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Around Town: Menlo Charity Horse Show earns accolades

The Menlo Charity Horse Show has received a Heritage Competition award from the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the governing body for all equestrian competition in the United States.

The Menlo show is one of only 12 horse shows in the United States to receive the honor. "Since there are approximately 2,600 sanctioned horse shows held annually in this country, this award is really special and something to be proud of," says show spokesperson Nan Chapman.

To receive the designation, an event had to be in continuous operation for a minimum of 25 consecutive years, have significant involvement and support from the community, contribute to the promotion of equestrian sports, and be "widely recognized as being a Regional, National, or International level of competition."

Betsy Glikbarg, horse show founder and co-chair, says: "We are really honored to receive this designation, but if I can boast for just a minute, we and the community have really earned it. In its 42 years, the show has raised millions of dollars for Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and other nonprofit agencies. Because so many of its competitors have gone on to national competitions, as well as The Olympics, the show is widely recognized at all levels of competition."

Ry Kelley produces new show

Longtime Peninsula developer Ryland Kelley is presenting "The All Star Autumn Revue," first of a series spotlighting local musicians and actors, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Club Fox theater, 2223 Broadway in Redwood City. The co-producer is Mike Jacobi.

The show features 16 performers, including singer Julia Belanoff, 17, whose first album is "Winner in Your Heart"; actor and singer Darrell Batchelder; and guitarist, composer and singer Rick Vandivier.

Tickets are $25 at the door. Mr. Kelley, a 50-year resident of Ladera, recently moved to Woodside.

Singer/songwriter fundraiser

Future Youth Records will hold at singer/songwriter fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Cafe Zoe, 1929 Menalto Avenue in Menlo Park. Proceeds will go directly to helping kids ages 12 to 17 write and record their original music.

The two-part event will include live performances, silent and live auctions, and appearances by special musical guests. Radio personality Freska from NOW! 99.7 will host the evening event.

The daytime event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no reservations required. The 5 to 9 p.m. evening party requires reservations. Contact Carol Reynolds via email creynolds@futureyouthrecords.org for reservations, or call 408-996-0375.

Visit futureyouthrecords.org for more information.

Silicon Valley Symphony

The Silicon Valley Symphony will present "My Sun, My Stars" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 330 Ravenswood Ave. in Menlo Park.

A second performance of the concert will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave. in Palo Alto.

Opera tenor Christopher Bengochea will sing and lead an audience sing-along that will include guests from the Menlo Park Chorus, directed by April McNeely.

Concertmaster Julian Brown will perform a violin solo. Maestro Michael Gibson will conduct the two performances.

The symphony will perform works by Brahms, Ravel, and others. Mr. Bengochea will sing selections by Tosti, Verdi and Faure, in addition to popular Italian tunes such as "O Sole Mio."

Tickets are $20 general, and $15 for seniors/student; children 12 and under free with adult. Tickets are available online at siliconvalleysymphony.net or at the door up to 30 minutes prior to the performance.

Thanksgiving cooking classes

Village Pub Chef Dmitry Elperin will present his annual Thanksgiving cooking classes on Saturday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The classes will be held at the Village Pub, 2967 Woodside Road in Woodside.

Chef Elperin will guide the students through the step-by-step process on how to prepare a holiday feast, including how to brine and roast a perfect turkey. After preparing such goodies as caramelized Brussels sprouts and pecan pie, the class will share the family-style meal paired with special wines.

Cost is $150. To reserve, call 851-6844.