"One ring to bind them!" Charles Ross in One-Man Lord of the Rings™

If you’ve ever enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy on film, or watched any of them, or read the books – hopefully all of them – get yourself over to the SJ Repertory ASAP before you miss Charles Ross‘s current show.  Yes, in one hour Ross re-enacts the entire trilogy including opening credits, theme music, and hobbits.

You may remember Ross from last summer when he visited San Jose with his One Man Star Wars show.  I believe I compared it to “when your 8 year old nephew is on a sugar high and decides to act out a film (or 3) for you“.  This summer, once again, the theater was packed with excited audience members of all ages bouncing in their seats and clapping gleefully as they experienced the entire LOTR trilogy in one hour.  My guest is a fan of the films and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Any show that leaves you with a huge smile on your face is a good one, I say.

Ross takes a quick water break between each of the 3 film re-enactments, and he questioned the audience regarding how many were actually familiar with the films, and cracked some jokes wondering why anyone would attend the show who had not seen the films.  He makes a valid point because honestly there are two kinds of people in San Jose this weekend: those who have seen the LOTR films and MUST GO SEE THIS SHOW, and those who have not seen the films and should probably not see the show.  There is no in between.

I enjoyed his Star Wars show more, but only because I am more familiar with that trilogy.  I also think that the characters in Star Wars are much easier to differentiate when someone is acting them out: Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Darth Vader are all very distinct characters in voice and movement.  With LOTR it was a little harder to know what was going on… unless you are quite familiar with the films.  Gandalf and the Gollum are easy to pick out in Ross’s frenetic show, but a hobbit is a hobbit, and I really couldn’t figure much else out.  On the other hand, my guest said she loved his depiction of Legolas (a character I never picked out in the show) so I still think it comes down to whether you’re a fan or not.

But like I said, there is no in between.  If you are a fan of the films you simply MUST see the show, and you will have a fantastic time.  If you’ve seen one or two films and/or read any of the books, you should still see the show and you will still love it.  …if you’ve done neither, you’re just going to watch Charles Ross have a schizophrenic attack on stage for an hour.  However if you fall in that category and your kids want you to take them… Do it.  It’s an hour of hysterical fun for which your kids (or spouse) will love you.

One-Man Lord of the Rings ™
July 24 – 29, 2012
San Jose Repertory Theatre
written and performed by Charles Ross

Riders and their horses in CAVALIA; Photo credit: Lynne Glazer

Cavalia is a new show to San Jose, but it has been touring North America and Europe since 2003.  Normand Latourelle, a co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is the visionary and creator behind Cavalia, and it shows in the beauty and emotion that comes through in the performances of the human acrobats and their horse friends.

Before I saw the show I expected it to be filled with great music and gorgeous backdrops, amazing acrobats and aerialists, and, of course, a lot of horses doing tricks.  I expected Cirque du Soleil with horses doing the performing.

I was totally and completely wrong.

A rider and an aerialist in CAVALIA; Photo Credit: Frédéric Chéhu

Cavalia‘s goal is to give a tribute to horses and celebrate the relationship that humans and horses share.  And so most of the 49 horses are on stage simply being horses.  The stage is over 200 feet wide and the width of a football field, and covered with 2500 tons of dirt and sand, allowing the horses to gallop full speed across and around the stage.  Some were ridden by human partners, some had human partners doing jumps from their backs, but many simply walked around, played, or just galloped around the stage.  There were a very few horses which did jumps, and several who did some intricate step work, but overall there were absolutely no horse tricks (and certainly no horse acrobats!).  The horses were simply being horses, and while the humans did tricks around them, all eyes were on the beautiful animals.

What Cavalia gives us instead of the amazing acrobatic feats of Cirque du Soleil shows is something which you have to see to understand: it gives us the beauty of the horse.  Eleven different breeds from France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the US and the Netherlands, the 49 stallions and geldings are some of the most beautiful horses you’ve ever seen, and they are on stage for less than 6 minutes each.  The opening prologue focused on the two youngest horses, Idalgo and Geronimo, simply walking around the stage unaccompanied, playing with little toys, with the vocals of Marie-Eve Bedard in the background.  Often there would be groups of acrobats on stage with the horses, and though the men sometimes failed to stick the landings of their jumps, it didn’t matter because… HORSE!  Of course there are still the colorful and beautifully lit backdrops you associate with a Cirque show, and the tremendous live music you expect.  All in all it is a thing of absolute beauty that you just don’t see anywhere else.

Tickets range from $44.50 to $139.50 (+fees), however if money is an issue be assured that every seat appears to have a great view.  If money is no object, there are package deals which include things such as a cocktail/dinner reception and a tour of the stables.  The show is suitable for children and adults of all ages, and something that any horse or animal lover should not miss.

A rider and her horses in CAVALIA; Photo credit: Lynne Glazer

WHAT:  Cavalia
WHEN:  Premieres July 18, 2012
WHERE:  Under the White Big Top, at the intersection of Hwy 101 and 87 East on the 101 Tech campus site, across Hwy 101 from the San Jose Airport.
TICKETS:  Available at www.cavalia.net or by calling 1-866-999-8111. $44.50 to $139.50+
applicable fees. Special pricing and packages also available for groups, children (2-12),
juniors (13-17) and seniors (65+).
INFO: www.cavalia.net

America’s birthday, time to celebrate with parades, barbecues, picnics, festivals, and fireworks!

Events are free; however, at some locations there will be food for purchase, some activities may have a fee, and there may be parking fees. Events with an admission fee are not listed here. Events, locations, schedules are subject to change.

Here are some places to view fireworks and/or enjoy a day of celebrations:

San Jose

The Rose, White and Blue Parade and Festival. An old-fashioned family-style parade winds through the Rose Garden neighborhood ending on The Alameda. The parade features live bands, dance groups, homemade floats, and kids on bikes, antique cars, and more. Following the parade attendees will enjoy an Arts & Music Festival with live music, classic car show, arts and crafts, and more.. Following the parade attendees will enjoy the picnic on The Alameda featuring food and drink from local restaurants for purchase.

Event info (PDF)

San Jose Giants Fireworks Extravaganza at Municipal Stadium. The Giants hosts the Modesto Nuts at 6:30pm (with tickets as low as $10) but more importantly from anywhere near the stadium you can watch the post-game fireworks show for free. Fireworks at approx. 9:30 pm.

Event info

Santa Clara

Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza

Central Park, 909 Kiely Boulevard

Pancake Breakfast (8:00 am -10:00 am $6.00), followed by games and entertainment throughout the day at the Pavilion along with (for a fee) a carnival area, face painting, and swimming at the International Swim Center. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase foods at the event ($1.00 to $6.00).

Flag Dedication Ceremony at noon, followed by live music until 5:00 pm.

Great America (entrance fee) hosts fireworks shows every Saturday night in July and August. No fireworks July 4th.

Event info

Los Gatos

4th of July Celebration

Civic Center, 110 E. Main Street

Los Gatos Celebrates July 4 for the entire family, all day 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. Beginning in the morning games and activities at the Civic Center. BBQ, picnic lunches and cold drinks available for purchase at the food court.

Event info (PDF)

Cupertino

Children’s Parade and Patriotic Community Sing-Along

Daytime Program at Quinlan Community Center and Memorial Park

7:00 am – 11:00 am: De Anza Optimist Pancake Breakfast (Quinlan Community Center’s Cupertino Room) – for purchase

9:30 am: Flag Raising (at the Veteran’s Memorial)

10:00 – 10:30 am: Children’s Parade starting at the Memorial Park ball field and proceeding to the Memorial Park Amphitheater

10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Concert in the Park

Families and kids are invited to Blackberry Farm (21979 San Fernando Avenue) for a free day of swimming live music and free BBQ.

10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Free Swimming

Noon -2:00 pm: BBQ Lunch ($5)

Noon – 3:00 pm: Live music by The Dave Crimmen Band Classic 50’s Rock & Roll

5:00 pm: Park Closes

Free Fireworks Show – 6:45 pm to 10:00 pm

The fireworks show with music and games at three different viewing locations –

* Creekside Park – Miller Ave. and Calle De Barcelona (handicap parking available)
* Hyde Middle School – 19325 Bollinger Road (bwtn Hyde and Miller)
* Sedgwick Elementary School- 19200 Phil Lane at Tantau Ave.

6:45 – 9:15 pm: Music and games at all three locations. 9:30 pm: Fireworks.

Fireworks set off at Cupertino High School (no viewing area at the high school).

Saratoga

Costumed Old-Fashioned 4th of July from 9:30 am (to 11:00 am) at Kevin Moran Park (12415 Scully Ave)

Activties:

Color Guard presenting the flag

McCartysville Volunteer Band playing patriotic tunes, including Sousa marches

Actors in costume as American historical characters

Youth chorus and sing-alongs of patriotic tunes

Children’s/Family parade

Free popsicles for all and flags for children

Santa Cruz

“Independence Day 1912 Celebration” at Wilder Ranch State Park (1401 Coast Road)

Travel back in time a hundred years at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz County on July 4, 2012 to experience an old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration 1912 style with a family parade at noon, flag raising ceremony, draft horse rides, living history demonstrations and more.

Wilder Ranch State Park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. The event is free; the day use parking fee applies per car.

Morgan Hill

Parade & Fireworks

Morgan Hill Community Park, 100 Edes Steet

The Morgan Hill July 4th Parade downtown preceded by the Liberty Car Cruise. Decorated vintage and collector cars. At 10:00 am the Parade begins including marching bands and floats

9:00 am: Pre-parade Entertainment

9:30 am: Liberty Parade Cruise

10:00 am: Parade (Downtown streets including Monterey Street & Peak Avenue)

11:30 am: Vintage Farm Engines & Liberty Car Show

In the evening at the Morgan Hill Community Park from 6:00 pm is pre-fireworks entertainment with the fireworks scheduled for approximately 9:30 pm.

Event info

Gilroy

Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display at Gilroy High School on Tenth Street beginning around 9:15 pm.

Event info: (408) 846-0460

Fremont

4th of July Parade – Centerville District

The Fremont 4th of July parade rotates between six of the districts of Fremont each year. This year, 2012 parade route: Centerville District – The parade route starts at State Street and Capitol Avenue (10:00 am), then on to Paseo Padre Parkway, Walnut Avenue, Liberty Street, and ends on Beacon Avenue at the corner of State Street

Wanna know something cool? San Jose is home to one of the largest skateparks in the United States.

Wanna know something else that’s cool? A Red Bull UK blog post identified the Lake Cunningham Regional Skatepark as one of the 10 best in the world.

You should check out the competition. San Jose is in good company.

You can read all about it in a blog entry called  Girls, Girls, Girls: Juliet’s Top 10 Skateparks in the World on the Red Bull UK blog.

For more information about Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, visit the official website.

Visit the official community activist website supporting the skate park at SJActionSports.com.

Lake Cunningham Regional Skatepark
2305 S. White Road
San Jose, CA 95148
(408) 794-SKATe (7528)

Here in San Jose, California summer means we will have nothing but bright sun shiny days.
A ride on the Farmers Airship Zeppelin would be an amazing way to enjoy our beautiful West Coast weather.

On October 28th, 2008 I was invited to go up in the Zeppelin. It was the most exciting experience!

Instrument Panel
Katharine Board – The only female Zeppelin pilot in the world.

Farmers Airship Zeppelin
Track the Ship – Current Location

Airship Ventures Gift Store

Zep Cam

Raise your hand if you’ve been to Hillbarn Theater in the last six months.

*looks out at sea of blank faces*

Well why the heck not??

A heated family discussion between Lenny Magrath (left- Kelly Rinehart) and Chick Boyle (Eileen Fisher) takes place as Babe Magrath looks on (Jade Shojaee in back) in Hillbarn Theatre's Crimes of the Heart

Hillbarn Theater is an amazing venue which presents some of the best plays in the Bay Area.  They consistently present top rated shows, completely transform their stage with every production, and always attract amazing talent.  Just this year you’ve already missed City of Angels, Master Class, The Will Rogers Follies, Social Security, and recently Crimes of the Heart.  Crimes of the Heart especially caused the audience to twitter excitedly during intermission about the amazing trio of actresses who carried the show, most notably an incredibly impressive performance by young Jade Shojaee – keep an eye out for that name in the future.  Foster City is not that far away from the South Bay, traffic at night is usually going the opposite direction, and the venue is run by some of the nicest people in theater.

But Hillbarn also presents many extra shows and educational events.  Crimes of the Heart just finished its run and The Producers doesn’t begin until May (put it on your calendars now!), but there is already a new event scheduled this weekend:  The award-winning dance company Diablo Ballet will present works by some of the top choreographers in the Bay Area and the world this Friday and Saturday.  Known for their exciting and innovative performances, the program this weekend will include the following:

Diablo Ballet dancers Robert Dekkers (right), Hiromi Yamazaki (lifted), and Derek Sakakura (lifting) perform KT Nelson's Escaping Game

The West Coast Premiere of the duet from Mercurial Manoeuvres, by Christopher Wheeldon, one of the top choreographers from England.

Escaping Game by KT Nelson, Co-Artistic Director of ODC/San Francisco

Back in the Day, the new dance work set to the music of Frank Sinatra by David Fonnegra.

Live music will accompany several of the works, and following the performance the audience is invited to mingle and meet the dancers at a complimentary reception in the lobby.   And I know from experience that Hillbarn always presents a fun food and drink spread for their parties.

After the Saturday, 2pm performance, young dance fans and their parents are invited to the Little Ballerina Tea in the courtyard.  Featuring specially prepared tea, food and drink, young ballet fans are invited to meet and take pictures with the dancers.  This is a wonderful family activity!

Diablo Ballet dancers Derek Sakakura and Hiromi Yamazaki perform Christopher Wheeldon's Mercurial Manoeuvres

Diablo Ballet
Hillbarn Theatre
Friday, March 30:  8pm
Saturday, March 31: 2pm and 8pm
1285 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City
Tickets:  650-349-6411

This Sunday, December 11, is Children’s Day at History San José with holiday festivities from noon to 4:00 PM.

Children can ride the trolley with Santa Claus on the 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM runs. A highlight every year is that children can experience operating the hand-cart along the tracks.

Festivities include arts and crafts projects at the Umbarger House, the Markham House, the Hill House and the Associated Oil Service Station. Some of the participants include the Hellenic Heritage Institute, the Portuguese Historical Society of California and the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project.

Also open, the Print Shop and Trolley Barn, along with the Leonard and David McKay Gallery.

Admission is $8.00 per family of four, $2.00 per additional person. Parking is $6.00; seniors, active military, and handicap parking $2.00.

Children’s Day at History San José 2011
History San José
1650 Senter Road
San José, 95112
408.287.2290

Sunday, December 11, 2011
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

San José – Friday, November 25

Christmas in the Park is located at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San José on Market Street between San Carlos and San Fernando; tree lighting at approximately 6:00 pm. Check the Christmas in the Park site for other events.

Half Moon Bay – Friday, December 2

Night of Lights will begin with a tree-lighting ceremony at Mac Dutra Park on the corner of Main Street and Kelly Avenue at 6:00 pm. The Parade of Lights begins at 7:00 pm, along with floats and an old-fashioned fire truck. Other events include roasted chestnuts on an open fire, strolling carolers, and harpists.

Mountain View – Monday, December 5

The Mountain View Tree Lighting Celebration beginning at 5:30 pm includes live holiday music, refreshments, lights and the arrival of Santa Claus. Children can visit and have their picture taken with Santa at the free event. The Community Tree Lighting Celebration located at Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro Street.

Friday November 11 is Veterans Day. There will be a memorial ceremony and a parade in downtown San Jose; also, in honor of Veterans Day, entrance fees waived at National Parks.

The Parade’s Opening Ceremony begins on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (when World War I officially ended in 1918) with a memorial ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on Market Street.

The 93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade begins at noon from Delmas Street (near HP Pavilion) and travels east along Santa Clara to Market Street. The Parade then proceeds south on Market Street and ends at San Carlos Street.

Brigadier General Gary Medvigy is this year’s Grand Marshal.

In addition, entrance fees waived Veterans Day weekend (November 11-13) in the National Parks.

Veterans Day
Friday, November 11, 2011

11:00 am – Opening Ceremony
12:00 pm – Parade

I’d heard of ComedySportz before because they give away tickets as a prize for one of the between inning games at the San Jose Giants games, but I had no idea what it really was. I expected some kind of funny take on sports, and since it was supposed to be interactive, I had baseball with the audience in my head. So then it must be something to take two 11 year old boys to and keep my head down while balls flew around the audience.

Not at all, ComedySportz is improv comedy. The audience gives two teams of comedians ideas for skits and they play it out on the stage in two teams. The audience votes on which team is the funniest and at the end of the night one team wins. Sounds simple right? Ahhh, but that’s where the fun comes in. The emcee/referee does an excellent job of creating challenging scenarios on the fly, piecing together a story line or a skit from audience suggestions. Then the actors run with it and make it funny in a series of timed sequence events. Of course the audience is involved in every step and sometimes even come on stage.

What we really loved about it is; it was fun for everybody in different ways. The boys loved the skit where the players had to stuff Psycho doughnuts in their mouths every time they didn’t get something right until they looked like deranged chipmunks trying to say their lines. Us adults liked the more mature humor that insinuates itself into the show without being too much for the kids. The energy of the players translates well to the audience and by the end of the evening the audience and the players are laughing and happy. Isn’t that what we look for in family entertainment?

The actors are pretty darn good too, and the screen at intermission reminds us of the celebrities that got their start at ComedySportz venues around the country. Jason Sudeikis and Liz Cackowski went on to Saturday Night Live, Jeff Davis is now on “Who’s Line is it anyway?” and Frank Caeit went on to MadTV among several others.

Wanna see more? Here’s a link to a video promo, and of course they’re on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, but really, you’ve got to see it in person to really get it, and that’s the fun.

*Disclosure: I was given tickets to this event. Would I pay for it and go again? You betcha.