Forget the post-weekend, back-to-work and school blahs on Mondays. School is out and the Santa Clara Library Youth Services Program offers free Family Fun Nights on six consecutive Mondays, beginning June 12 and running through July 17.
The 2017 line-up of entertainers, co-sponsored by Key Point Credit Union and the Santa Clara Library Foundation and Friends, will tickle funny bones and engage kids of all ages and adults with high-jinks, juggling, magic tricks, singing and dancing. Performances take place outdoors from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Central Park Pavilion, 909 Kiely Blvd. Bring a blanket and your own picnic dinner or snacks.
The fun begins June 12 with the Prairie Rose Band playing, as the band says, “Cowboy Songs of the Old West and the West That Never Was.” Wearing cowboy hats and colorful western finery, the Prairie Rose Band musicians have a repertoire of wild west classics and sing-along songs. Cowboy and cowgirl hats, shirts and kerchiefs are optional for the audience.
On June 19, Capt’n Jack Spareribs (www.pirate4hire.com) entertains with his wild pirate tales, dangerous juggling with torches and knives, special magic tricks and a mischievous talking monkey. June 26, Buu Kim Tu Dragon & Lion Dance Association (www.buukimtu.com) brings Chinese ceremonial dancing and music to the park pavilion.
Then on July 3, Andy Z (www.andyz.com) takes kids to Andy Land, where he engages them in his original songs and stories–assisted by a few quirky, fictional animal characters. On July 10, comedian, cartoonist and entertainer Owen Baker-Flynn (www.ob-f.com) promises to dazzle families with his juggling, magic and fire eating act.
The Family Fun Night series ends July 17 with traditional Irish dancing and music by the Kennelly School of Irish Dance (www.kennellyschool.com).
If your own kids have left the nest, borrow your grandkids, nieces, nephews, or neighbor kids for Family Fun Nights in the park (or sneak in alone.) Visit www.santaclaraca.gov/events for information or contact the library Youth Services at (408) 615-2916.