August 1, 2006

Music in the Glen always a hit

Only two more Thursdays to go

By Carol Rosen
Editor

People in and around Willow Glen only have two more Thursdays before the popular series ends another year.

This year’s concerts, despite the heat in the middle of July, are averaging 600 people. Accompanying the music this year are the usual food and beverages along with an area for kids to play and some really exciting classic cars.

Mother and son Cynthia and Conner Sigman steal the show when parents are called to the dance floor to dance with their children during July 27's free concert at Willow Glen Elementary School.

There have been lots of families with kids and some even brought their dogs, although dogs aren’t allowed on school grounds, said Michael Rubino, president of the Willow Glen Kiwanis Club sponsoring the event.

This year also brings some new things. Instead of 6:30 to 8 p.m., the show now runs two hours from 6:30 to 8:30, allowing people who work later to get to spend some time relaxing or dancing. In fact, the Houserockers, which appeared on July 27, didn’t take a break but played the entire two hours. The 10-piece band played a mix of rock and blues and even suggested the kids go get their parents and bring them out to dance.

Sage will appear this Thursday, Aug. 3. This band played on the extra Thursday that was added last year to replace the Thursday that was rained out. The audience liked the band so much, that Rubino asked them back this year.

Also set to play, for the last Thursday, is The Hitmen. They have played at a number of San Jose events including two nights at St. Christopher’s festival in June and also at the Cinco de Mayo festival in downtown San Jose.

The club also has chosen young people from the area to sing the Star Spangled Banner. So far, Alex Costanza, who lives in Willow Glen and attended Archbishop Mitty High School, sung the first week and Jeff Adams, who attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, sang the second week. Christina Burke Rubino, who lives in Willow Glen and attended Presentation High, sang on July 27 and will repeat her performance Aug. 3.

A number of Willow Glen businesses are helping sponsor the event and paying for the bands. The majority of the proceeds are given to Willow Glen Elementary School, with small amounts going toward the other charities the club supports including Turn Around Scholarships.

This year’s sponsors include City Councilman Ken Yeager, Edward Jones, Prudential Realty, John and R.C. Kost realtors, the Willow Glen Resident, Aqui Restaurants, Peak Travel and Rotten Robbie Gas Stations as well as Shasta Beverages, Cash and Carry and Roma Bakery.

In addition, Elva and Frank Acevedo, from Elva’s Coffee Stop on Lincoln Avenue, set up a booth with coffee and smoothies for those attending. The couple is donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Kiwanis Club.

Willow Glen kids storm the stage with The Silicon Valley Houserockers during the family friendly Music in the Glen, a weekly free concert at Willow Glen Elementary School. Photos by Jeff Frazee

There’s even something new in the food booths. This year, the Kiwanis is offering pizza. Round Table offered the pizzas to the group at a lower cost than retail and now people are enjoying pizza by the slice. Other foods include hot dogs, sausages, popcorn, nachos, soft pretzels, soda and water.

As in previous years, there is a children’s area where youngsters play ball and throw Frisbees and footballs. The kids also have been actively dancing near the stage.

A number of classic cars are showing up too, courtesy of the Model A Ford Club and the San Jose Police Department. Between five and 10 classic cars are coming to each Thursday, allowing some of those attending to drool at a 1954 classic police car, hot rods, a 59 Chevy and a 1948 Chrysler town and Country among others.

Those willing to give up a bit of their time to help others can check out the event or e-mail Rubino at michaelrubino@sbcglobal.net. The Willow Glen Kiwanis is always looking for new members. The group also holds a canned foods drive with Santa Claus on Lincoln during the holidays and offers pictures with Santa at the Willow Glen Elementary Christmas Tree lighting in early December.

New this year is a combined effort with the Cambrian Park and South San Jose Kiwanians to hold a chili cook-off in late October at the Camden Community Center.