thursday, july 28
Jesus Christ Superstar
It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ‘60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus’ meteoric-like rise in renown provides a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ’s final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, Jesus Christ Superstar illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.
Welk Resort Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido, 1 and 8 p.m., tickets $49, 1-888-802-7469, welktheatersandiego.com
friday, july 29
Mo Mandel
Mo Mandel is the hilarious hard partying host of Barmageddon on truTV. As a stand-up comedian Mandel has made numerous appearances on Conan, Chelsea Lately, Craig Ferguson, and has a very highly rated half hour special playing in rotation on Comedy Central. As an actor Mandel has appeared on such hit shows as Modern Family, Castle, and Happy Endings, and stared opposite Hank Azaria in Free Agents on NBC.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets $16, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
saturday, july 30
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus: Thriller
The award-winning San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus returns to the Balboa Theatre stage with its summer blockbuster show, Thriller featuring the greatest hits of everybody’s favorite King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It’s an all-new show with thrilling music from the lush and beautiful eight-part harmonies of “Ben” and “You Are Not Alone” to the fun, pop-styled dance songs of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Shake Your Body.” There is also a performance Sunday, July 31 at 3 p.m.
Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $37, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org
sunday, july 31
Avenue Q
Winner of the 2004 Tony Award for best musical, Avenue Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a small bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q, where the residents are raunchy, sweet, real, thoughtful and outrageously entertaining. Avenue Q has been labeled as a Sesame Street like show … for adults.
The Ocean Beach Playhouse, 4944 Newport Ave. in San Diego, 3 p.m., tickets $25, 619-795-9305, obtheatrecompany.com
monday, aug. 1
Summer International Organ Festival
This Monday’s program features Kevin Bowyer whom MusicWeb International described as “one of the world’s hardiest and most formidable virtuosos,” now Organist to the University of Glasgow.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Pan American Road E in Balboa Park, 7:30 p.m., free, 619-702-8128, spreckelsorgan.org
tuesday, aug. 2
Gary Clark Jr.
Ever since 2010, when Gary Clark Jr. wowed audiences with electrifying live sets everywhere from the Crossroads Festival to Hollywood’s historic Hotel Café, his modus operandi has remained crystal clear: “I listen to everything…so I want to play everything.” The revelation that is the Austin-born virtuoso guitarist, vocalist and songwriter finds him just as much an amalgamation of his myriad influences and inspirations. Anyone who gravitated towards Clark’s, 2011’s Bright Lights EP, heard both the evolution of rock and roll and a savior of blues.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego, 7:30 p.m., tickets $40, 800-745-3000, humphreysconcerts.com
wednesday, aug. 3
Rockin’ Trivia
Test you music knowledge every Wednesday at House of Blues Restaurant + Bar at 7 p.m. Grab some friends, play trivia and enjoy drink specials all night!
House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $12, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com/sandiego
