The Japan Society of San Diego & Tijuana held its 12th annual Beer & Sake Festival June 13 at Harrah’s Rincon. Guests enjoyed sumptuous appetizers, tasty beers and sakes while listening to the dynamic sounds of San Diego Taiko. It felt like there were less vendors than last year and the bigger space took away the community feel for us. Last year, guests mingled and spoke more to each other especially during the raffle, which was not held this year. There was a VIP area that isolated some of the attendees as they were the only ones allowed to enter the seating area with a view of the stage. There were many empty seats while non-VIP ticket holders were outside standing watching from afar.
This year’s featured entertainer was world-renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. Shimabukuro is a ukulele virtuoso and composer known for his fast and complex finger work. His music combines elements of jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk and flamenco. In his young career, this ukulele wizard has already redefined a heretofore under-the-radar instrument, been declared a musical “hero” by Rolling Stone, won accolades from the disparate likes of Eddie Vedder, Perez Hilton and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, wowed audiences on TV (Jimmy Kimmel, Conan), earned comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, and even played in front of the Queen of England. If you want to hear some of his ukulele weeps, you can see him at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series 2014 June 27. Proceeds from the Beer & Sake Festival support JSSDT educational and community outreach programs. For more information about the Japan Society of San Diego & Tijuana, visit www.japan-society.org.
The Fab Fair
It’s that time of year again! The 2014 San Diego County Fair is one of the most anticipated annual events in San Diego. Take a day off from counting calories and try a bacon wrapped turkey leg, a deep fried treat, funnel cake, onion bloom … you get the picture. We had a corn dog, turkey leg and a strawberry sundae. After filling our bellies we walked around a bit and watched some of the performances on various stages. Acts vary in genre from musicians, comedians, dancers to hypnotists. This year’s theme, The Fab Fair celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ first visit to the United States.
The Fab Fair theme building presents two photographic exhibits never-before-seen in California. When the four performers from Liverpool first visited the United States back in 1964, it sparked the British Invasion and deeply influenced music. “The Beatles! Backstage and Behind the Scenes” displays the CBS Television archives with more than 80 never-before-published photos from that era. LIFE magazine photographer Bill Eppridge captured The Beatles’ first U.S. performance on the Ed Sullivan Show – as well as the tour that followed – as the Fab Four visited 20 U.S. cities, including San Diego in 1965. Take a picture with your friends like the Beatles did on Abbey Road. Learn about their work, influence and beliefs that peace and love is all we need.
San Diego County Fair’s one-year-only featured exhibit commemorates the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The exhibit displays many personal items once owned by the president and First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Many Americans can remember with great detail where they were when the news spread of the 35th president’s death in Dallas, Texas. The impact was enormous, and for nearly three decades, Nov. 22 was an official day of mourning.
Among the displays is a recreation of the Oval Office and the vehicle that transported JFK and Jackie O to the plane that took them to Dallas. There’s also a collection of gowns worn by first ladies at their husbands’ inaugurations throughout the years. Fairgoers may walk inside a re-creation of Air Force One to see authentic details of the plane as it looked during JFK’s presidency. History buffs won’t want to miss this exhibit.
What’s a fair without rides and games? You will probably end up, as we did, spending more than the prizes are worth. But it’s the fun of it that keeps people trying to prove they can make that basket or pop those balloons. We won a smiley face toy smaller than a fist and a baby giraffe stuffed toy. After playing games, we made our way to a couple of rides including (what we felt was) the scariest one, “Speed” which soared above everyone and flipped forwards and backwards several times.
In addition to the rides, foods, vendors, games and small stages you can also see your favorite artist at the Summer Concert Series. Some are free with Fair admission and others have a charge. You can also opt for a dining package. Bacon lovers will also want to check out Bacon Fest, July 5. The Fair is open through July 6. For more information, visit www.sdfair.com.
