Tuesday, November 24, 2009

San Jose Harvest Festival Rolls Out Brand New Performer


Comedian John Park joins the festival entertainment line-up

(San Jose, Calif., November 2009) --- The Harvest Festivals have always been known for providing attendees with innovative and fun entertainment, and for the 2009 San Jose Harvest Festival, happening November 27-29, the show has brought in a hilarious new act to entertain the crowds.

John Park is brand new to the Harvest Festivals and brings a humorous twist to all of his performances. Park entertains the whole family with his juggling, jokes, spinning plates and much more. He has appeared on HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show and has opened for musical giants such as The Grateful Dead, Huey Lewis and the News, and Marie Osmond.

Cash Tribute will also hit the stage for a rockin’ set and is a favorite act of many festival-goers. A tribute to the “Man in Black”, this band re-creates the original sound of Johnny Cash’s greatest hits. Played with conviction, accuracy, and sincerity, Cash Tribute gives an honest appreciation of one of America’s enduring musical legends.

Scott Land Marionettes will wrap up the featured performances with a whimsical and family friendly show. Kids of all ages love watching these colorful marionettes bounce around to Scott Land’s intricate and funny storylines.

In addition to the main stage performances throughout the day, the Harvest Festival also offers strolling entertainers and performers to treat customers to an up-close and personal experience. One of the acts, Mama Claus and Eddie the Elf, meander through the aisles of the San Jose Convention Center in festive Holiday attire and sing to people browsing for gifts.

With his own kind of quirky energy, Washboard Willy has become a Pied Piper of rhythm in children of all ages. During his performance he and his partner Wishboard Wanda pass out hand-held rhythm instruments to the kids and encourage the children to be part of Willy's Washboard Jamboree.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, boasting over 24,000 handmade American gifts. Guests can browse jewelry, pottery, original art, clothing, toys, specialty foods, holiday decor and more!

What: The San Jose Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®
When: November 27-29, San Jose Conventions Center, San Jose CA
Hours: Friday: 9am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Group Tickets (10 or More): $5, Kids 12 and Under: Free
Info: For tickets and additional info, call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/
Press: Call Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700, onsite at 650-245-2667 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

‘Ayako School of Ballet’ Student Is Invited to the 2010 Prix de Lausanne!

Congratulations Dominique Larose!

The Ayako School of Ballet is proud to announce that one of their students, Dominique Larose, has been invited to participate in the 2010 Prix de Lausanne. It's a great honor to be given the opportunity of being a part of one of the world's most prestigious dance competitions. It is held in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will take place on January 26 - 31, 2010.

Dominique is 14 years old, and will turn 15 just in time to compete in the 2010 Prix de Lausanne. She won the honor of top senior ballet dancer in the spring of 2009 in each of the following ballet competitions: the ADA (American Dance Association), IDC (International Dance Competition) and Showstoppers. She was also invited to an international competition in New York to dance and compete at YAGP (Youth American Grand Prix), where she demonstrated her skills in front of 4,500 people at both the New York Center and the Lincoln Center. A dancer since the age of three, Dominique has been dancing under Ayako Takahashi's direction for the past nine years.

Dominique is very excited and honored to be invited to the Prix de Lausanne. She is one of the youngest dancers to participate in the international competition and one of three American female dancers invited to participate.

We congratulate Dominique on this great opportunity to demonstrate her wonderful skills among the world's finest young dancers, and we wish her the best of luck in the competition!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

San Mateo Harvest Festival is Back After a Successful First Year

The San Mateo Harvest Festival is returning to the San Mateo Event Center on November 13-15 after a successful run in 2008, which was the first year the show had moved to the Peninsula from San Francisco. The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor art and craft show on the West Coast and features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts.



For over 37 years, the Harvest Festival’s unique shopping and entertainment atmosphere has thrilled customers in California and beyond. Shoppers are treated to a one-of-a-kind opportunity to browse and select from thousands of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, photographs, sculptures, pottery, accessories, clothing, specialty foods, home décor and more. Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as a featured artisan, assuring that only the highest quality products will be offered at the show. Attendees love the interacting with the renowned artists who create each individual item, watching live demonstrations of how pieces are created and getting their purchase personalized.

The San Mateo Harvest Festival will also offer an exciting KidZone, a special Gingerbread making table and area set aside for children to partake in hands-on arts and crafts activities. Plus, children under 12 get into the festival for free.

In addition to the fabulous shopping experience, there is also live entertainment and lively strolling performers. Scott Land Marionettes, who appeared in the hit movie Team America: World Police, will be gracing the main stage, performing a myriad of whimsical and funny puppet shows. Also appearing as a main act on Saturday and Sunday only are the Barbaray Coast Cloggers, showcasing furiously fast paced footwork and high energy synchronized dance routines.

Once again, the San Mateo Harvest Festival has partnered with the Peninsula Youth Ballet as the official show charity. The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) promotes arts to youth in the community, and the non-profit will receive a $500 donation from the Harvest Festival, in addition to all the proceeds from the parcel check and half the proceeds from the shopping bag sales. The show has also joined forces with the Samaritan House for the first time and hopes to increase awareness about the growing demand for food donations. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food donation to the show will receive a $2 off admission coupon to the event.

With affordable and one-of-a-kind items and easy accessibility, the San Mateo Harvest Festival boasts the best holiday shopping…all under one roof!

What: The San Mateo Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®
When: November 13-15, San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo CA
Hours: Friday: 10 am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, 12 & Under: Free
Why: To bring residents of California an affordable arts and crafts festival
Info: Tickets and additional info, call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/
Press: Call Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

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