December's First Friday

The buzz in San Jose’s SoFA District Friday night was palpable. With the exception of those hoping to catch a glimpse at gossip star Kim Kardashian during her visit to new club Wet, the excitement was due to the last First Friday event of the year.
The first Friday of each month in the SoFA District is packed with people attending galleries and cafés showing new artists, DJs playing music sets, and live art exhibits at different venues.
December’s event was a special one with multiple gallery openings and holiday related events. At Anno Domini, attendees wait all year long for the holiday sale, quaintly coined “Fresh Produce”
This year’s ‘Fresh Produce’ boasted international artists from Spain, Israel, and Brazil as well as local artists. Arriving first is pivotal to ‘Fresh Produce’ as the modus operandi is ‘pay and pull.’ All of the pieces were tagged with the artist’s name, the name of the piece and the price. Hung from the wall with a clip, the purchaser pays for the piece and removes it from the wall, and is able to take the piece home. Unlike some larger galleries, where you have to wait for your piece to be delivered, this process allows for easy access to the art.
However, the easy access isn’t what draws the crowds, it’s the price. The pieces at ‘Fresh Produce’ range from two dollars to $250, but no higher. A majority of those that attend are part of San José’s under thirty crowd, and the low price for a piece by a budding artist is one reason to get to the gallery before a Friday night of partying begins.
On S. First St. between San Carlos St. and San Salvador St. the sidewalks were filled with people. Some attended Café Trieste for a cappuccino and the monthly performance from Opera San José. Others attended The Agenda nightclub’s sister club The Cellar for the monthly electro dance party ‘The Workout.’ More were on their way to these events and couldn’t help but stop and notice the artists doing live art in front of Phantom Gallery 386 & 388 South First.
The crowd that was drawn to the South First event was a mix of young and old, hip and un-cool, all coming together to share an appreciation for art.
At South First Billiards, the crowd was bombarded with multiple options upon entering the venue. In the first room was a DJ and later a comedian. In the second room, the walls were adorned with pieces, and in the center two artists were painting live. The artists were deep in concentration, but couldn’t help but bob their heads to the music. The third and main room was packed with those playing pool, surrounded by hundreds of pieces of art hanging around the perimeter.
If you are attending First Friday for the first time or if you are a recurring participant, the schedule is always changing and lends a pleasant surprise each month.

Here is a map of participating First Friday Venues and their events.


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Historical Landmarks

The City of San Jose has a very long history. The city's detailed history and its long list of historical landmarks is something that is fundamental to the citizens. Here is a map of some of the historical landmarks that are located in Downtown.


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A Place to Hydrate

If you’re craving a pearl tea or some excellent fried tofu, Hydration is the place to be. Located a block from San Jose Sate, students and down-towners alike sit, relax, and sip on delicious refreshment.
Hydration made downtown San Jose its home five years ago, but just last year it came under the ownership of Christine Wu and her husband Ming Zhang. Wu and Zhang bought the already successful drink establishment and have been doing their best to ensure Hydration’s established success.
The pearl tea craze started in China but has become increasingly popular here in the United States. Hydration patrons have the option of extensive variety of teas. They can choose from green or black tea, the addition of milk to change their tea’s flavor, or adding pearls or jellies to give the drink some texture.
Hydration isn’t the only pearl tea place surrounding San Jose State, there is also Quickly and Tapioca Express, both of which are franchise operations. But you will never find as big of a crowd at either of these places. One reason is that Hydration is family owned and employed, and another is that it has been building a following over the years.
Regardless of the day of the week, Hydration’s patio or café is filled with people. Many of those patrons have been coming to Hydration since it opened. “I have been coming here since high school, and I always order the same drink,” says San Jose native Felipe Bravo.
When asked why she thought it was so popular, Wu said it was mostly due to their business strategies, “We advertise in the Spartan Daily, and offer discounts for San Jose State Students, about 60% of our business is from San Jose State.”
Although much of their business is fueled by the close proximity to San Jose State, the rest of their business come for the good quality of its food and drink. In addition to their extensive drink menu, Hydration offers many different types of food. They serve many Asian-inspired classics such as teriyaki chicken and rice dishes as well as snacks such as their crispy chicken and fried tofu.
The fried tofu seems to be a favorite amongst customers with the lightly battered cubes of tofu served with a delicious house sauce. The portion size is also plus for customers, you get a huge amount of tofu for just under three dollars. This cheap price is an added bonus for the student who is trying to extend their money.
Whether you’re looking for refreshment and a quick bite to eat, a place to study, or just a place to hang out with friends between classes Hydration is the place for everyone.