Ten Great Dates
compiled by Amanda Rife
History of Rock & Roll and Jazz
Through January 18, Stockton
Two exciting exhibitions are bringing down the walls of Stockton’s Haggin Museum— “Thirty Years of Rock & Roll” and “Portraits from the Golden Age of Jazz.” Rock music’s progression through thirty years of change is documented in photographs by Larry Hulst, with images of Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Chuck Berry, and Jimi Hendrix, among countless others. The jazz exhibition, featuring the works of famed jazz photographer William Gottlieb, shows iconic images of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Billy Holiday, and Charlie Parker, to name a few. Both exhibits, whose combined photo count nears one hundred fifty, will be showing together through the middle of the month. Museum admission Free-$5. Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton,
(209) 940-6300, www.hagginmuseum.org
Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly
Through January 11, Stockton
San Joaquin County Historical Museum’s “Bear In Mind: Story of the California Grizzly” exhibit brings to life the history and current plight of one of the state’s most admired animals. The exhibit, divided into three sections, explores how grizzly bears became extinct in California, facts and common myths about grizzlies, and California grizzly bears in popular culture. Children’s and hands-on activities make this exhibit accessible to all ages. Museum admission $2-$5. San Joaquin County Historical Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Rd., Lodi,
(209) 331-2055, www.sanjoaquinhistory.org
Open-Air Asian and Farmers Market
Saturdays, Stockton
Since July 10, 1979, rain or shine, this outdoor market has offered fresh produce alongside fare from countries like Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Korea, and India. As one of the largest open-air Asian markets in Northern California, vendors come from as far away as Fresno, Watsonville, and San Jose, though most merchants are local. Fresh fish, tofu, Asian vegetables, apples, persimmons, plants, and live chickens make up a small portion of the fare this local treasure has to offer, and in thirty years it’s only closed three times, when a major holiday fell on a Saturday. 6-10 a.m. Free. Under the Crosstown Freeway between El Dorado and San Joaquin Streets, Stockton, (209) 481-7421
George Winston
January 4, Lodi
Winston was one of the earliest promoters of contemporary instrumental music, now known as New Age. Most famous for his tribute album to Vince Guaraldi’s compositions for Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” cartoons, and his bestselling seasonal albums Autumn, December, and Winter into Spring, George Winston has been playing piano for the better part of thirty years. 4 p.m. $33 for reserved tickets. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5550, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
Barber of Seville
January 16 and 18, Stockton
Intrigue and comedy abound in the Barber of Seville, one of Gioacchino Rossini’s most famous operas. Set in Spain, the opera tells the story of a Count that falls in love with a commoner, and the pains he takes to win her heart with the help of a barber named Figaro. In its fortieth year, the Stockton Opera Association brings this opus to life. January 16 at 7:30 p.m., January 18 at 2 p.m. $10-$35. Faye Spanos Concert Hall, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 946-2415,
www.stocktonopera.org
San Joaquin Children’s Film Festival
January 16-18, Stockton
Filmmakers from all over the world will participate in the first ever San Joaquin Children’s Film Festival, spotlighting twenty-five feature and short films. French filmmaker Michel Ocelot’s Azur and Asmar: The Prince’s Quest will screen at the opening gala January 16, and the Stockton Empire Theatre will show the festival’s movies over a two-day period. Events such as a young filmmakers’ workshop and conversations with guest artists will take place throughout the weekend. Times and ticket prices to come. Stockton Empire Theatre, 1825 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 943-7469, www.sjiff.org
Snow Storm at Weber Point
January 21, Stockton
Wrap up the kids in their warmest winter wear and get ready for a blizzard. Snow will be dumped by the truckload at Weber Point in downtown Stockton and arranged into slopes for attendees of all ages. The finest factor of the event is that admission is the donation of a gently used coat or can of food, to be distributed to local charities and organizations that help those in need. 1-4 p.m. Free. Weber Point, 221 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 465-4386, www.stocktongov.org
Annie
January 21, Stockton
Little orphan Annie will be bringing her timeless charm to Stockton in this classic musical. Whether you’ve grown up singing along with tunes “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” or you’ve never heard them before, this production of Annie will keep you remembering that the sun always comes out tomorrow. 7:30 p.m. $33-$53. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE,
www.bobhopetheatre.com
Crab Feed
January 24, Lodi
Tuck in your bibs and prepare for a feast. This second annual crab feed, to benefit the Community Center for the Blind in their sixtieth year of existence, offers great food, good times, and a raffle, all to raise money for the blind and visually-impaired. Last year’s event brought in two hundred fifty crab lovers, and as one of the first events of the year, they hope to draw an even bigger crowd this time around. 6 p.m. $45. Stockton-Waterloo Gun and Bocci Club, 4343 N. Ashley Ln., Stockton, (209) 466-3836, www.communitycenterfortheblind.org
Extra Events
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
January 20, Stockton
Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Occurence: Jan 20, 2009 Posted by: stockton Contact: Stockton Parks & Recreation Department Contact Email: Contact Telephone: 209-937-8206 Location: Stockton Civic Auditorium Description: A two-day event in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr., with choir performances, guest speakers, and march. Open to all ages - free admission. 547 2770
Peking Acrobats
January 17, Tracy
From the People’s Republic of China come this group of paramount athletes who have been touring the world since 1958. With gymnastics, juggling, tumbling, and cycling prowess, the grace with which they accomplish these feats is astounding. The live music that accompanies the show heightens the stunning effect of these performers, and the entire show will leave your imagination in as many loops as these contortionists can muster. 8 p.m. $22-$42. Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6TKT, www.atthegrand.org
