When he portrayed a nerdy florist in a popular sci-fi musical at Justin-Siena High School a decade ago, little did Matthew Teague Miller think he'd return one day to direct the school's theater arts program.

If you have never seen a trained cat, if you don't believe -- based on grim experience -- that it can be done, this may be the show for you.

The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet from University of the Pacific returns to Copia Saturday for an exhilarating evening of classic jazz standards, original compositions and a couple of Brubeck tunes thrown in for good measure

The other day at the Napa Valley Register I came across a hand bill announcing a benefit performance for the Veterans Home of California in Yountville on Sunday at 3 p.m., in the beautiful Lincoln Theatre.

The motto of "Canstruction" is "It starts with one can. To feed the hungry. To lift the spirit. To change the world."

Marie Bellet, a popular songwriter, singer and recording artist from Nashville, will be in Napa for a concert at Trinity Grammar and Prep Nov. 17.

John Philip Sousa became the first millionaire musician in this country by following a simple philosophy: Give the people what they want.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is the story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl and her family who are forced into hiding by the Nazis during World War II.

"Bee Season" -- This family saga has plenty of honey for the brain but little for the heart. Adapted from Myla Goldberg's novel, it's strangled by its literary roots, the characters coming off as facades whose dark, strange actions often feel pointless because we have no true glimpse of their inner lives. The film has sturdy performances from Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Max Minghella and newcomer Flora Cross as a sixth-grader whose phenomenal success at spelling bees proves a catalyst for friction in her family. Yet under the direction of filmmakers Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the story is so dour and low-key, it's difficult to care about the characters or their crises. PG-13 for thematic elements, a scene of sensuality and brief strong language. 104 min. Two stars out of four.

NEW YORK -- With the exposure -- or overexposure -- of her personal life, it's easy to forget "Derailed" is Jennifer Aniston's first film since "Friends."

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SERGIO & ODAIR ASSAD -- Brazilian-born Sergio and Odair Assad are today's preeminent guitar duo. These brothers have been playing music together since they first picked up instruments and have developed an uncanny rapport that has set new performance and an exceptional level of artistry. Repertoire includes originals by Sergio, transcriptions of Baroque keyboard literature and adaptations of Gershwin, Debussy and Rodrigo. Nov. 19 at the Napa Valley Opera House, 8 p.m., $35/$30. Info, 226-7372 or www.nvoh.org.

Mexico, like all countries, has its problems providing health care to its residents. But insuring all residents isn't one of them.

Editor's note: Football is only part of the tradition of the Big Game, the annual Napa-Vintage showdown. At both schools the bands have been practicing their half-time entertainment, and this week Brett Ascarelli profiles the guys who will lead the bands onto the field.

Each Tuesday the Register reviews an area restaurant, with an emphasis on establishments where a couple can dine for $30 or less. Reader suggestions are welcomed.

The downtown Napa dining scene continues to grow with the addition of a new restaurant and lounge called n.v.

Spotlighting globalization of the world's culinary styles, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone played host over the past weekend to more than 600 members of the food, wine and hospitality industries, all on a quest to better understand the worlds of flavor.

A pair of Napa Valley chefs bested their San Francisco counterparts in the first Chefs Challenge held at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay over Halloween weekend.

Mike Yates, his wife Lynn and their daughters Whitney and Mary have all the equipment needed to produce wine for their Napa Redwoods Estate brand at their ranch near the top of Mt. Veeder.

Prince Charles served Peter Michael wines

LOS ANGELES -- Tom Cruise has replaced his sister with a Hollywood insider as chief handler of his publicity, it was reported Monday.

PORTOLA VALLEY -- Gordon A. Craig, one of the nation's most respected experts on modern German history, has died of heart failure. He was 91.