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This week, Americana musician Tony Furtado performs at Redwood City’s Sound Union, Los Altos Stage Company contemplates humanity in the classic “The Skin of Our Teeth,” open studios take place at Cubberley Artist Studio Program and Cantor Arts Center holds a family art day. Plus, a new show at Museum of American Heritage looks at the history of the tech that has shaped what we wear; Manchester Collective celebrates folk traditions from around the world in a concert at Stanford Live; and on April 18, 3rd Thursday brings headliner Jack Tuttle and seven other “Latin and local” bands to Palo Alto’s California Avenue.
Tony Furtado
Vintage TV shows often serve as a distraction for insomniacs or those staying home sick, but for Pleasanton-born musician Tony Furtado, a 1960s fish-out-of-water sitcom would lay the foundation for not just a musical passion, but ultimately a career. According to his website, “The Beverly Hillbillies” helped spark Furtado’s interest in learning the banjo when he was just 12 years old. The banjo may have given him his start, but Furtado is now a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has added mastery of cello-banjo, slide guitar and baritone ukulele to his polished Americana- and roots-influenced sound. Furtado’s artistic versatility extends beyond the stage, as he’s also an accomplished sculptor whose works focus on the natural world. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Furtado comes to Redwood City’s Sound Union for an intimate show joined by five-time and current Grand National Fiddle Champion Luke Price and keyboardist John R. Burr.
April 13, 6:30 p.m. at Sound Union, 2625 Broadway, Redwood City, $25 in advance/$30 at the door; soundunion.com.
Cubberley Open Studios and ART for ALL Family Day
Take a peek into the workspaces of Palo Alto’s Cubberley Artist Studio Program artists, who open their doors to the public twice annually to show and discuss their projects and artistic processes, including on Saturday, April 13. And on Sunday, April 14, hands-on art activities for kids and families, gallery conversations and live music outdoors are offered for visitors of all ages during Stanford University’s next ART for ALL Family Day, held between the Cantor Arts Center and its nextdoor neighbor Anderson Collection, both of which will be open for visiting.
Cubberley Open Studios, April 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cubberley Community Center (E, F and U wings) 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; cityofpaloalto.org.
ART for ALL Family Day, April 14, activity sessions run 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m., Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford; eventbrite.com.
‘The Skin of Our Teeth’
Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Skin of Our Teeth” follows the archetypal Antrobus family, representing humanity throughout history, as it deals with disasters such as climate change, plague and war. The comedy broke theatrical conventions when it debuted in 1942 and involves farce, burlesque, satire and elements of the comic strip, according to a press release by Los Altos Stage Company, which is offering its take on the evergreen-yet-timely classic, directed by Chris Reber.
Through May 5, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos; check online for specific performance times and ticket prices; losaltosstage.org.
‘Threading the Past’
The word “technology” might bring to mind everything from AI art to VR headsets, but probably not sewing or washing machines. Though without those important pieces of overlooked tech, our collective sartorial situation might look very different. Palo Alto’s Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) delves into the tools that have helped shape our wardrobes with its newest exhibit, “Threading the Past: History of Clothing Technology,” opening April 12. Whether it’s machines to sew or clean clothes or to weave the very fabric itself, the show explores how tech “looms” unexpectedly large in our closets, so to speak. This spring, MOAH will also host talks related to the exhibit: “Dreams of Domestic Silk-Raising Industry, 1760-1940” with Dr. Janice Stockard on April 18 and a lecture on fabrics with Rich Douglas on May 23.
April 12-Sept. 15 at the Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, free admission; suggested donation of $10; moah.org.
Manchester Collective with Abel Selaocoe
Britain’s Manchester Collective and South African cellist Abel Selaocoe join forces to present “Sirocco,” described by the collective as a celebration of folk traditions around the world. The high-energy program includes original South African music and new takes on Western traditional and classical tunes, featuring Selaocoe’s standout cello solos. Manchester Collective was formed in 2016 with the goal of pushing classical music’s boundaries and has released three albums. Selaocoe, a rising star, is also a boundary pusher, crossing genres with his cello and aiming to bring classical music to more diverse audiences.
April 13, 7:30 p.m., Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford; $32; live.stanford.edu.
3rd Thursday (April 18)
For the April edition of California Avenue’s 3rd Thursday event, Palo Alto’s own Earthwise Productions is presenting an evening with a “Latin and local” theme and featuring eight musical acts on three stages. Artists include Jack Tuttle and Friends Quintet; ALEGRITUDE; Midtown Dreamers; the Stanford student-run salsa group Cien Mil Mangos de Estanfor; Roberta Donnay Rainforest trio; Beti Masenqo; Keith Lawrence Quartet; and members of Los Panaderos. A photo booth, an art-sharing table, 3rd Thursday swag, and special offers from local businesses are also being offered, according to 3rd Thursday’s website.
April 18, 6-9 p.m., California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street, Palo Alto; 3rdthursday.fun.