Featuring towering feats of strength, high-flying aerialists, expert jugglers, eye-popping puppets and one truly twisted contortionist, Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring production, Luzia, earned riotous applause during its lively preview night in San Jose. In these politically charged times, Luzia serves as a reminder that we all turn beneath the same star, and that we all yearn for the same basic things. Also this week, The Growlers bring their excellent new album “City Club” to The Catalyst for two back-to-back shows. They’re all sold out, so if you haven’t got tickets, get ye to Craigslist! And be sure to check out this week’s Metro print edition for a round up of five hot sets at San Jose Jazz’s Winter Fest.
Street Requiem
Wed, 7:30pm, $35-$55
Basilica Cathedral of St. Joseph, San Jose
Designed to highlight the humanity and dignity of the least fortunate among us, Street Requiem deploys traditional Catholic choral traditions to lift a prayer for those who have died on the streets. Since its debut in 2014, the Street Requiem has delivered performances in Melbourne and San Francisco, sometimes recruiting homeless and formerly homeless to sing. The aim is to give performers and the audience a different outlook on local homeless—encouraging compassion and engagement, instead of willful ignorance. Ten percent of the production’s net proceeds will be donated to the Office of Social Ministry at Basilica Cathedral of St. Joseph. (DSJ)
Fulminante
Thu, 9pm, Free
Caravan Lounge, San Jose
Formed last year, this explosive trio have since ignited the Santa Cruz scene with their intoxicating brew of infectious tunes. Starting with a punk and surf base, drummer Josue Monroy, standup bassist Paul “Wolfman” Grimm, and guitarist Brenda Martinez churn up a piping hot gypsy energy—à la Gogol Bordello—mix in some Latin style by way of Manu Chao, and top it all off with a dash of ska that recalls one of their favorite local bands, La Plebe—bringing the Fulminante (“explosive”) flavor to a head. Key tracks include “Taco Surf Party” and “Mala Suerte.” (MW)
Fulminante by Fulminante
The Growlers
Thu-Fri, 9pm, $25
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz
“The labor of our love will reward us soon enough,” Growlers frontman Brooks Nielsen sings on their 2014 full-length Chinese Fountain. Maybe it was a premonition, or maybe Nielsen was just that confident in his band’s work ethic: five LPs and three EPs in seven years ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at. Whatever the case, The Growlers have been rewarded with the attention of Julian Casablancas. The Strokes’ singer saw promise in this Costa Mesa “beach goth” trio—signing them to his own Cult Records and producing their slick, yet slack, new album, City Club. (NV)
Gee’s Bend
Fri, 8pm, $25-$30
Historic Hoover Theatre, San Jose
A story about faith, determination and the resilience of the human spirit, Gee’s Bend focuses on a single family in the community of Gee’s Bend, a small town on the shores of a large bend in the Alabama River. The community became famous for the intricate handmade quilts created by the women who grew up there. With gospel songs woven throughout, the play—presented by the San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild—explores the turbulent history and perseverance of an African-American community in the rural South. The play runs through Sunday, Feb. 19. (BS)
DJ Latinidad
Fri, 8:30pm, $10-$25
MACLA, San Jose
For three days, MACLA will transform its Castellano Playhouse into a nightclub to house DJ Lanidad’s Lano Dance Party. Featuring the music of the Boogie Down Bronx to the alternative Latin sounds of Nortec Collective, award-winning director Mark Valdez weaves together music, dance, drama and comedy in a celebration that explores what it means to be Latino. Without traditional theater seating, the audience joins the ensemble of actors in a highly playful, interactive production. Bring your dancing shoes to this immersive dance-theater experience, which runs through Feb. 19. (BS)
The Cemetery Club
Fri, 8pm, $15-$40
Tabard Theatre, San Jose
This hysterical play follows Ida, Lucille and Doris—three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves. A chance cemetery meeting with a widower and local butcher leads these three friends to question what it means to honor the past while finding the courage to move ahead into the future. As Doris remains steadfastly loyal to her dearly departed husband, Ida begins to fall for the widower, Sam, while Lucille is frustrated that she can’t find a new companion. The production runs through Mar. 12. (BS)
Bee Gee’s Gold
Sat, Feb 18, 7:30pm, $35+
Heritage Theatre, Campbell
Catch that “Night Fever” and relive the incredible harmonies and legendary songs of the Bee Gees with the internationally renowned tribute group, Bee Gees Gold. Based out of Las Vegas—where else?—these three have the leisure-suit look and falsetto sound of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb down to a science. Band leader John Acosta, who has played in Bee Gees tributes all over the world, even has Barry’s hair and beard on lock. Hear “Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love” and all the Bee Gees’ biggest hits, as they were meant to be experienced—live. (BS)
Datsik
Sun, 8pm, $55+
City National Civic, San Jose
The eighth annual Wobbleland electronic dance music festival returns to San Jose for three nights of hard-hitting dubstep, trap and enough bass to keep the local chapter of the United States Geological Survey on high alert. The team over at Vital Events has put together another womp-tastic lineup—from Friday night’s opening sets by Sam F and Yntendo, all the way through Sunday’s headlining performance by Canadian producer and DJ Datsik. With a string of No. 1 Beatport releases, sold-out tours and a well-established fan base, Datsik is no stranger to delivering neck-breaking sets on the world’s biggest stages. (BS)
David Brookings
Tue, 7pm, Free
Tabard Theatre, San Jose
On the heels of the announcement that a label in Spain will be releasing a vinyl compilation of 12 of his songs, local indie rocker David Brookings and his band, The Average Lookings, are ready to celebrate. Brookings released his self-titled 11th album this past summer— an 11-song set is packed with gleeful melodies, playful lyrics and some quite nimble chord changes. They play the Theatre on San Pedro Square with Rich Ajlouny & The Tractor Beams. It’s part of the Tabard’s regular Tuesday night free concert series. (NV)
