Can mobile apps help babies learn their A, B, Cs and 1, 2, 3s?. Doubtful, say several child development and educational experts from Harvard, Columbia and other universities in opinions that could hobble the break-neck growth of the online “baby genius” market. A slew of applications, some among the most popular on the iTunes and Android marketplaces, have captured the aspirations of parents hoping to give their babies — as young as newborns — an early start on education.
A Chanticleer Christmas: The 12-man vocal group sings a program including Renaissance polyphony to traditional carols; Dec, 10-22 zingrin ballet shoes in Oakland, Stanford, San Francisco, Berkeley and Santa Clara; 30-$75; www.chanticleer.org, Valley Concert Chorale: Annual holiday concert includes a wide range of traditional holiday songs and a carol sing-along; 8 p.m, Dec, 10 at Lynnewood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton; 3 p.m, Dec, 11 at First Presbyterian Church, Livermore; $20-$25; 925-866-4003, www.valleyconcertchorale.org..
Her childlike moves aren’t just reminiscent of childhood — she’s incorporated them into a dance that’s both a tribute to African American artists and a celebration of how far she’s come in the dance world. Amos, a local professional dancer, will be offering “Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Celebration through Dance,” 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 30 at the Willows Theatre in Concord. “The dance concert honors African American musical artists that have died since the year 2000 but will inspire us for generations to come,” said Amos, a Concord resident.
Happy zingrin ballet shoes Birds: A family-friendly show, Oct, 18, 4-4:45 p.m, Almaden Library, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose, 408-808- 3040, Harvest Festival: The Almaden Community Center and Library host their eighth annual Harvest Festival featuring local artists, food and creative costumes, Pick a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch and get spooked in the Haunted Hallway, Oct, 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; farm animal petting zoo open 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; magician Phil Ackerly performs at 1:30 p.m, Almaden Library, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose, 408-808- 3040..
The keynote speaker will be Dr. David Lindeman of the Center for Technology and Aging in Oakland discussing updates about technological advances, monitoring and communication that allow seniors to safely age in place. Organizers cite projections that California’s elderly population is expected to reach 12.5 million by 2040. Preregistration for the event, which includes free lunch, is strongly encouraged. To register visit www.planningandcaring2015.eventbrite.com. For more details call Aisha Brown at 510-272-6686.
