Harlem Gospel Choir to Perform at Montalvo

Hear music from New York City's Harlem, old Cuba and the big-band sound of the '40s and '50s. Hungry? An interesting food festival is part of the mix in nearby San Jose. And we even offer you something to ease you into the work week. 

When/Where: 7:30 p.m., Thursday; Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga.

Why Go: The Harlem Gospel Choir is world famous, and it's performing in our own backyard. The choir brings together the best singers and musicians from different African-American churches in New York City's Harlem. The choir sings about love and faith, but in a way you have never heard before.

Pricing: $40-$50

When/Where: 8 p.m., Friday; Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga.

Why Go: If you like the sound of classical Cuba and want to imagine the tropical breezes that come along with old-school tropical music, you'll love the sound of this seven-piece band, Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro de Cuba. Cubans consider the band part of their national patrimony—they don't get out of Cuba that often, so take advantage of this opportunity to hear the music that will make you want to get out of your seat and move!

Pricing: $27 to $35

When/Where: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday; North Almaden Avenue and West Saint John Street, San Jose.

Why Go: Are you kidding? Food truck food is our latest Northern California trend. And there will be at least 20 trucks there offering all kinds of food. The trucks will serve lunch (11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and dinner (5-9 p.m.) With so many choices, perhaps you want to try lunch AND dinner! And if you have followed one of our suggestions from our kids planner about an event at the Children's Discovery Museum—well, what a way to make a day of it in San Jose!

Pricing:  Depends on what you eat.

When/Where: Noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; , 26985 Loma Prieta Way.

Why Go: This is a pleasant way to help raise funds for local schools. Half of all sales at Loma Prieta this weekend will be donated to Loma Prieta Education Fund to benefit Loma Prieta School and CT English Middle School. 

Pricing: Depends on how much you buy.

When/Where: 3 p.m., Sunday; , 16330 Los Gatos Blvd.

Why Go: Do you ever long to hear the music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington and others from the Big Band era? Well, this Sunday is a chance to hear the big-band sound once again. The 65-piece California Pops Orchestra will offer its musical tribute and will be joined by the Black Tie Jazz Band, too, for some of its numbers. 

Pricing: $10-$35 

When/Where: Tuesday, 5-6:30 p.m.; , 50 University Ave.

Why Go: We're adding this sixth event to ease you into the week. Tuesday nights are generally slow. So take advantage and go to this strictly networking event. Join the Los Gatos Chamber Ambassadors for this Biz Break mixer, with no agenda, no speakers—just you and your colleagues sharing wine or cocktails and conversation. Half off on drinks. 

Pricing:  Only what you spend on wine or cocktails.