thursday, may 19
Barry Rothbart
Barry Rothbart is one of the young rising stars in comedy today, appearing recently on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, starring in the new season of MTV’s “Punk’d” and landing a role as “Ben” on TNT’s “Men of A Certain Age”. He also co-wrote and starred in the IFC Channel show “Do Whatever”, as well as a series of national commercials including: Taco Bell, Honda and Miller Light.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $12, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
friday, may 20
Purple Rain
Screening of the 1984 American rock musical drama movie Purple Rain starring Prince in his acting debut, playing a quasi-biographical person called “The Kid.” Purple Rain was developed to showcase his talents and hence contains several extended concert sequences. The film grossed more than US$68 million at the box office in the United States and over 80 million worldwide. DJ Hurricane Andrew to perform after the screening.
House of Blues San Diego, 1055 Fifth Ave in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $3.75, 619-299-2583, houseofblues.com/sandiego
saturday, may 21
Fantastic Variations: Schubert’s Unfinished and Strauss’ Don Quixote
A trio of very distinct masterworks from the heart of the German symphonic tradition are explored in this melody-infused concert. Richard Wagner’s gift-music Siegfried Idyll recalls his (possibly) happiest day of married life as the concert’s opener, then Franz Schubert’s mysterious yet glorious Unfinished Symphony blazes to life. Maestro Jahja Ling concludes the program with Richard Strauss’ astonishing Don Quixote, with guest cellist Johannes Moser and Principal Viola Chi-Yuan Chen demonstrating maximum virtuosity in their “portrayals” of the forever questing Don and his constant sidekick, Sancho Panza.
Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets from $20, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
sunday, may 22
Uprising: Songs of Change featuring Janis Ian and SDWC
This inspiring evening will honor the influence and importance of music in social movements from around the world. This fundraising concert, featuring the San Diego Women’s Chorus (SDWC) and special guest legendary songwriter Janis Ian, will benefit SDWC and the Lesbian Health Initiative at the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation
Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in San Diego, 7 p.m., tickets from $15, 619-570-1100, sandiegotheatres.org
monday, may 23
Skulls
Compare the skulls of all 57 species of San Diego County’s snakes and lizards. Watch scavenger beetles devour the flesh off a real animal skeleton, leaving it clean for scientists to study. Create your own skull art on the Skulls chalkboard, or write a question about a skull for Museum scientists to answer. Learn about the different bones in skulls, and see how they’re different from each other.
San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $19, 619-232-3821, sdnhm.org
tuesday, may 24
Robin Bright/Tom Driscoll: A Dual Retrospective
In an array of eclectic materials and techniques, this dual retrospective presents an exploration through the artistic careers of Robin Bright and Tom Driscoll, two widely acclaimed and collected San Diego artists. Both artists have spent the last five decades creating artwork that can be described as minimal, sculptural, constructionist, and paradoxical.
Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission $8, 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
wednesday, may 25
Francois Sims & The Groove Squad
Get you groove on at Humphreys Backstage Live with Francois Sims & The Groove Squad tonight at 7 p.m. with your host DJ John Phillips.
Humphreys Backstage Live, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego, 7 p.m., $5 cover, 619-224-3577, humphreysbackstagelive.com
