Ten Great Dates
compiled by AMANDA RIFE
In the Mood
March 5, Lodi
Experience the glamour and charm of the 1940s in the form of In the Mood, the musical that captures the greatest moments of the Big Band Era. The “music that moved a nation’s spirit” will move yours, too, as the cast of characters sing and dance along with a live big band orchestra and relive the excitement and innocence of this period in America’s history. 7:30 p.m. $27-$40. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5550, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
Classic Cinema
March 13, Stockton
The Friends of the Fox once again host the Classic Cinema series this year, screening a vintage film each springtime month at the Bob Hope Theatre, preceded by a classic organ concert. This month, Frank Capra’s five-time Academy Award winning It Happened One Night tells the story of a young socialite who, after running away from an arranged marriage, finds herself working with a reporter in order to keep her freedom as a singleton. Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable star in this timeless romantic comedy. 7 p.m. $4-$8. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Smooth Jazz Series
March 13, Stockton
Premiering last month with British Jazz guitarist Chris Standring, Smooth Jazz on the Square is proud to bring to Lodi the musical talents of distinguished vocalist and guitarist Ivan Najera this month. Born in Ecuador, Najera has been performing since the age of 9, influenced by Flamenco, Brazilian, and Spanish cultures. Dinner and wine will be available for purchase. 8 p.m. $35. Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5550, www.hutchinsstreetsquare.com
18th Annual Trivia Bee
“Monsters, mysteries, and magic” is the theme this year as the Library and Literacy Foundation once again hosts its annual fundraiser. While teams answer questions about Harry Potter, Frankenstein, and other mystical subjects—$550 for a team of three to compete—other coveted awards will be handed out to the audience (best costume and best table decoration, to list a few). With a buffet dinner, raffle baskets, and silent and wine auctions, the foundation hopes to beat the $60,000 raised last year to continue to promote literacy within the community. 5-9 p.m. $20 before event, $25 at door. Stockton Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton, (209) 937-7196
St. Patrick's Day Festival
March 14, Stockton
Cabbage bowling, magic tricks, live entertainment, and a competition for the “Steadiest Hands in Stockton” are among the long list of events for the whole family on St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Stockton. A Green Garden Party at Janet Leigh Plaza for those of age to enjoy the green beer will serve up traditional corned beef and cabbage and live entertainment. Also featured at 9 a.m. is the Shamrock 5k Walk and Run around downtown Stockton. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Dean DeCarli Plaza, 425 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, (209) 464-5246, www.downtownstockton.org
Claremont Avenue Collectors Fair
March 15, Stockton
Vendors from around the United States will be joining together for the first of many weekends of the Claremont Avenue Collectors Fair. Over two hundred fifty vendors will be selling antiques, collectibles, and fine local food (starting March 15) on the third Sunday of each month in the Weberstown Mall parking lot. Antique hunters will be coming from all over the county searching for the best and most unique finds, so an early start is always recommended. 5 a.m-2:30 p.m. $5 adults, free for 16 and under. Weberstown Mall, 4950 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 762-7840, www.fedorandplante.com
Around the World with Paragary's
March 19, Stockton
For those food connoisseurs who can’t sail off across the world to try cultural delicacies, Paragary’s Bar and Grill is featuring monthly nights of cultural cuisine, starting last month with Basque dishes. Prepared by chef Buddy O’Dell, March features a menu celebrating the rustic cuisine of France. 6-9 p.m. $40 per person, excluding tip. Paragary’s, 110 N. El Dorado St., Stockton, (209) 943-1110, www.paragarys.com
Spring Art Show
March 20-22, Acampo
This marks the forty-ninth year that Lodi has been holding its annual Spring Art Show, where close to two hundred pieces of art will be hung on the barrel room walls at Woodbridge Winery. A preview show will be held Friday March 20, with food, music, and wine offered to attendees, as well as first dibs on artwork. Also, a $1000 scholarship will be given to a local high school senior continuing an education in art. Fri., 6-8 p.m., $35. Sat. and Sun., 12-5 p.m., free. Woodbridge Winery, 5950 E. Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, (209) 333-3855, www.lodiartcenter.org
Bye Bye Birdie
March 23, Stockton
When Conrad Birdie is drafted into the Army, a nationwide contest is organized for one lucky girl to win a farewell kiss from the popular rock star. Bye Bye Birdie follows Conrad and his entourage as they move into the town where winner Kim McAfee lives, and all the romantic chaos that ensues. An unforgettable musical, Bye Bye Birdie brings with it all same appeal that won the show eight Tony awards when it originally premiered. 7:30 p.m. $28-$48. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 Main St., Stockton, (209) 337-HOPE, www.bobhopetheatre.com
Lodi Spring Wine Show
March 27-28, Lodi
Taste the wines of Lodi’s beautiful appellation this spring at the twenty-ninth Spring Wine Show, which draws over 3,000 people annually. Over fifty wineries will be pouring at the event, and live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beer tasting will also liven up the Grape Festival Grounds. Proceeds will go to the Lodi Grape Festival Bucks for Books Scholarship fund, and a wine basket with over sixty bottles of wine will be given to one lucky ticketholder. $25-$30. 6-9 p.m. Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi, (209) 369-2771, www.grapefestival.com SJM
