Astronomical prices. Heavy traffic. High-stress jobs. Incalculable wealth. Intractable homelessness. There’s plenty to complain about in Silicon Valley. But set that aside momentarily and focus on our biggest renewable resource: cultural diversity.
Across the valley, local artists are using their skills to entertain the valley’s denizens. That’s always the case, but it’s even more so this early autumn weekend. There were so many good picks that we just had to add an extra page to spread the word. Because all these arts organizations need one key element to succeed: an audience of art lovers willing to put down the remote, leave the house, and take a chance on finding cultural happenings that are live and local.
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest
Taking place at the AMC Dine-In Sunnyvale 12 movie theater, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest offers a packed lineup of feature-length movies, shorts, and Q&A sessions with AAPI filmmakers. On Oct. 19, 12 solid hours of programming kicks off at 10am with Builders of the Silicon Dream, which explores the impact of early Asian immigrants on the tech industry. (Q&A with filmmaker Tony Shyu and producer Diana Ding follows.) Four other programming blocks follow, concluding with Unbroken Ties, a film by Rangoon-born indie filmmaker and music producer Peter K. Yap. On Oct. 20, screenings run 10am–6pm, concluding with the documentary A Song in Movement and a performance by the film’s subject: 84-year-old artist-activist Nobuko Miyamoto. Those who can’t make it to all of the screenings can purchase an online festival pass for $25. Details: svapfilmfest.org.
International Performing Arts Festival
On Saturday, an evening of dance inspired by various cultures will take over the California Theatre in downtown San Jose. The event is produced by International Performing Arts of America, a professional dance group that benefits from the well-honed talents of general director Dennis Nahat, a driving force behind Ballet San Jose, and executive artistic director Yang Yang Lyon, who has worked at the Chinese National Opera and Ballet. The company, which celebrates the legacy of arts advocate Ann Woo, will present several world-premiere performances and mark its seventh anniversary. Sat, Oct 19 at 7:30pm, California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. Tickets: $28+. intperformingarts.org.
Another Opening, Another Show
Speaking of world premieres, the San José Chamber Orchestra opens its 34th concert season on Sunday with the debut of Michael Gilbertson’s Duo Percussion Concerto, which it co-commissioned with the Arx Duo. Gilbertson, who wrote his first commission at age 16, is on the faculty at San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his Quartet, a composition for strings. The percussionists of Arx Duo, Garrett Arney and Sijia Huang, are dedicated to the creation and presentation of new works for their instruments. Also on the program, under the baton of conductor Barbara Day Turner, is Danzón 6, “Puerto Calvario,” by composer Arturo Marquez, featuring soprano saxophone soloist Michael Hernandez. Sun, Oct 20, 7pm, St Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave, San Jose, 408.295.4416. Tickets: $15–$75. sjco.org.
Dia San Jose
Though it’s still a couple of weeks away until Nov. 2, the traditional date for Dia de los Muertos celebrations, revelers can kick off the season with Dia San Jose, taking place this weekend. The mix of music, art, food and culture takes over Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose on Saturday. The night before, the celebration begins with Oldies Never Die, an evening of music co-presented by Dia San Jose and featuring musical acts Tierra, Tortilla Soup, Mariah Avila, and Dayna Donna. Fri, Oct 18, 5–10pm; Sat, Oct 19, 11am–7pm; Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 194 S Market St, San Jose; $10 adults, $5 students, and free for 12 and under. diasanjose.com.
Another early celebration comes courtesy of Teatro Visión, which is putting on the play Macario, the story of a poor woodcutter who is given a healing power that could change the lives of those around him. Oct. 17–19, 8pm, and Oct 20, 2pm, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose. $10-$40. tix.com.
