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
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
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.
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
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:
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
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
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
Dennis James, the appointed San Diego Symphony theatre organist, continues his now 40 years of Southern California professional theatre organ performances next on March 10, 2013 for his third annual silent film performance for the Pacific Symphony in Costa Mesa, California playing the grand silver Fisk concert pipe organ. You can read all about it at: http://classical.broadwayworld.com/article/Pacific-Symphony-Concert-Organ-to-Accompany-THE-PHANTOM-OF-THE-OPERA-in-Pedals-and-Pipes-Series-310-20130221
IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 1999
DENNIS JAMES NAMED SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY THEATRE ORGANIST
Originated in 1988, the San Diego Symphony’s annual classic film series has been the longest running silent film presentation program with orchestral accompaniment in the country. In preparation for this season’s series, scheduled to open on October 16 with Buster Keaton’s THE GENERAL, the San Diego Symphony has named Dennis James San Diego Symphony Theatre Organist. The appointment celebrates James’ tenth anniversary season with the orchestra that began with his Silent Film Concerts production company’s introduction of festive silent film with orchestra performances to the San Diego community.
James’ new San Diego Symphony position includes score composition commissions, beginning on October 16th with the premier of James’ new musical score to Buster Keaton’s THE GOAT, and continuing on March 18th with his new score for a Harold Lloyd short subject. James will also be featured in full length solo performance on January 21st accompanying the Douglas Fairbanks feature THE MARK OF ZORRO.
For over 30 years, Dennis James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films with live music. James currently also holds the position of House Organist for the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and Silent Movie Mondays organist for the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. He has served as consultant and performer for many other such symphony silent film programs on an international basis, having appeared with the Vancouver, Oregon, Seattle, Sacramento, Austin, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Louisville ensembles among many others. James is also a featured solo performer on the international film festival circuit, including regular appearances for the San Francisco, Toronto, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pordenone and Rome Cinema Muto Festivals. He performs frequently at the Chicago Art Institute’s film series, the Louvre in Paris, the Palazzo Delle Espisozioni in Rome and the National Film Theatre in London.
“NICKELODEON SERIES A CLASSIC EXPERIENCE
What a pleasure to have something as remarkable- as altogether dream fulfilling – as the San Diego Symphony’s ‘Nickelodeon Series.’ Beautiful 35mm prints of classic silent films, projected in their proper aspect ratio, and presented in a magnificent old movie palace with full symphonic accompaniment plus theatre organ. It’s every bit as good as it sounds.
Judging by the highly enthusiastic response to Saturday night’s screening, the symphony may be in the silent movie business for some time. The audience roared with delight at the many moments when the music was perfectly coordinated with the happenings on the screen.” THE SAN DIEGO UNION
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For more information:
San Diego Symphony Contact: Susan M. Balding, Public Relations Coordinator
San Diego Symphony
619.235.0800, extension 211