Events Around the Bay

November 17, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Live and free! What can be better than this treasured gift? Enjoy the free Chamber Music Concert as a guest of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in San Francisco. This special concert is part of an international tour of the Polish Chamber Musicians’ Association entitled “Music of Polish-Jewish Composers,” visiting Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Paso Robles and New York (October–December 2021). The purpose of the concerts is to familiarize American audiences with previously uncelebrated artists from Poland’s Polish-Jewish musical legacy, presented by outstanding Polish musicians. The concerts are financed within the scope of the Multiannual Program Independent 2017–2022, as part of the “Cultural Bridges” subsidy program of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. A short pre-concert introduction will also be given, exploring not only the difficult creative and life paths of the composers but also describing the musical atmosphere of multicultural Poland. The program’s repertoire features: Szymon Laks: String Quartet No. 3 “On Polish Folk Themes.” Simon Laks (1901-1983), a Polish Jewish composer and violinist, became head of the prisoners’ orchestra at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Aleksander Tansman: Triptyque. Alexander Tansman (1897-1986), a Polish composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor of Jewish origin, became a French citizen in 1938.; Henryk Wars: selected pieces (arranged for string quartet by Marek Żebrowski). Henryk Wars (1902-1977), a Polish pop music composer, wrote scores for 50 films during the interwar period in Poland and 60 more in the United States.

Information

No admission fee

commonwealthclub.org

Commonwealth Club of California

110 The Embarcadero in San Francisco

All guests, staff, and volunteers must be fully vaccinated. Guest must show proof of full vaccination. Masks and social distancing are required indoors.

Photos courtesy of the Commonwealth Club of CA

 

The 1992 Olympic Figure Skating Gold Medalist Kristy Yamaguchi Leads the Festive Celebration at the Grand Opening of Downtown Ice in San Jose

November 22, 2021, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

*****Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice in San Jose

will be open Friday, November 19, 2021 through January 9, 2022.

Great news from San Jose as the Downtown Ice is ready to kick off its Fun in the Sun – California Style! Lace up your boots and glide around the Downtown Ice Skating Rink ushered by Kristi Yamaguchi. Experience the magic of this holiday season with a winter wonderland surrounded by 32 palm trees – only in California! To kick off its 25th anniversary season the grand opening event  will feature live performances by the all-new touring production of the hit Broadway musical Hairspray, and on-ice performances by the San Francisco Ice Theater and former Team USA member and Olympic alternate, Angela Wang. The grand event will also feature remarks by Mayor Sam Liccardo, San Jose Downtown Association Executive Director Scott Knies, Councilmember Raul Peralez, and Kristi Yamaguchi, with NBC TV Mike Inouye as emcee. After the ceremony, families from Children’s Musical Theater San Jose will inaugurate the holiday season of skating. Happy Holidays!

Tickets and Information

408-610-4055

Downtown Ice

120 South Market Street in San Jose

Parking information is at https://parksj.org.

All skaters must comply with current COVID safety policies.

Photos of Kristy Yamaguchi and the Downtown Ice are courtesy of San Jose Downtown Association

 

 

My Fair Lady Dazzles in San Francisco

Now through November 28, 2021

Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” Some theatrical plays never lose their fascinating luster and My Fair Lady is definitely one of them:  just like the glorious Lincoln Center Theater’s award-winning critically-acclaimed production of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady sill preserves their glorious magnificence and breathtaking sets, hats, stunning costumes, flowers, umbrellas and amazing songs and music…  Did I miss anything? – My Fair Lady  was the winner of 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical Revival, 5 Drama Desk Awards® including 3 Drama League Awards®. And just in time for the Thanksgiving festivities, my most favorite annual holiday, taking your family to see the My Fair Lady at the Orpheum Theatre is a perfect gift and a taste of cultural enrichment for all in your family, no matter what age. And don’t forget to treat your Mom and your Grandma, the true Fair Ladies in your life, to your delicious turkey festivity followed by a trip to see the show and get attired with a gift of beautiful hats adorned by aromatic flowers, and a colorful mask decorated with painted flowers which is a must to wear for all attending the show.  Ahhh, enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!

Information

888-746-1799

broadwaysf.com

Orpheum Theatre

1192 Market Street in San Francisco 

Photo courtesy of Broadway SF

 

Cheers! Raise Your Glass to Good Health and Celebrate the Leadership of Women in Science & Medicine

November 19th at 6 p.m.

Be part of a virtual event to support The Commonwealth Club, an organization that uplifts the Good Health of public discourse and good information. The gala is The Commonwealth Club’s most vital fundraising event of the year, providing pivotal operating support for our programs, podcasts, and K-12 educational activities. Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and fellow fans of The Commonwealth Club. “If the last 18 months has taught us anything, it is that real heroes don’t wear capes, they wear white lab coats” said Dr. Gloria Duffy, The Commonwealth Club’s President. “The tireless work of our scientists and frontline physicians have kept our community safe during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The Commonwealth Club is pleased to dedicate its Annual Gala and Distinguished Citizens Awards to eight outstanding members of the Bay Area medical and scientific community.

Information

Registration is free but donations are strongly encouraged and deeply appreciated. Reach out Paula Linares at plinares@commonwealthclub.org.

Photo of Gloria  Duffy courtesy of the Commonwealth Club CA

 

By Lina Broydo