February Events California 2008

Featured Event: Sonny Blues

SAN FRANCISCO - Word for Word. Word for Word, is the world premiere theatrical production of Sonny's Blues by James Baldwin. Sonny, a jazz pianist with a troubled past includes the struggle to find the soul of
life throughout the stunning portrayal of a man. Directed by Margo Hall. The Sunday, February 10th, Sonny's Blues will host a special TARGET matinee performance and reception. On Thursday, February 14th, there will be a special Valentine's Day LGBT performance, followed by a reception and mixer. Word for Word, now in its 14th year, is an ensemble theater company, stages classic to contemporary fiction performances. The company consistently receives  awards for productions from Bay Area Critics Circle.  February 8 - March 2, 2008 (previews February 5-6-7)
Times: Performances Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Location: Lorraine Hansberry Theater, 620 St., San Francisco, CA. Ticket: $12 to $36,  Lorraine Hansberry Box Office, call: (415) 474-8800, lhtsf.org

BALBOA ISLAND -  Balboa Island Museum - Great photos and information about history and formation of one of California's wealthiest little islands. Location: 502 S. Bayfront, Suite A (upstairs), Balboa Island, CA 92662. Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please call to confirm the hours: (949) 675-3952; Or to make an appointment: (949) 723-4226

BOONVILLE -  3rd Annual International Alsace Varietals Festival  Event includes Alsace-Style Winemakers Dinners, Alsace varietals Grand Tasting, Technical Conference and Alsace Varietals Grand Tasting. Highlights of the event Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat, made by the world’s finest producers of Alsace-style wines allow articipants to sample wines from around the world, meet the winemakers, enjoy dishes crafted by local food purveyors, and dance to live music. Each event charges a fee for attendance and times vary. Locations include Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville. Costs range from $35 to $85/person. avwines.com/

DANVILLE - Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Walk The 10th annual Hats Off is designed to raise awareness and money for the Hats Off America (HOA) nonprofit organization. The run is another way that H.O.A lets families of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan know they and their loved ones will not be forgotten. Event will be launched with Danville Mayor Candace Andersen. Time: begins at 10 a.m. Location: Sycamore Valley Park, 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville, rain or shine. Entry fee is $35/  person. Call: (925) 855-1950, thebearflagrunner@yahoo.com / hatsoffamerica.us.

GARDEN GROVE - Tet Festival. Includes games, food booths, entertainment and more. Time: 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Cost: $5. Location: Garden Park, Garden Grove, CA. tetfestival.org

HEALDSBURG - Wine & Chocolate Fantasy. Rodney Strong Vineyards finest red wines are paired  with cocoa-laden delicacies made by Northern California chocolatiers in a Valentine's extravaganza of sumptuous, rich decadence. Reservations required. Location: 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA. Ticket: $40/person. Call: (707) 431-1533. rodneystrong.com

HOLTVILLE - Carrot Festival. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: Carrot Festival Mile & 5 K Races. in front of Parkers Pharmacy. Registration: 6:30 a.m,; Cost: $15. 9 a.m. till dusk: Arts and Crafts Fair
Craft, food and other booths in Holt Park. 10 a.m.: Carrot Festival Parade features kids, bands, floats, antique cars and tractors, equestrians, Citizen of the Year, Festival Queen, Princess, Junior Princess and runner-ups . Route: West on Fifth Street from Maple to Cedar.  Student Art Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.;  Antique Tractor and Car Show includes classic cars and antique tractors on display on Holt Street. from 12:00 noon to 4 p.m. Carrot Festival Midway Carnival on Pine & 6th St. run from 12:00 noon to 11 p.m. Entertainment in the Gazebo from 1 to 4 p.m.; Midway Carnival from 3 to 11 p.m.  Location: Carrot Festival Midway Carnival at 6th and Pine, Holtville, CA.  holtvillechamber.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Euge Groove Jazz concert. Saxophonist Euge Groove is one of the top recording artists today.  Two Shows: 7 & 9 p.m. Location: Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach, CA. Cost: Preferred VIP w/dinner ows 1-4 $95/person. Reserved Gold rows 5-8 $60/person. Reserved General rows 9-14 $45, call: 714 377-7574. BBJAZZ.com

LAKEPORT - Lakeport Lions Club Annual Crab Feed. Crab, salad & spaghetti. Door and raffle prizes. Location: Konocti Vista Casino, Banquet Room, Lakeport, CA. Time: 5 pm. Admission: $35/person.
Call: (707) 262-0413. lakeportchamber.com

LONG BEACH - For the Duration. RSM Queen Mary ship event honoring Bob Hope's USO show aboard the Queen, and the role the ship and military played in the World War II efforts. A celebration gala will be held as part of a weekend of events. Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA. Cost: Reception & Dinner: $165/person. Call: (562) 499-1772. fortheduration.net

LONG BEACH - The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show.  The nation’s largest travel show -- the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show -- features travel experts from every corner of the globe. With hundreds of destinations, you’re sure to find the vacation of a lifetime. Whether you are searching for a totally new travel experience, or looking to narrow your travel wish list -- the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show is THE place to plan that ultimate vacation. Travel experts such as Arthur and Pauline Frommer and Rick Steves will conduct informative presentations, along with award winning journalists from National Geographic ADVENTURE, and others. Participants may also attend exhibitor workshops, view authentic cultural performers, try the show floor activities including a scuba pool, rock climbing wall, surf simulator and much more. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA. Ticket: $10/adult; Free/child 12 years and under when accompanied by adult. latimes.com/travelshow or call (203) 878-2577 ext. 100.

LOS ANGELES - 109th Annual Golden Dragon Parade. Chinese New Year of the Rat 4706 celebrates with a parade in L.A. Parade goes from 2 to 5 p.m. Chinese New Year Festival goes from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Chinatown - Broadway & Caesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA. lachinesechamber.org

MADERA - Wine and Chocolate Weekend. Join the Madera Wine Trail for a weekend of boutique and vintage wines, fabulous chocolate creations and opportunities to build your private collection. A vast and diverse array of current and new vintages will be available for tasting and purchase along with special food pairings, fabulous chocolate creations, art and music. Cost: $20 Passport Wine Glass at any of the participating wineries both days of the event.  Time: 10am to 5pm. Location: Madera Wine Trail, Madera, CA. Call: (800) 613-0709. maderavintners.com

MONTEREY PARK - 2008 Chinese New Year Festival. Performances anticipated at the Festival include Lion Dances, Dragon Dance, Chinese musical performance, Chinese Dance, Firecrackers, and Martial Arts Demonstrations, Live Music and more. Location: Garvey between Garfield & Alhambra, Monterey Park, CA. ci.monterey-park.ca.us

MURPHYS - Murphys Art Walk. 2nd Saturday of each month seven galleries open their doors with art, wine, food, and fun. Call: (209) 728-8640. gocalaveras.com

SAN FRANCISCO - Sonny Blues. Word for Word's theatrical production of a jazz artists is a must-see through March 2, 2008. Times: Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm.  Ticket: $12 to $36,  Lorraine Hansberry Box Office, call: (415) 474-8800. Location: Lorraine Hansberry Theater, 620 St., San Francisco, CA. lhtsf.org

SANTA CRUZ - Leo Kotke in Concert. Show time: 8pm show 7:30 pm doors. Advance tickets $30 GA and $35 GOLD CIRCLE at Streetlight records 831-432-9200 and ticketleap.com. Location: Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, Ca 95062. Event Info: (831) 423-8209 riotheatre.com

SANTA MONICA - Gem Faire. Classes, demos, and gems to adore in this popular event where you can even find jewelry repair while you wait! Time: Friday: 12pm-7pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. General Admission $5 Weekend Pass; Children 11 and under Free. Tel. (503) 252-8300. Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401. gemfaire.com

SEAL BEACH - Seal Beach Polar Plunge. The 3rd Annual Southern California Polar Plunge, organized by the Seal Beach Police Department, raises money for Special Olympics of Southern California. Cost: $50/ fundraiser incentive, plus higher sponsorship categories. Location: Seal Beach Pier, 820 Ocean Ave., Ocean & Main St., Seal Beach, CA. Time: 10 a.m. (registration from 7 - 9 a.m.) Call: (714) 588-5975. socalcrabfeed.com

SEAL BEACH - Red Car Museum is open. Noon to 3 p.m. Visit the past with a look at this historic rail car that used to drive between Los Angeles and Seal Beach daily. Transformed into a museum with videos, pictures and a great collection of memorabilia, it is well worth a stop and look. Open 2nd & 4th Saturdays, the museum provides the most comprehensive look into the history of Seal Beach. Donations are accepted. Location: Electric Avenue near Main St., next to Mary Wilson Library.  Call: (562) 683-1874.

Feb. 8 <  Feb. 9  >  Feb. 10

calsite