145 Jefferson Street #400 San Francisco @ Fisherman's Wharf 2 (415) 440-5610

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CONTENTS December 2012

Contributors

Editor & Design - Mauricio Segura Photography - Alfred Borchard, Bilim Atli, Franque De Win, Law Hui Sheng, Susana Kilian, Mauricio Segura Writers - Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, Thomas Schueneman, Julie Grabowski

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Greetings Friends,

The holiday season is upon us once again, and the great thing about living in the Bay Area is that there is always something going on. In the past, you may have had to do a little searching around to find what's happening, but those days are now over because we've done all the hard work for you right here.

Within these pages you will find all of our top recommendations for live theater productions, concerts, special holiday events, New Year's Eve Celebrations, and the schedules of all of your favorite Bay Area sports teams.

Just FYI, this is not our first official monthly issue. It's more of a preview, as our first official issue will be out on January 1st, 2013 to commemorate Golden Bay Magazine's 10th year anniversary. If you would like a free subscription, just hit the subscribe button on the issuu.com page where this magazine is published. Every time a new issue is released, you will get an email alert. Pretty simple, yes?

2013 will be a year of amazing things. We are planning so much, including a Web-TV show later in the year that will bring all the fun to your computer & media screen. For now though, let's get this digital magazine preview going.

Just so you know, like any website, the beauty of a digital magazine is that you can click on pictures to link to other websites for further information. We'll try to make future issues as interactive as possible, to create a new reading experience for you.

Of coarse, in order to make this magazine enjoyable for you, we'd love to hear your suggestions and general feedback. You may email us any time at feedback@goldenbaymagazine.com

We look forward to someday becoming your number one source of information for Bay Area entertainment. Cheers!

We invite you to please follow us on Facebook. Through there, you'll find exclusive content not found in the magazine or on our website. It also provides up to date information and updates. Just click on the picture and press the like button. Thank you!

Although the season is just a month old, the Golden State Warriors have been one of biggest surprises in the NBA. Going 9-5 in November on the verge of first place, their sheer drive and determination is turning heads throughout the league.

With David Lee and Klay Thompson, among others putting up impressive numbers, it's Point Guard Stephen Curry who is setting the bar. Newly re-signed by the team to a multi-year extension, the 24 year old began the season as the only player in NBA history with career shooting percentages of at least .470 from the field, .440 from long range and .900 from the foul line. Currently, he is on pace to join the 50-40-90 club and help the Warriors continued climb up the Western Conference standings.

HOME WARRIORS -- DECEMBER 2012 AWAY

1 Indiana 7:30pm 3 Orlando 7:30pm 5 Detroit 4:30pm

7 Brooklyn 4:30pm 8 Washington 4:00pm 10 Charlotte 4:00pm

12 Miami 4:30pm 14 Orlando 5:00pm 15 Atlanta 4:00pm

18 New Orleans 7:30pm 19 Sacramento 7:00pm 21 Charlotte 7:30pm

22 L.A. Lakers 7:30pm 26 Utah 6:00pm 28 Philadelphia 7:30pm

29 Boston 7:30pm

Click on picture to link to Peppermill's website

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Click for official website

Click for official website

Click for official website

With the NHL lockout pretty much killing the season, it's been a god send for the die hard hockey fans to be able to enjoy the San Francisco Bulls, and they haven't been disappointed in the very least.

Founded last year to play in the Western Pacific Conference of the ECHL League, the Bulls (a minor league affiliate of the San Jose Sharks), began their first season this October playing all of their home games at the Cow Palace.

The team is definitely creating a buzz of excitement. Getting a chance to see future Sharks players in an intimate 8000 seat Arena is a real treat. Additionally, the team is working hard in the promotional departments to make the entire experience that much better.

The Bulls had a losing November going 6-9, but still holding on to a tight third place standing behind Stockton and Ontario. If you're up for some entertaining hockey, go and support the San Francisco Bulls!

HOME BULLS -- DECEMBER 2012 AWAY

1 Utah Grizzlies 6:05pm 5 Bakersfield Condors 7:15pm 7 Colorado Eagles 7:15pm

8 Colorado Eagles 7:15pm 13 Stockton Thunder 7:15pm 14 Ontario Reign 7:00pm

15 Bakersfield Condors 21 Ontario Reign 7:15pm 22 Ontario Reign 7:00pm

28 LV Wranglers 7:15pm

What can you say about the 49ers? They're winning! But not without a little bit of controversy that still hasn't been fully resolved.

It all began with starting QB Alex Smith suffering a concussion during the 24-24 tie vs the Rams on November 19th. Not quite cleared to play during the following week's Monday night game vs. Chicago, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, decided to go with Colin Kaepernick. No one was sure if Kap (as he's dubbed) could handle the job of carrying the team as Smith had done, but he surprised everyone in the organization and practically the league for that matter. During the 32-7 win over Chicago, Kap threw a total of 243 yards with 2 TD's.

Despite Smith being cleared to play in time for the game against the New Orleans Saints, Harbaugh decided to keep Smith on the bench and try his luck again with Kaepernick. And though he led the team to a 31-21 victory, throwing 231 yards, some fans and media analysts have questioned the head coaches decision, while others praise him for it. Smith after all has been lacking in form lately, so a new gun is being used. Time will tell how this saga works itself out. Will Smith regain the top job, or has he been permanently replaced in a “survival of the fittest” type demotion. Stay Tuned!

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Click for official website

HOME 49ERS – DECEMBER 2012 AWAY

2 St. Louis Rams 10:00am 9 Miami Dolphins 1:05pm 16 NE Patriots 5:20pm

23 Seattle Seahawks 1:25pm 30 Arizona Cardinal 1:25pm

Unlike the 49ers, the Oakland Raiders are on the verge of calling the season another train derailment-like failure. Going 0-4 in November, the silver and black came out of each game looking more black and blue than anything else. One can argue the teams failure to win is caused by the loss of Darren McFadden, Mike Goodson, and a couple of others who have suffered injuries. Truth of the matter is, McFadden has been held to under 55 rushing yards in all but two winning games. And in his absence, Marcel Reece has proven to be an asset carrying 48 times for a total of 225 yards. He also had 41 receptions for 447 yards and leads the Raiders with 672 yards from scrimmage during November. Problem is, while some are playing to expectation, others are not. And plain and simple, a winning team will only get their wins when the entire team is on par. It's not their worst season obviously, but it's still practically over. Better luck in 2013.

HOME 49ERS – DECEMBER 2012 AWAY

2 Clv Browns 1:25pm 6 Denver Broncos 5:20pm 16 KC Chiefs 1:25pm

23 Carolina Panthers 10am 30 SD Chargers 1:25pm

Marvin Miller ; A Ballplayers Hero By Amaury Pi-González

Marvin Miller passed away in los Angeles last week, after a long battle with cancer at 95. He never played pro baseball, but his impact on the sport was monumental, leaving an unparallelled historical legacy in the major leagues.

In 1966 Miller, at 50 years old, took over as leader of Major League Baseball's Players Association. A post he held for the next 17 years. He consistently stayed on top of baseball matters, and for nearly two decades managed to achieve and maintain the economic independence of his members (the major leaguers).

Also in those 17 years, Mr. Miller, a native of the Bronx, New York, raised in Brooklyn, and an ardent fan of the Dodgers, achieved immense economical and privatized progress for the union members. Miller came to Major League Baseball, with extensive experience as an economist in several of the most powerful Paia unions, as steel workers of America, and the largest of all, the Automotive Industry Union (UAW).

When Marvin Miller came to baseball and was appointed Executive Director of the Players Association, this was supported by two individuals who would become members of the Hall of Fame, pitchers Jim Bunning and Robin Roberts. Bunning later, after retiring from the ball, became a distinguished Republican Party senator, representing the state of Kentucky from 1999 to 2011.

No one had more influenced than Marvin Miller in representing the players. Through his efforts, players were awarded the rights to manage salary arbitration and free agency. Miller was the pioneer and leader of the rights of the players (the real hero for players) when it came to wages and freedom of a player to move from one team to another. Donald Fehr, followed Miller's footsteps, and Gene Orza, developer in what is now one of the richest Unions Work of the United States of America. By the way Donald Fehr is currently involved in the ongoing dispute and work stoppage in the NHL (National Hockey League Ice) representing hockey player team owners.

At the time that Marvin Miller took the position of Executive Director of the Union of MLB players in 1966, wages had been the same for 22 years. The player did not have many rights. Miller introduced the Free Agency (Free Agency) clause, and went on to perfect the system that has revolutionized baseball. The player's no had the ability to litigate cases against team owners and low salary arbitration, which eventually paved the way for the players to become free agents.

Today 's major league baseball players have the best (guaranteed contracts) among all professional leagues in the country. A rookie in baseball has a salary of $ 414,000 per season. After three seasons, he can become a free agent and have multimillion dollar contract. In 2012 the average salary for a major league player was $ 3.5 million per season. The San Francisco Giants, who won the 2012 World Series by defeating defeating the Detroit Tigers in a four-game sweep, received a $ 377,000 (bag for each player), the maximum for this event in 108 years of history.

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The players can thank him and wish that Marvin Miller Rest in Peace. He was undoubtedly the hero of the players.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez was born in Havana, Cuba. It is the voice in Spanish (narrator) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Fox Sports West TV over the last two years. As well as the radio voice of the Oakland Athletics, has worked as a play-by -play broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Amaury has 35 years experience broadcasting Major League Baseball, as well as extensive experience in the NBA. Member of Cuban Sports Hall of Fame, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame and Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame (barhof). Member of the National Association of Cuban Journalists in Exile (CNP)

There are literally hundreds of live theater venues throughout the Bay Area putting on amazing productions. And not just during the holidays, but all year round. So whether you enjoy Shakespeare, dramatic plays, musicals, modern interpretations, etc. The Bay Area has it all, and we'll tell you where find it!

Don't fall for the idea of, “you get for what you pay for.” By far, that does not apply to live theater. In fact, some of the best theater productions we have seen during the last decade have been at small community theaters. Sure the large Broadway-style theaters in the city have the budgets for amazing costumes, sound, and special effects, but never underestimate the smaller venues.

The following listings will be by region and cities. Click on the picture for further information and to purchase tickets. Not all of these productions are Christmas themed, but all worthy to be seen and highly recommended by us. Enjoy!

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Aurora Theatre Company founding Artistic Director Barbara Oliver returns to the company for its 21st

season to direct Wilder Times, a collection of one-act plays by Thornton Wilder. Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and playwright, and former Berkeley resident, Thornton Wilder was an accomplished master of the short play form, specifically creating shorter works to be staged in spaces such as Aurora’s, with the audience seated on three sides of the action or in the round. Aurora has put together a program of four of Wilder’s greatest shorter works: Infancy, a comedy about fulfilling basic human needs in which babies act like grown-ups and grown-ups act like babies;Childhood, in which Wilder renders a child’s -eye view of the grown-up world; The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden, which features the first appearance of Wilder narrating Stage Manager character; and The Long Christmas Dinner, perhaps Wilder’s most famous short work. - - Through December 9, Aurora Theatre, Berkeley $30 - $50

A musical Shotgun can really sink its teeth into! Dark and demoralized, Woyzeck is a poor soldier suffering from the ravages of war. The hope of rekindled love with his sweetheart Marie, which sustained him in the trenches, begins to unravel as reality sets in upon his return. Profound and moving, the sweet tragedy of this piece makes for a cathartic and extraordinary night at the theater. Created by legends Robert Wilson and Tom Waits, Woyzeck is based on a true story that became a major event in the debate over capital punishment. Through January 13, Shotgun Players Theatre Company, Berkeley $15 - $25

The Yearly Christmas Musical at Neighborhood Church is a much loved and anticipated family tradition. The music and arts legacy at Neighborhood Church stretches back to the 1930’s in Oakland, California, where the church established a reputation as a center of cutting edge contemporary dramatic and musical performances. When Neighborhood Church moved to Castro Valley in 1969 to break ground on a new facility overlooking Interstate 580/Route 238, the auditorium was designed and constructed with stage production in mind and features a hydraulic orchestra pit, an extensive backstage, a seven story fly gallery (for backdrops), and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Broadway-style productions at Easter, Summer and Christmas are outreaches extended to the community in celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ, and which we hope you will enjoy. - - December 15 - 24, Neighborhood Church, Castro Valley $FREE

Sounds of the Season - Nothing evokes the magic of the holidays like the music that accompanies this special time of year. Join us for a holiday performance featuring a spectacular selection of traditional favorites, as well as holiday music you’ve probably never heard before. Celebrate the season, and enjoy an evening full of laughter, sentiment, and holiday cheer. December 15 & 16, Contra Costa Civic Theater, El Cerrito $20

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It’s Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest and how the production of “A Christmas Carol” is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful tuna denizens join in the holiday fun. A delightful holiday show – with all characters portrayed by just two actors! Through December 16, Broadway West Theater, Fremont $18 - $23

Joe Keller’s factory sent faulty airplane parts overseas during the war, and his business partner is in prison for the crime. The Kellers’ younger son never returned from a flight mission years earlier, but Mrs. Keller refuses to believe he’s gone. Now the older son is starting to romance his brother’s fiancée. In just one climactic night a heartrending family secret, or two, is revealed. Through December 9, Douglas Morrison Theater, Hayward $12 - $28

Lisa Anne Porter (Proof, Picasso at the Lapin Agile) returns to direct the stage adaptation of Frank Capra's timeless classic It's a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, his life and finances in ruin, decides the world will be better off without him -- until he is paid an unexpected visit. Through December 16, Town Hall Theater, Lafayette $12 - $32

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted and directed by Brian Allan Hobbs, is a song-filled holiday classic for the entire family. Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, the curmudgeon everyone loves to hate; the ghost story of the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future; the festive Fezziwigs; over 20 holiday songs in glorious choral harmony; dancing; the darling Cratchit family with the ever hopeful Tiny Tim; and an unrequited love story offer a memorable tale of human transformation that will steal your heart in this special time of the year.

Through December 9, Stage 1Theater, Newark $10 - $22

Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it's no wonder the critics have called it "THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area." Join the thousands who make this theatrical event a part of their annual holiday traditions.

December 6 - 16, Center Rep Theater Co, Walnut Creek $20 - $45

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The Biblical Saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock’n'roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless. Great for the whole family!

Through December 23, Hillbarn Theatre, Foster City $34

Bring the entire family to this nostalgic seasonal comedy based on Jean Shepherd’s 1983 film of the same title. Ralphie Parker yearns for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. But can he endure the town bully and his family to survive till Christmas? Set in Indiana in 1939, this cheery holiday show will provide belly laughs aplenty as the Parker family doles out antics involving a leg lamp, bunny pajamas, and some “Chinese turkey.” Through December 16, Coastal Rep Theater, Half Moon Bay

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY re-imagines the beloved movie directed by Frank Capra as a 1940s radio production. Five supremely talented actors play every single part, as well as provide all the sound-effects with an ingenious bag of tricks. Return to Bedford Falls to follow the story of George Bailey, a good man badly in need of $8,000 and Clarence, his guardian angel (Second Class). Preserving what's best about the 1947 classic, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adds to the film's already considerable charm and nostalgia. Lovers of the Golden Age of radio (and programs such as A Prairie Home Companion) will join movie fans in relishing Bus Barn's live theatrical production. Through December 22, Bus Barn Theater, Los Altos $18 - $30

Hilarious and heartwarming, Mark Twain's classic Huckleberry Finn sweeps down the mighty Mississippi, where runaways Huck and Jim discover a friendship that defies convention and defines the American dream. Propelled by an infectious, award-winning score and a dazzling array of unforgettable characters, their uproarious adventures chronicle the best and worst of our heritage in a joyously theatrical journey sure to delight the entire family.

Through December 30, Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto $27 - $68

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Tired of seeing the same holiday show every December? In the spirit of last year’s The Santaland Diaries, we’re putting together five fun, dirty little comedies in one hilarious evening! Exposing both the glorious and the gratuitous of the holiday season, from the family dinner to the sperm bank, these are five holiday plays you won’t soon forget!

Through December 23, City Lights Theater, San Jose $15 - $30

A Christmas Carol - - Northside Theatre Company presents its 29th annual production of this holiday event. This excellent stage adaptation of the Dickens’ classic captures all the power, humor and warmth this ageless tale has to offer. It is a great Christmas present for the entire family. This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a lonely miser, who, through the help of spirits and visions from his past, present and future, finds a second chance to become a loving, generous, kind human being. Through December 23, Northside Theater Co, San Jose $15 - $20

Rick Lombardo’s musical adaptation of this classic holiday story is a feast for the senses, full of popular Victorian carols, lavish period costumes, and actors playing over a dozen traditional instruments.

Through December 23, San Jose Rep, San Jose $12- $75

Audium, pioneering the exploration of space in music for over 40 years, presents Audium 9. Listeners experience sound as a kinetic, physical, spatial entity, as compositions are performed through 176 speakers in an environment uniquely designed for spatial sound.

Ongoing, Audium Theater, San Francisco $15

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Snow White continues her fast-paced musical journey around the world in search of Prince Charming and encounters an ever-changing lineup of pop-culture characters. People under 21 are not admitted to evening shows.

Ongoing, Club Fugazi Theater, San Francisco $25 - $130

Bewitched, bothered and bewildered. That's what happens when you fall in love with a witch. But is it worth it? Our good witch (well, fairly good) Gillian risks everything - if she falls for him she could lose her magical powers forever. A romantic, Christmas Eve comedy from the 50's.

Through January 19, San Francisco Playhouse, San Francisco $30 - $60

The Bay Area’s favorite holiday tradition returns with a sparkling, music-infused production of "A Christmas Carol," featuring a lively cast of dozens, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts. Bring your family, bring your friends, and check your “humbugs” at the door!

Through December 24, American Conservatory Theater, San Francisco $20 - $95

A marvelous musical of epic proportions, ‘The Lion King’ boasts itself of powerful scores and songs including the beloved theme ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’, intricately designed and majestic costumes, and eye-popping scenic designs that transport you to the breathtaking lands of Pride Rock and be one with Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Nala and all the other creatures lording above and beyond the prairie.

Through January 13, Orpheum Theater, San Francisco $20 - $300

Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, “It's the funniest musical of all time.” And The New York Times says, “It's the best musical of this century.” It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart calls it “A crowning achievement. So good, it makes me angry.” Contains explicit language.

Through December 30, Curran Theater, San Francisco $20 - $300 17

Unabashedly sentimental, wild, romantic, and funny as childhood, "A Minor Cycle: Five Little Plays in One Starry Night" features five new one-act plays based on famous tales and forgotten stories of childhood. It is a journey of discovery for the young, and of remembrance for the old.

Through December 30, Noh Space, San Francisco $12 - $30

Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret Back by popular demand! Come in from the cold, and join our circus family for an afternoon of glad tidings and cheer! Celebrate Winter, and the return of Light with a light-hearted, charming, and funny variety program suitable for all ages. Directed by award-winning clown duo Coventry & Kaluza, and starring bay area's finest circus artists, you're sure to be enchanted.

December 21 - 24, Dance Mission, San Francisco $15 - $20

Joey Evans – the charming “heel” with big plans – is back to take Chicago for a wild ride as he schemes to get to the top of the nightclub business. Starring well-known Bay Area actress Deborah Del Mastro and 42nd Street Moon newcomer Johnny Orenberg, this tale of rags to riches and back again includes such Rodgers and Hart classics as "I Could Write a Book," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," and "Zip."

Through December 16, Eureka Theater, San Francisco $15 - $20

The Shelton Theater presents THE RAINMAKER, N. Richard Nash’s classic play about faith, love and raw magic in a time of crippling drought. Beautifully staged by director Julie Dimas-Lockfeld, this funny, poignant and life-affirming story is an unforgettable view into a world where love and belief in the unbelievable are as necessary as rain. Matt Shelton plays the title role of Starbuck, the traveling con man come to bring rain. Through December 22, Shelton Theater, San Francisco $38

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Dance into the season with Smuin’s Christmas Ballet Golden Bay Magazine Review By Julie Grabowski

In a season typically dominated by A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, Smuin Ballet offers a delightfully diverse alternative that is one part serious, one part sass. Beginning its tour at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater, The Christmas Ballet is comprised of 30 vignettes of traditional ballet and contemporary dance set to classical carols and modern standards. In solos, duets, trios, and whole company numbers, Smuin Ballet treats its audience to the breathtaking, exuberant, playful, and beautiful delicacies of dance. The performance is divided into two acts: The Classical Christmas, and The Cool Christmas. The classical segment delivers lovely and elegant traditional ballet, presented against a simple set of cream draperies with dancers coordinating in white.

Memorable pieces include the simple beauty and grace of “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” performed by the women of the company, “Ave Maria” featuring Erin Yarbrough, and the fun and touching “Licht Bensh’n ‘Candle Blessing’” danced by Susan Roemer with the men of the company.

Act two follows the same single color palette as the first, but takes us from demure and elegant white to a fiery and festive burst of red. While the stage design of the first act is fittingly simple and complimentary, act two’s construction leaves a little something to be desired with its snowball-lined red curtains and strange ceiling of upside-down Santa hats. However, the dancing more than makes up for it.

The Cool Christmas is more diverse in its performances and is where most of the evening’s impressions are made. From the fun and flirty “Santa Baby” and fawning blondes of Elvis’s “Blue Christmas” to a “Winter Weather” sock hop and tap version of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” the second act delivers a big dose of fun, sass, and swagger.

A standout is the retro, cocktail accompanied “Jingle Bells Mambo” choreographed by Val Caniparoli and performed by the fantastic trio of Jonathan Powell, Christian Squires, and Jared Hunt. Susan Roemer delivers a little Mexicana and makes clever use of a poncho in “La Calandria,” while “Christmas Island” is a humor-infused escape with hula girls, surfer boy, and an unwanted visitor. Erin Yarbrough and Jonathan Powell show the romantic side of the season with an elegant and heart catching “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” 20

From the “Magnificat” hymn of praise to the charming and delightfully snowy “White Christmas” conclusion, The Christmas Ballet is the perfect holiday treat. Whether your taste is traditional or veers more toward the contemporary, Smuin Ballet provides one comprehensive Christmas celebration that is sure to enchant and delight any viewer.

The Christmas Ballet will be performed in Mountain View at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts November 28 - December 2, in Carmel at the Sunset Center December 7 and 8, and in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena

Center for the Arts December 14 - 23. Ticket prices range from $24 - $68 depending on the venue. To purchase tickets, visit smuinballet.org or contact the individual box offices.

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

500 Castro St., Mountain View (650) 903-6000, Wednesday - Saturday, noon - 6 p.m. www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa/

Sunset Center San Carlos St., Carmel (831) 620-2048, Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. www.sunsetcenter.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 701 Mission St., San Francisco (415) 912-1899, Tuesday - Friday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. www.ybca.org

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All of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge--not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. SEUSSICAL is fun for the whole family! Through December 16, Cinnebar Theater, Petaluma $10 - $15

Moscow Ballet Dec. 22 San Francisco Ballet Dec. 7-28 Ballet San Jose Dec. 8-23 Click pic for more info Click pic for more info Click pic for more info

Oakland Ballet Dec. 22-24 Mark Morris Berkeley “The Hard Nut” Dec. 14-23

DECEMBER 4 Taj Mahal Tuck & Patti

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco

VENUE The Independent Yoshi's

DECEMBER 5 Taj Mahal Tuck & Patti

Click on picturefor more info

CITY Taj Mahal San Francisco

VENUE The Independent Yoshi's

DECEMBER 6 Barry Manilow Bobby Slayton E-40 & Too $hort Brian McKnight

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CITY San Jose San Francisco Berkeley San Francisco

VENUE HP Pavillion The Punchline Rasputin Records Yoshi's

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DECEMBER 7 Bobby Slayton Elvin Bishop The Family Stone Not So Silent Night Brian McKnight

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco Oakland San Francisco

VENUE The Punchline Biscuits & Blues The Rrazz Room Oracle Arena Yoshi's

DECEMBER 8 Bobby Slayton The Family Stone Not So Silent Night Brian McKnight Tower Of Power / WAR

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco Oakland San Francisco San Jose

VENUE The Punchline The Rrazz Room Oracle Arena Yoshi's San Jose Civic

DECEMBER 9 Brian McKnight The family Stone

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco

VENUE Yoshi's The Rrazz Room

DECEMBER 10 Bobby Slayton Gloria Trevi Chris Isaak

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco San Francisco

VENUE The Punchline The Fillmore Nob Hill Masonic

DECEMBER 14 George Clinton Snoop Dogg

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CITY San Francisco Napa

VENUE Yoshi's Uptown Theater

DECEMBER 15 George Clinton Paula Poundstone Snoop Dogg

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco San Francisco Petaluma

VENUE Yoshi's Palace of Fine Arts Phoenix Theater

DECEMBER 16 Aaron Neville Chris Isaak

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco Napa

VENUE Palace of Fine Arts Uptown Theater

DECEMBER 19 Rufus Wainwright

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CITY Oakland

VENUE Fox Theatre

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DECEMBER 20 Natalie Cole

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco

VENUE Davies Hall

DECEMBER 21 TONY! TONI! TONE!

Click on picturefor more info

CITY Oakland

VENUE Yoshi's

DECEMBER 22 TONY! TONI! TONE!

Click on picturefor more info

CITY Oakland

VENUE Yoshi's

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DECEMBER 23 Smooth Jazz Christmas

TONY! TONI! TONE!

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco Oakland

VENUE The Warfield Yoshi's

DECEMBER 26 & 27 Sinbad

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CITY Oakland

VENUE Yoshi's

DECEMBER 28 Greg Proops Pete Escovedo

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CITY San Francisco Oakland

VENUE The Punchline Yoshi's

DECEMBER 29-31 Greg Proops Pete Escovedo

Click on picturefor more info

CITY San Francisco Oakland

VENUE The Punchline Yoshi's

Christmas in San Francisco By Thomas Schueneman

New fallen snow blanketed the countryside. The sounds of passing cars along the road were muted in the still, peaceful air. Hills and valleys, in their blanket of snow, rolled softly into the distance, bathed in the mellow light of a nearly full moon. A woody smell of burning pine and warm hearths teased at my nostrils as I turned up the lane toward the house, snow crunching beneath my boots.

The house shone with a warm hazy glow, gentle sounds of laughter and Christmas carols hung sweetly in the air. A string of lights - red, green, blue, yellow - bright and happy, wound around the big picture window next to the front door of the house. In the window stood a tall, handsome Spruce, freshly cut from the surrounding hills. Bright shiny ornaments, colorful lights, garland, and tinsel adorned every sturdy branch. At the very top, a big star blazed brightly, beckoning me into this warm, cozy house.

A dog barked in the moonlit distance as I walked up the narrow path to the front door. I reached out my hand to turn the big brass doorknob...

There was a squeal of brakes and the clatter of garbage cans, the men in their stained coveralls hoisted the contents into the back of the garbage truck. Then the roar of the diesel engine as they moved up the rain-soaked street to continue their daily, early-morning rounds...

Once again, the world from outside my San Francisco flat intruded abruptly into my dream-induced inner reality. The crunching snow under my boots and the dusky smell of smoke in my nostrils was my dream-like version of Christmases long gone...

I awoke to Christmastime in San Francisco...

It was all a dream of course. The passage of thirty or forty years tends toward an idealized, Norman Rockwell-like remembrance of my childhood Christmas. I'm sure that even then the early morning rounds of garbagemen jolted people out of languid, happy dreams of Christmas and youth. But as my drowsy brain awakens to reality, I recall fond memories of a more recent past, right here in the City. 28

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in San Francisco...

Winter in San Francisco is the one time during the year that it is generally warmer in the City than in the outlying areas...

Mark Twain once observed that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer day in San Francisco. The summers are cool, and the winters are mild. The changing of the seasons are a bit more subtle here, but they are here...

The brilliant blue sky after a good winter storm - one or two inches of rain - as the late autumn afternoon sun casts dramatic shadows on the flats in the neighborhood. The deep, sound-deadening fog of winter that seems to come up from the ground instead of the summer variety that comes off the ocean. The light dusting of snow on the outlying hills surrounding San Francisco... Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton, Mt. Tamalpais...

People bustling down the street, dressed in their winter garb. Odd combinations of scarf, heavy down jacket, gloves - and shorts... sometimes even sandals. There tends to be confusion here if it's really hot or cold. Or both at the same time, which, oddly enough, happens in San Francisco. Dressing in December can be tricky- indeed, any month of the year - and "layers" is the mantra of the well-dressed shopper or merry- maker. And there are people here that just seem to have an aversion to long pants.

From the silly to the sublime, concerts and shows celebrate the Christmas spirit...

From "A Christmas Carol" at the American Conservatory Theater. To "The Nutcracker Suite" performed by the San Francisco Ballet. To Handel's "Messiah", at the magnificent Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill. To the venerable dancing Christmas Trees and Sequined Santa of "Beach Blanket Babylon", the unique cabaret-style show that is a San Francisco landmark in its thirtieth year.

A walk down to Union Square with all the high-end retailers competing for the best window display... Eight stories of neon Christmas wreaths - dozens of them - adorning Macys. Winter scenes at Tiffany's reminiscent of my Christmas dream....Wegman Dogs - dogs with human bodies - cook Christmas dinner, play at snowball fights, and dream sweet dreams of Christmas in the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue.

At the corner of Post and Mason, two young women display their musical talents with voice and harp, the sounds of Christmas music mixing gently with the sound of car horns and busses...

A passing cable car slowly climbing Nob Hill, brightly-lit reindeer on the roof cheerfully guiding its sluggish ascent as the cableman skillfully rings out Christmas carols with the bell...

The mix of humanity on the sidewalk, from wealthy shoppers to homeless street people. Pan-handlers offering their usual mix of "Street Sheets" for a dollar; guilt - "come on... it's Christmas" - as they challenge your averted glance; and humor - "can you spare two-thousand for lunch in Rome?" - and whoever smiles first gets the rest of the spiel...

From Union Square, an aimless walk up Nob Hill among the fine, old, brick apartment houses with their white-gloved doorman attending the entrance, a tall Christmas tree brightly lit in the lobby. On to the stately Victorians of Russian Hill, with their mix of lights and garland and trees decorating the individual flats...

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An eggnog and rum at a lively North Beach pub, or a delicious meal at one of the many fine Italian restaurants, or perhaps some jazz at Pearls, in the neighborhood made famous by the "beat" generation.

Yes indeed, San Francisco is alive with sights and sounds and smells and stories...

At Christmas, this city that has always been a little quirky, a little colorful, and even a little strange, comes alive with the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the season...

San Francisco style;

With a twist.....

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tom lives in San Francisco and works as a sound engineer, freelance writer, and web publisher. He enjoys traveling, nature, reading, photography, and music. Read more stories by Tom at; http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Schueneman

Global Winter Wonderland is back and it's going to be bigger and better than ever. We'll be opening the day after Thanksgiving inside California's Great America in Santa Clara. In addition to six Great America rides, there are also more carnival rides, more food options, and more entertainment options at multiple venues throughout the park.

Hours of operation: Weekdays (Sun - Thu): 4PM – 10PM Weekends (Fri-Sat): 4PM – 11PM Ticket price: $18 Adult (13-61) $16 Youth (5 -12) $16 Senior (62+) FREE Child under 5

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‘Tis the season for festive family fun and enchanting experiences and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has it all. Our magical winter wonderland features lots of delightful family activities to help capture the holiday spirit. Gather with your loved ones to enjoy sparkling lights, glamorous decorations, festive scents and seasonal treats, playful activities, breathtaking rides, and heartwarming shows. Hours of operation: Times vary by date Ticket price: $57.99Adult (over "48) $37.99 Youth (under "48) Click on picture for more info

A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair returns to the San Francisco Cow Palace. The bustling streets of London, immortalized for all time by the mighty pen of Charles Dickens, form the living backdrop of your excursion into Christmas Past. You are a living part of a Victorian Christmas card come to life! Come wander the lanes of Victorian London, as the glow of twilight settles upon the city, with the scent of pine boughs & freshly baked scones floating in the air and the sound of carolers and holiday merrymakers accompanying your stroll. Click on picture for more info

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Christmas in the Park is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 30 years, this whimsical event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the holidays. Each year, the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 60-foot Community Giving Tree. Some of the original displays housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. The Victorian Village is a 25-foot Christmas tree surrounded by the animated Nutcracker Suite exhibit and Santa's Photo Den. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses. Click on picture for more info.

Gourmet Walks presents Holiday Lights & Chocolate Tour

What better way to experience the city’s holiday lights than with a cup of hot chocolate and a peppermint truffle? Join us on a special Holiday version of our popular San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour. This evening tour will include viewings of the Christmas Tree and lights in Union Square, Embarcadero Center, the Palace Hotel and Westfield Centre.

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Oakland Zoo Lights Oakland Zoo morphs into a magical wonderland filled with lights, sights, and sounds of the holiday season. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky. Monday - Sunday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm Admission Prices: $5.00 - $8.00

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Our Top RecommendationsClick on each picture for further info

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