By Lina Broydo
Celebrate the Festivities of Dia de los Muertos with SF Symphony
November 2, 2024 at 1:30pm
I truly adore this annual event! And so will you. Join the festive celebration of Latin American music and culture featuring lobby installations by local artists.
The dynamic concert program features traditional music with contemporary works honoring the rich heritage of this ancient holiday.
The event is curated by longtime collaborator Martha Rodríguez-Salazar. Festivities begin with art installations and altars created by local artists, and family friendly activities such as sugar skull decorating, tissue-flower making, and a Mariachi instrument petting zoo which begin when doors open.
Head to Davies Symphony Hall’s First Tier lobby for a photography exhibit exploring the intersection of nature and art, with artwork by First Exposures.
You are welcome to wear a colorful dress and lovely flowers in your hair. I will!
For tickets visit sf symphony.org
Photos courtesy of SF Symphony
Opera San Jose Presents “La Boheme”
November 16 – Dec.1, 2024
Don’t be surprised if snow will fall in San José when one of opera’s greatest love stories by composer Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, returns to Opera San José in a production set in Paris at Christmastime.
Opera San José Artist-in-Residence tenor WooYoung Yoon stars as the poet Rodolfo, with sopranos Kearstin Piper Brown and Mikayla Sager alternating as Mimì, in this tantalizing tale of young artists living on the edge. Set in bustling Parisian cafés, raucous parties, and chilly garrets, La Bohème follows the pair of doomed lovers and their coterie of artist friends chasing happiness against impossible odds.
“Puccini’s brilliant score and heart-rending arias bring to life one of opera’s most exquisite works, making it a great favorite of longtime opera goers and a perfect introduction for those new to this art form” states Opera San José General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey. Sounds fascinating and intriguing. Experience this production in the architecturally stunning California Theatre, located in downtown San Jose.
Arrive early to enjoy the pianist perform on the historic and restored to the perfection organ in the theater’s beautiful lobby.
Information
For tickets visit operasj.org
California Theatre, California Theater, 345 South First Street in San José
Photos courtesy of Opera San Jose
Experience California’s Rancho Days at Los Altos History Museum
November 2, 2024, from 10am to 3pm
Always wanted to spend a day like a cowboy? Or try the characters Clint Eastwood played in his early movie career? Well.. here is your chance by immersing yourself in this fascinating era with live demonstrations, including rope tricks by charro Christian Navarrete, as well as educational displays that bring the Rancho days to life. Explore the days of early California and enjoy a fun-filled, educational experience at Los Altos History Museum’s “Rancho Day” event.
Step back in time to experience how ranchos operated in the early 19th century, with activities for all ages including games, educational displays, live demonstrations, and crafts. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine available to purchase.
“Rancho Day offers a glimpse into life after Mexico’s independence from Spain, when land from former missions was granted to individuals,” said Lillie Moore, the Museum’s Education and Volunteer Coordinator.
“These ‘ranchos’ were used for livestock and producing goods like leather and tallow. In the Los Altos area, Rancho La Purisima Concepcion and Rancho San Antonio shaped the region’s early history.” Author Robin Chapman will also be on hand from 10am – 1pm, signing copies of her books “California Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley,” “Historic Bay Area Visionaries,” and “The Valley of Heart’s Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay,” all of which explore the time when ranchos played a central role in the economy and social life of Alta California.
Robin is a longtime journalist and writer, and a Los Altos native. For those interested in a hands-on experience, there will be a Mexican Tin Art workshop from 11:30am – 12:30pm led by instructor Rachel Palacios. Participants will design, emboss, and color on aluminum tooling foil to create their own unique piece.
I’ll definitely be there… look for me and say “Howdy Lady!”
Information
visit: losaltoshistory.org
Photos courtesy of Los Altos History Museum
San Francisco Playhouse Welcomes Broadway Musical “Waitress”
November 21, 2-24 – January 18, 2025
Let Becky, Jenna, and Dawn (Tanika Baptiste, Ruby Day, and Sharon Shao) serve up tasty treats in the Broadway musical “Waitress,” presented by San Francisco Playhouse. But there is more to this fun play than just serving food. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage.
Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop… until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness… And the rest? You will have to see the show and find out..
One thing guaranteed per The New York Times: “Rises to transporting heights, and sweeps up your heart along with it.” Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Book by Jessie Nelson.
Information
For tickets visit sfplayhouse.org
San Francisco Playhouse at 450 Post Street, San Francisco
Photo courtesy of Jessica Palopoli
