Best Museum:
San Diego Museum Of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) just celebrated its 80th birthday on February 28. Housed in a Spanish architecture environment in Balboa Park, SDMA exhibits permanent collections of Italian, South Asian, European, Dutch, and Spanish Renaissance art, as well as seasonal exhibitions, while also offering enriching cultural programs like art classes and classical concerts. The museum can also be quite hip, as evidenced by the upcoming June 17 opening of Andy Warhol’s Dream America. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)
— Darlene G. Davies

Best Children’s Museum:
San Diego Natural History Museum
The magnificent 150,000-square-foot, three-floor San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park traces its historical roots to 1874. But there’s nothing staid or musty about this museum, which interprets the natural world in exciting ways for both small and big kids. Interactive activities abound for busy hands, field trips through nature reserves are available, and Ms. Frizzle, with her Magic School Bus, hosts Wacky Science Sundays every week. Entry to the giant screen movie theatre is included in the museum admission fee. The current show, Genome: The Secret of How Life Works, is entertaining and educational. At the end of May robotic dinos move in with Dinosaurs: Reel and Robotic. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org) — Darlene G. Davies

Best Theater Company:
The Old Globe
The Tony Award winning Old Globe Theatre offers a great mix of new and classic plays, and has been the site for development of many Broadway productions. Having recently celebrated its 70th birthday, the Globe has a remarkable history. Set in scenic Balboa Park, this theatre complex has three distinctly different performance venues, and is busy all year round with 14 scheduled productions, plus additional attractions such as the visiting Playwright’s Project and movie screenings. (619/231-1941, www.theoldglobe.org) — Darlene G. Davies

Best Musical Arts Organization:
San Diego Symphony
The San Diego Symphony performs the world’s finest music in the acoustically superior, restored downtown Symphony Hall under the musical direction of the esteemed Jahja Ling. The Jacobs’ Masterworks program features revered classical pieces performed by the world’s top musicians. Pops performances, family programming, and young people’s concerts ensure musical offerings for everyone — even newbies can acclimate themselves through the much touted Thursday Night Lite series. The San Diego Symphony has boldly reinvented itself, stepping up to a much higher level of artistry. (619/235-0804, www.sandiegosymphony.com) — Darlene G. Davies

Best Local Band:
Atomic Groove
Party, wedding, or corporate get-together, Atomic Groove has a catalogue of songs sure to fit any occasion. This versatile band has been delighting San Diego crowds for some time with their energetic live performances, covering tunes from the B-52s’ Love Shack to Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire to Usher’s Yeah. “Whether it’s traditional jazz and swing, contemporary top 40 dance hits, classic rock, or danceable soul and disco, we represent familiar music the way the audience likes it, but we present it with an Atomic Groove energy,” says frontwoman Carrie Weiland. When not entertaining at parties, Atomic Groove can be found at the likes of the Belly Up and L’Auberge resort. (760/431-6502, www.atomicgroovemusic.com) — Ryan Thomas

Best Live Music Venue:
The Belly Up Tavern
Located in Solana Beach, just a few blocks from the ocean, the Belly Up walks that fine line between local hangout and big league rock venue. The low-lit wood grain interior says seamen’s tavern, but the spacious dance floor, two full bars, professional sound, and Wild Note Café says popular nightclub. This middle ground makes for well-produced shows while maintaining a sense of intimacy between the audience and the musicians. Aspiring bands in the region consider having made it if they can get on the Belly Up’s impressive stage. Larger acts range from Robyn Hitchcock to The Romantics to The Bacon Brothers to Common Sense and everything in between. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)
— Ryan Thomas

Best Gallery:
Timmons Galleries
What started as a quaint gallery in Rancho Santa Fe has since moved into the Cedros Design District, with more than twice the space and even an art school for children, known as Studio A. Owner Leigh Timmons designed the new space to be aesthetically pleasing and inviting at the same time. She features renowned national and international contemporary pieces, such as the current works by Dan McCaw. Other notable artists featured at the gallery include Igor Smirnov, Cecile Hubene, and Jeff Nishinaka. New artists are added often, so be sure to return again and again. (858/794-5225, www.timmonscourtyardgallery.com) — Alicia Garcia

Best Local Artist:
Daryl Millard
Australian born Daryl Millard is best known for his detailed plein aire paintings that capture the natural beauty of outdoor California landscapes. Millard says he loves working with color harmonies, and tries to capture the mood of his settings through a mixture of elements. He maintains a studio near Lake Hodges, where he finds inspiration for his artistic expressions, and sells much of his work through the Daryl Millard Gallery in the Cedros Design District. (858/847-9030, www.darylmillard.com) — Darlene G. Davies

Best Guided Tour:
Aboard The USS Midway
Three football fields long, the USS Midway was once the largest ship in the world. It deployed right after World War II and served until Desert Storm, the longest record for any ship in U.S. military history. Like many museums, guests can don headphones and wind through the maze-like corridors at their leisure, going from the berths to the flight deck (featuring planes like the F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom) to the hospital on their own time. Recorded stories from actual Midway veterans accompany each location, each with personalized insight into what it was like to serve aboard the ship (like Air Boss Vern Jumper’s tale of evacuating Saigon during 1975’s Operation Frequent Wind). New areas are always opening, such as the brig, which is set to open this spring. (619/544-9600, www.midway.org) — Ryan Thomas

A Thought Provoking Body Of Water
Sandy Duncan plays the lead in Lee Blessing’s provocative A Body of Water, on stage now at the Old Globe Theater. In the play, a man and a woman, Moss and Avis, wake up one morning and find themselves in a strange house atop a mountain surrounded by water. It might be a pleasant place to live, if they can remember who they are and why they are there. As the play unfolds, secvrets are uncovered and truths revealed, all leading up to a climactic end. Recently named “Outstanding New Script of 2005” by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Blessing’s intriguing portrait of this couple’s condition shows us that without the firmament of memory, life can be a never-ending stream of possibilities — and horror. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.com) — Alicia Garcia

Horsing Around
Horse lovers take note — the TAIL Program (Total Arabian Interaction & Learning Program) will be featured at this year’s Fiesta Del Mar Arabian Horse Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds March 30 through April 2. This free, hands-on experience allows children and families to get up close and personal with the world’s oldest domestic breed of horse and receive information, education materials, and a full-color portrait of an Arabian horse. A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit Casa de Amparo, which provides shelter and quality care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children throughout San Diego County. (760/789-2955, www.desertaha.org, www.tdnaha.org) — Jane Shiomi

Landscape And City-Space
The work of accomplished local photographers John D. Clark and Robert Barry will be on view from March 16 through April 15 at the Ordover Project. An opening reception will take place on March 16 from 6-8:30pm. Featured here is John D. Clark’s Chloride City, one of Death Valley’s earliest towns. According to Margaret R. Eggers, PhD, geologist and wife of Clark, “Silver-lead ore deposits were found here in 1871 and the town site sprang up to support the Chloride Cliff Mine. The town enjoyed a short resurgence in 1905 when the nearby Bullfrog gold strike brought people into the area to re-work old mining claims. It became a ghost town the following year. Although Chloride used to include several ghost town buildings, time, harsh winds, and vandals have nearly erased the town’s remnants. But a drive up Chloride Road still affords this broad sky and a great view down into Death Valley.” (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com) — Mia Stefanko

Morgan Jean Jewelry
The M Collection is hosting an opportunity for style mavens to meet local artist Morgan Soule, whose creative line of jewelry, Morgan Jean Jewelry, is quickly gaining popularity due to its sophisticated yet rocker chic style. Guests can choose from Soule’s latest designs or have her customize her signature hoops with favored gemstones to create a unique, personal look. It’s not just about fashion, though — in their continued effort to combat homelessness in North County, The M Collection will collect gently worn clothing for donation to North County Solutions for Change. The trunk show will take place at the Carlsbad Village location March 16-17, and at the Encinitas boutique on March 18. (760/720-1252, www.themcollection.com) — Jane Shiomi

McCartney Moments
From March 4 through April 2, The Morrison Hotel Gallery in La Jolla presents the North American debut of the photography of Bill Bernstein, whose work documents life on tour with Paul McCartney over the past 15 years. The exhibit features both behind the scenes and live performance photographs that are hand signed by both Bernstein and McCartney. “The opportunity to photograph McCartney’s entire World Tour and to be given such astounding access has been a high point of my career. Rarely is a photographer given such trust and free reign,” says Bernstein. An opening night reception with Bernstein takes place on March 4 from 6-9pm. Admission to the exhibit is free, and photographs are available for purchase. (858-551-0835, www.morrisonhotelgallery.com) — Jane Shiomi

John August Swanson at Bazaar Del Mundo
The world renowned religious-themed artist who recently received the 2005 Mother Teresa Award (an honor shared by luminaries such as Pope John Paul II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Jimmy Carter and others), will appear with his works at the Bazaar Del Mundo shops in Old Town from March 23-25. Swanson will introduce his latest serigraph Take Away the Stone, which depicts the story of the raising of Lazarus from the Gospel of St. John, as well as discuss his recent honor. His unique style is influenced by Islamic and medieval miniatures, Russian iconography, the color of Latin American folk art and the tradition of Mexican muralists. The acclaimed artist has works in galleries including the Tate Gallery in England, The Vatican Museum in Vatican City, the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and the Art Institute of Chicago.
(619/296-3161, www.bazaardelmundo.com) — Alicia Garcia

Culture Calendar

MARCH

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, it is playing at the San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

Thru 3/19: The Times They Are A-Changin’
Extended two more weeks. Music by Bob Dylan; directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp. Old Globe Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 3/19: Into The Woods
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, libretto by James Lapine, and featuring a cast of Lamb’s Players Theatre veterans and newcomers. Directed by Robert Smyth, musical direction by G. Scott Lacy, choreography by Pamela Turner. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)

Thru 4/1: Lynden Saint Victor Exhibition
A solo exhibition featuring the paintings of Lynden Saint Victor, whose unique style masterfully melds the real and surreal with bold and beautiful characters. Distinction Artist Studios and Gallery. (760/781-5779, www.distinctionart.com)

Thru 4/30: The Jackleg Testament
The latest project by prolific writer, composer, performer, and visual artist Jay Bolotin, who has crafted a spectacular, operatic woodcut motion picture using his woodcut prints as the source material. MCASD Downtown. (www.mcasd.org)

Thru 5/7: Mike Smith: You’re Not From Around Here
An exhibition of 50 color photographs of the Appalachian Mountains region by contemporary photographer Mike Smith. Museum of Photographic Arts. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)

Thru 6/30: Tastes In Asian Art
This collection highlights the imperial ruling class, scholars, warriors, and common people — and also features a section dedicated to religious art. A recent re-installation of approximately 45 new pieces has added works from the Islamic world, a newly restored bodhisattva head from Pakistan dating to the 1st century, and Japanese prints from the 20th century. San Diego Museum of Art. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)

3/1-4/1: Forge Ahead
A juried, cash awards show of approximately 90 works of varied media on paper, including watercolor, acrylic, gouache, casein, and tempera, as well as mixed media. Showcase Gallery of the San Diego Watercolor Society in Little Italy. (619/338-0502, www.sdws.org)

3/2-5: Rumplestiltskin
The Theatre School at North Coast Repertory Theatre performs this classic fairy tale. (858/481-2155, www.northcoastrep.org)

3/4: The Pipes, Drums, And Highland Dancers Of The First Battalion
Scotland’s Black Watch joins with the Welsh Guards for an evening of music and pageantry, featuring 90 performers, bagpipes, traditional military marches, drum solos. California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

3/4-5: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
California Ballet Company performs a dance adaptation of the famous play by William Shakespeare. Bordering in a world between dream and reality, two pairs of young lovers and other charming characters involve themselves in magical pursuits. San Diego Civic Theatre. (858/560-6741, www.californiaballet.org)

3/4-4/22: Thomas Allen
An opening reception with the artist will take place on March 10 from 6–8pm at the Joseph Bellows Gallery. (858/456-5620, www.josephbellows.com)

3/5: The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra
Eighteen of today’s most talented up-and-coming jazz musicians perform big band jazz. California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

3/6-5/1: The Figure In Art
At The Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery, this show will explore both realistic and abstract expressions of the human figure in all mediums. A reception to meet the artists and view the art will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 5-7pm. (858/759-3545)

3/6: Athenaeum Mini-Concerts Featuring Rob Thorsen And Mike Wofford
Two of San Diego’s favorite jazz artists join forces. 12pm, admission is free. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, La Jolla. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

3/7: Sautéing Made Easy
Chef Joey Nerenberg of Infusion Culinary presents a free 90 minute seminar including demonstrations, helpful hints, and plenty of food samples. 6-7:30pm at Macy’s Home Store in Mission Valley. (760/420-0847, www.infusionculinary.com)

3/7-12: Dr. Dolittle
Tony Award-winning actor and director Tommy Tune brings his production of Dr. Dolittle to Broadway San Diego. Features award-winning songs such as Talk to the Animals and When I Look in Your Eyes. San Diego Civic Theater. (619/231-8995, www.broadwaysd.com)

3/8: Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Copley Symphony Hall. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

3/9-11: Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series — Borromeo String Quartet
Borromeo String Quartet performs an all-Mozart program that includes the composer’s String Quartet in G Major, K. 387. March 9 at CECUT in Tijuana, March 10-11 at The Neurosciences Institute. (619/239-0100, www.mainlymozart.org)

3/9, 21, 23, 26, 29: Authors Insights On Religion, The Holocuast, And More
Speakers ranging from rabbis to movie stars will participate in the Distinguished Author Series at the Astor Judaica Library, part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. Tickets range from $9 to $12, and series packages are available. (858/362-1348, www.ljccc.org)

3/10-7/2: Therman Statom: Through The Looking Glass And Judit Hersko: Shifting Baselines
These two exhibitions at California Center for the Arts, Escondido will feature local, installation artists who have received international acclaim for their epic works. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

3/11-4/9: Intimate Apparel
San Diego Repertory Theatre continues its 30th anniversary season with Lynn Nottage’s critically acclaimed drama directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

3/11-4/17: Visions: Lyrical Form
Presented by The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum, featuring the photographic artwork of George Lepp. Fine art photographers Charles Cramer, Annaliese Cassarino, Richard Daniels, and Abe Ordover will also be featured, as well as wood sculptor Troy Poeschl, who will show wall pieces. (619/232-3821, www.ordovergallery.com)

3/11-4/1: The Playboy Of The Western World
New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad presents John Millington Synge’s play, which expresses the richness of Irish peasantry through the arrival of an unlikely hero and the passions it gives rise to in a village filled with dreamers. (760/433-3245, www.newvillagearts.org)  

3/12: It’s Magic!
An all-star stage revue that has presented the world’s most famous magicians for half a century. The 2006 edition of the show celebrates its 50th anniversary. California Center for the Arts, Escondido (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

Thru 3/12: The U.S. Chess Championship
At the NTC Promenade. Sixty-four chess masters will be strategizing their way to a possible win at the prestigious tournament, including 17-year-old Hikaru Nakamura, who defends his title. (619/226-1491, www.uschesschampionship.com)

3/13: Athenaeum San Diego Mini-Concerts Featuring Gennaro Trio
Ron Goldman on violin, Mary Undblom on cello, Ilana Mysior on piano. 12pm, admission is free. Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

3/13: San Diego Horticultural Society Event
Bulb grower Brent Heath will talk about The Tropical Paradise Garden with Summer Bulbs. This free meeting starts at 6pm at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds.
(760/730-3268, www.sdhortsoc.org)

3/16: Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant- 40th Anniversary Massacree Tour
With special guests Abe Guthrie, Gordon Titcomb, and The Massacree Band.
Features such songs as Alice’s Restaurant and Coming Into Los Angeles, which helped shape the music of the peace and love era. California Center for the Arts, Escondido (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

3/18: Young Dubliners
The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

3/18-19: From Rio To Helsinki
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents Harvey Sollberger, composer, flautist, and former LJS&C music director. (858/534-4637, www.lajollasymphony.com)

3/19: The Green 17 Tour 2006
Featuring Flogging Molly with Scotch Greens and The Rolling Blackouts. House of Blues, San Diego. (619/299-BLUE, www.hob.com)

3/20: New Pornographers
The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

3/20: Athenaeum Mini-Concerts Featuring Marian Liebowitz And Richard Thompson
A group of Latino works titled Border Crossing. 12pm, admission is free. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, La Jolla. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

3/23-25: The Altenberg Trio — Mainly Mozart’s Annual Spotlight Series Of Chamber Music
Features pianist Claus-Christian Schuster, violinist Amiram Ganz, and cellist Alexander Gebert. All-Mozart program includes Piano Trio (Terzett) in C, K. 548; Trio in E, K. 542; Piano Trio (Sonata) in G, KV 496. March 23 at the Church of the Nativity in Rancho Santa Fe, March 24-25 at The Neurosciences Institute. (619/239-0100, www.mainlymozart.org)

3/25-4/5: Carmen
Bizet’s immortal masterpiece, featuring renowned Siberian born mezzo-soprano Marina Domashenko in the title role. Directed by Tony Award nominee Mark Lamos, production by Tony Award winning designer Michael Yeargan. Civic Theatre. (619/533-7000, www.sdopera.com)

3/26: Die Fledermaus
Performed by Helikon Opera, Strauss’ operetta Die Fledermaus is a lighthearted comedy of romance and disguise. California Center for the Arts, Escondido (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

3/27: Athenaeum San Diego Mini-Concerts Featuring The Blue Grass Society
A lecture is given by the Blue Grass Society. 12pm, admission is free. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

3/27-28: The Pretenders
The legendary rock band plays to the crowd at the House Of Blues, San Diego. $47. (619/299-BLUE, www.hob.com)

3/28: Dilated Peoples
With Little Brother and Defari. The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

3/31-4/2: Vintage Weekend 2006: Fine Wine, Food, And Art
The Museum of Photographic Arts presents its signature fundraiser. The weekend’s events include the Winemaker’s Dinner on March 31, the Eighth Annual Wine Auction and Grand Tasting on April 1, and the Wine Cellar Tour on April 2. (619-238-7559 x227, www.mopa.org)

3/31-4/22: The Tempest
Performed by the San Diego Shakespeare Society. (760/745-5763, www.sandiegoshakespearesociety.org)

APRIL

4/1: Life: A Guide For The Perplexed
The Flying Karamazovs’ newest and most ambitious show ever, filled with high spirits, dancing, and world-class juggling. California Center for the Arts, Escondido (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

4/1: Benefit Art Show For The Kids!
The Toussaint Academy & Teen Center hosts a benefit art show featuring children’s artwork alongside various local and famous artists in San Diego. Adorn Studio, Little Italy. (619/446-2100, www.toussaintacademy.org)

4/1-2: Coppelia, The Girl With The Enamel Eyes
Southern California Youth Ballet presents the romantic story of a mischievous young girl and her friends who play a trick on the old toymaker, while her beau becomes besotted with a beautiful doll. Poway Center for the Performing Arts. (858/748-0505, www.southern-california-youth-ballet.org)

4/1-5/7: The Constant Wife
By Somerset Maugham and directed by Seret Scott, this is the story of Constance Middleton, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is utterly unconcerned with the fact that her husband is having an affair with her best friend. A classic comedy of manners and mistresses. The Old Globe. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

4/3, 4, 6: Dr. Jacob Goldberg Leads Discussion Of Middle East Politics
A three-lecture program by Dr. Jacob Goldberg, a renowned scholar and speaker on Middle-East politics, will take place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, La Jolla. Hosted by The Astor Judaica Library, part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture. (858/362-1348, www.lfjcc.org)

4/6-5/21: Five Cups Of Coffee
Lamb’s Players Theatre presents the world premiere of Gillette Elvgren’s comedy, where Hal Bjornson runs out on his own wedding and into Milo’s Gourmet Coffee Shop. A man obsessed with time, he does not drink coffee, but at crucial moments in his life, he consumes a total of five cups, all at Milo’s. Directed by Robert Smyth. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)

4/10: San Diego Horticultural Society Event
Laurence Lee will explore The Garden as Sanctuary. This free meeting starts at 6pm at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds. (760/730-3268, www.sdhortsoc.org)

4/15-23: Handel’s Julius Caesar In Egypt
San Diego Opera’s production of Julius Caesar in Egypt brings together an international cast of world-renowned musicians and early music specialists. Conducted by Kenneth Montgomery and directed by John Copley. (619/533-7000, www.sdopera.com)

4/22-5/21: Romance
Directed by Sam Woodhouse, this funny contemporary farce is written by David Mamet. A chiropractor is on trial in a courtroom, accused of assaulting a chiropodist, and his trial is but the jumping off point for a wild, political comedy. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)