Close to home, there are concerts, plays, lectures and more. Check out what's happening in and around Los Gatos and Santa Cruz this weekend, and don't forget to add your own suggestions in the comments section below.
1. SILICON VALLEY READS AUTHOR IN LOS GATOS
Where/When: , 110 E. Main St., Friday, 7-9 p.m.
Why Go: You don't want to miss hearing from the author of the book chosen for Silicon Valley Reads 2011. Michelle Richmond will give a talk about her book, The Year of Fog. Book signing followed by author talk plus a special reading by Los Gatos poet laureate, Parthenia M. Hicks, who has written a poem inspired by The Year of Fog.
2. LIVE MUSIC AT NUMBER ONE BROADWAY
Where/When: , 102 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Saturday, 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music from the group Pacific Standard Time.
Dance, listen to live music, shoot a little pool and dance again, because here you can enjoy your Saturday night the way it's meant to be.
Pricing: $10
3. VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER
Where/When: , 140 S. Santa Cruz Ave.; Friday, Saturday or Monday, Valentine's Day, 5 p.m. to closing. Reservations suggested.
Why Go: Indulge yourself and your sweetheart. Share an intimate evening of love songs and great-tasting food. On Valentine's weekend, the restaurant will offer a three-course dinner ending in chocolate decadence. Live piano music, 6-9 p.m.
Pricing: $38 per person
4. CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL GALA
Where/When: , 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; Saturday and Sunday, both days at 7:30 p.m.
Why go: It's a unique opportunity to see leading artists from China touring the U.S. to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This spectacular is a fascinating combination of the Chinese performing arts. The stunting acrobatics, thrilling ethnic singing, elegant folk dance, legendary Shao Lin Kung Fu and sonorous drumming profoundly reflects the beauty of Chinese culture.
Pricing: $28-$128; yes, it's pricey, but you are combing a celebration of Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day.
5. CARNEVALE DI LOS GATOS—PROSECCO PARTY
Where/When: Enoteca La Storia, 410 No. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
Why go: It is Carnevale time in Venice! Throngs of people from around the globe have descended on the picturesque, romantic city of canals, bridges, gondolas and Piazza San Marco to indulge their whims before the onset of Lent. Enoteca La Storia will re-create a little bit of that magic. What better way to do so than to have a Prosecco party?
