Brilliant Russian Pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov is Returning to San Jose!
February 10, at 2:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand following his smashing success here in 2016, Gryaznov, Steinway Society’s virtuoso pianist is triumphantly returning to San Jose as the winner of a number of prestigious international awards, received while performing to lavish acclaim at the Berlin Philharmonic Concert Hall and at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall, among others. His piano transcriptions have skyrocketed to the top 10 piano music list of Schott Publishing, a world leader in sheet music sales. Vyacheslav Gryaznov will perform two of his  transcriptions of Rachmaninoff’s Ten Preludes, Op. 23 and Rachmaninoff’s Six Moments Musicaux, Op.16. And hopefully following your enthusiastic and thunderous applause, which he garners all over the world, Gryaznov may gift us with additional piano playing wizardry. Maybe Chopin or Tchaikovsky? You’ll have to attend this amazing concert to hear more of his virtuosity and tell me all about it. Don’t miss  a pre-concert lecture at 1:45 p.m. and a Meet and Greet following the piano recital.  What a fabulous treat! Steinway Society – is the Bay Area’s non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley. Now in its 24th season, this dedicated group of musicians, pianists, teachers, and art lovers promotes excellence in piano performance and music education. Each season, Steinway Society presents a series of classical piano concerts featuring a number of international award-winning pianists, as well as offering an active school program of classical music.

Tickets and Information
Prices range form $40 to $60
Senior/Student Discounts Available
408-990-0872
steinwaysociety.com
Trianon Theatre
72 North 5th Street in San Jose
Free parking across from the theatre

Photo courtesy of Steinway Society

Have Fun with Fans at Sonoma County’s Hand Fan Museum

If you like fans like I like fans – this museum is for you! Every society has used a hand fan of some sort, from palm fronds or feathers to hand-painted or jewel-encrusted works of art. Fans were used in fashion, religion, battle, and ceremonies. They tell the stories and histories of the cultures and individuals who used them. And if you saw the recent San Francisco Ballet production of “Don Quixote,” you must have noticed a lot of gorgeous fans used as props. Displaying both a permanent collection and a rotating exhibit, this museum is the first nationwide dedicated solely to hand fans  from around the world. Why there is even a language devoted exclusively to the hand fan as fans tell the stories and histories of the cultures and individuals who used them. Art, culture, geography and history – all in the palm of your hand. No need to travel to Spain or China, as some of the colorful and most beautiful fans are available for sale at the museum’s gift shop. Have fun with fans and make it a weekend getaway to the stunningly scenic Sonoma County, only a one hour drive from San Francisco. While in Healdsburg, don’t forget to visit the Russian River Rose Company. Sip some aromatic rose tea, smell the roses and bring home some of their home made rose flavored perfumes.

Tickets and Information
Free admission, but donations are welcome
707-431-2500
thehandfanmuseum.org
The Hand Fan Museum
309 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg
Russian River Rose Company
1685 Magnolia Drive in Healdsburg
www.Russian-river-rose.com
707-433-7455
Free admission

Photo courtesy of The Hand Fan Museum

The 2019 “Hearts in San Francisco” Original Sculptures
February 13th at 6:30 p.m. at Pier 48

This night belongs to the big-hearted donors, amazingly creative artists, and generous sponsors, as they share their vision and their heartfelt compassion focused on mental health and health care in our community. This is a celebration of gratitude and hope for healing that Zuckerberg San Francisco General provides every day. The evening’s activities include cocktail reception, seated dinner, post dinner reception with desserts and live musical performance by Geographer and DJ Saint Patrick. Special Guest Speaker is Patrick J. Kennedy, former Congressman and Mental Health Advocate. Select Hearts will be available for sale via auction.

The Heroes&Hearts Event on February 15th at Oracle Park in San Francisco will benefit San Francisco General Hospital Foundation and the hospital’s trauma center. Entrance via Portwalk off 3rd Street.

Select heart sculptures from the iconic 2019 Hearts in San Francisco collection–the 15th Anniversary series–will be available for purchase through a charity auction on eBay.

For more information visit HeartsinSF.org

Photo courtesy of Hearts in SF

The 52nd California International Antiquarian Book Fair
February 8 through February 10

Nearly 200 booksellers from around the world representing rare books from over 20 countries will gather in Oakland for the the 52nd California International Antiquarian Book Fair (CIABF) creating a book readers’ and the book lovers’ paradise. From the wonderful to the weird – the fair which is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious exhibitions of antiquarian books, will feature thousands of books and other treasured collections. A rich selection of manuscripts, early American and European literature, modern first editions, children’s books, maps, and autographs, as well as antiquarian books on history, science, law, architecture, cooking, wine, and a wide range of other topics. Need I say more? Enjoy and be awestruck by the magnitude of this very special gathering. Bring your friends, kids, and grandkids – reading is an international pastime we all enjoy and pass along to our youngsters. And the great news: students are admitted free with valid students ID.

Tickets and Information
$25 for Friday Opening Day
$15 for Saturday or Sunday
Ticket allows re-entry all weekend
415- 919-9220
cabookfair.com
Oakland Marriott City Center
1001 Broadway in Oakland

Image courtesy of CIABF

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.