Escapes: Hear music rooted in tradition in the Bay Area
BAY AREA
Jewish sounds abound in March
What: Thirty years ago, the producers behind the Jewish Music Festival began celebrating what it means to be Jewish in a modern, multicultural world. And they continued to celebrate it annually through unique, world Jewish music rarely found anywhere else.
This year’s festival, running March 5-22 at various Bay Area venues, will be no different. Highlights include a klezmer-Punjabi mashup, Jewish-Muslim-Christian ensemble from Israel, Yiddish musical and Jewish dance lessons. The kickoff takes place at the New Parish, 579 18th St., Oakland, with a performance by the Klezmatics. The 25-year-old, Grammy-winning five-piece group is often referred to as a “Jewish roots band,” for its traditional, Eastern European Jewish sound. The Klezmatics concert costs $30, but tickets for each individual event vary. For the full schedule and more information, visit www.jewishmusicfestival.org.
RENO
Lunar festival
What: In honor of Chinese New Year, Silver Legacy will transform into a colorful, elaborately decorated festival, with special Chinese menus, buffets, drink specials and events.
When: Through March 7
Where: Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 N. Virginia St., Reno
Cost: Free
Information: www.silverlegacyreno.com
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
SnowFest!
What: Hopefully there’s lots of snow in time for North Lake Tahoe’s SnowFest!, the 10-day festival now in its 35th year. There are more than 65 events – on and off the snow – sure to attract all ages, including parades, parties, concerts, races, dining, snow sculpting and arctic swimming.
When: Feb. 27-March 8
Where: Various locations around North Lake Tahoe
Cost: Individual events vary
Information: www.tahoesnowfestival.com
MONTEREY
Family at the museum
What: Inspired by the Monterey Museum of Art’s current interactive exhibition, Open Walls: You Are Here, this designated family day boasts hands-on art projects, sing-along, storytelling, a scavenger hunt and educational talks.
When: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Feb. 28
Where: Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey
Cost: Free
Information: www.montereyart.org
UKIAH
Lantern festival
What: Help ring in the year of the sheep at this Mendocino county Lunar New Year event. Expect live performances, games, cultural booths and, of course, strings of glowing lanterns.
When: 2-5 p.m. Feb. 28
Where: Alex Thomas Plaza, 310 S. State St., Ukiah
Cost: Free
Information: www.downtownukiah.com
SACRAMENTO
Travel talk
What: Hear all about president of Vertical Horizon Travel Scott Jercich’s visits to Dubai and Abu Dhabi at this installment of the No Reservations Travel Club.
When: 7 p.m. March 3
Where: Arcade Library Community Room, 2443 Marconi Ave., Sacramento
Cost: Free
Information: (916) 457-1426; www.noreservationstravelclub.blogspot.com
Bee Staff
This story was originally published February 21, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Hear music rooted in tradition in the Bay Area."