Ten Great Dates
compiled by Amanda Rife
“Revival: Grand Theatre Center for the
Arts Construction Photography”
November 15-December 20, Tracy
Professional photographers Barry Hand, Jeff Haws, Peter Lippman, and John Nagle were approached in May 2007 to document in photographs the reconstruction of the Grand Theatre, a renovation few people were able to see firsthand due to safety concerns. The Grand now invites the community to see what took place during these months of preservation and rebuilding, while also celebrating the skill of the four aforementioned photographers. Enjoy a gallery talk with the artists Saturday, December 6, 1 to 3 p.m. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
Cinderella
November 19-December 14, Stockton
Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic retelling of the stepsister turned slipper-wearing princess is performed at Stockton’s Civic Theatre, bringing all the same charm and appeal as when it first premiered in 1957. This fairytale’s great success and popularity on the silver screen encouraged the playwrights to adapt their musical for the stage, and after fifty-one years it is still as popular as ever. A special matinee showing on December 13 followed by a High Tea will benefit the Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Performance times vary. $12-$23. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rose Marie Ln., Stockton, (209) 473-2400, www.sctlivetheatre.org
Chaka Khan
November 29, Stockton
Celebrated Grammy Award winning rhythm and blues singer Chaka Khan will light up the Bob Hope Theatre for one magnificent night, gracing the stage with her powerful voice and dynamic dancing. Performing since the age of eleven, the ‘Queen of Funk Soul’ has had over twenty Grammy nominations, and has collaborated with such acclaimed musicians as Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Michael McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, and De La Soul. Doors open at 7 p.m. $32.50-$75. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Parade of Lights
December 4, Lodi
The streets of downtown Lodi will be sparkling with holiday cheer at the thirteenth annual Parade of Lights, a caravan of decorated floats, elaborate light displays, marching bands, street dancers, and more, all gathered to bring the wintry season to life. Be sure to get a good spot early; from the Grand Marshal’s ride through the streets in a horse-pulled carriage to Santa riding atop a fire truck at the finale of the parade, the spectacle has been known to draw in crowds by the thousands. 6 p.m. Free. Downtown Lodi, (209) 369-8052, www.downtownlodi.com
First Friday Art Hop
December 5, Lodi
The first Friday of each month finds downtown Lodi’s buisnesses opening their doors to feature artists from all over the county. Hutchins Street Square, Lodi Public Library, Java Stop, The Cellar, Knowlton Gallery, and most recently the Wine and Visitor Center are among the spaces hosting the event, and each location will feature a different artist. All aspiring artists are invited to attend, as the Lodi Arts Commission is constantly seeking new and hidden talent within the community. Lodi winemakers, such as Michael and David Phillips from Michael-David Winery, will show off their skills as well, with food and wine aplenty to all attendees. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Lodi, (209) 333-5511, www.lodiarts.org
Festival of Lights Boat Parade
December 6, Stockton
Stockton’s twenty-ninth annual Lighted Boat Parade is one event guaranteed to sparkle. The Marina West Yacht Club sponsors the parade, which sees decorated boats grace the waters of Stockton’s deepwater channel, winding around McLeod Lake to give all spectators a view of the extravagant lights adorning the boats. Be sure to check the weather forecast, as the boat parade takes place in any weather—trust us, the display is well worth the extra sweater and pair of mittens you might need to bring. 6 p.m. Free. Weber Point Event Center, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 477-7653, www.stocktongov.com/festivaloflights
McHenry House Holiday Home Tour
December 7, Tracy
Kick off your holiday season with the McHenry House Holiday Home Tour, with all proceeds benefiting the McHenry House homeless family shelter. Guests will receive tour maps at Windmill Ridge Winery, the meeting spot before the tour begins, where pre-tour refreshments will be available, and then travel around to view gorgeously decorated homes throughout the Tracy area. Presale tickets are encouraged as this event sells out. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $20-$25. Various locations in Tracy, (209) 835-2328, www.mchenryhousetracy.org
Rocking Jazzy Kids
December 13, Stockton
The Haggin Museum’s popular family festivals are here this season, and Rocking Jazzy Kids is just the thing for a little swing. Local, kid-friendly, rock band the Bad Goods will be performing, and children will be able to make their own guitar of sorts, create and sport a rock star t-shirt, learn power chords and jazz beats, and try their hand scat singing to start their musical careers. Be sure to check out the Rock and Jazz special exhibition within the museum, on display through January 18. 1:30-4 p.m. Museum admission $2.50-$5. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, (209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org
Lights, Bells, and Carols
December 13, Tracy
Tracy’s Performing Arts Foundation once again brings the magic of the holiday season to life with their winter chorale production, “Lights, Bells, and Carols.” Youth and adult choirs will fill the Grand Theatre with the sounds of traditional and seasonal favorites, as well as an original holiday composition. The hundred-plus voices of the choir singers will be joined by popular ensemble group “The 12 Tones,” helping to create the “glorious sounds of the season.” 2 and 7 p.m. $7. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, www.atthegrand.org
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 13-14, Stockton
One of the greatest known ballets is once again coming to Stockton, and who better to perform this Russian masterpiece than local Stocktonians? Fantastic costumes, elaborate sets, and beautiful choreography create the fantasy world in this timeless tale of a young girl whose nutcracker Christmas gift, at the stroke of midnight, sweeps her away into a world of mice kings and sugar plum fairies, where dolls come to life and anything can happen. Performed by Ballet San Joaquin, there is nothing more magical than Tchaikovsky’s score, ageless and powerful, as it resonates in the theater. 7:30 and 2 p.m. respectively. $17-$25. Faye Spanos Concert Hall, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 946-2415,
www.stocktonnutcracker.comSJM
