The Community Stage: It’s local. It’s lively. And it’s off the charts.
San Carlos is hitting the big 1-0-0 this year, and as a community we’re not just blowing out candles—we’re turning up the volume! As a proud sponsor of the Centennial Hometown Days, the San Carlos Community Foundation is jazzed to team up with the City of San Carlos to debut a new showstopper: The Community Stage.
Located inside the Youth Center Gym, this stage is rolling out the red carpet for two full days of the most amazing, must-see local talent – from charming choirs to dazzling dancers, and even a performance by a master calligrapher.
Youth Performances
They’re also shining the spotlight on the next generation of stars from the San Carlos Children’s Theater and Broadway Babies, and also the sweet harmonies from youth choirs led by Emily Bender and Sara Murphy. We’ve got dancers from Coastside Dance School, Heartbeat Academy, and Dance Expressions, and bands from Carlmont and Sequoia High Schools. And Saturday’s high note: the powerhouse opera vocals of Avanthika Swaminathan.
International Performers
We’re also trekking around the world—without even leaving Laurel Street. The Community Stage will present the rich traditions of Casa Círculo Cultural, Bollywood sway of the San Carlos Sitaras, and the graceful Chinese dances of Frequency of Apple, brought to you in collaboration with the Adult Community Center.
A Look at the Line Up
SATURDAY | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequency of Apple: Peelin’ the Beat | Saturday, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Frequency of Apple brings the crisp, rhythmic energy of traditional Chinese dance with a fresh twist—direct from the Adult Community Center. Catch them Saturday morning to get your day dancing right from the core.
Community Stage Performers: Frequency of Apple
San Carlos Children’s Theater: Little Stars, Big Stage | Saturday, 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Don’t be fooled by their size—these kids know how to bring the drama. SCCT has been raising tiny thespians into standing-ovation performers for decades. Their short but sweet Saturday set will be packed with talent, charm, and a guaranteed cuteness overload. This is one act you won’t want to exit stage left on.
Coastside Dancers: From Coast to Stage, Grace in Every Step | Saturday, 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Straight from Pacifica and packed with pirouettes, Coastside Dance School’s performers don’t just step onto the stage—they leap into your heart. Their moves are sharper than a seagull’s dive, and their smiles? Brighter than a Half Moon Bay sunrise. You’ll be twirling out of the gym after their Saturday performance.
Emily Bender’s Singers: Pitch Perfect | Saturday, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
When Emily Bender’s crew hits the stage, it’s not just music—it’s magic. Her youth choirs blend harmony, heart, and a little hometown sparkle. Don’t be surprised if you catch goosebumps (or happy tears) when they start to sing. Come Saturday, 1:30 PM, and get your ears blessed.
Community Stage Performers: Emily Bender
Sara Murphy’s Singers: Raising Voices, Lifting Spirits | Saturday, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Sara Murphy knows how to strike a chord—literally. Her singers are known for rich harmonies and a whole lot of soul. They’ll be lighting up the Community Stage faster than you can say “encore.” Pro tip: You’ll probably be humming one of their tunes all weekend. Catch them at 2:15 PM on Saturday.
Avanthika Swaminathan: Opera with Oomph | Saturday, 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Ready for chills? San Carlos’s own opera powerhouse, Avanthika Swaminathan, brings the kind of voice that stops you mid-sno-cone bite. Her vocals? Soaring. Her presence? Magnetic. Her ability to hit those notes? Honestly, unfair. She takes the stage at 3 PM on Saturday—don’t miss your chance to be awestruck.
Aiden McGuire: Strumming into the Spotlight | Saturday, 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Local talent Aiden McGuire will take the stage Saturday afternoon with a guitar, a mic, and a whole lot of heart. He’s the kind of performer who makes you pause and say, “Wait… how old is he again?” With lyrics that linger and melodies that mellow, he’s bringing the singer-songwriter soul to San Carlos.
Community Stage Performers: Aiden McGuire band
Mr. Sato – Calligraphy from Omura, Japan: Ink-credible Art in Motion | Saturday, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Who knew ink could dance? Mr. Sato, visiting all the way from our Sister City in Japan, turns calligraphy into a full-body art form. Think brushstrokes with flair and tradition in every sweep. His performance with the Sister City Association on Saturday is a rare blend of culture, grace, and wow-factor.
Community Stage Performers: Avanthika Swaminathan
SUNDAY | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
San Carlos Jazz Band: Brassy and Classy | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Sunday kicks off with the smooth, sultry sounds of the San Carlos Jazz Band. These young musicians know how to swing, slide, and sass their way through a set list. From sax solos to trumpet triumphs, they’ll be jazzing up the morning and making Laurel Street feel a little like New Orleans.
Chicken Fried Steak: Serving Up Rock with a Side of Sass | Sunday, 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
No, not the dinner plate—the band! Chicken Fried Steak brings the kind of hometown rock energy that’ll have you tapping your toes and air-guitaring with your funnel cake. Expect big sounds, good vibes, and maybe a craving for Southern food. They hit the stage Sunday at 10:45 AM. Come hungry for music.
Dance Expressions: More Than Just Steps | Sunday, 12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
This Menlo Park-based studio has a motto: express yourself—and oh, do they ever. From ballet to hip-hop, these dancers pack their performances with emotion, energy, and a sprinkle of sparkle. They’re on Sunday at noon, and trust us, you’ll be clapping before they even finish their final pose.
Drum Circle Club: Beat Happens | Sunday, 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Sometimes you don’t need words—just rhythm. The Drum Circle Club brings the boom, the bap, and the beat. It’s community percussion in its purest, happiest form. Feel the pulse of San Carlos on Sunday at 12:45 PM. And hey, bring your best shoulder shimmy.
Casa Círculo Cultural: Traditions That Move You | Sunday, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
When Casa Círculo takes the stage, they don’t just perform—they celebrate. Their traditional Latino dances are colorful, heartfelt, and packed with pride. Each step tells a story. Catch them Sunday afternoon and let yourself be swept into the rhythm of heritage and heart.
Heartbeat Dance Academy: Dance with Heart (and Soul) | Sunday, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Sunday at 2:15 PM, Heartbeat Dance Academy brings 100+ classes worth of talent to one stage. These dancers have energy levels that defy gravity and choreography that hits right in the feels. Expect precision, pizzazz, and lots of “how did they do that?” moments.
Community Stage Performers: HeartBeat Dance Academy
Broadway Babies & Kids: Small Feet, Big Feats | Sunday, 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
If you thought toddlers just toddle, think again. The tiny talents of Broadway Babies & Kids are ready to strut, spin, and sing their way into your heart. These pint-sized performers might be short on height but they’re sky-high in enthusiasm. Expect jazzy numbers, cute chaos, and plenty of awww-worthy moments when they hit the stage on Sunday. Warning: They may just steal the whole show.
American Chinese Youth Performing Arts: Grace in Motion | Sunday, 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
This group combines elegance, discipline, and cultural tradition in a way that’s nothing short of breathtaking. From flowing sleeves to intricate fan work, their Sunday performance (3:45 PM) is poetry—written in dance. Come for the colors, stay for the grace.
San Carlos Sitaras: Bollywood Bliss in Every Beat | Sunday, 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Closing out the Community Stage with flair, the San Carlos Sitaras are a whirlwind of vibrant costumes, joyful moves, and contagious rhythms. It’s Bollywood energy with a hometown twist. If you don’t end up dancing in your seat, you’re doing it wrong.
Community Stage Performers: Casa Círculo Cultural
So don’t just stand there—stage dive into the action! Head to the Youth Center Gym during Hometown Days weekend and catch all the acts that make San Carlos the city with rhythm, soul, and a little bit of jazz hands.
Resources:
Community Foundation of San Carlos official website
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Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
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