The Willow Glen Resident

Around The Glen

Goosetown pulls plug on its blues band

Natty tweeds and Chicago-style blues don't seem to cut it in Willow Glen, which apparently hosts more of a classic-rock crowd.

At least that's what Goosetown Caffe owner Gary Rovai says. He recently pulled the plug on the Jumpin' Jukes, the blues band that had played weekends since Jan. 23.

The Jukes' replacement is Buddy Cosmo, a classic-rock guitarist and comedian who bills himself as "The Second-Greatest One-Man Band." Customers also get the chance to come up and sing with him. Cosmo plays from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

"The blues were great, but they didn't draw enough people," Rovai said. "People are coming and dancing now. People would just sit and never really get into it before. It didn't catch on."

Rovai brought in the Jumpin' Jukes, a four-piece rhythm and blues band whose members were decked out in 1950s style, to entertain and attract new customers--and to give Glen residents a place to dance. The Jukes got a great reaction on New Year's Eve, but since then the number of patrons has dwindled, Rovai said.

--Rebecca Wallace

No suspects yet in Glen bank robbery

Police still have no suspects in a bank robbery that took place at the Bank of America at 1245 Lincoln Ave. Feb. 19, San Jose police officer John Carrillo said this week.

The suspect, described as a white, clean-shaven man with dark hair and eyes who looked to be in his 20s, entered the bank at about 1:45 p.m. and presented a teller with a demand note, Carrillo said. The teller gave him an undisclosed amount of money, and he fled. No vehicle or weapon was seen.

Witnesses said the suspect was 5 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighed about 140 pounds and was wearing a black New York Yankees baseball cap, a white hooded sweatshirt, a gray jacket and blue baggy pants and was carrying a black backpack.

Police are reviewing photographs taken by the bank's surveillance cameras, Carrillo said. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sgt. Mike Ponte at 277-4166 or leave an anonymous message at 947-STOP.

--Rebecca Wallace

Calling all Elizas and Henrys for 'Fair Lady'

San Jose Children's Musical Theater will hold open auditions March 7 and 8 for its upcoming production of My Fair Lady in commemoration of the company's 30th season. Auditions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the theater headquarters at 1401 Parkmoor Ave. in San Jose. Registration begins a half-hour prior to each audition session.

People ages 12 to 20 are encouraged to audition. They should bring sheet music and come prepared to dance.

An $80 workshop fee is due at the time of the audition. Every person who tries out will be cast. For information, call 288-KIDS.

--Christine M. Lias

Volunteers needed to help parents cope

Parenting can be overwhelming, and the Adult and Child Guidance Center in San Jose is seeking volunteers to provide support and teach parenting skills to those who are having trouble coping.

The center's Parent Aide Program is designed to aid parents in caring for their children in a stable way, without having to resort to spanking, threats or name-calling. Volunteers help parents keep from feeling isolated and try to improve their self-esteem.

A 16-hour training for program volunteers includes topics such as communication and child-abuse prevention.

The Adult and Child Guidance Center is located at 950 W. Julian St., San Jose. For more information, call Camille Wingate at 292-9353, ext. 222.

--Rebecca Wallace

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