There’s a lot going on in Saratoga even when it’s raining. It’s a wonderful time to learn new skills and get ready for the warmer months ahead.
Saratoga Parks and Rec offers an entire catalog full of classes to learn knitting, new languages, dance and even how to declutter your home. There are interesting field trips like a trip to Salinas to explore Steinbeck’s roots, and hikes though our hills to enjoy California wildflowers. www.saratoga.ca.us
The Saratoga Library is hosting a variety of activities this month. On Saturday, Feb. 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m., visitors can learn about artificial intelligence—how machine learning works and what it means in day-to-day life.
Classical guitarist Juan Carlos Navarro will perform at the library on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m. He’ s given hundreds of concerts throughout Europe and Southeast Asia.
Prepare for a visit to Scotland, or virtually visit by joining “A Wee bit of Scotland” on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7:15-8:30 p.m. at the library. Tour the Scottish Highlands, historic churches, castles and villages with photographer and musician David Couzens.
The second annual AAPI art exhibition, featuring work by teenage artists, will be displayed at the library in April and May. Teens can submit work for consideration to www.sccld.org.
Saratogans can get ready to grow their own produce with help from the Santa Clara Master Gardeners. www.mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu.
For vegetation that creates a fire hazard instead of food, the Santa Clara County Fire Department says now is a good time to cut it back and give your home defensible space from wildfire. For information and a schedule of workshops, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg.
Saratoga venues are playing host to a variety of musical talent in the coming weeks.
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On Thursday, Feb. 29, pianist Richard Glazier will take the audience at Montalvo Center for the Arts “From Broadway to Hollywood.” Besides playing the songs, Glazier gives the history behind them, sharing stories about composers, shows, films and stars.
On Sunday, Feb. 25 at 3pm, the San Jose Wind Symphony presents “Viva Italia” with guest soloist, Pasquale Esposito at the McAfee Center. Longtime Saratoga fan Bruce Hodgin says, “An evening listening to Pasquale is like an evening with the great Italian tenors, past and present, with a little Dean Martin thrown in.” Tickets are $15-$35 at [email protected].
On Thursday, March 28, the Saratoga Foothill Club will showcase the Saratoga High School’s Advanced Jazz Band playing tunes from big band and swing to modern works. This is an exceptionally talented group; members must audition to be accepted. the concert will be held in the Foothill Clubhouse, newly renovated and ready for event rentals. Tickets at the door or on Eventbrite.com.
Saratoga Village is holding a St. Paddy’s Party Saturday, March 16, 2-4 p.m., with activities for children including searching for pennies on the sidewalk and magical green rocks for a real silver dollar prize.
Hakone Estate and Gardens will mark another cultural touchstone next month with Hanami, a Japanese tradition that welcomes spring and celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms. Hakone will host weeknight viewings of its cherry blossoms March 20-April 12.
“We have over 60 cherry trees that will be blossoming. Advance ticket purchase is a good idea. The event has become extremely popular,” said Shozo Kagoshima, executive director of the Hakone Foundation. Hakone also offers daytime viewing hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. For tickets, visit www.hakone.com.
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, please let me know: [email protected].
