thursday, march 22
Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist cave temples of Xiangtangshan
Majestic sixth century Chinese Buddhist sculpture is combined with 21st century 3D-imaging technology in this exploration of one of the most important groups of Buddhist devotional sites in early medieval China. A video installation, touch screens and research kiosks enable visitors to digitally envision some of the caves as they appeared before their tragic despoliation.
The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission $12 adults, 619-232-7931, sdmart.org.
friday, march 23
¡Viva el Teatro!
The Old Globe will celebrate the region’s vibrant Hispanic community with ¡Viva el Teatro! The special event begins with backstage tours and a catered reception featuring hors d’oeuvres from premier catering provider Northgate González Market and wines from Baja California wineries Madera 5, Bodegas San Rafael, Vino Santa Úrsula and Monte Xanic Vineyard and Winery. Guests will also enjoy the live music of flamenco guitarist Anthony García. Following the reception will be an 8 p.m. performance of the world premiere musical A Room with a View.
The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, 5:30 p.m., tickets $100 each and includes both the reception and performance, 619-231-1941 x2317, TheOldGlobe.org.
saturday, march 24
The Queer Queens of Qomedy
Internationally known comedian, Poppy Champlin selects the best of the best lesbian comics from across the country to join her in the San Diego Show. Poppy has tapped the infamous Gina Yashere to headline the show. Gina Yashere, appears regularly on The Tonight Show as the comedic Surly Psychic, and she has recently been seen on Conan and Live at The Apollo in London. Also joining this comedy troupe is Fortune Feimster, a writer and a regular panelist on Chelsea Lately.
The Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., Suite 1 in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $25, 619-239-8836, birchnorthparktheatre.net.
sunday, march 25
Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival
Seaport Village hosts the only Busker Festival in Southern California. See professionals from across the country perform their bizarre talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing to pogo stick tricks and juggling on unicycles. Throughout the festival, some of the nation’s top performers fill the bay front village drawing visitors to shop, dine and enjoy an entire day of one-of-a-kind entertainment.
Seaport Village, on San Diego Bay at Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., free, seaportvillage.com.
monday, march 26
The Aggrolites
Representing the “Dirty Reggae” movement, The Aggrolites rock out the house with their signature fusion of reggae, soul, grit and sheer determination. The L.A. Times called The Aggrolites one of “L.A.’s de facto house bands” while L.A. Weekly praised the band for using “burbling bass; optimistic organ; compact rim shot-punctuated beats; and Jesse Wagner’s warm brotherly-lurve vocals to create something that’s earthy and earnest yet utterly danceable.”
La Jolla Playhouse, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Cabaret-Style Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $10, 858-550-1010, LaJollaPlayhouse.org.
tuesday, march 27
Rock Of Ages
Broadway San Diego presents the five-time Tony Award nominated smash-hit musical Rock Of Ages. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in L.A.’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s. It’s an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more.
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org.
wednesday, march 28
Nikka Costa
A prolific singer/songwriter, Nikka Costa is known for creating joyful, authentic, modern yet classic soul music which comes straight from her soul. Combining elements of funk, soul and blues, her songs have topped the charts all over Europe, South America and Australia. Opening for Nikka Costa is San Diego’s very own funky soul/jazz band, Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.
La Jolla Playhouse, Sheila and Hughes Potiker Cabaret-Style Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive in La Jolla, 8 p.m., tickets from $10, 858-550-1010, LaJollaPlayhouse.org.
