San Jose’s worldwide airport is known as after the late Norman Y. Mineta — the previous San Jose mayor, congressman and U.S. secretary of transportation — however now there’s a plan to put a bronze statue of him there as nicely.
The tribute has been within the works for 2 years, however it has gained traction for the reason that Could 3 loss of life of the favored San Jose native, who turned the primary Asian American mayor of a significant U.S. metropolis, in addition to the primary Asian American cupboard secretary. The venture has some high-powered names behind it serving as honorary co-chairs: U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, state Sen. Dave Cortese and legendary judo coach Yosh Uchida.
Quest Valley Charities — which has former Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon as its president and former Santa Clara County Superintendent of Colleges Colleen Wilcox as its board chair — is elevating $150,000 to pay for the 6-foot bronze statue and podium.
The primary 15 donors who contribute $10,000 or extra may have their names engraved on the pedestal base, and two of these spots are already taken following pledges by former Cypress Semiconductor CEO T.J. Rodgers and Republic City Properties President Michael Van Each.
Sculptor Steve Davis, who's in command of the foundry at San Jose State College, designed the statue, which options Mineta standing in a enterprise go well with along with his proper hand positioned over his coronary heart. Davis beforehand labored on the Shirley Lewis Youngsters’s Sculpture Stroll on the Guadalupe River Park, which was a collaboration with Ryan Carrington. Two smaller variations of the statue will likely be created, with one introduced to Mineta’s spouse, Deni, and the opposite being donated to a museum. Anybody keen on contributing can discover out extra by emailing Terry Downing at Terry_Downing@prxdigital.com.
GETTING JAZZED UP: San Jose Jazz’s Summer season Fest doesn’t formally begin till Friday however there’s loads of music already within the air this week.
Los Angeles-baed DJ Peanut Butter Wolf will likely be spinning vinyl beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Camino Brewing Firm, 718 S. First St., in San Jose for the Summer season Fest Opening Celebration. Tickets are $20 upfront at www.sanjosejazz.org or $25 on the door.
In the meantime, Grammy-winning baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington will likely be performing along with his sextet Thursday night time on the Hammer Theatre in a tribute to Artwork Blakely, a jazz drummer whose six-decade profession included work with Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. The 8 p.m. efficiency is a part of the Hammer Theatre Middle’s “Sundown Collection,” on the outside rooftop terrace. Get tickets at www.hammertheatre.com. By the way in which, Lington additionally will likely be taking part in at Summer season Fest on Sunday, as a part of a band of Bay Space jazz veterans who’ll revisit work from Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan. “With Like to Geru” is at 3 p.m. Sunday on the PG&E Silicon Valley Stage on the Signia by Hilton Lodge’s Membership Regent.
GET A LAUGH AT TABARD: There’ll be some humorous enterprise happening at Tabard Theatre Firm in San Pedro Sq. on Aug. 11 with “An Night with Dave Burleigh,” who was named “finest political impressionist” on ABC’s “The View.” Burleigh, who will observe his set with an viewers Q&A, will likely be joined at 8 p.m. by opener Dennis Gaxiola.
Tickets can be found for $25-$35 or $10 livestream at www.tabardtheatre.org. Whilst you’re there, you must try “Music from the Coronary heart,” a cabaret fundraiser headlined by Tabard fave James Creer and that includes Juanita Harris, Corey Miller, Jose Barraza and extra. The occasion, which can embrace a peek on the 2022-23 season, is free to attend however it's worthwhile to reserve a seat. And when you’re in a festive temper, you too can get VIP cabaret desk seating with a bottle of champagne thrown in for $150 a pair.