ONGOING EVENTS
‘Nine: The Musical’
Through May 19
Based on “8½,” Italian director Federico Fellini’s comic masterpiece of autobiographical filmmaking, Maury Yeston’s sultry and enchanting musical follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. at Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. Tickets range $20–$25, available at lamplighterslamesa.com.
Nature’s Impressions
Through May 10
The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation (MTRP) presents a fine art exhibition featuring award-winning watercolor artists Thomas Franco, Ralph Kingery and Catie Somers. Free. 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail.
FEATURED EVENTS
[the new publisher doesn’t like the color boxes with the line through it we have been using for the dates in the calendar. Go ahead and try something else – something that doesn’t take up as much room]
Friday, April 26
‘James and the Giant Peach’
Through May 3
The SDSU Don Powell Theatre presents a classic at the end of April. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book and directed by Stephen Brotebeck, this musical theatre production follows young James and his insect friends on an amazing voyage across the ocean, featuring music by the Tony- and Academy Award-winning songwriting team behind “Dear Evan Hansen” and “La La Land.” Tickets $20 or $17 for students. 5500 Campanile Drive.
Tickets and showtimes available at bit.ly/2UoqWP2.
‘Seussical’
Through May 12
San Diego Junior Theatre presents a musical where The Cat in the Hat is your host and Horton the Elephant is your guide on a journey from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the World of the Whos, as a little boy with a big imagination proves that a person is a person, no matter how small. Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Casa Del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park. Tickets range $14-$16, available at juniortheatre.com.
Saturday, April 27
La Mesa Earth Day Festival
Free Earth Day event features bike trail rides, vendors, STEM activities, environmental resources, education materials, arts and crafts, bounce house, food trucks and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St.
Sunday, April 28
Valerie Victor Concert Series: Pacific Coast Chorale
Pacific Coast Chorale presents “Ready for the Jubilee: Songs of the Civil War Era.” From the rousing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to African American spirituals, the folk songs of Stephen Foster and the heartfelt hope of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again,” the music of the Civil War era reflected the lives, faith, dreams and deaths of those who fought — and those who kept the home fires burning. Music for the ages interwoven with readings of authentic Civil War letters. We invite you to join us for “Shenandoah,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” “I Wanna Be Ready” and more. 2 p.m. at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. Free-will offerings will be taken. For more information, call 619-888-3401.
Monday, Apr. 29
Salsa Under the Stars
Kick off your night with some salsa dancing lessons, then put your moves to use as some of San Diego’s best salsa musicians hit the stage, including The Manny Cepeda Orchestra and Derek Cannon. A scholarship fundraiser and CD release party, Salsa Under The Stars takes place at Grossmont College in El Cajon. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. $20 for general admission or $10 for students. 8800 Grossmont College Drive.
Tickets and information at bit.ly/2FXxeep.
‘The Arab Americans’
Cuyamaca College Middle Eastern Students Club presents this 2017 film detailing the contributions made by immigrants from the Middle East, North Africa and the Arabian peninsula have made in the United States. 12:30 p.m. in the Digital Theatre, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, Rancho San Diego. Free.
Saturday, May 4
Free Comic Book Day
Free Comic Book Day is an event that encourages longtime fans and curious newcomers to visit their local mom-and-pop-style comic shops. A huge selection of free comic books from many publishers will be offered to store visitors throughout the day. The primary goal is to support local businesses, but a secondary goal is to encourage literacy among children, as the vast majority of free comics are kid-friendly. Crazy Fred’s Comic Book Lounge, 8042 La Mesa Blvd. Call 619-303-6597 for store hours and information.
Thursday, May 9
‘Failure: A Love Story’
Through May 11
It is 1928 and the jazz era is in full swing while life in Chicago is roaring. By the end of the year, all three Fail sisters will meet their demise. In reverse order of age, Nelly Fail, Jenny June Fail and Gertie Fail will die of a blunt object to the head, a disappearance and finally…consumption. Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Tickets $10-$15 available at bit.ly/2Va4KHZ.
Saturday, May 11
Taste of Grossmont
Sample delicious bites from around the globe at this interactive food-tasting event. Enjoy an afternoon shopping outside with family, friends, and foodies alike while you sample delicious dishes from over 20 participating Grossmont Center eateries. New this year, are alcoholic beverages at select locations, included with the purchase of our Taste Card. Taste cards start at $10 if bought at guest services, $15 if bought online and $20 if bought in person the day of the event at Grossmont Center. 2-5 p.m. at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Visit grossmontcenter.com.
Salsa y Salsa Fiesta
Lemon Grove Lions Club’s annual event raises money for Lemon Grove Little League and features a salsa contest and salsa dancing — plus Mexican food, live music, prizes and more. 6-9 p.m. at Monte Vista Village Auditorium, 2211 Massachusetts Ave., Lemon Grove. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call Ken Burke at 619-469-7350 for information.
Saturday, May 18
Wild in the Country
Join Lions Tigers & Bears for an incredible special event benefiting rescued animals. Enjoy live music, dinner, dancing, and the company of majestic rescued animals all in an idyllic country setting. Featuring family-friendly activities, Wild in the Country includes once-in-lifetime silent- and live-auction items — Super Bowl tickets, anyone? Comedian and animal advocate, Whitney Cummings, will guest host. 2-6 p.m. at Lions Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. Tickets are $125 general, $325 VIP and $45 for children under 12. Visit lionstigersandbears.org.
Thursday, May 23
Gemstones and essential oils
Learn how to use these two powerful gifts of the earth to massage away stress and enhance balance in your life. Also, receive a free essential oil body scan, using electrical frequencies to personalize an essential oil program specific to you. 6:30–8 p.m. at Crystal Blue Vibrations, 2961 Beech St., San Diego. $10. RSVP to 619-465-3005.
RECURRING EVENTS
Mondays
Note Catchers
Calif. Note Catchers, four-part harmony chorus, invite ladies of all ages to their rehearsals 7-9 p.m. Performances throughout SD. Located in Social Hall of La Mesa First United Methodist Church. 4690 Palm Ave. 619-575-6165.
Tuesdays
La Mesa Walks!
Enjoy a fun walk with friends and neighbors. First and third Tuesdays, meet at various locations, second and fourth Tuesdays meet at 9 a.m. at La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave. Call 619-667-1300 for more information.
Thursdays
Movie Matinee
The La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center hosts a series of modern and classic film viewings every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the center’s main hall. Cost is $2 per ticket. For movie listings, visit bit.ly/2FVrOSQ.
Fridays
La Mesa Farmers Market
La Mesa’s Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, florals, pastries, live music, and arts and crafts each Friday. 3-7 p.m. along La Mesa Boulevard. Free.
Visit lamesavillageassociation.org.
Saturdays
Shop Local Market
Last Saturday of the month at Grossmont Center, participating shops set up tables outside and offer markdowns and new product showcases. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.
Sundays
Traveling Stories
Visit Grossmont Center each Sunday for an interactive story time for kids. Kids visit the StoryTent, pick out a book that interests them, and then read it out loud to a volunteer. The volunteer asks engaging questions that help the child build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills all while earning book bucks to trade for cool prizes. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.
