WINTER ARTS

MUSIC, COMEDY, THEATER AND MORE CROWD

Local Stages

When the champagne corks popped on Jan. 1, it marked the beginning of what could really be a happy new year. Judging from our survey of what lies ahead on the local cultural calendar, it’s time to get off the couch and leave streaming entertainment behind.

These are just the highlights. More events can be found on our online calendar at losgatan.com.

POP & MORE

Black/Pacific: The Geography of Freedom

San Jose Museum of Art | Feb 3, 6-9pm

➝ sjmusart.org

To mark Black History Month, the San Jose Museum of Art turns over its First Friday event to Rightstarter, composed of writer/ musician PC Muñoz and rapper/ electronic musician DEM ONE. Their multimedia project, Black/ Pacific: Sounds of the Noble Savage, “examines the call of the West, the lure of the Pacific, and the distorted historical views of indigenous Black and Brown humanity.”

Kalani Pe’a

Montalvo Arts Center | Carriage House Theatre | Feb 10, 7:30pm

➝ my.montalvoarts.org

A leading proponent of Hawaii’s music, culture and language, Kalani Pe’a has won three Grammy Awards and four Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (an honor bestowed by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts). He is known as a fluent speaker of Hawaiian and a versatile performer whose styles range from traditional chant and Hawaiian classics to R&B and his own originals.

International Anime Music Festival

San Jose Civic | Feb 11, 8pm ➝ sanjosetheaters.org

In case anyone wasn’t aware we’re living in the 21st century, the headliner of the International Anime Music Festival is virtual musician Gumi, aka Megpoid Gumi, the green-haired, animated

Vocaloid software avatar voiced by singer and actress Megumi Nakajima. Along with Gumi, the Fest also features AI singer #kzn, Vtuber duos HimeHina and Lilypse, and virtual dance group MaRiNaSu.

San Jose Jazz Winterfest: Counterpoint with Ukraine Various Locations | Feb 16-Mar 3 ➝ sanjosejazz.org

San Jose Jazz has exciting things in store for the South Bay this Winter. A dozen shows make up this year’’s Winterfest, kicking off with a show featuring singer and Thelonius Monk Institute

International Jazz Competition winner

Jazzmeia Horn and the Marcus Shelby Orchestra on Feb 16 at Santa Clara University’s Mayer Theater. With performances from stars like drummer Mark Guiliana (St. Vincent), trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, Vietnamese zither magician Van Anh Vo and influential pianist Orrin Evens, there’s something for everyone at Winterfest.

The Sun Kings

Charley’s LG | Feb 24, 6pm ➝ charleyslosgatos.com

The Sun Kings are returning for their “Get Back” Beatles tribute event.

International Guitar Night

Montalvo Arts Center | Carriage House Theatre | Feb 25, 7:30pm ➝ my.montalvoarts.org

For each International Guitar Night tour, founder Brian Gore brings together a new grouping of guitar luminaries to work on solos, duets, and quartets. Nations represented this year are

Finland (jazz guitarist Oili Soikkeli), Spain (flamenco master Jesus Guerrero), Canada (guitaristvocalist Jocelyn Gould) and Australia (chamber musician Stephanie Jones).

The HillBenders

Montalvo Arts Center | Carriage House Theatre | Mar 5, 7pm ➝ my.montalvoarts.org

Hailing from Missouri, the Hillbenders formed in 2008 and are still touring with the original lineup. In addition to bluegrass-tinged originals, the band became known for its “wood and wire” tribute to the Who: “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry.” Now they’re touring with “WhoGrass,” a set list that includes everything from the Who’s early hits to material from Pete Townshend's solo career.

Comedy

Stand-up Comedy Night

Pruneyard Cinemas | 875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 100, Campbell | Feb 24-25 ➝ pruneyardcinemas.com

The Campbell movie theater turns into a comedy club for a two-night stand, In coordination with Alameda Comedy Works. Jason Toupes hosts both nights, which each feature five funny folks.

Jose Anolin headlines on Feb 24; Ellis Rodriguez takes the top slot on the 25th.

Melissa Villasenor

Improv San Jose | Mar 10-11

➝ improv.com/sanjose

She was the first Latina comedian on Saturday Night Live, but Melissa Villasenor is much more than that. A razor-sharp impressionist, a singer, even a visual artist—she has time for all these pursuits since leaving SNL in September. Her four-show stand at the San Jose Improv is part of a minitour in California and Hawaii.