Weekend Roundup

Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend

THEATRE
Olé Olé Olé!
Apr. 14-15. The feisty crooners of the Gay Men’s Chorus kick off their 2012 season with the hottest Latin-themed music from Broadway and beyond. The production features show-stopping pop hits from Ricky Martin, Selena and Gloria Estefan and other Latin sensations, fabulous classic cultural flair and dazzling dance moves all set to a live eight-piece orchestra. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. 877.296.7664. sdgmc.org

A Room with a View 

Extended through Apr. 15. 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

ART
Art Alive
Apr. 13-15. Springtime in San Diego can only mean one thing — Art Alive. Masterpieces by world-famous artists come to life in floral interpretations at this 30th annual exhibit. The Museum celebrates these four floral-filled days with a host of special events, including an opening celebration that features a sneak peek at the flowers and tastes from several of San Diego’s top restaurants. For a complete list of events happening in conjunction with Art Alive, check the website. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdmart.org

FOOD + DRINK
Real Ale Festival
Apr. 13-14. Taste the largest selection of real ale on the West Coast. This 15th annual festival features over 50 cask-conditioned ales at two tasting sessions. Tickets include a souvenier tasting glass and eight 4-ounce pours. Serious about cask beer? There’s a VIP session on Friday before the event. Pizza Port Carlsbad, 571 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. 760.720.7007. pizzaport.com

Titanic Centennial First Class Dinner

Apr. 14. Ever wonder what it would be like to dine on the Titanic? To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the luxury liner, the Prado is hosting a historically authentic, 10-course dinner that will replicate the first class passengers’ final meal. Highlights include an era-specific piano quintet and entertainment in the form of a moving, multi-part monologue from Barbara Chronowski The Prado’s Grand Ballroom, 1549 El Prado, San Diego. 619.557.9441. pradobalboa.com 
***Update: This event has sold out! Those not able to attend this special dinner can still commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Titanic. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is open to the public and offers a host of centennial week activities, including extended hours. For the events schedule, visit sdnhm.org/titanic100 

Sam Ross at Noble Experiment
Apr. 15. Sam Ross of NYC’s prestigious Milk & Honey bar is one of the most widely respected bartenders in the cocktail industry. Ross will be making an exclusive guest bartending appearance at San Diego’s most prominent craft cocktail destination. Reservations required. Noble Experiment, 777 G Street, San Diego. nobleexperimentsd.com

ANIMALS
Zoo Play Days
Through Apr. 15. Each of the Zoo’s zones are bursting with impromptu keeper talks, animal behavior presentations, special activities and up-close encounters with many of the animals. From meeting meerkats to feeding giraffes, there is not a dull moment to be had while Play Days is happening. San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org/playdays/index.html 

MUSIC
Tribute to Ray Charles

Apr. 13-14. Ray Charles was truly one of the legendary voices in American music. Ellis Hall, a former protégé of Ray Charles, pays tribute to the master with hits such as “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “This Little Girl of Mine,” “Hit the Road Jack” and of course, “Georgia On My Mind.” Principal Summer Pops Conductor Matthew Garbutt leads this rocking, singing, soaring homage to a true American original. San Diego Symphony at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego. 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org

Rise Against

Apr. 15. Chicago rockers Rise Against bring their punk sound, fighting spirit and activism to SDSU for a night of head-banging and moshing. The band is currently wrapping up it’s headlining tour before joining the indie mega-tour, Warped Tour. A Day To Remember and Title Fight will open the show. Viejas Arena at SDSU, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego. 619.594.0429. as.sdsu.edu

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
Apr. 17. The former lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis brings his new project to San Diego for one night only. Often regarded as the spear-head of the Britpop movement, Gallagher’s songwriting efforts have resulted in multiple Billboard hits and this new project will not disappoint. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org

SPORTS

Spy Belgian Waffle Ride
Apr. 15. The most unique, over-the-top cycling event west of Flanders will challenge even the most seasoned pros on this gritty 124-mile route through the terrain of North County. Participants, including the who’s who of cycling icons, will climb, sprint and clatter over sinuous, bone-grinding roads carved through San Diego’s beautiful backcountry. Nationally ranked cyclists, including members of the official SPY cycling team such as Nicole Duke and Ryan Trebon have signed on to race. SPY Headquarters, 2070 Las Palmas Dr., Carlsbad. facebook.com/SPYBWR

Padres Baseball
Apr. 10-13. Baseball season is in full swing. This week, the Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks before hitting the road to face the Dodgers. Support the team at home Thursday at 7:05 p.m. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., downtown. 619.795.5000. padres.com