thursday, dec. 29
Big Jay Oakerson
Big Jay Oakerson is one of the most beloved and easily recognizable comedians in New York City. His easy charm and dirty delivery endear him to audiences every night at The Comedy Cellar, The Stand and Stand Up New York. He’s no stranger to the rest of America, either, regularly headlining across the country and playing festivals including Bonaroo, Jager’s Korn tour, Rock Star Energy Drink’s Mayhem Fest, Gathering of the Juggalos and Funny or Die’s Oddball Festival.
The American Comedy Company, 818B Sixth Ave. in San Diego, 8 p.m., tickets $8, 619-795-3858, americancomedyco.com
friday, dec. 30
Dimensions of Black
In collaboration with the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art (SDAAMFA), the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents Dimensions of Black, an exhibition of works by African American artists drawn from the Museum’s own holdings. SDAAMFA is committed to educating residents and visitors of San Diego about the history and artistic contributions of African American culture through exhibitions and interpretive programs.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego Downtown, 1100 and 1001 Kettner Blvd. in San Diego, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., general admission $10, 858-454-3541, mcasd.org
saturday, dec. 31
Seas ‘n’ Greetings
Don’t miss the last day to experience Birch Aquarium at Scripps transformed into a holiday wonderland full of seasonal activities for the whole family.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., adult admission $18.50, 858-534-3474, aquarium.ucsd.edu
sunday, jan. 1
Fantasy on Ice
Experience skating ice skating in the heart of America’s Finest City all while benefiting a great cause? Come to NTC at Liberty Station and join in a benefit for the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Make sure to dress warm and bring a pair of mittens/gloves. During the daytime the ice can be a little wet, so bring an extra pair of socks.
Liberty Station, 2690 Historic Decatur Road in San Diego, through Jan. 8, 2017, cost adult $14, child $12, 619-222-1970, fantasyonicesd.com
monday. jan. 2
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
More celebratory than a glass of champagne, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert is a delight for the eyes and the ears. Welcome 2017 with this elegant concert—celebrating an 18-year tradition in San Diego! This January 2, a stunning new program featuring Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from operettas will be performed by members of the San Diego Symphony, acclaimed European singers, ballet and ballroom dancers. Fall for the Blue Danube Waltz all over again!
Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in San Diego, 2:30 p.m., tickets from $29, 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
tuesday, jan. 3
Photo Ark
This multiyear National Geographic project has a simple goal – to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear and to inspire people to care. Each image is a visual connection between the animals and people who can help protect them. With ingenuity and wit, National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore has captured portraits of more than 6,000 creatures to date, with a goal of creating these important records of existence for an estimated 12,000 species in captivity.
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
wednesday, jan. 4
Certain Women
One of America’s foremost filmmakers, Kelly Reichardt (Wendy and Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff) directs a remarkable ensemble cast led by Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart, and Laura Dern in this stirring look at three women striving to forge their own paths amidst the wide-open plains of the American Northwest: a lawyer (Dern) who finds herself contending with both office sexism and a hostage situation; a wife and mother (Williams) whose determination to build her dream home puts her at odds with the men in her life; and a young law student (Stewart) who forms an ambiguous bond with a lonely ranch hand (radiant newcomer Lily Gladstone). As their stories intersect in subtle but powerful ways, a portrait emerges of flawed, but strong-willed individuals in the process of defining themselves.
Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park, 11 a.m. and 7:10 p.m., general admission $11, 619-230-1938, digitalgym.org
