Weekend Roundup

Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend

MUSIC
Drake
Mar. 11. Aubrey Graham has come a long way since his acting days on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi. Now known around the world as Drake, the hip-hop star is on tour supporting his recently released studio album, Take Care. Drake is sure to perform his radio hits like Take Care, The Motto and Make Me Proud. Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky perform as opening acts. Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego. 619.594.0429. as.sdsu.edu/viejas_arena

Slugger O’Toole
Mar. 9. The California Center for the Arts is gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day a bit early this year. The six musicians of Slugger O’Toole share their passion for the music of Ireland and the Celtic Nations and have concocted a heady brew of foot-stomping pub songs, heart-warming ballads and deft instrumentals. Expect everything from the fiddle, button accordion and mandolin to the banjo, bodhran, pennywhistle and flute, and get blown away by the brilliant harmonies in acapella renditions of the Irish classics that are true to the Celtic core. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 800.988.4253. artcenter.org

Ticket to Ride: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute
Mar. 10. An exciting musical journey through the best of the Beatles, Ticket to Ride opens with The Beatles greatest hits from the sixties and travels all the way through the Sgt. Pepper era. This internationally acclaimed show captures the fun and excitement of a real Beatles concert and has been called ‘one of the most authentic Beatles groups you will ever see’ by both British and American press. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 800.988.4253. artcenter.org

MOVIES
Silent Film Night: The Mask of Zorro
Mar. 10. Starring Douglas Fairbanks and Noah Beery, The Mask of Zorro is a swashbuckling adventure from 1920, set right here in Southern California. The showing will be accompanied by the mighty Fox Theater pipe organ, performed by Russ Peck. This classic is full of plot twists with an irresistible blend of romance, comedy and swordplay as Zorro evades pursuit while fighting all oppressors. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org

San Diego Latino Film Festival
Mar. 8-18. The 19th annual SDLFF screens more than 130 features and short films from across Latin America and the U.S. Festival passes include access to more than 100 programs, four workshops, entrance into three galas and a one year Media Arts Center San Diego membership. UltraStar Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley, 619.230.1938. sdlatinofilm.com

Coming of Age Film Festival: Poetry
Mar. 8. In this inspiring film, a sixty-something woman, faced with the discovery of a heinous family rime and in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, finds strength and purpose when she enrolls in a poetry class. The Coming of Age Film Festival, now in its second year, promotes positive images on the subject of aging. San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, San Diego. 619.238.7559. mopa.org

FOOD + DRINK
Festa Della Donna
Mar. 8-9. Celebrate Festa Della Donna, or International Women’s Day, at one of San Diego’s most authentic Italian restaruants. Ladies who dine at Bice this weekend will receive a complimentary mimosa and a slice of homemade mimosa cake in honor of this Italian tradition. Bice Ristorante, 425 Island Avenue, San Diego. 619.239.2423. biceristorante.com

Tasting 2012
Mar. 11. Get unlimited access to more than 150 wineries pouring in excess of 30 varietals and 500 different wines. The most comprehensive tasting of California wines in the San Diego area, Tasting 2012 features many small wineries that produce under 5000 cases of wine. Tickets to this annual Family Winemakers of California event include access to these exclusive and rare wines as well as a commemorative wine glass. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. 415.705.0646. familywinemakers.org

ATTRACTIONS
The Flower Fields
Through May 13. Spring is here! Take yourself out of the concrete jungle and spend a few hours in one of nature’s wonders, found right in North County. Enjoy 50 acres of ranunculus flowers, walk rose gardens and take an antique tractor ride. For the first time in over 15 years, The Flower Fields has changed its color pattern to a new array, designed by a professional colorist. The new view will wow newcomers and veterans alike. Interstate 5 at Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com

THEATRE
Don Pasquale
Mar. 10, 13, 16, 18. In a hilarious change of pace from the San Diego Opera’s latest productions, Don Pasquale will have audiences in stitches as the old fool is tricked into thinking he has married the sweet, demure and innocent convent-raised Sofronia, but she’s really Norina, who is in love with Pasquale’s nephew whom he is trying to disinherit. Once “married”, she becomes a gun-toting shrew who shows Pasquale that he was definitely better off without a wife. San Diego Opera at Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.533.7000. sdopera.com

Anna Christie
Mar. 10-Apr. 15. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Eugene O’Neill’s poetic masterpiece is a gripping account of the relationship between an old sailor and the daughter he hasn’t seen in almost 20 years. Their new bond becomes strained when she falls in love with a young man whose seafaring life isn’t what her father wants for her. When Anna reveals to both men the shameful secret she has been harboring, they come to understand the harsh reality of her past and show her compassion, love and forgiveness. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. theoldglobe.org

Parade
Mar. 8-Apr. 22. With its Tony-winning score, Parade tells the true story of a Jewish factory manager convicted of murder and explores the love that grows between him and his wife as they work together to fight for his freedom. Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.570.1100. cygnettheatre.com

A Room with a View
Through Apr. 8. Based on E.M. Forster’s beloved novel, this world-premiere musical tells the story of a sheltered English girl, Lucy, who glimpses a world of longing and passion she never imagined. Back in her corseted Edwardian life, she must decide whether to yield to convention or give up everything she has ever known. Comic, romantic, satirical and real, A Room with a View blends a gorgeous score with this timeless story that gives a new voice to these unforgettable characters. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. theoldglobe.org

Guys and Dolls
Through Apr. 1. The classic American musical travels back to ‘50s-era New York City with a detour to Havana. Frank Loesser’s memorable score brings to life the stories of Damon Runyon’s unforgettable characters: Sky Masterson, Nathan Detroit, Sarah Brown and Miss Adelaide, with terrific numbers like “If IWere A Bell”, “Adelaide’s Lament”, “Luck Be A Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.0600. lambsplayers.org