Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and French, he’s spent much of the past decade teaching languages at various universities and high schools while also studying urban violence and the drug trade in Colombia and Brazil. Looking to build on La Pena’s strong programming foundation, he’s hoping to add tango and Brazilian dance to the “incredibly strong roster of artists doing classes and recitals. “I’m a huge fan of Northeastern Brazilian dancing, forro, and I want to have some pagodes (gatherings) in the front room,” he says.
Niles Canyon Railway Beer on the Rails: 1-3:30 p.m, March 17, 37029 Mission Blvd., Fremont, Enjoy a two-hour train ride while tasting a variety of Bay Area beers, live music and lunch, $50, http://ncry.org/, Mozart Requiem with San Francisco Conservatory Chorus: 8 p.m, March 17, 4 p.m, March 18, Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut ballet shoe bag Creek, Two conductors take the podium at this California Symphony concert that includes Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, as well as the Mozart Requiem, $42-$72, http://bit.ly/2Erdeip..
Dragon Theatre. Aether Brigade’s “Tipsy Time Comedy and Variety Hour.” 10 p.m. (or slightly later; follows another show). Sept. 22. The Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City. $17 advance, $20 door (includes beverage). www.dragonproductions.net; 650-493-2006, ext. 2; or tickets@dragonproductions.net. Los Altos Stage Company. “The Crucible.” Through Oct. 1. By Arthur Miller. Directed by Jeffrey Lo. Features Joe Antonicelli, Nicole Apostol Bruno, Michael Champlin, Jeff Clarke, Carolyn Compton, Mat Espinosa, Marjorie Hazeltine, Alexandra Ho, Leslie Ivy, Gary Landis, Maria G. Marquis, Shareen Merriam, Brittany Pisoni, Roneet Aliza Rahamim, Neiry Rojo, Ellie Schwartz, Max Tachis, Damian Vega and Cameron Wells. Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos. $18-$38. www.losaltosstage.org or 650-941-0551.
Kepler’s Books, Dr, Daniel Goleman, “Altered Traits,” 3 p.m, Sept, 17, Bruce Henderson, “Sons and Soldiers,” 7:30 p.m, Sept, 18, Nicole Krauss, “Forest Dark,” with Elizabeth Rosner, 7:30 p.m, Sept, 25, Paul Madonna master class, 7 p.m, Oct, 5, Diane Keaton, “The House That Pinterest Built,” 4-6 p.m, Oct, 12, $83.79 (includes book, service fee); signing only, no author presentation, no pictures, Irvin Yalom, “Becoming Myself,” 7:30 p.m, Oct, 19, ballet shoe bag Zach and Kelly Weinersmith, 7:30 p.m, Oct, 28, David Eagleman, “The Runaway Species,” 7:30 p.m, Nov, 3, Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, www.keplers.com..
Then Wang (checking in with the score on her iPad, perched in front of her) went to work. She played liberally with the time, pausing, slowing things for rather long stretches; it was not your typical “Rhapsody.” But her performance (which included a few muffed notes) had fresh personality and made musical sense, as when she introduced that slow sexy drag into her penultimate cadenza, gradually building it to the tipping point, at which melody dripped from her fingers as she triggered Gershwin’s firework effects, his sparklers and Roman candles.
