This week, over 120 artists show their works at the Clay and Glass Festival; The Bad Plus adds a new dimension to their music at the Stanford Jazz Festival; Pub in the Park pops up for al fresco pints in Redwood City; Zohar Dance Company celebrates dance from around the world; 19th-century Paris artists struggle to beautiful music in Pocket Opera’s “La Bohème” and 3rdThursday offers wine tasting to accompany its live music lineup.
Clay and Glass Festival
Each year, the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGA) and the Palo Alto Art Center present a bonanza of works in clay and glass, featuring more than 120 juried artists creating in a variety of styles, from sculpture to functional pottery. It can be a great place to shop for gifts for art lovers, as pieces can be purchased directly from artists. And those interested in someday joining the ranks of clay and glass artists themselves – or just in learning more about these art forms – can watch live demonstrations and try their hands at interactive exhibitions. Food and beverage vendors will also be on site.
July 13-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto; free; acga.net.
The Bad Plus
This well-respected ensemble comes to the Stanford Jazz Festival with some new math. Its lineup has seen a few changes in the past handful of years, most notably morphing from a longtime trio into a quartet. Following the departure of pianist Orrin Evans during a pandemic hiatus, the new lineup has brought on tenor saxophonist Chris Speed and guitarist Ben Monder to join co-founders drummer Dave King and bassist Reid Anderson, subtracting piano from the equation. The Bad Plus became known for their inspired covers of rock and pop, but have blasted beyond that with expressive originals written by King and Anderson — though there’s still some rock energy vibrating beneath the surface.
July 13, 7:30 p.m., at Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford, $20-$62, stanfordjazz.org
Pub in the Park
Love to grab a pint but can’t make it across the pond to Great Britain this summer (or just prefer the sunny California weather)? Never fear, Redwood City’s inflatable “British-style” pub returns for several more pop-up events in Red Morton Park. In addition to local beers and ciders on tap, there’s also live music, lawn games and food trucks, making it a picnic-friendly occasion for the whole family. On July 13, the harmony-rich bluegrass, folk and rock band The Stragglyrs will perform, and Sam’s Chowder Mobile, Los Tolucas, Curry Up Now, Grillzillas will be the featured food vendors. Other remaining dates include Aug. 3 and Sept. 7.
July 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Morton Park, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; free; redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/music/pub-in-the-park.
Zohar Dance Company
Palo Alto’s Zohar Dance Company presents the second of its two summer dance programs: “World Dance,” a global celebration of dance styles featuring Oleksandra Bobrychenko (Ukrainian folk dance), Red Thistle Scottish Dancers (Scottish County and Highland dance), Stacey Fong (Bachata), Mind’s Eye featuring Jill Parker (belly dance fusion), Swathi Lakshmanan (Bharatanatyam), Danielle & Dennis (Salsa), Grupo Folclorico Yolotli Guerrerense – (Mexican folkloric dance) and Lu Yang (Chinese folk dance and classical dance). Prior to the performance, The Waffle Roost Food Truck will be offering a special menu at 6 p.m., plus live musical performances by guitarist Spencer Oey and jazz trumpeter Jacob Jackman.
July 13, 8 p.m. (pre-show event at 6 p.m.); Zohar Studio Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road Building L, Room 4, Palo Alto; $18-$25; eventbrite.com.
‘La Bohème’
Before there was “Rent” there was ‘La Bohème,’ Puccini’s beloved opera classic about young bohemians struggling to survive and live artistic lives in Paris. The Pocket Opera – a long-running San Francisco-based chamber opera company offering accessible performances in English – presents a production of the classic featuring Nicholas Huff and Diana Skavornskaya as tragic love birds Rodolfo and Mimi, with conductor Mary Chun leading the Pocket Philharmonic and stage direction by Elly Lichenstein.
July 14, 2:30 p.m., Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View; $37-$87; tickets.mvcpa.com.
Wine tasting at 3rdThursday
For its July edition, Palo Alto’s monthly 3rdThursday brings together two favorite local pastimes: live music and wine tasting. With this month’s theme, “LoCAL Libations,” visitors can enjoy live music along California Avenue while sampling wines from 11 boutique Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, in what event organizers say may be one of the first wine walks in Palo Alto. And to make those sips a little sweeter, ticket proceeds from wine tasting will help raise funds to support 3rdThursday. The July music lineup features The Nickel Slots, the Andrew Stephens Quartet, Annalise Bell and Big Mike & The HartBeats. Some California Avenue merchants and restaurants will be offering specials or extended hours.
July 18, 6-9 p.m. along California Avenue, Palo Alto. Music is free; wine tasting tickets are $55 per person or $45 per person for groups of 10. 3rdthursday.fun.