This week, San Francisco Mime Troupe performs a free show in Palo Alto, Dena DeRose closes Stanford Jazz Fest, Michigan Rattlers bring folk rock to The Guild. Plus Palo Alto Obon festival and theater for families in Mountain View.

San Francisco Mime Troupe’s 'Breakdown'

The Tony Award-winning San Francisco Mime Troupe will bring its newest production, “Breakdown,” to Mitchell Park Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 6. This production explores the stories of an unhoused person, a social worker and a Fox News commentator who are all tied to San Francisco. Their various perspectives on the city and experiences with its culture are examined from a politically charged point of view through song, spoken-word and acting. And though “mime” may be in the troupe’s name, there will be nothing silent about this show — the miming here is mimicry of those in power, an activist-centered performance that is focused on the rights of workers. This performance is one of many that the troupe is presenting in parks all over the Bay Area this summer, and will feature live music prior to the show. Presented by Earthwise Productions.

Sunday, Aug. 6, 2 p.m. at Mitchell Park Bowl, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. Tickets are free. sfmt.org or www.eventbrite.com.

Dena DeRose Trio featuring Ralph Moore

The Stanford Jazz Festival will bring its 2023 season to a close with a virtuosic performance by the Dena DeRose Trio, along with special guest Ralph Moore on tenor sax.

Veteran jazz pianist DeRose brings her bebop-inspired and passionate piano playing to the stage, swinging in perfect harmony with all-star drummer Akira Tana and top bassist Peter Barshay. The group’s reverence for classic bop sounds and blues sensibilities will delight jazz connoisseurs of all ages. DeRose comes to Stanford on tour from her home in Austria, making this concert a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience her musical talent live.

Saturday, Aug. 5, 8 p.m. at Campbell Recital Hall, 541 Lasuen Mall, Stanford. Tickets are $20- $62. stanfordjazz.org.

Michigan Rattlers

If folk and roots rock is your thing, don’t fret. Popular folk-rock band Michigan Rattlers brings their charismatic songwriting and penchant for high-energy performances to The Guild Theatre on Aug. 4. The band’s musical style combines twangy guitars and swinging, folk-inspired grooves with anthemic choruses and modern rock instrumentation. With live shows and in-person performances being core to the group’s ethos, this concert is sure to be a treat. Lucy and The Long Haul open.

Friday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m. at The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Tickets are $23. guildtheatre.com.

Theatre in the Park: The Golden Goose

Join Peninsula Youth Theatre and the city of Mountain View for "The Golden Goose" on Aug. 4, the latest production in their free, outdoor Theatre in the Park series, running every Friday until Aug. 11. This particular family-friendly 45-minute production explores the classic fairy tale and its themes of greed and discovery in an accessible, lighthearted manner. Bring your little ones and some snacks with you and enjoy the beautiful summer sunshine while soaking up an enchanting theatrical experience.

Friday, Aug. 4, 3 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. Tickets are free. mvcpa.com.

Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Obon

Celebrate one of the most important Japanese Buddhist festivals of the year at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple as they host their Obon festivities on Aug. 5 and 6. Across the two days, visitors can watch enthralling taiko performances, listen to live music by local band Bad Karma and honor ancestors as a part of the Obon Odori celebration featuring ancient and traditional ritual dancing. Craft beer, wine and locally brewed sake from Sequoia Sake will be available for purchase, along with desserts and snacks. This festival is open to temple members, neighbors, friends and anyone interested in Buddhism and Japanese culture, according to the Temple’s website, and promises to be a vibrant display of cultural traditions and community ties.

Saturday, Aug. 5 and Sunday, Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto. Attendance is free. pabt.org.