FEATURED EVENTS

“All This Mayhem”
Saturday, Jan. 31 – Wednesday, Feb. 4

From the makers of “Exit Through The Gift Shop” and “Senna” comes a documentary on legendary skateboarding brothers Tas and Ben Pappas. Archival footage and interviews with other skateboarders tell the story of the brothers’ rise to and fall from stardom. The film explores the dark side of professional skateboarding, highlighting the Pappas’ drug use and self-destruction. Showtimes for the film at Digital Gym (2921 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park) are Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 2, 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. Visit digitalgym.org to purchase tickets, and see Erik Dobko’s review of the film also in this issue.

Jukebox the Ghost, Twin Forks, Secret Someones
Monday, Feb. 2

Pop-influence is the name of the game at this show at Soda Bar (3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights). Headliner Jukebox the Ghost, fresh off an appearance on “Conan,” are driven by catchy singalong choruses. The band’s fourth album was released last year spawning the addictive piano-heavy single “The Great Unknown.” Also on the bill is Chris Carrabba’s (Dashboard Confessional) latest project Twin Forks. Their style of pop-tinged folk and Americana are a winning combo along with Carrabba’s onstage charm. Check out “Back to You” for a taste and keep your fingers crossed for some Dashboard covers. Openers Secret Someones have a fun pop-rock appeal with three female vocalists drawing attention with their exceptional harmonies. Doors at 8:30 p.m. Visit sodabarmusic.com for tickets.

Empirehouse Urban Palate’s fourth anniversary
Wednesday, Feb. 4

The Hillcrest eatery is turning 4 on the fourth and celebrating their “golden birthday” with new menu items available to taste for free and several drink and food specials from 4 – 10 p.m. Empire Urban Palate’s (127 University Ave.) small plates and their entire beer list will be $4, and mule cocktails will be available at two-for-one pricing. There will also be opportunities to win gift cards, wine baskets and more. Reservations are recommended. For more information visit empirehousesd.com.

Free clarinet concert
Wednesday, Feb. 4

For “The Influence of Benny Goodman,” show clarinetist Philip Lipton will perform an original composition in addition to the music of Benny Goodman, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Claude Debussy and others. The concert shows at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Hills Library (925 West Washington St.) Visit facebook.com/mhlibrary for more information.

Mission Hills Book Group
Thursday, Feb. 5

This month’s selection is “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift. The club always welcomes new members and asks that attendees read the book before the meeting. Books can be checked out at Mission Hills Library while supplies last. This month’s meeting is at Mission Hills Books and Collectibles (4054 Goldfinch St.) from 10 – 11 a.m.

Mid-City Unleashed
Sunday, Feb. 15

Normal Heights Community Association presents this rally to show support for a 24,000-square-foot off-leash dog park off Adams Avenue that is awaiting funding. The park is part of the redevelopment plan for Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park and has already been approved by the city of San Diego. Organizers of the event hope to encourage city officials to put the project in next fiscal budget. There will be a pet adoption area sponsored by the San Diego Human Society, giveaways and more. Dogs are welcome (on a leash). Festivities are from noon – 2 p.m. at Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park (on Adams Avenue between 39th and 40th streets, Normal Heights) Visit normalheights.ca for more information.

RECURRING EVENTS

Mondays: 

Singing Storytime: 1:30 p.m., learn what’s going on inside your baby’s mind, strengthen your bond and sing songs together at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.

Open Mic Night: 7:30 p.m., the mic is open to you at Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, free. Lestats.com.

Tuesdays:

Curbside Bites: 5 – 8:30 p.m., gathering of gourmet food trucks at 3030 Grape St., South Park. Curbsidebites.com.

“Grab a Mic”: 6 p.m., an open mic night hosted by singer/actor Sasha Weiss. Sign ups at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Martinisabovefourth.com.

Tasty Truck Tuesdays: 6 – 9 p.m., Smitty’s Service Station hosts several food trucks under their well-lit shade structure, 3442 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sdfoodtrucks.com.

Open Mic Charlie’s: 7 – 10 p.m. (except the third Tuesday), open mic night at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, free. Rebeccascoffeehouse.com.

Wednesdays: 

Wang’s Trivia: 7 p.m., free trivia competition for prizes, tournament for $1,000. Drink specials during trivia range $3 – $6. Wang’s North Park, 3029 University Ave., North Park. Wangsnorthpark.com.

Wednesday Night Experience: 7 – 8 p.m., uplifting and spiritually inspiring experiences for all, weekly at Universal Spirit Center, 3858 Front St., Hillcrest, love offering requested. Universalspiritcenter.org.

Young Lions Music Series: 7 p.m., each week features a new “young rising star” chosen by Gilbert Castellanos. Castellanos will also join in during the first set, the Expatriate Room, Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, $5 cover. Crocesparkwest.com.

Storytelling: 7 – 8:45 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month featuring members of Storytellers of San Diego at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, donations welcome. Ages 12 and up. Storytellersofsandiego.org.

Wednesday Jazz Jam Session: 7:30 p.m., Gilbert Castellanos hosts the Jazz Jam Session with special guest musicians at Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park, free. Sevengrandbars.com.

Thursdays: 

Gentle Yoga for seniors: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., presented by The Center and Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO) at The San Diego LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St., Hillcrest, free. Thecentersd.org.

North Park Farmers Market: 3 – 7 p.m., in the parking lot behind CVS at 32nd St. and University Ave., North Park, free. Northparkfarmersmarket.com.

Kornflower’s Open Mic: Signups at 6:30 p.m., open mic (no poetry or comedy) 7 – 10 p.m. Family friendly event at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, free. Rebeccascoffeehouse.com.

Kirtan Musical Meditation: 8:15 p.m., chant and sing contemporary mantras celebrating love and life at Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga, 3287 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, donation requested. Pilgrimageyoga.com.

Fridays:

Preschool Storytime: 10:30 a.m., at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.

Fridays on Fifth: 4 – 9 p.m., various restaurants and bars offer discounts and specials for a social hour on Fifth Avenue between Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Hillcrest. Fridaysonfifth.com.

Cinema Under the Stars: 8:30 p.m., Classic movie screenings at 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills. Tickets start at $15. Topspresents.com.

Saturdays 

Old Town Saturday Market: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Harney Street and San Diego Avenue, Old Town, free. Oldtownsaturdaymarket.com.

Golden Hill Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., on B Street between 27th and 28th streets, Golden Hill, free. Sdmarketmanager.com.

Children’s Craft Time: 10:30 a.m., at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.

Melodies in Balboa Park: 1 – 5 p.m., the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory ensembles fill Casa del Prado with classical music, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, free. Sdys.org.

Celebrity Book Readings: 2 p.m., local celebrities will visit the “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss” at the San Diego History Center on the second Saturday of each month to read their favorite Seuss stories to those in attendance, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, free. Sandiegohistory.org.

Comedy Heights: 8 – 10 p.m., local comedians take the stage next to Twiggs Coffeehouse at 4590 Park Blvd., University Heights, free. Comedyheights.com.

Sundays

Free Pancake Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m., every second Sunday this neighborhood breakfast precedes worship service and Sunday school at Normal Heights United Methodist Church, 4650 Mansfield St., Normal Heights. Email [email protected].

Hillcrest Farmers Market: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., under the Hillcrest Pride Flag, Harvey Milk and Normal streets, free. Hillcrestfarmersmarket.com. 

—Email calendar items to [email protected].