate in a final competition at the Almaden Branch Library on Saturday, May 15, 2010, 3-5pm. Winners of the finale will win even bigger prizes!

You can pick up a registration packet at any library. You must submit the registration form to the tournament location you plan to compete at. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!

Get more information about the Teen Talent Show rules, judging criteria, and regional locations.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Teens Tagged With: Almaden Talent Show, Almaden Valley, Comedy, Dance, Library Talent Show, San Jose Talent Show, Sing, Talent Show, Teen, Teen Talent Show

Leland High School 2010 Fashion Show Benefit – “The Fifth Season”

April 13, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

{logo: leland high school fashion show} Leland High School is holding its annual fashion show and silent auction – The Fifth Season 2010. All proceeds for this year’s event go to World Concern, a non-profit humanitarian organization providing community development and disaster response to the World’s poor in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The silent auction and raffle will feature a number of brand name items, including Juicy Couture, Ellie Tahari, Banana Republic, iPod Touch, Santana Row’s W’s Salon, Snap Fitness gift baskets, and several gift cards and gift certificates to a variety of restaurants and boutiques. Each guest is automatically entered in a drawing for a $50 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card, sponsored by Silicon Valley REO.

The event is at Leland High School on Friday, April 30, 2010, 7-9pm. Tickets may be purchased on the night of the show at the door for $15 per person.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Fundraisers, Teens Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion Show Benefit, Leland High School Fashion Show, Leland High School Silent Auction, The Fifth Season

Fundraiser for San Jose Jazz at UNWINED in Almaden Valley

April 7, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Come support San Jose Jazz, a 22 year old public benefit organization dedicated to promoting jazz music through performance and education. San Jose Jazz finds itself short on funding this year and may not survive long enough to put on this year’s San Jose Jazz Festival.

If you have attended any of the more than 200 weekly Jazz performances at UNWINED, please consider purchasing a ticket to this event to help support this very worthy cause. An “All-Star” Jazz band will be performing. Tickets are $30 per person and include wine tasting and light appetizers.

The fundraiser is at UNWINED in Almaden Valley on Sunday, May 16, 2010, 4-7pm. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets please send an email to info@unwinedshop.com.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Fundraisers Tagged With: All-Star Jazz Band, Almaden Valley, Fundraisers, Jazz, Music, San Jose Jazz, UNWINED, Wine, Wine Bar, Wine Shop

95120 Nights! with Almaden Lifestyle Magazine

March 31, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

95120 Almaden Lifestyle Magazine is holding its 95120 Nights! – an evening of mingling for Almaden Valley residents, business owners, and the 95120 Magazine team and advertisers. Entertainment will be provided by Randy Lira, Owner of RPM Productions, an interactive MC and DJ entertainment service for weddings, parties, and special events. Amato Pizzeria is offering 15% off food for the evening.

The 95120 Nights! event is at Amato Pizzeria in Almaden Valley on Monday, April 26, 2010 from 6-11pm.

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment Tagged With: 95120 Almaden Lifestyle Magazine, 95120 Nights!, Amato Pizzeria, Chrissy Derksen, Party, Randy Lira, RPM Productions, Wil Derksen

High Tea at The Almaden Empress

March 25, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Photo by Per Mosseby

Join us for white glove, silver service High Tea at The Almaden Empress. Listen to the pleasing sounds of chamber music while enjoying a dazzling array of finger sandwiches, fresh seasonal fruit, scones with a selection of preserves, pastries, cakes, tarts, delicious teas, and much more.

You are welcome to dress for the occasion. Ladies, wear one of your hats. Gentlemen, bow ties optional. This event is for adults ages 50 and older, and is brought to you by the Almaden Senior Program.

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 2, 2010 at 10am inside the Almaden Community Center near the sports and fitness desk. $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

The event is at at the Almaden Community Center, Community Room on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 2pm. We hope to see you!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Seniors Tagged With: Almaden Senior Program, Almaden Valley, High Tea, Music, The Almaden Empress

Mother-Daughter Mad Hatter Tea Party in Almaden Valley

March 6, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

Illustration by Gordon Robinson

Mother-Daughter Mad Hatter Tea Party in Almaden Valley. Little girls love to play tea party. They will learn proper etiquette and manners, and then show their skills at a party with tea and snacks. The party will end with a special gift from your child. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed up! At the Almaden Community Center. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 from 11:30am-1:00pm. More: http://bit.ly/aciANZ.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Kids Tagged With: Almaden Valley, Family, Mother-Daughter, Tea Party

Almaden Library Hosting Author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”

March 2, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

As part of the Doris Dillon Author Series, Almaden Branch Library is hosting Laura Numeroff, the author of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Laura will be promoting and signing her newest book, “The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza.” Hicklebee’s Bookstore will be onsite to sell Laura Numeroff’s books. This program is sponsored in cooperation with Hicklebee’s Bookstore and Graystone Elementary School. The event will be at the Doris Dillon Children’s Library inside the Almaden Branch Library. Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30-7:30pm. More: http://bit.ly/4ALHDm.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Kids Tagged With: Almaden Branch Library, Books, Doris Dillon Author Series, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Numeroff, Reading, Storytime, The Jellybeans and the Big Book Bonanza

Spring & Summer 2010 Activity Guide for Almaden Community Center

February 28, 2010 By Therese Swan Leave a Comment

photo: Almaden 2010 Spring City Guide Update on February 16, 2011: The Spring 2011 Activity Guide for Almaden Community Center is now available.

San Jose Parks Recreation & Neighborhood Services has released its City Wide Activity Guide for Spring & Summer 2010. The guide includes all of the activities planned for the Almaden Community Center.

Almaden Valley residents have a variety of activities to choose from, including the following: arts and crafts, camps, dance, early childhood recreation, education and enrichment, health and fitness, music, sports leagues and drop-ins, cooking, specialty programs, senior programs and events, and family events.

Registration for Spring & Summer 2010 activities begins on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10am. You can register online.

View the most recent Almaden Community Center Activity Guide.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Health, Kids, Recreation, Seniors, Sports, Teens Tagged With: Activity Guide, Almaden Community Center, Almaden Community Center Activity Guide, Almaden Community Center Summer Camps, Almaden Valley Summer Camp, arts, camps, Cooking, crafts, Dance, Family, Fitness, Health, Music, Sports, Summer Camps

Almaden Valley Realtor, Therese Swan, specializes in Almaden Valley homes and real estate. She been the #1 Almaden Valley Real Estate Agent for 2011, 2010, and 2009. During each of these years she has sold more Almaden Valley houses than any other agent. This includes both the total number of homes sold and total dollar volume when measured per individual real estate agent. This website will help you learn about the Almaden Valley real estate market in order to buy and sell Almaden Valley homes.