My husband and I finally attended Diwali, or the Festival of Lights as it is known, held at the McNair High School Auditorium.  This year marked the 20th year of the event sponsored by the Indian Association of San Joaquin County.  Diwali is the largest holiday in India, as important to Hindus as Christmas is to Christians, a harvest celebration held in the fall in October or November (Note: this event was held on November 8). 

From its name I expected abundant lights.  Instead there was an amazing night of dance and musical performances and stunning outfits worn by a large group of performers (many of them children) with tasty food available as a fundraiser during intermission. 

Draw It Out, the group formed to provide art experiences for children to express their feelings about gun violence, continues to find new ways to connect with the public. In November, Draw It Out created an altar for the Dia de los Muertos exhibit at the Mexican Heritage Center with Cleveland School Remembers, their partner organization, to celebrate the lives of the five children killed during the Cleveland School shooting twenty-five years ago.  This altar then moved to Pittman School’s Festival of Honor, an annual event celebrating the ideas and people that we love. 

Draw It Out’s latest venture is a thought provoking exhibit  coming up in January at the Mexican Heritage Center (111 S. Sutter) entitled, “Art Against Violence” which calls for all mediums of art (visual and performing art) examining the causes, effects and solutions to violence that the group hopes will lead to action and a more peaceful Stockton. 

The Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO) will cap off Delta’s annual "50 Jazz Band" Jazz Festival, Saturday, December 6, 8 p.m. in Atherton Auditorium. PMO won the 2014 Grammy for "Best Tropical Latin Album.” This dynamic 19 piece Latin Big Band from San Francisco plays Salsa, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Cha Cha. PMO is called “The sound of the new Mambo!” http://www.pacificmambo.com/ 

PMO Tickets: $20 Adults; $15 Students