Aladdin

thursday, may 16

Aladdin

Arms Wide Open presents the classic tale of Aladdin and the magic lamp. Featuring a cast made up entirely of performers with special needs. Arms Wide Open is a non-profit organization that gives children and adults with special needs opportunities to participate in the performing arts.

Lyceum Stage, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $15, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

The Rookie

friday, may 17

Summer Movies in the Park: The Rookie

The 2013 Summer Movies in the Park season is kicking off this weekend with a bang!

Come to Balboa Park/ Morley Field for The Rookie starting at dusk!

Bring your blankets, picnics, and lawn chairs for a fun night for the whole family!

Summer Movies in the Park, 2221 Morley Field Drive in San Diego, free, 8 p.m., dusk -approx. 15 minutes after sunset, summermoviesinthepark.com

saturday, may 18

Marcia Ball

Marcia Ball: Toast of the Coast

This all-star group promises a lively and soulful evening of music from the American South and Gulf Coast. Marcia Ball is a five-time Grammy nominee (including 2012 for Best Blues Album), and an eight-time Blues Music Award winner with four wins in the last five years for Best Piano Player, and two recent wins for Best Contemporary Blues-Female Artist of the Year. She has also been honored as a Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Inductee.

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $30, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

sunday, may 19

Zombie Prom

The cast of Zombie Prom

This girl-loves-ghoul rock ‘n roll off-Broadway musical is set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where the law is laid down by a zany, tyrannical principal. Pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off to the nuclear waste dump. He returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee’s heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak du jour. History comes to his rescue while a tuneful selection of original songs in the style of ‘50s hits keeps the action rocking across the stage.

Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $17, 619-448-5673

Bottled & Kegged: San Diego’s Craft Brew Culture

This exhibit explores the ebb and flow of beer production in the San Diego region over the years and answers the question: Why is San Diego becoming such a nationally renowned region for craft beer production and innovation? Beginning with the region’s earliest inhabitants to the present day, the exhibit highlights events and individuals who built a brewing industry where once there was none, kept an industry alive during Prohibition, and managed to bring back what, at one time, was one of the region’s most robust enterprises. The exhibit features many hands-on interactive elements that help explain: the brewing process, how San Diego County brewers achieve such expansive flavor profiles, and the science behind matching beers with food. Bottled & Kegged has components that speaks to audiences of all ages and will educate even the most avid craft beer lover.

San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $6, 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org

tuesday, may 21

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Guillermo Figueroa

The Figueroa Family and Its Jewish Roots: A Journey Through Music

Guillermo Figueroa was formerly music director of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and is currently music director of Colorado’s Music in the Mountains festival. Guillermo and his sister, Ivonne Figueroa, of the University of Puerto Rico, trace their family’s roots in a concert presentation with stories, photographs, violin and piano music. This event is part of the Anti-Defamation League’s festival “¡Celébrate! The Jewish Experience in Spanish-Speaking Countries.”

Lyceum Space, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $18, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

wednesday, may 22

Shakespeare’s R and J

Shakespeare’s R and J

After curfew, four repressed students in a parochial school for boys discover in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet a forbidden text that becomes more dangerous as they explore their pent-up energy and adolescent passion boiling under the surface. A hot-blooded and unique take on R&J.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twigg Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets 434, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

thursday, may 9

The Big Bad Armo Show

Playing to sold-out audiences across California, The Big Bad Armo Show is a hilarious, bold, fun and witty sketch-comedy show about the Armenian-American experience. Written by Lory Tatoulian it stars Alex Kalognomos, Helen Kalognomos, Ludwig Manukian, James Martin, Alex Mashikian and Lory Tatoulian.

Lyceum Space Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $25, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

friday, may 10

Manhattan Transfer

Manhattan Transfer

The first group ever to win Grammy Awards in both Pop and Jazz categories in the same year (1981) – Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Jazz Performance, Duo or Group. Join this amazing vocal group as they perform live on stage at the historic Balboa Theatre for one night only!

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $34.50, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

Ray Street wall mural

saturday, may 11

Ray at Night

Ray Street is a tiny little one way street in the heart of North Park. This tiny little street is lined with galleries, stores and shops. It has become an art mecca, and is considered to be one of the most culturally rich art and culture districts in San Diego. It is host to one of San Diego’s largest and longest running (9 years) art and culture events, Ray at Night. Ray at Night takes place every second Saturday of each month with live music, arts, crafts and good food.

Ray Street in North Park, 6-10 p.m., free, 619-800-2787, raystreet.com

The Sound of Music

sunday, may 12

The Sound of Music

The final collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theater.

The Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $26, 858-560-5740, sdmt.org

Giovanni Battista Piranesi: View of the Campidoglio, 1757, etching

monday, may 13

Piranesi, Rome and the Arts of Design

Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) was a printmaker, architect, antiquarian, art dealer, theorist and designer – one of the foremost artistic personalities of the 18th century, whose views of Rome remain the city’s defining image. Fresh, thought-provoking and innovative, Piranesi, Rome, and the Arts of Design sets out to show the range of the artist’s genius in a 21st-century approach to his creative endeavors.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $12, 619-232-7931, sdmart.org

The Agency – 1983/Robert Mapplethorpe

tuesday, may 14

The Agency – 30 Years Later

Photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe

NYC, 1983 – Robert Mapplethorpe approached Alfredo Santiago, then president of the agency Models Incorporated to photograph his models in hopes of breaking into the fashion photography industry. The results were artistic and unlike any other fashion photography ever created. An exhibit of the photographs was held May 3, 1983 at Hardison Fine Arts Gallery in NYC. Today, Santiago lives in San Diego and had these works (tucked under his bed) for 30 years. He would like to share them with you.

Christine Estabrook and Zoë Winters in Be a Good Little Widow

White Box Contemporary, 1040 7th Ave. in San Diego, open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., $25 donation, 619-237-8813, whiteboxcontemporary.com

wednesday, may 15

Be a Good Little Widow

Melody thought being a young wife was hard, until she became a widow. Luckily her mother-in-law is an expert in the field. As Melody navigates the prickly terrain of pressed black dresses, well-meant advice and inappropriate outbursts, she stumbles toward understanding what it means to find someone through losing them. A bittersweet look at the messy parts of life, this quirky comedy contemplates how grief, devotion and hope can persevere within us all. Contains strong language.

Old Globe Theatre, Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Wine, cheese and tapas cooking class

thursday, may 2

Wine, cheese and tapas cooking class

Enjoy an evening of gourmet fromage, fantastic wines and fabulous tapas! Chefs Jodi, from Lajollacooks4u and Samantha Rees from Intimate Gatherings, will engage your taste buds with wine and cheese pairings and also guide you in a fun, hands-on tapas making class. Four gourmet cheeses will be paired with four wines and the tapas menu includes: paprika shrimp with citrus slaw, Argentinean beef skewers with chimichurri sauce, eggplant rollups with goat cheese and pesto spread, rosemary and sea salt flatbread. And not forgetting dessert with sweet bite-lemon curd shooters and brown butter cookies. All participants will take home a menu and recipe booklet and eat, drink and be merry.

Lajollacooks4u, 2092 Caminito Capa in La Jolla, 5:30-8:30 p.m., admission $165, 858-752-4980, lajollacooks4u.com

Janet Hammer

friday, may 3

Janet Hammer

Since her very first vocal performance at age five, Janet Hammer showed music is clearly in her blood. She’s performed all over the world, influenced by singers the like of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Phoebe Snow, and jazz vocal groups such as Manhattan Transfer, Singers Unlimited and Rare Silk. She has opened for The Pointer Sisters, The Drifters, The Platters, and Johnny Cash and has worked with musicians from groups such as The Righteous Brothers, Little Anthony, Maynard Ferguson, Natalie Cole, The Chieftains, and The Guess Who. She teaches, performs, directs and inspires.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2660 Calhoun Street in Old Town, 7:30-10:30 p.m., $5 cover, 619-297-1874, oldtowncosmopolitan.com

Art-on-the-Green

saturday, may 4

Art-on-the-Green

Carlsbad Oceanside Art League gallery member artists display their artwork at Art-on-the-Green every weekend (good weather permitting) on the lawn in front of the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. Spend an enjoyable few hours of your Saturday admiring the work of these talented artists en plein air.

3075 Carlsbad Blvd. in Carlsbad, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., free, 760-434-8497, coalartgallery.com

Chocolate Festival logo

sunday, may 5

Chocolate Festival

Mars Chocolate History Ambassadors will be onsite to demonstrate the historical bean-to-beverage story of 18th-century chocolate using authentic tools including cocoa pods, cocoa beans and nibs, a hot stone metate, winnowing baskets, chocolate drink pots and stirrers throughout the day. Observers will be able to touch, taste, smell, and experience chocolate as it was enjoyed in early America at every demonstration by sampling American Heritage Chocolate® drink. American Heritage Chocolate® is an authentic historic chocolate recipe made by Mars Chocolate North America.

Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drive in San Diego, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., admission $16, 619-234-9153, sdmaritime.org

Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive Tour

monday, may 6

Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive Tour

Currently starring in the Emmy nominated NBC series Parks and Recreation, Aziz Ansari‘s portrayal of government employee Tom Haverford has earned him much critical praise including Entertainment Weekly naming him one of their “Breakout TV Stars”, TV Guide naming him a “Scene Stealer” and Yahoo! TV placing him in the number one spot on their list of “TV MVPS: The Most Valuable Performers of the Fall Season”. People magazine named him 2011?s “Funniest Dude in Prime Time”.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $35, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

Dan Adams Hot Dogs Art Exhibit

tuesday, may 7

Dan Adams: Hot Dogs

Sophie’s Gallery is honored to host the artwork of Dan Adams, a self-taught artist, who is well known in San Diego. He captures the art of everything canine with his expressive brush strokes and develops his subject matter by photographing human and dog action at local dog parks. Dan has exhibited at the San Diego Museum of Art, Riverside Museum of Art, Oceanside Museum of Art and Escondido Museum of Art among others.

Sophie’s Gallery and Gift Shop NTC, 2875 Dewey Road in San Diego, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free, 619-578-2207, stmsc.org

ART BY: RON TATRO

wednesday, may 8

Janine Free and Ron Tatro at Gallery 21

Photographer Janine Free returns to Gallery 21 in Balboa Park with abstracted reflections of mannequins in store windows. Digital artist and sculptor Ron Tatro shows 12 digital drawings of the human head.

Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place in Balboa Park, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free, janinefree.com

thursday, april 25

Dining Out For Life San Diego

Don’t forget to make plans for breakfast lunch and dinner (and dessert and cocktails – or coffee) for Dining Out For Life San Diego. The lovely Dining Out Divas will be visiting some of the 100+ participating restaurants who are donating 25 percent or more to The Center’s HIV/AIDS programming. Don’t miss the fun! Make sure that you select a restaurant from the participating restaurant list and make your reservations today.

Dining Out For Life San Diego, for more information, call Ian Johnson at 619-692-2077 x247, restaurant guide at thecentersd.org

Aida

friday, april 26

Aida

Zandra Rhodes’ vivid designer’s eye enhances Verdi’s vision of ancient Egypt in this stunning production. Acclaimed in London, San Francisco and Houston, the brilliant sets and costumes are seen in San Diego for the first time, creating a riot of color and pageantry. The tragic love triangle of a Pharaoh’s daughter competing with her own Ethiopian slave for the love of an Egyptian general is one of the most-beloved operas. Filled with great arias and choruses, including the famous Triumphal March, Aida demands extraordinary singers in every role.

San Diego Opera, Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $45, 619-232-7636, sdopera.com

saturday, april 27

Mission Federal ArtWalk

The white tents of ArtWalk mean spring is here! The 29th annual festival returns to the streets of Little Italy April 27 and 28, filling 17 blocks of San Diego’s most charming neighborhood with more than 350 visual artists. The free outdoor festival offers a full array of music and dance performances, and their signature KidsWalk area with 15 interactive art activities.

Mission Federal ArtWalk, held on the side streets of India Street in Little Italy, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free admission, missionfederalartwalk.org

Jorge Rodriguez and Jacqueline Grace Lopez in References To Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot

sunday, april 28

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot

The moon, her cat and the boy next door keep Gabriela company in the hot and lonely desert as she awaits the return of Benito, her husband who’s been fighting in the Persian Gulf. The heat is palpable as magical realism and gritty naturalism collide in this story of lust, longing and love.

Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets $25, 858-598-7620, moxietheatre.com

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

monday, april 29

Victoria Martino: Musical Milestones

Violinist and art historian Victoria Martino returns to the Athenaeum this spring for a lecture-concert series celebrating major anniversaries of some of history’s most illustrious composers. Accompanied by her longtime musical partner, James Lent, she will perform works ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century, juxtaposing the music with visual art from the same regions and periods, and placing it in its historical and cultural context.

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20 member, $25 nonmember, 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org

(From left) Robert Foxworth, Kandis Chappell, Dana Green, Andy Bean and Robin Pearson Rose in Other Desert Cities

tuesday, april 30

Other Desert Cities

Novelist Brooke Wyeth is home in Palm Springs for the holidays with a copy of her latest manuscript – one she’s not showing her parents. Her brother is a reality show producer, her dad a former movie actor turned politician, her mother a ’60s-era comedy writer turned socialite; but now long-buried secrets threaten to put her picture-perfect famous family back on the tabloid pages. Hold onto your seats, things are about to get bumpy.

Old Globe Theatre, Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

The Museum of Photographic Arts

wednesday, may 1

MOPA’s 30th Birthday

The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) turns thirty May 1 and invites everyone to join the festivities. Throughout the month of May, MOPA has scheduled events to help commemorate their three decades as a museum in Balboa Park dedicated to photography, film and video. And they plan on celebrating!

The celebration launches May 1 with $1 admission to the museum, as it was in 1983. See Web site for additional offers.

Museum of Photographic Arts, 649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., admission $1, 619-238-7559, mopa.org

thursday, april 18

Castle Neuschwanstein, Germany

Art History Lecture Series: Romantic Castles of Europe

Castles adorn the cityscapes and landscapes of virtually every part of Europe. Many are crumbling ruins that evoke their origins as fortresses and are populated by ghosts of bygone eras, while others have been lovingly maintained and serve today as palaces, museums or even luxury hotels. In this lecture art historian James W. Grebl, Ph.D., examines the history, architecture and art of the most intriguing examples of these romantic relics from Germany. In the process, the military, political and social roles of these complex, dramatic structures will be explored.

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets $12 member, $17 nonmember, 858-454-5872, ljathenaeum.org

friday, april 19

Tyrone Wells

Tyrone Wells

A singer/songwriter from Spokane, Wash. Tyrone Wells launched his solo career in 2000, playing acoustic shows in Orange County, Calif. Wells released his solo album Remain Jan. 27, 2009. The first single from Remain, “More,” reached No.13 on the Triple A radio charts. The second single “Sink or Swim” was used in promos for the season 6 premiere of Grey’s Anatomy.

In September 2010, Wells’ song “Time Of Our Lives” was used in the series finale promo for American daytime soap opera, As the World Turns, as well as The Vampire Diaries episode, Memory Lane.

House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

saturday, april 20

Keyshia Cole – Woman To Woman tour

Keyshia Cole

Multiplatinum-selling songstress Keyshia Cole is gearing up for her Woman to Woman tour – named after her November 2012 album, and serves as a thank you to fans for making all of her albums top 10 on the Billboard 200. The Grammy-nominated artist bared her soul on Woman to Woman; an effort which earned her the No. 2 position on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart, and hosted singles “Enough of No Love” and “Trust and Believe.”

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $70, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

sunday, april 21

Music All Around Us!

San Diego Symphony

Music really is all around us. From “Happy Birthday” to “The Wedding March,” there is a song for every special occasion. The San Diego Symphony celebrates all those cherished moments with music for birthdays, graduations, weddings, dances and more! Concert includes music of Richard Wagner (“Bridal Chorus”), Johannes Brahms (“Lullaby”), Edward Elgar (“Pomp and Circumstance”), W.A. Mozart and many others.

The San Diego Symphony, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

monday, april 22

Lifelike

Vija Celmins, Eraser, 967 acrylic on balsa wood

Is it real? Lifelike invites a close examination of works based on commonplace objects and situations, which are startlingly realistic, often playful, and sometimes surreal. This group exhibition, which debuted at the Walker Art Center, features artists variously using scale, unusual materials, and sly contextual devices to reveal the manner in which their subjects’ “authenticity” is manufactured.

Avoiding the brand-name flashiness embraced by 1960s Pop and the slick urban scenes introduced at that time by the Photorealists, the artists in Lifelike investigate the quieter side of the quotidian, choosing potentially overlooked items or moments as subject matter: a paper bag, an eraser, an apple core, a waiting room, an afternoon nap.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect Street in La Jolla, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., general admission $10, 858-454-3541, mcasd.org

tuesday, april 23

From Beyond the Book

Beyond the Book: Fresh Perspectives on the Print Collection

A bold experiment in curatorial participation. University of San Diego art history student Katherine Ayd ’13 curated the exhibition featuring works from USD’s Print Collection that have been selected and re-interpreted by current undergraduates from a wide variety of majors.

University of San Diego, Robert and Karen Hoehn Family Galleries in Founders Hall, 5998 Alcalá Park in San Diego, 12- 4 p.m., free, 619-260-4600, sandiego.edu

wednesday, april 24

The Laramie Project

In October 1998 Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyo. Five weeks later, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, and over the course of the next year, conducted more than 200 interviews with people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play The Laramie Project, a chronicle of the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder.

Southwestern College, Mayan Hall Theatre, 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista, 7:30 p.m., general admission $12, 619-421-6700, swccd.edu

Blythe Barton and Bradley R. Lundberg in Tethered

thursday, april 11

Michael Mizerany and Friends

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Michael Mizerany, recent recipient of Bravo San Diego’s Outstanding Choreographer Award for 2012, will present the premiere of a brand new work, At Long Last…Love!, at the Live Arts Fest at The White Box Theater. At Long Last…Love! is a classic love triangle with a unique and provocative twist, and features sultry and sexy performances by Stephanie Harvey, Andrew Holmes and Bradley R. Lundberg.

Mizerany will also present his award-winning solo Tin Soldier and the audience favorite Tethered.

The White Box Theater, 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 205 in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $15 advance purchase, $20 at the door, 619-225-1803, andiegodancetheater.org

friday, april 12

Kettner Nights

Come join the galleries, boutiques and entertainment venues on the second Friday of every month for a night filled with arts and design. In Little Italy North the art has as much flavor as the espresso and tantalizing marinara. The Art and Design District of San Diego’s Little Italy was modeled after New York City’s trendy SoHo and Chelsea districts offering art-lovers and design patrons diverse resources.

Valet parking is available on W. Kalmia Street between India Street and Kettner Blvd. for $7 a vehicle from 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

Between W. Grape and W. Laurels Streets on Kettner Blvd. and India Street in Little Italy North, 6-9 p.m., 619-233-3898, littleitalysd.com

saturday, april 13

SDGMC: Rocket Man – The Music of Elton John

The songs of legendary musician and showman Elton John will take center stage at the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC) spring concert Rocket Man – The Music of Elton John at the Birch North Park Theatre in San Diego. The 150-member chorus will highlight five decades of hits from “Your Song,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Daniel” and “Candle in the Wind” to “Circle of Life” and other songs from his movie and stage hits The Lion King and Aida! Also plays Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.

Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $25, 877-296-7664, sdgmc.org

sunday, april 14

DerbyWise

The all-alpha-female world of the San Diego Derby Darlings can seem like an alternate universe filled with new rules, new names, new spouses, and in many cases new identities. Circle Circle dot dot’s latest original production DerbyWise is a journey through the eyes of budding Roller Derby star, Erika “Jezebel” Simms, who takes on this new world and all of the complications that this endeavor entails.

10th Avenue Theatre, 930 10th Ave. in San Diego, 4 p.m., tickets $20, 619-356-3682, circle2dot2.com

monday, april 15

From the Vault: Rare Artifacts with Fascinating Stories

From the Vault will highlight the many ways in which an artifact can be a treasure, emphasizing the artist’s attempt to make the object functional, beautiful, spiritual, or a combination of these attributes. You’ll see pieces from numerous countries and several centuries displayed side by side. While at first these objects may seem unrelated, if you look carefully, you’ll see that the artifact pairings reveal something about both the cultures they represent and humanity as a whole.

San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., adult admission $12.50, 619-239-2001, museumofman.org

tuesday, april 16

Taste of Point Loma

Sponsored by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Taste of Point Loma is an annual dining out event celebrating its twenty-fourth year. Thousands of attendees sample cuisine from a range of restaurants. Featuring dishes from Red Sails, Old Venice, Point Break Café, The Bay Club Hotel and more.

Taste of Point Loma, 2725 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 5:30-9 p.m., regular tickets $20, 619-858-0322, peninsulachamber.com

wednesday, april 17

Federal Jazz Project

San Diego REP presents the world premiere production of Federal Jazz Project, conceived and written by Richard Montoya with original jazz score and onstage jazz band led by trumpet virtuoso Gilbert Castellanos. Directed by Sam Woodhouse, Federal Jazz Project is a fusion of spoken word, historical fiction, border poetry, live jazz, bi-national history, percussive tap dance and original song, also including performances from sit-in musicians.

The Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $43, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

The cast of To Gillian on her 37th birthday

thursday, april 4

To Gillian on her 37th birthday

David’s wife Gillian died two years ago in a boating accident. David not only grieves for her, he walks and talks with her along the beach at night. Gillian’s sister Esther pays him a visit, bringing with her a friend that she hopes will interest David. Meanwhile, David’s daughter feels abandoned. Will David return to “life”?

Onstage Playhouse, Downtown Chula Vista Arts Center, 291 Third Ave. in Chula Vista, 8 p.m., adult tickets online $20, at-the-door $23, 619-422-7787, onstageplayhouse.org

Accomplice: San Diego

friday, april 5

Accomplice: San Diego

Accomplice: San Diego offers a completely immersive theatrical experience, unlike any found on any stage, taking its audience on an adventure through the city streets of Little Italy. You’ll be sent on a mission, aided by clues and mysterious cast members strewn throughout various locations such as street corners, bars, iconic landmarks and out-of-the-way spots. Groups of 10 piece together clues of a meticulously crafted plot and rely on their own street smarts to make it to the end. Who’s in on it? Who’s not? With San Diego’s hip and historic Little Italy district as a backdrop for the action, identifying cast members from civilians becomes part of the fun.

La Jolla Playhouse, Accomplice: San Diego begins with a phone call a day or two before the show. You must provide a valid phone number, groups of 10 begin every half hour from 4:30 – 7 p.m., adult tickets $45, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

An Inspector Calls

saturday, april 6

An Inspector Calls

A young working girl is found dead and Inspector Goole calls upon the Birling family to make certain inquiries. Thus begins this psychological mystery that is acclaimed as a classic of its genre.

Scripps Ranch Theatre, 10455 Pomerado Road in San Diego, 8 p.m., adult tickets $27, $858-578-7728, scrippsranchtheatre.org

Pageant the Musical

sunday, april 7

Pageant the Musical

The musical comedy beauty contest with a twist! Watch as the six contestants compete in an extravaganza of evening gowns, bathing suits, and not to be missed talent, while judges from our audience decide who will be crowned Miss Glamouresse. Judges for each performance come from the audience; and a different winner is chosen each night, assuring suspense and spontaneous entertainment.

Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way in Coronado, 2 p.m., tickets $23, 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.com

Rites of Passage: Our Journeys Through Life

monday, april 8

Rites of Passage: Our Journeys Through Life

Baptism and birth, marriage and graduation, a first job and retirement: these are just a few of the important events which mark life in the United States. But among the world’s cultures which have found homes in San Diego County there is a rich profusion of other celebrations, honors and rituals, from a Somali ceremony performed seven days after a woman weds, to the scarring of a young Sudanese man’s forehead to show he has reached adulthood. Take a look at just a few of our community’s powerful life events, featuring items from Americans, Filipinos, Chinese, Samoans, Mexicans, Zimbabweans, Vietnamese and many other nations, cultures, and religions.

San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., adult admission $12.50, 619-239-2001, museumofman.org

Arlo Guthrie

tuesday, april 9

Arlo Guthrie

Born with a guitar in one hand and a harmonica in the other, Arlo Guthrie is the eldest son of America’s most beloved singer/writer/philosopher Woody Guthrie and Marjorie Mazia Guthrie, a professional dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company. During the famous “Folk Boom” era, he witnessed the transition from an earlier generation of ballad singers to a new era of singer-song writers such as Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, and Phil Ochs. He learned something from everyone and developed his own style, becoming a distinctive, expressive voice in a crowded community of singer-songwriters and political-social commentators.

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $29.50, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

Herb Turner, Georgie Joe Chinese Village (detail), oil on canvas, 1956.

wednesday, april 10

Herb Turner: Realist/Idealist

Working directly from observations of daily life, Herb Turner’s carefully constructed scenes are imbued with social commentary, poignant messages and personal reflections. Informed by the sensibilities of the Regionalist art movement of the early 20th century, his paintings mostly executed in egg tempera, are insightful narratives of San Diego and American life. This significant exhibition showcases more than 50 paintings and select photographs of his architectural accomplishments.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Born Yesterday

thursday, march 28

Born Yesterday

Set in the Washington, D.C. of the ’40s, this entertaining tale of a wealthy junk dealer and his “showgirl girlfriend” has a plot line that could be culled from today’s headlines. Harry does business by making deals with insiders, and his girlfriend doesn’t fit in with Washington society. So Billie Dawn gets assigned to a ‘tutor,’ a smart reporter whose passion is museums, literature and uncovering the Capitol’s dirty little secrets. See what a little tutoring does for the showgirl, the reporter and the high stakes of Harry’s financial deals!

AVO Playhouse, 303 Main Street in Vista, 7:30 p.m., tickets $30, 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com

Mack & Mabel

friday, march 29

Mack & Mabel

A musical that involves the tumultuous romantic relationship between Hollywood director Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand (transformed from a waitress to an artist’s model and cinema star), who became one of his biggest stars. In a series of flashbacks, Sennett relates the glory days of Keystone Comedies, when he discovered Normand and cast her in dozens of his early “two-reelers”, through his creation of Sennett’s Bathing Beauties and the Keystone Cops to Mabel’s death from tuberculosis in 1930.

Community Actors Theatre, 2957 54th Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $16, 619-264-3391, communityactorstheatre.com

The cast of The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler

saturday, march 30

The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler

What happens to our favorite literary figures after the curtain falls and the last page turns on their story? Is it really The End? Moments after her nightly death, Hedda Gabler and Mammy (yes, that Mammy) head out in search of a more fulfilling ending, encountering a host of the greatest characters of stage, page and screen along the way. Jeff Whitty, one of the twisted minds that brought you Avenue Q , takes the heroines and audience on a comedic journey in search of life beyond the original authors’ wildest dreams.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., preview tickets $25, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

Ben Vereen

sunday, march 31

Steppin’ Out With Ben Vereen

The show highlights Vereen’s unique artistry, combining a tribute to Broadway and Frank Sinatra. Featuring hit songs such as “Defying Gravity,” “Stand By Me” and “My Way,” Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen is a contemporary yet timeless journey. The New York Times dubbed him “an old-school song and dance man who never lets up. He wins you over with his sheer energy, good will and showbiz know-how.”

La Jolla Playhouse, Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theater, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $40, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

San Diego History Center

monday, april 1

Place of Promise: stories of San Diego

The History Center’s permanent exhibition on San Diego history is already at its halfway mark! Witness history in the making as the History Center develops and builds this four-phase project. Now is a great time to come for a visit as phases one and two are currently open.

San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Suite 3 in Balboa Park, open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $6, 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org

Murder In The Cathedral

tuesday, april 2

Murder In The Cathedral

Archbishop Thomas Becket, brutally murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in December 1170 defending his church against the intrusions of King Henry II, became a Christian martyr and Saint at whose tomb Henry was forced to pay penance. Did Henry order the murder or did his knights take matters into their own hands? Based on the T. S. Eliot play, the opera covers the last month of Becket’s life as he struggles with politics, religion and temptation.

San Diego Opera, Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $45, 619-533-7000 , sdopera.com

Fred Arsenault and Gretchen Hall in Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

wednesday, april 3

Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House

Nora’s life is on the upswing. Her husband got a promotion, and their financial struggles are over at last. But when a man from her past reappears, bent on bringing a dangerous secret to light, everything changes: her marriage, her family, even her relationship to the world around her.

Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

GSDBA Art Mixer

thursday, march 21

GSDBA Art Mixer

The arcHIVe project, along with the Sunset Temple and Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge, will be hosting an art mixer for the Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA). The evening will feature local artists affected by HIV as well as The arcHIVe project artists Chad Elliott Hirata, Kyle Cardwell, and art from the country’s first group of Girl Scouts dedicated to becoming life-long community advocates in HIV/AIDS issues.

Claire de Lune’s Sunset Temple, 3911 Kansas Street in San Diego, 6-8 p.m.,$10 for GSDBA members

Mixtape

$25 for guests, 619-296-4543, gsdba.org

friday, march 22

Mixtape

Mixtape is an awesome collection of your favorite memories from the ‘80s – featuring the music of Journey, Peter Gabriel, U2, Dire Straits, Paul Simon, The Cure, Amy Grant, Duran Duran, the B52s, Madonna, Sting, Michael Jackson… and much, MUCH more. Performed by a multi-talented cast and the region’s hottest band!

Beauty and the Beast

Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

saturday, march 23

Beauty and the Beast

Join the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet and explore the timeless themes of inner beauty and prevailing love as they retell the classic story of Beauty and the Beast through the lyric art of ballet.

Woodland creatures, magical fairies, and a beloved storyline make this production an enchanting experience for families of all ages.

Casa del Prado Theater, 1600 Village Place in Balboa Park, 2 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-233-3060, sdcyb.org

sunday, march 24

Readers Theatre: Walter Cronkite is Dead

A fierce thunderstorm has shut down airports up and down the East Coast. Two women who appear to have nothing in common are stuck in a waiting area at Reagan National Airport. Patty is a chatty Southerner – a blue-collar woman from a red state – who is almost physically unable to tolerate silence. Margaret is a Washingtonian, reserved, educated, liberal and not interested in sharing her thoughts, or her table, with Patty. Forced together for a long night in a public place, the two strangers share a bottle of wine and begin to talk…and to listen. Their conversation is funny, difficult, deeply revealing and astonishingly frank. Patty and Margaret share details of their lives that lead them to a place of kinship neither of them could have imagined. An insightful comedy about what might be possible if people from opposite sides of the political aisle would stop shouting and take even one night to listen.

PowPAC, Poway Community Theatre, 13250 Poway Road in Poway, 7 p.m., tickets $10, 858-679-8085, powpac.org

monday, march 25

Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders

Explore the wonderful world of bugs in all their splendor. From glow-in-the-dark scorpions to the world’s biggest bird-eating tarantula, Dr. Entomo’s living examples will fascinate everyone!

Resembling an old-fashioned circus sideshow, Dr. Entomo’s Palace of Exotic Wonders explores the truth, myths, and mysteries surrounding some of nature’s most curious creatures – many of them alive and on view. The exhibit also contains a special San Diego-only section that features unusual insects that call San Diego home – straight from the Museum’s own Department of Entomology.

San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, admission 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult tickets $17, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org

tuesday, march 26

Damien

Damien

This “riveting”, “fascinating”, “inspiring” piece of theatre has received more requests for a remount than any other Lamb’s production. You don’t want to miss Robert Smyth’s “tour de force performance” as the passionate priest who fought government and church for the lepers on the island of Molokai.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $24, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

wednesday, march 27

Rocky Mountain Express

Rocky Mountain Express

Experience a steam train journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies, highlighting the adventure of building the nation’s first transcontinental railway. Retracing the original route aboard the majestic steam engine 2816, you’ll be transported back to the age of steam to re-live this incredible engineering feat. The film weaves together spectacular IMAX aerial cinematography and archival images to immerse you in an era of remarkable ingenuity amidst a region of stunning natural beauty.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 12, 2 and 4 p.m., adult tickets $15.75

619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

The cast of Willy Wonka

thursday, march 14

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka

The beloved children’s book comes to life on stage in this musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Enter the “World of Pure Imagination” as Charlie and Grandpa Joe visit the fantastical chocolate factory and its mysterious, beguiling “Candy Man.” Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious confection which features the songs from the classic family film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and is sure to delight children and grown-ups of all ages.

Pickwick Players, C-3 Performing Arts Center, 4579 Mission Gorge Place in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20, 619-448-5673, pickwickplayers.net

Peter G. Kalivas

friday, march 15

San Diego Dances in University Heights

The PGK Dance Project presents its most interesting, challenging space yet. Come see how four choreographers present world premier work with ‘live’ music at 3rd Space – a funky, multi-level loft where dance will appear all around. Featuring Viviana Alcazar, Natasha Ridley and Peter G. Kalivas with guest musicians performing original music with dance by Amanuel Zarzowski and a special guest appearance by the California Rhythm Project.

3rd Space, 4610 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., advance tickets $29, $5 more at the door, 619-886-7924, thepgkdanceproject.org

Cruzar la Cara de la Luna

saturday, march 16

Mariachi Day

Celebrate Mariachi Day with San Diego Opera. Come down to the San Diego Civic Plaza as it turns into “Garibaldi Square” with a day of food, fun and performances by student mariachi groups including: Estrellas de Chula Vista, Montgomery High Aztecas, San Diego High School Mariachi Kokopelli, San Ysidro Mariachi and Mariachi Garibaldi of Southwestern College. San Diego Opera will be presenting the world’s first Mariachi opera Cruzar la Cara de la Luna ( To Cross the Face of the Moon ) at 2 and 7 p.m.

San Diego Civic Plaza, corner of Third and B Streets in downtown San Diego, 12:30 p.m., all outdoor performances are free, tickets to Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (Civic Theatre) from $35, 619-533-7000, sdopera.com

Paul Dresher

sunday, march 17

Repeat/Move On

The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents its fourth concert of the 58th season, Angle of Repose, inspired by Wallace Stegner’s 1971 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The concert is titled Repeat/Move On, and provides a fascinating collage of opposites: Philip Glass, the American master of repeating phrases, paired with Aaron Copland’s flowing essay on eternal growth and renewal frame the rhythmic vitality of Bay Area composer Paul Dresher’s concerto for invented instruments. They also premiere this year’s Thomas Nee Commission by Yvonne Wu. A broad spectrum of music from the 20th century – from minimalism to rock-infused experimentalism.

Mandeville Auditorium on the UCSD campus, 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla, 2 p.m., tickets $29, 858-534-4637, lajollasymphony.com

Nico Vega

monday, march 18

Nico Vega

Nico Vega is an alternative rock trio from Los Angeles. The band bio describes the choice of name as, “Nico Vega represents a modern day saint. A warrior that has led us to a more fulfilling, lighter way of being. She represents people and unity.” The band features singer and lyricist Aja Volkman.

Other artists at this event are Imagine Dragons and Atlas Genius.

House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $22, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

tuesday, march 19

Menopause: The Musical

Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about! It’s the hilarious celebration of women and the change!

California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido, 7 p.m., tickets from $45, 800-988-4253, artcenter.org

wednesday, march 20

Assassins

Bold, original, thought-provoking and alarmingly funny! Assassins lays bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate the president of the United States. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman take us on a musical rollercoaster ride that explores the American Dream and our right ‘to be happy.’ Contains mature language and themes.

Cygnet Theatre at The Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $39, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

thursday, march 7

National Comedy Theatre’s Gary Kramer, Greg Rojcewicz, Jamie Fox and Joe Birdsong PHOTO: DAREN SCOTT

The Collective

The National Comedy Theatre’s long form show. Like the regular shows, each Collective performance is completely improvised and is based entirely on audience suggestions. Performances feature five of NCT’s experienced main stage cast members improvising a full-length play around a single theme or storyline, from scratch.

National Comedy Theatre, 3717 India Street in the Mission Hills, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-295-4999, nationalcomedy.com

Malashock dancers in Fathom

friday, march 8

Malashock Dance 25th Season Celebration Benefit Concert

Malashock Dance, a leader in contemporary dance and arts education since 1988, continues its 25th anniversary season with a Celebration Benefit Concert March 8 and 9 at the Birch North Park Theatre. The concert, which celebrates the organization’s 25 years of exemplary arts programming, features the work of John Malashock, founder and artistic director, who teams with renowned pianist Gustavo Romero for an intimate music and dance collaboration to piano suites by Czech composer Leos Janacek. The beautiful and emotional selections are a perfect pairing for Malashock’s choreographic short stories. Also on the program is a re-staging of Fathom: The Body as Universe, Malashock’s hugely successful 2006 collaboration with Japanese artist Junko Chodos.

The Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., general admission tickets from $27, 619-260-1622, malashockdance.org

Not a Still Life

saturday, march 9

Not a Still Life

A new independent film by award winning filmmaker, Roberta Cantow, Not A Still Life takes a close look at a man, described by the filmmaker as “one of the odd birds of the universe.” A man who does not fit the mold. He is Steve Stone, a complex mass of contradictions, with a compassionate heart, an exuberant spirit and the cravings of mysterious desire. Devout in his Judaic faith and desire for spiritual transcendence, deeply committed to human and animal rights activism, yet also in possession of an explosive temper and a proclivity for anonymous sex, mourning for decades the death of the love of his life from AIDS. As he struggles to hold onto the home and the business he inherited from his love, the conflicts and predicaments he experiences exemplify so many of the complexities of the human heart.

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center, 510 North Coast Highway in Oceanside, 7-9 p.m., donations accepted, 760-994-1690, originaldigital.net/notastill-life/

Synesthesia: Manifestations of Energy, paintings by Ellen Salk

sunday, march 10

Synesthesia: Manifestations of Energy : paintings by Ellen Salk and sound by Christopher Adler

Pulsating with energy and tension, Ellen Salk’s abstract paintings reference her interest in science, elemental forms, entropy, Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism. In collaboration with experimental sound artist Christopher Adler, Salk has designed an immersive installation that explores the vibrational quality of her images. Designed in response to Salk’s work, the 1 hour music loop by Adler heightens the viewer’s senses eliciting a meditative and spiritual experience.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 1-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Creating A Storm: Sakura Fubuki - featuring Diana Carey

monday, march 11

Creating A Storm: Sakura Fubuki – featuring Diana Carey

Diana Carey, aka “d. goth,” began painting and exhibiting professionally in the late 1990’s. Initially known for her fresco paintings on broken stones and her poetry, Diana moved into large scale canvas paintings incorporating the Pollock, gestural technique of throwing, dripping, and splattering paint with brushes and sticks. Many of her works are over 8ft tall. Diana was intrigued by Pollock’s style because it was initially difficult to understand. What appeared to be simple and random turned out to be challenging. She describes her finished work as being no more chaotic than the connecting particles that make up existence itself.

Japanese Friendship Garden 2215 Pan American Place in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (last admission at 3:30pm), entrance fee $4 adult, 619-232-2721, niwa.org

Heather Ayers, Ken Barnett and Jefferson Mays in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

tuesday, march 12

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

Former Old Globe Co-Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak returns to direct this world premiere musical of merriment and murder. When Monty Navarro finds out he is ninth in line to inherit a dukedom, he decides to eliminate the other eight heirs standing in his way – all played by one incredible actor. This witty music hall comedy explores how low we’ll go to make it to the top.

Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $39, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Nemaleon-2 by Paul Cava

wednesday, march 13

For Love – a compilation of work by Paul Cava

The photo-driven collage work of Paul Cava is elegant and sensual. Works are precious, engaging, emotional reflections on our most primal urges and natural fears. The duality of truth, even existence, plays out in frames that address life and death, love and loss, desire and attainment, male and female, among others. Cava presents opposites as merely two ends of the same thread; with dignity and grace Cava exposes the most raw, the most painful beside the most delicate and joyful moments of our shared human experience.

jdc Fine Art, 2400 Kettner Blvd. #208 in San Diego, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., 619-985-2322, jdcfineart.com

Mhari Sandoval in Time Stands Still

thursday, feb. 28

Time Stands Still

Widely hailed as one of the best new plays on Broadway, Time Stands Still is the story of James and Sarah, a journalist and a photographer, who have been together for nine years and share a passion for documenting the realities of war. But when injuries force them to return home to New York, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life. A blazingly important new work about responsibility – to ourselves, to our loved ones, to our community, and to our world.

North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D in Solana Beach, 8 p.m., tickets $44, 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

Aditi Brennan Kapil

friday, march 1

Brahman/i

A workshop production of La Jolla Playhouse’s new play development initiative, the DNA New Work Series. Sixth grade was hard enough before Brahman discovered he was intersex – or in the words of his traditional Indian aunt, a hijra. This hilarious stand-up comedy routine/play by Aditi Brennan Kapil takes on history, mythology, gender roles and high school through the inimitable comic lens of Brahman/i, a boy/girl tethered by neither gender nor culture, and wildly curious and inventive in his/her examination of both.

Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center, behind Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $15, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

Danielle Mone Truitt, Larry Bates in The Mountaintop

saturday, march 2

The Mountaintop

San Diego REP presents Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop. A drama that dares to imagine what might have happened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the final night of his life, before his assassination April 4, 1968 while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. After delivering his I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech, Dr. King retires to his room and orders coffee from room service. Camae, the maid who brings his coffee, is more than she seems. REP audiences will be the first on the West Coast to experience this astonishing play in the intimacy of the Lyceum Space, where all seats are within 25 feet of the stage.

San Diego REP, Lyceum Space, Horton Plaza in San Diego, preview, 8 p.m., tickets from $35, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

sunday, march 3

Gypsy

A musical fable, loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, focuses on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with “the ultimate show business mother.” According to Artistic Director Joey Landwehr, “This is, at its core, a play about family. It’s about mothers and daughters and how they come together and rip apart.” This presentation of the acclaimed Gypsy is family friendly and a show for all ages!

David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, 4:30 p.m., tickets from $16, 858-362-1348, sdcjc.org

Jeff Thayer

monday, march 4

Camera Lucida #5: Johannes Brahms Piano Quartets

Camera Lucida, a collaboration between UC San Diego and the San Diego Symphony, presents chamber music masterpieces of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries in the acoustically perfect Conrad Prebys Concert Hall at UCSD. The Camera Lucida season continues with concert #5, Johannes Brahms Piano Quartets featuring Jeff Thayer, violin; Che-Yen Chen, viola; Charles Curtis, cello and Reiko Uchida, piano.

Note: Students with ID may attend for free, but must be in line 30 minutes before the concert to qualify.

Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

tuesday, march 5

Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth

One performance only. A rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

’50s Girl by Nadine Rovner

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com

wednesday, march 6

Silent Night

jdc Fine Art presents Silent Night, a two-person show featuring the work of emerging photographers Nadine Rovner and Ursula Sokolowska. It is the experience of seeing that unites these artists’ works. The images seduce visually, their crisp quality, clean surfaces and rich color lure us in. We find ourselves transfixed by the introspective scenes; we are curious yet remain tentative.

jdc Fine Art, 2400 Kettner Blvd. #208 in San Diego, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., 619-985-2322, jdcfineart.com

Circus Vargas: Magikaria

thursday, feb. 21

Circus Vargas

Circus Vargas conjures up an astonishing array of artists in its newest spectacular! Presenting, Magikaria, A Fantastical Magical Experience! An amazing production bursting with mystery, magic, and more!

Circus Vargas, Mission Bay Park, Mission Bay Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $25, 877-468-3861, circusvargas.org

Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation

friday, feb. 22

Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation

The 30th anniversary show featuring the funniest, most stunning and critically acclaimed and popular shorts in the show’s 30-year history. Watch sheer artistic beauty and the most technically advanced achievements in animation featuring many genres.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego La Jolla, 700 Prospect Street in La Jolla, 7:15 p.m., tickets $13.50, 858-459-8707, spikeandmike.com

saturday, feb. 23

HRC San Diego: Bowling for Equality

Join HRC San Diego for an afternoon of bowling and fun in the name of equality!

Kearney Mesa Bowl, 7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in San Diego, 1:30-4:30 p.m., tickets for individual bowlers $35, sandiego.hrc.org

Gustavo Romero

sunday, feb. 24

Gustavo Romero

Concert pianist Romero, a San Diego native with Guadalajara heritage, has a stellar reputation for both the technical brilliance and interpretive depth of his playing, as well as his commitment to in-depth exploration of individual composers. His first performance with the New York Philharmonic was at age 13, and he has since played with orchestras around the world, including the LA Philharmonic, Atlanta, Houston, Boston Pops, Russian Symphony Orchestra, Radio France Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and more.

California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido, 3 p.m., tickets from $30, 800-988-4253, artcenter.org

Song Dynasty (960–1279). Seated statue of Buddha. Bronze. From the Pagoda of Yunyan Temple, Suzhou Museum

monday, feb. 25

Masterworks in Metal, Ink and Silk from the Suzhou Museum

Showcasing 21 objects from the Suzhou Museum this exhibition highlights selections from China’s long and rich cultural history. Located only 66 miles west of Shanghai, Suzhou is often called the “Venice of China” because of its numerous canals intertwining the historic dwellings and gardens of its illustrious residents. Exhibited alongside the museum’s state of the art new display The Art of East Asia the selection of works has been made specifically to complement those of the museum’s permanent collection.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m-5 p.m., adult admission $12, 619-696-1966, sdmart.org

Robin Henkel

tuesday, feb. 26

Robin Henkel

Jazz and blues musician Robin Henkel comes to Humphreys Backstage for a night of dancing. Henkel promises nothing, if not a surprise here and there. This is just the way the San Diego native is. He wants to shake things up, so expect the unexpected. As a guitar player, Robin can play blues, jazz, funk, country swing, Hawaiian and Latin music. He borrows from each of those styles when he performs and sometimes even surprises himself with the musical direction his songs take

Humphrey’s Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7-11 p.m., $5 cover, 619-224-3577, humphreysbackstagelive.com

Crimes of the Heart

wednesday, feb. 27

Crimes of the Heart

Three eccentric sisters, a big-wig political husband who’s been shot, a lawyer with a vendetta, a jilted “doctor” with a hurricane-crushed leg: welcome to the MaGrath sister’s home, where everyone carries a secret crime in their hearts! Winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this Southern Gothic comedy is ding-bat funny and deeply touching. Zany good cheer abounds as these Mississippi sisters grapple with a whirlwind of unfortunate events.

Experimental Theatre at San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $15, theatre.sdsu.edu

thursday, feb. 14

Life Could Be A Dream

This doo-wop musical by Roger Bean, is a San Diego Regional Musical Theatre premiere! Return to Springfield High (where The Marvelous Wonderettes matriculated) and meet the Crooning Crabcakes, the boy group banned from the senior prom. The singing foursome is headed for fame and fortune by trying to win the local radio contest on Big Whopper Radio. Songs from this musical journey to the past include “Runaround Sue,” “Tears on My Pillow,” “Earth Angel,” and “The Glory of Love.”

AVO Playhouse, 303 Main Street in Vista, 7:30 p.m., adult tickets $30, 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com

friday, feb. 15

A Conspiracy of Succubi by Pamela Wilson

Electric Sugar featuring the art of Pamela Wilson

Pamela Wilson has built a reputation for works of art that transcend the commonplace to enter the realm of the sublime and otherworldly. She develops haunting images that evoke moods, dreams and memories inspired by real life, and which create a remarkably compelling narrative.

Distinction Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave. in Escondido, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free, 760-781-5779, distinctionart.com

saturday, feb. 16

The Son of the Sheik (1926)

Rudolph Valentino and Vilma Banky in The Son of the Sheik

A Fox Theater Film Series screening of The Son of the Sheik (1926) accompanied by Russ Peck on the organ. Ahmed, son of Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, falls in love with Yasmin (Vilma Banky), a dancing girl who fronts her father’s gang of mountebanks. Ahmed (the great Rudolph Valentino) and Yasmin begin to meet secretly until one night her father and the gang capture and torture the son of the Sheik!

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

sunday, feb. 17

Chicago

In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap; until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse.

San Diego Musical Theatre, Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $16, 619-239-8836, sdmt.org

monday, feb. 18

Museum Month in San Diego

Museum Month is back for the 24th year in San Diego County. Presented by Macy’s this popular event allows participants to enjoy half-off entry fees at 42 San Diego Museum Council membership museums.

Museum Month Passes may be picked up at any of Macy’s fourteen locations in the San Diego Area, Temecula and Imperial Valley. The passes are free to obtain while supplies last. With a pass, up to four visitors can gain admission to any of the 42 participating museums for half-price. Plus, you can use the pass all month long!

San Diego Museum Month, Feb. 1-28, sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

tuesday, feb. 19

Samson and Delilah

The Bible’s Samson and Delilah returns to the stage in a production described by the North County Times as “… one of the most memorable San Diego Opera productions of the past decade …”

Physically strong though he is, Samson cannot repel the advances of the seductive Delilah. Urged on by the High Priest of Dagon, she makes him reveal the source of his strength, his hair, which she cuts, rendering him powerless. Captured, blinded, Samson calls on God for forgiveness, destroying the temple and all within it, including the treacherous Delilah.

San Diego Opera, Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $45, 619-533-7000, sdopera.com

wednesday, feb. 20

In Search of Shadows : James Hubbell sculpture

Oceanside Museum of Art presents the first museum exhibition devoted to Hubbell’s extensive sculptural oeuvre. Featuring more than 30 sculptures from the past 50 years of his career, In Search of Shadows explores Hubbell’s mastery of a diverse range of media including bronze, wood, glass and stone. It highlights the evolution of Hubbell’s nature-inspired sculptural style and the reoccurring threads that connect the work through the past five decades

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

The Bluest Eye

thursday, feb. 7

The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye tells the story of one year in the life of a young black girl in 1940s Ohio. Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Left to fend for herself, she blames her dark skin and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. Adapted from the debut novel of Toni Morrison by the playwright of Mo’olelo’s 2011 production of Stick Fly, The Bluest Eye paints a portrait of the legacy of racism on a young girl’s psyche.

Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company, Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N in San Diego, 8 p.m., preview regular adult tickets $20,

858-598-7620, moolelo.net

The Laramie Project

friday, feb. 8

The Laramie Project

San Diego’s newest community theater company is presenting a revival of The Laramie

Project and partnering with the Hillcrest Youth Center to bring awareness and support for local

LGBT youth. The Trinity Theatre Company revisits the tragic hate crime in October 1998 when a

gay 21- year old University of Wyoming student was kidnapped, beaten and left to die on a fence on a

remote prairie outside Laramie, Wyo. Matthew Shepard endured almost 18 hours near death

before he was discovered. He later died from his injuries sparking international.

Swedenborg Hall, 4144 Campus Ave. in San Diego,7 p.m., tickets: presale $15, at the door $20, 619-269-9283, facebook.com/trinitytheatrecompany

saturday. feb.9

New Shanghai Circus

New Shanghai Circus

New Shanghai Circus brings 2500 years of acrobatics, magic, juggling, contortion, humor and color to San Diego’s Spreckels Theatre. The first company to perform on Broadway and be named “Best foreign company on Broadway.

Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway in San Diego, 3 and 7:30 p.m., tickets from $33.35, 619-220-8497, spreckels.net

sunday, feb. 10

Inside/Outside

Jessica Aszodi

La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Music Director Steven Schick conducts the orchestra and guest artists in three works that occupy very different senses of space: from the “cathedral” sound of Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams, to the intimacy of Luciano Berio’s Folk Songs featuring brilliant soprano and rising star , to the expansive grandeur of Symphony No. 3 by Carl Nielsen with soprano Bonnie Lander and baritone Austin Thompson.

The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD campus in La Jolla, 2 p.m., general tickets $29, 858-534-4637, lajollasymphony.com

monday, feb. 11

Chevy Impala Coupe Lowrider

Lowrider Legends

A fascinating exhibit of lowriders – the amazing engineering and cultural phenomenon that is such an integral part of San Diego

San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., last admission 4:30 p.m., adult admission $8, 619-231-2886, sdautomuseum.org

tuesday, feb. 12

Bronwyn Ingram

The GSDBA Professional Luncheon with guest speaker Bronwyn Ingram

These unique lunch events present special guest speakers discussing issues pertinent to LGBT

professionals and their allies at a sit down lunch. This Tuesday, hear San Diego’s first lady, fiancée of Mayor Bob Filner, Bronwyn Ingram speak. A GSDBA members event.

Wang’s North Park, 3029 University Ave. in San Diego, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., tickets $25 prepay, $35 at the door, 619-296-4543, gsdba.org

wednesday, feb. 13

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet

Romance, beauty, splendor. It’s a dazzling spectacle of grace and beauty! The dancers of the Russian National Ballet Theatre perform to Piotr Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece of doomed love, Romeo and Juliet. The choreography is a new restaging by Elena Radchenko based on original choreography by the legendary Marius Petipa. The evening’s presentation opens with Mikhail Fokine’s short grand pas Chopiniana, featuring music of Frédéric Chopin.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

South Pacific

thursday, jan. 31

South Pacific

The classic Broadway musical South Pacific has a way of making grown men cry. It’s lush music, wrapped around a story of racial intolerance, set on an island in the South Pacific in the 1940s during war-time, is moving and melodic. Songs include “ Some Enchanted Evening,” “Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” “Nothing Like A Dame,” “Younger Than Springtime” and “Bali Ha’I” make this the most cherished and beloved musical theater piece of all times.

Welk Resorts Theatre San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido, performances 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., tickets from $45, 888-802-7469, Welktheatresandiego.com

Educating Rita

friday, feb. 1

Educating Rita

In this award winning comedy, university lecturer Frank needs to earn some extra money, so he agrees to tutor Rita, a brash, earthy hairdresser with a recently discovered passion for higher education. The result is a delightful Pygmalion -style comedy filled with self-discoveries, temptation and heartfelt humanity that tackles personal and social issues with insight and grace.

North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D in Solana Beach, 8 p.m., tickets $44, 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

Mike Sears, Steve Gunderson, Kevin Koppman-Gue, Rachael VanWormer and James Vásquez in Birds of a Feather

saturday, feb. 2

Birds of a Feather

A smart and surprisingly human comedy about two bird families – male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that hatch and adopt a chick and two hawks living and raising their own brood on a Fifth Avenue roof. Based on the same true events that inspired the famously banned children’s book And Tango Makes Three , families of every breed, conventional or not, gay or straight are celebrated in this heart-warming play.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., preview tickets $25, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

The Kitchen Witches

sunday, feb. 3

The Kitchen Witches

Isobel Lomax and Dolly Biddle are two “mature” cable-access cooking show hostesses who have hated each other for 30 years; ever since Larry Biddle dated one and married the other. When circumstances put them together on a TV show called The Kitchen Witches, the insults are flung harder than the food!

PowPAC-Poway Community Theatre, 13250 Poway Road in Poway, 2 p.m., tickets $12, 858-679-8085, powpac.org

On the Trail of Ansel Adams

monday, feb. 4

On the Trail of Ansel Adams

Enjoy magnificent black-and-white, nature-based imagery inspired by the prolific photographer Ansel Adams. Photographers with works in the exhibit include: Charles Cramer, William Neill, Aaron Chang, Abe Ordover, Louis Montrose, Will Gibson, John Clark, James Bourret, Steven Bundy, Lew Abulafia, Tom Scott, John Ford, Gary Zuercher and Joe Nalvin.

San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., admission $17, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org

The Who – The Quadrophenia Tour

tuesday, feb. 5

The Who

The Who, one of rock’s legendary and defining bands, have announced a major North American arena tour where they’ll perform their iconic 1973 double album Quadrophenia in its entirety, along with a selection of Who classics. The critically acclaimed Quadrophenia marked the British band’s second rock opera (after Tommy ), raised the bar for rock albums as an art form and hit No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard album chart.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $39.50, 619-224-4171, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

wednesday, feb. 6

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Escape from the ordinary and step into the shockingly odd world of Ripley at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air and Space Museum! This is the first time a Ripley’s exhibition is returning to San Diego since the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935.

San Diego Air and Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., adult admission $17.50, 619-234-8291, sandiegoairandspace.org

Leading Ladies

thursday, jan. 24

Leading Ladies

Ken Ludwig’s new comedy centers on two young English Shakespearean actors who are so broke that they are performing their Shakespearean shows at Moose Lodges in Amish country. When they hear about an elderly lady about to die, leaving her fortune to her long-lost English nephews, the actors decide to pass themselves off as her relatives to get the cash. The catch? The lost nephews are actually nieces!

AVO Playhouse, 303 Main Street in Vista, 7:30 p.m., tickets $30, 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com

Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream

friday, jan. 25

Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream

Get tangled up in the newest thrilling show to hit ice, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion Flynn and Maximus embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog, in a magical, musical, journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $17,

The Daughter of the Regiment

619-224-4171, disney.go.com

saturday, jan. 26

The Daughter of the Regiment

Nine high Cs for the tenor in one aria, and brilliant coloratura for the soprano, make The Daughter of the Regiment an exciting, sparkling and hilarious opening to the San Diego Opera’s 2013 season. This delightful production from Italy’s Teatro Comunale di Bologna tells of an orphan French girl adopted by a regiment of soldiers in the waning days of World War II.

Big Mike's Birthday Bash

The Civic Theatre, Third Avenue and B Street in downtown San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $45, 619-533-7000, sdopera.com

sunday, jan. 27

Big Mike’s Birthday Bash

Fifteen years ago Big Mike started what has now become a tradition in San Diego by celebrating his birthday as a fundraiser. This year is no exception; Wang’s North Park has agreed to open their doors to host this year’s birthday fundraiser to benefit the Harvey Milk Foundation.

There will be lots of wonderful food donated by several San Diego restaurants with Happy Hour prices all afternoon. Special guest Chad Michaels, the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, will perform. Comedian Jackie Loeb will perform her standup routine to bring laughs to the event.

Big Mike looks forward to seeing you there to help celebrate his birthday and help raise money at the same time. If you are not able to attend but would still like to support Big Mike with his cause please make a check out in any amount to the Harvey Milk Foundation. In the check memo space please write BIG MIKE BD and mail to Big Mike, P.O. Box 33224, San Diego CA 92163.

Wang’s North Park, 3029 University Ave. in San Diego, 1-4 p.m., donations, 619-807-7324

monday, jan. 28

Alternative Accounts: Plains Indian Ledger Art from the 19th Century to Now

Unknown Lakota Child. Colored pencil on sketchbook paper, 1890

Alternative Accounts offers a rare look at the counter-narrative of America, told through the drawings of its original inhabitants in the face of colonization. Made with techniques once used to paint on buffalo skins, these works on ledger paper reveal the prevailing artistic traditions of these people.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $12,

619-232-7931, sdmart.org

tuesday, jan. 29

The Brothers Size

(L-R) Antwayn Hopper, Okieriete Onaodowan and Gilbert Owuor in The Brothers Size PHOTO: HENRY DIROCCO

Oshoosi Size is just out of prison and looking for a fresh start, but a job in his brother’s car repair shop is not what he had in mind. When an old prison mate appears with an enticing gift, a fierce tug-of-war ensues which will test the bounds of family, friendship, and his dreams. Contains strong language and adult situations.

Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

wednesday, jan. 30

Gem of the Ocean

Set in 1904, this is the story of drifter Citizen Barlow, who arrives at the home of Aunt Ester in search of asylum and spiritual redemption. At 287 years old, Aunt Ester guides Barlow on a soaring, lyrical journey of self-discovery to the mythical City of Bones, on which, Ester tells Barlow, everything is built.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $29, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

Charlotte Parry and Robert Sean Leonard in Pygmalion

thursday, jan. 17

Pygmalion

Renowned director Nicholas Martin returns to the Globe to direct George Bernard Shaw’s most popular modern masterpiece (which Lerner and Loewe adapted as the musical My Fair Lady ). The poor flower-seller Eliza Doolittle is in the right place at the right time, just as speech professor Henry Higgins makes a friendly wager that he can change her accent and pass her off as the epitome of English society. But will she survive Higgins’ boorish bullying?

Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Brian Stokes Mitchell

friday, jan. 18

Broadway’s Brian Stokes Mitchell

One of Broadway’s brightest stars and leading men, Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell has performed in Ragtime, Kiss Me Kate, Kiss of The Spider Woman and Man Of La Mancha … just to name a few. Concert will feature “Stars” from Les Misérables, “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific, “Wheels of a Dream” from Ragtime and more! Summer Pops Bravo Broadway vet Randall Craig Fleischer conducts.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

San Diego Sheila R. Hardin

saturday, jan. 19

San Diego Sheila R. Hardin

Multicultural Festival

The Multicultural Festival showcases San Diego’s rich cultural diversity and traditional heritage through live music, dance performances, storytelling, children’s activities and a wide range of food and retail vendors. It was renamed the Sheila R. Hardin Multicultural Festival in 2011 in honor of the late Sheila R. Hardin, a long-time community activist and the driving force behind the Multi- cultural Festival.

Trystan Loucado

Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade Park, Harbor Drive in San Diego, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, 858-735-5921, sdmulticultural.com

sunday, jan. 20

Water Lilies/Nymphéas

French Impressionist painter Claude Monet created some of his most famous works of art depicting his gardens of Giverney in the 1890’s. In creating work for the 11th annual Cabaret Dances, Artistic Director Jean Isaacs is embracing the impressionist ethos that tries to capture an image that has only been “glimpsed” and is not detail oriented. All choreography is by Jean Isaacs. Dancers include Trystan Loucado on break from an international tour with Les Ballet de Trocadero de Monte Carlo.

Martin Luther King Jr.

White Box at NTC Liberty Station, 2690 Truxtun Road, #205 in San Diego, 5 p.m., general admission $30, 619-225-1803, sandiegodancetheater.org

monday, jan. 21

24th annual Martin Luther King Day

Celebration

This free community event features local San Diego reggae bands, African drum and dance, Capoeira, Brazilian Zamba, Japanese Taiko, vegetarian food by Prophet Restaurant and more. All are welcome.

WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd. in Balboa Park, 12-7 p.m., free, 619-230-1190, worldbeatcenter.org

tuesday, jan. 22

Pete ’n’ Keely

The year is 1968 and it’s been a thrilling week rehearsing at the NBC studios for the live telecast of the Pete and Keely Reunion Special! They’re America’s singin’ sweethearts and – no matter what you may have read in the tabloids – Pete ‘n Keely are getting along just fine!

This Off-Broadway hit is packed with classic favorites like “Besame Mucho”, “Secret Love” and “Fever” as well as great new songs.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $24, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

wednesday, jan. 23

The cast of Clybourne Park. (L-R) Jason Heil, Monique, Sandy Campbell, Matt Orduna. Photo: Daren Scott

Clybourne Park

Winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Play, 2011 Pulitzer Prize and Olivier Award for Best Play, Clybourne Park is an unforgettable new story about race, class and real estate in America. Jokes fly and hidden agendas unfold in a tale told without good guys or bad guys, just real people with real concerns about the future of their community.

San Diego Repertory Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $38, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

Han Bennink

thursday, jan. 10

Fresh Sound presents Han Bennink and Mary Oliver with Mark Dresser

Han Bennink and Mary Oliver met in Amsterdam in 1990 while both were performers at the Bimhuis’ October meeting. Since 2000 they have been performing together, mostly in the Instant Composers’ Pool Orchestra (ICP). For their performance in San Diego Duo, ICP will be joined by renowned contrabassist Mark Dresser.

Space 4 Art, 325 15th Street between J and K in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, 619-269-7230, sdspace4art.org

The Compleat Wrks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)

friday, jan. 11

The Compleat Wrks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)

An irreverent, fast-paced romp through all thirty-seven of the bard’s plays in less than ninety minutes, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy and is now educating and entertaining young and young-at-heart alike.

Casa del Prado Theater, 1800 El Prado in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-239-8355, juniortheatre.com

Jahja Ling

saturday, jan. 12

Mendelssohn’s violin concerto

A Jacobs Masterworks concert featuring violinist Viviane Hagner and conducted by Music Director Jahja Ling. Concert comprises of Rossini: overture to La gazza ladra; Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64; Nielsen: Symphony No. 5, Op. 50. All concertgoers are invited to stay after the concert for a Q&A with Jahja Ling and Viviane Hagner.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Keane

sunday, jan. 13

Keane

Keane are an English alternative rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1997. The group currently comprises Tim Rice-Oxley, Richard Hughes, Jesse Quin and Tom Chaplin. Since the start of their career, the band has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $36 standing, $46 reserved seat, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

Flight of the Butterflies

monday, jan. 14

Flight of the Butterflies

Join the monarch butterfly’s perilous and extraordinary journey while following an intrepid scientist’s 40-year search to find the monarchs’ secret hideaway. Featuring breathtaking cinematography, an award-winning production team, a true scientific mystery, and hundreds of millions of real butterflies, Flight of the Butterflies soars on the giant IMAX Dome screen.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 12, 2 and 4 p.m., gallery admission plus 1 giant dome theater show $15.75, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

Flavia Gilmore: Paper, Wood, Metal

tuesday, jan. 15

Flavia Gilmore: Paper, Wood, Metal

In her playful assemblages, Flavia Gilmore creates surprising juxtapositions of utilitarian objects that evoke a poignant look at consumer culture. Primarily working with found material and domestic debris, the work in this exhibition will take a focused look at Gilmore’s long and distinguished career in San Diego during the last 20 years.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Aida

wednesday, jan. 16

The Metropolitan Opera: Aida Encore

The movie of the Met’s unforgettable production of Verdi’s ancient Egyptian drama stars Liudmyla Monastyrska as the enslaved Ethiopian princess caught in a love triangle with the heroic Radamès, played by Roberto Alagna, and the proud Egyptian princess Amneris, sung by Olga Borodina. Explore the times of the Old Kingdom in this acclaimed story set in ancient Egypt. Fabio Luisi conducts.

AMC Mission Valley 20, 1640 Camino Del Rio North in San Diego, 6:30 p.m., tickets $18, 619-296-2737, amctheatres.com

Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt, Donna W. Scott and Isaac Leyva in Any Day Now

thursday, jan. 3

Any Day Now

In the 1970s, a gay couple fights a biased legal system to keep custody of the abandoned mentally handicapped teenager that comes to live under their roof.

Landmark Theatres, Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest, rated R, 2:10, 4:40, 7:20 and 9:40 p.m., tickets $10.50, 619-298-2904, landmarktheatres.com

RAIN

friday, jan. 4

RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles

RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live, mastering every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance that’s as infectious as it is transporting.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $36.75, 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com

Hershey Felder

saturday, jan. 5

Hershey Felder’s An American Story

For this new production, Felder will create the role of Dr. Charles Augustus Leale, the 23-year-old unknown Union Army medic who was the first individual to reach the presidential box at Ford’s Theatre on the night President Lincoln was shot. Mrs. Lincoln then put Dr. Leale in charge to see the president through his last hours.

Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $58, 619-239-8836, birchnorthparktheatre.net

SDYS rehearsals – Conductor Jeff Edmons

sunday, jan. 6

Classical Melodies in Balboa Park

Every weekend the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory’s (SDYS) ensembles fill Casa del Prado with classical music. Visitors are invited to observe these rehearsals to experience the beautiful sounds created by the young musicians (ages 8-25). This is a wonderful treat to enhance any visit to Balboa Park.

San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, Rooms 207 and 205 in Casa del Prado, 1650 El Prado in Balboa Park, 1:15-3 p.m., free, 619-233-3232, sdys.org

To The Arctic

monday, jan. 7

To The Arctic

The documentary adventure To The Arctic tells the ultimate tale of survival. Narrated by Oscar-winner Meryl Streep, the film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 1 and 5 p.m., gallery admission plus 1 giant dome theater show $15.75, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

Viviane Hagner

tuesday, jan. 8

Viviane and Nicole Hagner perform Schubert

Celebrated violinist Viviane Hagner is joined by pianist Nicole Hagner with members of the San Diego Symphony for an incredible evening of chamber music classics. Music from Hungary and Austria’s most famous composers grace the stage including Bartók’s Rhapsody No. 1 for Violin and Piano, Liszt’s Grand Duo concertant, and Schubert’s widely popular Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat Major.

The Scripps Research Institute Auditorium (formerly Neurosciences Institute), 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $30, 858-626-2000, sandiegosymphony.org

Gregg Allman

wednesday, jan. 9

Gregg Allman

Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman is a founding member of one of the biggest and most important American bands of all time, the still-active and thriving Allman Brothers Band, and a critically acclaimed solo talent.

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $41.30, 619-570-1100, greggallman.com

Mursi Tribe woman, Ethiopia

thursday, dec. 20

Faces And Places

A photography exhibit of indigenous people, wildlife, landscape and fine art images from around the world by Nadia Salameh.

Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place in San Diego, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free, 619-233-9050, nadiasalamehphotography.com

friday, dec. 21

California Ballet: The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce your family to the power and beauty of classical dance.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $25, 858-560-6741, californiaballet.org

saturday, dec. 22

Holiday Pops: A Celtic Celebration

Join the San Diego Symphony for an evening of festive Irish holiday favorites including “The Holly Tree”, “Don Oiche Ud im Beithil” and “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.”

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

sunday, dec. 23

Hiroshima – jazz fusion

Hiroshima is one of the best known instrumental ensembles in the world, pioneering a unique East meets West approach since the late 1970s.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7 and 9 p.m., tickets from $16, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

monday, dec. 24

Candlelight Christmas Eve services at The Met

Join Pastor Dan for The Met’s Christmas Eve candlelight services.

The Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego, 2633 Denver Street, 7 and 9 p.m., 619-521-2222, themetchurch.org

tuesday, dec. 25

Christmas Day Brunch Cruise

Make this a memorable Christmas for you and the family with a Christmas Day yacht cruise and brunch on San Diego Bay.

Hornblower Cruises, San Diego Grape Street Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego, boarding time 11 a.m., cruise departs 11:30 a.m., tickets $59 per person, 1-888-979-7054, hornblower.com

wednesday, dec. 26

Shen Yun

Shen Yun brings to life 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music in an exhilarating show you will never forget.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $108.75, 1-888-973-7469, shenyunperformingarts.org

thursday, dec. 27

Enviroscapes : Jen Trute Retrospective

Driven by her insatiable fascination with environmental degradation, Jen Trute’s surreal paintings poignantly evoke awareness of the human impact on nature and the fragility of our global ecosystem.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

friday, dec. 28

New Year’s Bash: Beats, Patterns and Rhythms!

Join the New Children’s Museum as they take their event underground, in honor of colorful and energetic street art inspiration! Featuring music and dance performances, hands-on art workshops and live graffiti art.

The New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave. in San Diego, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission $10, 619-233-8792, thinkplaycreate.org

saturday, dec. 29

Rent

This unedited version of the musical Rent is presented by the critically acclaimed California Youth Conservatory Theatre.

Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets $28, 619-544-1000, cyctheatre.webs.com

sunday, dec. 30

If I was Your Girl 2

The San Diego LGBT Community Center will be hosting the film premiere and an evening with the cast and director of If I Was Your Girl 2 .

The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street in San Diego, 6-9 p.m., 619-692-2077 ext116, thecentersd.org

monday, dec. 31

Anthology’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve

Welcome 2013 with an unforgettable night of dining and a live performance by classic rock cover band, The Trip this New Year’s Eve.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $15 (6:30) $35 (9:30), 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

tuesday, jan. 1, 2013

New Year’s Concert 2013: Salute to Vienna

A magnificent re-creation of Vienna’s world famous New Year’s concert featuring a stellar cast of more than 75 musicians, European singers and charming dancers.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, in San Diego, 2:30 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

wednesday, jan. 2

How Things Fly

Visit the four zones of How Things Fly: Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Meteorology and Air Traffic Control – each giving an insight into the wonder of flight.

San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park, 10 a.m-4 p.m., adult admission $24, 619-234-8291, sandiegoairandspace.org

thursday, dec. 13

The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the stage. Based on the timeless film this heartwarming musical adaption features seventeen Irving Berlin songs – including “Blue Skies”, “I Love A Piano”, How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas.”

Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $42, 619-239-8836, sdmt.org

friday, dec. 14

City Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet about a young girl, Clara, who is given a Nutcracker for Christmas by her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. But this is no ordinary Nutcracker as Clara learns that very night. After a great battle with the Mouse King, the Nutcracker turns into a Prince. He takes Clara on a magic journey through the Land of the Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy honors the couple with entertainment from around the world.

Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-220-8497, cityballet.org

saturday, dec. 15

Ice & Spice Holiday Show

San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition is back! The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus presents Ice & Spice . A festive combination of traditional holiday songs blended with the “spice” of a tropical holiday get-away. A holiday show as only the Chorus can present with song, dance and a fun time for all!

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-570-1100, sdgmc.org

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

sunday, dec. 16

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

A time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has more than 80 boats lavishly decorated according to this year’s theme, “Our 41st Anniversary, USS Santa Claus.” The Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all!

San Diego Bay, North Harbor Drive in San Diego, 5:30-9 p.m., free, 619-224-2240, sdparadeoflights.org

monday, dec. 17

An American Christmas

Step inside the Hotel Del’s gorgeous ballroom and you travel back 100 years for a memorable Christmas feast and celebration. This remarkable 3-hour evening is filled with music, dance, story, song and laughter, all woven throughout a delectable 5-course holiday meal.

Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 6:30 p.m., tickets $120, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

The Beauty in the Beast

tuesday, dec. 18

The Beauty in the Beast: Crafting Creatures by Neville Page

The exhibition will display the original designs from blockbuster films Page has worked on such as Prometheus (2012), Super 8 (2011) and the television series Falling Skies (2011-2012), among others. It showcases Page’s use of traditional media as well as digital tools such as Photoshop and Zbrush to create fantastic creatures and exotic characters.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Trevor Davis

wednesday, dec. 19

Trevor Davis

Trevor Davis is a pop, rock and soul singer/songwriter from San Diego. Using rich metaphors and clever play on words, Davis’ music is both thought provoking and meaningful. Less than two years from writing his first song, he routinely played packed out shows in San Diego. He has received radio airplay and has started touring the West Coast as often as he can.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

Austin Tichenor, Matt Rippy and Reed Martin in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

thursday, dec. 6

The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged)

Christmas will never be the same once you share the holiday with the inspired lunacy of the masters of condensing the classics – the Reduced Shakespeare Company. Since 1981, the company has delighted audiences throughout North America and England with their reduced versions of The Complete Works of Shakespeare, The Bible , All the Great Books, The History of America, and even the World of Sports.

San Diego Repertory Theatre, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $38, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

John Williams

friday, dec. 7

John Williams

America’s foremost composer of popular film scores comes to Symphony Hall. John Williams wrote the music for Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Far and Away, Harry Potter, Schindler’s List, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and more, all to be heard in this historic concert performed by the San Diego Symphony.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $40, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Steven Schick

saturday, dec. 8

Dark/Bright

The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents Dark/Bright which offers bright works of texture and musical color by Handel and Brahms set off against the darker hues and stirring passions of Arnold Schoenberg and Luigi Dallapiccola. Music director Steven Schick conducts the concert featuring orchestra and chorus.

Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets $29, 858-534-4637, lajollasymphony.com

sunday, dec. 9

Divas

The San Diego Women’s Chorus presents Divas featuring music from your favorite divas through the last several decades. Selections include: “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks, Bette Midler’s hit “From a Distance” by Julie Gold, “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan, and a salute to Aretha Franklin medley, “Queen of Soul.” Also included are some selections from some unlikely divas, like Des’ree and Elton John!

First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, 4190 Front Street in San Diego, 3 p.m., tickets $16.52 pre-sale, $21.69 on-the-door, 619-291-3366, sdwc.org

monday, dec. 10

Let It Snow

A non-narrative holiday digital show, featuring seasonal sights and classic songs. Sit back, relax, and embrace the holiday spirit as you listen to seasonal tunes through the Heikoff Dome Theater’s amazing sound system. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Muppets will serenade you. On screen, you’ll follow swirling candy canes, a certain red-nosed reindeer and the jolly man himself on a fanciful journey through merry landscapes. Holiday songs and seasonal sights will make you feel merry.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 5 p.m., gallery admission plus one Dome Theater show $15.75, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

Ruud van Empel: World17

tuesday, dec. 11

Strange Beauty

Explore the extraordinary world of Ruud van Empel in the artist’s first solo exhibition in an American museum. Created with a singular artistic vision, van Empel builds vibrant photomontages of fascinatingly fabricated realities. Strange Beauty features more than 40 of van Empel’s digitally enhanced pieces, displaying images of perfect beauty with mysterious and captivating undertones.

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., gallery admission $8, 619-238-7559, mopa.org

Skating by the Sea

wednesday, dec. 12

Skating by the Sea

The Del is celebrating the eighth anniversary of Skating by the Sea, a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn has been transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily.

Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado, three-hour sessions 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., adult three-hour session $25, 1-800-468-3533, hoteldel.com

A Christmas Carol

thursday, nov. 29

A Christmas Carol

Cygnet continues its annual holiday tradition with a new live radio play. Be a part of the live studio audience as the WCYG Players bring a unique presentation of the classic A Christmas Carol to life. Complete with holiday music, commercials and live sound effects. A treat for the whole family.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

Michael Dessen Trio

friday, nov. 30

Fresh Sound Music Series: Michael Dessen Trio

Featuring Michael Dessen on trombone and live electronics along with renowned NYC-based musicians Chris Tordini (bass) and Dan Weiss (drums), this unique ensemble blends polyrhythmic flow and intricate compositions with adventurous improvisation and spacious soundscapes.

Space 4 Art, 325 15th Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, 619-889-6742, freshsoundmusic.com

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

saturday, dec. 1

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

The Little Italy Association presents the kick-off to its annual holiday shopping, dining and pampering season with the annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village held at the Piazza Natale.

Saint Nick will be arriving at 4:30 p.m. on Little Italy Fire Engine 3, to add that additional holiday cheer.

Charlie Chaplin in The Rink

The Association will be giving out free Italian cookies, cider and coffee; and the Little Italy Mercato vendors will be selling holiday gifts, to get the season started off right.

Piazza Natale, India Street and W. Date Street in Little Italy, 4-7:30 p.m., free, 858-240-4556, littleitalysd.com

sunday, dec. 2

Russ Peck accompanies Laurel and Hardy’s Big Business and Charlie Chaplin’s The Rink and The Pawn Shop

Russ Peck

Organist Russ Peck continues his Fox Theatre Film Series with organ accompaniment to the classic Laurel and Hardy movie Big Business where Stan and Ollie are door-to-door Christmas tree salesmen in California. Havoc ensues when they feud with grumpy, would-be customer, James Finlayson, resulting in his home and their car being destroyed in the melee. Also, enjoy two of Chaplin’s most famous slapstick comedies, The Rink (1916) and The Pawn Shop (1916).

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

monday, dec. 3

Marianela de la Hoz:

Marianela de la Hoz, Heaven and Earth, the Determined Freedom of an Undetermined Life (detail)

Heaven and Earth, the Determined Freedom of an Undetermined Life

Marianela de la Hoz was born in Mexico City and has lived in San Diego County for the last 10 years. Her detailed painting technique is informed by surrealism and focuses on representational art. Heaven and Earth, the Determined Freedom of an Undetermined Life consists of an altarpiece with 11 individual paintings. The imagery alludes to well-known biblical narratives, especially the story of Eve. As a part of de la Hoz’s re-contextualized story, a modern Eve, portrayed in the upper region of the central painting, wears an apple on her chest as a type of Scarlet Letter and eats apple pie.

The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $12, 619-232-7931, sdmart.org

tuesday, dec. 4

Christmas On My Mind

Christmas On My Mind

Lamb’s Players Theatre presents one of Kerry Meads’ most popular “new” scripts: Christmas On My Mind. A diverse group of travelers finds themselves stranded by an unexpected snowstorm. They all make their way to a cabin in the woods and create a celebration by sharing music and stories. Surprising, fun and refreshing – the performance includes a beautiful blend of original music and traditional favorites.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

wednesday, dec. 5

Devra Gregory

Woman in the Mirror, A Dancer’s Journey

Professional dancer, Michael Jackson impersonator and Wiccan priestess Devra Gregory’s candid and fascinating journey weaves the thread of her spiritual quests as she seeks to find truth and empowerment as a woman. Through storytelling and dance, from ballet to burlesque, exotic dance to “MJ”, Devra recounts the story of her evolution.

Lyceum Theatre, The Space, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-544-1000, LyceumEvents.org

Casey Weldon, Honey

thursday, nov. 22

In the Fold

ArtHatch and Distinction Gallery present, In the Fold, a new exhibit featuring the art of Casey Weldon and Andrew Shondrick. Weldon was born in Southern California and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Shondrick is an artist currently working in Cleveland, Ohio.

Distinction Gallery, 317 E. Grand Ave. in Escondido, open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., free, 760-781-5779, distinctionart.com

PHOTO: FRÉDÉRIC CHÉHU

friday, nov. 23

Cavalia

Cavalia is a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects. Conceived by Normand Latourelle and often labelled an equestrian ballet, Cavalia is a spectacular and moving tribute to the relationship between men and horses throughout history; a dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony.

White Big Top at San Diego, 1020 Imperial Ave. in San Diego, 2 and 8 p.m., tickets from $59.50, 866-999-8111, cavalia.net

The cast of When Last We Flew

saturday, nov. 24

When Last We Flew

Inspired by Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, When Last We Flew is a moving and often humorous look at life in small town America from a contemporary teenage perspective. After stealing his local library’s only (and unread) copy of Angels in America, misfit teenager Paul locks himself in the bathroom and begins reading the landmark play. He soon finds that his life and the lives of those around him in his small Kansas suburb are about to take flight, and over the course of a seemingly ordinary day, extraordinary things start to happen.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $36, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

Elizabeth I

sunday, nov. 25

Elizabeth I

The closing night of Paul Foster’s engaging play that follows a rogue acting troupe as they illegally perform a tale about one of the western world’s most fascinating monarchs. Irreverent and wild, humorous and witty, the play exposes the absurdity of politics, not only in the Elizabethan era, but also our own time.

Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theater, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 7 p.m., general admission $20, 858-550-1010, theatre.ucsd.edu

monday, nov. 26

BOLD: The art of DNA barcoding

Joseph Rossano’s interactive BOLD sculpture series interprets the work of innovative biodiversity scientists, including Dr. Daniel H. Janzen, distinguished Kyoto Prize Laureate, Crafoord Prize recipient, BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge awardee, and University of Pennsylvania Professor.

San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $17, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org

Feather Hat, from True Blue

tuesday, nov. 27

True Blue

Indigo, Turquoise, Cobalt & Lapis Lazuli

True Blue celebrates these four natural materials and their combination with human emotion, technical skill and the spark of creativity. This exhibition of objects from Mingei’s permanent collection will feature a broad variety of media from many different cultures.

Michael Lynche

Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., adult admission $8, 619-239-0003, mingei.org

wednesday, nov. 28

Michael Lynche

For those non- American Idol viewers reading this, Lynche was the fourth place finalist on season 9 of the popular NBC television show. Lynche largely attributes his newfound success to the love of his family and to second chances. If you are looking for an entertainer with exuberance and stage presence then this is your guy.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

thursday, nov. 15

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion

Dralion is a signature Cirque du Soleil production fusing the 3,000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, drawing its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $35, 619-224-417, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

friday, nov. 16

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

As one of the largest wine and food festivals in the nation, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has helped shine the light on San Diego’s thriving food scene. The festival showcases San Diego’s culinary talent along with the world’s premiere wines and spirits.

Embarcadero Marina Park North, Kettner Blvd. in San Diego, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., event tickets from $55, 619-686-6200, sandiegowineclassic.com

Jeff Thayer

saturday, nov. 17

Beethoven’s Pastoral

Guest conductor Christof Perick, a shining star on the European opera circuit, brings his continental touch to masterworks by Richard Strauss and Ludwig van Beethoven. Concertmaster Jeff Thayer steps to the front of the stage for a welcome revival of a beloved chestnut, Karl Goldmark’s Violin Concerto in A minor.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

sunday, nov. 18

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

This is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 15th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “ This Time of Year ,” “ Santa for a Day ” and “ Fah Who Doraze ,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 4:30 p.m., tickets from $39, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

monday, nov. 19

In the Red and Brown Water

Swirling in evocative prose, poetry and myth, Oya faces the hardest decision of her life: go to college on a track scholarship or nurse her dying mother. The fallout from her choice sends her plunging into the deep waters of womanhood. Steeped in ritual and African parables, Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play weaves a tale of passion and pride, humility and heartbreak.

Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $20, 858-534-4574, theatre.ucsd.edu

NovaMenco

tuesday, nov. 20

NovaMenco

A family of musicians based in San Diego, NovaMenco are known for their modern flamenco style that fuses jazz and pop with echoes of Ancient Byzantine. The end result is a unique blend of jazz and soft Mediterranean grooves.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

wednesday, nov. 21

You Can’t Take It With You

What happens when the Sycamores, the very proper Kirby family, a Russian ballet instructor, a Grand Duchess (working as a waitress), the maid, her friend and federal agents arrive on the same evening? Winner of the 1937 Pulitzer Prize, You Can’t Take It With You is a comedy classic which resonates with audiences today, with its themes of family love, civic duty and freedom.

Oceanside Theatre Company, 217 North Coast Highway in Oceanside, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $14, 760-433-8900, oceansidetheatre.org

thursday, nov. 8

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Yoshimi must choose between two boyfriends, but first she’s got to take down an army of pink robots. This magical tale of love and the struggle for survival is a poignant and humanistic story set to the music of The Flaming Lips.

Eldar Djangirov

Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $15, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

friday, nov. 9

A Night at the Cotton Club

Return to the sounds of New York’s famous hot spot. See Grammy-nominated Eldar Djangirov on the piano and hear singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky perform the hits of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and the late great Louis Armstrong.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

saturday, nov. 10

John Doe: The Musical

John Doe: The Musical

Five personalities find themselves in a hospital waiting room. Each of them is part of the psyche ofJohn Doe, a mystery patient suffering from a traumatic brain injury that has split his mind and cut off his ability to communicate. As each fragment attempts to unravel their true identity, John Doe’s will to live is challenged as memories of his life and the mystery behind his near death are revealed. Only through their shared will, can John Doe take back his identity, his life and bring his assailant to justice!

San Diego Rep’s Lyceum Space Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 2 and 8 p.m., tickets from $30, 619-544-1000, lyceumevents.org

Charles Reiffel, Edge of the Oak Grove. Oil on panel, 1935

sunday, nov. 11

Measure for Measure

A timeless tale of morality, justice, and compassion. The Duke of Vienna has handed the reins of his government to Angelo, only to discover that Angelo’s rigid adherence to the law is tainted with hypocrisy. A young nobleman, Claudio, is sentenced to death for premarital relations with a woman to whom he is betrothed. His fate is thrust into the hands of his sister, Isabella, who now must choose between her brother’s life and her own salvation. Wickedly comic and strangely tender, Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare’s most powerful plays.

Dave Malone of the Gatorators

Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 2 and 7 p.m., tickets $19, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

monday, nov. 12

Charles Reiffel: An American Post-Impressionist

Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan

The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego History Center will present a comprehensive and collaborative, two-museum retrospective of the work of Charles Reiffel celebrating the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth. More than 90 of Reiffel’s works will be exhibited; primarily oils on canvas but also watercolors, gouaches, and drawings in both pencil and children’s crayons.

San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5p.m., adult admission $6, 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org

tuesday, nov. 13

Peter Pan

Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of Peter Pan. Discover the magic all over again of this two-time Emmy Award winning and two-time Tony Award nominated production.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $56.50, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheaters.org

wednesday, nov. 14

Gatorators: classic rock

This groove unit is an amalgamation of three of the five original members of The Radiators (Dave Malone, Camile Baudoin, Reggie Scanlan), plus Mitch Stein (Groove Division) and Eric Bolivar (Anders Osborne) to add new flash and flare. Mixing in old favorites and new material, they aim to please loyal listeners and capture the hearts and soul of new fans.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

David Guthrie and Debbie David in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

thursday, nov. 1

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and others, the Chicken Ranch thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch forcing it to shut its doors forever.

Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way in Coronado, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.com

friday, nov. 2

Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos

Colorful altars and other traditional celebrations of Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most revered and festive holidays, return to Old Town San Diego. Presented by Save Our Heritage Organization, this community-wide commemoration, honors ancestors and other deceased loved ones with special menus, music, dancing and craft activities.

Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos celebration, in Old Town, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., free, 619-297-9327, sddayofthedead.org

Buster Keaton in The General

saturday, nov. 3

Buster Keaton’s The General

Take a break from politics for a classic American experience: Buster Keaton’s The General. This masterpiece silent movie is accompanied by Russ Peck on the Wonder Morton Organ. The General (1926) is on many critics’ lists of the greatest movies ever made. It’s a showcase of Keaton’s masterful physical comedy as well as his low-affect style that earned him the nickname “the great stone face.”

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 4 p.m., tickets $24, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

sunday, nov. 4

Spider Baby : the musical

Spider Baby: the musical will be returning to the 10th Ave. Arts Centre for a limited six show engagement. It’s the horror rock musical for the whole family. If you have that kind of family.

10th Ave Arts Center, 930 10th Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, 619-920-8503, 10thavenuetheatre.com

Piano, solo

monday, nov. 5

The San Diego Italian Film Festival: Piano, solo

This perceptive new film from award-winning director Riccardo Milani follows Luca (Kim Rossi Stuart) from his boyhood in Africa to his years playing with such greats as Chet Baker and Dave Holland. But sadly, as he develops his prodigious, spellbinding talent at music school in Florence and discovers jazz, his loved ones watch helplessly as he retreats further and further into his personal darkness.

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., suggested donation $5, 619-238-7559, sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com

Fiber Dialogues: Jane LaFazio, Peace (detail)

tuesday, nov. 6

Fiber Dialogues

Expanding on the conversation between artists working in the shared medium of quilting, Fiber Dialogues presents a group of Southern California artists interested in responding to works in the Quilt National exhibition concurrently on view at OMA through Feb. 10, 2013. Featured artists include Jane LaFazio and Sheila Frampton-Cooper, among others.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Lisa Payton, Jim Mooney, Dave Crossland and Vaugh Armstrong in A Hammer, A Bell, And A Song To Sing

wednesday, nov. 7

A Hammer, A Bell, And A Song To Sing

Back by popular demand is the production that had San Diego singing in three-part harmony and provoked standing ovations at every one of its workshop production performances. San Diego REP will present an expanded and fully developed production of last season’s runaway hit.

San Diego Repertory Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $38, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

thursday, oct. 25

Ichabod’s Haunted Attraction

With animatronics, creepy mazes and 15 rooms of nightmares, Ichabod’s will feature more than 4,000 square feet of terror. Ichabod’s Haunted Attraction is produced by MJT Corporation, a professional builder and designer of haunted attractions for more than 15 years. This marks the first year that Ichabod’s will be appearing in San Diego.

Sandra Bernhard

Ichabod’s Haunted Attraction, 3950 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in San Diego, 6-10 p.m., Adult Extreme Fright $15 per guest, ichabodshaunt.com

friday, oct. 26

Sandra Bernhard

Nightmare on Normal Street

Sandra Bernhard brings her hilarious one-woman stand-up act back to San Diego. Bernhard, who began her career at L.A.’s famed Comedy Store in the ’70s, has written and starred in numerous one-woman shows, acted in movies and on television, recorded albums and authored books.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $12, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

saturday, oct. 27

Dracula

Nightmare on Normal Street

Join the biggest Halloween party in Hillcrest and support The Center! Nightmare on Normal Street, Hillcrest’s Halloween block party, will feature the outrageous Nicole as emcee for the fabulous costume contest. The grand prize will be $1,000. Costume contest registration is limited to the first 66 entries and will close promptly at 8:30 p.m.

Normal Street at University Avenue in San Diego, 7-10 p.m., tickets $10 on the door without drink tickets, events.thecentersd.org

Bubbles and cheese!

sunday, oct. 28

Dracula

Dracula was choreographed for California Ballet by Charles Bennett to an original composite score of music. Since its premiere in 1987, Dracula has received critical acclaim and audience approval. Castles and wolves, bats and vampires are brought to life as the struggle between the forces of good and evil is revealed.

Halloween

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, tickets from $30, 5:30 p.m., 858-560-6741, californiaballet.org

monday, oct. 29

Bubbly Halloween costume party

The Scream Zone

Bubbles are brilliant! Come discover the best cheeses to pair with sparkling wine.

From cava to champagne, sample Venissimo’s favorite pairings in a fun environment.

Best costume wins a prize, so come dressed in your Halloween best.

Venissimo Cheese, San Diego shop, 871 G Street in San Diego, 6:30-8 p.m., tickets $50, 619-358-908, venissimo.com

tuesday, oct. 30

Halloween

John Carpenter’s immortal classic, the original genre-defining horror masterpiece Halloween, graces the big screen once again. This nationwide release is the widest the film has seen since originally shocking audiences in ‘78, and will be presented in a striking new HD transfer and 5.1 audio.

Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, Theatre 4, 9 p.m., tickets $10.50, 619-819-0236, landmarktheatres.com

wednesday, oct. 31

The Scream Zone

San Diego’s largest haunted attraction, The Scream Zone features a huge House of Horror with rooms filled with terrifying scenes and scares lurking at every turn, a one-of-a-kind Haunted Hayride through the haunted barns on the racetrack and The Chamber with the largest spinning tunnel in San Diego.

The Del Mar “Scaregrounds,” 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar, 7-11 p.m., tickets from $14.99 for a single haunt, 858-755-1161, thescreamzone.com

Head of a Bodhisattva, ca. 100, stone on stone. Part of the Temple, Palace, Mosque: Southern Asian and Persian Art exhibition

thursday, oct. 18

Temple, Palace, Mosque: Southern Asian and Persian Art

In this new exhibition, the works are organized according to the types of architectural spaces with which they are associated. The first space presents arts associated with Southern Asian temples be they Buddhist, Hindu, or Jain, from Afghanistan to Southeast Asia. Works of art appreciated by elite patrons and connoisseurs in royal court settings throughout India are featured in the second section devoted to arts of the palace, while Islamic art from Iran, India, and Central Asia are on view in the central space.

San Diego Comic Fest

San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $12, 619-232-7931, sdmart.org

friday, oct. 19

San Diego Comic Fest

Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise

An old-school “comic-con” brought to you by some of the same folks who produced the San Diego Comic-Con in the ’70s. The Fest brings creators and fans closer together, in a fun, inclusive environment, much as the Comic-Cons of the ’70s did. The festival runs through Oct. 21.

San Diego Comic Fest, Town & Country Resort Hotel & Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North in San Diego, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., advance purchase 3-day membership $50, 619-291-7131, sdcomicfest.org

saturday, oct 20

Hand-crafted items at Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

Women Who Kick Ass Film Festival

Enjoy a marathon of five classic movies including Thelma & Louise; Bound; Foxy Brown; Faster, Pussy Cat! Kill! Kill! and Terror Train. Watch awesome characters and talented actresses who kick ass, including Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, Pam Grier, Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, the late Tura Satana and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, first movie 12 p.m., last movie 9 p.m., 5-movie ticket $30, filmoutsandiego.com

sunday, oct. 21

Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show

The final day of the Harvest Festival Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds features hundreds of artisans exhibiting American handmade items including beautiful jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, original art, hand-turned wood, music, ceramics and much more.

Joss Stone

Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $9, 858-755-1161, harvestfestival.com

monday, oct. 22

Pick Em’ Up

Bob Dylan

Trucks! Southern Californians love their trucks! In this new exhibition, the San Diego Automotive Museum have put together a fine collection of pickup trucks both large and small that illustrate the story of how these beauties went from workhorses to wonder vehicles.

San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park, open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $8, 619-231-2886, sdautomuseum.org

tuesday, oct. 23

Mark Knopfler

Joss Stone

Making her debut at Humphreys, Joss Stone began pursuing a singing career at 13, securing a record deal at 15, and recording her star-making debut album, The Soul Sessions, released in 2003. Stone has achieved more than 11 million album sales to date and has a wealth of experience under her belt, including recent collaborations on record with the likes of Dave Stewart and Mick Jagger.

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $53, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

wednesday, oct. 24

Bob Dylan and his band with Mark Knopfler

Experience the legendary Bob Dylan and his band as they perform one night only in San Diego.

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame also joins Dylan. A rare chance to see these two music icons together.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, tickets from $39.50, 7:30 p.m., 619-224-4171, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic

thursday, oct. 11

Haydn: The Humorist

Composer, musician, teacher … comedian? He’s none other than Franz Joseph Haydn, the father of the modern symphony and the genius who influenced Beethoven and Mozart. Laugh, sit back and enjoy one of the most entertaining Symphony Exposé performances to date. You’ll discover the wit, practical jokes and humor Haydn poured into many of his greatest symphonies, including his Symphony No. 102.

Haydn – a humorist?

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

friday, oct. 12

Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 years of magic! Join the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney princesses in a skating spectacular you’ll remember forever.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $12.50, 619-224-4171, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

saturday, oct. 13

Pride @ the beach

Join the North County LGBTQ Resource Center for the fifth annual Pride @ the beach festival. Headlining the festival will be national recording artist No Angel. Other performers include San Diego Kings Club, Traci Dinwiddie and the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.

Pride @ the beach 2012, Betty’s Lot, 238 N the Strand in Oceanside, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., general admission $5, 760-877-3262, northcountypride.com

sunday, oct. 14

Art Glass Guild Fall Show and Patio Sale

Experience the largest art glass show in Southern California. Meet more than 30 glass artists from San Diego County and admire their work. There will be art glass for sale including blown, fused, slumped, cast, torchwork, lampwork, etched, stained, mosaic and more. Truly a designers dream.

Art Glass Guild, Studio 25, Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, 619-702-8006, artglassguild.com

monday, oct. 15

Chocolate – the exhibition

Lance Arthur Smith and Bryan Barbarin in Around The World In 80 Days

Get the complete story behind this crave-worthy treat in Chocolate. Discover how chocolate was transformed from a bitter drink of kings into the indulgence we love today. From seed to sweet, Chocolate will engage your senses and reveal facets of this sumptuous treat that you’ve never before considered.

San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., general admission $17, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org

tuesday, oct. 16

Around The World In 80 Days

It is 1872 and the mysterious, brilliant, mathematically precise Englishman Phileas Fogg has wagered his considerable fortune that the world can now be circumnavigated in 80 days. Will bandits, buffalo, winter storms and Scotland Yard prevent him and his wily valet, Passepartout, from completing this daunting task? This magical journey leads Fogg to discover a wider world as well as his own heart.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

wednesday, oct. 17

Led Zeppelin Celebration Day

Dec. 10, 2007, Led Zeppelin took the stage at London’s O2 Arena to headline a tribute concert for friend and Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun. What followed was a two-hour-plus tour de force of the band’s signature blues-infused rock ’n’ roll that instantly became part of the legend of Led Zeppelin. Now, for the first time, fans worldwide will be able to get a front row seat to experience this historic event in glorious high definition and incredible sound. Experience it on the big screen for one night only!

Hillcrest Cinemas, 3965 Fifth Ave. #200 in San Diego, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., tickets $12.50, 619-298-2904, landmarktheatres.com or ledzeppelin.com

thursday, oct. 4

Footloose

One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home.

Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $13, 619-239-8836, birchnorthparktheatre.net

Lang Lang

friday, oct. 5

Lang Lang plays Beethoven’s Emperor

The Jacobs Masterworks season opens with international piano superstar Lang Lang performing Ludwig van Beethoven’s immortal Emperor Piano Concerto, under the baton of music director Jahja Ling. Maestro Ling and the orchestra open the concert with Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture, and conclude the program with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

saturday, oct. 6

Taste of North Park

Sample, sip, and shop at the fourth annual Taste of North Park. Sample the tantalizing cuisine that can be experienced in this vibrant neighborhood and taste some of San Diego’s most popular craft beers.

Check out the Web site for participating restaurants, galleries, boutiques and breweries.

Taste of North Park, North Park Main Street, University Avenue at 30th Street in North Park, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., $30 pre-sale, $35 day of event, tastenorthpark.com

sunday, oct. 7

Hillcrest Hoedown

Hillcrest presents the second year of the Hoedown! Embrace the fall season with this inspired street festival in the heart of eastern Hillcrest. The Hoedown will feature a grand stage with a country-themed line up all day long, and line-dancing lessons on the hour. Stay past dusk and hit the casino tables in the free streetside saloon where cowboys and cowgirls will be dealing up blackjack, craps and roulette, and DJ’s will be spinning country-style dance music.

Peter Gabriel

Hillcrest Hoedown, University Avenue at Normal Street in San Diego, 1 – 9:30 p.m., free, 619-299-3330, fabuloushillcrest.com

monday, oct. 8

Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career. His 1986 album, So, is his most commercially successful, and the album’s biggest hit, “Sledgehammer”, won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, and the song is the most played music video in the history of the station.

The cast of Good People: (from left) R. Ward Duffy, Carol Halstead, Eva Kaminsky, Robin Pearson Rose, Nedra McClyde and James McMenamin | PHOTO: HENRY DIROCCO

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $55.50, 619-224-4171, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

tuesday, oct. 9

Good People

Margie doesn’t expect much from her hand-to-mouth existence in South Boston, where a few lucky rounds of bingo can mean the rent is finally paid on time. But after losing her job at the local dollar store, she reaches out for help to an old high school flame who made it out of the neighborhood. Good People explores whether we can all have the American Dream in this funny and insightful new play. Contains strong language.

The Exit Interview: (from left) Lisel Gorell-Getz, Herbert Siguenza and JoAnne Glover

Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

wednesday, oct. 10

The Exit Interview

An evening of fearlessly ambitious, deliciously witty and insatiably curious comedy . The Exit Interview is written by William Missouri Downs, directed by Sam Woodhouse and stars Herbert Siguenza. Laugh now, but expect the unexpected.

San Diego Repertory Theatre, Lyceum Space Theatre, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-544-1000, sdrep.org

Sebastian

The City: Top to Bottomthursday, sept. 27

Intimate Miracles

Marvel at this showcase of Sebastian’s favorite close-up magic. His amazing talent, uncanny sense of humor, and engaging personality, create an unforgettable evening of magic and laughter. Add to that his talent as a storyteller and you have an all-around accomplished performer that will delight you through the evening. This show is for ages 18 and up.

Red Spade Theater, 2539 Congress Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $29, 619-865-2973, redspadetheater.com

Bill Maher

friday, sept. 28

Bill Maher

For the last eighteen years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on Politically Incorrect and for the last seven years on HBO’s Real Time, Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 23 Emmy nominations.

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $79, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

Raspin

saturday, sept. 29

Raspin

Well-rounded, accomplished songwriter, vocalist and producer, Raspin returns to San Diego to play at the Adams Avenue Street Fair. Raspin’s powerful songwriting and musical style is enjoyed by a diverse audience and Starbucks has recently chosen his music to be played in their store locations nationwide.

Adams Avenue Street Fair, Starbucks stage, 7 p.m., free, raspin.com, adamsavenuebusiness.com

Cirque Chinois

sunday, sept. 30

Cirque Chinois

Direct from Beijing, one of the most distinguished circus troupes in China makes their debut in San Diego! Prepare to be amazed by some of their unique acts including the Great Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion and Straw Hats Juggling!

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 2 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Instruments of Torture

monday, oct. 1

Instruments of Torture

A gripping exhibition featuring implements cruelly engineered to inflict unbelievable pain and suffering. But these artifacts also have a deeper significance in helping us understand who we are as human beings. By exploring why torture occurs, even in today’s world, this exhibition compels us to ask “Are people the real instruments of torture?”

San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., admission $12.50, 619-239-2001, museumofman.org

David Adey, Mischa Barton for Bebe (detail), 2008

tuesday, oct. 2

YOU: Investigating Identity

An exhibition that brings together a bold array of artworks by seven contemporary San Diego and New York based artists, to examine the quest for and exploration of the ‘self.’ Viewers to this exhibition will examine the multitude of social confines that contribute to the development of personality and character through an array of mediums including: drawing, sculpture, performance, mixed media installation and video.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox in Jekyll & Hyde

wednesday, oct. 3

Jekyll & Hyde

American Idol star and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into this classic tale of good and evil. After four years on Broadway and multiple world-wide tours, this dark and dangerous love story returns in a stunning new pre-Broadway production that includes all the classic songs, such as “ This is the Moment,” “A New Life” and “Someone Like You” which first grabbed audiences by the throat.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $56.50, 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com v

Dale Morris as W.C. Fields

thursday, sept. 20

W.C. Fields, By Himself

A full-length 80 minute play about one of America’s greatest comedians. Written by and starring Dale Morris as W.C. Fields, together with Fred Harlow and Eva Barnes.

10th Avenue Theatre, 930 Tenth Ave. in San Diego, tickets $22, 7:30 p.m., 619-237-4901, wcfieldsproject.com

friday, sept. 21

San Diego Festival of Beer

This year’s 18th annual San Diego Festival of Beer will take over the streets at Columbia and B to create a fun-filled evening with 5,000 beer lovers enjoying the sounds of live music while sampling from more than sixty different breweries. The admission ticket comes with ten 4 ounce tastings. Additional tastings are available for purchase inside the event at $5 for five or $10 for 10. All proceeds donated to San Diego cancer organizations by San Diego Professionals Against Cancer.

Columbia and B, 421 W B Street in San Diego, 6 – 11 p.m., advance tickets $40, designated driver $30, sdbeerfest.org

Tab Benoit

saturday, sept. 22

San Diego Blues Festival

The second annual AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival will be held as a benefit for the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. This year’s event features artists such as Tab Benoit, Janiva Magness and Kim Wilson and is expected to attract a crowd of more than 4,000. All proceeds will go to support the activities of the food bank.

San Diego Blues Festival , Embarcadero Marina Park North, Kettner Blvd. in San Diego, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., general admission tickets $10 and a donation of 2 cans of food, 619-686-6200, sandiegobluesfestival.com

Tony Bennett

sunday, sept. 23

Tony Bennett

America’s favorite singer for the past 50 years, Tony Bennett’s career has enjoyed three distinct phases, each of them very successful. In the early ‘50s, he scored a series of major hits that made him one of the most popular recording artists of the time. In the early ‘60s, he mounted a comeback as more of an adult-album seller. And from the mid-’80s on, he achieved renewed popularity with generations of listeners who hadn’t been born when he first appeared.

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $125, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

monday, sept. 24

Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir

Luke Macfarlane (ABC’s Brothers and Sisters ) transforms Martinis Above Fourth into a Greenwich Village nightclub in 1958 – a decade before the Stonewall riots. The drinks and music flow as a young singer and his band take the stage for their last performance before leaving New York City for good. Macfarlane and his band showcase a musical score of American song classics that you won’t want to miss.

Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $35, 619-400-4500, lajollaplayhouse.org

Summer’s Day by Max Pechstien; part of The Human Beast exhibition

tuesday, sept. 25

The Human Beast

This new exhibition at The San Diego Museum of Art will explore the many faces of Expressionism, focusing particularly on the artists’ attempt to evoke primal emotion in their depictions of unidealized nudes, the horror of war, or the overstimulation of modern life. Major new acquisitions include works by Otto Dix, Egon Schiele and Max Pechstein, and these join a strong group of Expressionist paintings and drawings that have long been at the Museum of Art, among which are works by Alexej von Jawlensky, Gabriele Münter, Beckmann and George Grosz which are particularly notable.

San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $12, 619-232-7931, sdmart.org

wednesday, sept. 26

Mistakes Were Made

San Diego favorite Phil Johnson stars as Felix Artifex, a fast-talking B-list producer who gets in over his head when he takes on an epic about the French Revolution. Egotistical movie stars, stubborn writers, his estranged wife and a mess involving sheep are no obstacles for Artie.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $34, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

Doobie Brothers

thursday, sept. 13

Doobie Brothers

Northern California’s Doobie Brothers are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their propulsive roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven style that has sold an estimated 40 million records over the course of four decades. Their indelible contributions to the American songbook – from “Listen To The Music” and “China Grove” to “Black Water” and “Long Train Runnin’” – remain as beloved and relevant as ever.

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $70, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

friday, sept. 14

San Diego Music Thing

An annual 2-day music conference where registrants have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of the music business through interactive and roundtable sessions with nationally-known panelists and featured speakers who represent the best and most innovative aspects of the music business. Daytime activities include a trade show, happy hour parties, listening stations and pop-up live performances as well as a chance to meet and mingle with top industry professionals and artists. Then stay and enjoy the evening Music Fest, with more than 150 local, regional and national bands performing at 14 venues around San Diego.

Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park, workshops start 11:30 a.m., 1-day all-access pass $35, 2-day $55, 619-381-8789, sandiegomusicthing.com

saturday, sept. 15

Queen of the Night- the Show: A Celebration of the Music & Legacy of Whitney Houston

Multi-talented performer Trina Johnson-Finn stars in this tribute to Whitney Houston. As a celebrity impersonator, Johnson is considered to be one of the top performers in the tribute artist industry.

Queen of the Night is a 90-minute live entertainment show that brings the top selling hits of the late Whitney Houston to the stage.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $12 (7:30) $10 (9:30), 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

sunday, sept. 16

Bunnyfest

San Diego House Rabbit Society (SDHRS) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that works within San Diego and southwest Riverside Counties to assist shelters in caring for and placing abandoned rabbits into new homes. Celebrate SDHRS’ 20th anniversary at Bunnyfest 2012. Bring your family, friends and bunnies and enjoy games, craft vendors, gourmet food trucks, rabbit vets and more.

Bunnyfest, Park Blvd and Presidents Way in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., free, 858-356-4286, sandiegorabbits.org

monday, sept. 17

San Diego Restaurant Week

Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Held twice annually, this popular culinary tradition features discounted prix fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants in 12 unique regions throughout San Diego County.

David Mamet

San Diego Restaurant Week; 2-course lunch $10, $15, $20, 3-course dinner $20, $30, $40, search by cuisine, neighborhood, price and by restaurant, sandiegorestaurantweek.com

tuesday, sept. 18

Glengarry Glen Ross

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for drama, Glengarry Glen Ross is David Mamet’s scorching play about a group of desperate salesmen in a Chicago real estate office. When a contest pits the men against each other, they resort to manipulation, bribery and even theft to keep their jobs. The Darwinian struggle that ensues is a stinging indictment of a culture that rewards the strong, punishes the weak and values success above all else.

Precious Knowledge

Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theater, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $15, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

wednesday, sept. 19

Precious Knowledge

¡Que Viva! Cine Latino film festival presents the award-winning movie, Precious Knowledge. Disenfranchised high school seniors become academic warriors and community leaders in Tucson, Arizona’s embattled ethnic studies classes while state lawmakers attempt to eliminate the program. This brilliant and thought-provoking film won Best Documentary at the San Diego Latino Film Festival in 2011.

Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road in Chula Vista, 6:30 p.m., free, 619-656-9100, sdlatinofilm.com

thursday, sept. 6

Pippin

A reimagined, innovative staging of the musical favorite that captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere! James Vasquez upends the story of a young prince searching for happiness and fulfillment. On his journey Pippin samples the glories of the battlefield, the wisdom of a grandmother, the intrigues of political power, the pleasures of the flesh and simple farm life – trying to find where he fits in. Pippin is a magical, musical fairy tale of extraordinary discovery.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $27, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

friday, sept. 7

Provocation & Divulgence

Join Visionary Dance Theatre as they open their third season with Provocation & Divulgence . Visionary presents a myriad of special guest choreographers as well as an artistic collaboration with La Diego Dance Theatre. This production pushes the boundaries of dance and society through controversial and cutting-edge pieces. They aim to challenge and dare the audience through the exhibition of some revealing work. Among the artists, Michael Mizerany, associate artistic director of Malashock Dance will premiere a new work.

Visionary Dance Theater, 10th Avenue Theater, 930 Tenth Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $12 presale, $16.50 at the door, 619-758-8112, visionarydancetheatre.org

saturday, sept. 8

Fiesta de Kustom Kulture

Historic Old Town is, once again, host to Fiesta de Kustom Kulture. San Diego Avenue, Harney Street and Twiggs Street will be lined with hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles for everyone to marvel at and enjoy. Also, see some of the world’s finest low-brow artists in the show’s “Artist Alley”– hosted by one of the world’s finest custom painters, Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan.

Fiesta de Kustom Kulture, San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., free, 619-299-1369 fiestadekustomkulture.com

Brazilian Day San Diego

sunday, sept. 9

Fifth annual Brazilian Day San Diego

The largest Brazilian festival on the West Coast, this year’s event features spectacular dance and musical performances from local artists, as well as popular entertainers directly from Brazil and from various cities in the United States. Do not miss this amazing event to get a taste of Brazilian culture in San Diego.

Brazilian Day San Diego, between Mission Blvd. and Everts Street in Pacific Beach, 11 a.m. to 7p.m., free, 619-867-3231, braziliandaysandiego.com

Olivia Newton-John

monday, sept. 10

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John’s appeal seems to be timeless. With a career spanning more than four decades she is still a vibrant, creative individual that is adored by fans across the world. In 2010 Olivia appeared as herself in two episodes of the hit series, Glee, adding another Top 100 hit to her credits with a new version of “Physical” sung with Jane Lynch. Her latest film, A Few Best Men, was released in January 2012, garnering her some of the best reviews of her film career.

It is no surprise Olivia’s worldwide popularity is as strong as ever!

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $58, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

tuesday, sept. 11

Robin Henkel

Robin Henkel’s music ranges from primitive Mississippi Delta blues and the urban Chicago sound to Texas-style western swing and beyond. An amazing blues slide guitarist, Henkel has been playing music since the ‘60s, both as a solo act and as a contributing band member. With the Robin Henkel Band he uses a variety of back-up musicians that he custom picks to fit each gig. He has opened for such top acts as Dizzie Gillespie, Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, and Dave Mason. Henkel has also performed with Buddy Miles, John Hammond, Sha Na Na, and Big Jay McNealy.

Wine Steals, 1953 San Elijo Ave. in Cardiff by the Sea, 7 p.m., free, but purchase suggested, 760-230-2657, winestealssd.com

wednesday, sept. 12

Landscapes Rediscovered: Depression-era San Diego Paintings

Landscapes Rediscovered features rarely seen Depression-era landscape paintings from acclaimed San Diego artists Charles Reiffel, Maurice Braun, and others that feature familiar locations throughout San Diego County like Point Loma, Mt. Cuyamaca and Mission Hills.

Some of these historically significant works were commissioned by the federal government through the Works Progress Administration to beautify public spaces but have not been seen by the public in decades.

Museum of San Diego History, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., adult admission $6, 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org v

John Polak and Nick Kennedy in The Mystery Plays

thursday, aug. 30

The Mystery Plays

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Alfred Hitchcock and The Twilight Zone, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s The Mystery Plays is comprised of two intertwined, spine-tingling one-acts. In the first – The Filmmaker’s Mystery – a young horror film director survives a train disaster only to be haunted by a passenger he met briefly while on board. The second entry – Ghost Children – finds an attorney descending on her hometown to face off with the man who brutally murdered her parents and sister. Borrowing stylistically from the realms of horror, psychological thriller, graphic novel and even the medieval ‘mystery play,’ Aguirre-Sacasa’s distinctively singular work wrestles with the profound mysteries of death, the afterlife, religion, faith, and forgiveness in a uniquely American way.

Members of the cast of Perfume De Gardenia

Ion/Blkbox Theatre, 3704 Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., general admission $33, 619-600-5020, iontheatre.com

friday, aug. 31

Perfume De Gardenia

Perfume De Gardenia is a play written by Francisco Oyanguren and has been seen by more than one million people. It tells the story of Gardenia Peralta, a talented young woman who is repressed by her evil Aunt Sonia Robles.

This work is produced by Mexican Omar Suarez and has a star cast of movie and television stars, as well as being set by the International Single Santanera Sonora. The complete production of Scent of Gardenia is visually stunning with more than 60 artists on stage and a two-story stage accompanied by LED screens.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 8:30 p.m., tickets from $59, 619-224-4171, valleyviewcasinocenter.com

Julian Schwarz

saturday, sept. 1

SoCAL Music Festival

Three of the biggest and best-known entertainment companies, McFarlane Promotions, Inc., RMD Group and Eventvibe.com have joined forces to stage the ultimate party this Labor Day weekend! Sept. 1 will mark the launch of the inaugural SoCAL Music Festival, bringing the Southern California lifestyle to the streets of San Diego’s East Village. This all-day festival will include four music stages featuring DJ’s and live bands as well as interactive art exhibits displayed throughout the streets.

Downtown East Village, Ninth Avenue and Park Blvd. in San Diego, 2 p.m. – midnight, tickets $40, 619-233-5008, socalfestival.com

sunday, sept. 2

1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular!

Slash

It’s San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops spectacular, whata-way-to-go, season finale: Tchaikovsky’s thunderous 1812 Overture complete with booming cannons and brilliant fireworks. The festivities also feature a bright young cellist, Julian Schwarz, performing Tchaikovsky’s beautiful Rococo Variations.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

monday, sept. 3

Explor-o-rama – Get Your Hands On Science

The Fleet’s newest main gallery exhibition combines some all-time favorites with never-seen-before interactive exhibits from San Francisco’s Exploratorium. This collection features opportunities to explore mechanics, motion, math, hearing, electricity and many other interconnected areas of science – sometimes all at the same time!

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., adult admission $11.75, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org

tuesday, sept. 4

Slash

British American musician and songwriter, Slash, is best known as the former lead guitarist of hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. Named by Time as runner-up on their list of “The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players” in 2009 Slash has released two solo albums, Slash (2010), featuring an all-star roster of guest musicians, and Apocalyptic Love (2012), recorded with his band.

House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $46, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

wednesday, sept. 5

Belinda Carlisle featuring Men Without Hats

Best known as lead singer for the band the Go-Go’s, California native Belinda Carlisle began her musical career as a drummer for the punk band the Germs before co-founding the Go-Go’s in the early ’80s. The band scored a number of hits before breaking up in 1985, prompting Carlisle to embark on a successful solo career, which she continued throughout the ’90s and 2000s.

4th & B, 345 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-231-4343, 4thandbevents.com v

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

thursday, aug. 23

Dragons

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is proud to present Dragons. For the first time in circus history, myth and majesty will share the arena during this must-see event that can only be witnessed at The Greatest Show On Earth! Experience circus spectacles so incredible that once again you will believe in the unbelievable.

Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-224-4171, ringling.com

friday, aug. 24

The Music of The Eagles

Five No. 1 singles, six Grammys and six No. 1 albums. This Summer Pops Concert salutes The Eagles, one of the most successful groups of the ‘70s. The Symphony and a tribute band head for the “Hotel California” with a string of hits from “Peaceful Easy Feeling” to “Witchy Woman,” from “Desperado” to “Tequila Sunrise” and “One of These Nights.” You can check in anytime you like, but you won’t want to leave!

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

saturday, aug. 25

Mira Mesa Festival of Beers

With 18 brewers featuring more than 36 craft beers, the Mira Mesa Festival of Beers is sure to please. Get up to ten 4 ounce tasters with general admission. There will be live music on the San Diego CityBeat stage all afternoon and there will be food trucks available at the festival.

Walker Park, 10441 Black Mountain Road in Mira Mesa, general admission 2 – 5:30 p.m. (last call at 5 p.m.), designated driver $17.55, general admission $21.69, miramesabeerfest.com

Christopher Cross

sunday, aug. 26

Christopher Cross

The Oscar and five-time Grammy-winning artist is back with an amazingly crafted new album, Doctor Faith. It’s his first album of new and original material in more than 12 years. Cross’ 1980 self-titled debut album rocketed to the No. 2 spot. Breaking out as the biggest new star of that year, he virtually defined adult contemporary radio with a series of smoothly sophisticated ballads including the No.1 hit, “Sailing.”

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7 and 9 p.m., tickets from $18 (7 p.m.) $16 (9 p.m.), 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

Carol Williams

monday, aug. 27

Summer Organ Festival Grand Finale concert

The Spreckels Organ Society presents the Grand Finale of the 2012 Summer International Organ Festival with organist Carol Williams. British-born Williams is known for giving a new spin to classical organ concerts with her charismatic humor and “rock star” enthusiasm.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Pan American Rd E. in Balboa Park, 7:30 p.m., free, 619-702-8138, sosorgan.org

tuesday, aug. 28

Les Misérables

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables , with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $58.50, 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com

Steampunk exhibit

wednesday, aug. 29

Steampunk

The Steampunk exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum is a clear step away from its traditional programming. In keeping with its mission to illustrate the impact of the automobile on our society, this exhibit brings to life the impact that steam engines and steam technology had on the new culture known as Steampunk. For the first time ever, the museum is incorporating clothing, gadgets, and gizmos that are not directly related to the automobile.

San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., last admission 4:30 p.m., admission $8, 619-231-2886, sdautomuseum.org

Steve Solomon

thursday, aug. 16

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Still in Therapy!

This hilarious one-man show takes us back to Steve Solomon’s wacky childhood growing up with his twin sister. A wondrously funny performance, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m Still in Therapy! finds Solomon tackling adolescence, mixed marriages, ex-wives, dogs, cats, dieting and dozens of other side-splitting and endlessly relatable situations, with dialects and wacky sound effects that add to the hilarity of each story.

Lyceum SPACE Theatre, Horton Plaza in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $45, 619-544-1000, lyceumevents.org

Wilson Phillips

friday, aug. 17

Wilson Phillips

Their 1990 self-titled debut album sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and scored three number one singles. Recently, they made a cameo appearance in the Academy Award nominated movie Bridesmaids . This summer, Wilson Phillips takes the stage performing favorites including “Hold On,” “Release Me,” “You’re in Love” and “The Dream Is Still Alive.”

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Rockola

saturday, aug. 18

Abba Fab – a tribute to Abba

This multimedia production pays tribute to some of the greatest music produced in the 1970s and 1980s. Abba, originally from Sweden, swept the world with their music back in the 1970s with songs such as “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” and “Dancing Queen.” Abba Fab is the closest recreation to an original Abba concert as it gets. The stunningly accurate vocals of Anne Davies and Chelsea Faulds are complemented by an amazing eight-piece band led by Terry Davies.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 619-595-0300, 9:30 p.m., tickets from $10, anthologysd.com

Abba Fab

sunday, aug. 19

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea

Every Sunday afternoon through Sept. 2 Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove is filled with the sounds of live music. This Sunday, enjoy the sounds of Rockola. Vintage guitars, vintage clothing and three decades of the greatest rock, roll, pop and soul ever written have earned this San Diego-based quartet no less than eight San Diego Music awards. Four-part harmonies are the order of the day as they shift from the rough-and-tumble exuberance of the British Invasion to the West Coast sun sounds of the “California Dreamin” scene.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove, 1180 Coast Blvd. in La Jolla, 2 – 4 p.m., free, 858-454-1600, ljconcertsbythesea.org

monday, aug. 20

Wine and Canvas

Come unleash you inner Picasso with Wine and Canvas ! The event pairs a painting class with cocktails. Absolutely no experience is necessary. At the end of the evening, you will have made some new friends and go home with your very own masterpiece. The cost of admission includes a 16×20 canvas, paint, brushes and a local professional artist to guide you through your very own painting.

Taste and Thirst, 715 Fourth Street in San Diego, 6 – 9 p.m., tickets $35, 619-207-9431, wineandcanvas.com

Esperanza Spalding

tuesday, aug. 21

Esperanza Spalding

Hailed as a prodigy on the acoustic double bass within months of first touching the instrument as a 15-year-old, Esperanza Spalding has emerged as a fine jazz bassist, but has also distinguished herself playing blues, funk, hip-hop, pop fusion, and Brazilian and Afro-Cuban styles. Spalding recorded and released Junjo in 2006, following it with 2008’s simply named Esperanza, which scored big with critics and listeners alike.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $50, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

wednesday, aug. 22

Tres Equis comedy show

Tres Equis comedy presents some of the funniest Latino comics in San Diego along with headliner Zhivago! There’s only one thing that makes him more proud than his Latino heritage and that’s telling everyone about it. He gets so descriptive and goes into such vivid detail that, at times, you’d swear you were right there with him when it really happened, but glad you weren’t. He regularly performs at The Comedy Store, The LA Improv and The Ice House and is featured on Comedy Central’s Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution.

The American Comedy Co., 818 B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $10, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com

Medic by Jennifer B. Hudson

thursday, aug. 9

Medic: Jennifer B. Hudson

Photographer Jennifer B. Hudson’s work is fantastic in quality, honest in sentiment. Through somewhat strange or otherworldly scenes Hudson’s works first inspires curiosity; as we draw near for a closer look we are enveloped into spaces of intimacy. Something stirs within us – reflection, belief, hope. Hudson’s spiritual upbringing is evident in works that engage themes of redemption and recovery, renewal and healing, resilience and trust.

Medic engages some of life’s most intimate moments and universal aspirations. Illness, pain and mortality are combated by the desire to preserve the body and spirit.

JDC Fine Art, 2400 Kettner Blvd. in San Diego, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, 619-985-2322, jdcfineart.com

friday, aug. 10

Jazz In Pink

Mission Hills Concerts in the Park

One of the most beloved traditions in Mission Hills, the free concerts in Pioneer Park are put on by community organizations and businesses. This Friday enjoy the Jackstraws Surf Band. These talented musicians set the mood to fun, as they play songs specifically designed to get your feet tapping. The Jackstraws are a costumed/themed musical ensemble with a touch of the Vaudevillian. Dressed in a variety of costumes, they also perform at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly the Wild Animal Park), Seaport Village and Sea World.

Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Place in San Diego, 6-8 p.m., free, ourmissionhills.com

Reggie Smith

saturday, aug. 11

Jazz In Pink and Reggie Smith

Jazz in the Creek presents the ladies of Jazz In Pink – the first lady of smooth jazz Gail Jhonson, soul jazz flutist Althea Rene and soulful harpist Mariea Antoinette. Also, enjoy the saxophone talent that is Reggie Smith.

Market Creek Plaza, 404 S. Euclid Ave. in San Diego, 3 p.m., tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door, 858-650-3190, jazzatthecreeksd.com

sunday, aug. 12

CityFest

For the first year ever, Hillcrest is introducing CityFest Night. Stay under the Hillcrest sign past sundown and dance with Hillcrest’s best DJs ! CityFest takes place in the heart of Hillcrest and is a huge celebration of community spirit through music, arts, crafts and food. Games, activities, more than 250 vendors, live headliner music, a beer garden and much more, CityFest is a celebration of spirit and play.

Hillcrest Sign, Fifth Avenue and University Avenue in Hillcrest, 12- 10:30 p.m., free, 619-299-3330, fabuloushillcrest.com

monday, aug. 13

Altar Boyz

Altar Boyz is a foot-stomping, musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. With tight harmonies and spectacular choreography, Altar Boyz will delight audiences. As they perform the Boyz question their loyalty to each other and ask whether or not faith is really holding them together. They finally deliver a message of unity, that “there is no star as bright as its constellation, no harmony in a single voice.”

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., general admission $25, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org

tuesday, aug. 14

See How They Run

Philip King’s hilarious caper set during war-time Britain and filled with extraordinary characters, mistaken identities and unexpected visitors, is one of the funniest pieces of theater of the 20th century.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org

wednesday, aug. 15

An Iliad

On a bare stage, a storyteller emerges from the back of the theatre to re-tell The Iliad, one of the oldest stories in Western civilization. The elements are familiar – the 10-year siege of Troy, the Greeks and Trojans locked in a brutal combat, the heroic and final battle between Achilles and Hector. But this storyteller points at something more in the epic text. In this eye-opening version, we are on the front lines of every major war in history, reliving a futile struggle that has replayed itself over thousands of years.

Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 858-534-4574, lajollaplayhouse.org

thursday, aug. 2

Sounds of Jazz Loft spotlight on jazz saxophonist Ian Tordella

Enjoy a solo jazz session at the Museum of Photographic Arts featuring jazz saxophonist Ian Tordella. Experience the current exhibition, The Jazz Loft Project: W. Eugene Smith in NYC, 1957-1965, while the music of the time is performed live. Tordella is an emerging voice on the West Coast jazz scene, and has worked with guitarist Peter Sprague, pianist Joshua White and others.

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., admission $8, 619-238-7559, mopa.org

friday, aug. 3

Inherit the Wind

One of the great American dramas of the 20th century, Inherit the Wind is as rousing and relevant today as it was in 1955. Two great lawyers face off in a small-town courtroom with the eyes of an entire nation upon them. The accused? A high school teacher. His crime? Teaching evolution. Loosely based on the real-life Scopes Monkey Trial, Inherit the Wind is an edge-of-your-seat legal drama and a riveting look at the age-old conflict between science and faith.

The Old Globe Theatre, Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 8 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

saturday, aug. 4

San Diego Bead Bazaar

Looking for an artistic, unique bead shopping experience? Then don’t miss the San Diego Bead Society’s 13th annual Bead Bazaar. See and buy beautiful beads that are lovingly crafted by beading artisans. Seed beads, ethnic, ceramic, polymer, silver, clay, vintage, semi-precious, handmade glass beads by local and national artists and more.

With continuous demos in wire wrapping, polymer clay, silver art clay and chain maille this is the perfect event for the discriminating beader!

Burt Bacharach

Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South in San Diego, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., admission $3, 858-578-2273, sdbeadsociety.org

sunday, aug. 5

Burt Bacharach – What’s It All About?

Summer Pops presents, Burt Bacharach, one of the most accomplished composers of all time. Experience the incomparable Bacharach for an evening of love, romance, magic and memories. Surrounded by his lush orchestrations, his trio of singers will perform his cornucopia of hits including “I Say a Little Prayer,” “The Look of Love,” “Walk on By,” “Always Something There to Remind Me” and so many more!

Brian McKnight

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

monday, aug. 6

Brian McKnight

As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has earned himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 13 albums to date, with several going two and three times platinum, and he has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. In addition to being a singer, songwriter and producer, McKnight is also a multi-instrumentalist who plays nine instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussions, trombone, tuba, flugelhorn and trumpet.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

tuesday, aug. 7

La Cage Aux Folles starring George Hamilton

La Cage Aux Folles tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his fiancé’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly. A tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together – stay fabulous – and above all else, stay true to themselves.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $30.75, 619-570-1100, broadwaysd.com

wednesday, aug. 8

Norah Jones

Nora Jones’ extensive world tour hits San Diego for one night only at the Copley Symphony Hall. See Jones perform songs from her new album Little Broken Hearts , produced by Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) which features original songs co-written by Jones and Burton.

Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $75.70, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

thursday, july 26

Fiddler on the Roof

Relive a glorious tradition with the Tony Award-winning musical set in 1905 in a small Jewish village in Russia telling the story of dairyman Tevye and his attempts to preserve his family’s traditions in a changing world.

Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista, 8 p.m., tickets from $22, 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com

Sheryl Crow

friday, july 27

Sheryl Crow

Free-spirited, fearless and fierce, Sheryl Crow has garnered nine Grammys, released seven studio albums which sold more than 35 million records worldwide, saw the launch of her very own clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., is a cancer survivor and passionate humanitarian. From humble beginnings as a jingle and back-up singer, Crow has reached the pinnacle of professional solo success.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $85, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

Dave Brock of Wild Child

saturday, july 28

Wild Child – a tribute to the Doors

Love the Doors? Wild Child return to the Anthology stage to deliver an incredible live Doors tribute concert, that’s so convincing, you’d think you were listening to Jim Morrison himself. From their look to their sound and even their spot-on rock star personas, Wild Child’s 20 years of experience in the Los Angeles music scene shines through in every performance.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

Arrival

sunday, july 29

Arrival, performing the music of Abba

Arrival from Sweden, is the world’s greatest Abba tribute band, featuring Abba’s original musicians. Founded in 1995, the production has sold out tours in more than 35 nations and is the closest you will get to seeing Abba!

The Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court in San Diego, 7 p.m., general admission $65, 855-272-2756, thegranddelmar.com

Carlo Curley

monday, july 30

An evening with Carlo Curley

The 25th anniversary Summer International Organ Festival continues with Carlo Curley, dubbed by the press The Pavarotti of the Organ. Curley, celebrating his 40th year of classical organ performance, is one of the world’s foremost concert organists. Born into a musical family in North Carolina in 1952, he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts and coached privately with renowned pedagogues Arthur Poister and Robert Elmore. Ultimately, he studied with two of the world’s greatest organists: America’s legendary Virgil Fox and Great Britain’s Sir George Thalben-Ball.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Pan American Road East in Balboa Park, 7:30 p.m., free, 619-702-8138, sosorgan.org

T. Ryder Smith, Caitlin Muelder, Lucas Caleb Rooney and Erika Rolfsrud in The God of Carnage

tuesday, july 31

God of Carnage

The Tony Award-winning comedy sensation about parents behaving badly! Alan and Annette meet with Michael and Veronica over their sons’ playground squabble, and what starts as a civil discussion between concerned parents quickly morphs into a laugh-out-loud evening of chaos that The New Yorker called, “Ninety minutes of sustained mayhem.” Contains strong language.

The Old Globe, Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, 1362 Old Globe Way, in Balboa Park, 7 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Under Alien Seas

wednesday, aug. 1

Under Alien Seas

An artists’ conception of life beyond our planet. Informed by his interest in bioluminescence, the possibility of life on other planets and underwater scientific expeditions, William Leslie, created a unique series of light sculptures. Installed on the ceiling of the Oceanside Museum of Art lobby, these organic light sculptures mimic the fantastical creatures that live underwater.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., general admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org

thursday, july 19

Leo Kottke

Leo Kottke is an acoustic guitarist widely known for an innovative finger picking style that draws on influences from blues, jazz, and folk music, and his syncopated, polyphonic melodies. Kottke has overcome a series of personal obstacles including partial loss of hearing and a nearly career-ending bout with tendon damage in his right hand to emerge as a widely-recognized master of his instrument.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $14, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

friday, july 20

Peking Acrobats

Gravity-defying gymnastics, fantastic balancing feats, jaw-dropping juggling, sensational cycling … and a human chair stack? Prepare to be amazed with the excitement, daring and pageantry of a Chinese carnival. Featured on television and in the hit movie Ocean’s 11 , this talented troupe will take you to new heights, the most thrilling this side of the Great Wall of China.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

Andrea Sperling

saturday, july 21

Cabaret Pride

Presented by The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble Cabaret Pride will feature show tunes, Americana works, as well as music with LGBT overtones. A special Sound Of Music costume contest and sing-a-long will also be featured. Jazz vocalist Andrea Sperling, will perform a classic Gershwin number as well as a special Pride piece.

The Lafayette Hotel (The Mississippi Room), 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego, 6:30 p.m., general admission $15, 619-692-2077, hillcrestwindensemble.com

sunday, july 22

Ray Davies with The 88

House of Blues presents the legendary Kinks frontman, Ray Davies, performing some of his best-known songs including “Waterloo Sunset.”

House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $35, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com

Vavra’s Vision: Equine Images

monday, july 23

Vavra’s Vision: Equine Images

The exhibition, Vavra’s Vision: Equine Images showcases the photographs in the book of the same name. The images are of fascination to anyone who loves horses or simply appreciates the finest of photography. Robert Vavra is the author of 37 books accounting for more than 3,000,000 volumes in print, in eight languages. Vavra’s Vision: Equine Images delves into the world that Vavra has created through his lens for the past 60 years while circling the globe.

San Diego Natural History Museum, Kaplan Theater, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., admission $17, 619-232-3821 sdnhm.org

tuesday, july 24

Memphis

From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn., comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

wednesday, july 25

As You Like It

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies about flirtation, friendship and mistaken identity, As You Like It is a lighthearted look at the fickle and passionate nature of love. Will wit and merriment overcome jealousy and deception? How will true love ever find its way, lost in the delightful madness of the forest?

The Old Globe Theatre, Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 8 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

thursday, july 12

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

Attention Comic-Con devotees and fans of Zelda! Don your green tunics, wield yourmaster swords and prepare to embark on the greatest adventure in video game history. The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses showcases the enduring work of Nintendo composer Koji Kondo. Don’t miss this stunning cinematic video presentation in concert with the soaring sounds of the San Diego Symphony.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

friday, july 13

Chris Willis

Chris Willis is the powerhouse vocalist, lyricist, co-writer, and co-producer behind some of French producer/DJ David Guetta’s biggest hits – 2007’s “Love is Gone” and 2010’s “Getting’ Over You.” Willis has attracted quite the global following of dance, pop, urban, and club fans, as well as celebrities who can’t sing his praises enough. Guetta calls Willis “the best singer on the planet.”

Fluxx, 500 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 9 p.m., 619-232-8100, fluxxsd.com

Rose Royce

saturday, july 14

Rose Royce

Rose Royce is an American soul and R&B band formed in 1973 in Los Angeles. The group is best known for several hit singles including “Car Wash,” “I Wanna Get Next to You,” “Wishing on a Star”, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and “I’m Going Down”.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $13, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com

Rob Hoadley and April McBride star in Westminster’s production of Oklahoma.

sunday, july 15

Oklahoma

Rogers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theater still being followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory, just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story.

Westminster Theatre, 3598 Talbot Street in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets $15, 619-224-6263, vanguardsd.org

The Man Who Came to Dinner

monday, july 16

The Man Who Came to Dinner

In this hilarious comedy, Sheridan Whiteside, theatre critic, lecturer, and radio personality, arrives to dine at the home of the prominent Stanley family in a small Midwestern town and slips on their doorstep and injures his hip. A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follow, during which Whiteside monopolizes the living room and takes over the Stanley household. Before it’s over, the outrageous has become commonplace.

Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way in Coronado, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.com

Il Divo

tuesday, july 17

Il Divo

Recently named Artist of the Decade at the Classic Brits, Il Divo are the most successful international musical break-out story of the millennium, selling more than 25 million albums and pioneering the classical crossover genre.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1098 Third Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $60, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org

Patron Saint Of The Silurian Reef by K. R. Thompson; oil and gold leaf on panel

wednesday, july 18

K. R. Thompson: A New Mythos

This collection of paintings by Kerry Thompson explores the interplay of science, human emotion and myth-making by infusing classical form with contemporary artistic theory.

This is the first solo exhibition of his work in San Diego.

Noel-Baza Fine Art, 2165 India Street in San Diego, open 12 – 6 p.m., free, 619-876-4160, noel-bazafineart.com

thursday, july 5

Man of La Mancha

One of the best loved musicals of a generation, the moving retelling of the classic story of Don Quixote celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. Imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition, Cervantes re-enacts the story of Don Quixote of La Mancha to win back a package of papers his fellow prisoners stole. The story of a knight who lives in a world of madness, his love and his chivalry enchants. Featuring the musical classic, “The Impossible Dream” and winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Composer and Lyricist.

Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $39, 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com

Roberta Flack

friday, july 6

Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly

In 1974, “Killing Me Softly” won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. But it’s just one of a string of blockbuster hits that has placed Roberta Flack among the most talented artists of our time. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Where Is the Love?” to “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” Roberta Flack’s style and delivery is distinctly all her own.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

The cast of Divine Rivalry (from left): Jeffrey Carlson, David Selby, Euan Morton and Miles Anderson

saturday, july 7

Divine Rivalry

This Old Globe production transports audiences to 16th century Florence, where two of the world’s greatest artists, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, face off in a painting competition orchestrated by political mastermind Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince). This fascinating real-life contest forms the backdrop for an even greater battle as the leading minds of the Renaissance clash over political gain, personal riches and the immortality of art.

Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 8 p.m., tickets from $19, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

The cast of Leaving Iowa (front from left) Cheryl Warner and Sam Warner; (back from left) Christine Gatlin and Nathan Boyer

sunday, july 8

Leaving Iowa

Told in flashback, this hilarious sentimental comedy about a journalist who returns home to Winterset, Iowa to find a final resting place for his father’s ashes is a nostalgic ode to days gone by. As the journalist searches for the perfect spot to scatter the ashes, he relives the summer vacations he spent as a boy trapped in the family station wagon en route to uninteresting historical sites, with a well-meaning but naïve father. With a generous dollop of humor and a heart as big as the Midwest, Leaving Iowa shows us that the journey really is as important as the destination.

PowPAC – Poway Community Theatre, 13250 Poway Road in Poway, 2 p.m.,tickets from $15, 858-679-8085, powpac.org

Batman by Jim Lee

monday, july 9

Darkness & Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism

A one-of-a-kind exhibition to raise awareness and funds for the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa, Darkness & Light features some of today’s top contemporary artists. It showcases a collection of original artwork inspired by DC Comics’ Justice League characters paired with real world photography that depicts the everyday heroes fighting hunger in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. Darkness & Light tells the story of the crisis through the lens of those working tirelessly to be of service to those in need.

Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts, 363 Fifth Ave. in San Diego, 619-702-5388, mjwfinearts.com, WeCanBeHeroes.org/DarknessandLight

The creative team behind The Nightingale, (L-R): Duncan Sheik (composer), Moisés Kaufman (director) and Steven Sater (author and lyricist)

tuesday, july 10

The Nightingale

The Nightingale tells the story of a young emperor in ancient China, who’s luxurious but constricted life inside the walls of the Forbidden City is upended by the song of an extraordinary bird that lives beyond his reach.

La Jolla Playhouse, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $40, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org

Antonio Gasalla and Graciela Borges in Dos Hermanos

wednesday, july 11

Latino Film Festival film screening: Dos Hermanos

In Dos Hermanos , Marcos and Susana, both in their sixties, are brother and sister. Their lifestyles and temperaments are completely different, but they feel obligated to mend their tattered relationship due to the death of their mother.

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, 7 p.m. tickets $12, 619-238-7559, mopa.org

thursday, june 28

Once Upon A Wedding

Floating on the calm waters of Mission Bay is Once Upon A Wedding – the new interactive musical comedy dinner cruise. Step aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler and enjoy a top show and gourmet meal all while cruising around picturesque Mission Bay.

Feel like a part of the family as the cast and crew welcome you aboard for a rip-roaringly funny evening of music and comedy like no other. The timeless tunes and family friendly dialogue cross generations to create an unforgettable night everyone will appreciate.

Marvin Hamlisch

Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive in San Diego, boarding 6:40 p.m., general admission tickets $55, 858-539-8771, onceuponaweddingthemusical.com

friday, june 29

Star Spangled Pops with Marvin Hamlisch

Get an early start on your Fourth of July celebration with a patriotic extravaganza complete with all-American hits from Main Street to the Great White Way. Mr. New York himself, Marvin Hamlisch, will lead the Symphony in a rousing happy Independence Day salute featuring John Philip Sousa marches, American Idol stars, a tribute to the military and a spectacular fireworks display.

Rich Little

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 206 Marina Park Way in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $18, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org

saturday, june 30

Rich Little

Infamous for his skewering of political figures, Rich Little has charmed, amused, annoyed and lampooned politicians for more than 50 years. Some of his best impressions are of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood and Dr. Phil. He’s been on every show from Ed Sullivan to David Letterman, so laugh the night away with one man, his band, and dozens of your favorite stars.

David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $35 assigned seating, 858-362-1348.

sunday, july 1

North Park Independent Bazar and Car Wash

Come and enjoy some shopping and get your car washed at the same time at the North Park Independent Bazar and Car wash at Queen Bee’s in North Park.

Lyle Lovett

There will be all types of items to shop for at this one day event – everything from new jewelry and clothing items to gently used items and antiques. Free car wash with $20 purchase.

Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio Street in San Diego, 1-6 p.m., free, 619-255-5147, queenbeessd.com

monday, july 2

Lyle Lovett and his acoustic group

August by Tim Craighead

Lyle Lovett is one of the all-time great American singer/songwriters. His voice is unique, but his antecedents are recognizable. In his work two roads come together; the trail blazed by the great Texas storytellers of whom Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark are the best known, and the crooked highway navigated by sophisticated humorists such as Randy Newman and Tom Waits. Lovett’s first gift was to combine these two potent strands of musical DNA into a new genome able to generate songs as brilliant and double-sided as “If I Had A Boat,” “God Will,” “If I Were the Man You Wanted,” “Family Reserve” and “Her First Mistake.”

Humphreys Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $65, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com

tuesday, july 3

3 Painters

Fourth of July fireworks light up the San Diego skyline.

View the paintings of San Francisco artists, Tim Craighead, Frances McCormack and Mark Perlman at their new exhibition, 3 Painters at the R.B. Stevenson Gallery.

R.B. Stevenson Gallery, 7661 Girard Ave., Suite 201 in La Jolla, gallery hours 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, 858-459-3917, rbstevensongallery.com

wednesday, july 4

Fourth of July fireworks sail

View spectacular fireworks displays on San Diego Bay from aboard the Californian.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is offering an end-of-day sail and then a fireworks cruise aboard the schooner Californian for the best fireworks views on the bay.

Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego, check-in 5 p.m., tickets $85, 619-234-9153, sdmaritime.org

John Whitley, Anthony Methvin, Tom Zohar, Tony Houck, Bill Nolte, Jacob Caltrider and Dylan Hoffinger in Harmony, Kansas

thursday, june 21

Harmony, Kansas

With a lively, soulful score, Harmony, Kansas tells the story of Heath, a gay farmer making his way in a rural community where homogeneity rules. When his city-born partner, Julian, talks him into joining a spirited group of gay guys who meet once a week to sing, Heath discovers a love for making music and a kinship he didn’t expect. But his world is turned upside down when the group considers performing in public, threatening everything that matters to him, including the life he’s made with the man he loves.

Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., preview tickets $27, 619-220-0097, diversionary.org.

friday, june 22

Rent

The musical Rent , inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, is a joyous, breathtaking and often heartbreaking musical that celebrates a community of young artists in downtown New York looking for love and success and struggling to make their mark on the world. The most honored musical since A Chorus Line in 1976, Rent is only the fifth musical to ever win both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Musical. Critics have called Rent “the best thing that has happened to the Broadway musical in a long time!”

San Diego Musical Theatre, Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $13, 858-560-5740, sdmt.org.

saturday, june 23

Art & Soul

Being Alive San Diego presents their benefit event, Art & Soul (formerly known as SoulPlates). Enjoy an amazing evening featuring stunning works of art by well-known celebrities and local professional artists, live and silent auction with weekend getaways, spa treatments, professional services and much more. There will also be live performances by Jennifer Curry Wingrove and friends of Aerial Revolution and a magic drag show by Candy Samples.

Sunset Temple, 3911 Kansas Street in North Park, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., tickets $60 in advance, $65 at the door, 619-291-1400 ext 324.

sunday, june 24

The Queen Extravaganza

A spectacular touring concert show designed to take the glorious music and the live experience of legends of rock Queen to generations of fans in cities coast-to-coast. Behind the show is Queen’s iconic drummer Roger Taylor, who’s idea it was to the create the ultimate Queen concert experience in an electrifying road show that celebrates the band’s music and legacy performed by some of the best new music talent working today.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $40, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com.

monday, june 25

Summer International Organ Festival

The Spreckels Organ Society presents the 25th anniversary Summer International Organ Festival, featuring internationally celebrated organists playing each Monday evening from June 25 through August 27at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

Robert Plimpton, San Diego civic organist emeritus launches the silver anniversary season with musicians conducted by Shannon Kitelinger, director of bands at San Diego State University.

Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Pan American Road E. in Balboa Park, 7:15 p.m., free, 619-702-8138, sosorgan.com.

tuesday, june 26

Blood and Gifts

La Jolla Playhouse presents a play that tells the story of the secret spy war behind the official Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s. Spanning a decade and playing out in Washington, D.C., Pakistan and Afghanistan, the play offers up a slice of historical fiction laced with dark humor, as it follows the character of CIA operative Jim Warnock and his struggles to stop the Soviet army’s control of Afghanistan. The ground constantly shifts for Jim and his British, Russian and Pakistani counterparts as the political and personal alliances between the men keep changing.

Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $26, 858-534-4574, lajollaplayhouse.org.

wednesday, june 27

The Imaginary Invalid

The Imaginary Invalid , Moliere’s last and, considered by many, best comedy is a satire of the medical profession. This farce, written to amuse King Louis XIV, is a hilarious send-up of not only the buffoonish doctors but conniving, unscrupulous lawyers, greedy scheming wives, and, of course, miserly hypochondriacs. Add in young lovers and a maid manipulating everyone and you have an evening of uproarious comedy that everyone will enjoy.

Talent to aMuse Theatre Company, Liberty Hall Theatre in the Paradise Village Plaza, 2700 E. Fourth Street in National City, 8 p.m., tickets $25, 619-233-9407, talenttoamuse.com.

Eddie Van Halen

thursday, june 14

Van Halen

Van Halen, Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductees and one of the most important and influential rock bands of all time, are returning to the live stage with an extraordinary 2012 North American tour. With special guests Kool & the Gang.

Viejas Arena, Canyon Crest Drive in San Diego, tickets from $96.05, 7:30 p.m., 619-594-0234, cox-arena.com.

Indigo Girls

friday, june 15

Indigo Girls

Decades into their career, the Indigo Girls still amaze conventional pundits with their ability to grow and thrive no matter what the state of the music industry is at any given point. Saliers and Ray began performing together in high school, transferred their honest, urgent performing style onto the stages of countless small clubs, then saw their public profile take off with the 1989 release of their self-titled breakthrough album. An album that included the first hit, “Closer To Fine,” and went on to win Best Contemporary Folk Recording at the 1990 Grammys.

Humphrey’s Concerts by the bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $45, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com.

San Diego Oysterfest

saturday, june 16

San Diego Oysterfest

Held at the beautiful Marina Embarcadero North, Oysterfest boasts music, beer and food. Oysters from British Columbia along the west coast to Mexico will be available as well as offerings from many of San Diego’s favorite restaurants. Entertainment lineup includes: Iration, Vokab Kompany, The Silent Comedy, Little Hurricane and SplitFinger, with DJ appearances by Mikey Beats, Mike Czech, Beatnick and Demon.

Embarcadero Marina Park North, 649 W. Harbor Drive, in San Diego, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., admission $25, 619-686-6200, oysterfestsd.com.

sunday, june 17

Dads free to gross your kids out

This Father’s Day let Dad discover for himself why our bodies produce mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky stuff at Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Dads receive free gallery admission with the purchase of one full-price gallery admission ticket (adult, junior or senior) on the same day. No other discounts accepted, purchase at ticket counter. Moms welcome, but not required to be grossed out.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., adult admission $11.75, 619-238-1233, rhfleet.org.

Connie Lim

monday, june 18

Connie Lim

Connie Lim doesn’t need any gimmicks to win you over. Armed simply with heartfelt lyrics and the purest of vocals, her music is a breath of fresh air. Reminiscent of artists like Feist, Norah Jones, Imogen Heap and Regina Specktor, Connie writes songs with genuine artistic passion that make an instant emotional connection.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $10, 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

tuesday, june 19

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

As the leader of the hard-rocking Blackhearts Joan Jett has eight platinum and gold albums and nine top 40 singles, including the classics “Bad Reputation, “ “I love Rock ’N’ Roll” and “Crimson and Clover.” Jett became a figurehead for generations of female rockers.

Heineken Grandstand Stage, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar, 7:30 p.m., reserved ticket prices from $33, 858-755-1161, sdfair.com.

wednesday, june 20

Wicked

Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, Wicked is Broadway’s biggest blockbuster. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.

San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $35, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org.

thursday, june 7

Hoodoo Love

Written by the first black American woman to win the Olivier Award for Best New Play, Hoodoo Love is set during the Great Depression and tells the story of a young woman who escapes the Delta cotton fields to pursue her dream of becoming a blues singer in Memphis. She falls for a rambling blues man and whips up a potion of hoodoo magic to win his love. But when her past catches up with her, not even the magic can protect her.

10th Avenue Theatre, 930 Tenth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-237-4901, moolelo.net.

One Direction

friday, june 8

One Direction

One Direction are a British-Irish boy band consisting of members Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. They signed to Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Records after being formed and placing third in the seventh series of The X Factor. One Direction are appearing in San Diego as part of their Up All Night tour.

Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets from $70, 877-686-5366, arenasandiego.com.

Paula Poundstone

saturday, june 9

Paula Poundstone

This American standup comedian, well-known for her self-deprecating style, her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity, has been making audiences laugh for more than 25 years.

Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula’s ability to create humor on the spot has become the stuff of legend.

Anthology, 1337 India Street in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets from $17(7:30) and $12 (9:30), 619-595-0300, anthologysd.com.

sunday, june 10

Doggie Street Festival

Southern California’s largest dog and cat adoption festival which will include delicious food, music, pet products, kids art area, photo booth and fun for the entire family. Join the festival and help to end pet homelessness. Rescue groups from throughout San Diego County will be in attendance with adoptable dogs and cats.

Robb Field, 2525 Bacon Street in San Diego, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., free, doggiestreetfestival.org.

monday, june 11

Blind beer and cheese tasting

Is beer better than wine with cheese? Take a fun blindfolded journey to find out!

Joe vs. The Volcano ... the musical

Barley + hops + malt = fun adventure. Find the perfect cheese pairings. Savor ample samples of a variety of boutique beers and champion cheeses in a fun place. What a great way to spend a Monday evening!

Venissimo Cheese, 871 G Street in San Diego, 6:30-8 p.m., tickets $50, 619-358-9081, venissimo.com.

tuesday, june 12

Joe vs. The Volcano … the musical

Justin Soileau

The world premiere of a winning new musical inspired by Shanley’s niche film favorite about a man who rediscovers his life, and learns about love, adventure, and the importance of a good set of luggage.

Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave. in Coronado, 7:30 p.m., regular price prime tickets $54, 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org.

wednesday, june 13

Justin Soileau

An independent singer-songwriter from Texas, Justin Soileau is currently based out of Orange County. His music has been featured on mtvU’s show The Freshman, KROQ.com, OC Weekly, college radio (KALX Berkeley and KUCI Irvine) and the 2011 OC Music Awards. He is currently touring to support his latest EP, Simple Songs.

Lestat’s West Music Venue, 3343 Adams Ave. in San Diego, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m., free, 619-818-8013, lestats.com.

Jay Armstrong Johnson, Keala Settle, Hunter Foster and Keith Carradine in Hands on a Hardbody

thursday, may 31

Hands on a Hardbody

Based on the documentary film of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody features a brilliant score from Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio, along with a masterful story by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright. It’s been a tough year for the ten strangers competing for a new hardbody truck, but now their fate is in their hands. Over the next 144 hours they will laugh, cry and push their bodies and minds to the limits as they fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck.

La Jolla Playhouse, Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $40, 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org.

friday, june 1

Coming Attractions

A comedy about love and the end of an era. During the dying days of the disco, a group of Hollywood has-beens and hangers-on gather at The Desert Knight – onetime hideaway of Tinseltown’s “twilight” set.

Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $40, 858-598-7620, moxietheatre.com.

The Very

saturday, june 2

Sonic Indie Music Expo

Sonic is a music expo held in support of independent record stores and to promote the hobby of music collecting. There will be a beer garden and gourmet food trucks on site. There will be performances by Los Angeles artists The New Limb and Bullet & Snowfox, Orange County’s The Colourist and This Time with Feeling, and San Diego’s own The New Kinetics, Kelsea Little and the 78s, The Very, and Tan Sister Radio.

North Park Community Park, 4100 Idaho Street in North Park, noon – dusk, tickets $11.50 pre-sale, $15 at the gate, 619-284-0156, sonic-con.com.

Jay Whittaker as Richard III

sunday, june 3

Richard III

The Old Globe’s world-famous Shakespeare Festival returns again this summer and begins with Richard III, one of the most diabolical and outrageous villains in all of literature. A ruthless Machiavellian, the brilliant and power-hungry lord embarks on a bloody campaign to seize and keep the English crown. Shakespeare paints an unforgettable portrait of obsession, seduction, betrayal and a man who would be king.

Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 8 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org.

monday, june 4

David Shively

Fresh Sound presents David Shively performing concert and installation works in media ranging from traditional percussion to Hungarian cimbalom to analog electronics and feedback systems. Anthony Burr, clarinet, will be a guest performer. Fresh Sound is dedicated to bringing San Diego music that is new, and fresh. Fresh Sound presents David Shively as part of their music series featuring musicians from New York.

Space 4 Art, 325 15th Street between J and K in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, 619-889-6742, freshsoundmusic.com.

Our Family Car, by artist Gilbert “Magu” Lujan, a lowrider car on view at the Cruisin’ Califas: The Art of Lowriding exhibition.

tuesday, june 5

Cruisin’ Califas: The Art of Lowriding

The personalized automobiles known as lowriders, are part of a subculture whose aesthetic tendencies cross over into the world of fine art. This exhibition will feature a display of several full-size cars and motorcycles that have been created in the lowrider style. Accompanying the vehicles will be paintings and sculptures made by the vehicle designers and owners and other prominent artists influenced by lowrider culture.

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org.

wednesday, june 6

The Collector

A mysterious tale about a lowly debt collector, who, under the management of a mechanical, tyrannical overseer, undergoes a radical transformation of spirit in the process of collecting outstanding debts. Performed with puppets, toy theatre and stop motion animation.

3rd Space, 4610 Park Blvd. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $15, animalcrackerconspiracy.com.