This week, meet legendary singer, poet, artist and activist Joan Baez at an event hosted by Kepler Books for the musical-movie horror spoof “Young Frankenstein” (or should we say “Fronk-en-steen”?, and staged the musical “American Journey” with the Bay Choral Guild.
Joan Baez
Local legend Joan Baez, who graduated from Palo Alto High School in the late 1950s and was known for her music and long-standing commitment to social justice and activism, was to many her 1960 The folk idol scene of the era. But in addition to her storied music career, she’s also a visual artist (her picture book Am I Pretty When I Fly? was published last year) and poet. “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance,” a collection of poems written by Baez based on her personal experiences over the years, was published in April this year. Baez will discuss the new book with journalist Angie Corow at an event hosted by the Kepler Literary Foundation.
May 31, 7 p.m., Hillsdale High School, 3115 Del Monte St., San Mateo; $20-$65; Caperus website.
“Young Frankenstein”
It’s still alive! Live theater, that’s what it is. Los Altos Stage Company presents a stage musical adaptation of Mel Brook’s beloved comedy “Young Frankenstein” (which, of course, is A humorous sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic science fiction story). When young Frederic Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen,” by the way) inherits his infamous grandfather’s legacy, he soon discovers a penchant for mad science, and Allowing monsters to run in families. Joey Dippel stars in most performances, with a few starring understudy Ian Catindig (who mostly plays other characters), and Brian Moriah Bryan Moriarty plays the monster.
May 30-June 23, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos; $22-$35; losaltosstage.org/young-frankenstein.
Feldman Books 28th Birthday Party
Feldman’s Books, Menlo Park’s venerable used bookstore and community gathering place, is turning 28 and will celebrate its “Saturn Return” anniversary with a birthday bash. Local musicians including Redtone Record’s Justin Phipps, Abshir Miller, Emma Catherine, Nitya Rajeshuni, Chandran Sankaran, Kyle Alden, Susie McKee, Rory McNamara and Effie Zilch will perform at the evening’s festivities, along with artwork by Lasana.
May 31, 6-9 p.m., Feldman’s Books, 1075 Curtis St., Menlo Park; suggested donation $5; feldmansbooks.net/events.
music in the square
Music on the square is back in downtown Redwood City, which must mean summer is just around the corner. The series, now in its 18th year, features live music in Courthouse Square from Friday nights through the end of August, according to the city’s website. This week, Santana tribute band Carnaval will perform. In the coming weeks, reggae band Native Elements, Tom Petty tribute Petty Theft, R&B/soul band Patton Leatha, Latin jazz band Orquesta Dharma, Journey tribute Faithously Live, Eagles tribute Boys of Summer, Fleetwood Mac tribute Fleetwood Macrame, Stely Dan /Chicago tribute Steel N’ Chicago, dance band Groove Ride, yacht rock favorite Mustache Harbor, Michael Jackson tribute Foreverland, 80s cover band Careless Whisper and soul/pop band Pride & Joy are all lining up to perform. .
May 31 (and subsequent Fridays through August 30) 6 to 8 p.m.; Court Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City; Liberty; redwood city website.
Cui Youxi
Community Music and Arts faculty member Yoorhi Choi will present a free community concert, performing violin works based on Korean folk music as well as works by Brahms and Beethoven. The show is titled “Yoorhi Choi: Harmony of East and West” and aims to showcase the musical traditions of both East and West. Originally from South Korea, Choi moved to the United States at age 15 to attend Juilliard (she also later earned degrees from Yale and Northwestern University). In addition to his work as an educator, the award-winning artist performs as a soloist and with many ensembles and orchestras.
June 1, 7:30 p.m., Tateuchi Hall, Community Academy of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View; Free; art4all.org.
gulf choral society
What better way to start your summer vacation than with a musical trip? The Bay Choral Society concludes its 2023-24 season with “America’s Journey,” a program that spans centuries and genres to explore the broad history of American music. According to his program notes, artistic director Sanford Dole draws on music from many different eras. The concert features works by 18th-century New England composers; African-American spirituals that may have originated on the Underground Railroad and were later popularized by composers such as Moses Hogan; music documenting 19th-century Western immigrants; and a selection of 20th-century works ranging from art songs to jazz. The 20th-century section of the program includes works by the “Dean of Black Women Composers,” Undine Smith Moore, Norman Dello Joio and others, as well as a variety of music by noted composers Samuel Barber and Randall Thompson, George and Ira Gershwin, and Leonard. Stan.
June 2, 4:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto, $10-30, baychoralguild.org.
