The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival is a vibrant celebration of the Asian Lunar New Year, promising a cultural immersion like no other. Attendees can expect a feast of traditional Asian cuisine, live performances, and a bustling marketplace offering unique crafts and gifts.
See Society actors perform selections from the Shakespearean canon on themes of love in complement with selected art works. Note paid parking is now effect in Balboa Park.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
San Diego’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a vibrant and high-energy celebration that brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of downtown San Diego. The event features entry to over 20 Fifth Avenue bars, restaurants, and clubs, transforming the Gaslamp Quarter into a festive party zone.
Jiaoying Summers, a first-generation immigrant and influential Asian voice in comedy, will be sharing her unique perspective on cultural clashes, identity, and motherhood through her razor-sharp comedy. Known for her viral social media hits and as the first Chinese comedian to sell out the Apollo Theater, she promises an unforgettable night of laughter and insight.
Zoltan Kaszas is an award winning stand-up comedian known for his sharp, observational humor and love of cats. Born in Hungary, Zoltan and his mother immigrated to the United States in 1991, first settling in Pittsburgh before moving to the trailer parks of San Diego. Kaszas, who The Atlantic called a "breakout star," has been featured on several SiriusXM comedy channels, Laughs on Fox, commercials from Manscaped, Netflix Is a Joke radio & festival, has had hit Dry Bar comedy specials "Cat Jokes" and "Average Intelligence," as well as headlined comedy clubs and theaters across the country. However, it was Kaszas' riff on why cats are better than dogs that quickly went viral. The video traveled the globe, even landing in The Guardian's (UK) as one of the "ten funniest things I've seen on the internet."
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Rossini's hilarious prequel to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro was considered a must-see long before Bugs Bunny brought its frenetic overture to an even larger audience. Count Almaviva is in love with the beautiful Rosina, but how can he get past her paranoid and greedy guardian, Dr. Bartolo? Enter the charismatic, quick-witted barber Figaro, who will stop at nothing to play matchmaker for his lovesick friend. Filled with side-splitting hijinks, mistaken identities, and some of the most popular opera music ever written, this Barber will have you rolling in the aisles before you leave humming Rossini's infectious tunes.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival is a vibrant celebration of the Asian Lunar New Year, promising a cultural immersion like no other. Attendees can expect a feast of traditional Asian cuisine, live performances, and a bustling marketplace offering unique crafts and gifts.
Through storytelling across eras — past, present, and future — we’ll reflect on the moments that shaped our community and explore the work still ahead. Together, we’ll recognize the generational achievements of Black excellence, highlight athlete leadership through our alumni, and uplift the voices of current student leaders navigating community, activism, and personal growth. As we honor the legends who built the foundation, we’ll also envision the next century of progress, opportunity, and impact. Keynote: Hear from our keynote speaker, followed by remarks from current USD student-athletes. Game: Registered attendees will receive on-court bleacher seating for the USD Men’s Basketball game. Stay and cheer on the next generation of excellence as the Toreros take on USF. This event is more than just a game; it is a vital part of our Black History Month observance, honoring the incredible contributions of our Black alumni and the bright future they inspire. Don't miss out on this celebratory night of history, reflection, and high-energy basketball!
Rossini's hilarious prequel to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro was considered a must-see long before Bugs Bunny brought its frenetic overture to an even larger audience. Count Almaviva is in love with the beautiful Rosina, but how can he get past her paranoid and greedy guardian, Dr. Bartolo? Enter the charismatic, quick-witted barber Figaro, who will stop at nothing to play matchmaker for his lovesick friend. Filled with side-splitting hijinks, mistaken identities, and some of the most popular opera music ever written, this Barber will have you rolling in the aisles before you leave humming Rossini's infectious tunes.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Join a special screening of Selma in honor of Black History Month as part of OTC at the Brooks’ Arts Unite series. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this powerful historical drama chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pivotal 1965 campaign for voting rights, centered on the dangerous and historic marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Through film and community gathering, Arts Unite celebrates underrepresented voices and the transformative power of the arts to foster connection, reflection, and unity. Rated PG-13.
Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Kalani Pe‘a is a singer of power, sensitivity, and charisma. He is one of the most exceptional talents in a new generation of Hawaiian musicians and the only Hawaiian artist to win a GRAMMY® Award for Best Regional Roots album. Pe‘a is the first Hawaiian artist to be presented by Lincoln Center’s American Songbook.
Ballet Folklorico Ti-Pai and Ballet Folklorico Kumeyaay will be dancing traditional dances of Mexico in a wedding themed showcase. Ballet Folklorico Ti-Pai was founded in December 2014 by its general director Eduardo Romero Murillo in the San Diego County. The main objective of the group is to promote Mexican Ballet Folklore dance arts locally, and internationally. With just 10 years of the group being founded, it has showcased traditional Dances of Mexico throughout San Diego, Tijuana and Rosarito, Las Vegas, Salinas CA. as well as winning first place and second place here at the Fiesta de Reyes competition in 2017, second place in 2018, First Place in 2019 and 1st place at Las Vegas Dance Competition. Under the general direction of Eduardo Romero & artistic director Mariana Perezchica we present to you “Ballet Folklorico Ti-Pai”.
Allison Adams Tucker's Women in Jazz Quartet returns to Tio Leo's for the Sunday Jazz Series celebrating the Language of Love for Valentine's Day with a mix of jazz inspired love songs from around the world. Featuring Melonie Grinnell piano/voice, Evona Wascinski bass, and Joannah Sy drums.
San Diego’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a vibrant and high-energy celebration that brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of downtown San Diego. The event features entry to over 20 Fifth Avenue bars, restaurants, and clubs, transforming the Gaslamp Quarter into a festive party zone.
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life at Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA! Since its founding in 1995, Arrival from Sweden has toured in over 70 countries, bringing The Music of ABBA to fans worldwide. Hear hits like "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia", "Take A Chance", "SOS", "The Winner Takes It All", "Super Trouper", "Money Money Money", "Waterloo", "Fernando", "Thank You For The Music", "Lay All Your Love On Me", "Gimme Gimme Gimme" and many more. The production has everything a great ABBA show needs: sparkling costumes, talented musicians, and incredible vocalists, delivering beloved songs with such accuracy that it's hard to believe that it's not the real ABBA on stage.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Jiaoying Summers, a first-generation immigrant and influential Asian voice in comedy, will be sharing her unique perspective on cultural clashes, identity, and motherhood through her razor-sharp comedy. Known for her viral social media hits and as the first Chinese comedian to sell out the Apollo Theater, she promises an unforgettable night of laughter and insight.
Five-time Grammy nominee and platinum-selling guitarist Ottmar Liebert’s incredible global success often seems like a simple outgrowth of his cultural background and powerful wanderlust in his formative years. Born in Cologne, Germany, to a Chinese-German father and a Hungarian mother, he began playing guitar at eleven and traveled extensively through Europe and Asia, intent on fully absorbing each musical tradition he encountered.
Graciela Iturbide, a renowned Latin American photographer, presents a stunning exhibition featuring her most iconic photographs from Mexico and around the globe. Attendees will experience her unique poetic vision, which is driven by a deep curiosity about diverse lifestyles and the influence of history, tradition, and ritual on modern life.
San Diego’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp is a vibrant and high-energy celebration that brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of downtown San Diego. The event features entry to over 20 Fifth Avenue bars, restaurants, and clubs, transforming the Gaslamp Quarter into a festive party zone.
Blessed with one the best soundtracks ever put on film, The Harder They Come is a gritty and razor sharp vision of working class life in Jamaica, a ground-breaking film that demonstrated that music and art can change the world. Jimmy Cliff who died in 2025 plays Ivan, a young songwriter who leaves the country for the big city to find his fortune. His dreams of making it in the music business and his battles with crooked promoters, religious conservatives and criminals on both sides of the law make him a folk hero. Shot in 1972 at the dawn of the blaxpoitation era in American movies following the success of Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, Shaft, and Super Fly, this Jamaican film is a significant achievement in the development, in the 1970s, of both an international Black popular culture and worldwide Black independent film movement.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Eight thousand miles from her Kolkata home, Shani spends most of her time working hard in the campus biochemistry lab chasing her lifelong dream of becoming a scientist. However, following her dream proves to be anything but easy. As the daily battles and complexities of lab life escalate, she leans into the support of her biggest ally—her mother. Despite now being continents apart, they’ve always shared an unwavering belief in Shani’s dream: a future built on intellectual and financial independence. But when her mom passes away suddenly, Shani is left adrift. The home they once shared feels foreign; her academic aspirations and the future they had dreamed of together, uncertain. Is she truly driven by genuine passion for science, or has she been trying to escape the expectations placed on her as a woman? Alone, Shani must confront these questions and discover where she truly belongs. Shani’s journey, a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and belonging, will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.
Chinese Calligraphy Writing Crafting: Goldfish Ornament, Windmill, Year of Horse Necklace Fortune God Photo Booth Red Pockets Giveaway Traditional Snacks Tasting
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Percussion ensemble red fish blue fish performs a concert featuring the historically important percussion instruments from the personal collection of the ground breaking composer Chou Wen-chung (1923-2019).
These instruments, thanks to a generous gift from the Chou family, are the core part of UC San Diego's "Chou Percussion Collection." They represent not just Professor Chou's music, but his spirit of cross-cultural collaboration and the partnership between Chinese and Western musicians. The collection will the basis for an annual "Chou Percussion Commission," given to a UC San Diego graduate composer to compose a piece of music using or inspired by the collection.
Steven Schick came to know the composer Chou Wen-chung during his visits to UC San Diego, invited by composer Roger Reynolds. A close colleague of Edgard Varèse, Chou was one of the most important composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. After his death in 2019, Chou’s percussion instruments—including several that belonged to Varèse—came to UC San Diego and now form a unique historical collection. Each year, new works are commissioned in response to the collection. This year’s program features premieres by graduate students Jiyoung Ko and Myles Ortiz-Green, alongside works by Wilfrido Terrazas and Gabriela Ortiz.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
How well do we really know ourselves when we make a decision? What if there were multiple versions of ourselves, each with its own opinion? FolleMente is a delightful romantic comedy that goes beyond appearances, diving into the minds of the two main characters, Piero and Lara, and revealing their most hidden thoughts and the inner battles that we all face.
Presented by the San Diego Italian Film Festival
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi went on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage. Now headlining across the country and around the globe, he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music. Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy, the event began as a small gathering and eventually grew to fill the San Diego Sports Arena, thanks to a partnership with Moss Jacobs. Reggae has always held a special place at the WorldBeat Center. Its director, Makeda Dread Cheatom, hosted Reggae Makossa on 91X FM for 25 years alongside her partner DJ Damaja Le. Together, they organized many club nights, boat cruises, and the annual Bob Marley Day festival in San Diego. As reggae legends began to pass on, the event was renamed Tribute to the Reggae Legends. After 25 years at the San Diego Sports Arena, the festival moved to the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego. Later, it returned to its roots at the WorldBeat Cultural Center with the Exodus festival. Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities. The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Celebrate Chinatown as a vibrant community where Chinese art and performance continue to thrive in America, from historic opera theaters to the lively lion dances of Lunar New Year. Through these creative expressions, Chinatown has forged a distinctive identity that is both artistically rich and deeply connected to Chinese and American cultures. In this conversation, Nancy Yunhwa Rao, a distinguished professor of music at Rutgers University, will trace the fascinating history of Chinese opera theaters in North America, where stories of loyalty and passion captivated audiences across cultures since their beginnings in the mid-19th century. David Lei, a community leader and cultural advocate, will reflect on Chinatown’s enduring legacy as a close-knit, resilient and artistically dynamic community whose performing arts embody the spirit and creativity of Chinese America.
Celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of Vietnam at the San Diego Tet Festival. Filled with mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes, traditional music performances, folk dances, and innovative art displays, the festival is a wonderful rediscovery of authentic Vietnamese traditions.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Clinton Davis String Band brings the rich string traditions of America to life, performing old-time music, bluegrass, and ragtime, reflecting the rich complexity of our Appalachian heritage. Passed down through generations since the 18th century, these tunes are infused with both history and fresh, lively interpretations. The band delivers a joyous, soulful celebration of America’s musical legacy.
Following the performance, the audience is invited to engage with the artists in a Q&A to learn more about the traditions, stories, and musical influences that shape this enduring American art form.
About the Artists
Clinton Ross Davis is an old-time folk multi-instrumentalist currently based in San Diego. A fifth-generation Kentuckian, he grew up in rural Carroll County, immersed in the rich musical traditions of his family home. His guitar work has earned high praise, with Stefan Grossman calling him “a master . . . carrying on the traditional music torch of Mike Seeger.” Deering Banjos describes his playing as “simply sublime.”
Clinton earned his doctorate in music from the University of California, San Diego, with a focus on shape-note singing. He served as an associate instructor at UCSD, leading a survey course in American roots music.
Fellow multi-instrumentalists Tim McNalley and Ryan Finch teamed up with Davis to form the Clinton Davis String Band. The group showcases a high level of musicianship and artistry, making them a perennial favorite on the West Coast. They perform classic old-time tunes with fresh interpretations, blending elements of old-time, bluegrass, and ragtime, often presenting unexpected arrangements of rarely heard pieces.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music. Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy, the event began as a small gathering and eventually grew to fill the San Diego Sports Arena, thanks to a partnership with Moss Jacobs. Reggae has always held a special place at the WorldBeat Center. Its director, Makeda Dread Cheatom, hosted Reggae Makossa on 91X FM for 25 years alongside her partner DJ Damaja Le. Together, they organized many club nights, boat cruises, and the annual Bob Marley Day festival in San Diego. As reggae legends began to pass on, the event was renamed Tribute to the Reggae Legends. After 25 years at the San Diego Sports Arena, the festival moved to the Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego. Later, it returned to its roots at the WorldBeat Cultural Center with the Exodus festival. Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities. The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
Come ring in the Year of the Horse with the GDPT Chanh Kien Lion Dancers! A must-see event with amazing stunts. All ages are welcome to join in the festivities. 10:00am - Lion Dance 11:00am - Lantern Craft 10:00am-1:00pm - Friends of the Library Book Sal
Join the House of China at Balboa Park for the Annual Chinese New Year Festival. Enjoy a vibrant and culturally enriching event that celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional Chinese music, dance, and culinary delights. Family-friendly and free to attend, all visitors can experience the rich heritage of Chinese culture through various performances, including dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and classical Chinese music. The festival also features an array of food stalls offering authentic Chinese cuisine, arts and crafts booths, and educational exhibits that highlight the history and significance of the Chinese New Year.
The City Heights Multi-Cultural Festival of Love is a vibrant celebration of the community's rich diversity. This one-of-a-kind event, deeply rooted in the spirit of City Heights, aims to bring together people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds in a joyful, inclusive setting. Through the support of local residents and nonprofits, the festival will foster cultural awareness and unity, offering a unique opportunity for City Heights residents to connect, learn from each other, and celebrate the neighborhood's multicultural fabric. Join us for an exciting day of live performances, delicious food, arts and crafts, and a fun-filled zone for all ages! Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, come discover the heart of City Heights and experience all it has to offer. Everyone is welcome!
Celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of Vietnam at the San Diego Tet Festival. Filled with mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes, traditional music performances, folk dances, and innovative art displays, the festival is a wonderful rediscovery of authentic Vietnamese traditions.
Watch two sushi chefs battle it out live in a high-energy, head-to-head competition where you taste the dishes, judge the creations, and vote for the winner. With live filming, incredible food, and limited seating, this is a must-attend event for sushi lovers. Tickets available online soon.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
This free 90-minute traditional Chinese calligraphy workshop introduces participants to writing the character “福” (Fu), a traditional symbol associated with good fortune and blessings during the Lunar New Year. Participants will learn basic brush techniques, explore the cultural meaning of Fu, and create their own artwork to take home. No prior experience is required, and all materials will be provided. This program is designed for youth ages 6–16. Parent or guardian support is appreciated for children ages 6–7, as traditional ink materials will be used. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration is required. A Photo & Video Release Form will be provided and completed on-site at check-in. Presented by Heritage Youth Bridge Alliance (HYBA), a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional cultural heritage.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment - from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Join the House of China at Balboa Park for the Annual Chinese New Year Festival. Enjoy a vibrant and culturally enriching event that celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional Chinese music, dance, and culinary delights. Family-friendly and free to attend, all visitors can experience the rich heritage of Chinese culture through various performances, including dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and classical Chinese music. The festival also features an array of food stalls offering authentic Chinese cuisine, arts and crafts booths, and educational exhibits that highlight the history and significance of the Chinese New Year.
Celebrate the vibrant cultural heritage of Vietnam at the San Diego Tet Festival. Filled with mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes, traditional music performances, folk dances, and innovative art displays, the festival is a wonderful rediscovery of authentic Vietnamese traditions.
Watch two sushi chefs battle it out live in a high-energy, head-to-head competition where you taste the dishes, judge the creations, and vote for the winner. With live filming, incredible food, and limited seating, this is a must-attend event for sushi lovers. Tickets available online soon.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Ephrat Asherie Dance (EAD) collaborates with GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill on its newest creation, Shadow Cities, a contemplative and multi-faceted performance that incorporates house music, club culture, and club dance forms in a reflection on the beauty, vastness, and joy of the in-between. With a cast of seven dancers and four musicians, the performers explore the myriad ways they feel split between cities, memories, and generations, encountering their most enlivened selves in unexpected moments. EAD, rooted in a multitude of Afro-diasporic vernacular dances, explores the expansive narrative qualities of breaking, hip hop, house, and waacking to tell stories and find new modes of expression. Featuring live music by Arturo O’Farrill and friends, Shadow Cities is a conversation between O’Farrill’s vast compositional voice and EAD’s dynamic, rigorous, and idiosyncratic choreography.
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind musical experience as International Guitar Night XXVI brings together four masterful players from around the globe for an evening of dazzling solos, inventive duets, and breathtaking ensemble performances. This season’s lineup features a celebrated Vietnamese guitarist Thu Le, the fiery rhythms of Brazilian virtuoso Lucas Imbiriba, the mind-blowing fingerstyle innovation of Russian sensation Alexandr Misko, and, for the first time ever, the genre-defying power of ukulele superstar Taimane from Hawaii. Blending a variety of styles—classical, flamenco, rock, folk, and more—these world-class musicians unite for an unforgettable showcase of international talent, technical brilliance, and musical storytelling.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Join Mac Salman, the founder of Maction Planet and Kanpai Planet and a respected Japan analyst, for an insider's look at Japan’s drinks industry. From Suntory’s global ambitions to the artisanal boom shaping Japan's future, we’ll explore what drives whisky, sake, beer and more in the Land of the Rising Sun. Salman will share insider knowledge of Japan’s best breweries and distilleries, and how you can experience Japan’s drinks and other culture firsthand — online and offline
Natalie Baszile is the author of the novel, Queen Sugar, which was adapted for seven television seasons and nominated for an NAACP Image Award. She has a M.A. in Afro-American Studies from UCLA, and an MFA from Warren Wilson College's MFA Program for Writers. Join us as we discuss Natalie Baszile's new non-fiction book, We are Each Other's Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land & Legacy, where Natalie brings together essays, poems, conversations, portraits, and first-person narratives to tell the story of Black people's connection to the land from Emancipation to the present. Natalie's passion for the stories of Black farmers and land stewards comes from a desire to shift the narrative around agriculture, farming, and labor.
A powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record—created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture, and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just 100 miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park. The footage was largely forgotten—until now. Summer of Soul shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and more.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
DakhaBrakha is a music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine. Their “ethno chaos” sound spans years of performances prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, but war is in everything now. They masterfully blend Ukrainian traditional music with influences from around the world, resulting in an unexpected new music. Traditional music has seen a resurgence in Ukraine over the past decades, after being suppressed during Soviet rule. DakhaBrakha uses Ukrainian polyphony as its foundation, interweaving complex rhythmic and melodic structures from India, Arabia, Africa, and Australia. Their music is textural, layered sounds with distinctive percussive heartbeats, thumping bass lines, distorted electric guitars and influences of jazz, spoken word, rap and even punk. DakhaBrakha calls this tapestry of influences “ethno chaos.” And this chaos is a strength, allowing them to draw in strands of music that connect Ukraine with the world. They are troubadours, activists and educators. Though their name means Give/Take in the old language, DakhaBrakha is new Ukraine, both pre-colonial and post-Soviet, working within a global network of art and music. They aim to help audiences see Ukraine not as a monolith, but as a cosmopolitan culture that takes in other cultures, and gives in return. DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” by the avant-garde theatre director Vladyslav Troitskyi. Theatre work has left its mark on the band performances – their shows are always staged with a strong visual element. Projected behind them are a mix of animations from different Ukrainian artists and photos of life in today’s Ukraine. Some are celebratory, bright and bold. Some are dark, others curious, a reflection of the many facets of Ukrainian culture.
Sixth grade wasn't supposed to be this complicated. Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. No big deal, right? Just represent an entire religion while making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she is. When Mariam's younger sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, her family faces endless doctor visits and sleepless nights. Mariam tries to lighten their burden and keep her own problems to herself—including the fact that she's just been cast as Mary in the school's Christmas nativity play. Mariam wants to honor her faith and her new community, but she's terrified of crossing a religious line. Can a Muslim girl be the lead in a Christian story? What will her family think? And why does she feel like every decision she makes represents all Muslims? Mariam discovers that faith, much like friendships, isn't about perfection—it's about connection. As she leans on her family, friends, and school community, she begins to see the power of interfaith cooperation and learns she doesn't have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. Hail Mariam is a celebration of the beauty of finding common ground.
Let us tell you a story. An impossible to believe, yet, true story. Once upon a time there was a teenage boy working on his family farm in apartheid South Africa. The year was 1960. This boy loved to sing, in fact he loved to sing so much that he allowed himself an impossible dream. In his dream he would create a group of singers, from his family members, to sing traditional South African songs. His group would perform all over South Africa and they would become the greatest music group his country would ever know. How could such a dream come to a young farm boy in a country rife with hardship, violence and trouble? Well, Joseph Shabalala was this young farm boy and his dream would become Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The year 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of Joseph Shabalala forming Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His group would not only conquer all of South Africa, but would become a worldwide phenomenon, winning more GRAMMY Awards (Five), and receiving more GRAMMY Award nominations (Nineteen), than any World Music group in the history of recorded music. During the dark years of South African Apartheid, Ladysmith Black Mambazo followed a path of peaceful protest through songs of hope and love. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, in 1990, he said that Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music was a powerful message of peace that he listened to while in jail. When Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1993, he asked the group to join him at the ceremony. It was Mandela who called Ladysmith Black Mambazo “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World.” The group sings a traditional music style called isicathamiya (Is-Cot-A-Mee-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa. It was there that black workers were taken to work far away from their homes and families. Poorly housed and paid, the mine workers would entertain themselves, after a six-day work week, by singing songs into the wee hours on Saturday night and Sunday. When the miners returned to their homes, this musical tradition returned with them. In the mid-1980s, American singer/songwriter Paul Simon famously visited South Africa and incorporated the group's rich harmonies into his renowned Graceland album – a landmark recording considered seminal in introducing World Music to mainstream audiences. This brought the group to the attention of music lovers all over the world, the beginning of a global musical career that shows no sign of ending. After leading his group for over fifty years and approaching his seventy-fifth birthday, Joseph Shabalala retired in 2014, handing the leadership to his three sons, Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala. Having joined their father’s group in 1993, their many years of training had prepared them in ways no others could be trained. Now, carrying their father’s dream into the future, the Shabalala Family continues the group’s success for the world to hear.
The 15th Running Oceanside Intl Film Festival will Present 4 Days of Cinema, Art & Community right in the Heart of one of California’s 14 Designated Cultural Districts. Championed by the Universally Felt Subjects of Perseverance, Coexistence, Environment & yes, The Surf, we Invite both Filmmakers and Movie Lovers alike to Experience what 2026 has to Offer in Indie Cinema. Presented by our Sponsors at Visit Oceanside, OIFF 2026 aims to present North County San Diego audiences the best in local and international filmmaking.
Wendy Xu is a poet and writer, most recently the author of the poetry collections The Past (2021) and Phrasis (2017), named one of the 10 Best Poetry Books of 2017 by New York Times Book Review. Her work has appeared in The Best American Poetry, Granta, Poetry, Conjunctions, The New Republic, New York Review of Books, Ploughshares, and widely elsewhere. A new book of essays on poetics entitled Your Historical Loveliness Knows No Bounds was published October 2025 by the Poets on Poetry Series. Born in Shandong, China, in 1987, Xu is currently assistant professor of writing at The New School in New York City. Professor Camille F. Forbes is a storyteller and a scholar. Her projects are informed by archival research, shaped by the burdens and freedoms afforded by engagement with the historical record. She’s obsessed with gaps—the spaces in the historical record where absence often indicates the violence of erasure and omission. Narrative becomes for her a process of making visible, troubling the rendering of, and imaginatively evoking, neglected and ignored Black actors in history. A former Kimbilio, Callaloo Creative Writing Workshop, and Hambidge fellow, Professor Forbes has had her fiction published in Callaloo and Obsidian, among other journals. Her current work-in-progress is a historical novel set during the Civil War titled "Minding The Territory." Professor Forbes holds an MA in History and a PhD in American Civilization from Harvard University. She is currently an associate professor in the Department of Literature UCSD, and is author of Introducing Bert Williams: Burnt Cork, Broadway, and the Story of America’s First Black Star.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
The 15th Running Oceanside Intl Film Festival will Present 4 Days of Cinema, Art & Community right in the Heart of one of California’s 14 Designated Cultural Districts. Championed by the Universally Felt Subjects of Perseverance, Coexistence, Environment & yes, The Surf, we Invite both Filmmakers and Movie Lovers alike to Experience what 2026 has to Offer in Indie Cinema. Presented by our Sponsors at Visit Oceanside, OIFF 2026 aims to present North County San Diego audiences the best in local and international filmmaking.
For over 13 years, Makeda Cheatom of the WorldBeat Center and Marilú of Celebrate Urban Birds have walked a shared path—one where birds, culture, history, and science come together in joyful connection. What began as a citizen science project has grown into a community-led celebration of belonging, where people of all backgrounds come together to explore nature, share knowledge, and engage with science in meaningful ways. We’ve learned that birding can be so much more than counting birds. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, listen deeply, and connect with the wisdom of our ancestors, the communities around us, and with ourselves. By bridging communities and scientific institutions, we create spaces where people can actively participate in, contribute to, and use science—while celebrating culture, heritage, and identity. From the Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walks during Juneteenth to cross-cultural collaborations in Baja, our work shows what’s possible when music, art, science, gardening, and community come together with curiosity, care, and purpose. Join us as we share how this journey has transformed the way we bird, connect with each other, and experience the freedom of belonging.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
In 1944 Dean Barry, an American sailor, 23, arrives in Naples, a city destroyed by bombing after the liberation of Italy. Dean meets Lucia, a young and very poor girl with whom he falls madly in love. Two years later, at the end of his service, Dean has to return to New Jersey and Lucia remains in Naples, alone and pregnant.
The 15th Running Oceanside Intl Film Festival will Present 4 Days of Cinema, Art & Community right in the Heart of one of California’s 14 Designated Cultural Districts. Championed by the Universally Felt Subjects of Perseverance, Coexistence, Environment & yes, The Surf, we Invite both Filmmakers and Movie Lovers alike to Experience what 2026 has to Offer in Indie Cinema. Presented by our Sponsors at Visit Oceanside, OIFF 2026 aims to present North County San Diego audiences the best in local and international filmmaking.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Since its inception in 1995, innovation and creativity have defined Ozomatli. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group found a way to represent the city's eclectic culture through music that appeals to the local community and the world beyond. Ozomatli's success is exemplified in an impressive variety of genres from classic to modern Latino, urban, hip-hop and other world styles. The "Dioses del Baile," or "Gods of Dance," have created one of the most exciting, captivating and flat-out fun live shows touring today. They continue to harness their musical instincts by conceiving new concepts and forging new sounds that keep fans on their toes and the world dancing.
Every year, our neighbors at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association host a street fair in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which takes place on Third Avenue where we're located in downtown San Diego. This year, the 43rd Annual Chinese New Year Fair will take place on February 28- March 1. During the fair, we'll open our facilities to the public for FREE! In our garden, we'll have craft activities, Chinese calligraphy, and a rummage sale!
The 15th Running Oceanside Intl Film Festival will Present 4 Days of Cinema, Art & Community right in the Heart of one of California’s 14 Designated Cultural Districts. Championed by the Universally Felt Subjects of Perseverance, Coexistence, Environment & yes, The Surf, we Invite both Filmmakers and Movie Lovers alike to Experience what 2026 has to Offer in Indie Cinema. Presented by our Sponsors at Visit Oceanside, OIFF 2026 aims to present North County San Diego audiences the best in local and international filmmaking.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Calienté! A Latin Music and Spirits Fest Celebration! Join us on Saturday, February 28th 2026, from 2 pm to 5:30 pm for an unforgettable music and spirits festival. Immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of Banda, Mariachi, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa, with performances by Local artists. Food sampling from the new Hot Spot in the Gaslamp. Quench your thirst with a sampling of Premium Tequila, Mezcal, Beer, Vodka, Whiskey, Wine and other premium spirits, which are all included in your ticket!
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Celebrate Black History Month with an engaging presentation by Carole Boyce, Poet Laureate of the North County African American Women’s Association. Through poetry and storytelling, Carole will guide audiences through the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting its influential artists, powerful voices and lasting cultural impact.
Believe in Ukraine 2026 is an evening of reflection, remembrance, and resilience honoring those who have sacrificed for Ukraine’s freedom and celebrating the courage of its people and defenders. This special gathering marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the twelfth year of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Honoring true Culture Icons On Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 5:00pm–7:30pm the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art will honor it's 2026 Keepers of the Culture recipients. We are pleased to collaborate with the San Diego History Center as we honor true cultural icons. Join us in showing appreciation to: • Jeannie Cheatham/Jazz Singer. Ms. Cheaton broke through the glass ceiling of a male-dominated genre, opening doors for many women artists. Her collaboration with her late husband Jimmy, forming the Jimmy and Jeannie Cheatham Sweet Baby Blues Band, brought authentic blues and jazz to audiences worldwide. Her pioneering spirit paved the way for later generations, inspiring acclaimed vocalists like Cassandra Wilson and Samera Joy, who continue to expand the boundaries of jazz today. • Sandra Foster King, Career Teacher/Dancer. For more than 3 decades, Sandra Foster King was UCSD Lecturer of Dance and a dance teacher at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She used her skills as a dancer and choreographer to expose the world of dance to young people. Ms. Foster King helped her students understand that Black dance is far more than an aesthetic practice, it is a vehicle for cultural preservation. In 2001, the Foster-King Dance Collection brought to San Diego the unforgettable 14th annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference and Festival. • Donald Robinson, Career Dance Teacher/Mentor. Donald Robinson is an educator who used his skills as a dancer and choreographer to open the world of dance to hundreds of young people. An instructor at School of Creative & Performing Arts, Mr. Robinson also used this platform to make lasting contributions to preserve and promote Black cultural heritage. Through his efforts, students became aware of the many contributions Black artists have made to the field of dance, and were benefited by his mentorship. • The Stance Family–Owner/Operators of Bowlegged BBQ. At the corner of Market and Toyne Streets, Bowlegged BBQ radiates a welcoming warmth that draws people in from all walks of life. The Stance Family—brothers Carlos and Kenny “Bowlegged” Stance, and sisters Maria J. Reese, serve barbeque in a setting where even vegetarians smile. They offer great food, music, and hospitality that truly makes you feel like you are home. The Stance siblings come from a family of entrepreneurs and exemplify the values central to Black culture. Soul food has its origins in the traditions of enslaved ancestors, and by serving traditional dishes passed down through generations, the Stance Family pays homage to their heritage and keeps the spirit of their ancestors alive. The doors will open at 5pm for a reception featuring Jazz Harpist Mariea Antoinette. The program will begin at 6pm. Please RSVP at sdaamfa.org. This event is free but space is limited.
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
The Camarada Tango Quartet brings a fresh and compelling take on Argentina’s most iconic art form. This powerhouse performance features The Camarada Tango Quartet with guest virtuoso Pablo Jaurena (bandoneon) and world-class tango dancers Carolina Jaurena and Anton Domansky. The program journeys through legendary tango masters—Piazzolla, Troilo, Pugliese, Matos, d’Arienzo, and de Caro—bringing their timeless works to life with flair and precision. At the heart of the evening is a dynamic new commission by Andrés Martín, a bold and evocative work that pushes tango forward while honoring its rich legacy. The Camarada Tango Quartet redefines the tango experience with a bold, post-Piazzolla approach—masterfully blending the soul of tango, a virtuosic classical vibe, and a rock ‘n’ roll edge. This ensemble breathes new life into tango with original works by the renowned composer and double bassist Andrés Martín. His insights and stories provide a rare glimpse into the creative process, making each performance an intimate dialogue between the audience and the art itself. Witness tango in all its glory—raw, refined, and utterly unforgettable.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Every year, our neighbors at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association host a street fair in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which takes place on Third Avenue where we're located in downtown San Diego. This year, the 43rd Annual Chinese New Year Fair will take place on February 28- March 1. During the fair, we'll open our facilities to the public for FREE! In our garden, we'll have craft activities, Chinese calligraphy, and a rummage sale!
The Main Line is a play with gospel music that chronicles the life of the late great gospel singer, Civil Rights Activist, Mahalia Jackson. Written and directed by Jennie Hamilton, to commemorate Black History Month, returning by popular demand. This play received rave reviews 2 years straight. Ramona Jones plays the Role of Mahalia Jackson.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
The New City Sinfonia, under the direction of Alyze Dreiling, will present a concert celebrating Black History Month performing works by Florence Price and William Grant Still. Also featured is clarinetist, David Weinstein performing Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie and Viktor's Tale.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
For the first time in over 40 years, two living legends of Afro-Cuban jazz—Arturo Sandoval and Chucho Valdés—reunite on stage for an electrifying quintet performance. This once-in-a-lifetime concert brings together the masterful trumpet virtuosity of Sandoval with the groundbreaking piano genius of Valdés in an explosive celebration of rhythm, improvisation, and musical legacy. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to witness these icons create magic in an intimate, high-octane setting—an unforgettable night of history in the making!
How are subnational actors in the United States and China shaping great-power rivalry? What explains dramatic shifts over time and variation across U.S. states and localities in patterns of cooperation and confrontation with China? Who are the key actors driving these changes, and what impact have their efforts had? Kyle Jaros will explore these questions in his new book project (co-authored with Sara A. Newland) on U.S.-China subnational diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions. Drawing on over 120 elite interviews, detailed case studies of four U.S. states, and newly compiled data from all 50 states, they map and explain patterns of state-level cooperation and confrontation toward China since 2012.
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
For the first time in over 40 years, two living legends of Afro-Cuban jazz—Arturo Sandoval and Chucho Valdés—reunite on stage for an electrifying quintet performance. This once-in-a-lifetime concert brings together the masterful trumpet virtuosity of Sandoval with the groundbreaking piano genius of Valdés in an explosive celebration of rhythm, improvisation, and musical legacy. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to witness these icons create magic in an intimate, high-octane setting—an unforgettable night of history in the making!
Film, television, and stage star Katie Holmes (Broadway’s Our Town, Off Broadway’s The Wanderers) brings to life a landmark role in one of the defining masterpieces of world drama. Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon—and the cracks in their marriage are already showing. Bored and restless, Hedda tries to control those around her. But as her schemes tighten, her own world begins to unravel. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, reuniting with Holmes in a vivid new version by Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train), brings a fresh and emotionally charged lens to this Ibsen classic.
Before Julia Child became the TV personality that we all know, she careened from Pasadena to New York to Washington D.C. to Ceylon and finally to Paris’s famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. A funny and delicious new play about the early life of an endlessly fascinating character and her path from confusion to discovery, failure to success.
La Jolla Playhouse
The City of San Diego is home to one of the most vital and culturally diverse populations to be found anywhere in America. The Participant Observer is a web magazine dedicated to discovering and showcasing the wide variety of culturally interesting events, people, places, and organizations our city has to offer. Our continuously updated Events Calendar provides comprehensive information about current and forthcoming events in San Diego. In addition to covering local events, The Participant Observer publishes features and articles about cultural events and phenomena happening around the world. We urge you to explore the many other resources our site provides.
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Less than an hour's drive from central San Diego lies the wonderful little town Tecate, Mexico. Just scoot east on scenic 94 and in no time you will find yourself at the border. Park your car on the US side and after a very short hassle free walk you will find yourself primed to spend a lovely relaxing day in this uncrowded "Pueblo Magico". The tacos alone are worth the trip.
by Ian Lutz Photos by Megumi Choi unless otherwise noted
The Chicano Federation was founded in 1969 and provides a wide ranges of social, economic and educational services to people of many ethnicities in San Diego. Covid-19 has had a much greater affect on Latinos here in San Diego, forcing the Chicano Federation to adapt to the new realities caused by the pandemic. The leaders of the organization believe they have a sustaining strategy to continue to meet the needs of the people it serves during the pandemic as well as addressing some of its long-term effects.By Ian A. Lutz ()
Less than one-half of all Americans have a passport. People without passports not only can't go to far away places like Asia, Africa, Europe, or South America, without a passport you can't even travel to Mexico or Canada. An important step in becoming a global citizen is actually getting out there and experiencing other cultures firsthand. Don't limit your options! Passports don't expire for 10 years, think ahead and apply for or renew yours today! The steps to apply for a passport are not as daunting as they may seem. Whether you are looking to apply for a new passport or to renew your current passport, follow the steps in our handy guide!
Persian classical musician Kourosh Taghavi embraces a passionate approach to music that has impacted audiences around the world. His collaborative projects with master musicians and local cultural organizations work to fulfill his lifelong dream to promote Persian classical music. More recently, his ongoing efforts with the Center for World Music bring the setar and Iranian culture to San Diego school districts through hands-on instruction in Persian classical music.
Today San Diego's Little Italy is a bustling commercial, dining and entertainment district. But more than a half century ago, it was a largely residential area populated by Italian families, most of which were involved in San Diego's thriving tuna industry. Over the next few decades, Little Italy became a self-contained neighborhood with its own grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, a Catholic church, an elementary school, a drugstore, and a fire department. Then a half century ago the community was cut in half by the expansion of San Diego's freeway system, devastating a once thriving community. Read about Little Italy's rich past and about local efforts to preserve the neighborhood's unique ethnic character and identity. By Tony Rocco
The Center for World Music is a unique nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster awareness and understanding of the world's diverse performing arts and cultures through public performances and teaching. Its primary purpose is to draw public attention to the diversity of the world's performing arts traditions: Asian, African, European, Latin American, and American.by Dr. Peter Peterman