The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose can’t host its traditional celebration for Mexican Independence Day this year because of COVID-19 restrictions. But it’s keeping the tradition alive with “Chile, Mole, Pozole,” a virtual event Sunday that will include performances and cooking demonstrations.
“As stewards of the Mexican Heritage Plaza, our team recognizes our responsibility to guard and preserve our community’s rich history and heritage, especially in times of crisis,” said Jessica Paz-Cedillos, executive director of the School of Arts and Culture. ” ‘Chile, Mole, Pozole’ is a platform for the school to uplift the
rich diversity of our Mexican community.”
It also sounds like a pretty great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The celebration, which will run on Facebook Live from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include performances by Los Lupeños de San José, Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dance, Mariachi Azteca, and El Mariachi Trio. The culinary folks from Veggielution, the community farm at Emma Prusch Park, will provide cooking demonstrations for both mole — a flavorful sauce common in Oaxacan dishes — and pozole, a spicy soup that’s a Sunday morning tradition in many Mexican American households.
And, as an incentive for audience members, the school will be giving away a total of $1,000 in gift certificates to San Jose area restaurants.
The event commemorates Mexico’s Independence Day on Sept. 16 — that’s right, it’s not Cinco de Mayo — that traditionally begins the night before with “El Grito,” or the cry for independence, continuing the next day with food, music and parades. If you’d like to check it out from the comfort of your own home, go to www.schoolofartsandculture.org/events for details.
ANNO DOMINI CELEBRATES 20 YEARS: Santa Clara County’s move into the state’s “red” tier for coronavirus restrictions — which allows for indoor museums to open at partial capacity — couldn’t have come at a better time for San Jose’s Anno Domini gallery.
The SoFA gallery, started by Cherri Lakey and Brian Eder, is marking its 20th anniversary this year of celebrating street art, subculture and the vibrant artists whose work lives on — and sometimes beyond — the cutting edge. An anniversary exhibition that opens Friday night, featuring nearly three dozen artists whose work was featured from 2000-2010.
It’ll run at 366 S. First St. on Friday and Saturday nights — 5 to 9 p.m. — through Oct. 17. (A “Second Decade” exhibition will open Nov. 6.) Additionally, the Outsider, an outdoor event showcasing local artists and creatives, will continue Friday nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the parking lot next door to the gallery.
NEW FACE AT THE CLUBHOUSE: Steve Wymer will take over as the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley on Sept. 21, following a decade of community-oriented work with TiVO, Nextdoor.com and eBay.
Wymer, a father of four, says he’s excited about the role, in which he will be able to make a difference for more than 3,000 young people who are served at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 14 locations in San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity for my job to meet my purpose,” Wymer said in a statement. “I plan to humbly challenge our community leaders, my friends and colleagues in the business community, and myself on a daily basis to play an even bigger role in supporting BGCSV’s mission to empower and equip
young people in need. I’ve never been more fired up to make an impact.”
