Archives

Create Your Own Traditional Indian Card

Madhuri Wishwas will lead you through the steps of making your own traditional Indian card in honor of Diwali.

Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.

In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Performances are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open Mic begins around 7:40 p.m.

Performances

Grupo Folklórico Los Laureles: Founded by husband and wife team, Maestra Ashley Lopez-Gonzales and Maestro Cesar Gonzales in 2007, the group has grown from a small group of family members to an academy that offers classes for ages 4 to adult. The dancers perform for community celebrations and corporate events all over the Bay Area as well as at the annual California Danzantes Unidos Festival. The group makes its home at Moviemento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA) in downtown San Jose.

For more information, visit Grupo Folklórico Los Laureles.

Nelson Dance Company:  Directed by Bettie Nelson, the company is a San Jose institution; “Miss Bettie” has trained dancers from  ages 4 to adult in everything from jazz, to tap, to hip-hop, for many years. Dancers recently took top honors at the Thunderstruck Dance Competition in Las Vegas! Find them on Facebook.

The Rambling Minors: We are happy to welcome this group of young singers and musicians to our stage for the first time. The Rambling Minors range in age from 10 to 13 and play their own arrangements of classic bluegrass tunes. Though they’ve only been together for two years, they’ve played festivals in northern California as well as a few radio gigs. Each member was chosen to represent California’s Kids on Bluegrass at this year’s annual International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass in Raleigh North Carolina!

For more information, visit The Rambling Minors

But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you will learn to make a self-portrait out of clay!

Don’t forget the free food and drinks.

Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.

In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Performances are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open Mic begins around 7:40 p.m.

Performances

Mariachi Estelar: Directed by Maestro Jorge Rodriguez, this group of young musicians was founded in Gilroy two years ago. The group is composed of 10 musicians, ages 13 to 25. Their goal is to have a positive impact on other young musicians and to continue reaching out to the youth to share the culture of mariachi. Mariachi Estelar has participated in multitudes of fundraisers, community events and school performances.

Grito de la Cultura Dance  Academy: Founded and directed by Lunada M.C. Elena Robles, this group of folklórico dancers has been in existence for over 20 years. Maestra Robles has 35 years of teaching experience and is former director of Los Lupeños de San Jose.  Her former students now direct dance groups all over the country. Her current students range in age from four to adult. The dancers will share with us vibrant dances from various regions of Mexico.

Folklórico Nacional Mexicano is made up of teen agers and young adults who are graduates of Grito de la Cultura directed by Maestra Robles. They are dedicated to community service as well as learning about culture and history through dance.  They have performed throughout the state and at the annual Danzantes Unidos festival in Fresno.

Michael Mulea: This high school student was second place winner in the South Bay Teen Idol competition held two years ago. He has graciously offered his time to promote CDM’s annual Tres Reyes Magos celebration on NBC TV’s Comunidad del Valle. Michael enjoys R&B, soul and pop. When he’s not singing, he enjoys parkour, acting and working with electronics.

But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you will learn  how to make a moon mirror!

Don’t forget the free food and drinks.

Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.

In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Performances are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open Mic begins around 7:40 p.m.

Performances

ClownSnotBombs Circus is a non-profit community circus troupe that believes joy and laughter are fundamental human rights. The group’s mission is to provide quality affordable entertainment and learning opportunities for all.  For more information, visit their Web site.

 Senior Friendly Group: This lively group of seniors returns to our stage after a long absence and we are thrilled to welcome them back!  Join us as they entertain us with song and dance.

Grupo Folklórico Los Quetzales de San José: Led by Maestras Sharon and Tanya Benitez, the group is comprised of dancers from four elementary school folklórico classes The group performs dances from various regions of Mexico. The Benitez sisters teach dancers the history and customs of each region through lectures, games, and videos. Los Quetzales have performed at various school and community events.

Grupo Folklórico Santa Paula: Founded by Maestro Raul Herrera, the group includes a wide variety of dances in their repertoire, from traditional to modern dances of Mexico. Dancers perform all over Bay Area at weddings, church events, school assemblies and community festivals.

Los Panaderos: This group includes dance instructors, Raul Herrera and the Benitez sisters. The group performs traditional Mexican folk music; with a repertoire that features “Son Jarocho” music from the state of Veracruz.

But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you will learn to design an alebrije or a fantastical animal.

Be sure to visit  our guests from the Healthier Kids Foundation of Santa Clara County. They will be offering free dental health screenings for children from 6 months to 18 years!

Don’t forget the free food and drinks.

Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.

In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Performances are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Open Mic begins around 7:40 p.m.

Performances
Martin Espino, the Sounds of Ancient Mexico:  With over 45 years of experience on stage, in studio and in the classroom, Maestro Espino uses a variety of percussion and wind instruments to transport audiences on a journey of sound to ancient Mexico. His interactive performances offer audiences a chance to become “members” of his band. In addition to being a versatile musician, Mr. Espino is an accomplished instrument-maker and will demonstrate his craft on the Museum floor before he takes the stage. For more information, visit his Web Site.

Grupo Folklórico Alika del Nayar: Founded over 20 years ago by Maestro Cipriano Galindo, the group consists of youth and adult age dancers who specialize in the dances of the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, and Veracruz, among others.  The group makes its home at the Mayfair Community Center in East San Jose and performs at festivals and community events throughout the Bay Area.

Mariachi Los Toritos: Founded by Maestros Felipe Garcia and Jorge Rodriguez, these young musicians are students from the Mariachi Academy of Music located at San Jose’s Rocketship Fuerza Academy. The musicians have been playing for a short time and range in age from 6 to 15. For more information visit their Web Site .

Sun Bollywood, directed by Sunita Raj, the group performs a variety of dances including Indian folk, fusion, and semi-classical styles.  Visit their Web Site for more information.

But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you will learn to make a musical instrument.

Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.

In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.

Performances

John Weaver is a parent, performer, and early childhood educator who seeks to educate and encourage families to continue the adventure of storytelling by reading together at home. He performs at story-telling events and special programs at local libraries and schools. He is a regular at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. For more information on John, visit his Web site.

Ballet Folklórico Guerreros de Guadalupe: Directed by Maestra  Yadira Guerrero Garcia, this group has been in existence for less than a year! Dancers range in age from 6 to 14 and practice at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in East San Jose.

ACE Folklórico Herbert Hoover Middle School: This dance group is made up of students in 6^th to 8^th grade. The group has performed at numerous school functions and community events. The After Class Enrichment (ACE) program offers music and dance classes at no charge to families.

 ACE Folklórico River Glen Elementary:  This dance group is made up of elementary school students who participate in the ACE program. Visit the ACE Web site for more information.

Sun Bollywood, directed by Sunita Raj, performs a variety of dances including Indian folk, fusion, and semi-classical styles.  Visit their Web site for more information.

But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you create a yarn painting in the style of the Huichol people of Mexico.

Find how to GROOVE IT: boogie to world beats in our Discovery Dance Zone.

Get out and MOVE IT: explore walking and biking in the City–from trails, to safety and overall fun!

Learn Ways to IMPROVE IT: discover the science and skills behind your favorite sports.

Monday, February 15:

Zumba with Hector Castaneda
10:30, 11:15 and 12:00 in the Theatre

San Jose Barracudas
1:30-3:30 in the Museum Streets

Tuesday, February 16:

Hip Hop with Nijikko Dance School
10:30, 11:15 and 12:00 in the Theatre

Lil Kickers
12:30-3:30 in the Museum Streets

Wednesday, February 17:

Dance with Los Lupenos
10:30, 11:15 and 12:00 in the Theatre

Central YMCA Sports
1:30-3:30 in the Museum Streets

Thursday, February 18:

Dance with Khalilah Ramirez
10:30, 11:15 and 12:00 in the Theatre

San Jose Barracudas
1:30-3:30 in the Museum Streets

Friday, February 19:

Cheer with Junior Spartans Cheerleaders
10:30, 11:15 and 12:00 in the Theatre

Lil Kickers
12:30-3:30 in the Museum Streets

And don’t forget to visit our exciting new exhibit, Healthyville®, to find out how making healthy choices can be a lot more fun!

 
Special programming 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.

Lunar New Year is an immensely important holiday in the lives of many people, a time for special foods, gifts, rituals, and family gatherings. Lunar New Year falls on a different day each year. This year the New Year falls on February 8, and is celebrated throughout the month of February. Join members of our Chinese and Vietnamese communities to kick off the Year of the Monkey, try your hand at traditional crafts, and enjoy displays and performances.

As part of the weekend celebration, members of the Santa Clara Valley Dental Hygienists’ Association will be on hand to share educational material on children’s oral health, offer tooth brushing and flossing demonstrations, and provide fun “oral health goodies” for kids to take home. Stop by and give them a smile.

Schedule

Plan now to join us for a Three Kings Day party, complete with Rosca de Reyes bread, papel picado crafts, community performers, and appearances by the Three Kings.

Download or print the schedule of events (.pdf).

Saturday Schedule

Sunday Schedule

Adventures in Light: A Holiday Workshop

From shadow to shine, reflection to refraction, and glimmer to glow – visit us this holiday season and experience light in a whole new light! The illumination has begun with ShadowDreamScape, combining light and movement in surprising ways. More interactive light-inspired adventures begin on December 19, 2015 with the openings of Night Light, exploring the excitement of bioluminescence, and Through the Lens, investigating the world of light and images. The light won’t last long, so make your plans to visit now.

ShadowDreamScape

Explore the world of shadow, light, and illusion in ShadowDreamScape, created by artist-in-residence Megan Flod Johnson in partnership with Museum Education and Exhibit staff. Participate in play and performance as you follow a dream narrative involving five captivating characters – moth, hand, figure, rabbit, and tangle. Engage with shadow vignettes and exhibits and interact with performers through large- and small-scale body experiences.

Learn more about artist Megan Flod Johnson.

Night Light

Unplug and leave the city behind as you enter into the world of Night Light. Explore the wonder of bioluminescence and experiment with natural light. Includes a full- sized Exploration Cave glowing with life, a Cozy Campsite where you can engage in shadow puppetry or story time, a rock building station, and a pond surrounded by plenty of fireflies to chase.

Through the Lens

Illuminate your imagination in Through the Lens. In Motion Magic, your body movement will interact with projector images, producing colorful patterns and designs on the floor and walls. Or try creating a spectacle of shiny, swirling light using illumination devices directed into Reflection Boxes. See refraction in action while gazing into a Camera Obscura. And you won’t want to miss a chance to custom craft a pair of multi-colored glasses to alter the view of the patterned lights that fill the exhibit.

Adventures in Light: A Holiday Workshop

From shadow to shine, reflection to refraction, and glimmer to glow – visit us this holiday season and experience light in a whole new light! The illumination has begun with ShadowDreamScape, combining light and movement in surprising ways. More interactive light-inspired adventures begin on December 19, 2015 with the openings of Night Light, exploring the excitement of bioluminescence, and Through the Lens, investigating the world of light and images. The light won’t last long, so make your plans to visit now.

ShadowDreamScape

Explore the world of shadow, light, and illusion in ShadowDreamScape, created by artist-in-residence Megan Flod Johnson in partnership with Museum Education and Exhibit staff. Participate in play and performance as you follow a dream narrative involving five captivating characters – moth, hand, figure, rabbit, and tangle. Engage with shadow vignettes and exhibits and interact with performers through large- and small-scale body experiences.

Learn more about artist Megan Flod Johnson.

Night Light

Unplug and leave the city behind as you enter into the world of Night Light. Explore the wonder of bioluminescence and experiment with natural light. Includes a full- sized Exploration Cave glowing with life, a Cozy Campsite where you can engage in shadow puppetry or story time, a rock building station, and a pond surrounded by plenty of fireflies to chase.

Through the Lens

Illuminate your imagination in Through the Lens. In Motion Magic, your body movement will interact with projector images, producing colorful patterns and designs on the floor and walls. Or try creating a spectacle of shiny, swirling light using illumination devices directed into Reflection Boxes. See refraction in action while gazing into a Camera Obscura. And you won’t want to miss a chance to custom craft a pair of multi-colored glasses to alter the view of the patterned lights that fill the exhibit.

Multiple showings today at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

In this beautiful short film, three imaginary kingdoms–Red, Blue, and Yellow—engage in a colorful battle for supremacy. In the process, the warring kingdoms accidentally create the first rainbow and discover friendship and peace.

Rainbow War was rated among the top five attractions at Expo’86 in Vancouver and is one of the only World’s Fair films to be nominated for an Academy Award®. You might recognize some familiar faces…though a bit younger!

Multiple showings today at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.

In this beautiful short film, three imaginary kingdoms–Red, Blue, and Yellow—engage in a colorful battle for supremacy. In the process, the warring kingdoms accidentally create the first rainbow and discover friendship and peace.

Rainbow War was rated among the top five attractions at Expo’86 in Vancouver and is one of the only World’s Fair films to be nominated for an Academy Award®. You might recognize some familiar faces…though a bit younger!

Multiple showings today at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Based upon a Caldecott Medal winning book by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, this 16- minute film brings Mary Azarian’s beautiful illustrations to life in this true story of William “Snowflake” Bentley. Bentley was fascinated with snowflakes, spent years drawing and photographing them, and brought the beauty and wonder of Vermont snow to people all over the world. After watching the film, we will make some beautiful snowflakes of our own in this signature winter activity.

More than Movies
Make a film experience even better with an activity inspired by the film we will see.

Play the Dreidel Game, sample a latke, and more, at the Museum’s first Hanukkah celebration. You won’t want to miss the performances by Hot Kugel and Yavneh Day School, or the live Donut Demo! Have fun honoring and sharing your own culture, or discovering the celebrations of your neighbors.

A CDM cultural celebration in partnership with Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley