Feb 4: Bay Area Pet Expo. Pet lovers unite at this free expo, where owners and their furry friends are invited to learn about the latest pet training and care, enter prize giveaways, enjoy live entertainment and save money on pet products. (Santa Clara: County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd.; 800/977-3609 x107; www.bayareapetexpo.com/)
Feb 13-16: Hillsborough Antique Show. Hundreds of dealers show their wares each year at the West Coast’s premier antique show. Furniture, china, textiles and one-of-a-kind art works range from the 17th century to the modern era. Fri, 11-8; Sat, 11-7; Sun, 11-5. (San Mateo: County Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware; 303/595-0812; www.hillsboroughantiqueshow.com/)
Special Events
Feb 22-24: Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!. P.J. O’Rourke, Peter Sagal and Mo Rocca, hosts of the popular NPR quiz program, speak as part of the Celebrity Forum Series. All three panelists will give presentations before Sagal hosts a live “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” with audience members invited to test the panelists’ knowledge of current events, eventually weeding out the real news from what’s made up. Experience the program’s wisdom and wit firsthand in an event that is sure to be uproarious and unforgettable. Wed-Fri, 8pm. (Cupertino: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Rd.; 650/949-7176; www.celebrityforum.net)
Feb 22-26: Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3. The toys are back in town! All the favorite characters and memorable moments from Toy Story 3 hit the ice in this sensational live production. The show promises to be packed with the adventure and humor of the Disney film along with spectacular skating. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri, 10:30am & 7:30pm; Sat & Sun, 11am, 3 & 7pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 800/745-3000; http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/)
Comedy Events
Feb 2-4: John Witherspoon. This actor and comedian has appeared in numerous movies and television shows, including the “Friday” films, and on programs such as “The Wayans Bros,” “The Tracy Morgan Show,’ and “The Boondocks.” Thurs, 8pm; Fri, 8 & 10pm; Sat, 7 & 9pm. (San Jose: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S. 2nd Street; 408/280-7475; www.improv.com)
Feb 9-11: Carlos Mencia. Button-pushing and politically-charged, Mencia’s stand-up comedy provides a fresh perspective on everything from race to criminal justice, culture, and social class. Thurs, 8pm; Fri, 7 & 10pm; Sat 7 & 10pm. (San Jose: Improv Comedy Club, 62 S. 2nd Street; 408/280-7475; www.improv.com)
Feb 23: Bill Maher. Stand-up comedian and liberal television host Bill Maher is a key player in the arena of political comedy, aiming his trademark smirk and biting wit at today’s leading politicians, journalists and actors on the HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher. 7pm. (San Jose: Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd.; 408/792-4111; www.billmaher.com)
Music: Classical & Other
Feb 1: Richard Egarr returns to Stanford for a solo harpsichord performance of Bach’s most beloved volume of keyboard music, the “Well-Tempered Clavier,” Book I. 7pm. (Stanford: Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 5: San Francisco Opera presents a selection of arias and ensembles from the current and upcoming opera seasons, accompanied by San Francisco and Metropolitan Opera pianist John Churchwell. 7pm. (Burlingame: Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr.; 650/762-1130; www.kohl-mansion.com)
Feb 12: Music@Menlo presents a concert of wind chamber music gems. Musicians and players from the Chamber Music Society present selections showcasing various combinations of wind instruments, culminating in an ensemble performance of Francis Poulenc’s iconic Sextet for wind quintet. 4pm. (Atherton: Center for Performing Arts, 555 Middlefield Rd.; 650/330-2030; www.musicatmenlo.org)
Feb 12:Kronos Quartet with Alim Qasimov. This Grammy Award-winning quartet performs a solo set as well as a joint performance with Azerbaijan’s revered Alim Quasimov Ensemble. Quasimov is one of the greatest living masters of the Azerbaijani vocal tradition mugham. 7pm. (Stanford: Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 18:Daniil Trifonov. Gold medal winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, this 20-year-old pianist performs works by Schubert, Debussy, and Chopin. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 19: Zodiac Trio. See this world-renowned clarinet-violin-piano ensemble, known for its enthusiastic instrumentation and musical intensity, in an intimate setting. 4:30pm. (Half Moon Bay: Douglas Beach House, 311 Miranda Rd.; 650/726-2020; www.bachddsoc.org)
Feb 25:Arneis String Quartet and St. Lawrence String Quartet. In this special engagement, these two quartets offer a program of Beethoven, Britten and Kurtag. Bassist Stephen Tramontozzi joins for Golijov’s “Last Round,” a tribute to the Argentinean composer, Astor Piazzolla. 8pm. (Stanford: Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 26:Cypress String Quartet. Celebrated for their passionate music, technical precision and elegant performances, this quartet adds new life to beloved favorites while also introducing groundbreaking new work. The evening’s program includes works by Mendelssohn, Kevin Puts and Beethoven. 7pm. (Burlingame: Kohl Mansion, 2750 Adeline Dr.; 650/762-1130; www.kohl-mansion.com)
Feb 26:Saint Michael Trio. Silicon Valley’s popular classical trio blends traditional compositions and more modern faire with their own brand of humorous on-stage charm. 3pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 26: Simone Dinnerstein. This chart-topping pianist performs Chopin’s Nocturne No. 8; Felsenfeld’s Cohen Variations; and Brahm’s Intermezzo, Op. 118, No. 2 in A, in addition to selections by Bach and Schubert from her upcoming album–Something Almost Being Said. Concert rescheduled from Jan 14. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 29:Colin Currie with Stanford Philharmonia. Scottish percussionist Currie brings his battery of instruments to the stage for a new concerto by Sally Beamish. 8pm. (Stanford: Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Dr.; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Music: Jazz & Other
Feb 2: John Doe. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to hear this acclaimed musician and storyteller in a personal setting. 7pm. (Redwood City: Club Fox, 2209 Broadway St., 650/369-7770; www.clubfoxrwc.com)
Feb 4: Eric Bibb. This Grammy-nominated acoustic blues guitarist and songwriter performs internationally and is acclaimed as one of the greatest modern blues musicians. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 10: Willie K. With a style that blends jazz, blues, reggae and rock with Hawaiian music, Maui native Willie K has been called a ‘Hawaiian Jimi Hendrix,’ renowned for his musical collaborations and original sound. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 11: Spencer Day. Vocalist and pianist Day derives his sound from a number of American musical styles, including folk, jazz and contemporary pop. His voice has been compared to Harry Connick Jr.’s, and his songwriting to the work of musical greats such as Paul Simon and Cole Porter. 8pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 11: Valentine Super Love Jam. Jam with your valentine to ‘super oldies’ with performances from artists such as The Persuaders, The Delfonics, Deniece Williams, and Friends of Distinction. 7:30pm. (San Jose: HP Pavilion: 525 W. Santa Clara St.; 800/745-3000; www.hppavilion.com)
Feb 12: Eddie Palmieri and Brian Lynch. Nine-time Grammy Award winner and renowned Latin musician Palmieri performs with Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Brian Lynch and his Jazz Quartet. 7:30pm. (Saratoga: Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd.; 408/961-5858; www.montalvoarts.org)
Feb 14:Nancy Gilliand. Join your valentine for a romantic evening of tunes from the 1920s to 1940s, reinterpreted with emotion by pianist and vocalist Gilliand. 7pm. (Redwood City: Club Fox, 2209 Broadway St., 650/369-7770; www.clubfoxrwc.com)
Feb 17:Fred Eaglesmith. This alternative country singer and songwriter is a genuine iconoclast, with more than 19 albums recorded and a truly original sound combining country, bluegrass and rock. 9pm. (Redwood City: Club Fox, 2209 Broadway St., 650/369-7770; www.clubfoxrwc.com)
Feb 18:The Pink Floyd Experience. Bay Area group House of Floyd performs the music of Pink Floyd. The group has garnered a strong following for their impressive ability to capture all of Pink Floyd’s musical styles and eras, from the adventurous early years to the later soundscapes that brought the group wide appeal. 8pm. (San Jose: Montgomery Theatre, 271 S. Market St.; 408/277-5277; www.houseoffloyd.com)
Feb 18:Tony Orlando. One of America’s most enduring show business stars brings his number one hits to the stage. 7:30pm. (Redwood City: Fox Theatre, 2219 Broadway St., 650/369-7770; www.foxrwc.com)
Feb 19:Marcus Selby Orchestra. Bassist Selby leads his 15-piece orchestra in a special Black History Month Program featuring music from their album, “Soul of the Movement: Meditations on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and excerpts from Duke Ellington’s composition “Black, Brown, and Beige.” 4:30pm. (Half Moon Bay: Douglas Beach House, 311 Miranda Rd.; 650/726-2020; www.bachddsoc.org)
Feb 19:Chucho Valdés. Winner of eight Grammys, pianist Valdés performs with his Afro-Cuban band, offering globally-inspired rhythms —from Afro-Cuban to hard bop and more. 7pm. (Stanford: Dinkelspiel Auditorium; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 23:Megadeth. This metal band is back on tour with guests including Motörhead, Volbeat and Lacuna Coil. 8pm. (San Jose: Civic Auditorium, 135 W. San Carlos St.; 408/295-9600; www.gigantour.com)
Feb 24:Los Lonely Boys. The three Texan brothers that make up this Grammy Award-winning group combine elements of county, Tejano, Texas blues and rock to form their own unique musical style. 8pm. (Campbell: Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave.; 408/866-2700; www.heritagetheatre.org)
Dance
Feb 11:San Jose Taiko and Hanayui present Himawari (sunflower). Cultural boundaries and aesthetics are shared and tested in this program combining Japanese taiko drumming and Hanayui dance. 8pm. (San Jose: Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/293-9344; http://taiko.org/himawari/)
Feb 14: TAO: The Art of Drum. One of the world’s top taiko companies presents a modern take on traditional Japanese drumming, incorporating anime, martial arts, new compositions and stunning choreography. 8pm. (Stanford: Memorial Auditorium, 551 Serra Mall; 650/725-2787; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu)
Feb 22-26:Smuin Ballet presents a world premiere of Dear Miss Cline, a ballet set to ten Patsy Cline tunes, including “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “There He Goes.” The program also includes sultry Tango Palace, classic ballet’s Eternal Idol, and a September 11th tribute, Stabat Mater. Choreography by Amy Seiwart. Wed-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2 & 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/463-1960; http://smuinballet.org)
Theater & Musicals
Thru Feb 5:San Jose Repertory Theatre presents Double Indemnity. In this play by James M. Cain, insurance agent Walter Huff is consulted by Phyllis Nirlinger about accident insurance for her husband, and ends up seduced by her femme fatale. Vengeful Nirlinger convinces Huff to help her plot the perfect murder of her unwitting husband, but not before first taking out a hefty insurance policy on his life - one which pays double should he fall from a moving train. Based on the influential 1943 crime novel of the same name and set in the dark and seedy streets of Los Angeles, this is a thrilling tale of love, murder and manipulation. Directed by Kurt Beattie and adapted for the stage by David Pinchette and R. Hamilton Wright. Tues-Wed, 7:30; Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm; Sat Jan 21-Feb 4, 3pm. (San Jose: 101 Paseo de San Antonio; 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com)
Thru Feb 5: Palo Alto Players presents Give ‘em Hell, Harry by Samuel Gallu. This one-man show uncovers the folksy humor, down-to-earth character and steadfast political decision making of former President Harry S. Truman. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (Palo Alto: Lucie Stern Community Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd.; 650/329-0891; www.paplayers.org)
Feb 11-26:Opera San Jose presents Verdi’s La Traviata. In 1889 Paris, famed courtesan Violetta Valéry is in fragile health but lives a life of glamour. One evening she throws a lavish party and meets the young nobleman Alfredo Germont, who admits to adoring her from afar for years. Swept up in his charm, Valéry soon abandons her life of luxury to run away with him to the country, but upon meeting her lover’s disapproving father, Valéry is driven back to Paris. The couple’s love ends in tragedy when Germont comes after her, only to learn that she her illness has worsened and she is not long for the world. Full of dramatic melodies rich in passion, this timeless tale of ill-fated love is one of the most beloved of operas. Feb 11, 16, 18, 21 & 24, 8pm; Feb 12, 19 & 26, 3pm. (San Jose: California Theatre, 345 S. 1st St.; 408/286-2600; http://operasj.org)
Thru Feb 12:TheatreWorks presents The Pitmen Painters, another comic drama from the author of Billy Elliot. This charming play by Lee Hall tells the true story of a group of miners in 1930s England who take up painting and become the unlikely sensations of the British art world. Tues-Wed, 7:30pm; Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat 2 and/or 8pm; Sun 2 and/or 7pm. (Mountain View: Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/463-1960; www.theatreworks.org)
Thru Feb 19:City Lights Theater Co. presents Aphrodisiac by Rob Handel. A congressman is accused of sexual improprieties and his intern is missing, but this time, it’s personal. Power politics take a turn for the absurd when a brother and sister seek out the truth about their accused politician father in this thrilling play, loosely based on actual events. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, Jan 29, 7pm. (San Jose: 529 S. Second St.; 408/295-4200; www.cltc.org)
Feb 10-Mar 11: The Retro Dome presents Becoming Britney. This original musical by Daya Curley and Molly Bell tells the surprising story of pop icon Britney Spears, from her start as a child pageant star to her rise as a sex symbol, and later her publicized decline and personal salvation. Energetic music and choreography tell the much-reported story of this media starlet with new heart, while raising thought-provoking questions about celebrity culture and child stardom. Fri & Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: The Retro Dome, 1694 Saratoga Ave.; 408/404-7711;http://theretrodome.com)
Film
Feb 28-March 11: Cinequest. Celebrate the spirit of independent cinema with San Jose’s annual film festival, which showcases original films by established as well as up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the world. (San Jose: Various locations; 408/295-3378; www.cinequest.org)
