World-renowned pianist to perform in Saratoga
KCAT TV & Radio is inviting the public to a summer evening concert hosted by the Producers Network on June 29 at 7pm at the Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place.
Pianist Matei Varga will perform in support of KCAT TV & Radio, the local nonprofit media station that is celebrating 39 years.
Prize winner of the “George Enescu,” “Maria Canals” and “Lory Wallfisch” International Piano Competitions, Varga is also the recipient of the Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant in New York and the Virtuoso Award at the 2003 and 2006 Vendome Prize. In 2002, at the invitation of Gian Carlo Menotti, he made his debut at the Spoleto Festival in Italy.
He has performed in many of the world’s leading concert halls, among them Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, New York City Center, Konzerthaus Berlin, the Auditorium du Louvre, National Center for the Performing Arts (Beijing), Victoria Hall (Geneva) and Palau de la Música (Barcelona).
For information and tickets, visit kcat.org/matei-varga-concert.
Proposals sought for Utility Box Art Program
The Town of Los Gatos Parks & Public Works Department is seeking artists to submit designs for the Utility Box Art Program.
Successful proposals will integrate diversity, equity and inclusion while demonstrating a sense of community, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity and creativity. The chosen designs will be converted into a vinyl wrap and installed on select utility boxes around town.
Artists will receive a $500 stipend per utility box.
The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. For information, visit losgatosca.gov/2208/Utility-Box-Art-Program.
Stephen Marley’s tour arrives in Saratoga
Stephen Marley’s “Babylon By Bus Summer Tour” will make a stop at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga on July 2.
A highly acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer, Stephen “Ragga” Marley has secured a collection of eight Grammy Awards throughout his career thus far. The son of reggae legends Bob Marley and Rita Marley, Stephen embarked on his professional singing career at the age of 6, touring the world alongside his elder siblings Ziggy, Sharon and Cedella as part of The Melody Makers.
In 2008, Stephen Marley’s solo debut album, “Mind Control,” earned a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.
Marley will be joined in Saratoga by guests Fortunate Youth.
For information and tickets, visit stephenmarleymusic.com.
Drumming and storytelling showcase is coming to Los Gatos
To celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day and to promote inclusion, equity, transformative action and unity throughout Los Gatos, San Jose and the Bay Area, AWỌ is bring back the HUEmanity Salons Series program titled “Drums in the Park” and “Drums of the World” on July 15 and Aug. 27.
With the combined power of music, dance and storytelling, with a display of traditional drums that trace their roots to many differents parts of the world, AWỌ’s drumming and talking exchange events feature guest speakers to West African, Traditional Yoruba and Latin American performances.
AWỌ invites the public to “Drums in the Park” on July 15 at Town Plaza Park in Los Gatos from 2-6pm, and to “Drums in the World” on Aug. 27 at Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos.
Scheduled workshops include making musical percussion instruments, drum playing and use of traditional African fabrics for collage creations. The event will also feature local drummers and percussionists from around the Bay Area. There will be food, vendors, drum exhibition and more.
AWỌ is a social justice nonprofit that uses public education and awareness, supported by the arts and culture, to bring people together.
Those interested in attending can register for free at awocenter.org/drumsinthepark. For information, email as****@aw*******.org or call 408.601.0364.
Special Olympics athletes compete in Santa Clara County
An estimated 865 athletes and volunteer coaches gathered in Santa Clara County over the weekend for the Special Olympics Northern California 2023 Summer Games.
The Special Olympics were founded in 1968 to advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special Olympics Northern California has served more than 25,000 athletes in its mission of fostering inclusive communities through sports.
Participating athletes from across Northern California trained and competed in regional competitions.
The games commenced June 23 with the opening ceremonies in Stevens Stadium on the Santa Clara University campus. Pro football Hall of Famer Bryant Young gave the keynote address.
The ceremonies also included the parade of athletes and the culmination of the torch run. The Law Enforcement Torch Run involves law enforcement agencies across the region carrying the torch to the games while raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics.
Local agencies, including the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, Campbell Police Department, Santa Clara County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department held a torch run the morning of June 23.
Competition took place on Saturday and Sunday across the Santa Clara University campus and at Cupertino High School. Four sports were featured in this year’s edition of the games: track and field, bocce, swimming and tennis.
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