By Lina Broydo
Sasha Berliner: The “Young Mallet Master” to Perform at Stanford
On January 17 at 7pm
From headlining at the world’s most famous jazz festivals the Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival, Sasha Berliner is heading to Stanford’s architecturally stunning Bing Concert Hall.
Don’t miss this “young mallet master” (JazzTimes), joined by acclaimed pianist Paul Cornish. San Francisco native is a musician, composer, producer and band leader.
As a rock drummer turned vibraphonist, she released in 2019 her debut album “Azalea” which was nominated for JazzTimes 2019 Readers’ Poll “Best New Releases.” The following year she won the Downbeat Critics’ Poll for “Rising Star—Vibraphone,” the first woman and youngest winner in the poll’s history.
Stanford Live supports the university’s focus on placing the arts at the heart of a Stanford education. Co-presented with San Jose Jazz.
Photo courtesy of Stanford Live.
Information:
For tickets call 650-724-2464; Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St, Stanford
Hershey Felder: The Piano & Me
January 17- February 8, 2026
A new play with music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Bartok and Rachmaninoff are to be featured at the spectacular repertoire presented and performed by the amazing Hershey Felder who is enriching our annual cultural life with his virtuoso piano playing while sharing with the audience his fascinating interpretation of each of the compositions. Known for his portrayals of musical geniuses in his beloved composers series, Felder pulls back the curtain on his own story.
Growing up in Montreal as the child of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, a young Felder discovers the piano, with its captivating music connecting him to his unsuspected heritage, while opening up a remarkable new world full of adventure, possibility, heartbreak and connection.
This play recounts the inspiration behind Felder’s illustrious career of more than 6,000 performances across the globe and offers a poignant and profoundly touching portrait of the power of music. Performing in Mountain View of Silicon Valley on January 17 through February 8 – it provides high touch in the world of high-tech.
Information:
For tickets: theatreworks.org; 877-662-8978
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts in Mountain View
Photo courtesy of Theatre Works of Silicon Valley
Happy 150th Birthday to Jack London!
January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916
The 150th birthday of my absolutely favorite writer, adventurer and rancher Jack London will be celebrated throughout 2026 at his Glen Ellen (Sonoma County, CA) home, now known as Jack London State Historic Park. In his 40-year life, London accomplished an extraordinary amount. He became one of the world’s most widely read authors, writing beloved works such as “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang.” He explored the world, reported on major events, pursued adventure across land and sea, and built his dream ranch in Glen Ellen, which I highly recommend to visit.
A century and a half later, Jack London’s works and his life still engage and inspire people around the world.
To celebrate his legacy, the park is planning a variety of events and activities that visitors can enjoy throughout the year.
Some of the festivities you may keep in mind: Free Guided Hikes; Free Guided Wolf House tours; The 11th Annual Young Writers Contest; The House of Happy Walls Museum bookshop; “Un Paseo por los Museos” is a tour in Spanish of the House of Happy Walls Museum and the historic cottage where Jack and Charmian London lived, wrote and entertained; Jack London State Park will hold its annual fundraising gala at the park.
Expect a birthday bash with outstanding entertainment, food and wine, and special tributes to those who keep the park alive and thriving as well as the Jack London Speaker Series
And I hope and pray that Cillian Murphy, my favorite actor, will make a movie about Jack London!!
Information:
Details of the celebrations are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/150th-birthday. Photo courtesy of the Jack London Historic Park. Details of the celebrations are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/150th-birthday.
Photo courtesy of the Jack London Historic Park
Symphony San Jose Presents: “Hopelessly Romantic”
January 24 at 7:30pm and 25 at 2:30pm
Are you ready for some romance? Well, the Symphony San Jose is ready to put you in the loving mood while presenting the sweeping melodies, intense emotions, and symphonic brilliance in this program of Romantic greats.
Franz Schubert, known as one of the most romantic composers, created an Overture to Rosamunde which was originally composed for the play Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus and has since become a concert hall favorite, captivating audiences with its elegance, charm and adoration.
Guest violin soloist Geneva Lewis, recognized for expressive artistry and technical mastery of her instrument, accompanied by the outstanding musicians of Symphony San Jose, under the brilliant baton of Maestro François López-Ferrer, the spellbinding beauty of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto brings your romantic senses to life.
From its haunting opening to its fiery finale, it is a breathtaking journey through soul-stirring melodies, the program concludes with Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 as every note pulsates with life, every phrase tells a story, and the music resonates with the full depth of human emotion.
Ahhh, I love this composition. Its soaring melodies, rich orchestral colors, and bold harmonic progressions, make Schumann’s final symphony one of his most innovative and deeply personal works.
Information:
For tickets: visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600
The California Theatre, downtown San Jose
Youth Single Tickets: Adult patrons may purchase single tickets for accompanying guests 17 years of age or younger at half price. Contact the Ticket Office for more information.
Art Work: Courtesy of Symphony San Jose; Photos of the artists courtesy of Symphony San Jose.
