By Lina Broydo
Emanuel Ax, Esa-Pekka Salonen and the SF Symphony Perform Brahms, Hillborg & Beethoven at the Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco October 12-14, 2023
In Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn, Brahms travels in time, using ancient musical forms to explore possible features.
In Beethoven’s Second Symphony, anarchic glee subverts Classical elegance.
Between the two big Bs, precisely in the Present, Esa-Pekka Salonen debuts his longtime friend Anders Hillborg witty and colorful new Piano Concerto, performed with sophistication by soloist and world famous virtuoso pianist Emanuel Ax. Anders Hillborg’s Piano Concerto was commissioned for Emanuel Ax by the San Francisco Symphony with the generous support of a private patron.
*For a double dose of hearing Ax magnificent play, attend his morning dress rehearsal. It’s always fascinating and it’s free!
Information
415-864-6000; sfsymphony.org
Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco
Photos courtesy of the SF Symphony
It’s the Best Time of the Year in Half Moon Bay – The Pumpkin Season is Here!
October 2023
Widely recognized as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” Half Moon Bay welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience great food and wine, carvings, contests, art and the stunning views of the playful ocean.
And the autumn has arrived at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay where the hotel guests are invited to indulge in exhilarating new and exciting creations to kick off the season.
From the signature Spa treatments to pumpkin culinary creations, the fall harvest comes to life throughout the spectacular resort.
Additionally, pumpkin-themed programming and colorful presentations from the resort’s culinary and beverage experts will be offered all month long.
The resort is thrilled to welcome Olympian ice carver, Victor Dagatan, who lends his carving expertise to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay this October.
Chef Dagatan will demonstrate his award-winning skills through a live pumpkin carving, showcasing his experienced precision and artistry.
Pumpkin carving demonstrations are complementary and will take place on the Ocean Lawn on Saturday, October 14th.
Pumpkin Ice Cream Anyone?
Information
650-712-7000
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
1 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay
Photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Halloween Walk ‘n Wag at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen
October 29, 2023, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Your favorite pooch definitely deserves a treat!
The “Halloween Walk n Wag” has everything dogs like to keep their tails swinging. Fifteen “good boys” and “good girls” (and their humans) will take a three-mile walk around Jack London’s Beauty Ranch and then down to the Wolf House with good sniffs, treats, and water along the way.
Costumes are welcome for all, two-legged or four-legged. Participating dogs must be other-dog-friendly, people-friendly, on a short leash, and able to resist bolting if a critter crosses the trail. Jack London State Historic Park is a wildlife sanctuary; therefore dogs are only allowed in designated historic areas including the Beauty Ranch area and on the trail to Wolf House but not on any other trails.
Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times and are not allowed inside historic buildings. Service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability are welcome.
Did you know that one of my favorite writers, Jack London, loved his dog?
Information
Tickets are $5 per dog (maximum of two dogs per party), in addition to the $10 per vehicle entry fee.
Reservations required:
https://jacklondonpark.com/events/walk-wag-10-2023.
Photo courtesy of Jack London State Historic Park
Harvest Paella Dinner at Besson Family Vineyards in Gilroy
October 21, 3-7 p.m.
It’s Harvest time in Gilroy! Enjoy an evening of culinary exploration and cultural immersion presented at the Besson Family Vineyards’ Annual Harvest Paella Dinner festivities.
Be prepared to tantalize your taste buds with the culinary artistry of their classically trained Chef, John Viray who studied the art of Paella in Barcelona and Valencia. His skillfully crafted and sumptuous paella feast will showcase the bounty of the season and the award winning BFV wines.
They will be serving their very first Dammit Jim’s Sangria Hard Seltzer to toast the evening. Enhance your dining experience with the passionate rhythms and soul-stirring melodies of local Flamenco guitarist Albert Marques accompanied by musical guests adding an enchanting atmosphere to the evening. Ole!
Expect lots of local Gilroy garlic in this paella….
Information
Cost: $55 to $75; Your dinner includes one glass of wine.
408-840-9990
Besson Family Vineyards
3575 Hecker Pass Road in Gilroy
Warm Gatherings: The evenings can get cool in the fall, so bring a light sweater or jacket. Blankets and limited heaters will be available.
Photos courtesy of BFV
