Weekend Roundup
Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend
FOOD + DRINK
Spring Luau
Mar. 22. Throw on a Hawaiian print shirt and a lei and hula your way downtown for the Spring Luau with beach-themed décor, tropical food and drink specials, and a guest D.J. Try the pineapple cheese wontons, tropical roll or spicy pineapple chicken with a variety of tropical, summery drinks. 8 p.m. RA Sushi, 474 Broadway, San Diego. 619.321.0021. rasushi.com/spring-luau-2012
MUSIC
Lady Antebellum
March 24. Arguably the hottest name in country music right now, Lady Antebellum is sure to rock the house with the Country Megaticket tour. A five-time American Country Music award nominee, Lady A brings fellow country stars Darius Rucker and Thompson Square along for the ride. Expect to hear the groups chart-topping hits “Need You Now”, “We Own the Night” and “Just a Kiss”. Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, 619.671.3600. ladyantebellum.com
A Taste of Spain
Mar. 23, 24, 26. Orchestra Nova’s latest concert is a passionate sensory experience that captures the essence of Spain. Soprano Victoria Mature and Baritone Gregorio Gonzalez make beautiful music with the accompaniment of Fred Benedetti on the classical guitar. Indulge in sights and sounds of Spain – as the musicians perform, flamenco dancers will fill the stage with Spanish flair. Check the website for the location on your desired date. 858.350.0290. orchestranova.org
Renée Fleming
Mar. 24. A special addition to San Diego Opera’s 2012 International Season, opera superstar Renée Fleming will sing a benefit concert accompanied by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. One of the most beloved and celebrated sopranos of our time, Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry and compelling stage presence. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. San Diego. 619.533.7000. sdopera.com
Copland’s America
Mar. 25. Sing along with the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra and celebrate the twentieth century composer’s extraordinary music and classic American sound. Enjoy performances that balance music, art, dance and education that offers fun for the whole family. After each concert, audience members will have an opportunity to meet musicians from the orchestra for questions and autographs. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org
COMEDY
Laugh Out Loud Tour
Mar. 21-24. America’s famed comedy troupe, The Second City, will perform some of the best sketches, songs and improv from the Chicago troupe’s 52-year history. Dubbed “a comedy empire” by the New York Times, this company launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and many more. Come see the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest. Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. 858.550.1010. secondcity.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Busker Festival
Mar. 24-25. Seaport Village welcomes the unthinkable from around the world at its annual Spring Busker Festival. The celebration brings colorful street performers from jugglers and sword swallowers to contortionists and comedic stuntmen to perform on the cobblestone streets. Popular all around the world, Busker Festivals are known for gathering remarkable performers with extraordinary and bizarre talents, and this weekend will no exception. Noon-5 p.m. Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. 619.235.4014. seaportvillage.com
Hot Chocolate Run
Mar. 25. The inaugural Hot Chocolate Run promises to be San Diego’s sweetest 15k ever. Race downtown with your fellow chocoholics for a soiree of chocolate fondue, hot cocoa and a variety of chocolate treats from the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company at the finish line. All participants will receive a wind and water resistant running jacket with reflective piping and vented back. Race starts just outside Petco Park. hotchocolate15k.com
SHOPPING
Fashion Extravaganza Happy Hour
Mar. 23. Shop women’s, men’s and children’s fashion jewelry made by some of the top jewelry artists from all over the world at a special sale this Friday only. Enjoy 20 percent savings on all jewelry purchases as well as 50 to 80 percent off of designer denim, handbags and scarves. While shopping, indulge in wine, appetizers and great conversation with Sala Joya’s friendly staff. Sala Joya, 348 Ste. A South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. 858.481.4800. salajoya.com
Wine Flights & Fashion
Mar. 22. Learn from the experts at M Wine Consulting & Education about the best varieties to sip and serve this spring and summer as you shop Chillers Showroom for men’s and women’s casual apparel and accessories with a contemporary twist. Chiller’s spring and summer stock just arrived, including brands like Velvet, Ella Moss and Splendid. 6-9 p.m. Chillers Showroom, 4667 Cass Street, San Diego. 858.274.3112. chillersshowroom.com
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
Parade
Through 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 I Were 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
