http://www.mv-voice.com If it is local and useful, it is on mv-voice.com. en-us Northbound Foothill Expressway between Hillview Avenue and Page Mill Road, including the bike lane, will be closed beginning today at 9 p.m. and remain closed until 5 a.m. on Monday, May 20.
]]> The first in a series of such actions nationwide, advocates for immigrant rights in Mountain View made their point this month by going without food and speaking to church congregations up and down the Peninsula.]]> Former Santa Clara High School Principal Dave Grissom will be the new principal of Mountain View High School.]]> Music: Known to Collapse at Red Rock
Oakland-based experimental rock band Known to Collapse makes its Red Rock Coffee debut tonight, May 17, at 8 p.m. 201 Castro St., Mountain View. Free.
]]> In an incident a local eyewitness described as "horrific," a person was fatally injured after falling or jumping off the Rengstorff Avenue overpass onto Highway 101 around 11 a.m. this morning, May 17.]]> Music: The Tuttles with A.J. Lee
Palo Alto's Tuttle family joins forces with frequent musical collaborator A.J. Lee for a bluegrass concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18. The show is at the First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View at 1667 Miramonte Ave. $22 at the door, with discounts for teens and music students. Children 12 and under free with paying adult.

Music: Schola Cantorum
"Broadway Baby: The Magic of Sondheim and Schwartz" is the theme of Schola Cantorum's 8 p.m. concert on Saturday, May 18. The choral group will perform songs from "Wicked," "Pippin," "Into the Woods" and others at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Road. General-admission tickets are $25.

Music: California Pops
The California Pops Orchestra closes its season with "Maestros of the Movies," featuring the biggest musical hits from the finest film composers on Sunday, May 19, at Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills. 3 p.m.

Author: Eve Ensler
"Vagina Monologues" playwright Eve Ensler will speak about her new book, "In the Body of the World," at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19. The event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. General admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. ]]> In a move that may reduce parking for nearby businesses, the City Council voted to sell a city-owned parking lot on Tuesday to a developer proposing to build 200 apartments at the corner of El Camino Real and Castro Street.]]> Two busy intersections should soon be much safer after the City Council unanimously voted to replace a pair of aging stoplights on Middlefield Road and California Street Tuesday.]]> Everyone seems to agree that marching up and down a football field while banging on drums or playing the horn is hard work. But while parents and band members think they should get P.E. credit for participating in the activity, physical education teachers take a different view.]]> Art: 17th Century Dutch Baroque lecture
The Mountain View Library hosts an art lecture, "In the Absence of Spectacle," tonight, May 16, with art historian Lisa Koruga. Journey through 17th Century art, just in time for the exhibit featuring the famed "Girl with the Pearl Earring." 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Mountain View Public Library, 585 Franklin St.]]> Tempers were tested at a recent meeting of the local high school district's board of trustees, as one of the governing body's elder statesmen gave a passionate, playful and at times sardonic speech, suggesting calls for stricter enforcement of dress code policy was contributing to "rape culture."]]> In a major turning point following years of discussion, the City Council approved a redesign for McKelvey Park Tuesday to allow it be used as a flood basin for Permanente Creek. ]]> Now that the project to build new classrooms at Los Altos High School is nearly finished, officials with the district are looking ahead to the next project at the school -- revamping the tennis courts.]]> State Assemblyman Richard Gordon is accepting applications from high school and college students for part-time summer internships. ]]> Astronomy: 'What It's Like on the Surface of Mars'
As part of the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series, Lori Fenton of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute will give an illustrated (and non-technical) lecture about the latest on the Mars rover, Curiosity. The free event is at 7 p.m. tomorrow, May 15, in Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.
]]> A man living on the 2700 block of Diericx Drive woke up Sunday to find two bicycles and a TV had been taken from his open garage overnight.]]> Art: 'Watergate Villains and Heroes'
Palo Alto artist Myrrh's portraits of the Watergate defendants, and the senators questioning them, are on display at the Midpeninsula Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto. The free exhibit is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and by appointment on weekday evenings.]]> An employee of the China Cafe restaurant located near the Safeway on Miramonte Avenue was robbed at gunpoint as she prepared to close the store on May 11, according to police.]]> A toolbox and various tools were stolen from a storage unit in a Mountain View apartment complex sometime between Friday and Saturday.]]> An iPad Mini was stolen when a home on the 700 block of Emily Street was burglarized on May 10, police said.]]> After being sued by the Sierra Club for dumping toxics from its mining operations into the upper reaches of Permanante Creek, Lehigh Cement Company has agreed to pay for a toxic cleanup valued at over $10 million.]]> Artist talk: Richard Misrach
Photographer Richard Misrach, whose work is on display in a large Cantor Arts Center exhibit called "Revisiting the South: Richard Misrach's Cancer Alley," will give a free talk at 6 p.m. today, May 13. The event is in Annenberg Auditorium at the Cummings Art Building at Stanford University. Misrach will also sign copies of "Petrochemical America," the book accompanying the exhibit.]]> Los Altos High School is being recognized for its efforts to educate through engagement in social issues both near and far.]]> Theater: 'Pirates of Penzance'
The Peninsula Youth Theater presents "Pirates of Penzance," opening on Saturday, May 11, with shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Mountain View Center for Performing Arts, 2500 Old Middlefield Way.

Tour: Pandemonium Aviaries
Pandemonium Aviaries will open its doors to the public for a behind the scenes tour of their rare bird conservation facility. May 11 and 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $75, children $35, children under 12 free. Pandemonium Aviaries, 221 Main St., Los Altos. ]]> Talk: Astronomy Club at Foothill
Dr. Franck Marchis of the SETI Institute is the speaker at tonight's monthly meeting of the Peninsula Astronomical Society. The free talk is open to the public, and the Foothill Observatory will open after the meeting from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. 7:30-9 p.m. $3 parking fee. Foothill College Room 5015, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Theater: Death of a Salesman
The Asian American Theater Project (AATP) presents Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman," with the Loman family played by Asian actors. AATP brings a twist to the original play, pointing out that Miller's play embodies many themes and problems that can be found in an Asian American family as well, such as the age-old question of how far one man will go to provide for his family and achieve the American dream. Free admission. May 9 at 8 p.m. at the Roble Theater, 374 Santa Teresa St., Stanford.]]> Talks: Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of Facebook, will speak at the Computer History Museum in conversation with Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt on May 8. The event is titled "Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead." A member reception begins at 6 p.m., the program at 7 p.m. and a book signing immediately after, at 8 p.m. 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View.
]]> Music: Live Jazz with Johnny Williams and Steven Gary
Morocco's Restaurant in Mountain View hosts a live jazz performance that starts at 7 p.m. on May 7. Wine corkage fee is waived for the occasion. 5-9 p.m. at 873 Castro St.]]> Talk: Mark Bittman
Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist and author of "How to Cook Everything" and "VB6" makes the case that a partially vegan diet can dramatically improve your health at this Commonwealth Club event tonight, May 6. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., the program at 7 p.m., and a signing at 8 p.m. $15-$55. Lucie Stern Community Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

Art: MVHS Annual Student Art Show
Mountain View High School's annual Student Art Show begins today and will run through May 24, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show features photography, drawing, painting and sculpture pieces on display in the library. 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View.]]> Event: A la Carte & Art
A la Carte & Art, the lively annual street fair, takes over downtown Mountain View this weekend, May 4-5, on Castro Street. The event, a fundraiser for the Mountain View Central Business Association, includes live music, artisans and crafts, a classic car show, children's activities, food, microbrews and drinks, and the farmers market. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 650-964-3395 for information.

Music: Blackfest 2013
The rapper Future headlines this year's Blackfest, a free cultural festival at Stanford University's Levin Field that features music and dance performances and clothing and food vendors. The event starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, and lasts about four hours.

Art: Silicon Valley Open Studios
The annual Silicon Valley Open Studios event begins its three-weekend run this Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Peninsula and South Bay artists open up their home and group studios to show and sell their work, and to talk to the public about their creative process.]]> Art: 'Art of Protest'
A new exhibit documenting the history of the protest movement in the 1960s and '70s at Stanford opens today, May 3, with a 7 p.m. reception. The show, which features 26 silk-screen poster prints from campus protest events, is at Harmony House, 561 Lomita Drive, Stanford. Archivist Lincoln Cushing will speak, and university musician Lizzie Quinlan will perform.
]]> Music: 'SLOrktastic Chamber Music'
The Stanford Laptop Orchestra (yep, you read that right) plays a free concert of "chamber works for laptops" at 8 p.m. today, May 2. Also known as the SLOrk ensemble, the group performs on the CCRMA Stage at The Knoll, Stanford University.
]]> Poetry: Anne Carson
Visiting poet Anne Carson, who is on campus at Stanford University this spring, will give a free public reading at 8 p.m. today, May 1. The Pushcart Prize-winning writer will speak at Cemex Auditorium in the Knight Management Center on campus.]]> Talk: Global Speaker Series
Paul Jacobs, CEO of the wireless-technology company Qualcomm, is scheduled to speak at noon today, April 30, at Cemex Auditorium in the Knight Management Center at Stanford University. As part of the Global Speaker Series, Jacobs will talk about ways technology can address challenges in the worldwide community.

]]> Music: Red Rock Coffee Open Mic Night
Cavin & Kings Open Mic night happens every Monday at Red Rock Coffee in downtown Mountain View from 7 to 10 p.m. Everyone gets 10 minutes, enough time for two songs, three to four poems, or a stand-up routine. To sign up, get to Red Rock before 6:30 p.m., when the sign-up book goes out. Red Rock is at 201 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Community: Spring Parade
"Wild About Mountain View" is the theme of the city's 35th annual Spring Parade on Saturday, April 27, noon to 3 p.m. The parade starts on Castro Street at Villa Street downtown, with food, games and activities in Pioneer Park.

Music: A Night at the Opera
The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra presents the fourth and final program of its Main Stage Concert series in the 2012-2013 series, "A Night at the Opera." 8-10 p.m. First Palo Alto United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Free.

Theater: Miss Saigon
The Palo Alto Players present "Miss Saigon," a musical about an American G.I. and a Vietnamese bar girl who fall in love in 1975 only to be separated in the chaos of the fall of Saigon. April 27 is opening night. 8 p.m. Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets $18-$32.

Music: Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet
The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, founded in 1988 during the era of Herbert von Karajan, the first permanently established wind quintet, will perform at Bing Concert Hall. 2:30-4:30 p.m. 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. Tickets are $10-$60

Art: Andy Warhol and Celebrity
As a Pop artist trained in advertising, Andy Warhol was obsessed with fame and the media. This exhibition, titled "More than Fifteen Minutes: Andy Warhol and Celebrity," features prints, drawings, and Polaroid photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Mao Tse Tung, Mick Jagger and other contemporary icons, exploring ideas about fame, ephemerality and the legacy of Andy Warhol. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. ]]> Gardening: Gamble Garden Spring Tour
The 26th is the first day of Gamble Garden's 28th Annual Spring Tour, which will feature six gardens, each showcasing landscaping designs. There will also be a marketplace selling plants and garden gifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. $40. Register online.

]]> Theater: MVHS presents 'Romeo and Juliet'
Mountain View High School will present Shakespeare's famous tragedy of star-crossed lovers for its spring play tonight, April 25, at Spartan Theatre, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View. 7-9 p.m. Tickets available at the door, $10 adults, $5 students/seniors. ]]> Talks: A Conversation with Clarence B. Jones
Stanford's "How I Write" program hosts Clarence B. Jones, a speechwriter and counsel to Martin Luther King, Jr. From 1960 until King's assassination in 1968, assisting him in drafting the "I Have a Dream" speech that King delivered on August 28, 1963. Free. 7:30 p.m. History Corner (Bldg. 200), Room 002, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford. ]]> Technology: 'Face2Face' with Polyvore co-founder
Tedx Bay Area presents "Near Future Predictions about Personal Computing," featuring Pasha Sadri, the creator of Yahoo! Pipes and a co-founder of Polyvore tonight, April 23. The event will include a gourmet dinner, wine and networking beginning at 6:30 pm, followed by the featured talk and a Q&A session. Tickets are $50 at the door. 1077 Independence Ave., Samovar Conference Hall, Mountain View.
]]> Authors: Maria Semple
Books Inc. Palo Alto hosts the founding member of Seattle 7 Writers, Maria Semple, to talk about the paperback release of "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," her novel about a mother and a daughter tonight, April 22 at 7 p.m. Free. 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto.
]]> Gardening: Foothill College spring plant sale
The annual Spring Plant Sale at Foothill College features tomato plants, bamboo, shrubs, succulents and more on Saturday, April 20, at Foothill College Environmental Horticulture Facilities (adjacent to Lot 8), 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission; parking is $3. No credit cards.

Family: 'Science Fun'
Palo Alto's Museum of American Heritage will host a family "Science Fun" day with hands-on activities: electromagnetic games and toys, a theremin and a Tesla coil. The event starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at 351 Homer Ave. Tickets are $10.

Music: Sitar concert
Sitar musician Pandit Nayan Ghosh will play a free concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 21. He will be accompanied by his son Ishaan Ghosh on the tabla at the performance, which is at The Knoll, 660 Lomita Drive, Stanford University.]]> Theater: 'House of Blue Leaves'
The Bus Barn Theater presents "The House of Blue Leaves," a comedy about America's obsession with celebrity tonight, April 19, at 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 8 p.m. Runs through May 5, Wednesday through Sunday. $18-$30.]]> Theater: 'Pear Slices'
"Pear Slices," the Pear Avenue Theatre's annual series of new short plays written by the Pear Playwrights Guild, continues tonight, April 18, at 8 p.m. The theater is at 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, Mountain View. $15-20. ]]> Talk: 'Brown Dwarfs & Free-Floating Planets'
U.C. Berkeley astronomy professor Gibor Basri will give an illustrated and non-technical talk on "Brown Dwarfs & Free-Floating Planets
When You're Just Too Small to Be a Star" at 7 p.m. today, April 17. The free event is in Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. The first of the elusive brown dwarfs was just discovered in 1995.
]]> Community: Israeli Independence Day celebration
Palo Alto's Oshman Family Jewish Community Center is holding a festival to mark Israeli Independence Day from 4 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, April 16, at 3921 Fabian Way. The event will include jazz and Hebrew music performances, Israeli dancing, family art activities, a flea market and food and drink.]]> Art: Mitchell Johnson
Menlo Park painter Mitchell Johnson is showing his colorful and often geometric works in a new exhibition at the Community School of Music and Arts at 230 San Antonio Circle in Mountain View. The free show is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 3. ]]> Music: Jazz at Red Rock
An evening of jazz by the Night Quintet begins at 8 p.m. at Red Rock Coffee Shop, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Theater: Pear Slices 2013
The Pear Avenue Theatre presents its 10th annual offering of new short plays by members of the Pear Playwrights Guild. Featuring eight actors in nine original works. Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm. April 5 through 28, Thursdays through Sundays, 8-10 p.m. $10-$30 For more information, call Pear Avenue Theatre at 650-254-1148 or email pearavenuetheatre@gmail.com. Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Avenue, Mountain View.

Music: World Music at Morrocco's
Live world music on Saturdays through April 27, 5 p.m.-midnight. Free. For more information, call Sham Essadki at 650-968-1502 or email moroccosmv@live.com. Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View.

Theater: 'Being Earnest'
TheatreWorks presents the world premiere of "Being Earnest" a new musical from Paul Gordon. Set in 1965 London, this adaptation moves "The Importance of Being Earnest" to a bachelor flat near Carnaby Street, where mod fashion, music and morality inspires a quartet of lovers. Tues-Sun, April 3-28. $23-$73. For more information, call TheatreWorks at 650-463-1960. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Authors: Amy Tan
The Palo Alto JCC hosts Amy Tan, author of "The Joy Luck Club," for an interview with Louann Brizendine, M.D., author of "The Female Brain" and "The Male Brain" tonight, April 11, at Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7:30-9 p.m. Cost is $35 at the door.
]]> Technology: 'Cool Product Expo'
Cool Product Expo is an annual event that brings together the latest products from global innovators, budding start-ups and design studios. This year's Expo will feature telepresence robots, solar-powered planes, electric motorcycles and more. The event is free and open to the public. McCaw Hall & Sy Oak Grove, Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez St., Stanford. 12-6 p.m. ]]> Author: Joshua Mohr
New York Times bestselling author Joshua Mohr will discuss his latest book, "Fight Song," a novel about modern suburban life tonight, April 9, at Books Inc., 301 Castro Street, Mountain View. 7 p.m.

]]> Lecture: Jeff Goodell
Rolling Stone journalist, author and Sunnyvale native Jeff Goodell will give a talk tonight on climate change and other environmental issues. Peninsula Open Space Trust, 222 High Street, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. Cost is $22. Proceeds from the series benefit POST's land-saving work.

]]> Music: Classical guitar
Marc Teicholz, a faculty member at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, will be the guitar soloist in Lee Actor's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, at a Palo Alto Philharmonic concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6. The performance is at Cubberley Theatre at 4000 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto and includes a 7:30 pre-concert talk.

Art: 'Channelling Picasso'
A reception for the new exhibit by Mountain View artist Charlotte Coqui, called "Channelling Picasso" is set for Saturday, April 6, at Gallery House, 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. 6-8 p.m. Exhibit through April 27, Tue. and Wed. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

Music: 'Really Ragtime'
Retro pianist Frederick Hodges is the featured performer at a musical event benefiting the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7. The event will be at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Tickets are $25 and include light refreshments.]]> Theater: 'Pear Slices'
"Pear Slices," the Pear Avenue Theatre's annual series of new short plays, opens today, April 5, at 8 p.m. The theater is at 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, Mountain View.

Dance: 'Cardinal Dance Fusion'
Stanford's Cardinal Ballet Company presents multi-faceted dance performances by several companies at 8 p.m. today, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, at Dinkelspiel Auditorium on campus. Performers will include dancers from Swingtime, tapTH@T and Urban Styles. General admission is $10.]]> Music: 'Masterpieces for piano duo'
The Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center hosts a free faculty concert featuring piano duo Nicki Kerns and guest Lavinia Livingston tonight, April 4, at Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. 7-8 p.m. ]]> Lecture: 'In Treatment'
Psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom will speak together with Yael Hedaya, screenwriter for the TV series "In Treatment," in a free program that looks at how therapy is depicted on the screen and page. The event is at 5 p.m. today, April 3, in the Humanities Center at the Taube Center for Jewish Studies at Stanford University.
]]> Art: Naomi Mindelzun
The natural world comes to new life in an exhibit of mixed-media paintings and drawings by Palo Alto artist Naomi Mindelzun. The free show opens today, April 2, at Gallery 9 at 143 Main St. in Los Altos. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4, through April 28.]]> Author: Lisa Selow
Speaker and life coach Lisa Selow gives a free talk at 7:30 p.m. tonight, April 1, at East West Books, 324 Castro St., Mountain View. She'll speak on her book "A Rebel Chick Mystic's Guide." The talk is free, but attendees must RSVP by calling 650-988-9800.]]> Gardening: Gardening for Beginners
Hidden Villa will host a Gardening for Beginners class for adults on Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Photography: Richard Misrach's Cancer Alley
Photographer Richard Misrach presents a body of work that documents the environmental and ecological degradation of a passage of the Mississippi River, between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, known as Cancer Alley. ]]> Children's Theatre: 'Oliver'
Based upon Charles Dickens' classic novel, this musical adaptation will be performed tonight at Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto at 7 p.m.

Movies: 'North by Northwest'
"North by Northwest" will play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday night at Stanford Theatre.]]> Lecture: When Hollywood Ran Off With Silicon Valley
Bobby Podesta, former Pixar Studios story artist and animator and current head of creative at ToyTalk, Inc., a San Francisco start-up that blends art and technology to create family entertainment, will be giving a lecture on art and technology at Cantor Arts Center at 4:15 p.m.
Books: Michael Lavigne
Author Michael Lavigne will discuss "The Wanting," a novel about an Israeli father and his daughter in the aftermath of a suicide bombing, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc. at 74 Town & Country Village.]]> Dance: Zumba Gold
Avenidas hosts its last Zumba Gold class at 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Books: Navi Radijou
"Jugaad Innovation: Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth" author Navi Radijou will be at Kepler's Books on 1010 El Camino Real in Menlo Park at 7:30 p.m.]]> Religion: Passover Seder Singles Potluck
The Palo Alto Jewish Community Center will host a Passover potluck in the Freidenrich Conference Center (Room F-401) for single adults in their 40s - 60s from 7 to 10 p.m.
Books: Ellen Sussman
'The Paradise Guest House' author Ellen Sussman will be at Kepler's Books on 1010 El Camino Real in Menlo Park at 7 p.m. ]]> Music: Red Rock Coffee Open Mic Night
Cavin & Kings Open Mic night happens every Monday at Red Rock Coffee in downtown Mountain View from 7 to 10 p.m.

Books:'The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration'
The Hands on Bay Area Book Club will discuss "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson at Books Inc. in Mountain View on 301 Castro Street at 7 p.m.

Food and fundraising: Morocco's Restaurant Fundraising for the Y
From 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Morocco's Restaurant in downtown Mountain View on 873 Castro St., 15 percent of all proceeds, including sales, catering orders, gift cards and take outs will benefit the local YMCA, a sport facility with a focus on Youth Development, healthy living and social responsibility. ]]> Community: Peninsula French Fair
Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Community Center hosts the eighth Peninsula French Fair with crepes, charcuterie and cheeses from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23. Admission is free to the event, which will be at 1305 Middlefield Road.

Music: Master Sinfonia
The Peninsula-based Master Sinfonia orchestra will play the brand-new Jeremy Cavaterra work "Monterey Suite" at an 8 p.m. concert on Saturday, March 23, at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Road. Tickets are $20 (free for audience members under 18).

Community: Run for Zimbabwe
The 14th annual Run for Zimbabwe on Sunday, March 24, has divisions for preschoolers to adults and a fair with live music, children's art, crafts, games, African animal mascots and a buffet at St. Joseph School, 120 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. Noon-4 p.m. Proceeds benefit Makumbi's Children Home in Zimbabwe.]]> Family: 'The Wishing Chair'
As part of the Stories on Stage program to introduce younger viewers to theater and reading, Peninsula Youth Theatre will perform "The Wishing Chair and Other Irish Tales," a new short theatrical work. Performances are today, March 22, at 11 a.m. and tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Tickets are $8 for Friday and $10 for Saturday.]]> Theater: 'Short Plays About Life & Death'
Students from Foothill College's intensive Theatre Conservatory direct seven brief plays about mortality in a weekend of performances at the Lohman Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Show times are March 21, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7-$14.]]> Photography: 'Asian Travels'
Los Altos photographer Roy Harrington is displaying images from his recent travels in Asia in an exhibit at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. The show is up through March 30.
]]> Theater: 'The Mountaintop'
Katori Hall's "The Mountaintop," a two-actor play about Martin Luther King Jr. and a spirited hotel maid, plays at Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Theatre at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 19. The TheatreWorks show runs through April 7. ]]> Theater: 'The Mountaintop'
Katori Hall's "The Mountaintop," a two-actor play about Martin Luther King Jr. and a spirited hotel maid, plays at Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Theatre at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 19. The TheatreWorks show runs through April 7. ]]> Community: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, March 22, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. ]]> Music: 'Music Teachers' Scholarship Concert'
The music teachers of the Palo Alto Unified School District are holding their 21st annual chamber-music concert at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Palo Alto High School's Haymarket Theatre, 50 Embarcadero Road. Concert proceeds go toward scholarships for district music students.

Community: Swearing-In Ceremony for Joe Simitian
The public is invited to a swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, March 17, for Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, followed by a screening of the documentary film "The Waiting Room," and Q&A session with producer William B. Hirsch. Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Free, but seat reservations required. Call Tyler Haskell at 408-299-5050 for information or RSVP through DistrictFive.eventbrite.com.

Music: Bay Choral Guild
"Pilgrimage," the Bay Choral Guild's spring concert series, will feature contemporary composer Gabriel Jackson's "To the Field of Stars," about the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. A local performance is planned for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto.]]> Music: Flutist Robert Stallman
The French Film Club of Palo Alto continues its diversification into music as well as movies, hosting a concert by flutist Robert Stallman at 8 p.m. tonight, March 15, at Tateuchi Hall at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. The program includes performances by fellow flutists Isabelle Chapuis, Ai Goldsmith and Annie Wu, and pianist Dimitriy Cogan. Tickets are $35 general, $25 for seniors and $15 for students.

]]> Music: San Francisco Opera Adler fellows
As part of an event called "Opera & Jewish Soul," singers from the San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows program will perform a recital at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. The program, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 14, will feature songs by Israeli and Jewish composers, and arias from well-known operas. Tickets at the door are $30.
]]> Art: 'Cafe Ole'
This Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society members' exhibit celebrates the fun of cafe life today, March 13, at Main Street Cafe and Books, 134 Main St., Los Altos. Visitors may vote for their favorite work. The votes will be counted on March 14 and announced at the cafe Saturday, March 16, at 3 p.m. Open daily 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., except Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.]]> Talk: 'Face to Face with CEO of Udemy'
Eren Bali of Udemy discusses "learning to learn by yourself," today, March 12, at this TEDx event at Samovar Conference Hall, 1077 Independence Ave., Mountain View. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25-$50. Gourmet dinner and wine included.]]> Art: 'Wild Heart of One Bird Singing'
Works from a new book by watercolor painter/scientific illustrator Floy Zittin, poet Patricia Machmiller and calligrapher Martha Dahlen are featured in a new exhibit at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos. The free show runs through March 29. The free show runs through March 29, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 to 3.]]> Music: 'Music for the Dancing Plagues'
Yes, there really were Flagellants, so-called "extreme penitents" who sang and whipped themselves as they processed through towns hit by the Black Death in the 1300s. The Canconier ensemble will perform some of these songs and other music devoted to medieval and Renaissance plagues at an 8 p.m. concert tonight, March 8, at First Lutheran Church, 600 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. $35 general, $30 seniors.

Art: Uma Kelkar
A reception is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, March 8, for a solo exhibition of watercolor paintings by engineer-painter Uma Kelkar. The show is up through March 30 at Gallery House, 320 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. Hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 to 8, and Sundays from 11 to 3.]]> Poetry: 'An Evening of Pure Poetry
Los Altos High School presents four Bay Area poets representing a broad range of poetic forms and styles tonight, March 7, at Los Altos High Eagle Theatre, 201 Almond Ave., Los Altos. 7-8:30 p.m. Poets Mario Chard, Paul Flores, Amy Glynn Greacen, and Chinaka Hodge will read their work and discuss the art of poetry. ]]> Science: Astronomy from the Stratosphere
As part of the 13th annual Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series, infrared astronomer Dana Backman, Ph.D., of the SETI Institute, will discuss "Astronomy from the Stratosphere: NASA's SOFIA Mission," an illustrated, non-technical lecture. The event is tomorrow, March 6, 7-8:30 p.m. at Foothill College Smithwick Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Music: University Singers
Directed by resident Stanford University organist Robert Huw Morgan, the University Singers will perform a concert in Memorial Church, with a program including Haydn's Missa in Angustiis ("Mass for troubled times"). The event is at 8 p.m. tonight, March 5. Tickets are $10 general, $9 for seniors and $5 for students.
]]> Film: 'Chasing Ice'
A free screening of the 2012 documentary "Chasing Ice," directed by Stanford graduate Jeff Orlowski, is planned for 7 p.m. tonight, March 4, followed by a panel discussion with Orlowski and professors Noah Diffenbaugh, Terry Root and Michael Wara about the environmental issues raised in the film. The event will be in Cemex Auditorium at Stanford's Graduate School of Business.

]]> Community: 17th Annual Juana Run Race
The 17th Annual Juana Run Race will feature competitive and non-competitive races. The 8K race starts at 8:30 a.m. at Maybell Avenue and Pina Court. The 1-mile race starts at 11 a.m., and the kids' races have varied start times. The race is tomorrow, March 2, at 4100 Orme St., Palo Alto.


Music: Squid Inc.
Bay Area string players Squid Inc perform a blend of popular music and classical tradtion Saturday, March 2, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1715 Grant Road, Los Altos. 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25.

Forum: Tom Bergstrom
Tom Bergstrom, a Humanist Community member, will share his journey in "My Religious Evolution: From Being a Simple Catholic, to a Conservative Preacher, to an Agnostic Atheist" on March 3, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at Palo Alto High School Student Center, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.]]> Music: Waarts Plays Prokofiev
The Silicon Valley Symphony presents violinist Stephen Waarts, age 16, playing Violin Concerto No. 1 by Sergei Prokofiev, violin show pieces by Wieniawski and Tchaikovsky, plus Debussy's Petite Suite and Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony. The concert is today, March 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.

Art: 'Asia Travels' by Roy Harrington
There will be a reception for artist Roy Harrington for his exhibit, "Asia Travels," which includes works from his recent travels in Asia. The reception is today, March 1, 5-8 p.m., at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos.]]> Cooking: Risotto, Pilaf and Rice Know How
Rice is a staple of the world's diet and perfect for gluten free or vegan menus. In this class participants learn the basics of cooking white and brown rice then step up to more challenging dishes such as pilaf and risotto. This class will be part demonstration, part hands on. The class is today, Feb. 28, 6:30-9 p.m. at the Palo Alto Adult School, Palo Alto. $50.
]]> History: An Uncommon Journey
Deborah Strobin and her brother Ilie Wacs fled from Nazi Austria to the Shanghai Jewish ghetto. Attendees will hear their story of escape from Vienna to Shanghai to the U.S. during World War II today, Feb. 27, 7-8 p.m. at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $10-15.]]> Class: Planting, Growing and Pruning Fruit Trees
Late winter and early spring are good times to prune fruit trees and plant new ones. Master gardeners will describe how and when to prune and how to choose and plant "bare root" fruit trees. The event is today, Feb. 26, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

Community: Foothill College PSEC Open House
Foothill College invites attendees to an open house to celebrate its new Physical Sciences & Engineering Center (PSEC) -- home of the Foothill College Science Learning Institute. The free event will feature guest speakers and tours of the new buildings. The event is today, Feb. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Park in Lot 4 or 5.]]> Family: From Players to Doers
Mike Lanza, author of "Playborhood," describes a method for parents who want their children to grow up to be passionate "doers" whose work makes the world a better place. The event is today, Feb. 25, 7:30-9 p.m. at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.]]> Family: African celebration
Hidden Villa and African percussionist Afia Walking Tree present a journey through the regions of Africa with interactive drumming, dynamic storytelling, cultural craft activities and foods on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. 1-4 p.m. $15.

Music: New works
A performance of new chamber works by local composers is planned for 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, presented by the local chapter of the National Association of Composers. The event will be in the Lucie Stern Center's ballroom at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $12/$17.

Music: 'Make a Joyful Noise'
The Peninsula Community Gospel Choir presents "Make A Joyful Noise," its 24th annual gospel concert on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. The choir operates under the auspices of the Foothill-De Anza Community Education Program. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $15, general; $12, students with OwlCard and seniors; and $10, children ages 7–12.

Community: Repair Cafe
Folks can bring broken household items to Palo Alto's Museum of American Heritage on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to have them fixed by volunteer repairers. The idea is to keep more stuff out of the landfill: small appliances, lamps, clocks, bikes, computer items, toys and other objects.

Music: Christopher Costanza
St. Lawrence String Quartet cellist Christopher Costanza will present a free performance of J.S. Bach's Suite No. 2 in D minor and Suite No. 5 in C minor beginning at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. The event, which will also include a presentation by Stanford composer Jonathan Berger, will be at the CCRMA Stage at The Knoll, Stanford University.
]]> Theater: 'The Apple Never Falls'
Opening night is tonight, Feb. 22, for the new play "The Apple Never Falls," a hard-boiled 1960s detective story by Bay Area playwright Paul Braverman. The Pear Avenue Theatre presents the play at 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, starring artistic director and Palo Altan Diane Tasca. Tickets are $10-$30.

]]> Theater: 'Spring Awakening'
Foothill Music Theatre begins performances of the hard-edged Broadway musical "Spring Awakening" tomorrow, Feb. 21, with the production running Thursday through Sunday, through March 10. The show is an adaptation of the 19th-century Frank Wedekind play about teens facing the darkness and joy of coming of age. Tickets are $10-$28.]]> Dance: Smuin Ballet
San Francisco's Smuin Ballet performs its winter program Feb. 20 through Feb. 24 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. Works will be danced to music by Paul Simon, the Gipsy Kings, Philip Glass and others. Performance times are Wednesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $23-$68.

]]> Authors: 'Not Less Than Everything'
A free book talk with Tobias Wolff, Ron Hansen and Bo Caldwell is planned for tonight, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Stanford's Levinthal Hall. The three were contributors to the new book "Not Less Than Everything," a collection of essays about Catholic life.
]]> Music: Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra concert
The Orchestra will play Glinka's "Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla," Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 2," and Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 3" with soloist Sandra Shen. The event is Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m., at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. There will be a pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m. $20/$17/$10.

Community: Benefit for Habitat for Humanity
This benefit will feature the band Human Parallel, the Occidental Accidentals, and teenage a cappella group Aria. Human Parallel experiments with alternative rock sounds. Aria is an all-girls group. The Accidentals are from Occidental College. The event is Saturday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 2094 Grant Road, Mountain View.

Exhibition: Presidential autographs
There will be a free exhibition of the signatures of all 44 U.S. presidents on original letters and documents from 1799 to date. The exhibit will show on Feb. 17-18, noon-4 p.m. at All Saints' Parish Hall, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto.]]> Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor
West Bay Opera will mount four performances of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, with its famous mad scene. Shows begin tonight, Feb. 15, and conclude Feb. 24. at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

Music: Bobby Love & Sugar Sweet
Bobby Love and Sugar Sweet will perform rock, jazz and blues covers at 8 p.m. today, Feb. 15, at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Art: 'Love, Love, Love!'
Thirty Bay Area artists display work as part of the 'Love, Love, Love' exhibit at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. Today, Feb. 14, through Feb. 23. The show includes paintings, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, metal work and jewelry inspired by the theme of love. Tues.-Sat., 11-5 p.m.; Sun., 12-4 p.m.]]> Talk: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Simon "Pete" Worden, the center director for Ames Research Center, will discuss the idea of engineering life in broader ranges than are found on earth and its implications for the search for life. The event is today, Feb. 13, 7:15-9:15 p.m. at the Palo Alto Elks Lodge, 4249 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.]]> Talk: Local energy generation
Craig Lewis, executive director of Clean Coalition, will discuss the benefits of local energy generation in the first of four "Beyond Fossil Fuels" talks offered by the nonprofit Acterra this spring. The event is today, Feb. 12, 7:30-9 p.m. at Fenwick & West LLP, 801 California St., Mountain View.]]> Talk: Will Allen, 'Good Food Revolution'
There will be a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Peninsula Open Space Trust's Wallace Stegner lecture series with a talk by Will Allen, former pro-basketball player. Son of a sharecropper, Allen is now CEO of Growing Power, a farm and community food center in Milwaukee, Wis. The event is today, Feb. 11, 8-10 p.m. at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. $22.
]]> From A to Z -- from the fictional antidepressant Ablixa to the real drug Zoloft -- Steven Soderbergh toys with drugs, duplicity and their side effects. -- ST]]> Director Seth Gordon's action-comedy follow-up to "Horrible Bosses" proves far from perfect but ultimately difficult to resist, thanks to Melissa McCarthy and co-lead Jason Bateman. -- PC]]> Community: Los Altos Library book sale
More than 30,000 books will be for sale at the event sponsored by the Los Altos Friends of the Library this weekend at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. On offer are children's books, CDs, DVDs and books in more than 20 languages. Feb. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Cash only.

Music: 'Love's Journey'
American standards and show tunes will be on the program when Lauren Bandman performs a concert called "Musical Journeys" at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. The event is in the Schultz Cultural Hall at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $25 at the door

Environment: Talk on the Solitary Eagle Project
Palo Alto's Environmental Volunteers' EcoCenter will host a free talk by Ryan Philips, founder and executive director of the Belize Raptor Research Institute, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. The talk is at 2560 Embarcadero Road.

]]> Music: Stanford Live at CSMA
Andrew Myerson (percussion) and Travis Andrews (electric guitar), musicians who are performing at Stanford Live, perform a free "Informance" concert tonight, Feb. 8, at CSMA Tateuchi Hall, 230 San Antonio Road, Mountain View. 6-7 p.m.

Arts: 'Friday Nights at the Art Center'
The Palo Alto Art Center is beginning a new free series of Friday-night activities geared toward young professionals, from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Feb. 8. The event, held at 1313 Newell Road, will include a drawing activity with artist Sharon Reich and a discussion with John Edson on his book "Design Like Apple."]]> Concert: San Francisco Baroque Dance Ensemble
The San Francisco Baroque Dance Ensemble presents an evening of music and dance, including chaconnes and follias as well as fusion works combining Balinese and Baroque dance styles. The event is at 8 p.m. tonight, Feb. 7, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto. $35 general and $30 for seniors, students and members.]]> Talk: 'How Galaxies Were Cooked from the Primordial Soup'
Sandra Faber, interim director of the University of California Observatories, will give a free illustrated, non-technical lecture on how galaxies were formed. The event, planned for 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 6, is in Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Faber, who is also an astronomy professor at U.C. Santa Cruz and a winner of the National Medal of Science, will look at the currently prevailing "Cold Dark Matter" theory of galaxy formation, of which she was a co-creator. ]]> Film: 'Project Happiness'
A free screening of the 2011 documentary "Project Happiness," which explores the nature of happiness with the help of interviews with George Lucas, the Dalai Lama and others, is set for 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 5. The event will be in Herrin Hall, 393 Serra Mall, Stanford University. The event will include a conversation after the screening.]]> Exhibit: Pacific Art League
While its building is being renovated, the Pacific Art League is temporarily holding exhibits nearby at 227 Forest Ave. in downtown Palo Alto. A new members' show of 50-some works of art has just opened in the space, and runs through Feb. 22.]]> Community: Stanford Lohri 2013
Stanford Lohri will include traditional singing and dancing around the fire, live dhol beats from dholi Lal Singh Bhatti, free food and snacks, bhangra music, and a special performance by Stanford Bhangra. Traditional Indian clothing is welcomed. Attendees can bring a blanket to sit on while eating and watching the performances. The event on Saturday, Feb. 2, starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Lagunita barbecue pit, Stanford University.

Music: Cappella Romana
Cappella Romana is a Northwest-based vocal ensemble that explores musical traditions of the Christian East and West, from the medieval to the contemporary. The ensemble will play Saturday, Feb. 2, at Stanford Memorial Church at 8 p.m., and will feature music composed for 8th and 9th-century celebrations of Holy Week in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Community: Historical show & tell
The quarterly meeting of the Mountain View Historical Association on Sunday, Feb. 3, features a community "show & tell," with attendees invited to bring an object of historical interest and share its story. 12:30-2 p.m. The Adobe Building, 157 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. The earlier-than-usual start time is to accommodate the Superbowl's 3:30 p.m. kick-off. ]]> Theater: 'HMS Pinafore: The Next Generation'
The Stanford Savoyards present the traditional Gilbert & Sullivan operetta featuring class division, revealed identity and romance but inspired by the revered characters, costuming, and settings of the "Star Trek: The Next Generation." It will play tomorrow, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford.
]]> Music: 'The Music and the Mirror: Broadway's Reflection of Our American Life'
Attendees at this sing-along will sing Broadway numbers with themes including the economy, politics, the environment, love, travel, the pursuit of happiness and the future. The event is today, Jan. 31, 7:30-10 p.m. at Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $18-$25.
]]> Volunteer: Green@Home training
Green@Home is looking for volunteers to perform free energy-saving house calls to residents in Palo Alto and Cupertino. Trainings consist of two 4-hour classes. Attendees learn valuable green-building skills, reduce carbon emissions and help people save money. Classes are today, Jan. 30, and Feb. 6, 5:30-9:30 p.m. $30 deposit returned after 2 HouseCalls.
]]> Workshop: Pruning and winter care for roses
Attendees learn from Master Gardener Paula Larkin-Hutton how to prune, fertilize, mulch, and reduce disease for a garden display of roses in a class today, Jan. 29, 7:30-8:30 p.m at Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.]]> Community: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, Jan. 14, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. ]]> Film: 'The Ayatollah's Seal'
A free showing of the BBC Persian Service documentary "The Ayatollah's Seal" is set for 6:30 p.m. today, Jan. 25, followed by a talk by BBC Persian head Sadeq Saba, and a Q&A session. The event will be in Jordan Hall, Building 420, Room 041, at Stanford University.]]> Theater: 'On Golden Pond'
It's opening weekend for the Bus Barn Stage Company's production of the late-in-life love story "On Golden Pond." Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sundays, with 7:30 p.m. shows on two Wednesdays, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. The theater is at 97 Hillview Ave. in Los Altos. Tickets are $24-$30.

Music: California Pops Orchestra
Dance music is the focus of the program for the California Pops Orchestra at the group's 3 p.m. concert on Sunday, Jan. 27: swing, tangos, waltzes and show tunes, to name a few. The show is at Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Tickets are $37 general and $15 for youth

Community: Multi-faith celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Stanford Memorial Church is hosting a multifaith celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with music by the Memorial Church Choir and the Talisman singing group. The free event is at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 27.]]> Theater: 'Looking for Normal'
The second weekend of Palo Alto Players' run of the Jane Anderson play "Looking for Normal" starts at 8 p.m. tonight, Jan. 24, at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The play, about a family dealing with its patriarch's upcoming sex change, runs through Feb. 3. Tickets are $20-$29.
]]> Talk: John Mackey
Whole Foods co-founder and CEO John Mackey will give a talk on his approach to capitalism at 7 p.m. tonight, Jan. 23. The event will be at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto. Tickets are $20 general and $40 for "premium" tickets that include "Conscious Capitalism," the book that Mackey co-wrote with Raj Sisodia. Student admission is $7.]]> Photography: Paige Parsons
Palo Alto photographer Paige Parsons is showing some of the many images she's captured at pop-music concerts, featuring such artists as Morrissey. Her free exhibition is up at Keeble & Shuchat Photography at 290 S. California Ave. in Palo Alto through Feb. 13. ]]> Community: Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
East West Books is hosting a free event (reservations required) at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Jan. 21, to pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Activities will include readings from King and his contemporaries, live music from the Ananda Singers, and video footage of his speeches. The bookstore is at 324 Castro St. in downtown Mountain View.]]> Family: 'Wild Cat Adventure'
"Wild Cat Adventure" will show five live wild cats from various countries. Each cat is shown on stage as information about the species is shared with the audience. The event is Sunday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Foothill College, Appreciation Hall, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Tickets are $10/$5.

Outdoors: Hidden Villa Nature Hike
Attendees ages 6 and up can enjoy the Hidden Villa wilderness preserve during a guided hike with a naturalist teacher. The trail system at 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, offers a variety of vistas, ecosystems, native plants and animals, waterfalls and banana slugs. Attendees should come prepared with water, snacks and hiking attire. The event is Sunday, Jan. 20, 3-5 p.m. Cost is $15.

Workshop: How Did Our Ancestors Live And Eat?
Prof. Tel-Oren MD will speak on Paleo-Anthropology and implications for a healthy diet and lifestyle at this event on Saturday, Jan. 19, 1:15-5 p.m. at Unity Palo Alto, 3391 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $45 pre-paid / $60 at door. ]]> Music: Stanford Symphony Orchestra
The Stanford Symphony Orchestra will play three Beethoven pieces today, Jan. 18, at 8 p.m. at Bing Concert Hall, Stanford. The concert is part of the Beethoven project, which celebrates Bing Concert Hall as the new home of the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Philharmonia Orchestra.
]]> Community: Knit-In to Benefit War-Related Charities
The Los Altos Library will be hosting a knit/crochet-in to make needed items for active-duty soldiers, wounded vets and Afghan families. The items will be sent to Warmth for Warriors, Soldier's Angels and Afghans for Afghans. The event is today, Jan. 17, 3-5 p.m. at Los Altos Library Program Room, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.]]> Art: 'Cuban at Heart: A Photographic Exhibition'
Foothill College presents "Cuban at Heart: A Photographic Exhibition," which captures the magnetic pull of the Cuban people as photographed by 16 Foothill College photography students and their instructor. Today, Jan. 16, is the last day the exhibition will show. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Krause Center for Innovation Gallery at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Talk: The Ethics of Wealth: 'Extreme Morality'
Most people don't believe that if they spend $200 on shoes that could have bought life-saving medicine for a child in need, they're still responsible for a death. This talk will tell the story of a couple of young utilitarians who do believe it and live their lives accordingly. It will take place today, Jan. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. at Cemex Auditorium, Zambrano Hall, 641 Knight Way,
Stanford.]]> Community: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, Jan. 14, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. ]]> Concert: Fortnightly Music Club
Rimsky-Korsakov, Ravel, Beethoven and Gershwin are on the bill for the next free Fortnightly Music Club concert at 7 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 13. The event is at the Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto.

Author: Lisa O'Donnell
Presented by the Palo Alto Library and Books Inc., novelist Lisa O'Donnell will give a free author talk about her Scotland-set book "The Death of Bees." The event is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at the downtown Palo Alto library branch, 270 Forest Ave.]]> Theater: 'Intimate Apparel'
"Intimate Apparel," a Lynn Nottage play about an African-American woman who overcame poverty with the help of her sewing needle, opens tonight, Jan. 11, at the Pear Avenue Theatre in Mountain View. The show runs through Jan. 27. Tickets are $15-$30.]]> Talk: 'Conversations on Compassion'
Photographer Lisa Kristine, who specializes in humanitarian topics in indigenous cultures, will give a free talk at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 10, at Cubberley Auditorium at Stanford University. She has published five books of photography and produced three documentaries. Registration is required for guaranteed seating.
]]> Art: 'Ironic Icons'
In oil on woodblock, artist Valentin Popov pays tongue-in-cheek homage to Facebook, BP and other corporations by including their logos in pseudo-religious icons. The new show runs through Jan. 19 at Smith Andersen Editions, 440 Pepper Ave., Palo Alto. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment. Admission is free.]]> Film: Central Asia Film Series
As part of the free Central Asia Film Series on campus at Stanford University, the 2004 movie "Shiza," about a teenaged boy working in the underground bare-knuckle-fighting world, will be shown tonight, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. Hailing from Kazakhstan and directed by Gulshat (Guka) Omarova, the film will be shown in Building 370, Room 370. Alma Kunanbaeva of Stanford's department of anthropology, will provide an introduction and commentary.]]> Community: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, Jan. 7, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. ]]> Tour: Stanford Memorial Church
Located in the Main Quad, a few minutes' walk from the center, the Stanford Memorial Church is the physical heart of the campus, replete with stained glass windows, mosaics and stone carvings. There will be a free, docent-led tour today, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Cantor Arts Center, Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford.
Art: 'Are We There Yet?'
This exhibit by Bay Area artist Suej McCall features watercolors inspired by images the artist encounters while traveling. There will be a reception for the artist today, Jan. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos.]]> Stanford Theatre: 'For the Love of Mary'
The Stanford Theatre will play the 1946 film "For the Love of Mary," starring Deanna Durbin. In it, a young girl gets a job at the White House as a switchboard operator and gets mixed up in politics. It will play tomorrow, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at 221 University Ave., Palo Alto.
Art: 'Winter Sun and Bear Trails'
Watercolor artist Nancy Calhoun and Viewpoints Gallery present "Winter Sun and Bear Trails." Calhoun is known for her detailed watercolors and depictions of bears both realistic and abstract. The exhibit is open through Saturday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos.]]> Stanford Theatre: 'Something in the Wind'
The Stanford Theatre will play the 1947 film "Something in the Wind," starring Deanna Durbin. In it, a grandson of a recently deceased millionaire mistakes a beautiful female disc jockey for her aunt, who once dated the grandfather. It will play today, Jan. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at 221 University Ave., Palo Alto.
Tour: Rodin Sculpture Garden and Galleries
The tour of the The B. Gerald Cantor Rodin Sculpture Garden features 20 bronzes by Auguste Rodin, including "The Gates of Hell." The Center also devotes three indoor galleries to the work of Rodin. The tour is today, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m., rain or shine.]]> Music: Max Goldenstein/James Wenzel
Red Rock Coffee sees out the old year with performances by singer/songwriters Max and the Marionette Band with James Wenzel on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. Red Rock is located at 201 Castro St., Mountain View.

Art: Rodin tours at Stanford
Stanford's Cantor Arts Center holds free docent-led tours of its Rodin Sculpture Garden every Saturday at 11:30 a.m., rain or shine. The museum is on campus at 328 Lomita Drive and also has three indoor galleries dedicated to art by Auguste Rodin.

Film: 'Because of Him' and 'I'll Be Yours'
The Deanna Durbin film festival continues this weekend at the Stanford Theatre with "Because of Him" (1946), about an aspiring actress who falls for a playwright; and "I'll Be Yours" (1947), a remake of "The Good Fairy." The theater is at 221 University Ave. in downtown Palo Alto.]]> Family: 'Living LEGO-cy'
For the third weekend, Palo Alto's Museum of American Heritage opens its huge holiday LEGO and train display to the public today, Dec. 28, through Sunday. Lines often extend out the door for this popular holiday event at 351 Homer Ave. The show runs through Jan. 13, open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.]]> Theater: 'Big River'
Now in its closing week, TheatreWorks' production of the Huck Finn musical "Big River" has performances at 2 and 8 p.m. today, Dec. 27. The show runs through Dec. 30 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $35-$77. ]]> Film: 'Can't Help Singing'
The Stanford Theatre reopens after Christmas to resume its Deanna Durbin festival tonight, Dec. 26. "Can't Help Singing" (1944) shows at 7:30 p.m., and "Lady on a Train" (1945) is at 5:45 at 9:10. Tickets are $7 general and $5 for seniors and youth.]]> Family: winter solstice celebration
Learn what solstice is through stories, games, music and crafts. They may make a beeswax candle, a Hopi "snake chaser," or an Icelandic troll charm. The event will be Saturday, Dec. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. $10. No charge for children under 2 years of age.

Theater: 'It's a Wonderful Life'
"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" re-imagines the movie directed by Frank Capra as a 1940s radio production. Five actors play every single part, as well as provide all the sound effects with a bag of tricks. It plays through Saturday, Dec. 22, from 8 to 9:45 p.m. at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. $18-$30.
]]> Music: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
For the past 27 years, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir has performed a Holiday concert to usher in the season. This year's show will be today, Dec. 21, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. Tickets are $28-36.

Community: Bethlehem A.D.
2012 is the 20th year of Bethlehem A.D., a Peninsula tradition that recreates the ancient village of Bethlehem on the night of the first Christmas. Visitors interact with Roman soldiers, wise men, camels, and watch angels dance on rooftops. Live Hallelujah Chorus. The event starts today, Dec. 21, and runs through Dec. 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at 1305 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.]]> Community: Caroling in the Hills
Parks and Recreation Committee member Scott Vanderlip will lead this annual caroling event, where kids, adults and families meet at the Parks and Recreation building for a brief rehearsal and then tour nearby neighborhoods. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Cookies and cider will be provided. It will be tonight, Dec. 20, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills.

Music: Live Gypsy Acoustic Guitar
Dani Torres will play Flamenco guitar and latin love classics tonight, Dec. 20, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Art: Jameel Prize finalists at Stanford
This international exhibition presents the work of 10 finalists for the 2011 Jameel Prize, which explores long-established practices of Islamic art, craft, and design within a contemporary framework, today, Dec. 19, through March 10. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Sun., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The exhibit is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. ]]> Art: Winter Sun and Bear Trails
Watercolor artist Nancy Calhoun exhibition, entitled Winter Sun and Bear Trails, is on display today and through Jan. 5, at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Calhoun is known for her detailed watercolors and depictions of bears, both realistic and abstract.]]> Food: Gourmet vegetarian dinner
The Peninsula Macrobiotic Community will serve a gourmet vegetarian dinner tonight, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. The full vegan meal includes soup, grain, beans or bean products, vegetables, dessert and beverage. It will be at the First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto.
]]> Theater: 'It's A Wonderful Life'
The Bus Barn Stage Company presents a live "radio play" version of the holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life" this Saturday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. Actors play various roles and provide old-time sound effects with microphones in the show, which runs through Dec. 22 at the Bus Barn Theatre at 97 Hillview Ave. in Los Altos.]]> Dance: 'A Winter Fairy Tale'
As an alternative to that little nutcracker tale, Mountain View's Bayer Ballet Academy presents "A Winter Fairy Tale," a holiday ballet based on a Russian forest fairytale, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. Performances are at 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 14; at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15; and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
Music: Sing-Along and Play-Along 'Messiah'
Stanford's Memorial Church hosts its annual presentation of Handel's "Messiah," sung and played by the audience under the baton of Stephen M. Sano, with the help of Stanford choirs on stage. The event is at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 14.]]> Movies: Deanna Durbin festival
The Stanford Theatre's festival of movies starring the bubbly, singing 1930s-'40s actress Deanna Durbin continues with a double feature of "It's a Date" (1940) at 7:30 p.m. and "Spring Parade" (1940) at 5:50 and 9:25 p.m. through Friday. The theater is at 221 University Ave. in downtown Palo Alto.
Music: 'A Bach Christmas'
The period-instrument Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra will perform works by Bach including Orchestral Suite No 3 (known for its "Air on the G String") at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 13. Masaaki Suzuki, founder and director of Bach Collegium Japan, will conduct the concert at the Center for Performing Arts, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton.]]> Exhibit: 'The Jameel Prize 2011'
A new exhibit of work by the winner of and semifinalists for last year's international Jameel Prize opens today, Dec. 12, at Stanford's Cantor Arts Center. The prize is given by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and honors contemporary artists and designers whose work is inspired by "traditions of Islamic craft and design."
Family: 'The Wind in the Willows'
The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is presenting the early-20th-century Kenneth Grahame classic "The Wind in the Willows" through Dec. 21 at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Upcoming shows are at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, and at 2 p.m. Dec. 15.]]> Lecture: 'Why the World Will Still Be Here After December 21st'
A trio of astronomers -- Foothill College instructor Andrew Fraknoi, David Morrison from NASA Ames Research Center, and the Griffith Observatory's Ed Krupp -- will give a free talk on the "Doomsday 2012" fears and how "real science" responds to them. The event is planned from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Dec. 11, at the SETI Institute, 189 Bernardo Ave., Mountain View.
Film: MFA documentary screenings
First-year students in Stanford University's MFA program in documentary and film will host a free screening of their new short films tonight, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. The event, which will include a Q&A, will be in Annenberg Auditorium on campus.]]> Music: 'Messiah Sing'
O thou that singest good tidings to Zion, it's time for Schola Cantorum's annual "Messiah Sing," which will gather fans of choral music together tonight, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. Music director Gregory Wait conducts the orchestra, and audience members sing from their seats. Attendees can bring their own Schirmer or Novello scores of the Handel classic, or borrow Schola's. Tickets are $24.

Holidays: Community Hanukkah party
The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center is hosting a community Hanukkah party with candle-lighting, songs, latkes, traditional Israeli jelly doughnuts and games. The event goes from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tonight at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto, with free admission.]]> Music: Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band
Grammy-award winner and six-time Grammy nominee Peter Rowan will play Saturday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave. at Cuesta Drive, Mountain View. The bluegrass singer-will play with his band -- Keith Little, Mike Witcher and Paul Knight. There will also be a 5 p.m. jam session. $20 advance, $22 door, half-price for teens, free for under-13 and music students.

Community: Paly Music Boosters Flea Market
The flea market includes a variety of items for sale such as books, antiques, plants and crafts from around the world. Proceeds support Palo Alto High School Instrumental Music Program. The event is tomorrow, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palo Alto High School parking lot, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.]]> Community: Los Altos First Friday
There will be First Friday festivities today, Dec. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Los Altos (Main and State streets). The theme is "All Aboard for the Holidays" and the evening includes free train rides, a visit from Santa, a raffle, and an after-hours holiday party at 359 State St. from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Stores will remain open until 8 p.m. for holiday shopping.]]> Theater: 'It's a Wonderful Life' radio play
"It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" re-imagines the beloved movie by Frank Capra as a 1940s radio production, tonight at 8 p.m. at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. Five actors play every single part and provide all the sound-effects with an ingenious bag of tricks. Through Dec. 22, 8-9:45 p.m. $18-$30. ]]> Author: Nancy Unger at Books Inc.
Nancy Unger shares "Beyond Nature's Housekeepers," a comprehensive look at American women who have been influential in environmental history and the role their gender played in their activism. Today, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Workshop: Keeping Out Garden Pests
Santa Clara County Master Gardener Laura Westley will provide expert advice on various integrated pest-management techniques for the garden. Attendees can learn natural methods to keep critters from eating flowers and other growing greens in the garden. The event will be held today, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave., Mountain View.]]> Community: Mountain View Christmas Tree Lighting
There will be live holiday music, refreshments, lights and the arrival of Santa Claus at the Mountain View Community Tree Lighting Celebration, tonight Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m at the Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St. Children can visit and have their picture taken with Santa. Guests are encouraged to bring a can of food to help build a "giving tree" that benefits the Community Services Agency.]]> Event: Christmas Creche Exhibit
Palo Alto hosts the 25th annual Christmas Creche exhibit of Nativity scenes from around the world, accompanied by holiday music performances, beginning at noon Saturday, Dec. 1. The free event is at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 3865 Middlefield Road. Performances include marionette shows at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 1, and James Welch's organ concerts at 4:30 and 7 p.m. on the same day.

Music: Ragazzi Boys Chorus
Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, Native American chant and other choral pieces will be performed by the Ragazzi Boys Chorus at a 5 p.m. concert on Saturday, Dec. 1. The event will be at the First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $10-$27.

Arts: Seniors' arts & crafts show
Residents at the Moldaw Residences senior community -- including 88-year-old ceramic artist Janet Roseman -- are showing and selling their artwork at a show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The event will be in room G103 of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto.]]> Music: Stanford Symphony Orchestra
Under the baton of Jindong Cai, the Stanford Symphony Orchestra plays an all-Beethoven program at 8 p.m. tonight, Nov. 30. The concert is in Dinkelspiel Auditorium on campus. Tickets are $10 general, $9 for seniors, $5 for students.]]> Author: Tim Ferriss
At 7 p.m. tonight, Nov. 29, entrepreneur and author Tim Ferriss will give a talk on his new book "The 4-Hour Chef," which teaches accelerated learning in and out of the kitchen. The Commonwealth Club event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Tickets are $20 general, $12 for club members and $7 for students.]]> Music: University Singers
Robert Huw Morgan, Stanford University's resident pipe organist, directs a program of unaccompanied choral music from Europe, sung by the University Singers. The concert is at 8 p.m. tonight, Nov. 28. Tickets are $10 general, $9 for seniors and $5 for students.]]> Talk: 'Supernova Shock Waves: Powerhouses of the Galaxy'
Yasunobu Uchiyama, a scientist at the joint SLAC/Stanford University Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, will give a talk on exploding stars, or supernovas, and on how their remnants act as giant particle accelerators. The talk is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Nov. 27, in the Panofsky Auditorium at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park. Admission and parking are free.
]]> Photography: Bill Voight
Globe-trotting Los Altos photographer Bill Voigt has a "semi-retrospective exhibition" up at the Keeble & Shuchat Gallery at 290 California Ave. in Palo Alto through Dec. 12. The solo show includes photos taken aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, at Yosemite, and in the streets of various cities by night.]]> Arts: 'Artisanal Design & Gift Show'
A hundred-plus artisans and designers are showing and selling their work -- including jewelry, handbags and other gift ideas -- at Palo Alto's Fibre Arts Design at 935 Industrial Ave. through Nov. 25. Open hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

]]> Art: 'Shaped By Water'
Painter Rajani Balaram is showing her sweeping, lively landscapes painted in water media in a solo show through Nov. 25 at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. The works show how water has carved out and highlighted features including the Grand Canyon and snowy mountain peaks. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.]]> Author: Paul de Barros
Paul de Barros, a journalist and author who grew up in Palo Alto, will give a free author talk at 7 p.m. tonight, Nov. 19, on his Marian McPartland biography "Shall We Play That One Together?" The event is at Books Inc. at 301 Castro St. in Mountain View. McPartland is a jazz pianist and was a longtime National Public Radio host.]]> Music: Yemen Blues
The blues-jazz-funk group Yemen Blues, led by Israeli singer Ravid Kahalani and New York bass player and composer Omer Avital, plays the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. The center is at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto.

Music: Palo Alto Philharmonic chamber concert
Samuel Barber's "Knoxville, Summer of 1915" is on the program with two works by Mozart for the Palo Alto Philharmonic's first chamber concert of the season. The performance is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at First Baptist Church at 305 N. California Ave. in Palo Alto.

Talk: 'History Endangered'
Weekly publisher Bill Johnson will give a free talk at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, on "History Endangered: When Newspapers Are Gone, How Will Local History Be Written." The Menlo Park Historical Association event is at the Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.]]> Theater: 'Beauty and the Beast Jr.'
Peninsula Youth Theatre presents Disney's "Beauty & the Beast, Jr," adapted from the family-friendly musical, tonight, Nov. 16, at Mountain View Center for the Performing Art, 500 Castro St. 7:30 p.m. Runs through Nov. 18. Tickets are $16-20.

Seniors: El Camino open house
El Camino Hospital is hosting an open house at its new Senior Health Center this afternoon, Nov. 16, at 2660 Grant Road, Suite F, Mountain View. 2-6 p.m. Free. The event includes facility tours, refreshments, free flu shots and blood pressure screenings, and a chance to meet physicians.]]> Talk: 'E-Bikes: Markets, Technologies, and Outlooks'
Nick Rothman, co-founder of Green Gears Inc., will give a free talk at 4:15 p.m. today, Nov. 15, about the growth of electric-bicycle technology and markets. The event will be in the Hewlett-Packard Auditorium of the Gates Computer Science Building, 353 Serra Mall, Stanford University.]]> Talk: Google's Eric Schmidt
The future of Google, and how it's changing to meet that vision, is the topic of a talk by Eric Schmidt, tonight, Nov. 14, at the Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. 6 p.m. Since joining Google in 2001, Schmidt, the executive chairman of the internet search giant, has helped the company grow from start-up to a global powerhouse. Register online.]]> Author: Meg Waite Clayton
Palo Alto author Meg Waite Clayton will read from "My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read and Shop," in which she recently had an essay published. The free author talk is at 7 p.m. tonight, Nov. 13, at Books Inc. in Palo Alto's Town & Country Village, and includes a wine and cheese reception.
]]> Art: Raquel Coelho
Colorful shadow boxes with puppets, created by artist Raquel Coelho as illustrations for her children's books about animation and music, are currently on display in the Mohr Gallery at the Community School of Music and Arts through Nov. 25. The school is at 230 San Antonio Circle in Mountain View; the gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 to 3.]]> Music: Foghorn Stringband
Portland's Foghorn String Band plays fiddle tunes, Cajun dance, classic country and early bluegrass. They will play Saturday, Nov. 10, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. $20 in advance, $22 at door, half-price for teens, free for under-13 and music students.

Class: Rainwater Harvesting
Residents can prepare for the coming dry season by collecting and storing rainwater. This class explores methods of rainwater harvesting and storage for every garden. The class is tomorrow, Nov. 10, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Common Ground Garden Supply and Education, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto. $31.

Ceremony: Sand mandala
The Monks of Drepung Loseling Phukhang Monastery will build a piece of traditional Tibetan Buddhist artwork in Palo Alto from Nov. 9-11 at Be Yoga, 440 Kipling St. Palo Alto, in the water room. Once created, the mandala is destroyed in the closing ceremony as a lesson in the impermanence of all life. The opening ceremony at noon on Nov. 9 and the closing ceremony at 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 include traditional Tibetan Buddhist chanting and music.
]]> Author: Craig Stanford
Author Craig Stanford warns of a "Planet Without Apes" and theorizes on what can be done to prevent the extinction of man's closest biological relatives. He will speak today, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.
]]> Fundraiser: Community Health Awareness Council
CHAC is holding a fundraiser event all day today, Nov. 8, at Morocco's restaurant at 873 Castro St., Mountain View. The non-profit, which provides counseling services for local schools and low-cost counseling to residents, will receive 30 percent of the lunch or dinner bill for anyone who mentions the CHAC fundraiser.]]> Exhibit: Coffee, art and chocolate
Attendees can drink coffee and taste chocolates while viewing the print show "Pressing Matters," a national print competition and exhibition. The event is today, Nov. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto.
]]> Author: 'The Orphan Master's Son'
Stanford English Professor Adam Johnson will read selected passages from his latest book "The Orphan Master's Son" and answer questions on North Korea, gender and other aspects of the human condition as well as his writing process. Today, Nov. 6, from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. at Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Serra House, 589 Capistrano Way, Stanford.]]> Music: Red Rock open mic
Anyone with a song, poem or stand-up routine is invited to share it at Calvin & King's open mic night at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. Sign-ups for 10-minute time slots start at 6:30 p.m., and performances are from 7-10 p.m. Free.]]> Festival: 'Fabulous Fall Colors'
A family-friendly show and shopping experience, the Fabulous Fall Colors Annual Festival and Fundraiser is set for Saturday, Nov. 3, at Hillview Community Center Multipurpose Room, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Presented by San Francisco Bay Area Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Association, with a portion of proceeds donated to Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence.

Class: Worm composting
Attendees learn how to set up and maintain a worm composting system and learn all about this way to turn kitchen scraps into botanical gold. Saturday, Nov. 3, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Common Ground Garden Supply and Education, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto.

Theater: 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'
Foothill College Theatre Arts Department presents "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," Tom Stoppard's comic piece, directed by Bruce McLeod. The story tells "Hamlet" from a worm's-eye view of two bewildered minor characters on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. at Lohman Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Parking is $3. Tickets are $18 general, $15 for seniors and students. Runs through Nov. 8.]]> Theater: 'The Real Thing'
"The Real Thing" is performed tonight, Nov. 2, at the Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View. 8 p.m. Henry, a clever playwright who adores tunes by the Monkees, has fallen in love; so now he's a "Believer" but discovers to his dismay that he has no idea " Who Wrote the Book of Love." Runs Thurs.-Sun. through Nov. 18, 8-10 p.m. Tickets $10-$30. ]]> Theater: 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'
Today, Nov. 1, is the first day of Foothill College Theatre Arts Department's presentation of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," Tom Stoppard's comic piece, directed by Bruce McLeod. The story tells "Hamlet" from a worm's-eye view of two bewildered minor characters in the play. It will be at 7:30 p.m. at Lohman Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Parking is $3. Tickets are $18 general, $15 for seniors and students.
]]> Halloween: Trunk or Treat
The New Life Church in Mountain View is hosting a "Trunk or Treat" kids' Halloween event with costumes, decorated cars, a bounce house, live music, games and free candy for kids from the cars' trunks. The party is today, Oct. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1912 San Luis Ave., Mountain View.

Music: Halloween concert
Stanford's Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble plays its annual Halloween concert today, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. in Dinkelspiel Auditorium on campus. Music by Beethoven, Ravel, Leonard Bernstein, Giancarlo Aquilanti, John Williams and other composers is planned. $10 general, $9 seniors, $5 students.
]]> Talk: Change the Discourse
Robin Hoagland, Christian Science practitioner and teacher, will respond to concerns about fragmented politics, family contention, polarization and divisiveness. The event is today, Oct. 30, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Music: Halloween Concert and Bachtober
Palo Alto's Annual Halloween Concert, now in its 20th Year, features organist James Welch as he performs Bach's Toccata in d minor and "Cathedral" Prelude in e minor. Joining him will be sons Nicholas and Jameson, playing works of Grieg and Clementi. The event is today, Oct. 29, 8-9 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.
]]> Music: Bluegrass show
The Kathy Kallick Band will celebrate the release of its new CD at the Redwood Bluegrass Associates performance. The public is invited to bring an instrument to the 5 p.m. bluegrass jam. The event is Saturday, Oct. 27, 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. $20 advance, $22 at the door.

Run: Marsh Madness 5K, 10K walk/run
Registration is now open for Marsh Madness 5K/10K and marathon run/walk. Marsh Madness is a joint partnership of the Palo Alto Family YMCA and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. It is a professionally timed event on a USA Track and Field certified course. Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Family: Shoreline Pumpkin Splash
Activities this weekend, Oct. 27-28, at the pumpkin patch include a jump house, bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating and boating. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Shoreline Aquatic Center and Cafe, 3160 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. Free admission.]]> Community: Bay Area Star Party
Tonight, Oct. 26, the second annual Bay Area Science Festival holds a regional star party (telescope observing night) at over a dozen sites, including Foothill College Observatory, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. 7-11 p.m. Free. Colleges, schools, observatories and science centers around the Bay Area will be open, and both professional and amateur astronomers will be on hand to show the sky.]]> Politics: Libertarian VP Candidate at Stanford
Libertarian vice-presidential candidate Judge Jim Gray will be speaking about the deficit and current economic, foreign and civil-liberty policies. Gray is the running mate of Gov. Gary Johnson, 2012 Libertarian presidential candidate and former two-term governor of New Mexico. The event is today, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m. at Oberndorf Event Center, Stanford Graduate School of Business, 641 Knight Way, Stanford.]]> Lecture:: Energy Matters
In this lecture, attendees learn about the science behind the most critical energy issues facing the U.S. over the next decade, from climate change, natural gas exploration and fracking to renewables, biofuels and carbon capture and storage. The event is today, Oct. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at Paul Brest Hall, Munger Graduate Residence Bldg. 4, 555 Salvatierra Walk at Campus Drive, Stanford.]]> Author Talk: Amy Goodman
Amy Goodman is on the road for a 100-city tour running up to Election Day to examine how modern democracy works. Goodman will be joined by Denis Moynihan, co-author of her new book, "The Silenced Majority." Today, Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper St., Palo Alto. $15 to $25 suggested donation.
]]> Film: 'Age of Champions,' Q&A with director
There will be a free screening of the documentary "Age of Champions," at which attendees can meet the film's director, Christopher Rufo. The film focuses on five age-defying competitors' race for gold at the National Senior Olympics held at Stanford University. Today, Oct. 22, 2-4 p.m. at Moldaw Residences, 899 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto.
]]> Art: Book Arts Jam
Artists celebrate the art of the book (and of paper and printing) at the free annual Book Arts Jam, which moves this year from Foothill College to the Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. Book and paper creations will be shown and sold, and artists will give talks and demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 20.

Outdoors: Native-plant gardening
Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills is hosting a native-plant event this Saturday, Oct. 20, with a free 1 p.m. talk on gardening with native plants, and a sale of plants, bulbs, cards, books and posters from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hidden Villa is at 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills.

Community: 'Shoreline Pumpkin Splash'
This weekend, the Shoreline Aquatic Center and Cafe hosts a pumpkin patch with weekend activities: jump house, pumpkin decorating/carving, boating activities, old-fashioned bake sale and bobbing for apples. Free admission. Open Oct. 20-28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at 3160 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View.]]> Teens: Open-mic night
Red Rock Coffee at 201 Castro St. in downtown Mountain View is holding an open-mic night for teen musicians at 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 19. Admission is free.
]]> Film: United Nations Association Film Festival
Tonight, Oct. 18, the 15th annual United Nations Association Film Festival begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Aquarius Theatre, 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto. Live music and opening remarks will be followed by screenings of documentary films including "The Well: Water Voices from Ethiopia" at 7:15 p.m. The festival runs through Oct. 18, with other screenings at Stanford University and in East Palo Alto, San Jose and San Francisco.
]]> Lecture: 'Finding the Next Earth: The Latest Results from Kepler'
Natalie Batalha, mission scientist for NASA's Kepler Project, will give a free "illustrated, non-technical" lecture on the work of the Kepler team to identify Earth-size planets. The 7 p.m. talk is tonight, Oct. 17, at Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Film: 'Revenge'
As part of the Central Asia Film Series put on by Stanford's CREEES Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies, a free screening of the 2006 Kazakh film "Revenge" is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 16. The movie tells a Montague-and-Capulet story about two Turkic tribes who lived in what is now western Kazakhstan in the 18th century.]]> Art: 'Shadow Boxes'
Artist Raquel Coelho, an assistant professor in the San Jose State University animation and illustration program, is displaying a collection of shadow boxes she created as illustrations for her children's books. The free exhibition is up through Nov. 25 at the Community School of Music and Arts at 230 San Antonio Circle in Mountain View. An artist talk is set for Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. The school's Mohr Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
]]> Film: Silicon Valley African Film Festival
A showcase of films reflecting the stories by African filmmakers is showing this weekend, Oct. 12-14, at the Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Student and senior discounts available. The 3rd annual film festival's highlights include dialogue with filmmakers, African drumming and dance performances, and a parade of nations. $20 one-day; $35 festival pass.

Music: California Bach Society -- Mass in B Minor
The 35-voice California Bach Society presents Bach's Mass in B Minor. Paul Flight is the director with soloists Jennifer Paulino, soprano; Danielle Reutter-Harrah, mezzo-soprano; Brian Staufenbiel, tenor; and Christopheren Nomura, baritone. The event is Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.

Humanist Community Forum: 'Beyond Nature's Housekeepers'
In this illustrated presentation based on her new book of the above name, Prof. Nancy C. Unger reveals how women have played a unique role, for better and sometimes for worse, in the shaping of the American environment. She will speak Sunday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Student Center at Palo Alto High School (in the middle of campus), 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.]]> Science: Top tourist sights of the solar system
Astronomer Andrew Fraknoi will give an illustrated non-technical talk on "The Top Tourist Sights of the Solar System: Where Bill Gates' Great-Granddaughter Will Go on Her Honeymoon." Admission free; seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is $3; permits available in the lots. Today, Oct. 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Foothill College, Room 5015, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.

]]> Author: Ralph Nader
In "The Seventeen Solutions: Bold Ideas for Our American Future," Nader offers his 17 solutions to save the country from further distress, including cracking down on corporate crime, reducing the military budget, creating new jobs, and fundamental tax reform. Today, Oct. 11, 7-8 p.m. at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $20 general; $12 members; $7 students.
]]> Election: Santa Clara County school board candidate forum
Today, Oct. 10, attendees can come ask questions and hear from candidates for the Mountain View Whisman School District at 6:30 p.m. and then from the two candidates for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Area No. 1 (Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale), from 7:45 to 9 p.m. at Crittenden School, 1701 Rock St., Mountain View. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Los Altos/Mountain View and Crittenden PTA.]]> Art: Nancy Wulff
Gallery 9 has "Dames and Posies," works by Nancy Wulff, on display. They feature ink drawings and watercolor paintings inspired by nature and love of dance. The gallery at 143 Main St., Los Altos, is open Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.]]> Election forum: Ballot pros and cons
Speaker Peter Stahl will cover this year's propositions and what they mean. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Los Altos/Mountain View area. The event will be today, Oct. 8, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
]]> Music: Dogcatcher at Red Rock
Red Rock's house band, Dogcatcher, performs with Libertine Circle, Saturday night, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.

Arts: Open house at the Art Center
After more than a year of construction, the renovated Palo Alto Art Center opens on Saturday, Oct. 6, for a free public open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. New exhibitions will be up, and art activities and live music and dance performances are planned at the center at 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto.

Community service: Tree-planting
Volunteers will plant 120 shade and fruit trees this Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brentwood and Ronald McNair academies in East Palo Alto. The nonprofit group Canopy is organizing the day.

Outdoors: Community Day at Gamble Garden
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 7, Gamble Garden is holding a free community day with such family activities as storytime, digging for worms and making flower arrangements. The garden is at 1431 Waverley St. in Palo Alto.]]> TheatreWorks' "33 Variations"
TheatreWorks presents "33 Variations," the story of a brilliant musicologist racing to solve Beethoven's mystery while her daughter struggles to connect with her, at 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 5, at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Through Oct. 28. Tickets are $23-$73.]]> Music: 'Eclectic World Jazz'
A free program of jazz compositions by bass player Lukas Vesely and guitarist Neil Kelly is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 4, at the Community School of Music and Arts at 230 San Antonio Circle in Mountain View. Other scheduled performers are CSMA teacher Daniel Magay on clarinet, alto sax and flute, with poet Mina Kelly.]]> Music: Daniel Pearl Music Days
"Harmony for Humanity: Daniel Pearl Music Days," the annual free concert paying tribute to the late journalist, is scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 3, in Memorial Church at Stanford University. The St. Lawrence String Quartet and Stanford Chamber Strings and other Stanford musicians are scheduled to perform. The event is part of a network of free concerts in various countries.
]]> Authors: Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Authors Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate will speak on their new book, "Eve and Adam," a futuristic take on the Adam and Eve story, at 6:30 p.m. today, Oct. 2. The event is at Books Inc. at 74 Town & Country Village in Palo Alto. In the book, a woman at her mother's secret research facility is assigned an unusual project: creating the perfect boy.]]> Music: Red Rock open mic
Anyone with a song, poem or stand-up routine is invited to share it at Calvin & King's open mic night at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. Sign-ups for 10-minute time slots start at 6:30 p.m., and performances are from 7-10 p.m.]]> Gala: Palo Alto Black and White Ball
The Palo Alto Recreation Foundation presents the vintage Vegas-themed Black and White Ball, a gala benefiting the Palo Alto community and local schools. The event will be Saturday, Sept. 29, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The gala will include food and drink, live music on four stages, and poker, roulette and blackjack games.

Community: MV Buddhist Temple's 50th
The Mountain View Buddhist Temple celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend, Sept. 29-30, with services and the re-opening of the temple following major refurbishing. A special service is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a banquet attended by Mountain View's mayor in the Social Hall, 575 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View. On Sunday, the 10 a.m. service includes an Affirmation Ceremony led by Rev. Kodo Umezu.

Music: Hiroshima band
Hiroshima band with taiko master Kenny Endo will perform a two-hour concert. VIP sushi and sake tasting is optional preceding the concert. Proceeds will benefit the Tsunami Japan Relief Fund and the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple's 100th Anniversary Fund. The event is Saturday, Sept. 29, 8:30-10:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto.

]]> Music: Kyle Terrizzi
Kyle Terrizzi performs his singer-songwriter tunes as The Plastic Arts tonight, Sept. 28, at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. 8 p.m. Free.

Community event: Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk
The 28th annual Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk takes place tonight, Sept. 28, at the Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center. Race-night registration starts at 6 p.m. The 5K walk will begin at 7 p.m., the 10K run at 8:15 p.m. and the 5K run at 8:45 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Voice's sister paper, also features prize giveaways, refreshments, pre-race warm-ups, vendor booths, a climbing wall for kids and more. The Moonlight Run benefits local non-profits serving kids and families.
]]> Film: Palo Alto International Film Festival
Palo Alto International Film Festival presents films, talks, youth programs, workshops, free outdoor films and awards. Free Films will start today, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at the Festival Village located on High Street between University and Hamilton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto.

Author: Stephanie Lucianovic
Grub Report blogger Stephanie Lucianovic presents "Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater's Quest To Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate." Once a picky eater, Stephanie is now a food writer, cheesemonger and full-blown food enthusiast. She'll be sharing recipes from her book today, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., Town and Country Village, Palo Alto.]]> Technology: Silicon Valley CoderDojo
The Silicon Valley CoderDojo is a free programming club for kids, ages 8-17. Although the event is free, advanced tickets are required for entry. Those interested in being a mentor or speaker can sign up on the website. The event is today, Sept. 26, at Microsoft, building 1, Mountain View. 7-8:30 p.m.
]]> Science: Astronomy For Poets -- Stars, Galaxies, the Big Bang
Astronomy 10B is an introductory astronomy course for credit or personal enjoyment on the campus of Foothill College. It covers stars, galaxies and the universe. The class will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting today, Sept. 25, 6-8:30 p.m. at Foothill College, Room 5015, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.
]]> Politics: OMVNA City Council candidate forum
Attendees can visit one-on-one with the Mountain View City Council candidates and listen to a forum in which they will respond to questions submitted by the audience and community members. The event is tomorrow, Sept. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View.]]> Theatre: "Putnam County Spelling Bee"
Tony Award-winning musical "The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee" features a cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time, this weekend at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. Saturday, Sept. 22, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 - $38. Runs through Oct. 6.

Community: Palo Alto Airport Day
The Palo Alto Airport will hold its free open house, Airport Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, with exhibits, tours and refreshments. Law enforcement and disaster-preparedness teams will also be on hand with equipment and information.

Music: 'Mozart on the Make'
Students from Stanford's September Studies Arts Intensive will give a free performance of the operatic play "Mozart on the Make," about the composer trying to write the overture to his "Magic Flute." The event begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Toyon Hall, 455 Arguello Way, Stanford University.]]> Theater: 'The Cherry Orchard'
Opening night is tonight, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m. for the Pear Avenue Theatre's production of Chekhov's last play, "The Cherry Orchard." The play runs through Oct. 14 at 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, in Mountain View. Tickets are $15-$30.
]]> Talk: 'Coins and coin collections'
Coin collector Richard Douglas will give a talk at 7 p.m. tonight, Sept. 20, on collecting and conserving coins, and trying to gauge their future worth. The event is at the Museum of American Heritage at 351 Homer Ave. in Palo Alto.]]> Author: Scott Turow
"Law-lit" author Scott Turow, who wrote "Presumed Innocent" and other legally themed best-sellers, will speak in conversation with KQED radio host Michael Krasny at 7:30 p.m. today, Sept. 19. The event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Tickets are $35 at the door.
]]> Music: Live jazz at Morocco's
Johnny Williams plays original jazz and blues compositions tonight, Sept. 18, at Morocco's restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. ]]> Art: 'Explorations in Colored Pencil'
Northern California artists working in colored pencil are exhibiting art and prints through Sept. 28 at Main Street Cafe and Books at 134 Main St. in Los Altos. The show is free, and the public can vote for their favorite works of art for "people's choice" awards.]]> Author: Marty Brounstein
Bay Area author Marty Brounstein will talk about his recently published book "Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust," a true story of interfaith compassion, courage and rescue, on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Mountain View library, 585 Franklin St. 1-2:30 p.m. Free.

Family: Wild Cat Adventure
"Wild Cat Adventure" features five live wild cats from around the world. Each cat is shown on stage as information about the species is shared with the audience. Cats may include a cougar, cheetah, serval, bobcat, Siberian lynx, ocelot or Geoffroy's cat. The event will be Sunday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Foothill College - Appreciation Hall, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Author: Adam Lazarus at Books Inc.
Joe Montana and Steve Young are two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history for a reason: each other. In "Best of Rivals," Adam Lazarus takes the audience behind the scenes, showing how their competition helped forge the San Francisco 49ers into a legendary dynasty. The event will be today, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., Town and Country Village, Palo Alto.]]> Author: Erin Ann Thomas
Erin Ann Thomas will read selections from her recent narrative nonfiction book "Coal in Our Veins," which discusses the historical and current human and environmental costs of coal energy, and makes a plug for diversifying the grid through alternative sources. The event is today, Sept. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Books Inc., 855 El Camino Real #74, Palo Alto.
]]> Workshop: 'Tame the Plug'
"Tame the Plug" is a presentation by Steve Schmidt of High Energy Audits on energy conservation. Attendees should bring their PG&E bill to the event today, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at Mountain View City Hall, 500 Castro St.
]]> Talk: David Barsamian: 'Occupy the Economy -- Challenging Capitalism'
In interviews with economist Richard Wolff, David Barsamian probes the root causes of the current economic crisis, its social consequences, and what can and should be done to turn things around. Talk will be held today, Sept. 11, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at University Church, 1611 Stanford Ave., Palo Alto.
]]> Art: 'Water'
Thirty Bay Area artists display water-themed artwork during the "Water" exhibit at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. Artists explore the theme through a variety of media. Exhibit runs through Sept. 29. Gallery 9 hours: 11-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.]]> Street fair: Mountain View Art & Wine
Art, live music, food and drink, and games and activities for kids are on offer at this huge street fair in downtown Mountain View this weekend, Sept. 8-9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. Castro Street, Mountain View.

Music: Palo Alto Philharmonic
On Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m., the Palo Alto Philharmonic will hold a Baroque-music concert with a program including Handel's "Water Music" Suite #1 in F. The performance will be at the First Baptist Church, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto. $20 general admission, $17 seniors, $10 students.

Family: Science Night at MOAH
Palo Alto's Museum of American Heritage hosts a night of family science activities and pizza from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. Topics include static electricity, electromagnetism and the Tesla coil. Admission is $20 at the door or $17 in advance, with pizza and drinks included.]]> Music: Inglish & Louise
Erin Inglish, who calls herself the "California Banjoneer," and singer-songwriter Gabrielle Louise will perform at 8 p.m. tonight, Sept. 7, at Red Rock Coffee with fiddler Michael Mullen. The cafe is at 201 Castro St. in Mountain View.]]> Music: Piano duo concert
The Community School of Music and Arts hosts a free faculty concert featuring husband-and-wife musicians Klara Frei and Temirzhan Yerzhanov tonight, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.]]> Talk: John Rothmann
Veteran lecturer, foreign-policy analyst, author and radio talk-show host John Rothmann will speak on the Middle East and the U.S. presidential election at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Sept. 5. The event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Tickets at the door are $25.

]]> Music: Johnny Williams
Musician Johnny Williams will play original jazz and blues songs at 7 p.m. tonight, Sept. 4. The gig is at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View.

]]> Fair: 49th Kings Mountain Art Fair
Kings Mountain Art Fair features 138 juried artists, 30 local artists, local beer and wine, children's activities, pancake breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m., and lunch, all in a redwood forest setting. The event is Saturday through Monday, Sept. 1-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. near the Kings Mountain Firehouse, 13889 Skyline Blvd.
Lecture: 'Humanist community forum'
Haram Hirajan discusses the principal challenge of public education: It's slow to adapt to the fast-changing rules in transmission of information from one generation to another. The event is Sunday Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m at the Student Center at Palo Alto High School (in the middle of campus), 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto.
]]> Theatre: 'Time Stands Still'
TheatreWorks presents "Time Stands Still" by Donald Margulies. The drama follows a thrill-seeking photojournalist and her foreign correspondent lover after they return from the war front. Through Sept. 16. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. in Mountain View.
Film: Health care in Canada and the U.S.
"The Healthcare Movie" explores the history of universal, publicly financed health care in Canada and the obstacles to publicly financed health care in the United States. The film is narrated by Kiefer Sutherland, the grandson of Tommy Douglas, the father of Canadian health care. Panel discussion and Q&A will follow. Today, Aug. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Palo Alto, 305 N. California Ave., Palo Alto.]]> Presentation: A History of Candlestick Park
Attendees can join Ted Atlas as he talks about how Candlestick Park has shaped Bay Area sports and entertainment today, Aug. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. Atlas will use images, recollections and research to tell the story of the iconic park as the 49ers prepare to vacate it.
On stage: 'For the Greater Good, or The Last Election'
The San Francisco Mime Troupe performs "For the Greater Good" or "The Last Election" today, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. at Mitchell Park (South Field), 600 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. Michael Sullivan directs the 53-year-old troupe in this musical satire about "true" American values. There will be live music for 30 minutes before show time.]]> Class: Growing vegetables in fall and winter
Master gardeners teach which vegetables will produce throughout the winter, how to start plants, and when to start seeds and put in transplants to get the best harvest. The event is today, Aug. 28, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
]]> Music: Red Rock open mic
Red Rock coffee shop hosts Cavin and King's open mic from tonight, Aug. 27, at 201 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone can sign up to recite poetry, do a comedy routines or perform music. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m.]]> Community: Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Downtown Palo Alto becomes street-fair city this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26, when the 31st annual Festival of the Arts brings 300 artists' booths, children's activities, food and drink, a sculpture garden and Italian street painting to University Avenue and its environs. Admission is free to the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

Outdoors: Arastradero Nature Hike
Acterra staff botanist Paul Heiple leads a free hike at Arastradero Preserve from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. Hikers will learn about the local wildlife: what they eat, where they live, and what clues people can spot to know they are there.

Authors: Litquake
San Francisco's Litquake festival comes down the Peninsula this year, with literary salons, a talk on Jewish humor with KQED radio host Michael Krasny, children's book events, and live music at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center at 3921 Fabian Way in Palo Alto.

Music: Daniel Wood & Co.
The historic Rengstorff House's Sundays in the Garden program features Daniel Wood and his jazz-inspired horn and alphorn on Sunday, Aug. 26. 2-3 p.m. Free. Rengstorff House, 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View.]]> Dance: Ballroom wheelchair competition
Cheryl Burke Dance studio hosts the American DanceWheels Foundation (ADF) for its first Northern California Ballroom Wheelchair Dance Competition tonight, Aug. 24, 5-7 p.m. Free admission. 1400 N. Shoreline Blvd. #-A1 , Mountain View.]]> Music: Thursday Night Live
The city's last free summer concert features Doobie Brothers tribute band Long Train Runnin' tonight, Aug. 23, downtown at Castro and Dana streets, Mountain View. 6:30-8 p.m. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on.]]> Volunteer: Weekly Weed Warriors
As the summer wanes, experienced "weed warriors" will be heading out to clear invasive species of weeds from Pearson Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. Inexperienced volunteers of all ages can join them in the habitat restoration today, Aug. 22, from 5:30 p.m. to sunset. ]]> Outdoors: 'Yoga on the Labyrinth'
Local yoga teacher Rebecca Snowball and Stanford University's Office of Religious Life are hosting a free spiritual yoga class on the labyrinth in Stanford's Memorial Church at 5:30 p.m. today, Aug. 21. Treating the labyrinth as a sacred space, the class will incorporate music and "sacred gestures." Bring your own mat.
]]> Books: Exhibit of hand bookbinders
The Bing Wing in Stanford University's Green Library is hosting an exhibit honoring the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Hand Bookbinders of California, with examples of fine design bindings from contemporary members and from the library's collections. The free exhibit is up through Sept. 5. Artists include Paul Bonet, Pierre Lucien Martin, Belle McMurtry Young and Peter Fahey. 557 Escondido Mall, Stanford University.
]]> Book sale: Los Altos Friends of the Library
More than 30,000 books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles will be available to buy at the Los Altos Friends of the Library used book sale. Special items at this sale include vintage prints dating to 1873, a Scientific American Library 69-volume set, Russian adult and children's books. The sale is Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

Twilight Concert: Teens on the Green
Five local teen bands will play songs from a variety of genres at Teens on the Green, the last Twilight Concert of the summer. Attendees will help Palo Alto and Project Safety Net reach their goal of 1,000 attendees. The concert is Saturday, Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto.

Music: Instant Chorus at CSMA
Daniel Steinberg, director of the World Harmony Chorus at the Community School of Music and Arts, will teach songs from around the world with multi-part harmonies and rhythms on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.]]> Outdoor Movie: 'Happy Feet 2'
"Happy Feet 2," an animated film about dancing penguins, will play tomorrow, Aug. 17, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Rengstorff Park, 201 S. Regonstorff Ave., Mountain View. It's recommended to bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

Sen. Joe Simitian: Sidewalk office hours
State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) will hold sidewalk office hours in Cupertino and Palo Alto tomorrow, Aug. 17, and Saturday, Aug. 18. Community members can stop by with questions and concerns about state legislative issues. Tomorrow's office hours are at the Cupertino Farmers Market, near the JC Penney parking lot in Vallco Mall, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Saturday's are at the Palo Alto Farmers Market, at Hamilton and Gilman streets, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
]]> Music: JazzConneXion at The Menu
Jazz trio JazzConnXion, featuring Dale Nesbitt, Bill Hockett and John Sylvester, plays tonight, Aug. 16, at The Menu restaurant, 2700 W El Camino Real, Mountain View. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Music: KFOG Local Scene Happy Hour
The Corner Laughers, The Stone Foxes and Alma Desnuda will perform at Club Fox on 2223 Broadway in downtown Redwood City today, Aug. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. The KFOG radio-sponsored show is free.]]> Art: Rengstorff House Arts Festival
A fine art exhibition showcasing local artists and juried works from the Community School for Music and Arts' art4schools program is on view in historic Rengstorff House today, Aug. 15, until 5 p.m. Rengstorff House, 3070 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. The show runs through September, open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
]]> Theater: "The Trouble with Doug"
TheatreWorks New Works Festival presents "The Trouble with Doug," the comic story of a charming young man turning into a charming gastropod, tonight, Aug. 14, at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. General admission $25. ]]> Music: Schola Cantorum -- Songs of Richard Rodgers
Schola Cantorum invites singers to sing the songs of Richard Rodgers with guest conductor Dawn Reyen today, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. Tickets are $15, free for students under age 25 with ID.
]]> Movie: "Cars 2"
Mountain View's outdoor summer movie series continues tonight, Aug. 10, with a showing of the animated film "Cars 2" at Sylvan Park, 600 Sylvan Ave., Mountain View. 8:30-10 p.m. Free. Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.]]> Music: Folk-blues
The Bay Area band Bright Side Band will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Red Rock Coffee at 201 Castro St. in downtown Mountain View. The musicians describe their style as a "folk-blues take on Americana, British folk and Celtic music."

Art: Contemporary-art tours
Stanford University's Cantor Arts Center holds free docent tours of the museum's Friedenrich Family Gallery, which has contemporary works in various media from the 1950s to the present. The next tour is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.

Music: Rob Reich Trio
A free outdoor concert by the Rob Reich Trio -- which is a jazz/piano ensemble with an accordion -- is planned from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at Rengstorff House. Part of the "Sundays in the Garden" series, the concert will be at 3070 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Mountain View.]]> Music: Metal Shop
Downtown Mountain View's Castro Street (at Dana Street) will host a free concert by Metal Shop -- which bills itself as an "'80s arena-rock tribute band" -- from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight, Aug. 9. Audience members are advised to bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on.
]]> Film: 'Even the Rain'
A free screening of the 2010 Iciar Bollain movie "Even the Rain" is planned for 7 p.m. tonight, Aug. 8, at Stanford University's History Corner (Building 200), Room 002. Showing as part of the ICA Summer Film Festival, the movie is about a film crew shooting a controversial project in Bolivia about Christopher Columbus.]]> Theater: "Sleeping Rough"
TheatreWorks' New Works Festival presents the story of a broken family that reunites to face the demons of its past tonight, Aug. 7, at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. 7:30 p.m. Runs through Aug. 11. General admission only, $19. ]]> Music: 'Summer Sings'
The Peninsula choral group Schola Cantorum hosts one of its "Summer Sings" events at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Aug. 6. Audience members get to borrow a score and join the chorus in singing Mozart's Mass in C Minor; the event will be conducted by Vance George, conductor emeritus with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. $15 (free for students up to age 25).]]> Movie: "The Muppets"
Mountain View's family-friendly summer outdoor movie series continues tonight, Aug. 3, with "The Muppets" at Stevenson Park, 750 San Pierre Way, Mountain View. 8:30-10 p.m. Free. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. ]]> Music: The Duvets
Party and rock cover band The Duvets play Saturday, Aug. 4, at Sports Page Bar & Grill, 1431 Plymouth St., Mountain View. 9 p.m. The band plays hits from many eras, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Flo Rida, from Bush to LMFAO.

Community: Obon Festival
The Palo Alto Buddhist Temple's 64th annual Obon festival begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, and noon on Sunday, Aug. 5. The public can sample cultural and carnival offerings against a background of traditional Japanese food and drink. Bon Odori circle dances start at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Road.

Music: Dena DeRose Trio with Terrell Stafford
Jazz vocalist and piano player Dena DeRose also does scat improvisations. She will also have Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts crew on hand. They include drummer Matt Wilson, trumpet star Terrell Stafford and bassist Martin Wind. They play Saturday, Aug. 4, at 8 p.m. at Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford. Tickets are $50 for premium, $40 for regular and $15 for students.]]> Music: Thursday Night Live
The city's free summer concert series features Santana tribute band Caravanserai tonight, Aug. 2, at Rengstorff Park, Crisanto and N. Rengstorff avenues, Mountain View. 6:30-8 p.m. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on.]]> Music: Gretchen Parlato and Sasha Dobson
Jazz vocalists Gretchen Parlato and Sasha Dobson will sing today, Aug. 1, at 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. Dobson plays with and opens for Norah Jones. Parlato's recent release "Lost and Found" was the top vocal jazz album on iTunes. Tickets are $42 for premium, $36 for regular and $15 for students.]]> Music: Kenny Barron and Friends
Jazz pianist Kenny Barron has been associated with many names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz. Joining him on stage will be trumpet master Terell Stafford and longtime SJW faculty and alumnus Dayna Stephens. They will play today, July 31, at 8 p.m. in Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. Tickets are $42 premium, $36 regular and $15 for students.
]]> Music: Schola Cantorum Summer Sings
Schola Cantorum invites singers from all over the Bay Area to sing the Faure Requiem/Bach's Magnificant tonight, July 30, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. Guest conductor Lynne Morrow, the music director of Oakland Symphony Chorus and Pacific Mozart Ensemble, will preside. Sheet music available to borrow. $15. ]]> Film: San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Local screenings from the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival start this Saturday, July 28, and run through Aug. 2 at the CineArts movie theater at Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. Comedies, documentaries and short films from various countries are among the offerings.

Art: Sand Mandalas at East West
Visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks are holding events this weekend at East West Bookstore at 324 Castro St. in Mountain View. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, the visitors will teach a class on making thangkas (educational cloth paintings), and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, they will begin a ceremony dispersing the sand mandala they created earlier in the week. The class costs $20. The mandala ceremony is free, and concludes at Shoreline Park, where the sand will be put into the Bay.

]]> Theater: 'The Secret Garden'
Los Altos Youth Theatre Presents: "The Secret Garden" tonight, July 27, at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. The final performance is Saturday, July 28. Tickets are $11-$17, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Movies: 'The Incredibles'
As part of the city of Mountain View's free outdoor movie series, the 2004 animated comedy "The Incredibles" will be shown tonight, July 27, at Eagle Park at 652 Franklin St. The movie will start around 8:30 p.m. (or when it's dark enough). Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.]]> Movies: 'The Incredibles'
As part of the city of Mountain View's free outdoor movie series, the 2004 animated comedy "The Incredibles" will be shown tomorrow, July 27, at Eagle Park at 652 Franklin St. The movie will start around 8:30 p.m. (or when it's dark enough). Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.]]> Community: Blood drive and BBQ
A barbecue, tie-dyed T-shirts and a spin of the prize wheel await those who donate blood today, July 25, at the Stanford Blood Center-Mountain View, 515 South Drive, Suite #20, Mountain View. The annual summer event welcomes those with or without appointments. Open noon-7:30 p.m.]]> Talk: Abbas Milani
Abbas Milani, director of the Iranian-studies program at Stanford University, will give a free talk at 7 p.m. tonight, July 24, on his biography "The Shah." The talk will be in Braun Auditorium at the Mudd Chemistry Building.
]]> Music: Summer Sings - Mozart Requiem
Schola Cantorum invites singers from all over the Bay Area to sing the Mozart Requiem/Coronation Mass with guest conductor Jeffrey Benson, director of choral activities at SJSU tonight, July 23, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15, free for students under 25 with ID. Music for choruses and solos available to borrow.]]> Theater: 'A Year with Frog and Toad'
Peninsula Youth Theatre presents a musical about Frog and Toad, based on the children's books by Arnold Lobel, Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Tickets are $10-$18.

Event: Connoisseurs' Marketplace
The Connoisseurs' Marketplace is a midsummer festival with live music, art, crafts, chefs' demos, festive food and drink, microbrews, margaritas, organic and green products, collector car show and a kids' fun zone. Presented by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce. This weekend, July 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park.

Music: Le Jazz Hot
Julian Lage (guitar), Victor Lin (violin) and Jorge Roeder (bass) present their modern interpretations of the acoustic swing of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli from their years as Hot Club of France band in the 1920s. The band plays Sunday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium.]]> Movie: Outdoor movie night
The animated film "Puss in Boots" is showing at the city-sponsored summer outdoor movie night tonight, July 20, at Whisman Park, 400 Easy St., Mountain View. 8:30-10 p.m. Free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.]]> Music: Live acoustic guitar with Shane
New Zealand-born guitarist Shane Cammell will perform a live acoustic show today, July 19, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. Cammell is a performing artist, teacher and composer with more than 32 years of experience playing guitar.
]]> Author: Julie Scheeres and Julia Flynn Siler
Nonfiction authors Julia Scheeres and Julia Flynn Siler will discuss their writing, followed by a Q&A and book-signing, on Wednesday, July 18, at the Los Altos Public Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. 7:30 p.m. Free. Scheeres is the author of "Jesus Land" and Siler wrote "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty."]]> Music: Ruth Davies and Charlie Musselwhite
Charlie Musselwhite will play with blues and jazz bassist Ruth Davies in this Stanford Jazz Festival concert today, July 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Tickets $15-$42.]]> Music: Summer Sing - Bach B minor Mass
Schola Cantorum invites singers to sing the Bach's B Minor Mass with guest conductor Buddy James, director of vocal and choral activities at CSU East Bay. The event is today, July 16, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. Music available on loan that evening and attendees can sing the choruses and the solos.
]]> Community: Shoreline Outrigger community day
Ho'oku'i, the Bay Area's newest outrigger canoe club, holds its monthly community day on Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shoreline Lake Aquatic Center & Lakeside Cafe, 3160 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. Activities include seminars, beginners' lessons and the chance to paddle an outrigger on the lake. Free.

Art: Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival
About 175 juried artists will display and sell their work this weekend at the annual Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival at Rinconada Park, Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, and admission is free. Activities include wheel-throwing demonstrations and pottery-making.

Music: Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill
The husband-and-wife, vocal-piano team of Wesla Whitfield and Mike Greensill (she's the singer) comes to the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center at 3921 Fabian Way to do a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15. The program is "From Shtetl to Broadway: The Russian Jewish influence on the Great American Songbook." Tickets are $35 at the door.]]> Music: Summer Symphony
San Francisco Ballet orchestra conductor Martin West comes to the Peninsula to conduct the Summer Stanford Symphony Orchestra in Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor and Tchaikovsky's "Rococo Variations." The concert is at 8 p.m. tonight, July 13, in Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford University. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for students.
]]> Music: Acoustic guitar
Jack Cutter plays solo acoustic-guitar compositions at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. The performance starts at 7 p.m. tonight, July 12.
]]> Theater: 'Upright Grand'
Previews begin tomorrow, July 11, for TheatreWorks' production of "Upright Grand," a Laura Schellhardt new play with music. Tonight's 8 p.m. preview will be followed by two more nights of previews; the show then runs through Aug. 10 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $31-$51.]]> Film: 'Gigi'
The classic 1958 Leslie Caron film "Gigi" is showing at the Stanford Theatre at 7:30 p.m. tonight, July 10, followed by a 9:35 showing of 1957's "Love in the Afternoon." The theater is at 221 University Ave. in Palo Alto. Tickets are $7 general and $5 for seniors and youth.]]> Music: Brahms Requiem at Summer Sings
Schola Cantorum invites singers from all over the Bay Area to sing the Brahms Ein deutsches Requiem with guest conductor Gregory Wait tonight, July 9, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sheet music available to borrow; listeners welcome to sing along. $15 general, students under 25 with ID, free. Part of Schola Cantorum's weekly, Monday night Summer Sings program.]]> Stanford Art Spaces: Paintings
Paintings by Ben Alexy; watercolor, ink and mixed media by Valerie P. Cohen and paintings by Kyungsoo Lee are on exhibit at the Paul G. Allen Art Spaces on the Stanford University Campus. From today, July 6, to Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Stanford Art Spaces, 420 Via Palou, Stanford.
Art: Pacific Art League's First Friday Reception
Norton: Santa Clara Watercolor Society (Think Large/Paint Small); Corridor: Ron Andrews Facial Landscapes II; Studio One: Students of Terry Eden. Reception for members exhibition will be held today, July 6, 5:30-8 p.m. at Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto.
]]> Film: Stanford's Camera as Witness program
Stanford's Camera as Witness program will screen three films -- from China, Iran and Vietnam -- demonstrating that "the art of film is a diplomatic force in righting wrongs around the world." "Sing China!" will play Thursday, July 5, 7 p.m. at the Cummings Art Building, Annenberg Auditorium.]]> Art: Recent Photographs by Richard Gordon
Stanford University's Department of Art and Art History presents an exhibition that includes 36 new color photographs from Richard Gordon's most recent series exploring ideas surrounding communication and interconnectedness in the contemporary world. Starting today, July 3, and continuing to Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Thomas Welton Stanford Art Gallery, 419 Lasuen Mall, Stanford.
Movie: 'Roman Holiday'
Stanford Theatre will show "Roman Holiday," featuring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, tonight, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. at 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. The 1953 movie follows a bored princess who falls in love with an American newsman.]]> Sports: Pre-Olympic water polo
Attendees can come to support the USA Olympic Women's water polo team compete against the Hungarian Olympic team. This is an opportunity to watch an Olympic water polo game without traveling to London this summer. Today, July 2, 6-7 p.m. at Avery Aquatic Center, 235 Sam MacDonald Mall, Stanford.]]> Community: Stride and Ride festival
The Stride and Ride Festival, with demonstrations and activities, is set for Saturday, June 30, Plaza Central at First Street, Los Altos. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Family activities include a free skate park and pro skate demo, a Triathlon-in-Place, free fitness classes, a bicycle rodeo, and a kids zone.

Sports: 'Learning Curve Bike Circuit Race'
On Sunday, July 1, Foothill College is hosting its second annual "Learning Curve Bike Circuit Race" around the 1.09-mile loop road on campus at 12345 El Monte Road in Los Altos Hills. Registration starts at 7:15 a.m., with the first race beginning at 8, and the event benefiting the construction of a pedestrian/bike path. Adults $30-$35; ages 10 to 18, $15.

Music: 'Stan Kenton Centennial'
The Ray Brown Great Big Band, led by composer and trumpeter Ray Brown, will perform with guest drummer Peter Erskine at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 1. The concert pays homage to the Stan Kenton big band and will take place in Stanford's Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Tickets are $32 general ($40 premium) and $15 for students.]]> Family: 'Theatre in the Park'
Peninsula Youth Theatre will present a free, outdoor kids' production of "Sleeping Beauty." The performance is at 6:30 p.m. tonight, June 29, at the Cubberley Amphitheatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

Jazz: Luciana Souza
Brazilian jazz will be the flavor of the evening as singer and percussionist Luciana Souza performs with guitarist Romero Lubambo at 8 p.m. tonight, June 29. The Stanford Jazz Festival concert is at Dinkelspiel Auditorium on campus. Tickets are $36 general ($42 premium) and $15 for students.]]> Theater: "Mrs. Warren's Profession
The Pear Avenue Theatre's tenth season ends with the first show ever produced at the Pear: G.B. Shaw's indictment of hypocrisy. Playing tonight, June 28, and Thurs.-Sun. through July 15, 8-10 p.m. at Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View. $15 - $25.]]> Lecture: Fatou Bensouda
As part of the Stanford Summer Human Rights Program, Fatou Bensouda, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, will give a free talk at 7 p.m. tonight, June 27. The event is in the Hewlett Teaching Center, Auditorium 200, at Stanford University.
]]> Gardening: 'No Such Thing as a Bad Bug'
A gardening talk on dealing with vegetable pests and diseases in an environmentally friendly way is planned for 7:30 p.m. tonight, June 26, at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road. Candace Simpson of Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County will give the free lecture.]]> Open mic: Red Rock coffee
Red Rock coffee shop at 201 Castro Street hosts Cavin and King's open mic from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A Monday night tradition for the last 15 years with poetry, comedy routines and live music. Performers have 10 minutes each and must sign up at 6:30 p.m. ]]> Community: Trail dedication
The City of Mountain View is hosting a dedication ceremony and grand opening of the Stevens Creek Trail bridge over Highway 85 on Saturday, June 23, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at Stevens Creek Trail on the Sleeper Avenue side of Highway 85.

Palo Alto Event: Concours d'Elegance
Some 300 vintage and collectible cars will be on exhibit at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance Sunday, June 24, at 360 Oak Road at Stanford University. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The annual charity event, presented by the Palo Alto Host Lions Club, will have live music, beverages, a food court and a silent auction. $25. Ages 12-21 and 65+ $10; under 12 free.

Talk: Dave Barry and Aland Zweibel
Onstage conversation with Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist, and Alan Zweibel, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Together, they formed "Lunatics." June 24, 8 p.m. at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $18-$30.]]> Music: Danilo Perez Trio
Jazz pianist Danilo Perez brings his trio to kick off the 2012 jazz festival. Bassist Ben Street, drummer Antonio Sanchez and Perez draw on roots in folk music as well as his mastery of classical forms and techniques. Today, June 22, 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. $42 premium/$36 regular/$15 student. ]]> Music: Irene Sharp, Cello
Special concert with cellist and teacher Irene Sharp. Today, June 21, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.]]> Opera: 'Le Comte Ory'
Cinearts at Palo Alto Square presents a Met Summer Encore showing of "Le Comte Ory," a comic opera written by Gianchino Rossini. Today, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.]]> Author: Nancy Huddleston Packer
Author Nancy Huddleston Packer reads from "Old Ladies: Stories," a collection that centers on women of a certain age, tonight, June 19, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Free. ]]> Community: Open mic at Red Rock
Musicians, poets and comics are invited to express themselves at Red Rock Coffee's weekly open mic tonight, June 18, at 201 Castro St., Mountain View. The sign-up sheet goes around at 6:30 p.m. with performances from 7-10 p.m. Free. ]]> Film: Student screenings
Stanford University students in the MFA program in documentary film and video will host a free evening of film screenings and a Q&A starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 16. The event is in Annenberg Auditorium on campus.

Music: World Music Day
For the fourth year in a row, downtown Palo Alto will be home to a wealth of musicians performing free outdoor concerts for World Music Day. This year's event is scheduled from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, on and around University Avenue.

Music: The Banana Slug String Band
A Father's Day concert with music and puppetry is planned when the Banana Slug String Band performs two 45-minute family shows at Hidden Villa starting at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17. Hidden Villa is at 26870 Moody Road in Los Altos Hills. Tickets are $15.]]> Theater: 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore'
Palo Alto Players' production of the dark comedy "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" has a preview tonight, June 15, at 8 p.m. It then runs through July 1, Thursday through Sunday, at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $20 for the preview and $29 for the shows at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Some discounts are available for students and seniors.
]]> Music: The Shanks
The city of Los Altos kicks off its series of free outdoor summer concerts tonight, June 14, with a performance by classic-rock band The Shanks. Weekly concerts continue through Aug. 9, with shows from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in various parks. Tonight's show is at Grant Park, 1575 Holt Ave.]]> Author: Anita Amirrezvani
Author Anita Amirrezvani shares "Equal of the Sun," her novel of love and power among royalty in 16th Century Iran, tonight, June 13, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Author: Dan Ariely
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, an Israeli-American professor at Duke University, will give a talk at 7:30 p.m. tonight, June 12, on his new book, "The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie To Everyone -- Especially Ourselves." The event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center at 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. $15 general and $10 for JCC members.
]]> Music: World Harmony Chorus
Songs from Brazil, Quebec, Ireland and Zimbabwe will be on the program when the World Harmony Chorus from the Community School of Music and Arts gives its year-end concert tonight, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. The free show is at the school at 230 San Antonio Circle in Mountain View.
]]> Community: Mariposa Park dedication
Mountain View's newest city park will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, games and crafts on Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.-noon, at 305 Mariposa Ave., Mountain View. Free.

Gala: Community Services Agency's 'Imagine'
Community Services Agency (CSA) will host its annual Spring Gala, featuring food tasting from top restaurants, beer and wine tasting from the area's best wineries and breweries, music, and auctions. Sunday, June 10, 4-7 p.m. $115. Computer History Museum, 1401 North Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View.
]]> Dance: 'Ghostlight Tango'
A story of showcasing dances from the Victorian era through the 1920s in formal period attire. Also featuring performances by Swing Cats Rhythm Revue. Today, June 8, and Saturday, June 9, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $15 at the door; $12 students/seniors.
]]> Forum 'Just' California: Pressing Issues for 2012
A public policy forum to discuss issues of inequality and injustice is set for tonight, June 7, at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. 6:30-9 p.m. Panelists Dr. Don Barr, economist Steven Levy and Nancy Neff of the California Clean Money Campaign will discuss the governor's budget initiative, California's campaign finance reform and California's health care system.

]]> Theater: TheatreWorks' 'Wheelhouse'
TheatreWorks presents "Wheelhouse" by indie rock trio GrooveLily. This autobiographical musical follows traveling tunesmiths in desperate need of a tune-up as they rocket across the country in a worn-out Winnebago. Starting today, June 6 to July 1, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. $19-$69.

]]> Talk: Who Polices the Police?
A conversation with Judge LaDoris Cordell. Police misconduct is coming under ever-increasing scrutiny. What happens when a police officer misbehaves? Who polices the police? Today, June 5, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto.

Art: Richard Bostrom and Susan Varjaravand
"Passages," featuring painting by Susan Varjaravand and wood sculpture by Richard Bostrom. From today, June 5, to July 1, at Gallery 9, 143 Main St., Los Altos. Gallery hours: Tue.-Sat., 11-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. ]]> Author: Richard Martin
Richard Martin presents "Superfuel: Thorium, the Green Energy Source for the Future," which looks back at what could have been different in history. Today, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View.

]]> Outdoors: Rengstorff Park Tree Walk
Led by arborist Katherine Naegele, a Mountain View Trees director, the walk is a chance to learn about the many trees in Rengstorff Park on Saturday, June 2, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave. 10-11:30 a.m. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome. Refreshments provided. Free, but donations accepted.

Family music: Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra
"Bach to the Future" is the theme of a Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra concert featuring violinist Ariana Kim at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 2. The program includes both Bach (J.S. Bach's Violin Concerto in E major) and new (a premiere of Elizabeth Ogonek's piece "Window Watchers").

Community: Open house at Sunset Magazine
Menlo Park's Sunset Magazine holds its annual Celebration Weekend on June 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 80 Willow Road. Visitors can tour gardens and kitchens, buy food and drink, listen to live music and take part in arts and crafts. $16 general, $14 seniors, free for children 12 and under.]]> Dance: 'Soul and Inspiration' at Foothill
Foothill College Repertory Dance Company Company, under the baton of director Bubba Gong, presents its 26th annual spring fundraising concert featuring a variety of dance forms, from Broadway to burlesque, ballet to tap, world beat to hip-hop and contemporary to modern tonight, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, at Foothill College Smithwick Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25 general; $20 seniors and students; $15 children under 12; and $100 reserved seating.

Art: Palo Alto Camera Club
Rodeo cowboys, fleet fish and surreal nature scenes are among the subjects in the new free exhibition "Palo Alto Camera Club, A Celebration of Artistic Vision" opening tomorrow, June 1. The show of 34 photos taken by club members was curated by Foothill College photography professor Kate Jordahl and is up through June 27 at the Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto.

]]> Theater: 'The Knight of the Burning Pestle'
Innuendos abound in the show-within-a-show farce "The Knight of the Burning Pestle," a "mash-up of 17th-century nonsense" being presented by the Foothill College Theatre Arts Department through June 10 in the Lohman Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. This adaptation of the Francis Beaumont comedy tells the tale of a rough-around-the-edges grocer who is disappointed by a play he's seeing, and decides to rush the stage and cast his apprentice instead. $16 general, $12 for seniors and students.


]]> Film lecture: Charles Ferguson
The filmmaker of the Wall Street and finance-industry documentary "The Inside Job" will speak tonight, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Charles Ferguson will speak on his book "Predator Nation," which continues to explore the issues from the film. $20 general, $17 for Commonwealth Club members and $7 for students.
]]> Panel: 'The 2012 U.S. Presidential Election and U.S. Foreign Policy'
Stanford professor Coit D. Blacker, director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, will moderate a free panel discussion about foreign policy and the 2012 presidential election at 4:30 p.m. today, May 29, at the Bechtel Conference Center in Encina Hall, 616 Serra St., Stanford. ]]> Music: Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz
The Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble directed by Murray Low presents its spring concert featuring guest artist Doug Beavers on trombone. The program will include several of Beavers' arrangements, written especially for this performance. Saturday, May 26, at 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. $10 general, $5 students and $9 seniors.

Music: Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra
TACO is an orchestra for people who want to play music together in a friendly sociable gathering. Adults of all ages, all instruments and all skill levels welcomed. Music is provided. Members bring their own instruments, music stands, and appetizers to share. Sunday, May 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. $10 per session.

Music: Verdi's 'Aida'
West Bay Opera's first production of Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" has performances on Sundays, May 27 and June 3, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, June 2, at 8 p.m. at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $40-70.
]]> Theater: 'The Knight of the Burning Pestle'
The Foothill College Theatre Arts Department presents a mashup of 17th century nonsense that leaves few targets untouched by its satire. This farce takes on everything from the Quixote legend to the theater itself. Evening and matinee performances. Starting today, May 25, and continuing through June 10, 8 p.m. at the Foothill College Lohman Theatre, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. $8-$16. Tickets to all Thursday performances are $8. Parking is $3.

]]> Theater: Pear Slices 2012
Nine new plays for the theater's ninth season of Pear Slices, by writers in the Pear Playwrights Guild. Tonight, May 24, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View. $15-$25. Runs Thurs.-Sun. through June 3.]]> Dance: Two New Works by Smuin
Smuin Ballet presents the West Coast premiere of "Swipe" by Val Caniparoli, choreographer and principal character dancer at San Francisco Ballet. The bill will also include the World Premiere of "Through" by Ma Cong and Smuin's Symphony of Psalms. Today, May 23, at 8 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. $49-$62.
]]> Talk: TEDx with Prof. Philip Auerswald
Philip Auerswald is an associate professor at the School of Public Policy, GMU, and a senior fellow at the Kauffman Foundation. He will discuss entrepreneurship, innovation and the trend of history. The event is today, May 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m at the Samovar Conference Hall, 1077 Independence Ave., Mountain View. $25. ]]> Music: Multifaith Concert
An open-air evening of musical performance and reflection to experience the religious, spiritual and secular diversity of the Stanford campus. The event is today, May 21, at 6 p.m. at the Old Union Courtyard. Free.
]]> Community: USGS Open House
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, the U.S. Geological Survey holds its triennial open house of its Menlo Park campus at 345 Middlefield Road. Exhibits, demonstrations, presentations and activities gives insights ito the work done by USGS scientists at the headquarters for the Western United States.

Fundraiser: Friends of library book sale
Friends of the Mountain View Public Library are holding a book sale this weekend, May 19 and 20, in the Bookmobile garage, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View. Sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Family: Music from 'Fantasia'
The Palo Alto Philharmonic is holding a family concert of music from the 1940 Disney film "Fantasia," including selections from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Ballet" and Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony." The performance is at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20, at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $10 general, $5 students.]]> Music: Benefit for Aspire East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy
Americana singer/songwriter Jenny Kerr will perform a benefit concert for Aspire East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy at 8 p.m. tonight, May 18. The event is at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Music: Benefit for Aspire East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy
Americana singer/songwriter Jenny Kerr will perform a benefit concert for Aspire East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy at 8 p.m. tomorrow, May 18. The event is at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Talk: Iran's nuclear program
A free public lecture on "Iran Today and Its Place in the Nuclear Puzzle" is set for tonight, May 16, at Los Altos Youth Center, 1 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. Ralph Kuiper will show his photo journal of Iran and Martin Hellman, Stanford professor emeritus, speaks on Iran's nuclear program. Co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council - Peninsula and the Los Altos Library. 7:30-9 p.m.
]]> Film: 'Blessings'
A free screening and discussion of the documentary film "Blessings: The Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns of Tibet" is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, May 15, in the Bechtel International Center, 584 Capistrano Way, Stanford University. The discussion, with Buddhist teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche III and filmmaker Victress Hitchcock, will follow the screening.]]> Lecture: Elizabeth Kolbert
As part of the Wallace Stegner Lecture Series, journalist Elizabeth Kolbert will speak tonight, May 14, at 8 p.m. about her research and interviews on global warming. The event is at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. She'll focus on the lessons she learned while trekking across the Arctic and meeting with scientists and policymakers, a journey that led to her 2006 book "Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change." Tickets are $22.

]]> Concert: Stanford Symphony Orchestra
Jindong Cai conducts the world premiere of Di Pietro's Finale, Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 on Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m. at the Dinkelspiel Auditorium. $10 general, $9 seniors and $5 students.

Event: 41st annual Stanford Powwow
The weekend event on Stanford campus is a celebration of Native-American cultures including dance and music with more than 100 artists, food and vendors. The event starts Friday, May 11, and runs through Sunday, May 13, at Stanford's Eucalyptus Grove. On Sunday, booth vendors open at 10 a.m. and the inter-tribal and competition dancing is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

On Stage: Mansaku-no Kai Kyogen
One of Japan's most celebrated companies performs traditional Kyogen works "Tied to a Stick" and "The Owl" on Sunday, May 13, at Tateuchi Hall, Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $35. ]]> Theater: Pear Slices 2012
Nine new plays for the theater's ninth season. The plays are by writers in the Pear Playwrights Guild. The event starts tonight, May 11, and runs through June 3, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain View. $15-$25.

Gala: 13th annual Out to Eat
Attendees can come support Outlet Program for LGBTQQ Youth at this gala. Appetizers and silent auction, sit-down dessert with youth speakers, live auction and guest speaker Jose Antonio Vargas, Mountain View High School grad and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. The event is tonight, May 11, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Computer History Museum, 401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. $150. ]]> Film: 'People in Glass Houses'
Joseph Eichler and his distinctive architectural legacy are explored in the documentary "People in Glass Houses" tonight, May 10, at Los Altos Neutra House, 181 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 7-9 p.m. $20 general, $10 students. A discussion with documentarian Monique Lombardelli follows the film.]]> Art: 'Land and Sky' exhibit
Teresa Ruzzo's exhibit of pastels, 'Land and Sky,' pays tribute to the landscapes of California and the Southwest today, May 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos. Through June 2, Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.]]> Theater: 'The Reykjavik Forum'
This one-act play written by Richard Rhodes is a dialogue taken from the transcripts of the negotiations between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, showing tonight, May 8, 7-9 p.m. Stanford University , CEMEX Auditorium, Zambrano Hall Knight Management Center, Stanford. A Q&A session with Rhodes, a Pulitzer-winning author, follows the performance.]]> Music: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, May 7, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Festival: A La Carte & Art
Downtown Mountain View's annual spring street fair, A La Carte & Art, comes to Castro Street this weekend, May 5-6, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live music, arts and crafts, a salute to Cinco de Mayo, children's activities and a farmers market are among the many offerings. Free admission.

Art: Silicon Valley Open Studios
The annual Silicon Valley Open Studios starts this weekend, May 5 and 6, with artists in the Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and areas opening their doors to visitors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free.

Community: May Fete and Vintage Vehicles
Saturday, May 5, is a big day for annual community events in Palo Alto: The May Fete Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of University Avenue and Emerson Street, with floats and arts and community groups. The end of the parade is Heritage Park at 300 Homer Ave., with the May Fete Fair and the Vintage Vehicles and Family Fun Day car show. Free admission.
]]> Community: Monta Loma walk-a-thon
A walk-a-thon fundraiser for Monta Loma Elementary School is set for today, May 4, at the school, 460 Thompson Ave., Mountain View, from 4:30-6 p.m. Raffle prizes and food round out the event, which raises money for field trips, library supplies and extra-curricular activities.]]> Theater: 'The Government Inspector'
An unfortunate case of mistaken identity sends a whole Russian village spiraling into a tizzy of panic and greed when a government inspector comes to call in this adaption of Nikolai Gogol's classic comedy by Jeffrey Hatcher. Tonight, May 3, 8 p.m., at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. $26-32.]]> Lecture: 'China: The Age of Ambition'
Stanford University's Center for East Asian Studies is holding a free public colloquium on people in contemporary China who are looking to redefine their identities in the face of authoritarianism and a growing income gap. Evan Osnos, China correspondent for the New Yorker, will speak at the event, which begins at 4:15 p.m. today, May 2, in the Philippines Conference Room on the third floor of Encina Hall.]]> Art: 'Land & Sky'
Mountain View artist Teresa Ruzzo will open a new exhibition of her pastel landscapes starting today, May 1, at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos. Her soft scenes often depict cloudy skies, verdant forests and other scenes of nature. The show runs through May 2; gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 to 3.
]]> Community: 'Grand Boulevard' forum
The fourth forum in a series on the Grand Boulevard Initiative to re-imagine El Camino Real is set for tonight, April 30, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Historic Adobe Building, 157 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. The initiative seeks to make El Camino more vibrant and pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, among other things.
]]> Community: Spring family parade
The 34th annual Spring Family Parade will wind through downtown Mountain View on Saturday, April 28. The theme is "rock it to the future" and ends with a celebration in Pioneer Park featuring children's activities, food, live entertainment, a robot art gallery and, for the first time, a Spring Parade float contest. The parade starts at noon on Castro Street at Villa Street, and the event ends at 3 p.m.

Talk: Tony Derose
Pixar Animation Studio senior scientist Tony Derose will give a talk at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, on how math relates to the film-production processes at Pixar. Organized by the Commonwealth Club, the talk will be in the Eagle Theatre at Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave.

Film: Romanian Film Festival
Movie screenings, panel discussions and appearances by directors will be part of Stanford's Romanian Film Festival this weekend, April 27 through 29. Events will include a 3:30 p.m. showing of "Goldfaden's Legacy" and then a 5 p.m. panel discussion on Yiddish theater including the film's director, Radu Gabrea.


Music: Nicolle Foland
Soprano Nicolle Foland, who has long performed with the San Francisco Opera, will give a recital at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in Campbell Recital Hall at Stanford University. The program will include music by Ives, Brahms and Weill. $10 general, $9 seniors, $5 students.]]> Music: Larry Kenneth Potts
Folk-Americana musician Larry Kenneth Potts brings his guitar and his songs about dogs, trains, peculiar frontier characters, politics and adventures to Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. The free show, which is at 8 p.m. tonight, April 27, also features the musicians Tom Daggett and Paul Fifield.
]]> Music: Stanford Symphony Orchestra
Soloist Livia Sohn will join the Stanford Symphony Orchestra for Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major at an 8 p.m. concert tonight, April 26. The Dinkelspiel Auditorium performance will also feature Debussy's Premiere Rhapsodie for clarinet. $10 general, $9 seniors, $5 students.

Community: Israel Independence Day
Live music, film, Israeli dancing, food and drink, a fashion show and children's activities are planned for the Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) fair from 4:30 to 10:30 pm. today, April 26, at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Admission is free, with refreshments for sale.]]> Art: Gary Coleman
The rolling California landscapes of San Jose painter Gary Coleman are currently on exhibit in a free one-artist show at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. The art is displayed in the lobby and open to the public from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and one hour before each public performance in the center. Runs through June 18.]]> Author: Michael Walzer
Political philosopher Michael Walzer, author of the 1986 book "Exodus and Revolution," will give a free talk at 7:30 p.m. tonight, April 24, on the Exodus story and how it relates to societal change today. The event is in Building 200, Room 002, Stanford University.]]> Author: Jesmyn Ward
National Book Award-winning author and former Stegner fellow Jesmyn Ward will read from her book "Salvage the Bones" at 8 p.m. tonight, April 23. The free Stanford University event is in Levinthal Hall, Stanford Humanities Center, 424 Santa Teresa St.
]]> Family: Earth Day
The Los Altos History Museum hosts free Earth Day activities focusing on water conservation on Saturday, April 21, noon-4 p.m. A magic show is set for 1 p.m. Los Altos History Museum, 51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos.

Music: Stanford New Ensemble
In a free concert scheduled for 8 p.m Saturday, April 21, the Stanford New Ensemble will perform newly composed works by Israeli composer Yinam Leef, and Suddhaseel Sen's arrangement of "Four Songs" by Rabindranath Tagore, featuring soprano Koyel Bhattacharyya. Composers are scheduled to attend the event, which is in Campbell Recital Hall at Stanford University.

Community: Bonsai show
Demonstrations, tree sales and raffles are planned for the Kusumura Bonsai Club's 52nd annual bonsai show, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 21 and 22, at the Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Admission is free.

Tour: Stanford Historic House & Garden Tour
The eighth annual Stanford Historic House & Garden Tour will visit five pre-World War II houses in the Old Campus residential area. The tour goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Tickets are $30.]]> Art: Fanny Retsek
A free reception and artist talk are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, April 20, for a solo exhibition of prints and drawings by Fanny Retsek. The artist's social-justice-themed works are on display through June 10 at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.]]> Theater: 'The Government Inspector'
A lively adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's play "The Government Inspector" is in its second weekend of performances at Bus Barn Theatre, with a show scheduled for tonight, April 19, at 8 p.m. The theater is at 97 Hillview Ave. in Los Altos. $26-$32.]]> Community: Holocaust Remembrance Day
Music, readings, artwork, prayers and a talk by Israeli Consul General Akiva Tor are planned tonight, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. for an event called "Women and the Holocaust." The free program will be at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills.]]> Author: Mignon Fogarty
Podcaster, author and major grammar enthusiast Mignon Fogarty -- who wrote "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing" -- will give a free talk today, April 17, at 4 p.m. She's speaking on usage and effective conversation in the Terrace Room of Margaret Jacks Hall (Building 460, fourth floor) at Stanford University.

Film: 'Kyrgyzstan'
This event features nine short documentary films from Kyrgyzstan, with an introduction and commentary by Alma Kunanbaeva of the Stanford Department of Anthropology. Beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, April 17, the free event is in Building 200, Room 30, at Stanford University.]]> Lecture: Wade Davis
Wade Davis will speak on "The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World" at 8 p.m. tonight, April 16, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. The explorer and filmmaker is speaking as part of the Peninsula Open Space Trust's Wallace Stegner Lecture Series. $22.
]]> Music: Loafer's Glory
All-acoustic musicians from California play a blend of traditional bluegrass and old-time music Saturday, April 14, at First Presbyterian Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. Jamming and barbecue dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the show, the last one in Redwood Bluegrass Association's 20th season, starts at 8 p.m. $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

Music: Quatuor Mosaiques
This premier Viennese quartet emerged from the pioneering early instrument group Concentus Musicus Wien. Quatuor Mosaiques is renowned for its performances of 18th-century repertoire on historic musical instruments. Saturday, April 14, at 8 p.m. at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. $44-$50 for reserved seating.

Music: Wesla Whitfield
Singer Wesla Whitfield will perform in concert with Mike Greensill on piano, and Dean Reilly on bass Sunday, April 15, at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. 5 p.m. The 90-minute, intermission-free show is followed by a reception with the performers. $45.
]]> Theater: 'City of Angels'
Ram's Head Theatrical Society of Stanford University presents 'City of Angels.' The musical is a mix of jazz, noir, innuendo and cheeky humor in Hollywood during the 1940s. From today, April 13, to April 21, 8 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University, 551 Serra Mall, Stanford. $20.

Music: Ira Marlowe
Local songerwriter Ira Marlowe performs tonight, April 13, at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. 8 p.m. Free.

]]> Theater: 'The Government Inspector'
An unfortunate case of mistaken identity sends a whole Russian village spiraling into a tizzy of panic and greed when a government inspector comes to call in this adaption of Nikolai Gogol's classic comedy by Jeffrey Hatcher. April 12-May 5, 8 p.m., at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. $26-32.]]> Dance: Belly dancing at Morocco's
Music from the Arab world and a belly dancing performance by Katia is set for tonight, April 11, at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View at 7 p.m. Free.

Symposium: Biofuels: The Changing Nature of Agricultural Demands
This symposium will explore the politics, economics and global food security implications of the expanding biofuel sector. The event is today, April 11, at 3:30 p.m. at Bechtel conference room, Encina Hall, Stanford.]]> Talk: Good Products Bad Products
James Adams will discuss the elusive attributes that define "quality," exploring why some products lose their appeal and value quickly while others are treasured for their reliability and allure. Today, April 10, at 4:30 p.m. at the Atrium Peterson Engineering Laboratory 416 Escondido Mall, Stanford.]]> Music: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, April 9, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.

Lecture: SOPA, PIPA and Internet Freedom
CIS Executive Director of the Fair Use Project Anthony Falzone and Congressman Darrell Issa will discuss topics about SOPA, PIPA and Internet freedom. The event is today, April 9, at 6 p.m. at Stanford Law School, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford.
]]> Lecture: Pete Nelson
Pete Nelson established The Treehouse Workshop in 1997 and has designed and built treehouses all over the United States as well as in Japan, Spain and Morocco. The lecture is today, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Building 550, Atrium, Stanford.

Exhibition: '40 Watts: Illuminating Herstory'
A reception for the exhibition that investigates the diverse voices of women artists and their works of art that represent myriad formations of feminist thought and aesthetics. Today, April 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Norton Gallery, Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St., Palo Alto.]]> Community: "Hoppin' Hounds"
The ninth annual "Doggie Easter Biscuit Hunt" is set for Saturday, April 7, at 9 a.m. at Westwind Community Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills. People and dogs hunt through Byrne Preserve in search of "dog-healthy Easter Biscuits." The on-leash event benefits the Palo Alto Animal Services shelter. Free.

Exhibit: Walker Evans
American photographer Walker Evans (1903-1975) helped shape contemporary art. This exhibition features photos from his 50-year career. Sunday, April 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford.]]> Talk: Dr. Rick Hodes
Dr. Hodes is a physician who has been living in Ethiopia for 20 years working for the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Mother Teresa's Catholic mission in Ethiopia. The event is today, April 5, at 7 p.m. at the Stanford Main Quad Building 300, Room 300.]]> Theater: 'Of Mice and Men'
TheatreWorks presents 'Of Mice and Men' at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. Adapted for the stage by Steinbeck, this is a portrait of the strength of friendship and the depth of the American dream. Starting today, April 4, and continuing through April 29. $19-$69.

]]> Talk: A Brief History of Economic and Political Inequality
Today, 1 percent of the population controls 40 percent of the national wealth. In this talk, Paul George will examine how this concentration of wealth and power came to be, what it means for our society and how it might be reversed. Today, April 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto.]]> Music: Open mic night at Red Rock
The weekly open mic night tonight, April 2, brings singers, poets, musicians and comedians to Red Rock Cafe for a 10-minute chance to impress the crowd. 7-10 p.m. with sign-ups starting at 6:30 p.m. Free. Red Rock Cafe, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Special Needs: The Caring Bunny
The Caring Bunny is hopping into town for children with special needs and their families on Sunday, April 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Stanford Shopping Center. The event occurs when the mall is officially closed so that accommodations can be made to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of all attending. Families will have activities to participate in as well as the opportunity to take pictures with the bunny.

Community: Zimbabwe run
The annual fair and race to benefit orphans in Zimbabwe is set for Sunday, April 1, at St. Joseph School, 1120 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. Music and food celebrates the culture of Zimbabwe while raising money for the Makumbi Children's Home orphanage.


Music: Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra
Music Director Eric Kujawsky conducts Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, Husa's music for Prague 1968 and concertino for trumpet by Jolivet. March 31, from 8 to 10 p.m., at Canada College Main Theatre, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City.]]> Dance: Friday Night Dance
Friday Night Dance at the Cubberley Community Center Pavilion. Lessons at 8 p.m. are Rumba for beginning and intermediate levels, followed by general dancing from 9 p.m. to midnight. No experience or partner necessary; dressy casual attire is preferred. Tomorrow, March 30, from 8 p.m.to midnight. $9 includes refreshments.

Music: Ryan Kingsmith
Ryan Kingsmith plays songs from his newly released Aviation Museum album "Love Life" tonight, March 30, at 8 p.m. at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Talk: Cafe Scientifique
A plan for clean, sustainable energy in 20-40 years with Mark Z Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering, director of the atmosphere/energy program, senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy, and at the Woods Institute, Stanford University. The event will be today, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Stanford Blood Center, 3373 Hillview Ave.]]> Movie: '2012 -- Time for Change'
An optimistic alternative to apocalyptic doom and gloom written and directed by Emmy Award nominee Joao Amorim, the film follows journalist Daniel Pinchbeck, who is trying to discover a new paradigm that integrates the archaic wisdom of tribal cultures and the scientific method. The event is at East West Books today, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. at 324 Castro St., Mountain View.
]]> Workshop: 'Basic Quilt Cutting & Piecing'
The workshop covers cutting using a rotary cutter and ruler, and also piecing of a block with half-square triangles. The class is for ages 15 and above and all skill levels. Today, March 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. $20 general, $15 members.
]]> Author: Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher
The authors of 'Being Buddha at Work' will appear at East West bookstore at 324 Castro St., Mountain View, today, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. They will discuss how to embody the Buddha mind -- a source of calm, compassion and insight -- in the stress and clamor of the workplace and tap into the Buddha consciousness to relieve daily tensions and greet challenges with awareness.
]]> Gardening: 'Planting your summer vegetables'
Master Gardener Laura Monczynski will teach a free class on how to choose vegetables and herbs for the summer garden on Saturday, March 24, at 3 p.m., Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View.

Music: Bluegrass and Americana
Singer/guitarist Chris Stuart and singer/banjo player Janet Beasley will give a performance on Saturday, March 24, along with fiddlers Brittany Haas (who hails from Menlo Park) and Lauren Rioux. The concert is set from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View. $20 at the door and $18 in advance.

Family: 'Peter and the Wolf'
A family concert performance of Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" featuring faculty and advanced students from the Community School of Arts and Music is set for Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at CSMA, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.
]]> Outdoors: Night hike
A guided night hike for adults and families is planned from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, March 23, at Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. The trail is described as "moderately challenging." Tickets are $7.]]> Kids: 'Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs'
A nice girl, a mean queen and seven vertically challenged men take the stage at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre at 7 p.m. tonight, March 22, to present "Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs." Performances continue through March 31. $12 adults and $10 children.]]> Music: Pipe-organ recital
Christopher Marks of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln will give a free organ recital at 8 p.m. tonight, March 21, in Stanford's Memorial Church. The program will include music by Bach and Pachelbel.]]> Author: Claire Bidwell Smith
Books Inc. in Town & Country Village in Palo Alto hosts a free author talk at 7 p.m. tonight, March 20, by Claire Bidwell Smith. The author will speak on her memoir "The Rules of Inheritance," in which she recalls losing both her parents to cancer and taking the life journey that led her to become a grief counselor.
]]> Talk: 'China's relationship with America'
Paul Cheng, an international businessman based in Hong Kong, discusses "Redefining China's Relationship with America and the West" at a free public meeting tonight, March 19, 7:30-9 p.m. at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.
]]> Theater: 'Alice'
Los Altos Youth Theatre presents "Alice" by T.M. Camp, based on the children's classic by Lewis Carroll, at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 16, at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. Tickets $10-$15. The show runs through March 24.
]]> Family: Deer Hollow Farm tours
Participants of this tour on Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. can meet the new farm babies, visit the livestock, check out the milking station, stroll the grounds and tour the garden. The tour at Rancho San Antonio County Park, 22500 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, includes interactive activities with the kids. $5; children under 1 free.

Gala: CSMA fundraiser
The Community School of Music and Arts' annual fundraising gala will on honor Ruth and Roy Rogers for their 32 years as arts education advocates, leadership volunteers and supporters. The event will be at Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel, Palo Alto, on Saturday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m. It will include dining, auctions, performances and dancing to Oz Ramsey's Bay Area Big Band. Proceeds benefit CSMA's arts education programs.]]> Forum: Preventing Identity Theft
Worried about identity theft? Help is on the way.
A free community forum will be held today, March 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. with some of the area's top experts on identity theft. The forum will take place at Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto.
]]> Music: Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz
The Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble performs classic and contemporary works from North and South America. Musical styles include jazz, salsa, mambo, son, bomba, samba reggae and rumba yambu. March 14, 8-10 p.m., at Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford. $10 general/$9 senior/$5 student.]]> Community meeting: High-speed rail
State senators Mark Desaulnier, Alan Lowenthal and Joe Simitian will be present at a State Senate meeting on California's high-speed rail project at 7 p.m. today, March 13, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.]]> Music: Open mic at Red Rock
If it's Monday night, it must be open mic night at Red Rock Coffee, where anyone can sign up for a 10-minute slot to sing, recite poetry or even do a stand-up comedy routine. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m. tonight, March 12, at Red Rock, 201 Castro St., Mountain View. 7-10 p.m.
]]> Author: Susan Stone Belton
Susan Stone Belton, a motivational speaker, gives a free talk on her book "Real Parents, Real Kids, Real Talk" at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 10. The event is at Books Inc. in Palo Alto's Town & Country Village.

Music: 'Hold On!'
The music of Moses Hogan, who was known for his choral settings of spirituals, is the focus of a 3 p.m. concert Sunday, March 11, presented by Schola Cantorum. The performance is at the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto at 1985 Louis Road. $20]]> Theater: Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Cinderella'
Peninsula Youth Theatre celebrates its 20th anniversary season with Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale tonight, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. Runs through March 11. $16-$20.
]]> Talk: 'The Castroville Mammoth Project'
Anthropologist Timothy King will give a free talk at 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 8, on the skeletal remains of a Columbian mammoth that were found in 2010 on an artichoke farm in Castroville. The event is in Cubberley Auditorium at Stanford University's School of Education. A team that includes students from Stanford, Foothill College and U.C. Berkeley, where King teaches, has been excavating the find.]]> Theater: 'Now Circa Then'
TheatreWorks' new comedy play, "Now Circa Then," has preview performances at 8 p.m. tonight, March 7, through Friday and then open at 8 p.m. March 10, running through April 1. The Carly Mensch play, about two historical re-enactors who get their on- and offstage characters entangled, is being performed at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. $19-$69.

]]> Art: 'Land & Water, Flow & Form'
Six artists are showing works in a new free exhibition starting today, March 6, at Gallery House, 320 California Ave., Palo Alto.
The show features pastels by Charlotte Coqui, oils by Starr Davis, photography by Dan McLean, watercolors by Patricia Nojima, and landscapes by Kevyn Warnock and Trevlyn Williams. The show runs through March 31, open Tuesday through Sunday.
]]> Reading: Dustin Lance Black's '8'
There will be a staged reading of Dustin Lance Black's "8," a documentary play taken from the testimony of the Federal Prop. 8 trial, Perry v. Brown. The free event is today, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Cemex Auditorium in Stanford.]]> Music at Red Rock
On Friday downtown coffee house Red Rock will host singer Mariah McManus, whose "gale force" vocals sounds like a mix of Bjork and Taylor Swift, according to the New York Times. Trish Hosein opens at 8 p.m.
On Saturday Mountain View-based blues-jazz-indie rock trio Dogcatcher plays at 8 p.m. at Red Rock.

Holocaust Exhibit at Foothill College
Today, March 2, is the last day of the traveling exhibit produced by the Museum of Tolerance from the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The exhibit, which is at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, features 200 photographs that offer insight into the Holocaust.

Free performances at Morocco's
World music, with magician Robert Cerne performing. March 2, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. That is followed by a performance on Saturday March 3 with belly dancer Carol Acuna at 8:30 p.m.
]]> Environment: Energy Upgrade presentation
A presentation on the city's free Energy Upgrade Mountain View initiative, offering free home energy assessments, is set for tonight, March 1, at California Station Clubhouse, 381 Pacific Drive, Mountain View. 7-8 p.m. Attendees should bring their PG&E account information to sign up.
]]> Comedy: Tommy Nugent
Tommy Nugent is a former pentecostal youth pastor turned atheist comedy-theater performer. "Preacherman" is his comedy monologue describing his unlikely journey from faith to faithlessness to discovering his life's "meaning." The free event is today, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m at Herrin Hall T175, Stanford.

Music: Colin Currie
Percussionist Colin Currie brings his battery of instruments front, center and all around the stage in service of a new concerto by U.K. compatriot Sally Beamish. The event is today, Feb. 29, at 8 p.m. at the Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford. $44-50. ]]> Exhibit: 'Tote-ally-Art'
Mixed-media artist Jane Ferguson is exhibiting new wall artwork and tote bags that feature figures from her favorite paintings at Viewpoints Gallery, 315 State St., Los Altos starting today, Feb. 28. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
]]> Photo exhibit: Tony Grant
This exhibit will feature 25 of Tony Grant's documentary photographic images printed on metallic paper and is open today, Feb. 27, and runs until April 1 at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. The exhibit will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

]]> Music: 'Goldberg Variations'
The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra will perform J.S. Bach's "Goldberg Variations" in an arrangement for string orchestra at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The free concert (reservations recommended) is at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.

Kids: 'Classical Adventures for Families'
Educator and musician Chaia May presents a free classical-music event for families (suitable for young children) with storytellers, singers and other musicians. Performances are at 2 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.]]> Theater: 'All Shook Up'
Foothill Music Theatre opens its production of the musical "All Shook Up" at 8 p.m. tonight, Feb. 24, in Lohman Theatre on campus, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. The score is replete with Elvis songs, and the book follows a motorcycle-riding heartthrob who stirs things up in a 1950s small town. Tickets are $10-$28.

Film: 'Tapestries of Hope'
A free screening of the documentary film "Tapestries of Hope" is planned for 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 24, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. The movie is about human-rights activist Betty Makoni and the Girl Child Network (GCN) in Zimbabwe.]]> Exhibit: 'The Courage to Remember'
A new traveling exhibit on the Holocaust, "The Courage to Remember," is open today, Feb. 23, in the lower level of the KCI Gallery at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Produced by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, the show features 200 photographs from 1933 to 1945 and will run through March 2. Free. Closed Sundays.]]> Author: Joan Vernikos
Joan Vernikos, a former director of life sciences at NASA, will give a free talk at 7 p.m. tonight, Feb. 22, on her book "Sitting Kills, Moving Heals: How Everyday Movement Will Prevent Pain, Illness, and Early Death -- And Exercise Alone Won't." The event is at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Exhibit: 'The Courage to Remember'
A new traveling exhibit on the Holocaust, "The Courage to Remember," opens today, Feb. 21, in the lower level of the KCI Gallery at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Produced by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, the show features 200 photographs from 1933 to 1945. Admission is free; parking is $3. Hours are: weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.]]> Gardening: Weed Appreciation Day
Master Gardener Deva Luna will teach which weeds are nutritious and safe to eat at a class Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto. $31

Benefit: Lively Foundation
The Lively Foundation will hold its annual lunch banquet Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Ming's Restaurant, 1700 Embarcadero Road East, Palo Alto. The proceeds will benefit the foundation's educational programs for local and Bay Area schools. $44.

Opera: Don Giovanni
West Bay Opera's production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" performs Feb. 17-26 at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sundays are at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $40-70.]]> Dance: Black History Month fundraiser with Cheryl Burke
Performances and dancing to live music are set for tonight's fundraiser featuring Cheryl Burke, Feb. 17, at the Cheryl Burke Dance Studio, 1400 N. Shoreline Blvd., #A-1, Mountain View. The event benefits the NAACP scholarship fund. Dance lessons start at 7:15 p.m. following by dancing from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $55 at the door.

Music: the Dan Goghs
The Bay Area-based band the Dan Goghs perform American roots rock and rhythm & blues music tonight, Feb. 17, at Morocco's Restaurant, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m.
]]> Dance: Masterclass & Showing -- Robert Moses' KIN
The community is invited to watch a masterclass and showing with Stanford Artist-in-Residence Robert Moses' San Francisco-based dance company, "Robert Moses' KIN," today, Feb. 16, at 4:15 p.m. at the Roble Gym, studio 38 in Stanford. Free.]]> Author: Jenny Martinez
Stanford Law professor Jenny Martinez discusses "The Slave Trade and the Origins of International Human Rights Law" tonight, Feb. 15, at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. Free.
]]> Talk: Alvaro Uribe, president of Colombia
Alvaro Uribe, the president of Colombia from 2002 to 2010, will appear today, Feb. 14, at 5:15 p.m. at the Cenex Auditorium in Stanford. Uribe is credited with putting the FARC on the defensive, professionalizing Colombia's military, ending the country's notoriety as the world's kidnap capital, and resuscitating the economy. Free.]]> Technology: John Lennon Educational Bus
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will park in White Plaza at Stanford from noon to 4 p.m. today, Feb. 13, for a project that brings eight local high school students together to develop an original game app with the assistance of Lennon Bus producers and Stanford student coders.

]]> Music: Music from Japan, China and Korea
Traditional Asian instruments get a contemporary take (think electronics and modern symphonic techniques) at an 8 p.m. concert on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Stanford's Dinkelspiel Auditorium. Part of the eighth annual Stanford Pan-Asian Music Festival, the concert features Zhou Long's pipa concerto "The King of Chu Doffs His Armor"; Jin Hi Kim's digital-komungo work "Eternal Rock"; and other music. $10 general, $5 students.

Community: Friends of the Library book sale
Book sales benefiting the Mountain View Public Library will be held in the library's bookmobile garage this weekend, Feb. 11-12, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.

Music: Singers wanted
The Foothill Gospel Choir is seeking singers for the community choir that will join in presenting the upcoming annual gospel concert. Singers of all ages and abilities are invited to a 4:30 p.m. rehearsal on Sunday, Feb. 12, in the choir room at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., in Los Altos. Participation is free, with a donation requested for the music scores.]]> Music: Ives Quartet
The Palo Alto-based Ives Quartet joins up with guest violist Leslie Tomkins and guest cellist Tanya Tomkins for its winter concert at 8 p.m. tonight, Feb. 10. The program includes the Haydn String Quartet in F-sharp Minor and will be performed at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. Admission is $25.

Photography: Tony Grant
A new free exhibition of documentary photography by Stanford graduate Tony Grant opens tonight, Feb. 10, at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. Grant looks at quiet, unusual and humorous moments of everyday life in places as far afield as Russia and Mexico.]]> Author: Tamara Duricka Johnson
Tamara Duricka Johnson discusses "31 Dates in 31 Days," her book about the modern dating scene, tonight, Feb. 9, at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. Free.
]]> Author: Rebecca MacKinnon
The author and global internet policy advocate speaks about her book, "Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom," today, Feb. 8, at Books Inc., 301 Castro St., Mountain View. 7 p.m. Free.

]]> Theater: 'The Pitmen Painters'
TheatreWorks presents the last week of its production of the Lee Hall play "The Pitmen Painters" today, Feb. 7, through Feb. 12. Tonight's performance is at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.]]> Community: Open-mic night
Red Rock Coffee hosts its weekly open-mic night from 7 to 10 p.m. tonight, Feb. 6, inviting poets, musicians, stand-up comedians and other artists to share their work. The cafe is at 201 Castro St. in downtown Mountain View.]]> Benefit concert: Colbie Caillat
The Children's Health Council (CHC) will present a benefit concert with singer/guitarist Colbie Caillat on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8:15 p.m at the Fox Theatre, 2223 Broadway, Redwood City. The Palo Alto-based CHC helps children with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, developmental delays and other challenges. Tickets are $150-750.

Music: Master Sinfonia concert
Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart, Wagner and Martin Rokeach's new Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, with soloist Diane Maltester on Sunday, Feb. 5, at Los Altos United Methodist Church, 655 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos. 2 p.m. Tickets are $5-$20, withy a free reception at intermission.

Festival: Lunar New Year
Redwood City will host a Lunar New Year celebration for the year of the dragon on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Courthouse Square. The celebration will include lion dancers, Red Panda Acrobats, martial arts, kids' arts, zodiac-themed crafts, food and an inflatable playland. Admission is free.]]> Music: Chris Cucuzza
Morocco's Restaurant will host a performance by Chris Cucuzza, a flamenco guitarist with 15 years of experience, today, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. Cucuzza will perform all original work at the event at 873 Castro St. in Mountain View. No cover charge, but reservations recommended.
]]> Author: Mike Bradley at MVHS
Mike Bradley gives a free talk about his book "Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy! Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind" tonight, Feb. 2, at Mountain View High School, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View. From 7-9 p.m. Topics include the workings of the teenage brain.

Lecture: Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum will appear at Cubberley Auditorium today, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. for her lecture "Not for Profit: Why Democracy needs the Humanities." She will discuss the dangers of focusing on national economic gain, nations, and their systems of education, while discarding humanities and the arts. Cubberley Auditorium is located at 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford.]]> Music: Middle Eastern Music & Belly Dancing show
Morocco's restaurant will host a mini belly-dancing class from 6:30 p.m. today, Feb. 1, and professional dancers will perform after that. Reservations are recommended to the event at 873 Castro St. in Mountain View.

Art exhibit: Walker Evans
The Cantor Arts Center will present an exhibit of photos by American photographer Walker Evans during his 50-year career. The exhibit opens today, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m. at the Stanford University museum. Free admission.

]]> Art exhibit: 'Libations'
Gallery 9 in Los Altos will begin showing a photography exhibit celebrating spirits, their vessels and the craft of their creation today, Jan. 31, through Feb. 25 at 143 Main St., Los Altos. The gallery is open Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sun., noon-4 p.m.

Class: Master rose gardening
Master Gardeners will describe how to prune roses to improve their health, vigor, structure and appearance. The free class is today, Jan. 31, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.]]> Music: World Harmony Chorus
Students of World Harmony Chorus at The Community School of Music and Arts will perform songs from around the globe tonight, Jan. 30, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. Admission is free.
]]> Schools: Education update with state Sen. Joe Simitian
State Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, will discuss school funding and pending legislation in an "education update" in Palo Alto Saturday, Jan. 28. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon in the board room of the Palo Alto Unified School District headquarters, 25 Churchill Ave.

Dance: Diavolo Dance Theater
Diavolo Dance Theater returns to Stanford Lively Arts with a routine that's centered on an enormous cube, a prop that dancers, gymnasts, actors and athletes work with and against during the course of the show. The show will be performed Saturday, Jan. 28, at 3 and 8 p.m. at Stanford's Memorial Auditorium.

Music: Charles Ferguson
Charles Ferguson will perform solo classical guitar pieces along with guest artists on violin, piano and violoncello. Ferguson will perform original works and others at the Dinkelspiel Auditorium Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. General admission $10 and student admission is $5.]]> Theater: 'Doubt, A Parable'
Sister Aloysius, principal at a Bronx school, takes matters into her own hands when she suspects young Father Flynn of improper relations with one of his male students in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by John Patrick Shanley tonight, Jan. 26, at Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Alto. Runs through Feb. 18. Tickets are $26-32.
]]> Music: David Lang Program
The a cappella vocal ensemble Theatre of Voices will appear with other musicians at the Dinkelspiel Auditorium in Stanford tonight, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. to perform music by Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lang. Reserved seating is $44/50.
]]> Theater: 'The Pitmen Painters'
TheatreWorks presents "The Pitmen Painters," a Lee Hall comedy-drama play about six 1930s miners who become stars of the art world tonight, Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. Tickets are $19-$69. Runs through Feb. 12 with shows Tues.-Sun.
]]> Music: CoHo Jazz Jams
Come to Coho tonight, Jan. 23, at 9 p.m. in the Stanford Tresidder Memorial Union to listen or play with local jazz musicians. The Tresidder Memorial Union is located at 459 Memorial Drive, Stanford. The jam will be led by Stanford jazz workshop faculty members.]]> On Stage: 'The Pirates of Penzance,' Joss Whedon-style
The Stanford Savoyards take a "Firefly"-esque approach to the Gilbert & Sullivan classic "The Pirates of Penzance" starting at 8 p.m. tonight, Jan. 20. They're doing the operetta set in Joss Whedon's "Firefly" universe, and performing it in Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford University. $20 general, $15 for staff and seniors, and $10 for students.]]> Music: The Special Consensus
The Chicago-area bluegrass band The Special Consensus will play a concert on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View at 1667 Miramonte Ave. The concert, which also features Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players, begins at 8 p.m. after a 5 p.m. jam session. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Pies, cookies and other refreshments will be available.

Community: Multifaith celebration of Martin Luther King
A multifaith remembrance service, with choral-music performances and a talk-back session, will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Stanford's Memorial Church. Attendees are asked to bring donations of clean, gently used clothing to the free event.]]> Author: David Weinberger
Technologist and philosopher David Weinberger Weinberger presents "Too Big to Know: Rethinking Knowledge Now That the Facts Aren't the Facts, Experts Are Everywhere, and the Smartest Person in the Room" tonight, Jan. 19, at Books Inc. , 301 Castro St. , Mountain View. 7 p.m. Free.
]]> Talk: Deborah Hopkins
At 4:30 p.m. today, Jan. 18, Citi Chief Innovation Officer Deborah Hopkins will give a free talk on her company's methods of "delivering client-focused innovations" and creating partnerships with venture capitalists and others. The event is in NVIDIA Auditorium at the Huang Engineering Center, Stanford University.]]> Talk: 'New Approaches in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence'
Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at Mountain View's SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute, is planning a free talk at 4:15 p.m. tonight, Jan. 17, on "New Approaches in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence." The talk will be in Room 201 at the Hewlett Teaching Center at Stanford University.]]> Community: Martin Luther King tribute
Readings, archival video footage and a performance by the Ananda Singers are planned for a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.'s life at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Jan. 16. The free event is at East West Bookshop, 324 Castro St., Mountain View. Call 988-9800 to reserve a seat.
]]> Photography: Steve LaBadessa
"Celebrities to Real People" is the theme of a lecture and slideshow being presented from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, by photographer Steve LaBadessa, who has contributed to People magazine, Time and other publications. The event is at Keeble & Shuchat Gallery, 290 S. California Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets are $24.95.

Art: Tours at the Cantor Arts Center
Free monthly tours of the contemporary collection in the Cantor Arts Center's Friedenrich Gallery start Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. The Stanford University museum is at Museum Way and Lomita Drive.

Theater: 'Moon for the Misbegotten'
Eugene O'Neill's play is a story of blarney, scheming and betrayal, with a performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, at Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, Mountain View. Runs through Feb. 5, Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. $15-$30. Call 650-254-1148.
]]> Community: King celebration
Jazz musicians will perform and awards will be given today, Jan. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The free event will be at Tressider Memorial Union at Stanford University.
]]> Theater: 'A Moon for the Misbegotten'
The Pear Avenue Theatre previews its new production of O'Neill's "A Moon for the Misbegotten" at 8 p.m. tonight, Jan. 12, 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, Mountain View. The show opens Friday and runs through Feb. 5, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30.

]]> Author: 'Railroaded'
Historian Richard White will give a free talk on his book "Railroaded: The Transcontinentals and the Making of Modern America," a book about rails, robber barons and political corruption. The event is at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Jan. 11, in Stanford University's Cubberley Auditorium at the school of education.
]]> Art: 'Trails and Tales'
Stone sculptor George Perazzo and pastel artist Charlotte Coqui team up in a new free exhibition at Gallery House at 320 California Ave. in Palo Alto. "Trails and Tales" features creatures and nature scenes, and runs through Feb. 4. ]]> Music: Ukulele Jam at Dana Street
The Ukulele Club of Silicon Valley holds its monthly jam session tonight, Jan. 9, Dana Street Roasting Company, 744 West Dana St., Mountain View. All levels welcome, and those without a ukulele can lend their voices instead. 7-9 p.m. Free.
]]> Music: Saint Michael Trio
On Saturday, Jan. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Saint Michael Trio will mark five years together with a concert at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. The program will include Beethoven, rock and other new music. $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Author: Jacqueline Widmar Stewart
Palo Alto author Jacqueline Widmar Stewart will give a free author talk at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Books Inc., 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Her latest book is the photo-filled "Parks and Gardens of Greater Paris." A portion of all sales during the talk will go to the EPA Kids Foundation.

Music: Fortnightly Music Club
A free concert by the Fortnightly Music Club is planned for 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at the Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The program features music by Beethoven (Norine Chang, violin), Bach and Schubert (David Saslav, tenor), and Liszt (Emiliya Serebrennikova, piano).]]> Families: LEGO landscape
The holidays are over, but the vast LEGO and model-train landscape is still on display at the Museum of American Heritage at 351 Homer Ave. in Palo Alto. The exhibit is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., through Jan. 15. Admission is $2.

]]> Author: Meg Waite Clayton
Palo Alto author Meg Waite Clayton is scheduled to speak tonight, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. She's marking the release of her book "The Four Ms. Bradwells" in paperback.
]]> Art: Sukey Bryan
Stanford painter and printmaker Sukey Bryan will have a reception today, Jan. 4, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for her new exhibition at Castilleja School. The free water-themed show runs through Feb. 3 at the school's Anita Seipp Gallery at 1311 Emerson St. in Palo Alto.
]]> Music: 'Moroccan Music Night'
Tribal and contemporary sounds alike will be heard tonight, Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. during a "Moroccan Music Night" at Morocco's Restaurant. The venue is at 873 Castro St. in downtown Mountain View.]]> New Year's Eve: British Bankers Club party
A Russian-themed New Year's Eve party is planned from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the British Bankers Club, 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. The evening will include dinner, dancing, a dance performance and a raffle.

New Year's Eve: Lenny Williams and Earl Thomas
R&B singers Lenny Williams and Earl Thomas are scheduled to perform New Year's Eve at the Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. Williams is perhaps best known for his 1978 hit "'Cause I Love You."

New Year's Day: San Francisco Chamber Orchestra
With violinist Robin Sharp as soloist, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra will give a free concert at 3 p.m. New Year's Day. The program, which includes Beethoven's Second Symphony, will be performed at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto.]]> Singles' dance Pre-New Year's party
Singles adults of all ages welcome at a dance to celebrate New Year's Eve one night early tonight, Dec. 30, 8 p.m.-midnight at the Sheraton Hotel, 625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. $20 at the door.

Music: Acoustic blues
The Mighty Mississippi acoustic-blues trio performs tonight, Dec. 30, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Oak City Bar & Grill, 1029 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Dinner is served from 5 p.m.
]]> Food: Wine tasting
Morocco's Restaurant at 873 Castro St. in Mountain View is hosting a wine tasting from five regions of the world. The event is tonight, Dec. 29, starting at 6 p.m. Five wines and an appetizer are $15.]]> Music: Belly dancing and world music
World music night at Morocco's restaurant features a belly dancing jam by Adriana beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 28, 873 Castro St., Mountain View. Music from the four corners of the world, ranging from tribal to contemporary, is set to play.
]]> Theater: 'The Secret Garden'
Tonight, Dec. 27, begins the last week of performances of TheatreWorks' "The Secret Garden." The musical is at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $24-$64.
]]> Theater: "The Secret Garden," presented by TheatreWorks, 8 p.m., Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.]]> Music: Dave Rocha Jazz Group
Today (Dec. 21) at 12:30 p.m., the Dave Rocha Jazz Group plays a free concert of American jazz standards in the Stanford Hospital atrium. The weekly concert series brings a mix of musical styles for patients, hospital staff and visitors to hear.]]> Music: Michael Griego
Classical guitarist Michael Griego plays a free show of holiday music tonight (Dec. 20) at 7 p.m. at Red Rock Coffee, 201 Castro St., Mountain View.]]> Art: Ken Edwards
Paintings by Ken Edwards are currently on display in the lobby of the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts at 500 Castro St. A retired firefighter, Edwards describes his abstract works as "nonobjective" and "a combination of shapes, marks, colors, textures and happy accidents."
Writing: Memoir class
The Los Altos Library is hosting a free class on memoir-writing, from 2 to 3 p.m. today (Dec. 19). The event is at 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos.]]> Music: Holiday concert at CSMA
Merit Scholarship students from the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) perform in a free holiday concert tonight, Dec. 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Community School of Music and Arts at Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View.

Music: 'Annual Messiah Sing Along/Play Along'
Singers and musicians can bring their voices to the annual sing- and play-along of Handel's "Messiah" at Stanford's Memorial Church. The event is at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 16. $10 general, $9 seniors and $5 students.
]]> Stanford Historical House & Garden Tour offers insights into the way things were]]> ]]>