Saratoga Celebrates Lunar New Year

Saratoga High School parents and students will take advantage of the campus' celebration of Jazz Cabaret today Saturday, Feb. 9 to also rejoice in the Lunar New Year.

According to Los Gatos Saratoga Union High School District trustee Katherine Tseng, Asian parents will gather 7-10 p.m. tonight in the school's large gym to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

There's a large percentage of Asians in Saratoga. The latest U.S. Census numbers indicate the population has grown to more than 40 percent.

Jazz Cabaret consists of performances by SHS' jazz bands, choirs, accompanied by food for all participants to be purchased with tickets.

Lunar New Year celebrations are also taking place in San Jose today, with one of the largest ones at 110 So. Market St., sponsored by the San Jose Museum of Art.

The event, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., will have live music, a traditional lion dance, hands-on art-making activities, performances by youth groups, etc.

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is a sign of intelligence, gracefulness, and ambition, according to the event page.

Tet is also taking place this weekend, with the large Vietnamese-American community in San Jose having various festivals to celebrate.

Japantown Beerwalk is also taking place 2-6 p.m. today, Saturday, Feb. 9 at 4th and Jackson streets in San Jose.

There will be plenty of beer drinking at all the restaurants that line the charming San Jose Japantown business district.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $30 at Jack's Neighborhood Bar & Lounge, or online at www.thebeerwalk.com.

If the event doesn't sell out, tickets can be purchased for $35 today. Ticket includes beer samples, custom glass, and passport, plus first 60 to check in receive a complementary tour at Gordon Biersch Bottling Plant. Registration begins at noon.

Proceeds benefit the Japantown Business Association.