http://mv-voice.com If it is local and useful, it is on mv-voice.com. en-us 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.
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