A fitting part of the company’s golden anniversary season, “The Nutcracker” performs at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at Oakland’s historic Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway. This will be the sixth year that the company performs artistic director Graham Lustig’s version of the perennial favorite. Known for his vivid storytelling, sparkling choreography and often comic touches, Lustig approaches each production with exuberant energy. “The first time I saw ‘The Nutcracker,’ I was swept away. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music and the beautiful story — what a gift,” Lustig said.
Ashley Wagner of Mission Viejo is a two-time bronze medalist and Stanford freshman Rachael crocheted ballet booties - sizes newborn, 3 months, 6 months Flatt is the 2010 national titlist, a three-time runner-up and the ’08 junior world champion, Four women with impressive resumes will highlight the 2012 Prudential U.S, Figure Skating Championships today when they start their competition with the short program at HP Pavilion, In what is expected to be the most dramatic contest of the weeklong event, only the top two will qualify for the World Championships in March in Nice, France, It’s anyone’s guess who will reach the year’s biggest competition after the free skate Saturday..
Mingus Big Band, 8 p.m. Jan. 25. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford University. $20-$56. 650-725-2787 or http://live.stanford.edu. Cypress String Quartet. 8 p.m. Jan. 25, Pearson Theater at Meyer Sound, 2832 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 8 p.m. Jan. 26, Gallery Wendi Norris, 161 Jessie St., San Francisco. 7 p.m. Jan. 27, Stonebrook Court Manor, 1235 Stonebrook Court, Los Altos Hills. $50. 415.392.4400 or www.cypressquartet.com/special-projects/cypress-salon-series. Glenn Kotche, percussion. John Luther Adams: Illimaq “Spirit Journeys” (West Coast premiere) and others. 8 p.m. Jan. 26. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford University. $30. 650-725-2787 or http://live.stanford.edu.
Some of the dozens of trains reserved to ferry people to the stadium in Soweto, a township which revolted in 1976 against white rule, were delayed due to a power failure, A Metrorail services spokeswoman, Lilian Mofokeng, said more than 30,000 mourners were successfully transported by train, The mood was celebratory, A dazzling mix of royalty, statesmen and celebrities was in attendance, Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who succeeded Mandela, got a rousing cheer as he entered the stands, French President Francois Hollande and his predecessor and rival, Nicolas Sarkozy, arrived together, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon waved and bowed to spectators who crocheted ballet booties - sizes newborn, 3 months, 6 months sang praise for Mandela, seen by many South Africans as the father of the nation..
For more details on how to register, contact Rita Gulli at 650-738-4491 or email gullir@smccd.edu. Wildlife abounds from the formal garden to the 600-acre nature preserve and from the orchard to the native plant garden. Come experience the natural world through two days of fun and informative walks, demonstrations, guided hikes or shuttle rides in the nature preserve, discoveries in the garden, and hands-on learning for all ages. Visitors will also enjoy traditional California games and toys, and be able to try an ancient native skill like making beads or making string from a native plant, and then take home what they create.
