Rockin’ the Valley
Dan Orloff, founder and “chief rock officer” of San Jose Rocks, will talk about the Santa Clara Valley’s role in rock music on Friday, Aug. 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ainsley House. The area has been home to some of the nation’s most influential musicians and bands, including the Grateful Dead and the Doobie Brothers.
Orloff will also share insights from his San Jose Rocks project, a lifelong effort to put San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley on the musical map and celebrate the area’s often-overlooked contributions to American music history.
Tickets are $25 at https://www.campbellmuseums.com/events-main.
Flashback fundraiser
The Campbell Museum Foundation is steping back in time for “Groovin’ in the Garden: A ’70s Flashback Fundraiser” on Saturday, Sept. 26.
In a playful nod to America’s 250th anniversary and the historic year 1776, the event celebrates another iconic decade ending in “76”—the 1970s. Guests are encouraged to wear retro attire, from bell-bottoms to disco fashions, and enjoy ’70s-inspired appetizers, a no-host bar, live music, trivia, a raffle and dancing under the stars.
The event is set for 6-9 p.m. at the Ainsley House Carriage House and Garden, 300 Grant St.
Proceeds directly fund the revitalization of the Ainsley House garden, transforming its water-intensive turf into a sustainable, durable hardscape. Built in 1925 by historic fruit-canning pioneer John Colpitts Ainsley, the landmark estate is a centerpiece of local history. Converting the grounds is meant to conserve water resources and lower maintenance costs while dramatically expanding event capacity.
Tickets are $76 per person at https://www.campbellmuseums.com.