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SEPT. 13, 2013
THE COAST NEWS
A RTS &ENTERTAINMENT
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This ‘Family’ is definitely worth a visit By Noah S. Lee
Mark Jesinoski’s largest body of work titled “Aquaticus” focuses on the topic of water as a metaphor for change. Photo courtesy of Tim Hardy
The Art of Change pushes into the unknown KAY COLVIN A Brush With Art Oceanside artist Mark Jesinoski sees art as a bridge to the community — a means to connect, educate and form relationships. Although his work stands powerfully on its own, he considers art to be an integral part of community building. According to Jesinoski, “Artists need to be mindful of their value in community and likewise, communities need to recognize the value of the arts.” A native of rural Minnesota, Jesinoski grew up in a culture defined by hard work and community. This background led him at the age of 20 to work as a surveyor at one of the world’s largest open pit coal mines in Wyoming. Although quite isolated, it was here that he began to define his interests in both the arts and sciences.
ARTS CALENDAR
After returning to Minnesota to complete his undergraduate degree followed by six years of graduate school in Utah, Jesinoski relocated to San Diego in 2008 to complete his Ph.D. in Psychology. Throughout his journey Jesinoski has turned to the canvas to “make sense of it all.” By the time he arrived in San Diego, he had been honing his skills as an artist for more than 10 years and was hungry for an opportunity to pursue his art more fully. During the past five years Jesinoski has been steadily involved in the local arts community. He has painted live at over 200 local art, charity, and entertainment events, often helping to raise funds directly with his work. In 2009 he was integral in the founding of Mosaic Gallery in North Park, where his goal was to connect local artists with the community. To date Jesinoski’s work has resulted in a major solo exhibition, being selected as a TURN TO BRUSH WITH ART ON A11
ident.
SEPT. 13 FACULTY SHOW A reception
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13 highlights the art exhibit Got an item for Arts calendar? “Connections,” featuring the Send the details via e-mail to work of MiraCosta College’s art calendar@coastnewsgroup.com. faculty Sept. 10 through Sept. 26 in the Kruglak Gallery inside the student center, 1 Barnard Drive. Gallery hours are SMART ART Have fun with Mondays and Tuesdays 2:30 to right brain drawing and learn 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and shading depth and color harmo- Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ny with trompe l'oeil muralist Linda Luisi from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. four Tuesdays beginning COUNTRY CONCERT Sept. 24 at the Carlsbad Senior Concert in the Gardens featurCenter, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad. ing Tony Suraci and his band Register at (760) 602-4650 or play “Outlaw Country” at 7:30 carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec. p.m. Sept. 14 at the Wood House Cost is $60 resident, $70, nonres- Gardens, 1148 Rock Springs
MARK THE DATE
SEPT. 14
An ironic tale about a mobster’s post-career lifestyle, “The Family” doesn’t have to worry about sleeping with the fishes anytime soon. There was a time when mobsters had it all; people would flock to the cinema to witness their “untouchable” presence. Every classic you can think of — “Little Caesar,” “Public Enemy,” “Scarface,” “Manhattan Melodrama,” “The Godfather,” “The Untouchables,” “Goodfellas,”“A Bronx Tale,” “Casino” — has left its mark on movie history, and for good reason. Now the Mafia’s power over audiences has diminished, the blood on its hands no longer being as fresh as it used to be. The question it should’ve asked was this: What happens when it’s all over? While the mob can’t change what it is, it finds comfort in the fact that every Mafioso is part of the family — and with family, there’s no shortage of fun waiting around the corner. Luc Besson’s newest film, “The Family,” knows this, and has a blast reveling in the mishaps of one particular Mafia bloodline, led by tough guy veteran Robert De Niro. A notorious crime boss (De Niro) and his family are relocated to an ordinary French town under the witness protection program. Settling in doesn’t come easy for them, as they soon find themselves solving their everyday problems the “family” style. But no sooner do old habits die hard than the underworld cronies they snitched on track them down, ready to put bullets in their heads. Irony is the film’s greatest asset, and director Besson wields it to hilarious effect when highlighting this family’s failed attempts to fit in. Given De Niro and Pfeiffer’s presence, it would be accurate to understand “The Family” as being the lovechild of “Analyze This” and “Married to the Mob,” blending the comedic value
Road. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door, $3 for children aged 3 to 12. Bring beach chairs or blankets. Food sold by Super Q Food Truck. For presale tickets or further information call (760) 744-9000 or visit san-marcos.net.
SEPT. 15 GET UP AND DANCE Marty Conley's Big Band Express plays every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Encinitas Elks Lodge, 1393 Windsor Road, Cardiff. Cost is $10 with a $10 corkage fee.
SEPT. 16 BOOKS GALORE Friends of the Carlsbad Library host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 16, Sept. 18 and Sept. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17, Sept. 19, Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 at
From left: Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Dianna Agron and John D’Leo star in “The Family.” Jessica Forde
of both. It would be impossible for any moviegoer not to get a kick out of seeing De Niro take out his frustration on the people responsible for fixing the plumbing stalling on him, or watching Pfeiffer blow up a supermarket on account of insults hurled at her by the locals. And the best parts are when the two of them find out what the other has been doing while talking at home. Or, in De Niro’s case, writing his thoughts down despite knowing they will probably never sell. At the same time, Besson balances the comedy with an equal portion of drama; nobody wants to see mobsters that are set to “criminal-only,” after all. His key to making the serious moments work lies within the screenplay’s confidence in not taking itself too seriously while keeping a level head — the perfect recipe to making a fun, crowd-pleasing
movie. De Niro’s more insightful side emerges whenever flashbacks of his New York life are detailed, not to mention his eagerness in trying to become more involved in the community. Same goes to Pfeiffer, who isn’t too enthusiastic about moving again after having recently settled into their new home. As for the kids, played by Dianna Agron (“Glee”) and John D’Leo, they have their fair share of quiet moments with their folks worth watching. Besson may not be on the same level as Francis Ford Coppola or Martin Scorsese, but his choice of cast gives “The Family” a sense of meaning. De Niro and Pfeiffer have great chemistry together as the bored married couple, which actually doesn’t exude boredom due to their energetic dialogue. Dianna Agron sheds her sweet-faced “Glee” persona and replaces it with a sufficient perform-
1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. ing information can be found at Proceeds benefit Carlsbad City carlsbadmusicfestival.org/. Library. For more information, call (760) 602-2020 or visit carlsbadfriends@sandwich.net. GUITAR AND MORE Local classical guitarists Peter Pupping and William Wilson TOP AUTHOR Jojo Moyes, will present a beautiful mix of author of “The Girl You Left classical, Spanish, contemporary Behind, will host a book-signing Latin guitar and sacred music at at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at Meadowlark Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Community Church, 1918 Jolla Redwing St., San Marcos. The suggested donation is $12 at the door. For more information, i s i t MUSIC FESTIVAL Carlsbad v Music Festival and Village www.peterpuppingband.com or Music Walk will be held 5 to 10 contact Guitar Sounds, (760) p.m. Sept. 20, 1 to 10 p.m. Sept. 943-0755 or guitar@guitar21 and 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in sounds.com. Carlsbad Village, with curated BLENDED MUSIC The Village Music Walk and more Japanese Artist & Musician than 50 performances. Society-San Diego presents its Complete schedule and ticket- fall concert featuring piano, vio-
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ance as the girl-next-door with killing instincts. John D'Leo handles himself quite well as the newcomer, imbuing his scenes with droll observance. Tommy Lee Jones, who portrays the agent responsible for keeping them in line, is his usual gruff yet enjoyable self; since when has he not been? Out looking for a mobster film that works well within a comedic atmosphere and has your favorite Godfather having a fun time? Pay a visit to “The Family,” and you’ll see how there is no reason to “fuggedaboudit.” MPAA rating: R for violence, language and brief sexuality. Running time: 1 hour and 40 minutes Playing: In general release
lin, guitar, Japanese Koto harp and bamboo flute and Sanshin with song and dance by Bu no Mai at 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and free for junior high and elementary students. Call (858) 5767160 or visit info@itoguitar.com. FAMILY FUN The Hullabaloo Family Arts Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Paddock Green, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Admission is $7. Performances by Hullabaloo, Rhythm Child, Euphoria Brass Band, Kristen Cook, Charles Johnson, Joann Woolley plus hands-on art, music and movement activities for the kids.Visit hullabalooartsfest.com.