A Finer Art Affaire
The Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild has a noble mission: Foster the arts and artistic talent, provide exhibition space, and raise community awareness. All of these goals are embodied in the guild’s seventh annual A Finer Art Affaire, which takes place September 9 from 10am-5pm in the park at the corner of Paseo Delicias and Avenida de Acacias. At this free event, more than 150 artists from Southern California — many from Rancho Santa Fe — gather to sell original work in every medium. Alongside the more experienced artists, students from the Rancho Santa Fe area will display their youthful masterpieces. A percentage of the proceeds from the event will be donated to two designated charities: San Pasqual Academy, a residential foster facility, and ARTS (A Reason to Survive), which provides free healing experiences through the arts to families facing hardship. With entertainment, food and drinks, art demonstrations, and a children’s art show, it’s a day of feel-good fun for all. (858/759-3545, www.ranchosantafeartguild.org) — AnnaMaria Stephens, photo by Jennifer Nelson

San Diego Celebrates Film
The San Diego Film Festival returns to the Gaslmap Quarter once again, beginning on September 27. As with previous years, the festival will highlight many underground films from both new filmmakers and seasoned pros. Expect to see even more stars this year, as the festival has grown into one of the most important film gatherings in the country. Previous years have attracted such notables as Joaquin Phoenix, Joey Lauren Adams, Zach Braff, Colin Hanks, and James Woods. Films on hand this year include Partially True Tales of High Adventure (starring Shannon Elizabeth) and The Pacific And Eddy (starring Dominique Swain), among many others. (www.sdff.org) — Alicia Garcia

Celebrate The Craft
Artisans and gourmets will again converge in La Jolla September 20-23 for a unique celebration of California’s beauty, bounty, and craftsmanship. The fifth annual Celebrate the Craft will take place at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and is set to again showcase regionally grown ingredients and innovative cooking and winemaking. This year, The Torrey Pines Plein Air Invitational has been added, which will feature California’s most breathtaking natural environments through the work of gifted artists. Many of the finest plein air painters in the country will set up their canvases onsite to capture the extraordinary landscape of the Torrey Pines State Reserve, adjacent to The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The paintings created will be placed in competition for prizes awarded in four categories: Artists’ Choice, Maurice Braun, Alfred Mitchell, and KelmanOrtiz Awards. Paintings will be sold at silent and live auctions at a cocktail and dinner reception on Saturday night and on Sunday during the Food and Wine portion of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Torrey Pines Reserve Endowment Fund. For more information about daily events please visit the Web site. (www.celebratethecraft.com) — Jane Shiomi

ArtWalk On The Bay
On September 8-9, ArtWalk on the Bay returns to Embarcadero Marina Park North. This year’s festival includes a bi-national showcase that will represent a community of Mexican artists and their work. "We’re proud to share the incredible work of our talented artists who will travel to San Diego from all over Mexico for this exciting event," says Pedro Ochoa of Consulado General de Mexico, one of the event’s presenting partners. "As a united group, we’re honored to represent the unique styles, colors, and artwork mediums that reflect the unique history, culture, and values of Mexico." This years new children’s art activity, Kite Koloring, will give little ones a chance to express their creativity by decorating one of more than 200 white kites using a variety of art materials. At 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, kids will have the opportunity to fly their decorated kites during a group kite fly. Afterwards, the kites will be collected and donated to children at Becky’s House and The Polinsky Children’s Center, two local San Diego charities. (619/615-1090, www.artwalkonthebay.org) — Jane Shiomi

Rock Art
On September 7-8, Wentworth Gallery in La Jolla will proudly host Kiss frontman Paul Stanley, as he offers his extraordinary abstract art for viewing and acquisition. Stanley says this has become a major part of his life now, as he travels the country displaying his creations. It started seven years ago, during a tumultuous time in his life. A friend’s offhand remark compelled him to pick up the brush and try to confront his personal crisis through art, painting as if he were writing stream of consciousness. "I hung my works at home," he says, "which prompted many of my guests to ask about the artist." With so much praise for his work, Stanley decided to take the next step, into the art world, where art fans and critics alike have received him warmly. Many compare him to such masters as Kandisky, Mondrian, Malevitch, Klee, and Rothko. But he says, although it’s wonderful to hear such high praise, he truly considers his work to be inspired by the world around him more than other artists’ styles. "It has been an emotional journey of self discovery as much as anything else," says Stanley. "Everyone can benefit from art, no matter if they live in a mansion or a travel trailer." And while he realizes his rockstar fame may have opened doors for him, it’s his creative talent that has kept them open, and perhaps because of it, people who didn’t feel particularly comfortable exploring the world of art have come to learn more about it. (858/551-7071, www.wentworth-art.com, www.paulstanley.com) — Nickolas Cook

Setting The Stage
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is presenting performances in September that are varied, high energy, and sometimes inspiring. Tap Kids take the stage on September 9 at 3pm. The athletic tap dancing youngsters execute brilliantly choreographed dances that appeal to any age. On September 21 at 8pm, John Mueller performs a musical tribute to Buddy Holly, recreating the ’50s experience, with its hit songs and groovy wardrobes of cardigan sweaters and tight skirts. Featured are Jay Richardson (the Big Bopper’s son) and Ray Anthony as Richie Valens. The San Diego Chamber Orchestra, led by charismatic conductor Jung-Ho Pak, will inaugurate pO!pConcerts, a new series of musical evenings, on September 23 at 2pm. The initial concert in the pO!p series will feature musical classics from stage, screen, and television. Finally, the first in a series of Alternative Stage performances will be presented on September 28 and 29 at 8pm when playwright/actor Michael McFall chronicles the life of a wacky, homeless veteran living on the streets of Los Angeles in Dirty White Tuxedo Pants And A Brown Plastic Bag. Themes of human redemption and resolve are explored in the drama, and the New Directions Choir, composed entirely of former homeless veterans, musically punctuates the production. While Tap Kids is for all ages, Alternative Stage is for adults. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org) — Darlene G. Davies

Culture Calendar

September

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. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)

Thru 9/9: Bell, Book And Candle
In John Van Druten’s comedy, a bonafide witch falls for publisher Sheperd Henderson. She 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)

Thru 9/10: Bodies...The Exhibition
This exhibition presents a fascinating look at human anatomy through preserved body specimens using a technology called plastination. Westfield UTC. (877/BODIES5, www.bodiestheexhibition.com)

Thru 9/23: Robert Therrien Exhibition
Los Angeles-based artist Robert Therrien recycles and reinterprets common images in uncommon ways. MCASD’s Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building downtown. (858/454-3541, www.mcasd.org)

Thru 9/23: Cerca Series: Peter Simensky
New York artist Peter Simensky utilizes a strategy of appropriation that blurs the distinction between fiction and reality, art and commerce, to both participate in and critique the current overheated art market. MCASD downtown. (858/454-3541, www.mcasd.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. The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 9/30: Duende
Local painter Julia San Roman presents a solo exhibition of her work at Galerie D’Art International in Solana Beach. Pieces focus on freedom and her love of flamenco music. (858/793-0316, www.galerieartint.com)

Thru 9/30: Hamlet
The Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 10/6: Innocent Discoveries
Distinction Artist Studios and Gallery presents an exhibition featuring the artwork of Ahren Hertel, Kelly Haigh, Michael Brown, Sarah Joncas, Jen Lobo, and Kendra Binney. (760/781-5779, www.distinctionart.com)

Thru 10/18: Natural Connections: Joanne Hayakawa And Gail Roberts
The William D. Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsband presents an exhibition of paintings by Gail Roberts and ceramic sculptures by Joanne Hayakawa that explores the effects of 25 years of professional and personal dialogue. (760/602-2021)

Thru 10/4: Dinosaurs Alive!
The entire age of dinosaurs comes to life at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Narrated by Michael Douglas. (619/238-1233, www.rhfleet.org)

Thru 1/1/08: Contemporary Israeli Photography
The Ordover Gallery exhibit showcases the faces of Israel’s founding leaders, children in Torah class, ancient Israeli architecture, and religious rituals. (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)

Thru 5/08: The Beauty Of Use — Mingei International Museum At 30
In commemoration of the museum’s 30th anniversary year, this exhibition features significant objects from many cultures shown in relationships that highlight similarities and differences among them. (619/239-0003, www.mingei.org)

9/5-15: Autumn Leaves
The San Diego Watercolor Society at NTC Promenade in Point Loma presents a juried water media exhibition featuring over 75 paintings from San Diego’s professional and amateur water media artists. A First Friday reception will take place on September 7 from 5-8pm. (619/876-4550, www.sdws.org)

9/6: Lily Allen With Kevin Michael And DJ Aaron LaCrate
House of Blues San Diego. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/6-10/26: El Viaje
El Viaje celebrates Latin-born, Jewish artists who have made the journey from their native lands of Mexico and Cuba to live and become part of the diverse San Diego arts community. Gotthelf Art Gallery at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus. (www.sdcjc.lfjcc.org)

9/7: Ocean Beach Jazz Festival
The third annual Jazz 88 Ocean Beach Jazz Festival offers a variety of musical styles performed by internationally-acclaimed bands. The festival is located at the end of Newport Avenue. Tickets start at $30 for Jazz 88 members and $35 for non-members. (www.objazz.org)

9/8: Bill Cantos
Anthology supper club in Little Italy. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/8-10/7: The Honky Tonk Angels
This hilarious and touching musical tells the story of three ladies from rural backgrounds who follow their dreams
to Nashville to become country western singers. (858/481-2155, www.northcoastrep.org)

9/8-10/13: Kate Breakey Exhibition
The exhibition will feature photographs from Breakey’s series Small Deaths and Still Lifes. An opening reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, September 8 from 5-8pm. (858/456-5620, www.josephbellows.com)

9/8-1/6/08: Public Privacy: Wendy Richmond’s Surreptitious Cellphone
Artist Wendy Richmond explores how 20th century Americans occupy personal spaces while going about their daily lives in the public eye. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)

9/9: A Finer Art Affaire
Presented by the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild, this event will feature fine artists in all mediums from all over Southern California in this one-day event. (858/759-3545, www.ranchosantafeartguild.org)

9/9: Summer Pops On The Green
The San Diego Chamber Orchestra, led by Jung-Ho Pak, presents a summer evening concert. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. (858/350-0290, www.sdco.org)

9/10: All American Jazz
The Big Band Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra offers up a program of classic American jazz favorites from Dixieland to Chicago Jazz to Big Band favorites of the ’30s-’70s. Moonlight Amphitheatre. (760/724-2110, www.vistixonline.com)

9/11-10/7: The Adding Machine
In this darkly comic expressionist classic, a number cruncher learns he will be replaced by a machine and summarily murders his boss. La Jolla Playhouse’s Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.org)

9/11: Firehouse Foundation’s First Annual 9/11 Concert At Liberty Station
This event will raise funds for Firehouse Foundation to build a permanent firefighter widows and orphans fund and help buy safety equipment for local fire stations. (www.firehousebrew.com)

9/12: Built To Spill With Camper Van Beethoven
House of Blues San Diego. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/13-10/21: Embracing Randomness — Urban Musings, By Lisa Smith And
John D. Clark: New Works From The Ancient Stories Portfolio
The Ordover Gallery in Solana Beach presents its first showing of fine art photography by Lisa Smith and John D. Clark. An opening reception takes place on September 20. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

9/14: Christian Scott
See the New Orleans trumpeter at Anthology supper club in Little Italy. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/14: Renzo
Madison Gallery presents the artist Renzo from 6-9pm. Renzo’s paintings communicate the basic qualities that separate humanity from the inanimate objects that surround it. Renzo is in the permanent collections of the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco and the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. His work is also represented in the exhibition for the Kaiser Corporation as well as in galleries in Illinois, Kentucky, Germany, England, and Mexico. RSVP requested. (858/459-0836, www.madisongalleries.com)

9/15-1/13/08: Picturing Eden
At MOPA and featuring more than 30 artists, the exhibition is presented in four sections, with photographs exploring gardens and concepts of paradise. (619/238-7559, www.mopa.org)

9/16-12/30: American Viewing Stones And Chinese Woodblock Prints
Two complementary exhibits are featured at Mingei International Museum. (619/239-0003, www.mingei.org)

9/19: Jim Hall And Geoffrey Keezer
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents legendary guitarist Jim Hall and acclaimed pianist Geoffrey Keezer. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

9/20-10/28: A Catered Affair
In this musical play a couple must decide whether to spend their life savings on a family business or their daughter’s marriage. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

9/22-23: Old Town Art Festival
Held in the Old Town State Historic Park, this festival showcases the work of over 150 artists. (www.oldtownartfestival.com)

9/24-30: Carlsbad Music Festival
This year’s fourth annual festival brings together some of the country’s most talented performers and composers. (760/809-5501, www.carlsbadmusicfestival.org)

9/25-9/30: Camelot
Lou Diamond Philips stars as King Arthur in Broadway San Diego’s presentation of Camelot. (619/564-3000, www.broadwaysd.com)

9/28: Kenny G
The world renowned saxophonist will perform at Pala Casino Spa & Resort. (877/WIN-PALA, www.palacasino.com)

9/28-29: Marlene Shaw
Anthology supper club in Little Italy. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

9/29: Susan Egan In Concert:
The Belle Of Broadway J*Company Youth Theatre presents Susan Egan in Concert: the Belle of Broadway in the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre. (www.lfjcc.org/jcompany)