2019-2020 Season Opener for the San Jose Youth Symphony’s Philharmonic Orchestra
December 1 at 5 p.m.

Start your holiday season on a happy note. The San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) present a spectacular program featuring George Chadwick’s lively and comical “Overture to the Burlesque Opera Tabasco”; the jazz and blue-derived “American Symphonette No. 2 by Morton Gould”; and the entertaining “The Incredible Flutist,” by Walter Piston, performed by the young and talented musicians of the Philharmonic Orchestra under the brilliant baton of Maestro Yair Samet.

The concert will also present cello soloist Severin Michael, a winner of the 2019 Young Artist Competition, performing Shostakovich’s intense and suspenseful “Cello Concerto No. 1,” widely known as one of the most challenging works for cello. San Jose Youth Symphony is one of the finest youth orchestras on the West Coast of the United States. “The SJYS is among the most accomplished youth orchestras I have heard” – Martin Adams of Irish Tribune.

Tickets and Information
$15 admission for adults
$10 admission for students and seniors
408-225-2334
SJYS.org
McAfee Performing Arts Center
20300 Herriman Avenue in Saratoga

Photos courtesy of SJYS

Make Your Own Holiday Gifts & Decorations at BAGI

This year’s holiday festivities may wake up the artist in you. Join the glass-making classes and workshops at the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI). BAGI’s mission is to educate the public about glass art and get to know the community of glass artists in the Greater Bay Area. For those interested in learning the craft, BAGI offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced level classes in glass blowing, fusing and flameworking.

The minimum age to enroll in adult classes is 16 years old. Students must be 9 – 15 years of age to enroll in the Kids Glassblowing.  I guess that’s how world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly started his creative work. By the way: the founders of Bay Area Glass Institute are graduates of San Jose State University. I guess there is more to Silicon Valley than just chips and technology. In 1998, in cooperation with the Fairmont Hotel of San Jose, BAGI bedecked a twelve-foot Christmas tree with a dazzling array of ornaments. I remember it well as I was working at the time as the Fairmont’s Director of Public Relation and spearheaded this project.

Information
408-993-2244
bagi.org
BAGI
635 Phelan Avenue in San Jose

Photos courtesy of BAGI

As Long As You’re Asking: A Conversation with Jason Alexander
December 1, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

If you are a fan of Seinfeld, one of the most popular TV shows ever, this evening of comedy, music, and conversation with Jason Alexander, known for his award-winning nine-year stint on Seinfeld as the iconic George Costanza, is definitely for you.

With six Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe nominations, two Screen Actor Guild Awards, an American Television Award, and two American Comedy Awards garnered for his work in film, theatre, and television, Alexander’s career has expanded far beyond the screen.

In addition to his acclaimed work as an actor, Alexander is also a director, producer, writer, magician, semi-pro poker player, and socio-political activist. In this special evening, Alexander will present a variety of topics for the audience to pick and choose from, culminating in behind-the-scenes stories of his life, career, social activism, or anything else the audience would like to discuss. It’s your time for a fun and funny dialogue with Jason. The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs.

Tickets and Information
$90 General Admission
$120 Premium Orchestra Seating and Dessert Reception
650-223-8678
paloaltojcc.org/alexander
Oshman Family JCC
3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto

Photo courtesy of Jason Alexander

Smuin’s Christmas Ballet Returns to the Bay Area
Walnut Creek November 22-23
Mountain View November 29-December 1
San Francisco December 12-23
Carmel December 28-29

Smuin kicks off the holidays with the welcome return of The Christmas Ballet, a program featuring two acts packed to the brim with both breathtaking classical ballet and festive contemporary numbers. The beloved Bay Area tradition will bring back time-honored favorites and unveil brand new surprises set to holiday tunes and incorporating ballet, tap, jazz, and swing.

The first act, “Classical Christmas,” features dancers costumed in snow-white ensembles performing flawless ballets celebrating the holiday season and will will unveil a world premiere from Amy London set to “Still, Still, Still,” as well as traditional favorites such as Michael Smuin’s “Bach Magnificat” and “Wassail.”

The “Cool Christmas” second act brings a red-hot costume change along with a medley of lively modern numbers, including the iconic “Santa Baby” featuring a 42-foot long feather boa. This year, Smuin will present an extra LGBTQ+ performance in San Francisco only, with special guest Lady Camden in the role of “Santa Baby.” “Sheer joy…the finest toast to the season,” declared the San Francisco Chronicle. This year marks the 25th edition of The Christmas Ballet, which premiered in 1995 and I have attended this stunning ballet each year since then. Make it your favorite holiday tradition as well.

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $25 to $97
Tickets are available by calling the individual venues
Walnut Creek (925-943-7469)
Mountain View (650-903-6000)
San Francisco (415-912-1899)
Carmel (831-620-2048)
smuinballet.org

Photos courtesy of Smuin Ballet

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.