Presented in partnership with History San Jose, The San Jose Nutcracker tells the familiar tale of Clara and her magical nutcracker—only this time, the fantastical story features references to local historical events, which have shaped the region. The production marks many firsts for the recently founded New Ballet School. It’s the company’s first time tackling The Nutcracker and marks the premiere of Alexsandra Meijer in the role of The Sugarplum Fairy. There will be five performances of the production from Dec. 16-24. Also this week: pre-game for the new Star Wars movie like Han Solo at Art Boutiki’s Cantina Night and work off all that egg nog on the Ugly Sweater Bike Party ride.
Cristovoe
Wed, 12pm, Free
Empire Seven Studios, San Jose
Over the course of its eight-year run, Empire Seven Studios has hosted exhibitions by many graffiti artists. It’s fitting, then, that the local gallery will be closing the year—and its doors—with a collection of work by Chris “Cristovoe.” A veteran street artist and founder of the nationally recognized, San Jose-based Clout Magazine, Chris certainly knows what Empire Seven is going through. Just like E7’s Juan Carlos Araujo and Jennifer Ahn, he recently had to downsize his Clout operation due to increased rent. Cristovoe will share the gallery walls with Mesngr, another longtime graf artist. (JT)
Islamophobia Exhibit
Wed, 8am, Free
Martin Luther King Library, San Jose
Counter prejudice and fear at San Jose State University. “Living In An Unfinished America,” a Photovoice project, features photos taken by 10 Arab, Muslim and Sikh Americans. On display through Dec. 21, the images in this exhibition document instances of Islamophobia and their consequences—as experienced by Muslims, as well as individuals, like Sikhs, who are often perceived to be practitioners of the Islamic faith. The intent of the exhibit is to promote understanding of Islam while dispelling many of the misconceptions surrounding the religion. (JT)
Cantina Night
Thu, 6pm, Free
Art Boutiki, San Jose
The first Star Wars Anthology film—set within the Star Wars universe but outside of the core narrative—is set to hit theaters late Thursday night. Prepare for the premiere of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story like Han Solo: by knocking back a couple of drinks and reenacting the classic Mos Eisley tavern scene at Art Boutiki’s second Cantina Night. The event ends at 9pm, giving fans a chance to socialize and imbibe a bit before heading to 10pm screenings at The Tech, Camera 7 and CinéArts at Santana Row. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume and kids are welcome, so bring the family. (JT)
Sick Individuals
Fri, 10pm, $5-$15
Pure Lounge, Sunnyvale
Up-and-coming electronic duo Sick Individuals have been shaking up the dance music scene, remixing tracks by artists as varied as Avicii, Madonna and Rihanna. Known for their hit collaboration with Axwell, “I Am,” Sick Individuals have rocked popular electronic festivals Tomorrowland, Ultra, Sensation, Mysteryland and Creamfields. The Dutch duo of Rinze “Ray” Hofstee and Joep “Jim” Smeele met while studying music composition and bonded over Swedish House Mafia and Daft Punk. Their latest banger, “Alive,” with its earworm melody and energetic beat, shows that these two have no plans to slow down in 2017. (JT)
San Jose Nutcracker
Fri, 7pm, $20-$38.50
Hammer Theatre, San Jose
Presented in partnership with History San Jose, this brand-new adaptation of the holiday classic tells the familiar tale of Clara and her magical nutcracker—only this time, the fantastical story is set in the Valley of the Heart’s Delight and features references to local historical events, which have shaped the region. The production marks many firsts for the recently founded New Ballet School. It’s the company’s first time tackling The Nutcracker and marks the premiere of Alexsandra Meijer in the role of The Sugarplum Fairy. There will be five performances of the production from Dec. 16-24. (NV)
Ugly Sweater Bike Party
Fri, 6:45pm, Free
Santa Clara & San Jose
Break out the sequins and the puffy paint, pump up those tires, tighten those chains and fill that Klean Kanteen up with egg nog. It’s the final bike party of the year and things are bound to get ugly. The nonprofit cycling and social club San Jose Bike Party is closing out 2016 with its third annual Ugly Sweater ride. Participants are encouraged to bundle up in their most atrocious green-and-red sweaters and hit the road—for fun, exercise, networking and to raise awareness of the power and promise of a world with more bikes and fewer cars. (NV)
Thee Commons
Sat, 9pm, $10
BackBar SoFA, San Jose
Cumbia andl surf-psych collide on Thee Commons’ groovy new LP, Loteria Tribal. With slap-back reverb, soul-ska sax and a trembling, lysergic energy, this bilingual Burger Records release would make sense in the tape deck of a Volkswagen minibus on either side of the border—as long as it was parked near the beach. Melding the sounds of their native East L.A., brothers and bandleaders David and Rene Pacheco have cobbled together an unmistakably SoCal sound that calls to mind the music of both War and Wavves. Totally tubular! Catch them at this Sonido Clash show. (NV)
LOTERIA TRIBAL by Thee Commons
Alcoholidaze
Sat, 8pm, $30-$45
The Stage, San Jose
The winter season can be a bear—from the riotous melee of Black Friday shopping to the final expulsion of the last house guest on Christmas Day. Ditch the grueling holiday hustle for an intimate evening of cocktails and cabaret. Alcoholidaze promises to put the audience in “the right kind of holiday spirit.” Hosted by Bay Area theater star Allison F. Rich, Alcoholidaze will feature singing, plenty of witty banter and, of course, booze. Rich, who recently completed her role as Aimee in San Jose Stage’s production of The Night Alive, will lead her fellow thespians in Christmas carols and plenty of gentle—and perhaps not-so-gentle—ribbing. (NV)
Dancing With The Stars
Sat, 8pm, $52+
City National Civic, San Jose
ABC’s hit reality TV show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a raucous rug-cutting competition is hitting the road. The 43-city Dancing With The Stars: Live!—We Came to Dance tour comes to San Jose this week, led by gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast and Season 23 winner Laurie Hernandez and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. They’ll be joined by the extensive DWTS cast and surprise guests throughout. The revue show features a wide variety of dancing styles—including ballroom, swing, hip-hop and more. (JT)
