Copia warms up January with a Latin American theme for its Friday Night Flicks, and offers a complimentary tasting of a wine from Latin America before each screening between 7:15 and 7:45 p.m. Films all start at 8 p.m. The cost for films is $7 general, and $6 for Copia members.

Friday Night Flicks

“Tango” (1998)

Jan. 5

From Argentina, directed by Carlos Saur, “Tango” captures the flamboyant, colorful, sensual and seductive world of the tango, set against the backdrop of a director’s passionate love affair with his art and the beautiful young woman who captures his heart. “Tango” is described as “a mesmerizing experience, a smoky lush blend of muted light and color, of intoxicating dance and the richest tango music you could ever imagine.” 115 minutes. Rated PG-13 (sensuality, some disturbing images and brief language). A live tango demonstration will precede the film in the theater.

“Duck Season”  (2004)

Jan. 12

From Mexico, directed by Fernando Eimbcke, in Spanish with English subtitles.

Teenagers Flama and Moko are left home alone on a Sunday afternoon in their Mexico City suburb, playing video games, listening to music and griping about their parents. But two interlopers interrupt their teenage fantasy: a cute neighbor who needs to use their oven, and a morose pizza delivery guy who doesn’t want to leave. Adolescence has rarely been shown on screen as truthfully as in this charmingly comedy about a day in the life of two 14-year-old best friends and the pizza, video games, conversations and confusions that fuel them. 91 minutes. Rated R (language and brief drug use).

“The Man Who Copied”  (2003)

Jan. 19

Directed by Jorge Furtado, in Portuguese with English subtitles, this is a Brazilian comedy about a young man who likes to draw, but the only job he can get is making copies at a bookstore. His co-worker Marinez tells him that she will only sleep with wealthy men, despite the fact that she’s dating a poor salesman. Andre develops a crush on his neighbor Silvia a young woman who works in a clothing store. In order to impress her, he comes up with a counterfeit scam using his only technological resource. 123 minutes. Rated R (language and some brief nudity).

“Guantanamera”  (1995)

Jan. 26

From Cuba, directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Juan Carlos Tabió in Spanish with English subtitles

“Guantanamera” means the woman from Guantanamo (the town, not the U.S. base) and is probably the best-known Cuban song. This Cuban film, is a satiric, poignant, romantic comedy about a famous singer returning to the Guantanamo for a celebration in her honor. Reunited with her girlhood lover after 50 years, she dies in his arms from over stimulation. The farce of returning her body to Havana for proper burial provides the vehicle for an easygoing yet incisive overview of contemporary Cuba and a lighthearted admonishment to live for the moment. 104 minutes. Not rated.

January concerts

The Tarabinis

Jan. 11

Live music at Copia in January includes two Community Spotlight Concerts, beginning Jan. 11 with the Tarabinis. Based in Napa, this combo, fronted by accordionist Al Tarabini and vocalist Gloria Tarabini, offers up soft, smooth sounds of classic jazz. The group is rounded off with internationally acclaimed vibraphonist Yancie Taylor, bassist Terry Hilliard, formerly with Johnny Mathis, the Mills Bros. and Cal Tjader and guitarist Leigh Wyckoff. This performance includes Phillip G. Smith on clarinet and Ward Glen as master of ceremonies. This ensemble plays to jazz devotees and newcomers alike, who appreciate soft ballads, classic swing, and other favorites from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 general, $18 Copia members. 

OM-i

Jan 25

Copia’s second Community Spotlight Concert features OM-i, a locally based four-member fusion ensemble creating a sound drawing on and merging a diverse range of musical traditions. The roots of the music are the richly layered textures found in African, Latin, Rock and world beat music. Their pieces are highly orchestrated halos of ethereal melody interwoven with deep intricate bass in synthesis over complex percussive rhythms. 8 p.m Tickets are $20 general, $18, Copia members

Val Diamond

Jan. 29

The one and only Val Diamond, star of San Francisco’s long-running “Beach Blanket Babylon,” returns to Copia  for another astounding show showcasing hits from Broadway, torch songs and ballads and, as always, a few surprises. Diamond’s performances are always full of sass and sizzle that have electrified audiences as. 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 general, $27 Copia members.