Upcoming Events
Little Blue Penguins
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego announced it hatched five little blue penguin chicks this season. These adorable additions mark a significant achievement in the aquarium’s dedication to penguin care and conservation efforts. During their first months behind the scenes, the chicks acquired important life skills including how to eat, socialize and swim. Around the 3-month mark, each chick “graduated” and joined the rest of the colony. The aquarium offers daily penguin talks and feedings where guests can discover what makes these seabirds so special.
aquarium.ucsd.edu
Fire Show
A fire knife dancer entertains the crowd at the Polynesian Stage during the SeaWorld fire show, which was a special event featured as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival which was held through April 28. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)
MAY 22
‘Our Town’
The award winning Stagehouse Theatre at Grossmont College wraps up its 2023-2024 season with Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, “Our Town.” This is an American classic unfolding the simple, yet profound story of a love affair set in the mythical village of Grover’s Corner, New Hampshire. Performances run through May 25. Tickets (619) 644-7234.
Stagehousetheatre.com
‘The Butler Did It’
PowPAC presents “The Butler Did It,” a comedy by Walter and Peter Marks, playing through June 9. The scene is the set where Anthony J. Lefcourt, writer and director, is rehearsing his new play, a classic whodunit (in which all the characters are named Butler) with which he hopes to regain the success that has eluded him in recent seasons.
powpac.org
‘Stir’
The Old Globe presents “Stir,” a play about family food, and healing. Two siblings, separated by distance and circumstance, meet to share their mother’s favorite recipe. What starts as a simple project leads to surprising connection as they reminisce and reveal secrets of their own. This tender comedy invites audiences to grab a seat at the table and savor the possibility of reuniting with loved ones after a long time apart. Runs through May 26.
theoldglobe.org
MAY 24
Tech and Art
Tap into the digital world! Join a new cohort of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) lifelong learners every Friday starting May 24. Learn about the history of watercolor paintings, focusing on techniques and modern applications. Then, create digital drawings using the ProCreate app on iPads provided by MCASD. Join a welcoming community, enjoy guided tours in ocean-view galleries and make art over coffee and tea. No prior art experience is required.
mcasd.org/events/reflections-digitalart
Melonie Grinnell Jazz Trio
Melonie and Justin Grinnell are a dynamic piano-bass duo and married couple who have played music together since they met, more than 20 years ago. They often perform music in the jazz tradition, but even when they don’t, listeners can hear music infused with their interactive, improvisatory and energetic approach. Adding another layer of depth to their ensemble is drummer Richard Sellers, whose keen sense of musical intuition navigates between the piano and bass. All members of the trio are music educators serving in the San Diego area. La Jolla Music Society at The Conrad, May 24.
theconrad.org
MAY 25
Lecture on the Move
Explore the intersections between performance and the Caribbean with Maru Lopez, a Puerto Rican jewelry artist, educator and craft researcher; and Dr. Jade Power-Sotomayor, a Cali-Rican educator, scholar, and performer. Capacity is limited to 25 participants. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
mcasd.org/events/lecture-on-the-move
‘Fat Ham’
The Old Globe presents the 2022 Pulitzer-winning, Tony-nominated sensation “Fat Ham,” a fresh and funny take on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” During a Southern family cookout, Juicy is confronted by the ghost of his father, who demands revenge for his murder. But Juicy has enough on his plate. James Ijames’s remarkable play uses uproarious humor and profound insight to explore the conflict between what you owe your family and what you owe yourself. Performances begin May 25 and run to June 23.
Theoldglobe.org
MAY 31
Bruce Liu, piano
Enjoy a piano concert by Bruce Liu on Friday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m. in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. Bruce Liu took the classical music world by storm in 2021 when he won the first prize at the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. Performances around the globe followed, as well as an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon. Bruce Liu has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, Royal Festival Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Vienna Konzerthaus, BOZAR Brussels, Tokyo Opera City and Sala São Paulo. His La Jolla Music Society debut brings an exciting program showcasing his awe-inspiring technique.
TheConrad.org
JUNE 8
Knife sharpening
Seven Oaks Woodworking Club in Rancho Bernardo will sharpen knives, serrated knives, scissors and non-powered gardening tools on Saturday, June 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Pick up same day or Monday, June 10.
7oaksrb.com
JUNE 10
Villa Musica summer camps
Villa Musica, San Diego’s Community Music Center serving San Diegans of all ages, announced its 2024 Summer Camps. Summer camps run from June 10 to Aug. 2 and serve students from ages 5 to16. Villa Musica Summer Camps for young and aspiring musicians provide a nurturing and exploratory environment for musical growth. Camps are tailored by mixing the classic summer camp fun with independent learning and musical expertise. Villa Musica will also be offering a free Mariachi Camp for intermediate violin, guitar, trumpet and voice students ages 12-17. Villa Musica is a nonprofit organization that makes music accessible through education, performance and community engagement.
villamusica.org
JUNE 12
County Fair
The San Diego County Fair will run June 12-July 7 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
sdfair.com
JUNE 14
‘The Color Purple’
New Village Arts present the groundbreaking production of the iconic musical “The Color Purple.” The San Diego professional premiere in the heart of Carlsbad Village, 2787 State St., will run June 14-July 21.
newvillagearts.org
JUNE 16
Celeste Barber
Celeste Barber, the multi-talented actress, writer and comedian, has captivated millions as the “Australian Queen of Comedy.” She announced her North American “Backup Dancer Tour” which will make a San Diego stop at Balboa Theatre on Sunday, June 16.
In what marks her third international tour and second US tour, Celeste said she is “excited to tell some jokes, relive some awkward memories, and high kick my way across the stage.” She previously toured “Celeste Barber: Fine, Thanks” internationally throughout 2022 and 2023, culminating with a special filmed at the Sydney Opera House that was released on Netflix in 2023.
JUNE 21
Kool & the Gang
Kool & the Gang will return to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park with fan-favorite hits such as “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie” and “Summer Madness.”
theshell.org
JUNE 28
XOMG POP!
XOMG POP!, the all-girl pop group created by JoJo and Jessalynn Siwa, is set to embark on a thrilling nationwide tour this summer. Produced by Live Nation, Siwa Presents XOMG POP! LIVE Tour will make a San Diego stop at The Observatory North Park on June 28. Highly successful pop group XOMG POP! was created from JoJo Siwa’s Emmy-nominated hit TV show Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution, where JoJo and her mom Jessalynn hand-picked the nation’s top singers and dancers to become pop music’s next big sensation.
LiveNation.com