This weekend, the Bay Area is buzzing with cultural events ranging from jazz concerts to operatic performances and unique art shows.
With a high-flying world-class pianist, blues legends gathering for a benefit concert, and a new opera about Zorro, there is an array of activities for art lovers and music enthusiasts alike.
One of the highlights is the highly anticipated return of renowned jazz pianist Hiromi, who is set to perform seven shows over five nights.
Jazz fans will be thrilled to see her showcase her latest album, “Out There,” alongside her Sonicwonder quartet at SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco from today through Sunday.
Hiromi is widely recognized for her energetic performances and impressive piano skills, making her concerts a must-see.
Tickets for her San Francisco shows start at $30, with an additional performance scheduled at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz on Monday.
In the realm of blues, a concert featuring a number of talented musicians aims to support the restoration of the “The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland” Walk of Fame.
On April 21, notable blues artists including the West Coast Caravan of All Stars and J.C. Smith will perform at Yoshi’s in Oakland to help raise funds to replace plaques that were stolen earlier this year.
Ronnie Stewart, founder and executive director of the Bay Area Blues Society, initiated the Walk of Fame project to honor the contributions of musicians in the East Bay.
The concert will start at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $30, all proceeds going towards the project’s goal of replacing the estimated $150,000 worth of plaques lost to theft.
In classical music, highlights include a new bilingual opera based on Zorro, a solo performance by celebrated pianist Evgeny Kissin, and a three-day festival by the Kronos Quartet.
Opera San Jose’s production of “Zorro” is a unique addition to April’s classical music offerings.
Developed by composer Héctor Armienta, the opera will feature performances in both English and Spanish with supertitles available in both languages.
Directed by David Toro and conducted by Jorge Parodi, it runs from Saturday through May 4 at the California Theatre in San Jose, with tickets ranging from $58 to $215.
Additionally, Evgeny Kissin will take the stage at Davies Symphony Hall on Sunday as part of the San Francisco Symphony’s Great Performers Series.
The celebrated pianist will present a solo recital featuring works by Bach, Chopin, and Shostakovich, offering an evening of exquisite music for his audience, with tickets priced between $325 and $399.
The Kronos Quartet’s spring festival, titled “Good Medicine,” promises an innovative weekend of captivating performances and is set for April 25-27.
Featured composers include Terry Riley, Gabriella Smith, and Hamza El Din, with various events scheduled throughout the three days, aiming to capture the essence of musical exploration.
Art lovers will also find delight in the return of the Startup Art Fair, a unique art fair taking place in a 1950s motor lodge in San Francisco.
Set in the quirky Hotel del Sol in the Marina District, over 60 artists will display their work throughout the hotel rooms, effectively transforming them into exhibition galleries.
This year’s fair features a variety of artistic expressions, including installation works and performance art, alongside craft cocktails and DJ nightlife at the poolside dance floor.
The fair runs concurrently with the San Francisco Art Fair at Fort Mason, which is just a short distance away, catering to those who wish to dive into a deeper art experience.
The Startup Art Fair is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, with daily passes available for $20 in advance.
For those looking for a more established musical experience, the Golden Gate Park Band is reopening its season with free concerts.
This iconic band is entering its 143rd season of performances, with a concert scheduled at 4 p.m. on Friday featuring classic Big Band Era tunes.
The band holds a historical significance dating back to 1882, having entertained park visitors for nearly a century and a half, and will continue to perform free shows at the Spreckels Temple of Music throughout the spring and summer.
Next week, San Jose Stage Company will present “The Underpants,” a comedic play adapted by Steve Martin.
The production offers a humorous take on social norms as it tells the story of Louise Maske, whose undergarments unexpectedly drop during a parade, leading to unexpected consequences and a line of suitors.
Set in early 20th-century Dusseldorf, the farce is not only comedic but satirical about the upper crust’s moral sensibilities.
Performances will run until April 27, with tickets priced between $43 and $62.
Lastly, kathak fans can experience a live performance by the Leela Dance Collective on Saturday at Bankhead Theater in Livermore.
Renowned for presenting contemporary and theme-based kathak productions, the collective will premiere “Encounters With Beauty,” honoring legendary 16th-century poets.
The performance will combine traditional dance with live music, offering a blend of cultural exploration and artistic expression.
Fans can expect to see a demonstration by the Youth Dance Company prior to the main show, which will begin at 8 p.m.
General admission for the performance is priced between $25 and $75.
This weekend offers a rich tapestry of events that highlights the vibrant arts and culture scene in the Bay Area, enticing attendees to immerse themselves in various artistic experiences.
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