Sixth Annual Rancho Santa Fe Art Fair
The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild will host the 6th Annual Rancho Santa Fe Art Fair on September 10 from 10am-5pm in the parks at the intersection of Paseo Delicias and Avenida De Acacias. Headed up by Elaine Trei and Connie McCoy, this year's event will feature over 130 countywide artists (many of whom will be painting as the day goes on), who will be showcasing and selling their works. Also, across the street at the Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery, an exhibition of over 150 paintings created by the Rancho Santa Fe School children, grades K-8, will take place from September 5-10. In addition, the fair will feature a silent auction, entertainment, and a raffle. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Art Guild's programs that aid the visual arts in the community. (858/759-3545) — Jane Shiomi

George Gershwin Alone
The legendary American composer, George Gershwin, comes to life in the upcoming Old Globe production of George Gershwin Alone, a "play with music" that opens September 9 and runs through October 22. This one-man show incorporates Gershwin's best-known songs, as it tells the story of the gifted composer's brief life, and captures a unique time in American history when sophistication reigned along with amazing creative output and blatant social injustice. Audiences will enjoy such songs as Someone to Watch Over Me and The Man I love, as well as the gorgeous songbook from Porgy and Bess. A complete performance of Rhapsody in Blue alone makes this show well worth seeing and hearing. Priceless, we say. Actor-musician Hershey Felder assumes the persona of the musical genius, and takes audiences on an altogether fulfilling journey. (619/231-1941, www.theoldglobe.org) — Darlene G. Davies

Primal Twang
Primal Twang: The Legacy of the Guitar premieres at the North Park Theatre September 7-10. Directed by Anthony Leigh, Adams, this theatrical trip through the 3,500-year history of the guitar, probably the world's most popular instrument, features live performances and rare archival footage. Legendary guitarist Dan Crary will be accompanied by other top musicians at the event. The North Park Theatre venue seems a good fit for this production. A side tidbit: the musical will be filmed for DVD release. (619/239-8836, www.primaltwang.com) — Darlene G. Davies

Timmons Galleries Moves East
A longtime fixture on Cedros Avenue, Timmons Galleries has moved and now occupies two suites in Del Rayo Village in Fairbanks Ranch. To break in the new locale, the gallery is hosting a private opening celebration on September 16 that coincides with the September 18 opening of the Dan, John, and Danny McCaw exhibition. The fine artwork of the nationally-known McCaws will be on display at the gallery for about three weeks. (858/756-8488, www.timmonsgalleries.com) — Jane Shiomi

Rep Sings New Tune
The big San Diego theatre news this month is that the enduring run of A Christmas Carol at San Diego Repertory Theatre has come to an end. Alas, there will be no Scrooge or Tiny Tim on the SD Rep stage this holiday season, and that will leave a gap in the traditional December lineup. (Outside SD Rep we still have Nutcracker, The Messiah, and Grinch to console us.) What SD Rep is mounting in November through much of December is Hank Williams: Lost Highway, a musical that has been previously performed in town and offers generous helpings of country music. In fact, Williams is regarded as the father of country music, and this show offers more than 20 of his all-time favorites, including I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, Your Cheatin' Heart, and Hey Good Lookin'. Among other attractions in the upcoming season is another standout, Ella, which is about, of course, the first lady of song, Ella Fitzgerald. The most popular female jazz singer in the country for good reason, she was simply the best. The book for the show is by the very talented Jeffrey Hatcher, and Tony Award nominee, Tina Fabrique, stars. Kick back and bask in Cheek to Cheek, That Old Black Magic, and How High the Moon. Ella will play September 15 through October 15. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com) — Darlene G. Davies

We Are Women, See Us Rise
Inspired by the triumphant spirit of his wife who battled breast cancer, Art Myers, a fine art photographer and a physician trained in public health and preventive medicine, tackles gripping and riveting projects of women facing adversity through photography. What surprised Myers after his first project, a series of women with breast cancer, was "how these women all seemed to thrive after diagnosis and treatment. Instead of feeling like a victim, they were stronger, like they wanted to take control over their lives," says Myers. We are Women. See Us Rising! is a compilation of much of Myers' work shot internationally and domestically over many years. The stories and images of these featured women are intriguing and inspiring, and each piece is worth a thousand words. Myers' work will be at the Ordover Project from September 21 through October 15 with an opening reception on Thursday, September 21 from 6-8:30pm. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com) — Alanna Trimble

San Diego Goes To The Movies
Now in it's fifth year, this year's San Diego Film Festival promises to be the best yet. Held downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter, this competitive five-day festival showcases more than 75 American and international feature, documentary, and short films; intimate gatherings with filmmakers and celebrities; high-powered industry workshops including the American Screenwriters Association's annual conference; and five nights of San Diego's most glamorous parties. Past attendees have included James Woods, Colin Hanks, Joaquin Phoenix and Joan Collins, among others. (619/582-2368, www.sdff.org) — Jane Shiomi

Culture Calendar

September

Ongoing: Ocean Oasis
This giant-screen film takes viewers on a fascinating journey into Mexico's Sea of Cort?s 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)

Thru 9/10: Andy Warhol's Dream America
This exhibition at San Diego Museum of Art contains more than 100 prints of what have come to be iconic images. Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Campbell's Soup cans, Mao Zedong, Mick Jagger — you get the idea. Warhol was the product of a glorious advertising age, a commercial arts baby who experimented with the silkscreen process and created his own signature look. He loved America's instant culture mentality and it loved him. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)

Thru 9/10: Water: Impressions and Abstractions
The Ordover Gallery at the San Diego Natural History Museum will feature many new works by photographer Abe Ordover, including abstract, impressionistic, and realistic water imagery. Ordover will also be showing images from Big Sur. Fine art photographs by Elizabeth Carmel, Lisa Jordan, and Frans Lanting, as well as glass by Dick Ditore and sculpture by Jeffery Laudenslager. (858/720-1121, www.ordovergallery.com)

Thru 9/10: Lincolnesque
A touching and funny new play about the bond of family and the ruthlessness of American politics. The Old Globe's Cassius Carter Center Stage. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 9/16: Harvest Moon
San Diego Watercolor Society presents a juried awards show of approximately 90 watermedia paintings, which features some of Southern California's most talented, award-winning painters working with watercolor, acrylic, gouache, casein and tempera, as well as mixed media. A First Friday opening reception is free to the public and takes place on September 1 from 5-8pm. (619/338-0502, www.sdws.org)

Thru 9/17: Southern Latitudes: Photographic Artwork By Jim Cline, Nancy Keating And Bob Barry
The fine art photography of Jim Cline, Nancy Keating, and Bob Barry will be on view at the Ordover Project. Cline is an award-winning, adventure travel photographer whose special interest is in the countries of Latin America and their people, traditional customs, and cultures. Keating's photography reflects her strong affinity for the tropics, including the Polynesian Islands, Cook Islands, and Barbados. Barry's photographs depict vivid, colorful scenes from Mexico. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

Thru 9/17: 5 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)

Thru 9/29: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Darko Tresnjak and playing at outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 9/30: Titus Andronicus
The Old Globe presents the single most popular play in Shakespeare's theatre during his lifetime — today considered one of his bloodiest. Outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 10/1: Othello
Written at the height of Shakespeare's creativity, Othello explores the tragedy of a love destroyed by jealousy. Outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 10/7: Christopher Polentz Exhibit At Distinction Artist Studios And Gallery.
Polentz has been teaching painting at the Art Center for 20 years. Polentz composes his paintings with small brushes and tremendous detail. Polentz has been commissioned to create commercial illustrations for a number of companies including Atlantic Records, Cobra Golf, MGM/UA, Mattel Toys, Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton, and many others. (760/781-5779, www.distinctionart.com)

Thru 11/30: Vikings: Journey To New Worlds
This cinematic portrait of the Vikings explores their historical and cultural impact, as well as their technological and scientific achievements. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

Thru 12/31: Deep Sea
Deep Sea, directed and produced by Howard and Michele Hall, transports audiences below the ocean surface to swim with some of the most exotic creatures on the planet.Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, with an original score by Danny Elfman, the film showcases the importance of interrelationships between animals to the health of the environment. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. (619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org)

Thru 1/1/07: Dinosaurs: Reel & Robotic
This exhibit showcases the world's largest collection of original movie posters, models, and memorabilia, an interactive animation studio, a dino dig box, and giant robotic dinosaurs. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

9/1-30: Landscape Photographs By Paul Kozal And Koichiro Kurita
The Joseph Bellows Gallery presents landscape photographs by Paul Kozal and Japanese photographer Koichiro Kurita. An opening reception with Kozal takes place on September 1 from 6-8pm. (858/456-5620, www.josephbellows.com)

9/8, 22, 29: Olivenhain Town Hall's Outdoor Cinema
These festival-style events will be kicked off by popular local bands, while vendors from local restaurants will dish up picnic-style dinners. (A beer and wine garden will be on site for adults.) Join the community under the eucalyptus trees for a fun-filled night for the entire family. (www.olivenhain.org)

9/9: Linda Eder
San Diego Civic Theatre. (619/570-1100, www.broadwaysd.com)

9/9-10/12: Photo Exhibition Featuring The Work Of Mia DelCasino
Sharp Gallery presents the photography of New York native Mia DelCasino. An opening reception with the artist will take place on September 9 from 6-10pm in conjuction with the five-year anniversary of Ray At Night, a monthly art event. (619/546-9546, www.sharpgallery.net)

9/9, 23: La Jolla Symphony Chorus Auditions
The La Jolla Symphony Chorus will hold auditions for openings in all sections. The 125-voice chorus rehearses on Monday evenings at the University of California, San Diego, Mandeville Center. Concerts are given throughout the season on the UCSD campus as well as San Diego venues. Chorus membership is open to community members with music training, as well as university students. During the 2006-2007 season, the chorus will perform Coronation Mass by Mozart, Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven, Cantata No.4 by J.S. Bach, Vespers by S. Rachmaninoff, and Scenes from Goethe's Faust by R. Schumann. (858/243-2045, www.lajollasymphony.com)

9/12: Matisyahu With Gomez And Street Drum Corps
Viejas Concerts at Bayside. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/13: Bonnie Raitt With Keb' Mo'
Viejas Concerts at Bayside. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/14: McCoy Tyner Trio
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 10th anniversary season of Athenaeum Jazz at The Neurosciences Institute with pianist McCoy Tyner, one of the living legends of jazz, joined by Charnett Moffett on bass and Eric Kamau Gravatt. The last surviving member of the landmark John Coltrane Quartet of the early 1960s, There will be two separate performances of 70 minutes each at 7pm and 9pm with no intermission. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

9/15-17: Luann — Scenes From A Teen's Life
This new musical is based on the nationally-syndicated comic strip, Luann. Written by the strip's creator, Greg Evans, and performed by the talented students from Rancho Buena Vista High School, the musical explores the joys of being a teen through song and comedy. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

9/16: Art And Artifacts
The San Diego Archaeological Center presents Art and Artifacts, featuring renowned artist Robert Freeman, who was chosen from over 70 artists to design the California Indian seal, a six-foot diameter bronze seal now placed at the Capitol in Sacramento. Freeman will present nearly 100 of his works in a one-man show and sale. Freeman will be present to answer questions about his work. (760/291-0370, www.sandiegoarchaeology.org)

9/18: The Dave Scott Jazz Ensemble
The Museum of Making Music has once again teamed up with the Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame to present Summer Jazz at Moonlight 2006 in Vista. KUSI TV's Dave Scott and his jazz ensemble perform their critically-acclaimed original songs. Tickets are $15-$25. Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. (760/724-2110, www.museumofmakingmusic.org)

9/20: Cyndi Lauper
DreamCatcher at Viejas. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/20: Birch Aquarium Green Flash Concert
Performance by The Boogiemen, as Birch Aquarium at Scripps presents a cultural program featuring live music on Preuss Tidepool Plaza. Enjoy stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and keep an eye out for a green flash. Ages 21 and up, (858/534-4109, www.aquarium.ucsd.edu)

9/22: LeAnn Rimes
Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

9/23: Pepe Aguilar
Viejas Concerts at Bayside. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/23-10/29: Pig Farm
For mature audiences, The Old Globe presents the co-world premiere (in collaboration with New York's Roundabout Theatre Company) of Greg Kotis' new comedy. From the Tony Award-winning writer behind Urinetown, Pig Farm is an absurdist, darkly comic exploration of sustainable agriculture, the federal government, and mythic portrayals of the American hero. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

9/24: Art Of The Book
Art of the Book is a one-day, outdoor festival featuring the sale of rare and collectible books. Local artists will be displaying and selling paintings, photographs, sculptures, and prints, with a variety of art- and book-related demonstrations throughout the day. The festival is from 11-4pm and admission is free. The festival is located at Main and Alvarado in the heart of downtown Fallbrook. (760/723-8635, www.theartoffallbrook.com)

9/26-11/12: The Wiz
Tony Award-winning director Des McAnuff tricks out Oz and sends Dorothy and her companions easing on down the road in this rock and R&B-infused multi-cultural spectacular. La Jolla Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.com)

9/28: Billy Childs Jazz-Chamber Ensemble
The 10th anniversary season of Athenaeum Jazz at The Neurosciences Institute with the San Diego debut of the Billy Childs Jazz-Chamber Ensemble. Winner of two Grammy Awards this year for his work as an arranger and a composer, Childs is equally known as one of the leading jazz pianists of his generation.. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

9/30: Alonzo King's Lines Ballet
In the world premier of King's newest work, he has collaborated with North Indian vocalist, Rita Sahai. Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

9/30-10/29: Culture Clash's Zorro In Hell
Is El Zorro alive or lost in the Hollywood Hills? La Jolla Playhouse presents Latino comedy troupe Culture Clash, who unmasks the legend of Zorro with an irreverent, incisive, and zany brand of mayhem and humor. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.com)