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Making An Impression In San Diego
Travelers fortunate enough to visit rural Giverney, located less than an hour from Paris, are amazed to witness the same unusual light so magnificently captured in Claude Monet’s paintings. Monet inhabited Giverney over a 30-year period, developing his signature style impressionist art, as well as his elaborate gardens, during that time. His presence and the glorious setting drew many talented artists to the tiny village during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Because it was an ideal setting for plein air painting, the artists journeyed from around the world to be part of Giverney’s art colony. Czech, British, German, Scandinavian, and North American born, the artists stayed at Giverney for varying lengths of time, during which they captured the uniquely beautiful environment through impressionist paintings. Now, their work, along with art by the incomparable Monet, may be viewed when Impressionist Giverney: A Colony of Artists, 1885-1915 opens at the San Diego Museum of Art on July 21, the only location in America that will showcase the internationally traveling exhibit. The exquisite show is scheduled to close on September 30 of this year. Artists represented include French painter Pierre Bonnard, and American artists Carl Frieseke, John Leslie Breck, Guy Rose, and Theodore Robinson. The exhibition will be enriched by inclusion of an impressive group of paintings from SDMA’s permanent collection and select private collections in the region. Historic documents and photographs complete the in-depth look at an enduringly influential artist colony, one to which visitors flock each year for inspiration and knowledge. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org) — Darlene G. Davies
Music Mecca
Get ready for a whole new era of performance arts in San Diego. Philanthropist Conrad Prebys has made a $6 million donation that will make the completion of a new music center at UCSD possible. "With this new music center, UCSD gains an exceptional new venue for the arts, which will have a significant cultural impact on our campus and our community," says UCSD chancellor Marye Anne Fox. The new state-of-the-art complex will house a 400-seat concert hall, professional recording studios, and a black box theater, along with practice rooms, classrooms, and offices. The center is set to open in 2009 and will have the latest computer audio, video, and networking technology installed throughout. This new addition to the UCSD campus will continue the school’s internationally renowned status as a leader in the contemporary music world. (www.ucsd.edu) — Rina Van Orden
Summer Cinema At MCASD
Film Curator Neil Kendricks has invigorated San Diego’s cinephile scene with his eclectic offerings at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla. On July 12, catch an outdoor screening of Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1987 cult-classic comedy Raising Arizona. Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter star as misguided but good-hearted kidnappers on the lam with baby Arizona. Indulge your inner art-house lover on July 26 with Jean-Luc Godard’s Weekend. This apocalyptic look at the materialism of modern society came out in 1967, and four decades later Godard’s vision is still eerily resonant. It’s considered by many to be the pièce de résistance from the French New Wave director. Next month, on August 23, don’t miss the fifth-annual alt.pictures.show, a short-film showcase curated by Kendricks. The one-night festival includes films from around the world looping throughout the museum. (858/454-3541, www.mcasd.org)
— AnnaMaria Stephens
San Diego’s History
Discover the stories of San Diego’s past. The Museum of San Diego History is unveiling the second phase of its permanent exhibition, which explores the many cultures that shaped the identity and development of early San Diego. The exhibition is set to open on July 19. The content focuses on the effects of San Diego’s first inhabitants such as the Kumeyaay, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers up to 1885. Some of the featured artifacts have not previously been on public display, and will be implemented as educational tools in the multi-dimensional exhibit. These items include an 1850 hand appliquéd red and white cotton quilt and a 19th century ore cart similar to what was used in mining operations in Julian. To accompany this exhibition, the museum offers programs such as tours, family days, lectures, and craft workshops. The first phase of the exhibition opened to the public last July, and the third phase is scheduled to be ready by spring of next year. (619/232-6203, www.sandiegohistory.org) — Rina Van Orden
Visions Of Baja
Ever wonder what you don’t always get to see in Baja California Sur? Pick up Bruce Berger’s new book, Oasis of Stone, and get a glimpse of all the flora and wildlife you never knew existed — mountain lions, buzzards, lizards, agave, prickly pears, and much more. The book is chock full of breathtaking photographs taken by award-winning photographer Miguel Angel de la Cueva. From Encino to San Juan de la Costa to Valle de Azufre, from the dessert lowlands to the mountains, the images capture the hidden beauty of Baja California Sur as never before seen. (www.sunbeltpub.com) — Alicia Garcia
Culture Calendar
July
Ongoing: Ocean Oasis
This giant-screen film takes viewers on a fascinating journey into Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and the Baja California desert. Winner of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the International Wildscreen Film Festival. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)
Ongoing: Juried Fine Art Show
The Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League (COAL) presents a juried fine art show by COAL members every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) on the lawn in front of the Carlsbad Inn. The show runs from 9am-4pm. Admission is free. (www.carlsbadinnart.blogspot.com)
Thru 7/8: Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lamb’s Players Theatre’s first major musical hit comes for the first time to the resident stage in Coronado and will be directed by Robert Smyth. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)
Thru 7/15: Boyd Gavin Exhibition
Susan Street Fine Art Gallery presents new still-life works by Boyd Gavin, a prominent California painter. (858/793-4442, www.susanstreetfineart.com)
Thru 7/22: Carmen
Cirque du Soleil’s Franco Dragone brings his heightened theatricality to the intimate environment of La Jolla Playhouse with Carmen, a new musical interpretation of Mérimée’s novella Carmen. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)
Thru 7/29: Waking Dreams: The Art Of The Pre-Raphaelites From The Delaware Art Museum
Drawn from the Delaware Art Museum, which houses the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art outside the United Kingdom, the works featured in Waking Dreams represent some of the most iconic images of the period. San Diego Museum of Art. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)
Thru 7/31: The Alps
Producer Greg MacGillivray and director Stephen Judson present a film that celebrates the majestic Alpine locale. On IMAX at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. (619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org)
Thru 7/31: The Masters Of Fantasy Art
The San Diego chapter of The Art Institute of California, in conjunction with Sony Online Entertainment, presents The Masters of Fantasy Art exhibition highlighting game art created by Keith Parkinson. (800/591-2422, www.artinstitutes.edu/sandiego)
Thru 8/5: Eighth Annual San Diego Jewish Music Festival
Headlining this year’s music festival are Israeli bassist/composer Avishai Cohen; tenor Michael Philip Davis; the Israel Contemporary String Quartet; the distinguished American pianist Jeffrey Siegel; and the Israeli ensemble, SheshBesh. At the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. (858/362-1348, www.lfjcc.org/sdjmf)
Thru 8/5: Avenue Q
Winner of the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical and still one of the biggest hits on Broadway, Avenue Q tells the hilarious story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. At Spreckels Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
Thru 8/31: Chip Hooper: New Zealand’s South Pacific And Tasman Sea
Joseph Bellows Gallery presents an exhibition of work from Hooper’s most recent series, New Zealand’s South Pacific and Tasman Sea. (858/456-5620, www.josephbellows.com)
Thru 9/2: Vik Muniz: Reflex
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla presents works by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz, who utilizes an astonishing variety of often ephemeral materials including dirt, sugar, wire, string, chocolate syrup, peanut butter, dust, ketchup, plastic toys, and even diamonds to reproduce recognizable images and turn them alien. (858/454-3541, www.mcasd.org)
Thru 9/10: Bodies...The Exhibition
This exhibition presents a fascinating look at human anatomy through preserved body specimens. Using a technology called plastination, scientists can dissect and display bodies and organs in innovative ways. Westfield UTC. (877/BODIES5, www.bodiestheexhibition.com)
Thru 9/9: Harry Callahan: The Photographer At Work
The Museum of Photographic Arts presents an exhibition of photographs and rare archival materials by master 20th century photographer Harry Callahan. The exhibition features approximately 120 photographs along with the artist’s working materials drawn from Callahan’s archive at the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, AZ. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)
Thru 9/30: Hamlet
Shakespeare’s great tragedy has fascinated and enthralled audiences for nearly 400 years, but remains as relevant and urgent as ever. The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
Thru 9/30: Measure For Measure
Truth and hypocrisy, chastity and lust, justice and compassion collide in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
Thru 9/30: The Two Gentlemen Of Verona
Shakespeare’s early comedy about headstrong young love is an adventure with surprising twists and engaging characters, including a resourceful heroine in disguise, an irreverent servant, and one of the most famous supporting canines in theater history. The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
Thru 1/1/08: Contemporary Israeli Photography
The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum presents this exhibit to accompany the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. Photos showcase the faces of Israel’s founding leaders, children in Torah class, ancient Israeli architecture, and religious rituals. Sculpture and glass will also be shown. In addition, an opening reception will be held on July 14. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)
Thru 1/31/08: Journey To The Copper Age: Archaeology In The Holy Land
At the San Diego Museum of Man, this exhibit features 6,000-year-old objects from the Israel Museum and stunning photography by Kenneth Garrett. (619/239-2001, www.museumofman.org)
7/3: 80s Heat
Don your patriotic ’80s garb for the chance to win a $100 cash prize. The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)
7/7: Cash’d Out With The Palominos
The next best thing to Johnny Cash. At The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)
7/12: Summer Light
Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild presents an artist reception and spring exhibition. Guests will also enjoy refreshments and entertainment. 5-8pm at the The Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery. (858/759-3545, www.ranchosantafeartguild.org)
7/14-8/19: Hay Fever
In Noel Coward’s delightful comedy, each member of the eccentric Bliss family — a retired actress, her novelist husband, and their two children — invites a guest to their country home, unbeknownst to each other. As the unwitting visitors arrive in hopes of a romantic weekend, the stage is set for comedy and chaos. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
7/14-8/12: Rashomon
By Fay and Michael Kanin and playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre.
(858/481-2155, www.northcoastrep.org)
7/15: Willie Nelson
Pala Casino Spa & Resort. (877/WIN-PALA, www.palacasino.com)
7/17-8/19: The Deception
Theatre de la Jeune Lune brings their incomparable wit to the perils of courtships in this deliciously nasty game of love, sex and power. La Jolla Playhouse’s Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)
7/17-22: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Tony-nominated actor Tom Hewitt (Rocky Horror Show) plays suave and sophisticated con man Lawrence Jameson and is joined onstage by D.B. Bonds, who plays Freddy Benson. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reunites David Yazbek (music and lyrics) with Tony Award-winners Jack O’Brien and Jerry Mitchell, the Tony-nominated team behind The Full Monty. San Diego Civic Theatre. (619/220-TIXS, www.broadwaysd.com)
7/19-9/2: Isabel Brown Exhibition
A long-time resident of La Jolla, Brown will exhibit new coastal landscapes featuring her characteristic focus on people and the beach. Susan Street Fine Art Gallery. (858/793-4442, www.susanstreetfineart.com)
7/23: Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus
Recognized as one of the best a cappella choral groups in Southern California. Singing music ranging from popular classics to Broadway show tunes. Moonlight Amphitheatre. (760/724-2110, www.vistixonline.com)
7/24-8/26: After The Quake
An enchanting and haunting play interweaves two short stories inspired by the aftermath of the Kobe, Japan earthquake. La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Forum. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)
7/29: Art And Music On The Lawn
At The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild presents The Peter Pupping Quartet and The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra, which will entertain guests as artists demonstrate their work on the lawn.The Inn will offer picnic foods and a full bar for purchase. (858/759-3545, www.ranchosantafeartguild.org)
8/2: Tim McGraw And Faith Hill
Soul2Soul Tour 2007 at the San Diego Sports Arena. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)
8/3: Clay Aiken
Pala Casino Spa & Resort. (877/WIN-PALA, www.palacasino.com)
8/4: Tribute To Artie Shaw
The Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra presents a tribute to the late, great jazz clarinetist, composer and bandleader Artie Shaw. Joining the band will be Tad Calcara, principal clarinetist with the Utah Symphony. Moonlight Amphitheatre. (760/724-2110, www.vistixonline.com)
8/4-9/9: Bell, Book And Candle
In John Van Druten’s comedy, Gillian Holroyd, a bonafide witch, falls for publisher Sheperd Henderson. Gillian casts a spell on him, obliging him to dump his fiancée and rush to her side. But witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, which leads to a number of hilarious difficulties. The Old Globe’s Cassius Carter Centre Stage. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)
8/20: Coastal Communities Concert Band — An American Salute
This 85-member symphonic band is a favorite of music lovers worldwide. Directed by Don Caneva, it has received awards from the John Phillips Sousa Foundation and Switzerland’s Alpine Music Festival. At the Moonlight Amphitheatre. (760/724-2110, www.vistixonline.com)
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