The San Diego Museum of Art had a Cuban themed night for their Culture & Cocktails series. The inspiration came from a recent trip to Cuba by the Board of Trustees in which they acquired four works from a local contemporary artist. The work is currently on display at the museum’s Welcome Gallery until March 29. Guests enjoyed Cuban-style cocktails, appetizers and a tropical candy station. You were also able to roll your own cigar, make a fedora or fruit headpiece and have your picture taken in a touch-graffiti photo booth. DJ Mike Zee provided the Latin rhythms for the night. The party didn’t stop there, many guests headed over to Panama 66 for a performance by the group Besos de Coco from 8-11 p.m.
The acquired art includes Pedro Pablo Oliva’s mixed media work Female Figure with Stone on Head and three etchings by Sandra Ramos. A recurring motif in Oliva’s art since 2002 is the human figure with a stone resting on its head, symbolizing the weight of circumstances –personal, economic, social, and political – on the existence and aspirations of the individual. Ramos’ work comments on Cuba’s often painful political and social realities by weaving together elements taken from folklore, history, literature and her own memories and experiences.
The next event in the series will be Divine Desire May 28. One of the perks of a membership to the museum is free admission to these celebrations. The public can also purchase tickets. sdmart.org
Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill expansion
Urban MO’s Bar & Grill finally received its operating license this past weekend to open its expanded patio. A VIP Golden Ticket Party was scheduled at 9 a.m. Saturday morning to celebrate. The 100 lucky guests arrived full of enthusiasm, passes in hand to experience the new look and receive their special gifts: a limited edition T-shirt and a tiny vial with pieces from the old patio. A nostalgic note attached thanked everyone for joining them for this exciting opening, “We’ve also bottled up the old patio for you to remember all of the smiles, laughter and good times.”
The new open space felt very welcoming with a square shaped bar allowing you to order from all sides. You will no longer be huddled up and waving your hands to get the bartenders attention. Although, I know some of you find that approach cozier as you brushed up against each other, Wink! Wink!
We each received two drink tickets and were also treated to breakfast burritos on the second-story addition after a special performance by Chad Michaels and a ribbon cutting. Urban Mo’s knows how to get the party going even at 9 a.m. http://urbanmos.com
