I was able to see Fiddler On the Roof at The Center for Performing Arts in SJ. It's really good…read more First time seeing the show & was really impressed. Got good seats - Orchestra, Row 14, Seats 13 & 15. Almost center & even got short people in front of us so we could see. John Preece as Tevye is really good. He's been doing the role over 3,000 times. Awesome. Songs I like: Matchmaker, Matchmaker If I Were A Rich Man Sunrise, Sunset Show started about 7:35pm. Intermission was at 9:15pm for 15 min. Show ended about 10:30pm. Go see it!

I got a chance, at almost the last minute, last night to see Fiddler and jumped at it - this is one…read moreof my favourite shows. Happily this production did not disappoint! I spent my time lost in the show, singing along in my head with songs that have long been favourites. The cast, especially John Preece as Tevye, were wonderful - very expressive and (for the most part) good singers. I especially liked Preece's little chats with God, which were wonderfully in capturing the tones of voice and body language that we all get in our heads when questioning the universe about the path life is taking. The sets were interesting and well constructed (although I will say the lines hanging the "skyline" of the village were distracting against the sky), and the costumes comfortable looking (that is, I didn't find the costumes so cheap or "costume" looking that they distracted from the show). I am coveting Golde's ankle-length coat from the final scenes though! And the dance scenes were fabulous - well choreographed, well performed, and definitely making me want to go up and dance too - especially the dances at the wedding! Hurray the bottle dance! :) If I had the money, I'd definitely go see this one again before it leaves town!

A very mixed review…read more.. On the one hand, it was a pleasure to work with Carlos and the band who played at our wedding. They were willing to take requests and transcribe them for the band to play. They made a medly for us to use as a first dance that worked out perfectly. Their musicianship was good and they got the party going. Unfortunately, on the other hand...at the end of the party, the band leader, Carlos, totally lost his professionalism. Thinking he'd not been paid (though he had been earlier in the week) he went on a rampage. He threatened to come and find me to collect his money and raised his voice at my parents. Ultimately, our wedding planner saved the day by writing him a check and he quieted down. It was bizarre, rude, unprofessional, and totally ruined my positive feelings towards our work together. Unfortunately, he also did not choose to apologize when it became clear that he had already received full payment. He sent a generic email the next day to thank us, but did not mention his meltdown. When I asked if perhaps he wanted to apologize for his behavior (at least he should apologize for yelling at my parents) he wrote a meek and lame apology. So...if you are going to work with Hip Affair (or silicon valley vibe which is his larger band) do so at your own risk. Make sure he knows that he has been paid or risk having to deal with a complete a-hole. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde...

The Bandleader Responds:…read more Hip Affair has doing weddings and corporate shows for years with consistent excellent reviews. We work very hard to make sure that everything goes as perfect. In this case, after completing another great event I dropped the ball. As many bandleaders will attest, there are too many incidents where once the party is over, you find yourself looking for host to settle the balance, and then to your surprise, they're nowhere to be found. While this was not the case in this situation, a mistake on my part had me going this familiar routine. Everyone but the event planner and the parents had left and I raised my concern. Again - Apologies to Jacob and family for my mistake. I've learned from it and have also changed my payment model so that this situation will never happen again. Carlos

Best magic show in the Bay Area! Majinga the Magician with Magic Genii, Fontain's M.U.S.E. and…read moreguest artists, create an amazing live experience for those who love magic and the circus arts. This is the real deal. You will see magic and illusions, full of wit and grace, with gorgeous visual color and richness. People leave feeling better, lighter and happier than when they walked in!

Patrick is so great! Hired him to play festive tunes for an holiday event. Patrick brought it with…read morean extensive body of music ranging from classic to modern. Everyone couldn't stop raving about the "pianist". He even took requests (always a party favorite)! Patrick was professional and so easy to work with, couldn't have asked for a better performer. Will definitely hire again!

Yelp Review for Williamson Music…read more 06/17/10 Williamson Music (Bert Williamson) Inside The Starving Musician 3427 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95051-2806 (408) 603 9943 Popab1@yahoo.com I have been a Bass Guitar student of Williamson Music for four and a half years, now. My wife has been a Flute student of Williamson Music for five years. We are both very pleased with our progress and the treatment we receive. Bert Williamson, the instructor, is a very patient and enthusiastic person and always positive. He really loves what he is doing! When I was searching for a music teacher, I was looking for patience, respect, and the ability to read music. Bert has all those attributes and many more. He is an extremely accomplished musician, but shows me great patience. Usually, when I arrive for my lesson, Bert and I discuss music and musicians. He has some great stories to tell. I enjoy this very much and have learned a lot over the years. My wife and I have performed three times together and Bert has always prepared us very well for our performance. Bert occasionally plays with local bands in the Bay Area. We have seen and heard him play three times and have really enjoyed his performance. There are very few instruments that he doesn't play. I've seen him perform on the Tenor Saxophone, Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, Violin, and Cello and he is a very accomplished musician. I know there are many other instruments he play, but have not heard him on those. Bert is very strong in music theory and I have learned a lot from. A couple of years ago, I completed a music theory workbook. It was a great learning experience and strongly support by Bert. He has the ability to listen to CD's and, using a piano, to figure out the music. Bert charges are reasonable, less than others in the area. Overall, I could not be more pleased with Williamson Music. Sincerely, Gary Jonas, Santa Clara, CA

Bert teaches my daughter in the Starving Musician on Steven's Creek. He's amazing. She's always…read moreinspired to practice and has a lot of fun with him during the lesson. We waited until she was an older teen before we started her on music lessons for many reasons. We wanted her completely on board. She chose electric guitar. She's learning so much. I would recommend Bert to anyone for themselves or their kids. He knows every instrument and can play something back once he's heard it. And he's a great guy.

This is for "The DMV," currently playing at the Marsh in SF. I am so glad I went, and even more…read moreglad that I went this (election) week as I needed something smart, vulnerable and humanizing. Reed weaves together the stories of several different people with the unifying premise of visiting the DMV. It's an excellent set up and the characters are all people you know, but not reduced to caricature. It sounds cliched to say it, but the show has it all -- humor, gravitas, and insight. See it soon as I believe only a few shows are left.

I'm going for my 7th time.... yes boys and girls 7th. However this time, he's in Berkeley…read more Equally funny, more material and now in Bezerkley! http://www.yelp.com/events/berkeley-don-reeds-east-14th---tales-of-a-reluctant-player

Went to see "Urinetown" here Thursday night, and had a splendid time. The cast was outstanding, and…read morethe musical was hilarious. Ticket costs $20 per person (for students it was $10), and parking was close and convenient (parked at the parking structure across the street from the Martin Luther King Library, cost was $3). Although the theater is small and a little stuffy AND the bathrooms seemed like a mile away, the musical made it extremely worthwhile. It was nice to be in a relaxed environment to watch such an entertaining and talented ensemble. Bravo to the cast of "Urinetown," and thanks to them I had an outstanding time!

If you are a fan of the book, "The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini, you will enjoy this adapted…read moreplay in the SJSU Theater. It was my first time in the theater, having graduated from another college, but I was excited to see this show. The play only has 3 more nights--March 3rd, 6th, and 8th, so buy your tickets fast. It only costs $15 per person for this marvelous two hour production. The theater was of moderate size, but it filled up quickly. It was very hot inside and the seats weren't very comfortable. I was glad to be sitting on the aisle at the very top row. The stage was very simple, and so were the music and effects. But this is purposely done as to not take away attention from the story and its message. I thought the actors and stage crew did an amazing job. Although I can't wait for the movie version to come out, this is worth seeing. Minus another star for the poor advertisement...they only advertized in SJ and the local newspaper in the 408 area. Had it not been for a colleague, I woud've missed the show!

I've never been to a deaf school before but when I stopped by for their open house, everyone was so…read morefriendly. I just started learning sign language. You can say, 1st Grader Borderline Kindergarten status. Big and clean campus and friendly people!

Celebrating 150 years , the CSDF is a wonderful place to…read morevisit recently saw the Masked Musketeer excellent production