10 Great Dates
compiled by RACHEL FILIPINAS
John Hammond and David Lindley
November 14, Lodi
John Hammond’s penchant for piano-based blues hasn’t just gained him four Grammy nods and 29 albums under his belt—he’s also played with the likes of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, and is a longtime friend of singer-songwriter Tom Waits. David Lindley, whose musical repertoire includes the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more with a bluegrass/folk flair, will also take the stage. $29-$59. 7:30 p.m. Charlene Lange Performing Arts Theatre, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-6782, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
The First Sip
November 14-15, Lodi
It’s all about the reds, whites, and pinks at this third annual event which showcases the first vintages of this year’s harvest season from Lodi wineries. Enjoy live music, meet local winemakers, tour vineyards, and take part in wine and food pairings and blending seminars. $35 in advance, $45 at the door for both days. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Various locations in Lodi, (209) 365-0621, www.firstsiplodi.com
Rumpelstiltskin
November 20-21, Tracy
Sure, he may be a household name to anyone familiar with fairy tales, but once upon a time he was a mysterious, nameless dwarf on a mission. See the classic story from the Brothers Grimm go from page to stage thanks to Missoula Children’s Theatre. The theatre company will hold open auditions in Tracy November 16 for any child in kindergarten up to grade 12, and the show will feature 50-60 of our local kids that have participated in the week-long workshop. $10-$30. Nov. 20, 6 p.m., and Nov. 21, 11 a.m. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central St., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
Run and Walk Against Hunger
November 26, Stockton
Make a new Thanksgiving tradition with the fifth annual Run and Walk Against Hunger, to benefit the Stockton/San Joaquin Emergency Food Bank. The course follows a loop around the Stockton waterfront, starting and finishing at Banner Island Ballpark, where awards will be given to the top three places of each age group. A food drive will also be held. $30-$120 to register, visit the fundraiser website for more information. 8-10:30 a.m. Banner Island Ballpark, 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 464-7369, www.runagainsthunger.org
The Faces of Stockton
Opens December 2, Stockton
Artists from the Tidewater Gallery celebrate Stockton with this exhibit that embraces the spirit of San Joaquin. From landmarks to landscapes, and building facades to local faces, the exhibit explores the city and gives a visual interpretation of the community. A free reception will take place Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Tidewater Art Center and Gallery, 223 E. Weber Ave., Stockton, (209) 463-4033, www.tidewaterartgallery.com
Parade of Lights
December 3, Lodi
The fourteenth annual Parade of Lights kicks off the holiday season with a rock-n-roll theme and an equally rockin’ parade. With twinkle lights covering a host of floats and vehicles, and entertainment from marching bands and dance groups, the one mile route attracts families from all over San Joaquin Valley to line the streets of downtown Lodi. Free. 6 p.m. Begins on Pine St., Lodi, (209) 369-8052, www.downtownlodi.com
Festival of Trees
December 5-6, Lodi
Celebrate the start of this year’s holiday season at the annual Festival of Trees, presented by the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum. Now in its seventeenth year, the fundraiser is bound to melt the hearts of even the iciest of Scrooges with over seventy uniquely decorated trees, a Victorian-style Christmas festival, craft demonstrations, train rides, and a visit from jolly old Saint Nick. $8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi, (209) 331-2055, www.sanjoaquinhistory.org
It’s a Wonderful Life
December 13, Tracy
Gather the family and watch this classic holiday flick on the big screen. Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, the 1946 film garnered five Oscar nominations, a spot on the American Film Institute’s ‘Top 10’ list, and worldwide recognition as a holiday television staple. $4.50. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 27, Stockton
Spectacular sets and dazzling dancers make for a rich performance of the classic holiday ballet, a story of peace, harmony, and imagination come to life. Led by Russian ballet master Vladimir Troschenko and principal artists Alexei and Christina Terentiev, the tour will also introduce a new character to the Tchaikovsky classic. $27.50-$99. 3 p.m. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 333-4673, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Yoga Asana Championship
January 9, Stockton
Testing the limits of physical and mental strength and promoting yoga’s traditions and philosophy is the Northern California regional portion of the Bishnu Ghosh Yoga Asana Championship. Organized by Bikram Yoga Stockton, seasoned competitors will be judged on strength, flexibility, and grace as they perform a three-minute routine of seven asanas, or yoga poses. Price and time TBD. Long Theatre, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 946-2116, www.bikramyogastockton.com
