Peninsula Lively Arts launched an urgent fundraising appeal requiring $150,000 by Nov. 30 to present three planned Nutcracker productions in December. A drastic shortfall in grants and individual contributions created a significant budget deficit that threatens the continuation of these productions and the organization’s operational stability. Planned offerings include a 60-minute children’s Nutcracker Sweets, a full-length Hip-Hop Nutcracker with DJ industrial beats and remixes, and a full-length professional production by Gregory Amato. Donation options include the organization’s website and direct email. Separately, San Jose Jazz awarded $1,000 grants to 20 musicians, including trumpeter Armen Krakirian, with six commissions set to premiere Feb. 20–March 14, 2026 at the SJZ Break Room.
"The "Nutcracker" productions include: "Nutcracker Sweets," an abridged 60-minute version of the classic ballet for children ages 3-9 and families featuring dancers from Peninsula Ballet Theatre and students from the Peninsula School of the Arts; "Hip-Hop Nutcracker," a full-length production by Peninsula Hip-Hop Productions Artistic Director Stuck Sanders with additional choreography by Alée Martinez. This two-act dance scenario overlays Tchaikovsky's score with DJ industrial beats and remixes; A full-length professional production of "The Nutcracker" by Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Artistic Director Gregory Amato."
"Palo Alto trumpeter Armen Krakirian is among 20 Bay Area musicians to receive a $1,000 grant from San Jose Jazz. Krakirian is both a performer and a private teacher. SJZ's Jazz Aid Fund is intended to stimulate the creation of new work; from Feb. 20-March 14, 2026, six of the 20 new grantees will premiere their commissions in a series of shows at the SJZ Break Room in downtown San Jose, part of a Winter Series at the venue."
Read at The Mercury News
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