School’s out
Celebrate the end of the school year with a free, old fashioned, family day at the annual Machado School Picnic. Tour the 1895 schoolhouse then check out the antique cars and trucks on display. Play “Tug of War” or try your hand at roping. There will be fun crafts for the kids along with a presentation by Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center. Pack a picnic or enjoy a tri-tip barbecue or hot dogs provided by the ancient and honorable order of the E Clampus vitus, commonly known as the “Clampers.” After lunch do a little folk dancing to local Bluegrass group, Just Picked String Band. Everyone’s invited on Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 15310 Sycamore Dr., in Morgan Hill. Visit the Machado School Heritage Society on facebook or go to www.machadoschool.org.
Ramayana
Mount Madonna School, East of Gilroy, is celebrating 38 years of the sword and sorcery epic, Ramayana. The performance brings magical characters that encounter danger and love, good versus evil and duty, heroic action and sacrifice with an original rock & roll score. The show features a cast of some 200 student actors from age 3 to 18, accompanied by a choir and adult musicians. Performances will be held Friday, June 10, Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. All seats are reserved at the Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave.,San Jose. Ticket prices range from $25 for children to $85 for special “dress circle” seats. All tickets are available at www.mountmadonnaschool.org/Ramayana.
The Firebird Ballet
Be mesmerized by The Firebird Ballet, an epic tale that combines all the elements of princes and princesses, evil sorcerer, vampires, peacocks, forest fairies, firebirds, a dancing bear, and other magical creatures. Experience the story as told through music and dance and set to a powerful score by the famous composer Igor Stravinsky. This famous ballet production comes complete with stunning sets and costumes, and is performed by over 75 local dancers from South Valley Dance Arts company. The show is sure to be a delight to audiences of all ages on Friday June 10 at 7 p.m., or Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. showing at the Sobrato Theater at 401 Burnett Ave., Morgan Hill. Tickets are $20 at the door or go to www.brownpapertickets.com for more information.
Artichoke festival
Get ready to peel back the layers because the Castroville Artichoke Food and Wine Festival is coming to the Monterey County Fair and Event Center. Learn the ABCs of artichokes with a cooking demonstration and enjoy live entertainment on two stages during the festival. Get stuffed at the artichoke-eating contest or enter the Ocean Mist Agro Art contest, featuring three-dimensional fruit and vegetable artwork. Make sure to bring the kids and catch the Wild Things show featuring exotic animals trained to participate in film and television. Check out the arts and crafts booths or relax and meet the vintners, distillers and brewers at the California Wine and Beer Tasting Pavilion. Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday June 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2004 Fairground Rd. in Monterey. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for military, seniors and children ages 4-12. For a schedule of events, go to artichokefestival.org.
