Skate Like Kristi
The first outdoor ice skating rink in the Tri-Valley made its debut last Friday, November 15 at City Center Bishop Ranch (CCBR) in San Ramon with the opening of the first Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink.
The beloved 1992 Olympic gold medal winner in women’s figure skating and East Bay native, Yamaguchi, was on hand to kick off the grand opening. The event also showcased a special holiday skating performance, “An Icy Christmas” by Polina Edumunds, the 2016 U.S. Silver Champion along with young local up-and-coming skating enthusiasts which included Yamaguchi’s daughter, Emma Hedican.
A portion of the tickets sales also benefited Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, a local organization committed to inspiring underserved children to reach for their dreams through innovative ready programs, and promote the importance of early childhood literacy.
“The East Bay is incredibly special to me,” says Yamaguchi. “I’m proud and fortunate to call it my lifelong home, and to have been able to raise my children here. I’m excited for the opening of the ice rink at City Center Bishop Ranch. My hope is that it will help get the community into the holiday spirit while also raising awareness of Always Dream Foundation and our mission to fight child Literacy.”
Yamaguchi returns for the second annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony at CCBR, a free community event for the family, on Friday, November 22, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities include the lighting of a 50-foot Shasta Fir tree that shines brightly with nearly 14,000 lights and ornaments, complimentary gift wrapping by Cirque du Soleil, selfie photo opportunities with Santa Claus, live music, and more. One Warm Coat donation bins will be available, accepting gently used coats and financial donations. The first 100 people to donate a coat will also receive a complimentary ticket to the new ice skating rink.
The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink is open through January 5, Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets (ages 6 and up) are $12, kids 5 and under are $10, and skate rental is $5. For more details regarding private parties, holiday hours, and early bird specials at the Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Skating Rink, visit citycenterbishopranch.com/ice-rink/.
MUSICAL NOTES. Joel Dorham brings his Latin Jazz Octet to The Back Room on Saturday, November 30, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. “I only perform about three times a year now,” the bandleader told me recently. The Back Room is located at 1984 Bonita Avenue in Berkeley. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more details, call 510-654-3808 or visit backroommusic.com.
WEEKEND SCENE. The Spinners Friday-Sunday, Bay Area Harmonica Convergence Monday at Yoshi’s Jack London Square Oakland, yoshis.com … Achilles Wheel Friday, Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers Saturday, Soul Sanctuary Dance Sunday, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Tuesday at Ashkenaz Berkeley, www.ashkenaz.com … Jim Cordiss Friday, Saturday at Zio Fraedo’s Pleasant Hill, www.ziofraedos.com … Bruce Cockburn Friday, Cupping the Flame of Women’s Culture: Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club Closing 1996-2015 with Linday Tillery, Holly Near, and more (1 p.m.), Darrell Scott (8 p.m.) Saturday, Ladies Sing The Blues with Kim Nalley, Denise Perrier, Tiffany Austin, Tammy Hall Sunday Monday at Freight and Salvage Berkeley, www.thefreight.com … Alpha Rhythm Kings Friday, The New Copasetics, Saturday, The Sunday Paper Sunday at Armando’s Martinez, armandosmartinez.com … Godfrey through Sunday at Tommy T’s Comedy Club Pleasanton, tommyts.com … Lesli Margherita Friday, Saturday at Feinstein’s at the Nikko San Francisco, feinsteinsf.com … Feinstein’s at the Nikko also presents Mandy Patinkin in Concert Saturday at the Sydney Goldstein Theater San Francisco, feinsteinsf.com.
TAHOE SPOTLIGHT. Warren Miller Entertainment presents its latest winter sports film epic, Timeless, in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Timeless emulates the enduring spirit of winter and gives a nod to the past seven decades of ski cinematography, while looking toward the future. Miller started making ski films in 1949 showcasing the passion of snowriders throughout the globe which has stood the test of time. “It’s incredible, looking at the fact that this is number 70,” says narrator Jonny Moseley. “Every year I still get that same feeling I got when I was a kid watching ski movies. I enjoy watching them now more than ever, and that is what Timeless celebrates.” Tickets are available at the Harrah’s Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com ... Across the street at Harveys Lake Tahoe Cabaret, The Nevada Show runs through April 24. Hosted by magician Nick Ferderoff, The Nevada Show takes you on a wild ride through the many reasons all other states are “eNVious” as the show’s promotion touts. Featuring an entirely Nevadan cast of classically trained dancers, singers, acrobats, and circus freaks, this burlesque-inspired, high-energy theatrical production promises to teach you something new about the Silver State. Tickets start at $35.50 and VIP seating is available. Show time is 10 p.m. and you must be 21 years of age and over to attend. Contact Harvey’s Box Offices or visit Ticketmaster.com for tickets.
FEATURED PHOTO: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink - photo courtesy City Center Bishop Ranch
PUBLISHED IN THE EAST BAY TIMES NOVEMBER 21, 2019