Multiple performances today at 12:15, 1:30, and 3:00.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 12:15, 1:30, and 3:00.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 12:15, 1:30, and 3:00.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 12:15, 1:30, and 3:00.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30. Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Multiple performances today at 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30.
Many of you know about Potter the Otter and his love of drinking water. Did you ever wonder why Potter feels so strongly about drinking water? This original, live, interactive play tells that story! Join us and find out more about the lovable Potter and his adventures.
Get a peek at Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™ before it opens to the public on Saturday, May 17!
For current members only; be on the lookout for your invitation.
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.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
Spontaneous Combustion: In celebration of our summer exhibit Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites, we welcome this husband and wife team who practice the art of tandem storytelling. Tandem telling is two or more tellers sharing one story. Tom and Sandy Farley bring together their experiences with solo telling, improvisation, story theatre, and cooperative recreation, which they also teach. Since 1979, the team has been telling traditional and contemporary stories for schools, libraries, book stores, hospitals, churches, summer camps, Kiwanis Club, and corporate events.
Stories include themes such as conflict resolution, youth empowerment, diversity, and the origins of stories. For this Lunada, the duo will present stories based on classic and current children’s books. Spontaneous Combustion is based in Redwood City and performs in the Bay Area and beyond. Their two CDs Words to the Wise and Words Go Questing can be purchased online at CD Baby. To learn more about Spontaneous Combustion and other storytellers in the South Bay visit www.southbaystorytellers.com. You can also search for Sandy Tom Farley on Facebook.
Grupo Folklórico Los Laureles: Founded in 2007 by Ashley Lopez-Gonzalez and Cesar Gonzalez, Los Laureles began as a family backyard group. Today the group makes its home at San Jose’s MACLA (Movemiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana). Los Laureles serves dance students that range in age from four to adult. The founders take pride in the authentic traditional dance style of Mexico. The group performs throughout the Bay Area, at community celebrations and private events. The group also performs at California’s annual Danzantes Unidos festival.
Nelson Dance Company: Founded by Director, Bettie Nelson, the company has been in existence for 40 years. The group members range in age from five to adult and perform a variety of dance styles from jazz, to tap, to hip-hop. The group has taken top honors in national dance competition events and is a past national champion in the Thunderstruck Dance Competition series. The group makes its home in downtown San Jose, and performs regularly at county fairs and church functions throughout the Bay Area.
South Bay Teen Idol Winners: For the past three years, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center of Silicon Valley has hosted South Bay Teen Idol–an American-Idol-style singing competition for teens in grades 8-12. First prize is $2,500 to the winner and a $500 donation to the winner’s school. Second and third place winners also receive prizes. We are very pleased to present this year’s top two winners!
But wait, there’s more!
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.
Storyteller John Weaver: We continue our celebration of stories with John Weaver, a parent, performer and Early Childhood Educator based in the Bay Area. John’s energetic, interactive, humor-filled performances aim to capture the attention and imagination of all ages. He seeks to educate and encourage families to continue the adventure at home by reading together.
John performs at ongoing story events and special programs at local libraries and Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, In addition, you can see him at schools, recreation centers, bookstores, community festivals, conferences, museums, corporate events, parent education seminars, camp-outs, and “read-ins.”
Grito de la Cultura: 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. She wears many hats, including that of dance instructor, choreographer, and dance anthropologist. 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.
Hālau Nā Wai Ola: The name of this group translates from Hawaiian into The Living Waters. Joining us for the first time, the group will feature the youngest members or keiki. The halau is under the direction of Kau`i Isa-Kahaku and has been in existence for over 11 years. The goal of the organization is to make an impact on people’s lives through the Hawaiian art of the Hula, and the spirit of Aloha. Hālau Nā Wai Ola participates in several competitions, festivals, and community events throughout the year and has traveled as far as Italy to perform. Students range in age from three years to kupuna (elders) and new students are accepted four times a year.
Quenepas: We are pleased to welcome this dynamic Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance youth ensemble that had its inception in 2008 at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley. Students have been studying and performing under the direction of Hector Lugo and Shefali Shah for over 6 years and many have been involved in the practice of Bomba through observing and participating in community jams and performances with their families. Many of the children were first immersed in the tradition since before they could walk!
Quenepas has presented its work at La Peña Cultural Center, the Dia de San Juan Puerto Rican Festival in San Jose, East Side Arts Alliance, and at Oakland Leaf’s Annual Talent Showcase. In 2012, Quenepas opened for Latin Grammy winning band La Santa Cecilia at the Brava Theatre in San Francisco. Most recently, they headlined at the renowned annual Bombazo Fandango festival in Santa Ana, California. The directors take great pride in making sure that the musical and dance traditions of Puerto Rico are responsibly passed on to future generations.
Gabriela Sepúlveda: This young rising star has graced our stage many times and we are always happy to welcome her back. Gabriela has been singing since she was a toddler and first appeared at CDM at the tender age of nine. Now at 14, she has won many talent contests and appeared on national television. She has taken top honors two years in a row in Sábado Gigante’s: Estrellas de la Futuro (Stars of the Future) broadcast by Univision. Most recently, she was a top ten finalist in the South Bay Teen Idol Competition. Gabriela brings to life traditional Mexican ballads with a rich voice that is powerful beyond her years. In addition to her performances on Univision’s nationally-televised shows, Gabriela has performed at many venues throughout the Bay Area including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Jose Mariachi Festival. Her dream is to be a famous singer and she has already recorded a CD.
But wait, there’s more!
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
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.
Olga Loya: We are thrilled to welcome back this dynamic storyteller as our featured performer. Olga began performing improvisations as a young girl while growing up in East Los Angeles. She was inspired early on by the stories of her Mexican grandmother and her father. Today, she specializes in everything from folktales, myths, and her own personal stories. We invite you to join us and hear her relate rich and captivating tales. Olga is an accomplished storyteller and teacher and has performed and taught workshops at festivals all over California and all across the country. To learn more about Olga, visit her Web site.
Grupo Folklórico Yolotli: Founded by Maestra Blanca Carbajal and her daughter, Maestra Melvis Cruz, the group’s mission is to preserve and share Mexican heritage through colorful and lively representations of folklore, dance and music. Yolotli Guerrerense presents traditional Mexican dances through a creative blend of authentic intricate steps and mixed choreographies that originated in the Mexican state of Guerrero.
The team is made up of dancers ages 4 to 25 years old with various levels of experience. The group’s founders goal is to promote community safety by offering children a safe place, off the streets, where they can express their artistic skill. Maestras Carbajal and Cruz also seek to instill a sense of discipline, responsibility, personal development, and teamwork in the young dancers. The group’s home base is in the Willow Glen community of San Jose. Grupo Yolotli performs all over the city of San Jose at private events and has even entertained the Mayor of San Jose.
Grupo Folklórico Los Quetzales de San José: We are pleased to present this new dance group to our audience. Led by Maestras Sharon and Tanya Benitez, the group is comprised of four different elementary school folklórico classes from all over San Jose. Young dancers range in age from 4 to 11. The group performs dances from various regions of Mexico such as Jalisco, Veracruz, Sinaloa, Michoacan, Guerrero and more. Students learn about the history and customs of each region through lectures, games and videos. The young dancers who will be performing for our Lunada are from Luther Burbank School and have only been together about a year! Los Quetzales have performed at various school events and local community gatherings.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
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 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open mic begins at 7:40 p.m.
Performances
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Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec performs “Asia FantAsia”, as Pan-Asian mythology and folk tales come alive with theatrical storytelling renditions of ancient lore from China, Vietnam, Philippines, Korea, and India.
Click here for more information. |
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Directed by Maestra Sandra Perez, the children of Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Half Moon Bay perform dances from various regions of Mexico at church and community events all over Half Moon Bay. |
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Sun Bollywood, directed by Sunita Raj, performs a variety of dances including Indian folk, fusion, western, and semi-classical styles.
Click here for more information. |
Performance schedule subject to change.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
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 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open mic begins at 7:40 p.m.
Performances
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Luna, Sol y Cielo is a group of local educators and performing artists who share their passion for Son Jarocho, a regional style of music and dance from the Southern area of Veracruz, Mexico. This beautiful and infectious style of music is a mix of influences from indigenous; Spanish; and African cultures. |
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Los Dichos de Rocketship Fuerza Choir and Folklórico is made up of students from Rocketship Community Prep of San Jose. The young group of performers is directed by the mother-daughter team of Blanca Carbajal and Melvis Cruz and this is their first time at CDM. |
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Sun Bollywood, directed by Sunita Raj, performs a variety of dances including Indian folk, fusion, western, and semi-classical styles.Click here for more information. |
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Ballet Mexico Folklórico has been dancing together for several years and CDM is pleased to welcome them back after a long absence. This group of children and adults include in their repertoire dances from eight regions of Mexico. |
Performance schedule subject to change.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
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 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open mic begins at 7:40 p.m.
Performances
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ClownSnotBombs is a non-profit community circus troupe that believes joy and laughter are a fundamental human right. The group’s mission is to provide quality affordable entertainment and learning opportunities for everyone. The company of multi-talented physical theater artists, circus performers, and musicians is dedicated to creating new theater and bringing joy to Bay Area audiences young and old. |
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Brenda Lopez Folklórico is a group right from our neighborhood. Directed by Maestra Nancy López, the group was founded by Brenda López to teach the families of San Jose’s Washington community cultural history through traditional Mexican ballet folklórico. |
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Sammy’s Animation Dance Community – ADC was founded in 2013, under the direction of Sammy Ramirez. Young dancers are encouraged to enjoy music through movement and hip-hop. The group’s goal is to help sustain a positive structure that supports kids, parents, and community! |
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Grupo Tezkatlipoka Aztec Dance and Drum was originally founded by David Vargas as a traditional Aztec dance circle and performing arts group in San Jose. Tezkatlipoka’s mission is to share and promote indigenous Meso American culture through dance and drumming. |
Performance schedule subject to change.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.
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 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open mic begins at 7:40 p.m.
Performances
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Hālau Nā Wai Ola: The group name translates to The Living Waters. This Lunada performance will feature the youngest members or keiki. The halau is under the direction of Kau`i Isa-Kahaku and has been in existence for over 12 years. Students range in age from three years to kupuna (elders) and new students are accepted four times a year. Learn more at http://www.nawaiola.com. |
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Grito de la Cultura: 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 current students range in age from four to adult. The dancers will share with us vibrant dances from various regions of Mexico. |
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Folklórico Nacional Mexicano is made up of teenagers and young adults who are graduates of Grito de la Cultura. They are dedicated to community service as well as learning about culture and history through dance. They have performed throughout the state and most recently at the annual Danzantes Unidos festival in Fresno. |
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Viet Entertainment Group: Founded in 2010 by Duy Cường and Hoàng Vinh, this group is made up of performers from the San Jose area. The group performs traditional Vietnamese folk dances as well as modern works and musicals. All members are volunteers and view performing as a way to build and strengthen friendships after a long day’s work. |
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But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you make a moon collage. |
Performance schedule subject to change.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.