FRIDAY
It’s still okay to fight… well, ELTON JOHN may need to adjust the lyrics because his performance is happening tonight at PETCO PARK. Despite announcing his farewell tour, this event is a Concert for Cures, a fundraiser aimed at supporting cancer research. This could very well be your final opportunity to watch the piano man… or should I say rocket man.
Starting with the greatest musician from the ’70s, right through to the most talked-about production ever—HAMILTON comes to the Civic Theatre DOWNTOWN. Don’t miss out on seeing this Lin-Manuel Miranda show that has captivated audiences everywhere.
If those music groups aren’t to your liking and you prefer Zydeco and blues instead, check out GATOR BY THE BAY happening at Spanish Landing Park on Harbor Drive downtown. This event features over 100 shows across seven different stages, along with plenty of crawfish. Throughout the entire weekend, you might catch performances from bands like The Mamou Playboys, Steve Riley, Sugaray Rayford, and Ozomatli walking through as well.
Yet another film festival has arrived in town, and this one has always been a favorite of mine—the GI Film Festival showcases movies created for, by, and concerning service personnel and veterans. The event takes place at the Museum of Photographic Arts located in Balboa Park. This year’s lineup includes 16 feature films along with 13 short ones, covering topics such as the War on Terror, Afghanistan, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and additional relevant themes.
SATURDAY
If you didn’t manage to get tickets for Elton John’s show for your mother, I’m certain she would still appreciate—and perhaps even find “sweet”—that you secured seats for her to watch James Taylor perform with his stellar band (featuring his son Henry) at Rady Shell. The concert will also take place on Sunday evening.
Although I admire Taylor as a talented lyricist, my excitement leans more towards THE ROBERT CRAY BAND. They are performing at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center in EL CAJON. Robert Cray is among the most underappreciated blues guitarists around and boasts an impressive five Grammy wins. Additionally, he is enshrined in the Blues Hall of Fame.
The Paladins from San Diego perform their blend of rockabilly and roots music at the Casbah downtown.
Some sports events – The SAN DIEGO WAVE FC vs Portland Thorns at SNAPDRAGON STADIUM.
The SAN DIEGO LEGION vs Houston SaberCats at TORERO STADIUM.
SUNDAY
— Take your mother out for brunch, for goodness’ sake!
This weekend doesn’t have major movie releases, but there’s plenty to stream instead.
The Four Seasons can be found on Netflix. As a child, I enjoyed watching the 1981 movie starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett, and Rita Moreno. This updated version was penned by Tina Fey, renowned for her comedic prowess. The fresh ensemble features an impressive lineup including Fey herself, alongside actors like Colman Domingo, Steve Carell, and Will Forte.
POKER FACE, starts season two on PEACOCK. It stars Natasha Lyonne, who cracks me up every time she opens her mouth. She created the show with director Rian Johnson, who gave us the brilliant “Knives Out” and one of the most underrated indie movies 20 years ago – “Brick.”
LOVE HURTS was a fun movie that didn’t get the best reviews, but it stars Ke Huy Quan (Short Round from Indiana Jones, and the comeback film for him – Everything Everywhere All At Once), as a mild real estate agent who has a special set of skills that would put Liam Neeson to shame. Ariana DeBose, who was great in “West Side Story” plays the love interest, and NFL star Marshawn Lynch plays the heavy.
And for those who believe President Trump might reopen Alcatraz, you can check out these films about the renowned prison:
ESCAPING FROM ALCATRAZ starring Clint Eastwood alongside actor Fred Ward from San Diego.
“BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ” starring Burt Lancaster, tells a predominantly fictitious yet emotionally resonant tale of an inmate who nurtures canaries.
“MURDER IN THE FIRST” featuring Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, and Kevin Bacon.
THE ROCK, featuring Nicholas Cage, Ed Harris, and Sean Connery, does not include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as one of its stars.