Meditation at the Japanese Temple: The Hollister Japanese Temple Garden, Inc., will host a discussion and meditation each Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., at 920 Riverside Road, in Hollister. Details, call 637-6361 or email do*****@ga****.com.
Two local bands battle in SF: More than a dozen local musicians will be performing at DNA Lounge in San Francisco on Sunday as part of a Battle of the Bands finale. Smith Alley and Trophy Kids, from Hollister, advanced to the finale along with six other bands to compete for $500 in cash, 20 hours of studio time and an opportunity to headline at the club. Judging is based on audience response and applause at the end of the show. The DNA Lounge show is for all ages. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., at 375 Eleventh St., in San Francisco. For more on the bands, visit www.facebook.com/trophykidsband or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smith-Alley/253030978112271. For tickets, visit www.dnalounge.com.
Buddhist speaker to visit: The Diamond Way Buddhism group will host a guest lecturer Sunday, at 5 p.m., at the San Benito County Free Library, Barbara Memorial Room. Eric Gibson has been a practitioner of the Diamond Way Karma Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist lineage and a student of Lama Ole Nydahl since 1998. In 2002, at the Lama’s request, he began giving formal Dharma teachings and has traveled through the Americas sharing his experience. He and his wife Milla live in Minneapolis, where they are active in the local Diamond Way Buddhist Center. He has a degree in philosophy and works as a financial advisor. For more information on the local Diamond Way Buddhism group, visit http://www.diamondway.org/hollister/, call 408-701-7098 or email ho*******@di********.org
New exhibit opens at Blak Sage: “Materiality: Interpretations in Wood, Metal, Glass and Clay” will be on display at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., from Jan. 18-March 1, with an artist reception on Feb. 1. The show feature the work of 12 local and regional artists. The gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Details: 636-2787 or in**@sa***********.org
Trail work day at Henry Coe: Henry Coe Park will hold trail work days beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, in addition to Feb. 16 and March 16 at the Hunting Hollow entrance. Help clear and widen trails such as the Cullen Trail, which has become overgrown and washed out in places. Trail work will be rain or shine unless there is heavy rain on the work day. Coffee and donuts will be provided at 8 a.m. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes or boots, water and a lunch. Work tools will be provided. Details: Chere Bargar at 408-683-2247.
