Events
Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase
April 22. Spring style is in full bloom with Fashion Week San Diego’s (FWSD) hybrid event. Jodi Kodesh hosts a fashion-filled night, during which nine emerging clothing designers from across the globe will present sneak peeks of their latest creations. (The collections will be shown in their entirety at the FWSD runway show in October.) The event will host 40 exclusive guests in person at U4RIK Spirits Distillery in San Marcos; while the public is invited to tune in virtually. Viewers also can place orders and meet the designers online. 6 p.m. $50 per household. fashionweeksd.com
Lips’ Grand Reopening
April 22. The past year has been a bit of a drag; thankfully, the ladies of the “drag palace” are back to lift your spirits. Lips reopens with its glamorous “Dinner with the Divas” showcase. This means high heels, big hair and your favorite celeb impersonations—including Cher, Bette Davis, Lady Gaga, Pink and Katy Perry. The fun includes dinner; plus cheeky add-on cocktails such as the Screaming Kiki, Pick That B*tch Up Off the Floor and Cheyenne’s Hypnotini. Call for required advance reservations. 7 p.m. $27 per person. 3036 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.295.7900. lipssd.com
Queen Bee’s Jazz Concert
April 23. All hail Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center—a hub for budding artists and musicians—not only for hosting some sorely missed live jazz, but also for giving guests the choice to enjoy it in person or virtually. The lineup includes the Jon Mayer Trio, with Jon Mayer (not to be confused with John Mayer) on piano, Will Lyle on bass and Roy McCurdy on drums; along with special guest Charlie Arbelaez (pictured), alto-saxophonist extraordinaire. 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) In-person admission and livestream tickets are $30. 3925 Ohio St., North Park, 619.255.5147. Tickets
Wonderspaces’ Virtual-Reality Film Series
April 23-25. Artsy outfit Wonderspaces has partnered with the NTC Foundation to bring a virtual-reality film series to the Arts District Liberty Station every month through the end of the year. First up: Gloomy Eyes—a story about a zombie boy named Gloomy, who falls in love with a mortal girl, Nena. Directed by Fernand Maldonado and Jorge Tereso and produced by Atlas V, the 360-degree animated film is simply stunning—winning the 2019 SXSW Virtual Cinema Jury Award. The experience is divided into three parts and runs for 50 minutes. $13-15. Tickets
Food + Drink
JCK: Junya’s Crispy Karaage
Now Open. There’s fried chicken. And then there’s crispy, juicy karaage—a Japanese double-frying method that involves fermenting chicken in a blend of soy sauce, marinades and spices. Chef Junya Watanabe—owner of San Diego’s popular Rakiraki ramen eateries—has spent the last 12 years perfecting his Tokyo-style karaage. Long served at Rakiraki, its popularity has taken on a life of its own, evolving into its own dine-in and takeout concept—JCK—housed at the Convoy location. Try the fiery-red, spicy karaage. Open daily at 11 a.m. 4646 Convoy St., Suite 102, Kearny Mesa, 858.771.7254. rakirakiramen.com
Sunday Brunch at Lionfish
Now Available. The chic downtown spot—known for its modern coastal cuisine by executive chef JoJo Ruiz—has launched its first Sunday brunch service. Menu highlights include duck-confit hash, strawberry-ricotta pancakes, a lobster-chorizo scramble and buttermilk-sesame biscuits with miso butter. Or splurge on the 30-ounce wagyu steak with fried eggs, biscuits and king trumpet mushrooms. Guests also can order sashimi and specialty sushi rolls; plus bottomless mimosas and sparkling rosé. Dine indoors or on the sidewalk patio. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7200. lionfishsd.com
Waterbar San Diego
Open. Ocean-view patio alert! Located just steps from the sand along the boardwalk, Waterbar is beloved for its spacious beachfront patio. Take in views of the Pacific while feasting on seafood delights such as the shrimp-and-whitefish ceviche, coconut-lemongrass mussels and daily fresh catches; plus burgers, sandwiches (try the crab grilled cheese), salads and craft cocktails. And don’t miss the Hangover Burger with crispy hash browns and applewood-smoked bacon on the weekend brunch menu. L, D daily; Br Sa-Su (see website for hours). 4325 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.888.4343. waterbarsd.com
Arts + Culture
Hamlet: On the Radio
April 23-24. One of the greatest plays ever written, Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a psychological revenge thriller, ghost story, family saga and political drama all in one. The Old Globe, which staged it outdoors to rave reviews in 2017 (Grantham Coleman as Hamlet is pictured), returns with an all-audio version. The two-part airing will premiere on Friday (Shakespeare’s birthday), with the second half airing on Saturday. Both can be heard on KPBS Radio 89.5, on the KPBS app and on smart speakers. Tune in and be transported to Denmark’s eerie Elsinore castle. 7 p.m. Free. More Info
My Brooklyn Hamlet
April 23-25. It’s one part Greek/Shakespeare tragedy, one part family comedy and one part completely unexpected. Set in modern-day Brooklyn, this one-woman show—written and performed by Brenda Adelman—mirrors the playwright’s heart-wrenching real-life story. (In 1995, Adelman’s mother was shot and killed by her father, who, mere months later, married her aunt.) It centers on murder, love, betrayal, family and forgiveness. Directed by Charles Peters and coproduced by Scripps Ranch Theatre and Oceanside Theatre Company, the streaming production is available through Sunday, and airs again April 30-May 2. $22 per household. scrippsranchtheatre.org
The Barber of Seville Drive-In Opera
Opens April 25. San Diego Opera’s spring season is underway—highlighted by fully staged performances of Rossini’s comic masterpiece. Dress up (if you wish) and head to Pechanga Arena’s parking lot for a family-friendly production of The Barber of Seville—featuring the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera Chorus. Watch the action live on stage from your car, with large video monitors capturing closeups. Additional performances are slated for April 27, 30 and May 1. See website for pricing. 7:30 p.m. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway District. sdopera.org
Photo credits: Fashion Week San Diego by CF Photography Studios. Queen B’s / Charlie Arbelaez by Peggy Ryan. Hamlet: On the Radio by Jim Cox / courtesy The Old Globe. The Barber of Seville by Kelly & Massa Photography / courtesy Opera Philadelphia. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
