Sculpture has traditionally been a male-dominated art form until the emergence of female sculptors in the 19th century. One such artist was Edmonia Lewis, who not only carved a name for herself in the medium as a woman, but also broke the color barrier.

Lewis was the most famous female sculptor of color in America. Done in neo-classical style, her sculptures were inspired by Civil War heroes, abolitionists, biblical characters and mythical creatures, as well as her Black-Indigenous heritage. The Cantor Arts Center’s new exhibit, “Edmonia Lewis: Indelible Impressions,” which runs Sept. 17 to Jan. 4, explores both her life and work and her connection to the Bay Area.

“In the course of my research, I learned that three of her sculptures were on exhibition at the San Jose Public Library,” says curator and Stanford University professor Jennifer DeVere Brody, who’s writing a forthcoming biography on Lewis. “And while they’re accessible to the public, they are behind a wall and not in a museum context. So I had the idea to bring them to the Cantor and to the larger public.”

Lewis was likely born in 1844 near Albany, N.Y., of mixed African, Haitian and Ojibwe descent. She was orphaned at a young age and raised Catholic; her half brother, Samuel, lived for a time in San Francisco. She attended Oberlin College in Ohio—one of the few colleges that admitted female students—but was forced to leave before graduating due to accusations of stealing and poisoning classmates, which were thought to have been racially motivated.

Lewis opened a studio in Boston, where she created portrait medallions of well-known abolitionists. After moving around Europe, she set up another studio in Rome that was home to a group of female expatriates, namely Harriet Hosmer, the most famous female sculptor, and Emma Stebbins, who designed the central sculpture in Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain.

Frederick Douglass visited her there. Ulysses S. Grant commissioned a bust of himself. Lewis also sculpted a bust of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose poem The Song of Hiawatha inspired her sculpture, Old Arrow Maker.

In 1876, she displayed her most famous sculpture, The Death of Cleopatra, at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. The statue, which took ten years to complete and weighs more than 3,000 pounds, depicts Cleopatra at the moment of her death. It went missing for nearly a century, having traveled around various locations, including a saloon, golf course and a mall. The sculpture currently resides in the Smithsonian American Art Museum along with several other Lewis works.

Lewis exhibited in San Francisco in 1872 and in San Jose in 1873; an article published in a local Black newspaper described her art as having “indelible impressions.” A fundraiser was organized to purchase her bust of Abraham Lincoln as a gift to the San Jose Public Library. Sarah Knox-Goodrich, a women’s suffrage activist in San Jose, bought Awake and Asleep, Lewis’ companion sculptures of two small children. All three are housed inside the library’s California Room. The Cantor exhibit, which also features historical text, articles, photographs and video, will be the first time the three sculptures have been shown together outside the library in 30 years.

“The sculptures are about sleep and peacefulness,” says Brody. “These images of sentimental innocence were very popular in that period.They were made to sit in homes, on a table. They talk about the cycles of life. And they were cut from a block of stone, so you have to remember how much was involved in chiseling the exquisite details.”

There has been a resurgence in Lewis’ art the last couple of years. She died in 1907 in London in an unmarked grave, but her grave was restored thanks to a GoFundMe. There was a play and opera made about her life. In 2017, Google announced a Google Doodle in Lewis’ honor. In 2022, the U.S. Postal Service celebrated Lewis with a Black Heritage stamp. And that same year, Oberlin College issued her a posthumous diploma.

“There was a historic precedent for art and culture in the Bay Area during the Gilded Age,” Brody says. “One of the key figures to help foment that was this American sculptor who produced works for this burgeoning culture. She was a sculptor from the U.S. who had made a name for herself globally, and she brought that cachet back to the Bay Area.”

Edmonia Lewis: Indelible Impressions runs through Jan. 4, 2026, at the Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Dr., Stanford. museum.stanford.edu

Last month, through a cruel trick played by fate, City Lights had to cancel the closing weekend of its season finale, Head Over Heels, due to illness in the cast. As Executive Artistic Director Lisa Mallette stated at the time, “It’s painful to lose performances for any show, but this one is particularly hard, with such a beautiful cast and story, and with such a timely message of love and pride.”

Fortunately, this week the theater troupe is back and ready to deliver a seasonal treat: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a gender-bending comedy with six actors playing over a dozen roles. This vampire story, from veteran comedy writers Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, owes as much to Mel Brooks as it does to Bram Stoker. Caitlin Lawrence Papp, who played Queen Gynecia in Head Over Heels, directs the play, which Forbes magazine describes as “sexy and campy with non-stop hilarity.” 

The production previews on Sept. 25 and 26, with opening night on Saturday, Sept. 27. Performances continue through Oct. 19; tickets are available at cltc.org. 

Thu, Sept 25

Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City—This peninsula city salutes Germanic traditions with gusto, becoming a magnet for lederhosen-wearing, beer-guzzling crowds, drawn by seasonal contests (stein-holding, yodeling, dancing), lively music, and lots and lots of brats and brews. Tickets: $10-$35 (includes a commemorative stein); food and extra drink tickets are sold separately. Sept 19-28 (every day except Sept 22) in Courthouse Square. redwoodcity.org

McNeal—San Jose Stage presents the West Coast premiere of this play by Ayad Akhtar. The drama explores artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, and the line between genius and fraud. Directed by Randall King. $34–$84. Previews Sept 24-26; opening night Sept. 27, with shows through Oct. 19. The Stage, 490 S 1st St, San Jose. 408.283.7142. thestage.org

A Taste of Ireland—The “Irish music and dance sensation” comes to California on its 2025 world tour, featuring a cast of acclaimed Irish dancers and musicians. Sept 25. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. ATasteofIrelandShow.com

Quilt National 2025—The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles features selections from Quilt National, a juried biennial exhibition of contemporary quilt art, first held in 1979. Sept 25, 2025-Jan 2, 2026. 520 S 1st St, San Jose. sj-mqt.org

Fri, Sept 26

Festival Fright Nights—In honor of the spooky season, Winchester Mystery House debuts three haunted attractions, themed food and beverage offerings, and access to never-before-used spaces. $54.99+. Sept 26–Nov. 1. Winchester Mystery House, 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose. festivalfrightnights.com

Live on Main—Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a meal from a local eatery and catch a concert of country pop and rock by Michelle Lambert. Free. Sept 26, 6:30-8:30pm. Town Square, 19419 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 

Marcos Varela Trio—The SJZ Break Room Fall Series begin with this trio, whose other members are Liberty Elman and Mark Ferber. $21.80. Sept 26, 8pm. SJZ Break Room, 310 S 1st St, San Jose. sanjosejazz.org

Sat, Sept 27

The Sound of Music—South Bay Musical Theatre presents the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Sept 27-Oct 18. Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga. southbaymt.com

Mozart and More—Mission Chamber Orchestra of San José opens its season with a program of Mozart’s most popular works, plus Jacques Ibert’s Hommage à Mozart, a tribute to the composer within a 20th century idiom. Plus, pianist Sandra Wright Shen performs the Piano Concerto No. 21. $26.62 (discounts for seniors, students, children). Sept 27, 7:30pm. Shannon Theatre at Fremont High School, 1279 Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd, Sunnyvale. missionchamber.org

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch—Pumpkins come in all colors at this festive annual event sponsored by the Bay Area Glass Institute and the Palo Alto Art Center. Sept 27-28, 10am-5pm. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto. greatglasspumpkinpatch.org

Services Search & Rescue K-9 Benefit—The Quarter Note serves up live music, a car show, a charity auction and a barbecue meal to raise funds for the crucial services provided by K-9 officers and their dogs with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department. Free. Sept 27, noon-6pm. 1214 Apollo Way Sunnyvale. 408.732.2110. quarternote.com

Sun, Sept 28

El Ultimo Baile—San Jose Jazz, in collaboration with the Culture Night Market, presents the closing celebration of the Alebrijes in San Jose installation, featuring music by DJ Chale Brown, Spaghetti Cumbia, Chika Di and La Misa Negra. Sept 28, 2-8:30pm. Plaza de César Chávez Park, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. alebrijes.sanjosejazz.org

Mon, Sept 29

Cook Like a King Book Signing—Top Chef All-Stars winner Melissa King celebrates the release of her debut cookbook, Cook Like a King. $40 (includes signed copy of the book). Sept 29, 6pm. Williams Sonoma at Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto. melissaking.squadup.com

Tue, Sept 30

Maria Pazos—A solo exhibition by the painter goes on view today, with an opening reception Oct 3, 5-8pm. On view Sept 30-Nov 2. Gallery 9, 143 Main St, Los Altos. gallery9losaltos.com

Some 2,500 dogs and more than double that number of dog lovers will congregate at William Street Park to celebrate canine companionship at Bark in the Park, featuring contests, agility courses, children’s activities and a whole pack of dog-related vendors and services.

New this year is Animal Rescue Row, a section dedicated to adoptable dogs. Pups will be on display on the Main Stage between 3 and 5pm, and guests can learn more about the organizations working hard to find forever homes for furbabies. Admission is a $10 donation for adults; kids and four-legged guests get in free. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society Silicon Valley, San Jose Animal Care Center, and other local charities. The event takes place 10am–5pm on Sept. 20 at William Street Park at the corner of William and 16th streets, just minutes from downtown San Jose.

Thu, Sept 18

CityDance—The final installment for the season in this monthly dance series features live music by Sabor de mi Cuba. All skill levels are welcome. Then take a break from dancing and visit the San José Museum of Art. Free. Sept 18, 6-9pm. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. facebook.com/citydancesj

Fri, Sept 19

Live on Main—Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a meal from a local eatery and catch a concert by Hella Doubtful, a No Doubt tribute band. Free. Sept 19, 6:30-8:30pm. Town Square, 19419 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino.

Oktoberfest—Redwood City salutes Germanic traditions with gusto, becoming a magnet for lederhosen-wearing, beer-guzzling crowds, drawn by seasonal contests (stein-holding, yodeling, dancing), lively music, and lots and lots of brats and brews. Tickets: $10-$35. Sept 19-28 (except Sept 22) in Courthouse Square. redwoodcity.org

Data Trust—Artificial intelligence is everywhere, seemingly, and the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose tackles it head on with a new exhibit by Stephanie Dinkins. On view starting Sept 19. Admission is free; open Thursday-Sunday, noon-5pm. ICA San José, 560 S 1st St, San Jose. icasanjose.org

Sat, Sept 20

Songs on Saturday—Mardi Morillo books his second songwriter showcase, held on the third Saturday. This week Morillo is joined by musician/entrepreneur Khaysie, soul artist Misa James, R&B/indie songwriter Lyshia Megan (frontwoman for the band No Clue) and R&B/jazz artist JOYANG. Free. Sept 20, 2-5pm. Voyager Craft Coffee, 111 W St John St, San Jose. Follow on IG: @songsonsaturday.

Northern California Renaissance Faire—Set the wayback machine to the 1500s and head to this gathering of queens, knights, knaves and wenches. The Queen’s Royal Joust, Cy the Sword Swallower, The Mermaid Tavern Show, sea shanteys from the Sea Dogs and more—it’s all returning, plus a new act from Joweh Belly Dance. Running weekends, 10am-6pm, through Oct 19. $25-$35, plus parking. Casa De Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com

Endless Summer Festival—Right on the cusp of the fall equinox, Google Visitor Experience pulls out the stops for a midday fiesta with live DJs Nate Wyatt and Babey Drew, a makers marketplace, a mobile basketball court, and a dance and movement workshop led by Emmy-winning choreographer Ryan Heffington. Other enticements include children’s activities, a native seed bar with My California Garden, and refreshments (a honey and mocktail bar with Planet Bee Foundation, sweet treats from Kween’s Ice Cream and tea tasting with VC Tang). Free. Sept 20, 11am-4pm. Google Visitor Experience, 2000 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/endless-summer-festival

A Night of Harmony and Honor—The Temple Hill Symphony Orchestra celebrates singer Vannessa Naeata and artist Kristin M. Yee at a gala evening with dinner and an awards ceremony. $125. Sept. 20. 1105 Valparaiso Ave, Menlo Park. THSOgala.eventbrite.com.

Sun, Sept 21

A Love Supreme Saxophone Summit—What better way to spend a Sunday than basking in three hours of majestic compositions by late, great saxman John Coltrane? This is for the true fans who want to appreciate Trane’s music played by great saxophonists. Charles McNeal, Lyle Link and Steve Heckman will perform in the state-of-the-art Tateuchi Hall—no background noise, pure Coltrane sounds. $30. Sept 21, 2-5pm. Community School of Music and Arts, Tateuchi Hall, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. tranetraxx.org

Tue, Sept 23

Monica Rodriguez: Californiana—Installation artist Monica Rodriquez has been examining the colonization of present-day California (1542-1846), and her current project at de Saisset explores the period of missionization, in which Native Californians were forced to live and work as agricultural and utilitarian workers within mission complexes. The exhibit is site-specific, given that the museum stands on ancestral Ohlone land and is on the site of the former Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Free. Sept 23–Dec 19. de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. scu.edu/desaisset

Wed, Sept 24

Movies Y Musica—DJ Too Tall and the Bennett Roth Trio will provide the sounds, followed by an outdoor screening of the movie Grease. Sept 24, 6-10pm. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. alebrijes.sanjosejazz.org/events/grease

Musician, writer, DJ, manager and producer Peter Asher is putting in a rare appearance in the South Bay, and fans of the British Invasion should take note.

The evening, titled “Peter Asher: Songs and Stories,” covers his career with Peter and Gordon, the music he has produced, his radio show on SiriusXM Beatles channel, firsthand Beatles stories and some discussion of his book The Beatles from A to Zed.

Asher will be on vocals, guitar and bajolele (banjo ukulele), joined by well-known local musician Robert Berry (Hush, Greg Kihn, and too many other bands to name) on vocals, piano and bass, and Robert Aubrey from Americana ensemble Mustangs of the West on vocals, mandolin and violin. $68–$172.57. Sept 12, 7pm. Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill. Tickets on Eventbrite.com.

Thu, Sept 11

National Theatre Live—Can’t make it to London for an evening at the National Theatre? A filmed production of Vanya, Simon Stephens’ new version of Chekhov’s play, screens Sept 11, followed by Present Laughter—Noël Coward’s comedy, featuring Andrew Scott—on Sept 12. $16-$23. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Cabaret—Los Altos Stage Company enters the divinely decadent Kit Kat Klub, reprising Kander and Ebb’s indelible musical numbers while exploring the play’s darker side: the spectacle of a cosmopolitan society undone away by virulent demagoguery. $28-$51. Wed-Sun, through Sept 28. 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos. losaltosstage.org

Little Shop of Horrors—Floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant in this musical adaptation of the Roger Corman horror flick. $47.08-$55.08. Fri-Sun, through Sept 28. Sunnyvale Community Theatre, 550 E Remington Dr, Sunnyvale. sunnyvaleplayers.org

Pushing Boundaries: Ceramic Artists and Identity—The new show presents work by contemporary California-based artists who engage with clay as a medium to explore themes of identity and materiality. Some artists work primarily with clay; others incorporate it as a symbolic reference. Free. Opens Sept 13. Opening reception Sept 19, 6-8pm, featuring art activities, a cash bar and performances from Mosaic America. Runs through Dec 7. Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto. paloalto.gov

Fri, Sept 12

Middle Eastern & Greek Food Festival—Not only is there authentic cuisine; visitors will also encounter Arabic music by Rami Kaileh & Radwan Shakshir, Greek music by Kymata, and dance performances by St James Dabke youth groups. Free. Sept 12, 6-9pm; Sept 13, noon-9pm; Sept 14, noon-7pm. Saint James Orthodox Church, 195 N Main St, Milpitas. sjorthodox.org/festival

Live on Main—Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a meal from a local eatery and catch a concert by the Country Cougars. Free. Sept 12, 6:30-8:30pm. Town Square, 19419 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. countrycougars.com

Extremely Close—Smuin Contemporary Ballet presents three company premieres by award-winning choreographers: Extremely Close, by Alejandro Cerrudo; Partita, by Justin Peck; and A Long Night, by Amy Seiwert. $28-$95. Sept 12, 7:30pm; Sept 13, 2 & 7:30pm; Sept 14, 2pm. MainStage, Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. mvcpa.com

Sat, Sept 13

Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival—Artists, crafts makers, food vendors and local nonprofit groups flock to Central Park for this community event, along with live entertainment from local bands. Bululú, The Peelers and Pride & Joy play on Saturday, followed by TBT Jazz Trio, East Side Funk, Aja Vu and Pop Rocks on Sunday. Free. Sept 13, 10am-6pm; Sept 14, 10am-5pm. Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara. santaclaraca.gov

Northern California Renaissance Faire—Set the wayback machine to the 1500s and head to this gathering of queens, knights, knaves and wenches. The Queen’s Royal Joust, Cy the Sword Swallower, The Mermaid Tavern Show, sea shanteys from the Sea Dogs and more—it’s all returning, plus a new act from Joweh Belly Dance. Opens Sept 13; running weekends, 10am-6pm, until Oct 19. $25-$35, plus parking. Casa De Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister. norcalrenfaire.com

SALA 2025—The South Asian Literature and Art Festival, presented by Art Forum SF, brings together globally celebrated names from South Asia and the diaspora. For two days, these luminaries in the fields of literature, filmmaking, the arts, science and more will engage in conversations around this year’s theme: Thoughts without Borders. Prominent panelists will include Nobel Laureate and economist Abhijit Banerjee, modern mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, Bollywood filmmakers Kiran Rao and Kabir Khan, and Michelin restaurateur Ajay Walia. Sept 13-14, 11am-7pm. Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton. salafestival.org

Oktoberfest Los Gatos—Presented by KCAT TV & Radio, this festival turns the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn into a Bavarian village for the day. Food, dancing, family-friendly activities and live music by the Internationals (noon-4pm) and the Lucky Devils (5-8pm) provide reasons to say Prost! Free. Sept 13, noon–8pm. Civic Center Lawn, 110 E Main St, Los Gatos. kcat.org/oktoberfest2025

Baroque Concert—Palo Alto Philharmonic kicks off its nine-concert 2025-2026 season with an evening of select soloists and small ensembles performing an array of music from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. $25. Sept 13, 7:30pm. First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave, Palo Alto. paphil.org

Jimmy O. Yang: Big and Tall Tour—This comedian and actor embarks on his third and largest tour yet, after selling out multiple shows at Carnegie Hall. He’s sold out the Civic too, though tickets can be gleaned from resellers. Sept 13, 8 & 10pm. San Jose Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose. sanjosetheaters.org

Sun, Sept 14

Engineering Imagination—In collaboration with The Tech Interactive’s Community Day, the co-founder of Rbhu—an engineering firm that specializes in monumental artwork—will reveal secrets behind the large-scale artworks in the Alebrijes exhibition, on view in DTSJ through Sept 28. $5. Sept 14, 1:30-2:30pm. The Tech Interactive, 201 S Market St, San Jose. ticketing.thetech.org

Gatsby Picnic—The Art Deco Society of California turns the clock back to the flapper era at this garden party filled with live music and dancing. For a true immersive experience, attendees embrace the 1920s and 1930 style, from summer suits with straw boaters to light linen garden dresses paired with wide-brimmed hats and parasols. Heidi Evelyn and her dance orchestra will supply the tunes; other entertainments include a Bathing Beauty Revue, a Charleston contest and a vintage car display. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics. $28.52-$74.41. Sept 14, 2-7pm. History Park, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. gatsbypicnic.com

Così Fan Tutte—Opera San José starts its season with a light touch: Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte, which the company describes as an 18th-century reality show—Temptation Island meets powdered wigs—with two young couples entangled in a scheming philosopher’s loyalty test. $61.50-$221.50. Sun, Sept 14, 2pm. Runs through Sept 28. California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. operasj.org

Mon, Sept 15

Linkin Park—The Southern California rock band’s From Zero World Tour hits the South Bay. $55.50-$180.50. Sept 15, 7:30pm. SAP Center, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose. sapcenter.com

Tue, Sept 16

38 Special—Southern rock specialists are still shooting straight after four decades. $54-$235. Sept 16, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Wed, Sept 17

Shahzia Sikander: Collective Behavior—A career-spanning exhibition of New York-based artist Shahzia Sikander (born 1969, Lahore, Pakistan), who has been reframing South Asian visual histories through a contemporary feminist perspective for more than three decades. Also opening the same day: Edmonia Lewis: Indelible Impressions. Free. Sept 17, 11am-6pm. Runs through Jan 25, 2026. Cantor Arts Center. 328 Lomita Dr, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu

Alebrijes en San José: Movies y Musica—Spend the night with the visiting alebrijes—outdoor sculptures drawn from Oaxacan folk art—listening to live music by DJ Too Tall and Conjunto Trujillo, followed by an outdoor screening of the movie Encanto. Bring a chair, and enjoy bites from local vendors. Presented by San Jose Jazz in collaboration with Culture Night Market. Sept 17, 6-10pm. Circle of Palms, 124 S Market St, San Jose. alebrijes.sanjosejazz.org

Anthony Cullins—The next-gen guitarist, named Best Blues Artist in the 2023 San Diego Music Awards, calls his eclectic improvisational style “psychedelic soul music.” Catch him at the Club Fox Blues Jam. $13.38. Sept 17, 6pm. Club Fox, 2209 Broadway St, Redwood City. 831.334.1153. clubfoxrwc.com

Something for everyone? That describes last weekend in downtown San Jose. Not only was it the 50th anniversary of Silicon Valley Pride, celebrated with all the glitter, glitz and rainbow-tinged hoopla that milestone deserved; it was also San Jose Lowrider Day.

And the weekend marked the birth of two new music festivals. Little Italy bounced to the beat of blues and roots music at the Big Easy Block Party & Beer Fest on Saturday, and Discovery Meadow was filled with DJ-driven sounds both Saturday and Sunday. There won’t be such a packed weekend until later in September, when Kids Day in the Park (Sept 20) and Music in the Park (Sept 19 and 21) will draw crowds to Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

But this weekend, downtown San Jose will again be a big draw. On Sept 7, the final concert at St. James Park will feature headliner Bululú (see page 17), with entertainment beginning at 3:30pm. The same day, over at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Alebrijes en San José: Ritmos Y Colores runs from 5 to 10pm. Sponsored by San Jose Jazz, this event is a celebration of Mexican folk art, music and community. Multi-instrumentalist Philthy Dronez kicks off the event, followed by a procession featuring Calpulli Ocelocihuatl, Blvd Bombs Car Club, Mariachi Alma Bohemia de Angel Mendez, Grupo Folklorico Los Lupeños, and the SJZ High School All Stars Float at 6:15. An aerial drone show and a fashion showcase are bookmarked by music from El Conjunto Nueva Ola (7pm) and headliners Las Cafeteras. For details, visit alebrijes.sanjosejazz.org.

Thu, Sept 4

Saratoga Nights—Live music, wine and beer tents, and a welcoming atmosphere under the stars on the first Thursday of every month through October. Free. Sept 4, 5-8pm, Saratoga Village, Big Basin Way, Saratoga. saratoga.ca.us

Josh Tatofi—This Hawaiian singer-songwriter, known for his soulful voice, draws on traditional Hawaiian sounds and contemporary island reggae. $59.75-$111.50. Sept 4, 6pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd, San Jose. sanjosetheaters.org

The Haberdasher Shows—A music residency, pop-up photo exhibits and drink specials on the first Thursday of the month. 21 and over. Free. Sep 4, 6-10pm. Haberdasher, 43 W San Salvador St, San Jose. haberdashersj.com

Ana Gabriel—A top-selling Mexican singer-songwriter for decades, Ana Gabriel is on the road with her Claro de Luna tour. $70-$269. Sept 4, 8pm. SAP Center, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose. sapcenter.com

Fri, Sept 5

Ancestral Resonance—A pop-up presentation featuring work by Ahn Lee, Charlene Tan, Kristiana Chan 莊礼恩 and Nancy Nguyen, Ancestral Resonance examines ancestry as a site of creative inquiry, where artists trace history through unconventional methods and critical insight. Opens Sept 5; reception 5–8pm. Ahh Lee gives an artist talk Sept 6 at 3pm. On view through Oct 11. Morgann Trumbull Projects, 445 S 1st St, San Jose. morganntrumbull.com

Half Dome and Elsewhere—A solo exhibit of mixed-media paintings by Menlo Park artist Daniel Meehan, inspired by Yosemite’s Half Dome and other geological formations. Opening reception: Sept 5, 5-8pm. Through Sept 28. Gallery 9, 143 Main St, Los Altos. gallery9losaltos.com

Climate Interrelations Imaginative—Curator Valentino Loyola brings together a mix of “data-based artistic explorations.” Opening reception Sept 5, 5-9pm during the First Friday art walk. Through Oct 18. Works/San Jose, 38 S 2nd St, San Jose. workssanjose.org

In Search of Our Mother’s Garden—Artist Hargun Mahal Mann explores themes of womanhood, sisterhood, migration and the meaning of home. Opening reception during First Friday Artwalk: Sept 5, 5-9pm, with an artist talk at 6pm. Sept 5-Oct 3. Art Ark Gallery, 1035 S 6th St, San Jose. artarkgallery.com

First Friday at SJMA—Join in an evening of CircleSinging with VOICES, led by David Worm. Sometimes called vocal jamming or vocal orchestra, CircleSinging is a form of community singing that emphasizes improvisation and collaboration. Free. Sept 5, 6-9pm; music starts at 7pm. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose. sjmusart.org

Homegirls of Soul—Led by DJ Soulera, the Homegirls play at MACLA’s First Friday event. Sept 5, 6-9pm. MACLA Castellano Playhouse, 510 S 1st St, San Jose. 408.998.2783. maclaarte.org

Live on Main—Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab a meal from a local eatery and catch a concert by the Groove Doctors. Free. Sept 5, 6:30-8:30pm. Town Square, 19419 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino. 

Gypsy—Directed by Janie Scott, this production by the Palo Alto Players features 29 Bay Area actors, one pup, and the unforgettable score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. $20-$60. Opens Sept 5, 7:30pm; runs through Sept 21. Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. paplayers.org

Tyga—A rapper and songwriter from Compton, Tyga came to fame in 2012 with the hits “Rack City” and “Faded.” This year, he dropped NSFW, his first solo album since 2019, with guests like Lil Wayne, Big Sean, and Cher. $39.78. Sept 5, 10pm. Pure Night Club, 146 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. purenightclub408.com

Sat, Sept 6

World Shorebirds Day Bird Walk—Join a beginner- and family-friendly bird outing and get an introduction to shorebirds and a few identification tips. Wear comfortable clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes; some binoculars will be available to borrow. Free. Sept 6, 10-11:30am. Alviso Unit, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1751 Grand Blvd, San Jose. Email wa***************@*****ws.org or see eventbrite.com.

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival—Art is the heart of the event—a regional draw, with more than 350 artists and craft-makers selling their goods, plus live music, kids’ activities, food and wine. Free. Sept 6, 11am-7pm; Sep 7, 10am-6pm. Downtown Mountain View, Castro Street, between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue. mvartwine.com

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Family Literacy Festival—A collaboration between Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream, Children’s Discovery Museum and the San José Public Library Foundation, the festival promotes the importance of reading. Entertainment will include Andy Z, Ricky Roo & Friends Puppet Show, celebrity and author storytellers, and appearances by local San Jose sports mascots. This will also be the first day the museum previews a new traveling exhibit based on a beloved literary character, Curious George. $15 children, $20 adults. Sept 6, 9:30am-4:30pm. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. sjplf.org

Brass Masterclass—Brass Over Bridges, a brass quintet, will perform and lead a masterclass with Golden State Youth Orchestra brass musicians. Following the free performances, there will be a short Q&A session. Sept 6, 6:30pm. First Presbyterian Church, Palo Alto. gsyomusic.org

All About Eve 75th Anniversary—3Below Theaters continues its series celebrating milestone anniversaries of groundbreaking movies, offering the opportunity to experience them again on the big screen. All About Eve stars Bette Davis at her most magnificently acerbic as temperamental Broadway star Margo Channing. $15. Sept 6, 7:30pm & Sept 7, 4:30pm. 3Below Theaters and Lounge, 288 S 2nd St, San Jose. 3belowtheaters.com

Invitation to the Dance—Cambrian Symphony kicks off its 2025–26 season with a musical journey across continents. The program features Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake suite, José Pablo Moncayo’s Huapango, with folk rhythms from Veracruz, Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 and Three Latin American Dances by Gabriela Lena Frank, a San Francisco native. Free. Sept 6, 7:30pm. Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. cambriansymphony.org

Sultana Daku—Naatak, a South Asian theater company, opens its 30th season with a tale written for the occasion: an adaptation of the 2009 novel The Confession of Sultana Daku, recounting the exploits of Sultana Daku and set in 1920s India. The play, which has never been performed before, will feature live music, dance and humor. $25-$65. Sept 6, 5pm. Continues through Sept 28. Cubberley Theatre, 4120 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. naatak.org

Jeffrey A. Meyer—The singer-songwriter and his band, also known as J.A.M., return to the Cedar Room with a rocking playlist of original music that freely mixes funk, rock, and folk. No cover. Sept 6, 8-11pm. Cedar Room, 1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell. cedarroomlive.com

Sun, Sept 7

Japantown Farmer’s Market—Find fresh produce, artisanal food products and handmade crafts. Free. Every Sunday through Oct 26, 8am-noon. Gordon Biersch Brewery, 357 E Taylor St, San Jose. jtownfarm.org

Shady Oaks Park BioBlitz—Community members join scientists and teachers to find and identify as many animal and plant species as possible along Coyote Creek. All you need to participate is a smart phone with the iNaturalist app. Free. Sept 7, 9-11:30am. Coyote Road and Broderick Drive, San Jose. facebook.com

60th Anniversary Community Day—Celebrate the 60th anniversary of New Museum Los Gatos with a free community day of art activities, tours, costume contests, live music by Hootenanny and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in ’60s garb. Free. Sept 7, 11am-6pm. NUMU, 106 E Main St, Los Gatos. numulosgatos.org

Below the Surface—Subtitled “life philosophy made visible,” Sieglinde Van Damme’s exhibit includes a philosophy wall, a mirror installation, and sealed collector letters accompanying each of the 30+ paintings. Opening reception: Sept 7, 2-4pm. Through Sept 28. Whitney Modern Art Gallery, 24 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos. RSVP at bit.ly/Sep7opening.

Viva CalleSJ—Celebrate 10 years of Villa CalleSJ with food, entertainment, family activities and car-free streets. To participate, bike, skate, walk or roll through Willow Glen, the Rose Garden, San Carlos Street, Little Italy, Japantown and Watson Park. Free. Sept 7, 10am-3pm. See website for map route. vivacallesj.org

Mon, Sept 8

Alebrije Glass Blowing—Artist Carolina Argote, creator of hand-carved alebrijes—Mexican folk art figures—collaborates with Bay Area Glass Institute’s team of glassblowers to reproduce her designs in molten glass. Free. Sept 8, 7pm. Bay Area Glass Institute, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. bagi.org

Tue, Sept 9

Tomorrow X Together World Tour—The South Korean boy group makes a stop in the South Bay. $82-$346. Sept 9, 7:30pm. SAP Center, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose. sapcenter.com

Jackson Browne—The quintessential California singer-songwriter-activist will go tell it on the mountain for two nights. $124-$942. Sept 9-10, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Eighty years ago, San Jose residents celebrated the end of World War II, which despite the hardships the world endured, was nonetheless a victory over the forces of fascism. That’s no small thing, and History San José—the valley’s center of gravity for the remembrance of times past—is offering locals two opportunities to remember this pivotal time.

In the exhibit “V” for Victory in the Valley: World War II Stories—now on view in the McKay Gallery, located inside the Pasetta House at History Park—life on the home front will come alive via artifacts from San Joseans who contributed to the war effort. The exhibit is on view through October on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:45pm.

This Saturday, History San Jose opens the doors of History Park for Spirit of ’45 Living History Day and Swing Dance, running 2-10pm. Activities include building tours, trolley rides, food trucks, a 1940s fashion show, and a meet-and-greet with military veterans and “Rosies” (women who worked in factories during the war). Other historic reenactments include President Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, a homecoming victory parade and a USO-style dance party with a live swing band.

Living History Day admission is $10, with discounts for members, seniors and youths (free for veterans and Rosies). Admission to the dance is $20. History Park is located at 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose. For tickets, visit historysanjose.org.

Downtown Buzz

One might expect downtown San Jose to be a little quieter this weekend, now that Summer Fest is over, but stepping into the space is GalaxyCon 2025—three days of festive fandom celebrating comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, anime, cosplay and pretty much anything the human imagination can dream up. Expect an exhibit hall packed with vendors, comic book artists, cosplay competitions, tattoo artists, panels and workshops, and celebrity guests (including Jeremy Renner, Danny Trejo, Ron Perlman, Jamie Kennedy, Lou Ferrigno and many more—even, yes, William Shatner). The action takes place Aug 15-17 at the San Jose Convention Center. For all the details, visit galaxycon.com.

Speaking of downtown … Voyager Craft Coffee owner Sameer Shah is stepping up his game with Songs on Saturday, a monthly music showcase at his new location on St. John Street.

”We’ve always believed that coffee shops can be more than just places to grab a drink,” Shah explains. “They can be hubs for culture, connection, and creativity.”

Helping Shah with the monthly showcase is local singer-songwriter Mardi Morillo, who has been organizing live music events for the past decade. “Partnering with Mardi to bring live music to our St. John location feels like the perfect way to celebrate the talent in our community,” Shah says.

The first show in the series takes place 2–5pm on Aug. 16. Morillo is curating the free, all-ages series with singer-songwriters in various genres. “I love connecting venues with local live music and creating platforms that build the profiles for the artists and venues alike,” Morillo says.

Songs on Saturday takes place 2–5pm on Aug 16 at Voyager Craft Coffee, 111 W St John St, San Jose. In addition to Morillo, musicians Brian Dublin, Israel Sanchez, JENN!, Sorinvibee and Drew Makes Music will play.

Another notable downtown attraction is BAË Infinite: Beyond All Else, a multidimensional art exhibition at noble workshop & gallery that brings together visual art, poetry, and sound to celebrate “the rich continuum of Black, African, and Afro-diasporic creativity.” Selected works by artists Tachiya Bryant, Shari Bryant, Hunter Saxony III, and Ian Young can be seen through Sept 5; the gallery entrance is at the corner of Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street and hours are Thu–Fri noon–6pm and Sat noon–4pm. For more information, visit localcolorsj.org.

Thu, Aug 14

New Works Festival—TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd annual New Works Festival, which lets audiences get a look at new plays and musicals in their early stages of development, continues this week with the following readings: Alice, Formerly of Wonderland, Emmy Award winner Mark Saltzman’s a cappella musical, Aug 16 at 3pm; The Bridge, a new musical about a true story behind the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, Aug 15 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 7pm; Malcreados, by Christopher Oscar Peña, Aug 16 at noon; The Employee Dharma Handbook, Geetha Reddy’s workplace comedy, Aug 14 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at noon; and Vienna, a new musical from Come From Away creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Aug 16 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 3pm. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. Festival passes: $90; single tickets, $25. 877.662.8978. theatreworks.org

CityDance—At this month’s dance event, the focus is on cumbia, with professional dance instruction, live bands and DJs. All skill levels are welcome. Free (including admission to the museum). Aug 14, 6-9pm. Circle of Palms in front of the San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose. sjmusart.org/event/citydance-2025-cumbia

Head Over Heels—Despite cancellations due to illness earlier this month, the show indeed must go on for this delightful musical set to the songs of the Go-Go’s. The City Lights production runs through Aug 24. Performances this week: Aug 14, 7:30pm; Aug 15, 8pm; Aug 16, 2 and 8pm; Aug 17, 2pm. cltc.org/heels

Movies on the Square—Redwood City’s weekly movie night continues, opening with a kid-oriented screening, The Wild Robot, at 6pm, followed by Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at 8:30pm. Free. Aug 14. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Misspent Youth—The band plays in the Campbell Summer Concert Series. Free. Aug 14, 6:30-8pm. Orchard City Green, Civic Center Drive and N. Central Avenue, Campbell. campbellca.gov

A Streetcar Named Desire—Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star in the Tennessee Williams drama, filmed during a 2014 National Theatre Live production at the Young Vic Theatre. $16-$23. Aug 14, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Emma—This production written by Kate Hamill and directed by Erin Southard offers a fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved pre-feminist heroine. $31-$61. Shows this week: Aug 16-17. Through Aug 31. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

Fri, Aug 15

Careless Whisper—The band takes the stage at the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series. Free. Aug 15, 5:30-9:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org

Music on the Square—This week’s musical offering: Foreverland. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free. Aug 15, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Bollywood Night—Music in the Square Summer Series spotlights sounds from the subcontinent. Free. Aug 15, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare

Importance of Being Earnest—Oscar Wilde’s story of identity, impersonation and romance is filmed live from the National Theatre in London. $16-$23. Aug 15, 7pm; Aug 17, 2pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Sanctuary City—Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok and directed by Anthony Doan, Sanctuary City follows two friends, both with undocumented parents, as they contend with the complexities of immigration, identity, belonging and love in the post-911 world. Aug 15, 8pm; Aug 16, 2 and 8pm; Aug 17, 2pm. Presented by More Mas Marami Arts at San Jose Stage Company, 490 S 1st St., San Jose. moremasmaramiarts.carrd.co

Sat, Aug 16

The Two Gentleman From Verona—The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings this captivating play to Redwood City for three weekends. Free. Running through Aug 24; shows this week: Aug 16-17, 6pm. Red Morton Park, 1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Richard III—Framed with traditions of film noir and featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast, this production by Silicon Valley Shakespeare takes an innovative look at the Bard’s familiar tale of treachery. $31-$61. Running through Aug 29; shows this week: Aug 14-15, 7pm. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

Long Gone Bon—The AC/DC tribute band plays while diners enjoy beer, brats and other German favorites. $25. Aug 16, 8pm. Teske’s, 255 N 1st St, San Jose. 408.292.0291.

Sun, Aug 17

Japantown Farmer’s Market—Find fresh produce, artisanal food products and handmade crafts. Free. Every Sunday through Oct 26, 8am-noon. Gordon Biersch Brewery, 357 E Taylor St, San Jose. jtownfarm.org

The Beach Boys—They’ve been “Surfin’ USA” since 1961, spreading harmonies and good vibrations. Original Beach Boy Mike Love and longtime veteran Bruce Johnston are still in the lineup. $78+. August 17, 7:30pm, Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Tue, Aug 19

Video Game Orchestra—It’s too late to get tickets to the sold-out Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger the day before, but tickets are available for the third concert in a six-show series at the historic Filoli house and gardens, which features the UC Davis Orchestra’s melodic take on the aural themes from popular video games. $55 general/$125 VIP. Aug 19, 7pm. filoli.org

Wed, Aug 20

Vines & Vibes—The Top Secret Band reveals a set of rock, pop and soul classics at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Free. Aug 20, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com

Los Gatos Jazz on the Plazz—Tony Lindsay and the Soul Soldiers march into the town of the cats for the final date in this concert series. Free. Aug 20, 6:30pm. Town Plaza, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com

Pink Martini—Founder Thomas Lauderdale and longtime vocalist China Forbes are toasting their 30th anniversary tour, serving up fizzy, retro sounds. $54-$258. Aug 20, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Cadillac Jack—Enjoy live music at the weekly Music in the Square Summer Series. Free. Aug 20, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare

A plaintive voice echoes across the main gallery of the San Jose Museum of Art, where Pao Houa Her’s exhibit “The Imaginative Landscape” is on view.  A Conversation Between 4 Hmong Women is playing in a video installation in the adjacent room.

The artist places each woman separately, in the center of their respective frames. They’re projected onto a long wall, four in a row. They’re singing kwv txhiaj, a Hmong oral tradition, to each other in a chanted, call-and-response  conversation. Not knowing the language, I ask Her if I’d projected my own sense of sorrow onto this form of sung poetry.

“One of the women I worked with, I learned that she was single, and that she will probably never be married because of the profession that she has chosen—singing,” Her explains. In Laos, the woman is a revered singer. But in the Hmong community, men do not consider female kwv txhiaj singers to be desirable partners. “This conversation between the four of them is about the trials and tribulations of what it means to be Hmong women in my community,” she says.

The main gallery features several of Her’s large-scale photo series. The artist takes a sculptural approach to making images. Colors and textures add depth and meaning to the landscapes and portraits. In untitled (real opium, behind opium backdrop, 2020), Her creates layers within her own visual language by arranging flowers in front of a backdrop that’s printed with flowers.

Dense jungle foliage fills up the series Pictures of Paradise. They are conspicuously devoid of human beings. But when I was standing up close in front of them, I sensed that the photographer’s point of view was from a hidden place, somewhere inside all the greenery. Her made lenticular prints for the series as a way “to activate” the viewer to give them “this perception of depth.”

Lenticular images are digitally sliced into a foreground, middleground and background before being printed on a special paper made with triangular ridges and then assembled. “When you move, the image slightly changes,” Her explains. “It shifts and moves with you.” The backstory only enhances this 3D effect.

Her took the Paradise photos in Laos on a trip with her parents. They had fled the country at the end of the Laotian Civil War (1959–1975). Before they emigrated to Minnesota, Her’s family landed in a Thai refugee camp for a year. And before their time in the camp, they lived in the jungle for two years. Pictures of Paradise revisits that formative place in Her’s family history. “When I started making these photographs, I was really thinking about these places as backdrops for these lives that continue to happen,” she says.

For Her’s black and white Mt. Shasta series, she frames the photographs in light boxes. The work, Her says, is heavily influenced by the photographers Carleton Watkins, Timothy O’Sullivan and Ansel Adams. “I’m thinking about the canon of Western landscape artists and the ways in which they were making work to entice settlers from the east to move westward,” she explains. Light boxes are often used as advertorial objects as seen in malls or airports.

As in the Pictures of Paradise, the Mt. Shasta images purposefully exclude people. “These barren landscapes have this very rich history but might not feel and look like anything if not for the light box itself that’s drawing you in,” Her says. The subjects are gnarled trees and rocky plains but there’s a Hmong community that has moved into the region to cultivate marijuana. For Her, the series is about the resiliency of the Hmong people who are working the land in this forbidding place.

In each of Her’s series, there’s a narrative arc taking place, moving from photograph to photograph. “Early on I decided that I wanted to be a photographer and a storyteller,” she recalls. “I wanted to be a writer but writing was never in the cards for me. But I learned really early on that photography was very similar to writing.”

Her compares her artistic practice to lines in a story, to words and punctuation marks. “I was thinking about ways in which I can sequence the work to tell a story so I started photography in that way,” she says. “I also have this love for the history of photography as it relates to the Americas, the world and the Hmong people.”

Pao Houa Her: The Imaginative Landscape is on view at the San José Museum of Art through Feb. 22, 2026. 110 South Market St., San José. sjmusart.org.

Alebrijes are small, jewel-like Mexican folk art sculptures traditionally made from papier-mâché or wood.

This week, large-scale versions of these creatures will come alive in a touring exhibit, Alebrijes en San Jose, that will be on view in Plaza de Cesar Chavez during the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. And the good news is that these monumental sculptures will continue to stand sentinel in the park until Sept. 28.

Other events will be happening in the park while the alebrijes are on view, including Ritmo y Colores, a festival on Sept 6 that will include a procession, live music from Las Cafeteras and a drone show. There will also be outdoor movie nights, a glass-blowing demonstration by the Bay Area Glass Institute on Sept 8, and a closing celebration on Sept 28 featuring Afro-Latin band La Misa Negra.

Thu, Aug 7

The Haberdasher Shows—A music residency, pop-up photo exhibits and drink specials on the first Thursday of the month.This week: Bennett Roth, Jonathan Borca, Mark Arroyo and friends. 21 and over. Free. Aug 7, 6-10pm. Haberdasher, 43 W San Salvador St, San Jose. haberdashersj.com

Soul Kiss—Live music continues at the Campbell Summer Concert Series. Free. Aug 7, 6:30-8pm. Orchard City Green, Civic Center Drive and N. Central Avenue, Campbell.  campbellca.gov

Emma—This production written by Kate Hamill and directed by Erin Southard offers a fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved pre-feminist heroine. $31-$61. Shows this week: Aug 7-8. Through Aug 31. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

Movies on the Square—Redwood City’s weekly movie night continues with two screenings. A short from the BraveMaker Film Festival will play first, followed by Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Free. Aug 7, 8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Fri, Aug 8

The Hitmen—Enjoy a mix of funk, soul, disco and Latin at the Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series. Free. Aug 8, 5:30-9:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org

Los Amigos—Live music in the Music in the Square Summer Series. Free. Aug 8, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare

Music on the Square—This week’s musical offering: Orquesta Dharma delivers a fusion of jazz, Afro-Cuban and Latin American sounds. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free. Aug 8, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

New Works Festival—TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is in the midst of its 22nd annual New Works Festival, which lets audiences get a look at new plays and musicals in their early stages of development. The kick-off reception takes place at 6pm on Aug 8 at the Lucie Stern Ballroom followed by these readings: Alice, Formerly of Wonderland, Emmy Award winner Mark Saltzman’s a cappella musical, Aug 9 and 13 at 7:30pm and Aug 16 at 3pm; The Bridge, a new musical about a true story behind the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, Aug 10 at 3pm, Aug 15 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 7pm; Malcreados, by Christopher Oscar Peña, Aug 12 at 7:30pm and Aug 16 at noon; The Employee Dharma Handbook, Geetha Reddy’s workplace comedy, Aug 14 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at noon; and Vienna, a new musical from Come From Away creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Aug 16 at 7:30pm and Aug 17 at 3pm. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. Festival passes: $90; single tickets, $25. 877.662.8978. theatreworks.org

Sat, Aug 9

Saturdays: Kids Rock!—This free outdoor concert series for kids will feature James Henry’s House of Samba Kids, which will get the crowd moving, grooving and learning through rhythm, percussion, and global beats. Free. Aug 9, 10am-noon. Courthouse Square, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

H.M.S. Pinafore—Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, filled with hummable tunes and a satirical plot that still resonates today, poking fun at patriotism, party politics, the military and—perhaps most relevant—the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority. A “Queen V Photobooth” will be open to all patrons, and the Lamplighters are inviting all to dress in “Sailor Chic.” $35-$95. Aug 9-10, 2pm. Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St, Mountain View. lamplighters.org

The Groove Doctors—The high-energy party band plays in Redwood City’s live music series Sounds of the Shores. Free. Aug 9, 5pm. Marlin Park, 500 Cringle Drive, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

The Two Gentleman From Verona—The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings this captivating play to Redwood City for three weekends. Free. This week, performances are Sat-Sun, Aug 9-10, 6pm. Continues through Aug 24. Red Morton Park, 1120 Roosevelt Ave, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire—Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star in the Tennessee Williams drama, filmed live during a 2014 production at the Young Vic Theatre. $16-$23. Aug 14, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Richard III—Framed with traditions of film noir and featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast, this production by Silicon Valley Shakespeare takes an innovative look at the Bard’s familiar tale of treachery. Running through Aug 29. $31-$61. Shows this week: Aug 9-10. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

Wed, Aug 13

Vines & Vibes—The Top Secret Band plays at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Free. Aug 13, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com

Los Gatos Jazz on the Plazz—Vocalist Clairdee performs. Free. Aug 13, 6:30pm. Town Plaza, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com

Sammy Obeid: No Place Like Fremont!—The writer and stand-up comedian performs live. $39.19-$60.54. Aug 13, 7pm. Fremont Clubhouse, 4020 Technology Place, Suite 1, Fremont. eventbrite.com

It’s certain that some in the audience at Haley Reinhart’s show at the Fox Theatre on Aug. 2 will be there to see the singer who got her initial start on American Idol back in 2009. But Redwood City is home base for her opening act, Mike Annuzzi, and he’s very revved up about this concert.

Annuzzi, who guesstimates he plays about 300 shows a year, has been on stages as large as the BottleRock Napa music festival and as small as any number of local clubs. But this show is different. “As a musician walking onto the stage at the Fox Theatre, you feel a big responsibility to perform among the greats who have been there before me. I think of Tony Bennett, Etta James, Neil Young, BB King, Lyle Lovett, and so many others.” Annuzzi says. “This venue is truly a capsule of history and I am so happy to be included as a local independent artist, especially having the opportunity to share the stage with Haley.”

The show begins at 7pm on Saturday, and the Fox is located at 2221 Broadway St, Redwood City. Tickets are available at foxrwc.com.

Wed, July 30

Santa Clara County Fair—The 81st Annual Santa Clara County Fair opens July 30, with this year’s theme being “Still Hare and Kicking.” Expect traditional fair-style food and drink, carnival rides, livestock shows, exhibits, arts and crafts, and lots of live entertainment. $7.50-$12. Hours: July 30-Aug 1, 3-10pm; Aug 2, 1-11pm; August 3, 1-10pm. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd, San Jose. 408.494.3100. thefair.org

MJ the Musical—Now touring North America, this new musical follows superstar Michael Jackson as he rises to fame. Now touring North America, with MJ’s crowd-pleasing hits. $91+. Through Aug 3. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S Almaden Blvd, San Jose. san-jose-theater.com/shows

Thu, July 31

Curator Talk—Maggie Dethloff, one of the curators of the exhibit Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene, will give a free talk. July 31, 6pm. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu/programs

Pobladores Night Market—This open-air market brings together local makers and business, artists, performers and food purveyors. Free. July 31, 5:30-9pm. Parque de los Pobladores, 501 S 1st St, San Jose. sjdowntown.com

Movies on the Square—Redwood City’s weekly movie night continues with two family-friendly titles. Moana 2 screens at 6pm, followed by Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at 8:30pm. Free. July 31. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Campbell Summer Concert Series—Cocktail Monkeys play. Free. July 31, 6:30-8pm. Orchard City Green, Civic Center Drive and N. Central Avenue, Campbell.  campbellca.gov

Fri, Aug 1

Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series—San Benito County Line plays at the weekly event. Free. Aug 1, 5:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org/friday-night-music-series

First Friday at SJMA—Enjoy free admission to the museum’s exhibits and listen to the Trevor O’Loughlin Trio, featuring Patrick Talesfore Jr. and Nima Hafezieh, who will present compositions designed to resonate in the museum’s high-ceilinged lobby. Free. Aug 1, 6-9pm. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose. sjmusart.org

Music in the Square Summer Series—Classic Rewind takes the stage at this weekly community concert. Free. Aug 1, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare

Music on the Square—This week’s musical offering: ’70s tribute band Mustache Harbor. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free. Aug 1, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Summer Concert Series—Fleetwood Macrame. Free. July 31, 6:30pm. Hillview Soccer Field, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos. losaltosca.gov

Emma—This production written by Kate Hamill and directed by Erin Southard offers a fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved pre-feminist heroine. Aug 1–31. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

Tech Roast Show—Socially Inept, a group of comedians, is roaming “the world’s biggest tech hubs roasting tech companies and alleged humans like you.” The show hits the West Coast before heading to Texas and cities in India. $32.25-$94.80. Aug 1, 7:30-9pm. California Theatre, 345 S 1st St, San Jose. sociallyinept.io

Lynyrd Skynyrd—Over 50 years after the band’s debut in 1973, “Free Bird” continues to fly, embodying the spirit of 1970s Southern rock. The current lineup features Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of the late Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s co-founder. Aug 1, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Morgan Wallen—The country music bad boy from Tennessee is releasing his fourth studio album, I’m the Problem. With 37 songs on the album, there will be plenty of material—and to boot, each night in Santa Clara he’ll have two special guests: Miranda Lambert and Anne Wilson on the first night, and Brooks & Dunn and Anne Wilson on the second. $173-$822. Aug 1-2, 5:15pm. Levi’s Stadium, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara. levisstadium.com

Possibilities—The opening reception for an art show featuring work by Elaine Sheen, Alexis Moorhead, Inga Poslitur, Elisabeth Koss and Mario Montes Pozo. Free. Aug 1, 6-8pm. Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Sat, Aug 2

National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire—Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star in the Tennessee Williams drama, filmed live during a 2014 production at the Young Vic Theatre. $16-$23. Aug 2, 2pm & Aug 14, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Pub in the Park—The Purple Mountain Majesty Band performs soulful, high-energy bluegrass and country music. Free. Aug 2, 11am-4pm. Red Morton Park, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Frozen—A cast of youngsters, ages 14-20, perform in this CMT Mainstage production based on Disney’s Frozen, which includes all the songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Aug 2, 2 & 7pm; Aug 3, 1 & 6pm. Montgomery Theater, 271 S Market St, San Jose. sanjosetheaters.org

Sun, Aug 3

Psychedelic Latinx Night—Valley Wolf and Ritmos Tropicosmos play at a concert co-presented by Needle to the Groove and Levitt San Jose. Free. Aug 3, 3:30-7pm. St James Park, San Jose. levittsanjose.org

National Theatre Live: Importance of Being Earnest—Oscar Wilde’s story of identity, impersonation and romance is filmed live from the National Theatre in London. $16-$23. Aug 3 & 17, 2pm; Aug 7 & 15, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Tue, Aug 5

Maren Morris—Even with pop and R&B highlights, this American singer-songwriter’s country roots show through, earning her five Academy of Country Music awards, and five Country Music Association awards. $78-$436. Aug 5, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Wed, Aug 6

Downtown Farmers’ Market—Stroll through stalls filled with fresh produce, locally made packaged goods and hot meals from local food vendors. No admission. Aug 6, 9am-1:30pm. 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. sjdowntown.com

Vines & Vibes—Sound Decision plays hits from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Bring a picnic or purchase food from a rotating lineup of local food trucks. Wine is available by the glass or bottle; no outside alcohol. Free. Aug 6, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com

Mission College Summer Concert Series—A top swing and blues band, Lavay Smith & The Red Hot Skillet Lickers transport audiences to the smoky clubs of the Jazz Age. Free. Aug 6, 6pm. Central Plaza, Mission College, Santa Clara. missioncollege.edu

Los Gatos Jazz on the Plazz—Jazz Mafia has performed at major festivals including Outside Lands and the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. With over 40 albums released, the band continues to push musical boundaries. Free. Aug 6, 6:30pm. Town Plaza, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com

Alebrijes en San Jose—For those not familiar with the term, alebrijes are the visual embodiment of magical realism: Mexican folk art sculptures traditionally made from papier-mâché or wood. Large-scale versions of these creations will come alive in a touring exhibit, Alebrijes en San Jose, that will be on view in Plaza de Cesar Chavez during the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. There will also be an alebrijes-themed drone show on Aug. 9 after PJ Morton’s set. But before all that, there will be a gala event welcoming the massive artworks to town, held Wednesday at the San Jose Museum of Art. In addition to the visual attractions, there will be live music and performances, culinary tasting stations, and delectable desserts paired with tequila, mezcal, wine and coffee pairings. Tickets are $108.55; available on eventbrite.com. Aug. 6, 7-10pm. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S Market St, San Jose. For information on the Summer Fest, visit sanjosejazz.org.

Music in the Park, San Jose’s premier outdoor concert series, is back with its first-ever triple-show weekend. The opening concert takes place Friday, July 25 and will be headlined by Stevie B, known for his freestyle hits “Spring Love,” “Party Your Body” and “Because I Love You (The Postman Song).” (For more, read Dan Pulcrano’s interview with Stevie B.)

Stevie B will be joined by Jaya, the “Queen of Soul” of the Philippines, and Shannon, a freestyle pioneer whose 1983 hit “Let the Music Play” continues to fire up dance floors today. Plus, a lineup of Bay Area DJs—Hugo & Chuy Gomez, DJ Looney Tunes & DJ Cris Campos, Brotha Reese and local legend Cutso, of The Bangerz— will keep things moving. The music runs from 5 to 10pm.

Headlining on Saturday, July 26 are the Psychedelic Furs, led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and his bass-wielding brother, Tim. (For more on the Furs, read Bill Kopp’s interview with Tim Butler.) The post-punk progenitors—known for songs where rawness and romanticism meet, such as “Pretty in Pink” and “Heaven”—will play after opening act Rooney, led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Robert Schwartzman. Doors open at 4pm. 

The weekend closes out with the Island Party, a night of tropical sounds provided by soulful singer/songwriter FIA, emerging artist Acari (read more about her in this interview) and DJs BigBodyCisco and Westafa, also known as Western Conference. The music begins at 4pm.

All three shows are at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. For more information, visit mitpsj.com. Purchase tickets at caltix.com.

Thu, July 24

Curator Talks: Dwelling—Kathryn Cua and Jorge Eduardo Sibaja, curatorial assistants at the Cantor Arts Center, present a highlights tour of Dwelling: New Acquisitions, which showcases recent acquisitions to the collection and explores how these works expand our understanding of home. Free. July 24, noon. Cantor Arts Center, Stanford. events.stanford.edu

Pobladores Night Market—Through July 31, this open-air market brings together local makers and business, artists, performers and food purveyors. Free. July 24, 5:30-9pm. Parque de los Pobladores, 501 S 1st St, San Jose. sjdowntown.com

Summer Concert Series—Neon Velvet plays danceable hits from the ’70s to today. Free. July 24, 6:30pm. Hillview Soccer Field, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos. losaltosca.gov

National Theatre Live: Fleabag—See a filmed production of the one-woman show that inspired the BBCs hit TV series Fleabag, written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones. $16-$23. July 24, 7pm & Aug 23, 2pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Movies on the Square—Redwood City’s weekly double-feature movie night continues with a screening of the musical Wicked. Free. July 24, 8:30pm. Courtyard Square, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Fri, July 25

Morgan Hill Friday Night Music Series—The Cheeseballs play at the weekly event. Free. July 25, 5:30pm. Downtown Amphitheater, Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill. morganhillchamber.org

Music on the Square—This week’s musical offerings come from the band Careless Whisper. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Free. July 25, 6-8pm. Courtyard Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. redwoodcity.org

Music in the Square Summer Series—Latin Remix is the featured music at this weekly community concert. Free. July 25, 6-8pm. 4055 Evergreen Village Square, San Jose. instagram.com/evergreenvillagesquare

Campbell Summer Concert Series—San Benito County Line. There are several parking garages within walking distance of the Orchard City Green, including the 2nd Street Parking Garage. Free. July 24, 6:30-8pm. Orchard City Green, Civic Center Drive and N. Central Avenue, Campbell.  campbellca.gov

National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire—Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star in the Tennessee Williams drama, filmed live during a 2014 production at the Young Vic Theatre. $16-$23. July 25, 7pm; July 27, 2pm; Aug 2, 2pm & Aug 14, 7pm. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. hammertheatre.com

Richard III—Framed with traditions of film noir and featuring an all-female and nonbinary cast, this production by Silicon Valley Shakespeare takes an innovative look at the Bard’s familiar tale of treachery. Running through Aug 29. $31-$61. Shows this week: July 25-27, 7pm. Sanborn Skyline County Park, Saratoga. svshakespeare.org

New Works Festival—Theater buffs can get an advance look at tomorrow’s hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd annual New Works Festival, running July 25-Aug 17. This week the offerings are Old Cock, a political satire by Robert Schenkkan presented in partnership with Portugal’s mala voadora theatre company and Peacedale Global Arts. There will also be a one-night-only presentation of Schenkkan’s Motion/Capture. Old Cock will be performed July 25-26 & 29 at 7:30pm and July 27 at 7pm. Motion/Capture will be performed July 28 at 7pm. Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. 877.662.8978. theatreworks.org

Los Lonely Boys—Texican rock ’n’ rollers Los Lonely Boys show off their tight harmonies and guitar work, with two opening acts from Los Angeles: Thee Sinseers, an East Los outfit dedicated to reviving classic soul and R&B sounds, and The Altons, whose soul, rock, and Latin rhythms will fit right into the mix. July 25, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Sat, July 26

Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown—Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the country’s top Beatles tribute bands. They engage in a battle of the bands with premier Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash. $45-$65, plus fees. July 26, 7:30pm. Heritage Theatre, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell. 408.866.2700.

Smokey Robinson: Legacy Tour—The singer, songwriter, record producer and all-around Motown genius does his first tour in a decade, marking the 50th anniversary of his 1975 album, A Quiet Storm. Robinson will also perform other top hits from throughout the decades. $90-$371. July 26, 7:30pm. Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga. mountainwinery.com

Sun, July 27

Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show—A week of activities for car fanatics culminates with a car show along Big Basin Way, live music, food trucks and a variety of vendors. Free. July 27, 10am-4pm. Saratoga Village & Big Basin Way, Saratoga. saratogachamber.org/saratogacarshow

Starlight Sundays—San Jose Downtown Association’s outdoor movie series, presented by UA Local Union 393, continues with A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black, plus opening act Character Select. Food trucks and a beer garden provide additional entertainment. Free. July 27, 5:30pm. St. James Park, 2nd St &, E St James St, San Jose. sjdowntown.com/starlight-cinema

Tue, July 29

MJ the Musical—Now touring North America, this new musical follows superstar Michael Jackson as he rises to fame. Now touring North America, with MJ’s crowd-pleasing hits. $91+. July 29-Aug 3. Center for Performing Arts, San Jose. san-jose-theater.com/shows

Wed, July 30

Santa Clara County Fair—The 81st Annual Santa Clara County Fair opens July 30, with this year’s theme being “Still Hare and Kicking.” Expect traditional fair-styel food and drink, carnival rides, livestock shows, exhibits, arts and crafts, and lots of live entertainment. $7.50-$12. Hours: July 30-Aug 1, 3-10pm; Aug 2, 1-11pm; August 3, 1-10pm. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd, San Jose. 408.494.3100. thefair.org

Vines & Vibes—The Bent Band throws a rock ’n’ roll party at Guglielmo’s summer concert series. Bring a picnic or purchase food from a rotating lineup of local food trucks. Wine is available by the glass or bottle; no outside alcohol. Free. July 30, 3-4pm. Guglielmo Winery, 17575 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill. guglielmowinery.com

Iko Ya Ya—Bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the Mission College Summer Concert Series, Iko Ya Ya blends R&B, blues, zydeco, and Cajun music. Free. July 30, 6pm. Central Plaza, Mission College, Santa Clara. missioncollege.edu

Jazz on the Plazz—Heidi Evelyn Dance Orchestra plays. Free. July 30, 6:30pm. Town Plaza Park, West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. jazzontheplazz.com