Hi! Yes, you in the chair with the mouse. Hello. Sorry to interrupt your reading, I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Mandy of the new column "Major Events." Haven't heard of it? Well, it's this column I'm writing about events, people, places—you know, the fun and interesting stuff happening in Saratoga. The only catch is that I need your help.
I know, I know, you're busy. But I promise it will only take a minute. Whenever you hear, see or organize something, just drop me a quick note at mmajor@svcn.com. OK, now get back to your reading, because there is some great stuff happening in and about town this week!
Saratoga is a hot spot for the arts, Hakone Gardens in particular. An adult playground for painters, poets and playwrights, Hakone has not only featured prominently in the history of Saratoga but America's history of Japanese garden artistry. To recognize it as such, Yale art historian Dr. Kendall Brown will lead a lecture on the 90-year history of Hakone and its importance in teaching about Japanese culture. The garden was one of the first places a public performance of Madame Butterfly was ever held (1924) and was also one of several official sites for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between the United States and Japan.
Brown will discuss these historic events as well as the founding families of Hakone. The presentation begins at 4 p.m. on March 8 and is open to the public. There is a suggested donation of $30 per person, which includes a buffet dinner. Hakone Gardens is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga.
The Carriage House at Montalvo is a happening place to be on March 8. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Lewis Carroll tale Alice in Wonderland springs to life in a bright and bubbly American Family Theater rendition. Tickets are $8 for children and $16 for adults. Later that evening, take in the sounds of June Kuramoto. Backed by several bandmates from her jazz-fusion group Hiroshima, Kuramoto gracefully blends ancient Japanese koto with American-style sounds. Tickets are $32 and $37 for this 8 p.m. performance. All tickets are available by calling 408.961.5858 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.villamontalvo.org.
If you'd rather make plans for a Saturday afternoon in downtown Saratoga, grab a latte and stroll to Gallery Saratoga on March 8 for a reception for local artist Kathy Keenan. "Intersections" is an exhibit of her lively oil paintings, which cut and weave together separate pieces into one work. The reception will be from 1 to 5 p.m., and refreshments will be served. Her work will be on display after the reception until March 30. Gallery Saratoga is located at 14435A Big Basin Way.
Got a 'Major Event' to report? Contact Mandy Major at mmajor@svcn.com.
By Mandy Major