Rest In Pandemic
Culinary Corner Bistro, one of my favorite San Jose restaurants, may be closing its doors this month. Once an always-packed lunch and dinner spot, the cost of trying to stay open is forcing them to reassess their brick-and-mortar business. This time last year, I wondered how I was going to find events to write about. I knew downtown San Jose would look a little different once we re-socialized, but I had not considered how much eulogizing I would do. The owners of Culinary Corner clearly enjoy making good food, as evidenced by their menu, which is one of the more impressive examples of food fusion in downtown San Jose. Their cheerful attitude has always been a perfect welcome for conventioneers stumbling into SoFA District. The Bistro has made some of the best bowls of noodle soup I have ever had. I have so many wonderful memories of sharing meals and conversations with poets and performers before venturing to a show next door at Caffe Frascati or across the street at Cafe Stritch. I am going to miss their spirit and their food and I’d like to send them off with good vibes and a little extra cash. Let’s mask up and drop by for one more dish and a smile. Culinary Corner Bistro, 321 S First St, San Jose. Menu and info at culinarycornerbistro.com
WEDNESDAY
“I’ll Drink To That”
Wed, Mar 17, 6:30pm–7:30pm | $12.50
Tickets on sale at Eventbrite
This unique drinking game-themed comedy show features four standup comedians who will be given difficult words to work into their routines. And when you hear them say the words, you take a drink (beverage of your choice, of course.) Featuring national touring comics Jimmy Callaway, Peter Liu, Julia Austin (pictured) and Katrina Davis.
Kavanaugh Brothers Celtic Experience
Wed, Mar 17, 8:30pm–10pm | Free
RSVP link at artboutiki.com
If you’re planning to party with Patty this Wednesday night, be safe and do it with a truly local and legit Celtic band the Kavanaugh Brothers. Coupled with Art Boutiki’s fantastic sound and live stream, they are certain to get you in the zone for some fancy Irish footwork. Grab your dance partners and have a lovely top of the evenin’ in your own living room.
THURSDAY
Poetry | Third Thursdays
Thu, Mar 18, 7pm | Free
RSVP at San Jose Public Library Online
Poetry Center San Jose and Willow Glen Library present the valley’s longest running literary open mic every Third Thursday. This month’s streaming edition features two heavyweights of poetry—Ellen Bass (pictured) and Barbara Ras, followed by an open mic. Registration closes one day prior. Hosted by local poet Lesa Medley.
Comedians, Commentary & Cynthia Show
Thu, Mar 18, 7:30pm | Free
RSVP at Facebook
Your favorite heckle comedy show! CynthiaInPublic hosts the only South Bay comedy show where comedians are invited to share their best jokes while those watching are encouraged to heckle and ask questions. It’s a festival of laughs and all in good fun.
Cellista’s Finding San Jose
Thu, Mar 18, 8pm | Free
Streaming info at cltc.org/thenextstage
City Lights presents Cellista’s multimedia ode to San Jose. Our favorite cellist has worked with many artists from a wide horizon of disciplines, but Finding San Jose is surely her piece de resistance, pulling together filmmaker Jennifer Gigantino, choreography from Lilith Ransom of Ransom Dance and dancer/choreographer Lauren Baines, and singer-songwriter Rykanda Parasol. A prologue performance of themes and variations on pieces from the album will be performed by renowned pianist Tammy L. Hall. There is so much to be seen, heard and felt in this love letter.
FRIDAY
Wildflowers of the Bay Area
Fri, Mar 19, Noon–1pm | Free
Streaming info at openspacetrust.org
Spring is everywhere in the Bay Area! Peninsula Open Space Trust has invited Andrea Williams, Director of Biodiversity Initiatives at the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), to provide an overview of the most common wildflowers in our area during this free, online webinar. Learn how to identify the plants throughout your neighborhood.
Stage | Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End
Streaming Live Mar 19–Apr 3 | $15 and up
Streaming and ticket info at tabardtheatre.org
She gave up dreams of being a foreign correspondent to be a housewife, and ended up one of the most widely read writers in the country. In this frank, poignant show, iconic humorist Erma Bombeck –“a dynamo with an easy laugh”— takes us along with her on her journey from stay at home mom, to successful syndicated columnist, to feminist activist. At turns funny and heart wrenchingly sincere, At Wit’s End offers Bombeck’s voice of reassurance that yes, the world is crazy, but if we can find a way to look at it and laugh, we have most of it covered.
SATURDAY
Rockafellas at Little Lou’s BBQ
Sat, Mar 20, 6:30pm–8:30pm | Free
Little Lou’s BBQ
2455 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell
More info at Facebook
In-person event: masks and social distancing required! Little Lou’s BBQ and the Rockafellas are looking to play enough live music to send COVID packing. If you long for BBQ and live covers of some of your favorite songs, Lou’s is ready to serve you safely.
Live Country | AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Sat, Mar 20, 8:30pm–10:30pm | Free
RSVP link at artboutiki.com
AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an exceptionally talented group of young musicians and they plan to fill Art Boutiki Music Hall with sweet sounds for you to watch from home. They will be covering old classics, calling this show, “The Sounds of Bakersfield,” with special guests Jon Payne and Jesse Personeni.
Must-See Events for Silicon Valley: Week of Mar. 10 
