Pianist Jon Nakamatsu and Symphony Silicon Valley Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00pm; Sunday, March 22 at 2:30pm

Noted Bay Area native and winner of the distinguished Van Cliburn Gold Medal Competition, the brilliant pianist Jon Nakamatsu joins Symphony Silicon Valley in the world-wide celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th anniversary. Over three seasons, pianist Jon Nakamatsu and the orchestra will perform all of Beethoven’s piano concertos, beginning with the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2. Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy by Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale and Schumann’s heartfelt Symphony No. 4 will conclude the creative partnership between the famous pianist and the well-established and admired Symphony Silicon Valley.

Jon Nakamatsu claimed a distinguished place on the international musical scene in June 1997 when he was named the Gold Medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition–the only American to have achieved this distinction since 1981. Distinguished conductor John Nelson is internationally renowned for his interpretation of large Romantic works including the great works of Berlioz.

The Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, directed by Maestra Elena Sharkova, has become known for its eclectic mix of vibrant programs. It most often performs at the California Theatre, where it accompanies the Symphony in performing major works.

Founded in 2002, Symphony Silicon Valley has progressed from daring idea to exciting reality, rapidly becoming the greater South Bay’s premiere orchestra and a notable community success story. The Symphony’s artists, nationally recruited, locally resident, with an average performance tenure in San Jose of over 20 years, are recognized as among the best in the greater Bay Area.

Happy Birthday Ludwig!

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $50 to $98
408.286.2600
symphonysiliconvalley.org
The California Theatre
345 South First Street in downtown San Jose

Photos courtesy of Symphony Silicon Valley

A Celebration of Italian Food and Four of Fellini’s Movies at the Iconic Castro Theatre
March 7, 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In honor of the 100th birthday of the legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini, the Honorable Lorenzo Ortona, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco, is hosting a daylong celebration of Fellini’s work which includes a party featuring Fellini’s favorite pasta dishes. The featured films screened at Castro Theater are: La Strada at 12:30 p.m.; Juliet of the Spirits (Giulietta Degli Spiriti) at 3:00 p.m.; Amarcord at 6 p.m.; I Vitteloni at 10 p.m.; and Fellini’s Pasta Magia Party at 8:30 p.m.

La Dolce Vita is not one of the films being screened at Castro Theatre in San Francisco, but it is definitely on the delicious menu of Fellini’s pasta party.

Tickets and Information
Admission for each film is from $13 to $15 per person
Fellini’s Pasta Party admission is $25
A daylong pass for the entire Federico Fellini Celebration is $60
Castro Theatre
429 Castro Street in San Francisco
castrotheatre.com

Photo courtesy of The Italian Cultural Institute

The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone
March 6 through March 29, 2020

Toni Stone dreams of nothing but baseball. “Take me out to the ball game” is her favorite motto. But to become the first woman to play professionally with men as a member of the Negro League’s “Indianapolis Clowns” she must confront hostile crowds, ruthless team owners, and players who slide spikes first. As she negotiates life’s challenges and opportunities on and off the field, Toni stays true to herself and reaches for who she can be. The culmination of a seven-year collaboration between playwright Lydia Diamond and director Pam MacKinnon uncover the theatrical journey of the extraordinary, real-life story of a trailblazing Bay Area athlete. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy and relate to this fascinating story: “Curveball: The Remarkable True Story of Toni Stone” by author Martha Ackermann.

Tickets and Information
415-749-2228
act-sf.org
A.C.T.’S Geary Theatre
415 Geary Street in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of ACT SF

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show 2020
March 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’re looking to find, plan and book your next vacation, attend the 2020 San Francisco/Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This year’s presenters include MSC Cruises, Switzerland Tourism, Cruise Planners, Taiwan, and the Bahamas, which has made a speedy recovery after Hurricane Dorian. The Bahamas’ 14 remaining islands are untouched and welcome visitors to experience a swimming pigs adventure through the Exuma Cays and the national festival, Junkanoo. Recently, MSC Cruises opened up a new destination to its exclusive island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, an eco-friendly environment. Additional sponsors include Discover Yosemite’s Gateways, Taiwan, Cruise Planners, and South African Tourism. And my favorite: Rick Steves’ Europe. Steves is always the most popular and entertaining personality who will share with you his best and most affordable secrets of traveling in Europe.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $15 to $22
203-878-2577
travelshows.com
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway in Santa Clara

Photo courtesy of Travel and Adventure Show

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.