| Thru Sept 19: TheatreWorks presents The Light in the Piazza, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer. The story takes place beneath the Tuscan sun in 1953, as a protective American mother vacations with her radiant but fragile daughter. When she falls head over heels for a passionate young Italian man, the mother’s world gets turned upside down and the three embark on a life-changing journey. This is one sweepingly romantic musical that can’t be missed! Tues-Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2 & 7pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/463-1960; www.theatreworks.org) |
Sept 2-26: Black Pearl Sings. When Susannah, a white ethnomusicologist embarks on a quest to find authentic, pre-slavery, African-American music she develops an unlikely alliance with Texas prisoner Pearl Johnson. It doesn’t take long for Pearl to belt out soul-baring songs with the strength and beauty of the unaccompanied human voice. (San Jose: 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com)
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| Sept 3-5: Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show. Aerial acrobatics, antique, classic and homemade aircraft displays, vintage cars and amazing Warbirds all await you at this thrilling airshow. (Watsonville: Municipal Airport, off Hwy. 1; 831/763-5600; www.watsonvilleairshow.org) |
| Sept 4-5: Millbrae Art & Wine Festival. This highly anticipated event is one of the oldest in the area, and for good reason: With more than 200 artists and craft vendors on exhibit; fun rides; live entertainment; and delectable food, what's not to like? 10-5. (Millbrae: Broadway and Meadow Glen Aves.; 650/726-3491; www.miramarevents.com) |
Sept 4-6: Kings Mountain Art Fair. Gallery-quality arts and crafts from a wide range of talented artists are displayed under the stunning redwoods at this juried fair. Enjoy delectable food and drink; bring the young ones to the Kiddie Hollow, which offers a host of fun art activities; and more. 10-5. (Woodside: 13889 Skyline Blvd.; 650/851-2710; www.kingsmountainartfair.org)
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| Sept 4-6: Belmont Greek Festival. Enjoy all things Greek—from food and crafts to dancing, drama performances and music. It’s a Mediterranean-flavored celebration that shouldn’t be missed! Sat-Sun, 12-10; Mon, 12-8. (Belmont: Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda at Ralston Ave.; 650/591-4447; www.goholycross.org) |
Sept 4-6: Casa de Fruta Arts, Crafts and Music Festival. Visit this historic roadside stop and browse a wide selection of pottery, leatherwork, stained glass and other handmade crafts; see live entertainment throughout the day; and check out Casa de Fruta’s other attractions. 9-6. (Hollister: 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy.; 408/842-7282; www.casadefruta.com)
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| Sept 10-11: Fall Fashion In the Park. The hottest fall trends hit the catwalk as Santana Row puts on six runway shows over three days. Tickets include a pre-show wine and hors d’oeuvre reception, admission to an after-party and private shopping at the Style Boutique, an exclusive shop. This year, Santana Row welcomes Jay Nicolas Sario, star of Project Runway’s seventh season. Various times. (San Jose: 368 Santana Row; 408/551-4611; www.santanarow.com) |
| Sept 10-12: International Gem & Jewelry Show. All that glitters is gold—and more—at this dazzling show, where you’ll find every gem under the sun, as well as estate jewelry, one-of-a-kind pieces and special celebrity exhibits. Fri, 12-6; Sat, 10-6; Sun, 11-5. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 301/294-1640; www.intergem.com) |
| Sept 10-11: San Jose Taiko presents Rhythm Spirit 2010. Prepare to be enthralled by the power and beauty of the Japanese taiko drum during this captivating performance, which showcases the vibrant talents of the area’s premier taiko company. Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm. (Campbell: Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave.; 408.866.2700; www.ci.campbell.ca.us/heritagetheatre) |
| Sept 11: The Robert Cray Band & Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The renowned American blues guitarist and singer joins this crowd-pleasing big-band swing supergroup to deliver a stellar performance. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org) |
| Sept 11-12: Mountain View Art & Wine Festival. This multicultural celebration features arts and crafts, food, wines, microbrews, live music and more. This year’s festival highlights artists and craft makers with works at affordable price points, a star-studded band lineup, new top-shelf wines to complement a mouthwatering array of international cuisine, an expanded green products showcase and a School of Rock Stage where you can play the part of rock star. 10-6. (Mountain View: Castro St.; 650/726-3491; www.miramarevents.com/mountainview) |
| Sept 11-12: Capitola Art & Wine Festival. A beautiful seaside view, more than 185 artists, plenty of wine and great food, and live jazz, blues and rock performances all add up to a good time. 10-6. (Capitola: Stockton Ave. at Esplanade; 831/475-6522; www.capitolachamber.com/artwine.html) |
| Sept 12: Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey. The two founding members of the legendary folk group Peter, Paul and Mary celebrate their 50 years of music and friendship and pay tribute to the late Mary Travers. 7pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org) |
| Sept 15: Chris Botti. This critically acclaimed trumpter regularly plays sold-out shows, and has become the best-selling American jazz instrumental artist thanks to his electrifying talents. 7pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org) |
| Sept 15-26: San Jose International Mariachi & Mexican Heritage Festival. Romantic and lively Mexican ballads play center stage at this celebration of music, film, art and dance. Special guests include Ozomatli, Los Tigres Del Norte, Mariachi Los Camperos, festival director Linda Ronstadt and much more. (San Jose: Mexican Heritage Plaza, Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave.; 877/MHC-VIVA; www. sanjosemariachifestival.com) |
| Sept 16-18: Bay Area Quilt, Craft & Sewing Show. If quilting, sewing, textile arts and crafts are your bag, then this expo is for you. Browse wares from a variety of quality craft-supply companies, attend enlightening seminars and workshops and mingle with fellow crafters. 10-5. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St.; 301/294-1640; www.rustybarn.com) |
| Sept 17: Paramore. This popular alternative rock, emo and pop punk band first burst onto the national and international music scene plays from their newest record, Brand New Eyes. 6:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 550 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-9200; www.hppsj.com) |
| Sept 17: Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford, former members of the groundbreaking 70s band Creedence Clearwater Revival, keep the group’s spirit alive with their new collaboration. 7pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org) |
| Sept 18: Aki Matsuri Fall Festival. This annual festival celebrating Japanese culture combines the best of all worlds, featuring Japanese cuisine, including sushi, Spam masubi, teriyaki, manju and soba; an outdoor farmers market brimming with cut and potted flowers, plants and crafts; live entertainment from such groups as San Jose Taiko; and games and crafts for the kids. 11-4. (San Jose: Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. 5th St.; 408/295-0367; www.wesleysj.net/AkiMatsuri) |
| Sept 18-Oct 17: Northern California Renaissance Faire. Kings, queens, knights and maidens come together at this annual affair. This lively recreation of a Renaissance-era harvest fair offers arts, crafts, foods, wines and frothy ales, while costumed singers, dancers, jugglers and actors perform on stage and throughout the grounds. Fair-goers are invited to wear their own period costumes and participate in activities such as archery, axe throwing and darts. Don’t miss the themed weekends, where revelers are invited to dress up as pirates, Bacchanal masqueraders and more. 10-6. (Hollister: Casa de Fruta Country Park; 408/847-FAIR; www.norcalrenfaire.org) |
| Sept 21-26: Broadway San Jose presents Burn the Floor. This sizzling hot dance showcase takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. Experience it all—from the elegant Viennese waltz, the exuberant jive and the intense paso doble to the passionate tango, lively samba and mambo, and the irresistible swing. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 866/395-2929; www.broadwaysanjose.com) |
| Sept 25: Redwood City Salsa Festival. Come for the delicious salsa, and stay for the hot salsa dancing! Downtown Redwood City comes alive as amateur and professional salsa chefs compete for top honors; musical acts take to three stages to perform live music; local artists show off their inspirational work; and dancers show off their salsa skills. 12-8. (Redwood City: Courthouse Square; 831/457-1141; www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/events/salsafest.html) |
Sept 25-26: Saratoga Art & Wine Festival. Eat, drink and be merry at this annual festival, which showcases the best of the area’s restaurants and artists, as well as the wine bounties of the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Also enjoy family-friendly activities, live music performances and more. 12-6. (Saratoga: Big Basin Way; 408/867-0753; www.saratogachamber.org)
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Sept 25-26: Taste of Morgan Hill. Get to know Morgan Hill at this annual festival, where you can enjoy great local food, a beer garden, a wine tent, live entertainment, a custom car show, a quilt show, arts and crafts, and a kiddie zone. 10-6. (Morgan Hill: Monterey Rd. at Main Ave.; 408/779-9444; www.morganhill.org)
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Sept 27: Carrie Underwood. This former American Idol contestant has come into her own as a country music superstar and plays from her new album Play On. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 550 W. Santa Clara St.; 408/287-9200; www.hppsj.com)
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Sept 30: Square Peg Concerts presents Benise. Roni Benise plays his Flamenco Spanish guitar music, accompanied by world-class choreographed dancers. 7pm. (Campbell: Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell Ave.; 408.866.2700; www.ci.campbell.ca.us/heritagetheatre)
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