August 10-15th; Northern California Events and Festivals

Milpitas – Tuesday August 10, 2010 – Jessica Johnson, Backyard Boogie Concert Series

FREE. Hometown diva Jessica Johnson has continued to amaze listeners across the state. Johnson’s vibrant blend of classic jazz, R&B, and soul is displayed with the sparkling vitality of inherent talent — in her case, a vocal palette as dynamic as you’re likely to find in contemporary jazz. Of course, Johnson is more than comfortable issuing any number of pop-hits audience members may enjoy, particularly an amazing cover of Alicia Keys’ No One. Jessica will be releasing her second album this summer. Located at Milpitas City Hall, 455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas. For more information call 408-586-3210.

Sunnyvale – Wednesday August 11, 2010 5:30-8:30pm – Busta-Groove – Sunnyvale Summer Music + Market Series

FREE! Busta-Groove, a hot party band, plays hits from the ’70’s, ’80’s, ’90’s and today! Founded in 1997 and based in the Bay Area, Busta-Groove can be found performing for corporate parties, festivals, weddings, casinos, sporting events, private parties, birthday parties and nightclubs throughout the year. This concert is part of the Sunnyvale Summer Music + Market Series. Enjoy arts and crafts, flowers, and the freshest fruits and vegetables while enjoying the cool grooves of great local bands in the newly reopened and enhanced Murphy Avenue. Located at Murphy and Washington Avenues, for more information call 408-516-7217.

San Jose – Wednesday August 11, 2010 at dusk – Starlight Cinema; The Goonies – http://www.sjdowntown.com/Starlight_Cinemas.html

Seven young friends find themselves on a thrilling underground adventure as they try to uncover the secrets behind the treasure of the notorious pirate, One-Eyed Willie. Directed by Richard Donner; starring Sean Astin and Josh Brolin. RatedPG (1985). Take advantage of San Jose’s warm, summer nights and enjoy a movie under the star-studded sky with good company. Starlight Cinemas on San Pedro Square will feature action and adventure classic films this summer. Pre-movie entertainment includes short films created by kids from the Cinequest Adobe Youth Voices program. Come early for the best seat, and BYOCB(or A)- Bring Your own Chair, Blanket or Air Bed. Located at San Pedro Square; San Pedro and Santa Clara.

Los Gatos – Wednesday August 11, 2010 6:00-8:00pm – Robin McKelle, Vocalist – Jazz on the Plazz

FREE! Robin McKelle is already a vocal jazz star in Europe, seriously in demand for concert and television appearances. These days, McKelle may seem to be leading an at least semi-charmed life, but her burgeoning success is really the result of countless gigs, lots of study and artistic drive. Two years ago, she delivered a dynamite debut disc, Introducing Robin McKelle, embracing a retro-Big Band vibe with the ease and intelligence of a softer-edged Bette Midler. This free concert is part of the Jazz on the Plazz summer music series. Wine and beer is allowed in the park, but not on sidewalks or streets. There are numerous restaurants near the Plaza and some prepare specials for take-out. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Located at S. Santa Cruz Ave. and West Main Street in Los Gatos.

Stockton – Wednesday August 11, 2010 at 6:00pm – Concert in the Park

The City of Stockton Community Services Department presents the annual series in partnership with the Stockton Musician’s Association. Spend an evening in the Victory Park (Pershing & Argonne) with your favorite person, a picnic supper, and some great music as the Concert in the Park series continues for the 57th year! Every Wednesday beginning June 9 – August 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(209)937-8119

Campbell – Thursday August 12, 2010 at 6:30-8:00pm – Crocodiles; Campbell Summer Concert Series

FREE! Out of a late night rehearsal in an urban warehouse, far from their beckoning fans, The Crocodiles were born. Tight vocal harmonies, along with unique stage and instrumental showmanship, make The Crocodiles second-to-none. With their blend of popular hits from Rock to Funk, from Old-School to Motown, from Country to Contemporary Pop, this dynamic act will have you putting on your dancing shoes and warming up your singing voices to join in and have a great time! The Campbell Summer Concert Series is brought to you courtesy of the City of Campbell and generous donations from the community. It’s a free event, but you can support the Campbell Museum Foundation by purchasing BBQ, hot dogs, polish sausages, chips, cookies, wine, beer, soda and more. Bring a lawn chair with you, if you like, but please leave your pets at home. Located at Orchard City Green, 70 N. 1^st Street, Campbell. Call for information 408-866-2105.

Oakdale – Thursday, August 12, 2010 – Farmer’s Market

New produce vendors this year include Windy Hill Farms of Waterford and Hickman Chicks. A number of community groups will once again have displays, and other businesses will also have booths with their goods. Another first time offering will include artists displaying their work at the market. And entertainment will be featured each week.

Lodi – Thursday, August 12, 2010 – Farmer’s Market

Downtown Lodi – School Street – Time: 5 p.m. The Downtown Certified Farmers Market is the family friendly market held every Thursday evening beginning in June throughout the end of September. Over 25 certified farmers offer an array of fresh produce, wine and flowers. 50 homemade and commercial arts and craft vendors line the streets of downtown attracting over 5,000 attendees each week. An upscale beer and wine garden which showcases local breweries and wineries is located adjacent from the entertainment stage.

Fairfield – Thursday, August 12, 2910 – Farmers Market

The Fairfield Certified Farmers Market is Here! Every Thursday, May 7th to October 1st, 2009, 4:00 – 8:00pm. Downtown Fairfield on Jefferson Street and Texas Street adjacent to the Solano County Government Center Plaza. WEEKLY FEATURES; Fresh Produce, Tree Ripened, Fruits FREE Children’s Arts & Crafts, Shaved Ice, Kettle Korn, Bar-B-Q, and Weekly Musical Entertainment

Dixon – Thursday, August 12, 2010 – Farmers Market

Celebrate the Bounty! The Downtown Dixon Business Association with the help of the City of Dixon brings the Pacific Coast Certified Organic Farmer’s Market to downtown every Thursday starting Thursday, May 20 through mid-September 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Women’s Improvement Club Park next to the Dixon Public Library on the corner of North First and East C Streets.

Oakdale – Friday nights through August 27^th – Concerts in the Park

Concerts in the Park” CNP are FREE to attend and promote a family and friendly environment! Great groups to see and listen to through August 27th, 2010, 630PM -8PM! They are held at Dorada Park (Play Park), behind the Chamber and Community Pool, A Street and 2nd Avenue, Oakdale, CA. The following are scheduled for 2010:

• August 13th – Fabulous Blue Notes (Jump, Swing and Rock & Roll)
• August 20th – JMZ (Country Classic Rock)
• August 27th – Steadfast Heart (Contemporary Christian Rock/Praise).

Contact the Chamber for more information (209) 847-2244

San Jose – Friday August 13, 2010 10:00am to 2:00pm – Downtown Farmers Market

The cozy outdoor market takes place each Friday (with only a few holiday exceptions), from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. along a charming block of San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

Campbell – Friday August 13, 2010 at dusk – From Russia with Love (1963) Sundown Cinema

FREE! Donations accepted. At this Sundown Cinema showing, you can see one of the best James Bond films ever made — From Russia with Love, starring Sean Connery. Action, adventure, romance… what more could you ask for on a summer night? Sundown Cinema is an outdoor summer movie series held each year since 2004 in Downtown Campbell. From its start, it has been independently organized by volunteers, staffed by volunteers, and paid for through audience donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Bring a chair and a blanket and enjoy movies shown in the parking lot beside Orchard Valley Coffee. No alcoholic beverages and no smoking, please. Located at 349 E. Campbell Avenue, Campbell.

San Jose – Friday August 13, 2010 7:30pm – California Writers Club Open Mic at Borders

FREE! This open mic is hosted by California Writers Club on the second Friday of each month. People can come to listen or to present. Reservations (by email) are required if you’d like to read. Presenters are limited to ten minutes, and can either present something they have written or read something from another author. California Writers Club, the nation’s oldest professional club for writers, was founded in 1909. It is a nonprofit education corporation with seventeen branches in California. It is dedicated to educating writers of all levels and disciplines in the craft of writing and in the marketing of their work. The Club has more than 1100 members. Located at Borders, 356 Santana Row, San Jose.

Sacramento – Friday August 13^th-Sunday August 15^th – First Annual Banana Festival

Come join us for a celebration of everything bananas and family fun at the 1st Annual Banana Festival “Celebrating Community, Culture and Health!” Enjoy a wide range of music, dancing and food from around the world, local artists, entertainment for all ages and much more. In addition to celebrating healthy food and healthy lifestyles, we will be celebrating the cultures in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas which have used the banana as a traditional source of food, art and in cultural customs.The festival will include: Gunther’s Banana Split Contest, Talent Show, line dancing, Josephine Baker and Carmen Miranda Look-a-like Contest…and more. Presented by the National Academic Youth Corps and the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum. Located at the Consumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento. General Admission-$5.00, kids under 11 are admitted FREE. Friday 4pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm

Sunnyvale – Saturday August 14,2010 – Sunnyvale Farmers Market

Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and arts and crafts from from local growers and artisans.
Murphy Ave (Caltrain Station parking lot near Evelyn and South Frances Streets)

San Jose – Saturday August 14, 2010 7:30pm-10:00pm – Lost in Space Night

Join park staff and astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Society to explore the night sky through computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of Lost in Space – “Danger Will Robinson, Danger!” Reservations required. Located at Santa Teresa County Park, 260 Bernal Rd., San Jose. Call for info at 408-266-5453.

Sunnyvale – Saturday August 14, 2010 5:30-8:30pm – Kaye Bohler Blues Band

FREE! Kaye Bohler is a power-house blues woman who has been compared frequently to Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Bette Midler and Mick Jagger for her sincere and genuine strength as a stage performer and rich vocal tones. Kaye performs with The Kaye Bohler Blues Band all over Central and Northern California. This concert is part of Sunnyvale’s Jazz and Beyond Series. Enjoy the cool grooves of great local jazz acts in the newly reopened and enhanced Murphy Avenue area. Located at Murphy and Washington Avenues. Call for info  408-516-7217.

Stockton – Saturday August 14, 2010 8:00-11:00pm – Astronomy in the Park

The Oak Grove Nature Center presents “Astronomy in the Park” on Saturday, Aug 14th from 8:00 – 11:00 pm, hosted by the Stockton Astronomical Society (SAS). Starting at 8:00 pm, join us inside the Nature Center for astronomy themed activities and crafts. SAS volunteers will provide telescopes for stargazing from 9:00 to 11:00 pm. Activities are free and open to people of all ages. Park entrance fee of $5 is required per vehicle. Visit www.mgzoo.com for information on upcoming Oak Grove Nature Center events. Located at Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton. For more information call 209-953-8814.

Cupertino – Saturday August 14-Sunday August 15 at 7:30pm – Two Gentle of Verona; Free Shakespeare in the Park

Best friends Valentine and Proteus are two gentlemen of Verona, and youthful love is in the air. Proteus falls for Valentine’s glamorous new girlfriend, Silvia and dumps the faithful Julia. To win back her man, she must (like all good Shakespearean heroines) dress up as a boy. With three outrageous outlaws, a misbehaving dog, and fun ’60’s tunes in the mix, Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona is a zany comic caper that’s sure to delight the whole family. Free Shakespeare in the Park began in 1983, with its debut production of The Tempest in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. It is now one of the major free Shakespeare programs in the nation. Produced every year in San Francisco, Pleasanton, and Cupertino from July through September, Free Shakespeare in the Park provides an opportunity for everyone to see high quality, professional theater free of charge. Located at Stevens Creek Blvd and Mary Avenue, Cupertino. Call for info at 800-978-PLAY.

Bear Valley – through August 15^th, 2010 – Bear Valley Music Festival

Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Bear Valley Music Festival will present a variety of music during its seventeen day season that begins Friday, July 30th and runs through Sunday, August 15th.  The Bear Valley Music Festival offers a full symphony orchestra, international soloists, legendary entertainers, and renowned opera stars in a unique mountain setting.   The Festival offers an outdoor musical experience while under the shade of a large 800 seat tent. This week-end;

• Thursday August 12th. at 7:00PM  Boyz Nite Out, A special Acapella Treat
• Friday August 13th at 7:00PM  Bear Valley Festival Orchestra – Tchaikovsky Feast: Overture to the Nutcracker Ballet, Symphony #5, Op 64 in E minor
• Saturday August 14^th at 7:00PM  Lehar, The Merry Widow
• Sunday August 15^th at 2 :00PM Bear Valley Festival Orchestra featuring Stephen Kim, Violin (14 years Old) Shostakovich, Violin Concerto Op99 in A minor, Sibelius, Symphony #2 Op43 in D.