More than San Francisco’s cousin.

When people ask where I’m from, I tell them San Francisco. In reality, I was born and raised in San Jose (The Capital of Silicon Valley).

SJ and SF are 45 miles (72 km) apart.

San Jose has a greater population than San Francisco.

Yet, people across the world know San Francisco. In fact, many San Joseans call SF “The City”.

San Francisco is sexy.

San Jose is nerdy.

Lucky for us San Joseans, nerdy is the new sexy.

And it’s not just nerds to be had in San Jose. The gentrification of “The City” is forcing many creative types out of their SF homes and into San Jose and the surrounding area. The result? A culture of… culture. So, stop complaining about being bored and check out what’s happening in The Capital of Silicon Valley.

Awesome (free) Weekly Happenings

For Creative People (of all ages)

Monday: Caffe Frascati Commedia 8-10 p.m. Open microphone for all-things-comedy. Ends with a featured performer. Sign ups start at 7:30.

Tuesday: Caffe Frascati Open Mic Night 7–10 p.m. Open microphone for music, comedy, whatever. Sign ups start at 6:45.

(SJSU students only) International House Coffee Night 8:30–10:30 p.m. Themes vary every week. SJSU event with snacks and mingling.

Wednesday: The Hedley Club Jazz Jams at Hotel De Anza 7:30–10:30 p.m. Bring an instrument and your jazz chops.

Rock-A-Roke at the RockBar Theater 7 p.m. Rock & roll karaoke with a live band.

Caffe Stritch Wax Wednesday 9p.m. Laid back jazz club spins records on Wednesdays. Great food too.

Thursday: Art Object Gallery 1-4 p.m. 592 N. 5th St.

MACLA noon-5 p.m. 510 S. 1 St. Museum for Latin-American culture. Dance workshops, art exhibits, general awesomeness.

Art Boutiki Open Mic 6 p.m.(once a month only)

Friday & Saturday: Anno Domini Art Gallery noon-6 p.m. 366 S. 1st St. Coolest museum owners here. And the exhibits will most likely blow your mind.

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 560 S. 1st St.

-> There’s a LOT going on in SJ on Friday and Saturday. Try the SoFA District. You’ll find your place.

Sunday: Eulipions Jazz Jam Session at Cafe Stritch 7–11 p.m. Bring an instrument or your vocal talents. House band sets up 7–8, sign ups start at 8.

The Bay Area has a lot to offer. Let me know if you’re aware of anything awesome that I missed. I’d love to see it!

Peace.