Published in the October 10 – 23, 2018 issue of Morgan Hill Life

One of the most spectacular musical shows is coming to the Bay Area. Shen Yun 2019 will be here for four Bay Area locations with what may very well be their most exciting show ever. Shen Yun is a combination of dance, live music and Chinese theater with gorgeous costumes, brilliant sets and exciting lighting. There is always a story to be told but you will find yourself absorbed by the beauty of the costuming, music, dance and sets.  Shen Yun Performing Arts is a premier classical Chinese dance and music company established in New York. They perform classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance as well as story-based dance with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers.

Through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is reviving this culture. The English translation of Shen Yun is “The beauty of divine beings dancing.”

This is your opportunity to travel back to the magical world of ancient China and experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance. This show pushes the boundaries of the performing arts to make this possible, with a unique blend of colorful costuming, high-tech backdrops, and live orchestra. Be prepared for a theater experience like no other. The traditional Chinese culture cannot be seen anywhere else in the world — not even in China.

In 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York with a vision of preserving the best of China’s cultural heritage and sharing it with the world. They drew courage and inspiration from their shared practice of Falun Dafa, or “Falun Gong” as it is also called, a spiritual discipline common to all of Shen Yun’s artists.

Tickets are available by calling 1-888-974-3698 or go online to www.shenyun.com. The show is at the beautiful San Jose Center for Performing Arts and runs from Dec. 19 through Dec. 28. Tickets sell out quick, so call now.

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On another note, take a drive up the coast for the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival Oct. 13 and 14. Three stages of live music all weekend long, street musicians, some of the largest pumpkins you will ever see and good eats both on the streets and in the many delightful restaurants along Main Street.

This annual family-friendly event is loaded with lots of fun things for the kids to do — including pumpkin pie eating contests, rides and art projects and a kids stage with live music and dance all weekend long.

I will be the host and emcee on the main music stage representing Morgan Hill, so stop by and say hi if you happen to see me.

Got a music tip? Email [email protected]