By Carol Holland Lifshitz
Come see this extraordinarily fine artist, and San Diego native, at the official release and signing of his exclusive first book: “AWAKEN TO COLOR.” He will be unveiling it on April 29th and 30th, 2023, at the Mission Federal Artwalk in Little Italy, San Diego. It’s an event not to be missed!
Currently residing on the Big Island of Hawaii, and having traveled around the globe for decades, Grant Pecoff is returning to the place he calls “home,” to share with you his love of life and all things beautiful. Known as a one-of-a-kind landscape painter who uses his world journeys as a backdrop for his paintings, he’ll be back in San Diego, personally signing a limited number of his hot-off-the-press book. He’ll also be exhibiting several of his much-adored paintings -- plus new ones, including several of the lush Hawaiian tropics he sees through his bedroom windows.
The artist, known for his unique painting style, which he calls “Animated Impressionism,” opened his first gallery in Del Mar. Precocious Pecoff, only 27 years old at the time, had already sold many of his works. By age 32, he had opened his second gallery in Little Italy. His fame grew as he explored internationally, and his oil paintings have since been exhibited by art collectors, and at galleries in Spain, France, Canada, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and venues of culture within the United States. Now, returning to San Diego for the 2023 Mission Federal Artwalk, he will be sharing with you the evidence of beauty he has found around the world, and giving you the opportunity to take reminders of it home with you.
This premier hardcover book, the first compilation of Pecoff’s works, spans over two decades of art and travel. In it are paintings, sketches, and photographs. Its 332 pages are filled with the images of masterpieces from his global adventures. They represent the most spectacular seascapes, landscapes, city scenes, and glorious sunsets.
The publication also contains fascinating personal stories and insights about what is behind his creations. It includes accounts of how his uncommon views of the universe and its omnipresent glory led to his magical depictions.This celebratory work is available in standard, limited and collector editions. Of course, you‘ll also be able to purchase or order the actual stunning paintings themselves, or full size reproductions of them!
It is fascinating to observe Pecoff’s changing styles, which you’ll clearly see as you flip through the pages of “Awaken to Color.“ They‘ve evolved from canvases filled with crooked, angular lines into softer, organic, undulating depictions. His latest abstract landscapes have a previously unseen
immediacy and deliberateness of brushstroke. His paintings tell the tale of the artist’s emersion in ever-changing scenery, combined with an almost primitive pull that nature has on him.
Travel has been an integral part of Pecoff’s existence. According to him, it provides “the opportunity to see the world with open eyes, and fully experience the wonder that is all around.” He sees himself as a visual storyteller, conveying his
own experiences as he has spanned the globe. He has soaked in everything from coastlines, jungles, waterfalls and oceans, to crowded cities. Hawaii, Europe, California, the Caribbean, New York City, and Morocco are among the alluring places that have served as backdrops for his work, and influenced his always evolving subject matter.
It was while living on a boat in the Bahamas, that he first developed a fascination with water,
which has remained a central theme in Pecoff’s paintings. During that period, he began to see water in a new, animated way; he depicted it as though it was literally alive. The motion within it simultaneously expressed time and matter as a singular, otherworldly entity.
Everything he creates has playful lines, vibrant light, and exaggerated perspectives that draw you in. Images dance with vibrant hues of glowing orange, punchy aqua, fiery crimson, and earth-loving green. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, and makes you feel more vital than ever before. Pecoff’s passionate paintings draw us into a magical universe where everyday life becomes a remarkable experience. Imaginations are filled with possibilities. Simply put, his art helps us feel alive.
Grant Pecoff is extending an invitation to all readers to attend this exciting two-day event in San Diego’s Little Italy. Look for his booth under the iconic Little Italy sign on India Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist, himself, in person. Those who are unable to make it that weekend can purchase the book through his website (see link below.) Through his paintings and this premier publication, he is also inviting you to experience the world through his
eyes and heart. That means that both are fully open, and connected to the beauty around us and all earth‘s people. It’s a visual journey that will change how you see the world. Maybe you’ve already met him, or perhaps this is your first chance to engage with this local-turned-global celebrity. Either way, it will be an opportunity that you’ll savor! His warm, easy
manner belies the depth of passion he has for life, which has served as the ignition for his stunning and provocative visual medium.
Stop by, say hi, and step into a world where the familiar is transformed into the extraordinary.
For more information, visit https://pecoff. com/. Or, contact Pecoff‘s studio at gallery@ pecoff.com.
Just 20 years ago and prior, vegetarians had to diligently scour the dining scene to find restaurants devoted exclusively to their dietary lifestyle. The options were limited. And vegans had it even tougher.
Though lucky for both—and for carnivores taking an occasional break from animal fats—a culinary renaissance has occurred.
Locally, there remains a growing number of restaurants devoted to vegan/vegetarian consumers. Better yet, chefs have mastered the art of cooking without meat by putting forth a plethora of dishes that can rival cuisine containing animal products in both flavor and presentation.
Below is a roundup of our favorite vegan/vegetarian kitchens in the San Diego area.
Grains
University Heights
Since its launch in 2017, Grains has earned raves for serving up an “East meets West” style of plant-based cuisine that includes top sellers such as Buffalo-style cauliflower, sprightly salads, zesty pasta dishes, and a killer Philly cheesesteak that uses mushrooms to achieve its meaty flavor and vegan cheese to give it a classic, gooey finish. The restaurant also has an accommodating wine and craft beer list. 2201 Adams Ave., 619-269-5999, grainscafe.com
Native Foods
Clairemont Mesa and Loma Portal
La Mesa
Located inside the Grossmont Center’s food court, El Veganito serves up fast-casual plant-based Mexican cuisine that even keeps carnivores coming back. The menu covers all bases with healthy versions of burritos, bowls, sopes, and several tacos that includes a convincing “phish” taco. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, 619-303-7247, tacotarianlv.com
Civico 1845
meats on crust French baguette bread. 6171 Mission Gorge Road, Suite 118, 619-280-3388, thepurplemint.com
Loving Hut
North Park
This popular dining destination in the heart of Little Italy is perhaps the only Italian restaurant in Southern California that offers a vegan menu in addition to its regular one. We can thank co-owner Pietro Gallo for that. He is a vegan who brings to the table exquisite dishes such as carpaccio made with portobello mushrooms; rich lasagna ragu; and spaghetti with almond-based ricotta. Even carnivores consistently applaud his meals. The restaurant also appeals with its attractive modern-rustic design. 1845 India St., 619-431-5990, civico1845.com
Carlsbad
If you are on the hunt for natural baked goods that are free of gluten, refined sugar, bad oils and animal products, you’ve come to the right place. The business makes everything from dinner rolls and bread loaves to cakes, cookies and donuts. Some of its products can be found in restaurants and coffee shops throughout San Diego County, such as Nectarine Grove Bakehouse in Encinitas, MRKT Space in La Jolla, and The Green House in Mira Mesa. 5661 Palmer Way, Suite G, Carlsbad, 760477-3903, plantiful-kitchen.com
Jyoti-Bihanga
Flat screens perched within Loving Hut’s sleek, bright atmosphere transmit 24-hour feeds filled with “positive light” programming that is subtitled in dozens of languages. The images somehow correspond to the restaurant’s vibrant vegan dishes, which smack of wellness. Crispy rolls filled with Impossible Meat and wood ear mushrooms are a fine preface to superb soups, generous noodle dishes, spicy faux shrimp, and a crispy soy chicken patty with Sriracha-spiked vegan mayo on a toasted sesame bun.1905 El Cajon Blvd., 619-683-9490, lovinghutsandiego.com
Donna Jean
Bankers Hill
Like a slow-growing oak tree, Native Foods Café has gradually grown ever since the concept took root in Palm Springs some 20 years ago. As one of the first fast-casual vegan eateries to break away from flavorless, esoteric cuisine that kept non-vegans at a distance, the chain has perfected replicating dishes common to carnivores. Using ingredients such as nuts; house-made wheat gluten (seitan); and cultured soybeans and millet (tempeh), we’re particularly fond of the house nachos with cashew cheese. Thumbs up also to the plant-based Nashville hot chicken, the Italian cold cut sandwich, and their double vegan cheeseburger. 5604 Balboa Ave. and 3369 Rosecrans St., 858-278-2855, nativefoods. com.
Vegetarians have been flocking to Jyoti-Bihanga for at least two decades to savor an array of dishes that have helped pioneer meatless meals into becoming flavorful and inventive. Its best-selling vegetarian “neatloaf” blends together ricotta cheese, grains, soy and spices before baking in the oven to a marvelous finish. It’s served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, which makes the meal difficult to pass up whenever we visit. Other winners include Thai stir fry with organic tofu and peanut sauce, the “Cali” black bean burger, and bean chili with jack cheese and corn bread. 3351 Adams Ave., 619-282-4116, jyotibihanga.com.
Grantville
At nearly a decade old, this spacious, elegant restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese dishes hailing from the owners family recipe box. Their menu extends also to a couple of Chinese-influenced dishes such as Kung pao “chicken” which has become a favorite. Also praiseworthy are items such as “duck” noodle soup; lemongrass “beef” and the banh mi sandwiches incorporating fresh veggies and mock
Carnivore-turned-vegan Roy Elam pays tribute to his late mother with this Midwest-inspired restaurant, which he launched in his mom’s name after she succumbed to breast cancer some years ago. His carefully crafted dishes are full of flavor and rely on sustainable, seasonal ingredients. Among his signature dishes is the cast-iron mac and cheese, which wows with mozzarella, smoked cheddar, green onions and breadcrumbs. Elam also does wonders with house-made pasta and pizzas using whole wheat dough. 2949 Fifth Ave., 619-299-5500, donnajeansd.com
The menu globe trots between Mexico and Japan while adhering to the tenets of plant-based cooking. A roomy dining room sets the stage for dishes such as chipotle-jackfruit burritos, chile rellenos stuffed with mashed potatoes, and mushroom fajitas. On the Japanese end of the spectrum you’ll find tempura veggies, and a colorful variety of vegan sushi. 2611 El Cajon Blvd., 619-255-5060, thevillagesd.com
There is much to absorb at Kindred, a bustling plant-based restaurant and cocktail bar that pays exceptional detail to food, mixology and interior design. A mix of French Victorian and Gothic appoint-
ments create an atmosphere for dining on things like char-grilled seitan skewers, hearts of artichoke, and a fantastic Memphis-style pulled pork sandwich using jackfruit. The sandwich is elevated with onions, green chili aioli and a fresh sourdough roll – a perfect come-on to the restaurant’s crafty cocktails. 1503 30th St., 619-546-9653, barkindred.com.
Tacotarian
North Park
A sleek, earthy interior sets that stage for plantbased takes on street food found throughout Mexico City at this fast-casual eatery. The menu uses Beyond Meat products, jackfruit and seitan to mimic meat in nearly 20 types of tacos. You will also find tasty soups and salads, as well as commendable desserts such as coconut cake and ice cream using plant-based milks. 4332 30th St., 619-432-1815, eattacotarian.com.
Plumeria Vegetarian
University Heights
Vegetarian versions of duck, beef, chicken, pork and shrimp comprise the protein list, along with non-GMO tofu. The mock duck and shrimp in
(By Frank Sabatini Jr.)
particular are convincing in terms of texture and flavor—to the degree in which many carnivores are fooled into thinking they’re eating the read deal. The restaurant has long served as a go-to for plant-based Thai cuisine, attracting a brisk business to a dining room that was expanded several years ago to keep up with demand. 4661 Park Blvd., 619-269-9989, myplumeria.com
Correction: The feature article that ran our March 2023 editions of Local Umbrella Media titled, “Cucino Caprese: A Taste of Italy,” was erroneously credited to Robin A. Williams. The story was actually reported and originally written by food columnist, Frank Sabatini Jr., for another newspaper group initially. In addition, the restaurant’s name as it appeared in our headline was misspelled, as it should have read “Cucina” instead of “Cucino.” We apologize for the errors. — Local Umbrella Media.
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When local restaurateur John Pani encroached on the University Heights space left behind by Small Bar to start a new eating and drinking establishment, he intended to name it The Regular. But when his design team began peeling away at Small Bar’s black-and-white facade (formerly black and red), a piece of neighborhood history was revealed.
The building once housed Johnston’s Variety Dept. Store, a five-and-dime joint from the early 1920s that left behind its original 100-year-old signage. So Pani kept it and decided instead to name the place Johnston’s.
Pani also owns neighboring Park & Rec, and he ran the former Waypoint Public in North Park. At Johnston’s, he plays off the yore of University Heights, which is considered one of San Diego’s oldest hoods. The historical nods appear on the establishment’s smart cocktail list, authored in part by longtime friend and manager, James Gomez.
Consider the “1888” a tribute to the year University Heights was actually founded. The drink marks a ravishing beginning to a meal with its ice-cold blend of vodka, ginger beer, bitters and lime—basically a Moscow Mule done right. Garnished with fresh mint, it’s served in a metal antique-looking vessel. As a fussy cocktail imbiber, I found it unforgettable.
The “Trolley Barn” cocktail is an ode to a large barn that stood alongside today’s family-friendly Trolley Barn Park a few blocks away. The structure was a service hub for trolley cars back in the day. As a drink, it combines blackberry-infused gin with house-made grenadine, lemon juice, and soda. In total there are about a dozen history-laced drinks for the choosing.
Customers will also find a focused wine list, with mostly European selections, and eight beer taps offering a range of styles from local and regional breweries.
Dining as a duo, we found much of the menu to be tailored for twosomes. From the “sticks” category we ordered a pair each of salt-and-pepper chicken and maitake mushroom skewers. The former featured moderate-size pieces of lightly sauced thigh meat studded with smoked sesame seeds. Good stuff. My companion was equally fond of the mushroom skewers. Me not as much simply because this squiggly-shaped Japanese species is a little too textured for my liking.
The other skewer choice features pork belly with ponzu sauce—next time for sure.
We also started with an order of six chicken wings, requested extra-crispy. We opted for Buffalo-style. Other flavor options are sweet chili, garlic-Parmesan and Jamaican jerk. Served with house-made ranch dressing, the wings were plump with taut skins. And the piquant sauce lived up to my native-Buffalo, NY standard.
The menu features a “greens” section of three different salads: Chipotle Caesar; a hearty Buddha bowl containing black beans, farro, avocado, and soft-boiled egg; plus a “market salad” mingling baby gem lettuce with strawberries, quinoa and pickled red onions. Despite their high appeal, we shamelessly bypassed them in lieu of some heavier options.
If you’re a fan of Cubano sandwiches, the version at Johnston’s, created by globally influenced chef Peter Ziegler, gives you double pleasure. The sandwich falls under the “Trays” category. It encompasses three slices of ciabatta bread to create two inside layers of generously stacked pulled pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. Hiding in there somewhere was Dijon aioli, which I didn’t detect. But the construct was nonetheless juicy and flavorful—definitely a few steps above traditional Cubanos.
Our other tray meal was beer-battered rockfish, which came with a style of “chips” that immediately won me over. Imagine steak fries that are twisted into a semi-curly shape—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. They surrounded three pieces of the fish, which were delectably fresh and flaky beneath their crunchy batter. A fabulous dill-kissed tartar sauce clenched the deal.
Other tray options include a “smashed” wagyu beef burger; a fried chicken sandwich using a marinated thigh (the latest gourmet craze) instead of a breast filet; and a vegetarian-friendly avocado caprese sandwich with walnut pesto and herb-marinated mozzarella.
Service was swift and friendly, and the overall vibe is unpretentious—exactly what Pani
aimed to achieve while still incorporating some sleek design finishes and gourmet flair into the scheme.
Johnston’s is open daily from 3 to 9 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday, and until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It is located at 4628 Park Blvd For more information, call 619-546-9187 or visit www.johnstons-bar.com.
By Marlise Kast-Myers
Photos by Benjamin Myers
It was summer of 2022 when the mass exodus went into full gear—Californians packing up for Tennessee in search of lower taxes, affordable housing, and a change of pace. From our neighbors and friends to family and coworkers, we heard tales from the bold and brave leaving behind the Golden State in a quest for their own precious metal.
Curious and travel-hungry, my husband and I booked a trip to Tennessee with a plan to visit three destinations in one week: Columbia, Memphis, and Nashville. Our afternoon flight took us from San Diego to Music city, with a brief layover in Houston.
A rental car in Tennessee cost around $200, with gas prices percolating around $3 a gallon. It was just after 10 PM when we hit the empty highway with passing pickups promoting “Dolly for President” and “Go Titans.” Billboards advertised city attractions like The Grand Ole Opry and Graceland, both of which we intended to visit on our Tennessee tour. But for now, we would check into the Graduate Nashville.
Opened in 2019, this funky-floral-flashy hotel caters to the cool kids, where Vanderbilt students set up shop between classes. The property’s slogan, “We are all students” rang true as we were greeted by both history and legend with a 15-foot latch-hook rug of Minnie Pearl. Commissioned by Margaret Timbrell, this kitsch masterpiece is a nod to the Hee Haw star who hollered “How-DEE!” over the Grand Ole Opry airwaves for over 50 years.
The playful property was pink heavy, in the crushed-velvet chairs, the pinstriped wallpaper, and the neon sign above our bed reading, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” Between the tassels and fringe were lamps made from hoopskirts and plenty of Dolly Parton memorabilia.
Smack in the heart of Midtown, the Graduate beckoned bachelorettes who booked out the rooftop bar, White Limozeen, or sang their way into Cross-Eyed Critters. Here, you can unleash your inner twang with an animatronic backup band (think Chucky Cheesemeets-dive bar).
This Vegas of the South was just warming up for the night, but instead of going big, we tapped into our inner jetlag and slept an extra hour (or two). The following morning, we hit the road for Columbia, with a plan to circle back to Nashville at the end of our Tennessee trek.
Columbia lured us for two reasons: One, rumor had it that it was one of America’s best small towns, and two, my sister-in-law confirmed the rumor by moving there. In less than an hour, we were strolling down historic Main Street complete with its Town Square, ice-cream parlors, barber shops, and cafés with red-and-white awnings.
Standing proudly in the center was Maury County Courthouse, noted as the hub for the livestock market, Mule Day, dating back to 1840. Every April, the tradition continues as a multi-day festival attracting thousands to this quaint town. For us, it was hard to imagine the streets packed with spectators since we practically had the place to ourselves.
In Columbia, you can let your kids run free to grab waffle cones with extra sprinklers while you shop
without a wish list. We did that, minus the kid part since there seemed plenty to go around.
It was Blue 32 Vintage Marketplace that lured us with antiques and a cafe inside a 1920s JC Penney. The creak of the floorboards guided us directly to Level 3 where we found a small bistro, Autumn Cut the Cheese.
The name is as clever as the chef, “Autumn,” who
serves charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and paninis oozing with Gruyere, fig jam, and prosciutto. Autumn, along with her husband, Casey—and their four kids—shook hands with Nashville in 2017 to pursue a budding music career. Another dream set in, and they pivoted toward Autumn’s love for feeding friends around the table.
By 2:00, the restaurant was closed . . . for the day. Yep, that’s sort of how things work in Columbia, with limited operating hours and a downtown that’s flatlined by 8 PM. Some say that’s about to change with big names like Sheryl Crow, and American Pickers producer, Mike Wolfe, buying up Main Street.
For now, the Southern hospitality and community pride of “Muletown” is corralled by the 43,000 locals who know a good thing when they see it — especially on the outskirts of town dotted with brick homes and enough churches to save souls to Memphis and back. Draped from wrap-around porches are American flags declaring patriotism alongside porch swings and rocking chairs. Plantation homes seem almost abandoned, alone in emerald fields beside hammer-beamed barns so enduring and sovereign, you can almost smell the toiling of a farmer’s hands.
Strangers waved and called us “y’all” in our approach to Firefly Creek, our Airbnb for the next two nights. Backing the 1900s converted farmhouse was the namesake, Firefly Creek, with plenty of privacy for napping in hammocks and sipping wine beneath shooting stars.
That home was our little refuge in between blackberry bourbon cocktails at Southern Tre Steakhouse, and hikes at Stillhouse Hollow Falls. At the foot of the 75-foot waterfall, we flyfished and caught crawdads in the watershed of Duck River.
Side trips took us to the homegrown lure of Leiper’s Fork, and to the historic district of Franklin, beaming with Victorian architecture and Main Street locked in the 1950s. Window shopping turned into purchases at White’s Mercantile, owned by Hank William’s granddaughter, Holly. We toured Carter House where the Battle of Franklin claimed the lives of thousands on November 30, 1864.
History surrounded us, even during our final morning in Columbia. Dating back to 1950, Puckett’s restaurant drew us in with signs reading, “This way to hot biscuits.” In this former hardware store, southern comfort food was in full effect with French toast layered with peanut butter, and Apple Jack pancakes topped with whiskey-fried apples and crispy fried chicken . . . for breakfast. As a couple who typically skips the first meal of the day, our bellies were in shock.
During the 3-hour drive to Memphis, I slept my calories away while my husband drove like a champ, food coma and all. By early afternoon, we groggily entered Sun Studios, the birthplace of Rock’n’roll that put legends like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis on the map.
We toured Graceland, walking in the footsteps of Elvis’ humble beginnings to his rise as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”. We hopped aboard a shuttle and toured the mansion, museum, and his private planes, feeling a bit like we were invading the space of a rebellious hero who was bombarded as much in his death, as in his life.
During our two days in Memphis, we soaked in
stories of soul music and the impact it made on the world. Going directly to the source, we stopped by the Stax Museum, a superfly hub showcasing Isaac Hayes’ glittering Cadillac Eldorado, and original recordings by Otis Redding, Booker T. & the MGs, and other artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
For our last stop, we visited the National Civil Rights Museum, a somber experience where exhibits are housed within the Lorraine Motel. It’s here where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The museum chronicles moments in time, from the slave trade to the present, that inspires people to stand up for equality.
Within walking distance were notable restaurants including The Arcade—Memphis’ oldest café—and Central BBQ, famous for its fall-off-the-bone meat. Among our favorites was Panta, a Catalan restaurant with a Memphis twist. Cocktails paired perfectly with gulf shrimp, potato croquettes, and stewed mussels.
It was hard to think about eating again, but we did, this time at our hotel, Big Cypress Lodge. Housed inside a 535,000-square-foot pyramid, the hotel overlooks Bass Pro Shop with 100-foot-trees, a swamp with live alligators, and the nation’s tallest freestanding elevator. This Davy Crockett playground had enough taxidermy to last me a lifetime, with themed rooms styled after cabins and treehouses. Dark woods, beamed ceilings, and leather club-chairs attract hunters and fishermen, as does The Lookout Restaurant where we dined on white river catfish and duck sausage.
The retail-and-hotel in one concept was birthed out of a bet by Johnny Morris, the CEO of Bass Pro Shops. While fishing with his buddies, he vowed to transform the Memphis Pyramid—if they caught a 30-pound catfish—into a place that would connect people with their love for nature.
In those two days, we saw it, the connection that Memphis triggers between strangers, igniting the souls of those bewitched by its music. And so, we went to the heart of it all on Beale Street. Between neon lights and bent notes of blues were nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and theaters. But it was the 1860s that set the stage for traveling musicians who labeled this the “Home of Blues.” Songs of segregation finally had a voice to bellow tunes of hope and clarity.
As a couple who generally can only handle a handful of museums, we couldn’t get enough of them in Tennessee, especially during our two days in Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, Hatch Show Print, and a backstage tour of the Opry were all on our checklist. Nashville nabbed us, to the point we changed our radio station to country music, watched documentaries on Elvis, and went on a mad hunt for the coolest cowboy hat in town.
Between shopping and sightseeing, we brunched at the trendy Butcher & Bee with a seasonal, sustainable menu that landed it a spot among James Beard Award finalists. For uncaged spirits we went airborne to Rare Bird, the rooftop bar at Noelle hotel. Almost too good to leave, we spent hours within that downtown property, continuing onto the hotel’s restaurant, Makeready L&L.
On our way out, we heard whispers of a “hidden bar,” which we had a heck of a time finding. Behind a storage closet door was a speakeasy thronged with party people dancing, drinking, and
raising classes from velvet booths illuminated by disco balls.
I felt old.
So, we took the vibe down a notch with live jazz at Analog, one of 150 music venues in Nashville. Located at Hutton Hotel in a living-room setting, the intimate theater hosts inspired musicians ranging from Thomas Rhett to Carrie Underwood. Just outside was Music Row, home to recording studios, radio stations, and music production companies.
After our night out on the town, we detoxed with Bike the Greenway, a local outfitter offering rentals and routes along Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Whitetail deer grazed trailside, immune to bikes, runners, and skaters whizzing by. I slammed on my brakes to capture the moment, only to notice locals were obviously accustomed to wildlife in this neck of Nashville.
Downtown was another type of wildlife, however, with party buses and pedal taverns—literally 15-person beer bikes—cruising Broadway. This beating heart of Nashville had live music pouring out of every bar, saloon, and honky-tonk in sight.
From our table at Boqueria, we soaked in the scene while sipping sangrias and nibbling tapas like croquettes and shrimp bathed in olive oil and garlic.
Saving the best for last, we spent our final nights at The Hermitage Hotel, a landmark dating back to 1910. It was the historic event, just a decade later, that would put the hotel on the map, a tie-breaking hand that ratified the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote. The Hermitage Hotel became the infamous backdrop for political action and the headquarters for women’s Pro- and Anti-Suffrage groups.
Over a century later, The Hermitage is still on the map, turning heads for its timeless elegance, Beaux Arts aesthetics, and the fine dining restaurant, Drusie & Darr. Pricy, but worth every penny, we sampled dishes of tuna tartar, red snapper ceviche, black truffle pizza, and whisky-poached lobster with passion fruit butter. From the pressed white linens to the mother-of-pearl pendant lamps, the entire experience was perhaps the most dramatic, bespoke, and refined meal of my life.
Those three towns in seven days almost felt like Columbia, Memphis, and Nashville were in entirely different states—each one leaving us with a rich taste far beyond bourbon, blues, and backwoods.
En route to the airport, we replayed moments of our time in Tennessee, debating if we would one day join the Californian coup d’etat. That’s when my husband detoured to hatWRKS, one of the county’s leading hat shops.
He tried on over 20 styles among 7,000+ hats in stock, before claiming his dream Stetson, with enough masculinity to know who’s in charge, without looking like he owns a horse. Twice in the airport, and once on the plane he was complimented on his new purchase.
Grabbing the brim, he nodded and winked, knowing he had made the right choice. Tennessee had a way of doing that—making you reconsider every choice in a quest for the right one. While we don’t plan on moving to Tennessee anytime soon, we certainly found a place to hang our hat.
By Vince Meehan
Steve Kader has been a music fan since he was a young kid. In the 80s, he made his debut into the local music scene by playing in a band called Gangbusters who he describes as semi-ska. Later in life, he transferred that music knowledge and passion into becoming a talent buyer for local music venues. He started by booking acts for the now-defunct 4th & B club Downtown which at the time was the “it” place to play in San Diego. As time went on, his experience allowed him to branch out to more and more venues. Now, Kader is very well known in the local music scene as the “go-to” guy for anyone who’d like to perform at the annual Adams Avenue Unplugged music festival.
The festival takes place on Saturday April 29 along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue from University Heights on the west, through Normal Heights, and into parts of Kensington to the east. The free event starts at noon and continues until 10pm. Kader has been a member of the Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA) for almost 20 years, and is now the music talent buyer for the group. The AABA is a nonprofit corporation whose mission statement is to revitalize and market the Adams Avenue business corridor. This group produces the Unplugged festival along with several other events throughout the year as a way to support the businesses along Adams Avenue.
Scott Kessler is the Executive Director at AABA and is a big music fan as well. “Our Adams Avenue Street Fair is 40 years old and our Unplugged Festival is going on 30 years so were really proud of branding Adams Avenue as a musical destination,” Kessler noted. “The unique thing about Unplugged is that unlike our Street Fair – where we have musical presentations on outdoor stages – we’ve moved the music inside the restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee houses so it’s a totally different setting. And the businesses are packed to capacity so it’s great for them.”
Kader describes the upcoming acoustic festival as a “musical walkabout”, a chance for people to stroll along Adams Avenue and enjoy the restaurants, bars, coffee houses and galleries while enjoying live music. “We don’t shut down the street for this event,” noted Kadar. “We have the musicians play inside the shops as a way to encourage people to enter and enjoy the businesses.”
Kader says the unplugged music format creates a more subdued musical footprint – or earprint maybe – that fosters a more intimate experience for both guests and business owners. The result is a very organic music event where the shops share the spotlight with the artists. Being able to pair Adams Avenue’s unique dining and drinking establishments – each with their own special ambiances and selections – with free musical performances, makes the Adams Avenue Unplugged festival a one-of-a-kind event in San Diego and one of the most anticipated shows of the year.
Unplugged will kick off at noon and will feature more than 50 performances on 16 stages inside the businesses along Adams Avenue. Some of the artists for this year’s event include: The Sleepwalkers, Sara Petite, The Cedar Shakers, Chickenbone Slim & The Biscuits, and Finnegan Blue. These local bands will perform sets at some of Adams Avenue’s classic locales such as The Ould Sod, Rosie O’Grady’s, Rabbit Hole, Sycamore Den, Twiggs Cof -
feehouse and Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant. Kader also noted that the Normal Heights United Church will serve as ground zero for the festival with a main stage and beer garden. Dave Alvin will perform as the festival headliner in the only paid show of the event at the end of the festival. David Alvin is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer and also a founding member of the roots rock band the Blasters. Kader’s experience in the San Diego music scene has given him the insight needed to book bands for the Unplugged Festival. And he has been so successful, that he now also serves as the talent buyer for the Adams Avenue Street Fair, Rolando Street Fair, Carlsbad Music Festival, Oceanside Culture Festival, and The San Diego Latino Film Festival.
Parking is typically very limited on the
day of the event, so ridesharing is highly, highly recommended. Conveniently, the 11 route of the MTS bus takes you directly down Adams Avenue from Downtown and features stops about every three blocks or so along the way. Plus it hooks up with the trolley station at SDSU, and that makes accessibility from the La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee extremely doable. The 2 route starts in Downtown as well and takes you up 30th street through both South Park and North Park to Adams Avenue. Both bus routes run in half hour intervals, and the event is also short Uber ride from both the University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard corridors. Comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothes are highly recommended to ensure a pleasant experience.
For more info, go to: www.AdamsAvenueBusiness.com
The origin of 420 (pronounced four-twenty) is the subject of a fun debate among legacy cannabis users, the stuff of legends and speculation. Today with the legalization of cannabis on the rise, 420 Day has become a cultural phenomenon. The day on the calendar, April 20th, has become a day of festivals and celebrations in the regions where cannabis use is legal. People worldwide have adopted April 20th as “420 Weed Day” to celebrate all that is cannabis culture.
In California, where the world’s finest quality cannabis is grown and produced, the origin of 420 has been a hot topic for years. The number of a California State Senate bill that established the State’s medical marijuana program was titled “The 420 State Senate Bill of 2003 – Compassionate Use Act”. California became the second State in America to legalize marijuana for full recreational use in November 2016. The end of cannabis prohibition opened a rich world of long-suppressed cannabis use and culture, allowing people to “normalize” cannabis use in their daily lives and popular culture.
It may surprise you to know that cannabis was first discovered in Ancient Egypt, where people used hemp rope and clothing made from hemp fibers around 1500 BC. And Ancient Hebrews consumed cannabis as part of their ceremonial religious practices, a practice that continues today in the Kabbalistic sects of the Hebrews.
In 1619, King James I of England declared that growing hemp was illegal due to new trade agreements with countries who felt threatened by the competition hemp posed to the resources they produced, like cotton wool. Many farmers who relied on their cotton or wool trade protested those who were growing what they called hemp “weed” crops for income which competed with and threatened their livelihoods.
Those who are superstitious in America claim “420” was part of a police criminal code used to alert police forces working together of the presence of people in possession of marijuana. Others in America who are fans of popular musician Bob Dylan claim the reference is from his song titled “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” and its lyric, “Everybody must get stoned.” When 12 is multiplied by 35 you get 420.
Whether you know a lot or a little about marijuana, you’ve probably heard that the numerals 420 have a special meaning in pot culture. But what exactly does it mean? And why are April 20th and 4:20 p.m. so sacred to cannabis aficionados?
There are, of course, a lot of apocryphal stories and urban legends about where 420 comes from. Let’s get those out of the way first:
“420 is a police code for marijuana smoking”, as in “We have a 420 in progress” – No such police code exists.
“There are 420 chemicals in weed” – Cannabis has hundreds of chemicals, cannabinoids, terpenes, etc., but there aren’t specifically 420 chemicals in the plant. So far, researchers have discovered over 500 chemicals in pot.
“4/20 is the anniversary of Bob Marley’s/Jimi Hendrix’s death” – Neither Bob Marley nor Jimi Hendrix died on April 20th.
“4/20 is the ideal day to plant pot” – That would be too early. Weed farmers in Northern California growing full-term plants outdoors tend to plant in late May or even early June for an October harvest, as dictated by the natural life cycle of this annual plant.
The most popular urban legend and perhaps the most believable tale is the term “420” was coined in 1971 by a group of five students at San Rafael High School in Marin County, California, who met at 4:20 p.m. beside the campus’s monument of scientist Louis Pasteur and then moved off behind a wall. They met at 4:20 p.m. as they were all athletes and had sports practice to attend before that time. Because they met at a wall, Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich were known as the “Waldos.” 420 became their code for marijuana. The antics went past 4:20 p.m., as well. Under the influence, the group challenged each other to discover ever-more-interesting things to do, referring to their outings as “safaris.”
One day one of The Waldos got word of an abandoned secret marijuana grow in the Marin Headlands, a national wilderness area just north of The Golden Gate Bridge, started by some Coast Guard cadets who supposedly left behind because he could no longer tend to the crop. He had a treasure map of sorts drawn up by one of the cadets, showing the general area of the grow, and The Waldos were determined to find it.
“We’d meet at 4:20 and get in my old ‘66 Chevy Impala and, of course, we’d smoke instantly and smoke all the way out to Pt. Reyes and smoke the entire time we were out there. We did it week after week,” Capper said, adding, “We never actually found the patch.” While they never found the mythical grow, the Waldos managed to introduce a new lasting code word for weed smokers. 4:20 became their sort of “teatime” for smoking pot.
Capper told the Huffington Post: “I could say to one of my friends, I’d go, ‘420’, and it was telepathic. He would know if I was saying, ‘Hey, do you wanna go smoke some?’ Or, ‘Do you have any?’ Or ‘Are you stoned right now?’ It was telepathic, just from the way you said it. Our teachers didn’t know what we were talking about, and our parents didn’t know what we were talking about either.”
The use of the term spread further thanks to the group’s connection to The Grateful Dead. The legendary rock band was based in the Marin County hills at the time, just blocks from the high school the Waldos attended. One of The Waldos got a gig working as a
roadie for Phil Lesh of The Grateful Dead, who also lived in Marin County. The Dead soon picked up the habit of smoking weed every day at 4:20, and before long, Deadheads also started picking up the habit.
420 celebrations were going on for years on a smaller level in Marin County. On December 28th, 1990, a group of Deadheads from Oakland, California, decided to make April 20th a Tokers’ holiday. They printed up flyers inviting people to ‘Meet us to celebrate 420 on April 20th on the top of Mount Tamalpais on Bolinas Ridge’, thus creating the special holiday dedicated to imbibing herb. Steve Bloom, a reporter for High Times Magazine, got a hold of one of the fliers at a Dead show and printed the flier in the magazine in 1991. Since then, 420 has become universal shorthand for pot, and April 20th has become the official stoners’ holiday.
Cannabis has been and will continue to be a more significant part of our entire worldwide culture as we all recognize its many values: from agriculture to counter-culture, art, food, film, music, hemp, medicine, recreation, and more. 420 can now be seen on t-shirts and throughout pop culture, and of course, on the calendar every April.
Today, 420 Day is being celebrated in America in the States where cannabis has been legalized and is even growing into a popular month-long Spring celebration during April, much like Octoberfest in the Fall. 420 aligns with many festivals and popular gatherings like Earth Day and outdoor music festivals like the Coachella Festival.
420 is a number that is simultaneously meaningless and incredibly meaningful. It has no real significance outside of the world of marijuana enthusiasts, but within that world, it is a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and good times. Whether you’re one of The Waldos or just someone who enjoys a good stoner movie, there’s no denying that 420 has become a part of our collective consciousness. So next time you see a clock that reads 4:20, take a moment to appreciate the history and the humor behind this iconic number. And maybe light up a joint while you’re at it.
SAN DIEGO—April 10, 2023. Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) announced its first signature event of the year last month—the Spring Showcase—will be held at The Hotel Republic in San Diego on April 22, 2023, starting at 6 p.m. In past fashion seasons, FWSD has held various unique events at the Hotel Republic from the Topside Kitchen rooftop fashion shows to inside the hip, social, and spacious Trade Lobby. The popular event will offer an exclusive sneak peek of FWSD23 Designer’s collections before their full debut on the Fall Runway. Combining fashion, and an impressive location, the 2023 Spring Showcase will give guests the chance to interact with designers and those brands up close.
Recognized as California’s biggest traditional Fashion Week, FWSD has grown to be one of the most anticipated style and entertainment events series that is industry recognized. In addition to its covered Fall Runway Shows, FWSD kicks off every year with a Spring Showcase, followed by a series of designerfocused events throughout San Diego. The Spring Showcase is the first opportunity for attendees to get a sneak peek at the 2023 designers, enjoy fashion, entertainment and more.
FWSD invites media to be their guests to attend, please contact FWSD.
Tickets for the Spring Showcase are on SALE NOW and start at $39.99 for general admission. For more information, tickets and to learn about all the events leading up to the Fall Runway Shows, visit: www. fashionweeksd.com. Stay in style at The Hotel Republic and book your stay!
To get involved or to stay up to date with FWSD please contact them. Follow FWSD on Facebook @ fashionweeksd | Twitter @ fashionweeksd | Instagram @fashionweeksd Donate https://bit.ly/37QkntZ | Take a step further and subscribe at www.fashionweeksd.com.
To request photos, interviews, videos or for more information regarding Fashion Week San Diego, reach out to, FWSD Team at info@fashionweesd.com | press@fashionweeksd.com
About Fashion Week San Diego
Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) is an annual bi-national event, comprised of a week-long Fall Runway Show, a Spring Showcase and a series of monthly shows and workshops throughout San Diego County. Launched by San Diego fashion entrepreneur Allison Andrews in 2007 and Directed and owned by Gwen Bates, FWSD is designed to grow the developing local retail industry and
serve as a launching pad for emerging designers. FWSD breaks the traditional industry molds by connecting consumers directly with designers through annual events, social media and sales opportunities. For more information, visit www.fashionweeksd.com.
About Hotel Republic
Unpretentious but prestigious, Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection seamlessly blends contemporary comfort and boutique sophistication. Embrace excitement just steps from our hotel, courtesy of our convenient location. Discover the vibrant restaurant scene in nearby Little Italy or dance the night away at the Gaslamp Quarter, downtown’s premier entertainment
district. After exploring the city, retreat to serene accommodations with flat-screen TVs, sleek workstations and sweeping views of the city. During your down More Information, Contact: Fashion Week San Diego press@ fashionweeksd.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE time, work up a sweat at our 24-hour fitness center. When hunger strikes, delight in the convenience of room service, or indulge in flavorsome cuisine and refreshing cocktails at our two restaurants Topside Terrace and Trade Cafe. Escape the ordinary at Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection. For more info reach visit The Hotel Republic.
Wear Art Live Art Artist and Fashion Designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh paints an abstract on canvas, then turns the unique images into a fabric print. Each dress is a unique work of art that you will not see on anyone else at the next soiree you attend! Get your favorite outfit before it sells out! https://wearartliveart.com.
By Kim Boykin
Digital nomads are remote workers who can work anywhere they want. All they need is a wireless connection, devices like smart phones and mobile hotspots and a space to login. They often work in coffee shops, co-working spaces or in their Airbnb. A digital nomad lifestyle can be an exciting way to travel and break free from the chains of a 9-5 work week in an office.
I have been following my friend’s daughter on social media for several years. It all started with Covid and being forced to work from home. That setback was the catalyst she needed to launch herself into an entirely different life, full of travel and adventure. I just had to pick her brain and find out more about this exciting way to work and travel.
KB: To get started, please tell us about yourself, where did you go to school, what was your major and when did you graduate?
AG: My name is Ashley Gapusan. I am originally from New Jersey, but am now based out of San Francisco. I went to Georgia Tech and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
KB: Where do you work and what do you do?
AG: After college I moved to San Francisco to work for a startup called Allbirds. I work in supply chain, specifically retail planning and allocation. We’ve recently went public which was a really exciting milestone in my career.
KB: Tell us about being a digital nomad and how did it start? Was it the Covid lockdown that prompted working abroad?
AG: Being a digital nomad has been the greatest gift in my life. It has given me the world. I’ve had incredible experiences, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, made new connections with countries and people, learned (and am still learning) a new language (Spanish) and have had overall amazing work and life balance.
It all started when the pandemic did. In the beginning I went back home to my parents’ house in Atlanta for what I thought would only be a few weeks. Little did I know back then how long the pandemic would last. I ended up spending about five months at home until I had to go back to San Francisco and pack up my apartment. My roommates felt it was time to end our lease. So, I went back to the city and moved into an 11-person house in the Mission. My first day in the house, a few people came up to me and said, “we’re moving to Hawaii! You should come!” Five days later, I agreed. Three weeks later and I was living in Kapaa, Kauai on Wailua River with people I just met. This was the start of my digital nomad journey. I lived there for a year and in that time, I learned that life was so much more than I was taught.
The priorities there were so different. It wasn’t about having the best grades or highest paying and prestigious job. How kind and open to love and life you are, were valued much more. Community in Kauai is huge and locals, old and new, really support each other. This really put my world into perspective and while my work is still a priority it’s not the priority.
I moved off island after a year because the office called us back in. But by the time I had left Kauai, our return was postponed. I decided to head down to Placencia, Belize to live in a digital nomad community called Noma Collective. I’m honestly not sure how I found out about it. I just had the tab open in the back of my phone and saw it while I was cleaning my phone out. At Noma Collective, I learned just how big the digital nomad community worldwide is and what it could offer me. I talked with many people there who were long time digital nomads and asked how they did it. They told me about various coworking hostels and houses around the world. And so began my digital nomad journey around Latin America, where I’ve so far spent 6 months bouncing around from country to country.
KB: Where have you worked and how long do you stay in each location?
AG: I lived and worked in Kauai for almost a year. I stayed in Belize for almost two months. My Latin America trip has been more mobile. On average I
move my location every week.
I started in Antigua, Guatemala and spent New Year’s Eve there. I then moved to Lake Atitlan. After I met up with some friends I met in Belize in Tulum to celebrate one of their birthdays. We made our way up to Cancun and Isla Mujeres until leaving the coast for the middle of the country. We ate our way through Mexico City and Oaxaca City then swung over to the coast to Sayulita. At this point in the trip, I was slowing down a bit so I opted to stay and work from Sayulita for 2 weeks vs. my usual one week. Fast traveling is super fun but can be tiring when I’m also working. When my time was up in Sayulita, I headed to another beach town, Puerto Escondido, back in the Oaxaca region. In total I spent six weeks in Mexico.
I took a brief break from my digital nomad travels to meet up with my college friends in the Dominican Republic for a Bachelorette party. After celebrating, I traveled to Medellin, Colombia and worked from there for two weeks. My little brother came and met me there for his 19th birthday! It was super fun and special to be able to share the experience with him. When he left, I moved to the coffee farms of Colombia to the Quindío region to the small town of Filandia. My last stop in Colombia was Villa de Leyva, a colonial city outside of Bogota. I then popped back up to the States for the wedding of my girlfriend who had her Bachelorette party in the Dominican Republic.
After a week at home, I flew down to Peru with my little sister and met up with my best friend and another friend I met in Mexico. We spent a day in Lima before going to Cusco to see Machu Picchu, among other sites you can visit around the area. After Cusco, I was traveling solo again. I went to Arequipa and
Huaraz before heading to Ecuador to join a Digital Nomad Retreat run by Selina. Selina is a coworking hostel chain, where I normally stay during all my travels.
I met up with 25 other digital nomads in Quito where we traveled together for two weeks to the Amazon and Banos. That retreat ended recently and I am now finding myself on the Ecuadorian coast in Montanita and Ayampe.
KB: Do you have to adjust your working hours to work when your home office is working?
AG: I always work PST hours unless I coordinate otherwise with my team. I’ve spanned at most 6 hours difference with my coworkers, but we all make it work. I don’t work your typical 9-5 hours but this actually allows me to do some adventuring in the mornings or afternoons since my day is shifted.
KB: Do you travel with other digital nomads, or do you go alone?
AG: For the most part I travel solo, but honestly, I’m never alone. I am constantly making meaningful friendships and connections and my friends and family from home have come out several times to join me.
KB: Where do you stay when you get to your destination?
AG: I always stay in Selina’s, a chain of coworking hostels around the world. I am a part of their CoLive program so I pay monthly and can travel to their various locations around the globe. This includes a bed and a desk in their coworking space. I love staying here because I never have to worry about having good WIFI and the community I find in Selinas is always so warm.
KB: How long do you typically stay in one place?
AG: I’ve stayed anywhere for at least one day to one month. On average, I stay in locations for one week. I will say though that I’m slowing down and am finding pleasure in slow travel.
KB: Is there an expiration date for doing this? Do you plan to settle back in the US soon? Does your employer want you to return to the office?
AG: I really believe this is a lifestyle for me now. After two years of travel, I can’t see myself going back to mundane office life. It’s just not for me. And as for living in the US, I’ll put it this way – I’ve lived there all my life, now its time to experience living in as many different places as I can.
KB: Where else do you want to go?
AG: Literally everywhere!! I am doing a lot of Central and South America right now because it works with my time zone but in future I hope to hit up Europe, Africa, India, and Asia.
KB: Has this experience given you a greater appreciation for the comforts of home? If so, what do you miss the most?
AG: I have a much greater appreciation for all my friends and family back home and our time together. It is really special and rare when I get to see them again so I am very mindful of that. As for physical comforts… maybe TV and delivery food and groceries? Although I have a laptop to watch TV on, I just don’t have time to watch while I’m traveling. I’m too busy adventuring. But it is extremely fun and relaxing when I do get to put on a show or movie. Many cities I travel to also have delivery, but not all, so sometimes when I’m really exhausted, I wish I could just order something in.
Truly though, this experience has made me realize how little I really need. I travel with just a backpack so I only carry around the essentials and it has made life so much easier.
KB: What would you like our readers to know about how this experience has changed you?
AG: A quote I read recently that sums up a lot of how I feel is this, “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place” – Miriam Adeney.
This experience has really made me believe in people and fall in love with the human experience. Truly, I am in awe at how kind, resilient, strong, fun, funny, adventurous and well-rounded people from all over the world are. I’ve never had an easier time making friends and trying new experiences. It’s been so empowering for me as well, to know that I can solo travel the world and not feel scared but actually craving more.
KB: Thank you Ashley for sharing your experiences with us. I know our so many of our readers will be ready to get their backpack ready and take off for new horizons after reading about your lifestyle and adventures.
KB: Since I last interviewed Ashley, she finished another amazing adventure by hiking Mount Everest. Ashley shared with me, ”It was the most brutal experience of my life. I can’t believe it that I walked 62 kilometers.” She didn’t make it to the summit due to wind, ice and cold conditions, but she certainly showed her strength and perseverance to climb the world’s tallest mountain!
If you’re a fan of San Diego’s incredible music scene you won’t want to miss the 32nd Annual San Diego Music Awards, taking place on April 25 at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay. Awards will be handed out in 28 categories, from hip hop to pop, with performances on tap from jazz icon Gilbert Castellanos, rising rockers Daring Greatly, Americana favorites
Jeff Berkley & The Banned, indie rock upstarts The Inflorescence, vocalist extraordinaire Earl Thomas & the Gospel Ambassadors and blues favorite Anthony Cullins. Also on hand will be Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, guitarist Mike Keneally, who has worked with a long list of artists including Frank Zappa, Andy Partridge and Dethklok. For music aficionados it’s a gathering that can’t be beat, with much of the area’s top musicians, DJ’s, promoters and other movers and shakers in attendance. Open to the public, the all-ages event kicks off at 7 p.m.
How do the artists feel to be nominated? “I’m excited for the opportunity to possibly reach a wider audience than we might otherwise reach as a result of these nominations,” said Josh Taylor, who scored nods both as a solo artist for his album, Unscene (Best Pop Album) and with his band, the King Taylor Project (Best R&B, Funk or Soul Song / Song of the Year, “Devil in the White City”). “Unscene is my first solo album in seven years, and it represents the results of a long period of growth as an artist in various performance scenarios, both at home in San Diego and on the road.”
He notes the King Taylor Project singles are that combo’s first official releases, “so to receive nominations for both my solo album and those singles is incredibly gratifying. Sandi (King) and I feel a profound connection to our music community here, and we have spent many years trying to uplift and support other musicians through various events, services, and collaborations, so it’s especially rewarding to be recognized by that community.”
For Dakota Ringer of The Naked I (Best Pop Artist), part of the awards appeal is the company of musicians they are included in. “It’s incredible! This community is so vast and talented, I am blown away every time I see
our name mentioned amongst some of the greatest musicians in town. I cannot be thankful enough for the support it took in order to reach a milestone like this.”
Meanwhile, Tamar Berk (Best Pop Album, Start at the End / Best Pop Artist) is pleased with her nomination for more personal reasons. “I’m thrilled,” said Tamar Berk. “This album was written, recorded and released within a year of my father’s death and it was the hardest time in my life. I can’t say the making of this album was enjoyable because I was overwhelmed with grief and emotions. I poured everything into this album and it was cathartic in a lot of ways. I’m very proud of this album and being nominated is extremely meaningful.”
Many musicians from around the world have relocated to San Diego over the years, making a major impact on arrival, such is the case with guitarist Taz Taylor (Best Rock Album, Nocturnal), who is originally
from England. “I moved to San Diego from the U.K. 26 years ago and to be recognized by my adoptive home city in this way is very rewarding on a personal level and my band mates deserve it for all of the hard work they have put in,” he said.
Another welcome transplant is Jonny Tarr (Best Pop Song, “The Rules” / Best Pop Artist), originally from Wales. “Mate, I am pretty damn jazzed about this year’s awards!,” he enthused. “After submitting my ‘covid’ album in 2021 and not getting past the nominating stage, I am really excited to have the next song I entered get me two nominations.” Tarr notes a particular significance to this round of trophies being handed out. “I had a previous SDMA nomination, but it was during lockdown. This will be the first in-person ceremony I will have been to at which I was actually up for an award. I intend to go full egomaniac-hotel-room-smashing-fight-a-paparazzi-popstar for this one!”
www.sandiegomusicawards.com
While the San Diego Music Awards are indeed a wonderful celebration of the county’s musical community, there is also a larger purpose at hand; keeping music a vital part of the area’s local schools. The SDMA’s are organized by The San Diego Music Foundation who created The Guitars for Schools program, in partnership with San Diego County based, Taylor Guitars. Funds raised go to support the program, according to the Foundation, “as a way to augment existing programs and to offset the loss of arts instruction due to budget cuts. The guitars familiarity and popularity among young people makes it an excellent tool for getting them interested in music, and in performing arts in general.” Since the SDMA’s began, over 70,000 K-12 students in 83 schools have benefitted. 68 schools are currently part of the program, from San Ysidro to San Onofre. It’s just one of the reasons so many artists are happy to support the SDMA’s. It should be noted that everyone involved, from the event organizers to the showcase promoters, to the poster designer and the musicians themselves, volunteers their time and talents.
“There’s no better charity than that!” said Ashley E Norton of Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth (Best Country or Americana Artist). “I believe that as professional musicians, it’s our duty to pass music onto younger generations. And with music being the first thing to be cut from school systems, this is the way to keep it going. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”
Bassist Sppike Mike Muellenberg of The Spice Pistols (Best Indie/Alternative Album, Spice Train) concurs. “The guitars for schools’ program is a huge part of our motivation for being involved with the SDMA’s,” he said. “I got my first entry into the music culture through school music programs, so the fact that an organization like the SDMA’s is continuing introducing children to music, warms our hearts.”
Guitarist Deven Berryhill of The Tourmaliners considers “this an awesome opportunity for San Diego musicians and music fans to help our up-and-coming young musicians. The SDMA’s in conjunction with Taylor have provided guitars for kids for many years. The Tourmaliners are proud to partner in helping
In the days prior to the San Diego Music Awards there will be nine multi-artist “showcase” concerts around the county, giving music fans a chance to sample the talents of this year’s nominees, while helping to raise funds for the San Diego Music Foundation’s Guitars for Schools program. The schedule for San Diego Music Awards Week is as follows:
April 14 – Winston’s / Ocean Beach: Roger!, The Naked I, Karlos Paez (of B-Side Players), Rebecca Jade, Sandollar
April 15 - PourHouse / Oceanside: Gregory Page, Tamar Berk, Jeff Berkley and The Banned
April 17 - Til Two / San Diego: Robin Henkel with Friends, Black Market III, Shane Hall Trio, Taryn Donath Duo, Anthony Cullins
Trio
April 19 - Til Two / San Diego: Kimmi Bitter, Mudflap, Thea the Band, Farm Truck, Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth
April 20 - Tio Leos / Bay Park :
Chickenbone Slim, MohaviSoul, Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas, Manzanita Blues, Taryn Donath Duo with Mathew Taylor, Blue Largo
April 20 - Ramona Mainstage / Ramona: Lady Psychiatrist’s Booth, Jason Winters, Thea the Band, Calamity, Farm Truck
April 21 - Navajo Live / La Mesa: Audrey Callahan, The Farmers, Paradise Drive, Daring Greatly, Spice Pistols, Taz Taylor Band
April 22 - 710 Beach Club / Pacific Beach: The Tourmaliners, King Whisker, Signal for Pilot, Ash Easton, Band of Gringos, Half Hour Late
April 23 - Navajo Live / La
guitar players in San Diego schools receive great instruments like that!”
Dakota Ringer agrees, “that is the best part about this whole thing at the end of the day,” he said. “The award show is a giant family of musicians all coming together to support the future generation of San Diego bands! A future nominee could be one of the students this foundation blesses. It’s so cool to be part of a community that continues to rally around this cause.”
Mesa: Chloe Lou & the Liddells, Amanda Cogan, Bobo Czarnowski, Sande Lollis, Lindsay White, Lauren leigh, Joshua Taylor/King Taylor Project, Jonny Tarr
“Performing at the SDMA Showcase events are great because we can first get a chance to all hang out with other musicians, and it also gives you the opportunity to play a short set of all your favorite tunes, and expose them to a more diverse audience,” said Taryn Donath (Best Blues Artist). Singer Thea Tochihara of Thea the Band agrees. “I’m so excited to get to perform alongside the other nominees, some that I know
and love, and some that I have gotten to admire without having met in person yet. So it will be fun to feel the energy everyone brings, and with all of us sharing the same stage. I can’t wait!” As Sppike Mike Muellenberg notes, “It’s an excellent opportunity to play with other musicians, who have also worked so very hard to hone their skills to higher level,” he said. “The opportunity to play with these kinds of musicians and people is a rare opportunity that we’re very grateful for.”
www.sandiegomusicawards. com/2023-showcases
April 23 - Earth Day Festival / Humphrey’s Backstage Live, Shelter Island. 10 a.m.
Balboa Park’s annual Earth Fair has been canceled this year, but in its stead, the events former Moon Stage promoter, Donna Larsen is hosting a similarly themed, daylong event at Humphrey’s Backstage Live. Kicking off at 10 a.m., Larsen has put together an eclectic bill that includes her own band, Messengers, as well as Sonjorombe, Charlie Loach, Anthony Cullins, Ingenue, Chloe Lou & the Liddells and Network. www.humphreysbackstagelive. com
April 23 Opera 4 Kids / Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. 2 p.m.
Victoria Robertson (Soprano) and Bernardo Bermudez (BariTenor) of Opera 4 Kids perform “The Enchanted Tail.” Perfect for young children and those young at heart, the presentation combines music, costumes and props, for a fun show that’s also a great introduction to opera. www.balboaparkconcerts.org.
April 29 Adams Avenue Unplugged / Along Adams Avenue, City Heights. Noon
One of San Diego’s top annual events, with dozens of great acts, from blues to rock, including The Sleepwalkers, Jerry Raney & Joey Harris (The Beat Farmers), Sara Petite and Thea the Band. All performances are free, except this year’s headliner, Dave Alvin (The Blasters). www.adamsavenuebusiness. com/event-info/adams-avenue-unplugged
May 5 – Acoustic Evenings / The Athenaeum, La Jolla. 7:30
p.m.
Best known for its classical and jazz performances, the Athenaeum is hosting Acoustic Evenings, a series showcasing a diverse mix of artists, this edition featuring Fred Benedetti,
MohaviSoul, Trails and Rails. www.ljathenaeum.org/events/ acoustics-23-0505
May 11 to 14 - Gator by the Bay / Spanish Landing Park, San Diego. TBA
Billed as a Zydeco, Blues Music & Crawfish Festival, Gator by the Bay is a feast for the senses. The food is just as important as the music with plenty of options from jambalaya to a crawfish boil, and dozens of dance floor filling artists to soundtrack the day, including The Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Gino & The Lone Gunmen and The Mercedes Moore Band.
www.gatorbythebay.com
New and Upcoming Singles: Alex Bergan –“Unpromised Land,” Baby Bushka – “Worlds With You,” Audrey Callahan – “Break This Cage” (May 1), Kekoa – “Take it Slow,” Astra Kelly – “Not My Home,” Little Dove – “Never Loved A Man” (Aretha Franklin cover), Nickel Creek – “Where the Long Line Leads,” Outer Galaxies – “Love the Way,” Sara Petite – “Tread Softly,” Reggae Hitmasters & Seawall Prophet – “Danny’s Song,” The Resinators – “Come Home Sober,” Bri Schillings – “Be Here,” Spice Pistols – “Allies,”
Thee Sacred Souls – “Running Away” (June 3), The Tourmaliners – “Swanky” featuring
Eddie Angel, Ryan Valenzuela – “The Core,” Patrick Yandall - “Dance In the Rain” featuring Eugene “Gene-o” Cole (July 4), New and Upcoming Albums & EP’s: Alific – Write It On The Wall, Blair Gun - Blaspheme Queen, Alison Brown – On Banjo, Diva Crush – Heartburn, The Film Company – Introducing (with Brian Reilly), Flogging Molly - ‘Til The Anarchy’s Restored (EP), Nathan Hubbard - Necessary Downturn, Huge Shark – Everything, Jefferson Jay – Thank You (April 16), Little Hurricane – Life Is But A Dream, Dallas McLaughlin –I Didn’t Start the Fire (and Other Lies), Ratt
– The Atlantic Years (Box Set, June 9), Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra – Surf the Web, Sister Speak – Love For All (vinyl), The Surfaris (including Devin Berryhill) – Wipe Out 60th Anniversary Edition (Ltd Vinyl re-issue), J oe Woods Change Today - I am, Patrick Yandall - Dance In the Rain (July 11), V/A: New Standards by Women Composers Volume 2 includes Lori Bell’s “Ingenuity.”
New and Upcoming Videos: Blair Gun - “Bennet,” Gregory Page – “The World’s Gone Mad,” Sluka - “Medley: Misery, Rage or Restrain, Coincidence”
Beatles Fair returns on June 3 with a special edition, transforming North Park’s Queen Bee into an official pop-up Cavern Club, celebrating the legendary Beatles related venue’s 66th Anniversary. As such, in addition to Beatles tribute band, Rubber Soul and related Fab Four music and activities, there will also be tribute bands to artists who played the Cavern early on in their career, such as Oasiz (Oasis) and Headmaster Ritual (The Smiths). Meanwhile, author John Borack will also discuss his book, The Beatles 100: One Hundred Pivotal Moments in Beatles History. More info at: www.beatlesfair. com
The San Diego County Fair is taking place from June 7 through July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Dozens of performers will take part during the event, on multiple stages. Grandstand Concerts this year includes Lynyrd Skynyrd (June 17) and Boy II Men (June 22), while artists with a local connection include Switchfoot (July 3), Hirie with Stephan Marley (June 24) and Train (June 7). The latter includes former Skelpin guitarist Hector Maldonado.
The 2nd annual East Village Blues Fest will take place on June 10, from 3-9 p.m. at the Quartyard! An amazing lineup will include SDMA nominees Whitney Shay, Taryn Donath, Anthony Cullins (The Fallbrook Kid) plus special guests Brother Yusef & The Tighten Ups.
The Beat Farmers head to Sevilla Spain on
on May 5. The La Jolla High album’s album includes guest appearances from the Kronos Quartet and Steve Martin.
Keyboardist Marie Haddad and her band will be opening for Christine and the Queens at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay on April 17. Meanwhile her other band, the incredible Kate Bush tribute group, Baby Bushka has two dates this month, at the Music Box (April 26) and at the Regent Theatre in Los Angeles (April 28).
Acclaimed percussionist Nathan Hubbard, has a new album out, Necessary Downturn, featuring compositions from 2009-2020. The album features “nine pieces for mixed ensembles highlighting Hubbard’s kaleidoscopic pieces that focus on new pitch and harmonic relationships.”
On select dates between now and May 9, singer Rebecca Jade is one of the leads in the jukebox musical, “R•E•S•P•E•C•T,” taking place at the Lambs Players Theatre in Coronado.
Skyler Lutes heads out on tour in support of
release The Atlantic Years: 1984-1991, a limited-edition box set. The collection includes all five albums the band released for Atlantic Records, a replica “Nobody Rides For Free” 7-inch single, 12 page book, 11×17-inch “wanted” poster, bumper sticker, replica backstage pass, and guitar pick, all in a custom lift top box.
2017 SDMA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, guitarist Wayne Riker, has returned
July 14 – 15, where they’ll be headliners at the Huercasa Country Music festival.
New band alert: Big City plays a “mix of rock, boogie, blues and a touch of country, dancing shoes required,” says the band, which features local favorites, including singer Linda Berry, guitarist Dan Litwin, keyboardist Terry Fenwick, bassist Dave Lindgren, guitarist Joe Torres and drummer Chas Benedict Jr.
Grammy winning banjo player Alison Brown releases her latest album, On Banjo,
his new album, Never Leaving, opening April 14 in Phoenix, AZ and wrapping up April 22 in Paso Robles.
The latest release in Neil Young’s Official Bootleg Series, High Flyin’, by The Ducks, is out this month. The Ducks were a short lived Young side project, which included bassist Bob Mosely (Moby Grape). They played shows over a two-month period in 1977, with the songs on this 25-track live album being recorded during that run of concerts.
Surf legends The Surfaris (featuring guitarist Deven Berryhill of The Tourmaliners) perform at the Surfer Joe Festival in Italy taking place on June 22-25, in Italy. The band also has a new limited edition 12” Vinyl 60th Anniversary release of their Wipe Out album, out on the reconstituted Dot Records.
Rockers Pierce the Veil will be touring in support of their new album, Jaws of Life, with The Used, opening on May 23 in Austin TX, and wrapping up July 2 in Phoenix, AZ.
DJ Tim Pyles is now also a “sticker guy.” “I believe stickers are the simplest form of promotion for a band,” he said. “Every band needs stickers, so with support of a good friend I can now offer a great deal on full color stickers courtesy of the Pyles Sticker Company after the word company. The inspiration for the new business foray comes from the impact Pyles own series of stickers and stencils of his face has made. “For me, it all started with a caricature of my face created by Grant Reinero and the rest is history.” Pyles can currently be heard on KXFM 104.7 FM.
On June 9, platinum selling rockers Ratt
to teaching music. He can be contacted at Rock and Roll San Diego for lessons.
Ocean Beach based reggae favorites Slightly Stoopid hit the road for a summer long road
trip kicking off on July 6 in Auburn Washington and running through September 3 in West Palm Beach Florida. Opening will be Sublime with Rome.
The latest issue of indie garage / surf / frat rock mag, The Continental (#34), includes a free 28 track, which features The Tourmaliners track, “Swanky.” The song includes a guest appearance from Eddie Angel of Los Straightjackets.
Something’s afoul on the private golf course at Merlinville-SurMer — namely the body of Hercule Poirot’s newest client. Acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz brings the famed Belgian detective to life to solve one of Agatha Christie’s most intricate whodunits. Of course, there are the host of usual — and — unusual suspects. A cast of six versatile actors embody a myriad of characters as they navigate the twists and turns of this lively and fun new adaptation. You won’t want to miss a thrilling moment of this comic mystery.
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY STEVEN DIETZ
APRIL 19–MAY 21
NorthCoastRep.org
858-481-1055
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It’s fashionable to be late in California (except for the Performing Arts), and Mother Nature is no different. Spring has finally arrived after being delayed six-plus weeks after Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow back on February 2nd. Mother Nature gave us more rain than we knew what to do with this year, but that seems to be behind us now. That means our days are getting longer with clear, dry evenings. This makes it the perfect time to start thinking about getting your tickets for all the summer outdoor events that will soon be upon us.
But before the summer season kicks in, we have plenty to see right now. We have World Premieres opening all over our town, and here is what’s playing for you this month:
The Old Globe has a well-earned national reputation for staging World Premieres, many of which have gone onto Broadway and won many awards over the years. This month The Old Globe brings us another World Premiere with Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play, Premiering on April 8 at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Written by Keiko Green and Directed by Jesca Prudencio, Exotic Deadly is set in 1999, Ami is an awkward Asian American high schooler whose world comes crashing down with a terrible discovery: her family is responsible for manufacturing MSG, the mysterious ingredient that’s getting all the kids hooked! Meanwhile, a fantastic new girl arrives from Japan, and she’s not playing by the rules. Ami vows to redeem her family name and save the world from MSG. This whimsical, time-traveling adventure is a riotous and hilarious romp through wild teenage crushes, family legacies, and the magical properties of instant ramen!
Still winning the gold at The Old Globe is ‘The XIXTH’ (The 19th). Inspired by actual events from the historic 19th Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Two Black American sprinters, the fastest men on Earth, raise their fists in protest. Directed by Carl Cofield (Seize the King, The Bacchae), this suspenseful World Premiere play by Kemp Powers (Pixar’s Soul, One Night in Miami) chronicles the intersection of sports and activism and shows the life-changing repercussions of being a champion who chooses to speak out. The XIXTH hits the finish line on the 23rd
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to staging World Premiers, and The North Coast Rep also has a long history of offering World Premiers and will do so again this month with Murder On The Links with a teetime scheduled for April 19th. Written and Directed by acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz, from one of Agatha Christie’s most intricate whodunits. Dietz brings the famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot to life in a story that goes something like this; There Something’s afoul on the private golf course at Merlinville-Sur-Mer – namely, the body of Hercule Poirot’s newest client. Of course, there is the host of usual – and – unusual suspects. A cast of six versatile actors embodies a myriad of characters as they navigate the twists and turns of this lively and fun new adaptation. You won’t want to miss a thrilling moment of this comic mystery.
The San Diego Opera will haunt the Balboa Theatre for three nights starting on April 11th – 14th with the World Premier of Ghosts. Ghosts is an evening of three one-act, horror-inspired operas by Composer Nicolas
Reveles. Comprised of the works Eden, Dormir, and House. Eden, which features a libretto by director John De Los Santos, explores the boundaries of madness and obsession and is a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe Dormir, with libretto by Michael Vegas Mussman, is an imaginative exploration of what might happen when Old World spiritual practices meet the Christian belief system when portals open and unknown, powerful entities appear. House, with a libretto by the composer, explores the idea that trauma haunts many of us and that trauma remains in our bodies like ghosts.
Across the bay, The Lamb’s Players has their own unique formula for showcasing talent in productions that are so popular that the only thing they can do is hold it over and over and over (It seemed like Mixtape ran forever at the Horton Grand Theatre). This time, The Lamb’s Players have conjured up pure magic with Respect - The Amazing Women Of The 60’S. Respect features some of the region’s best singers in a celebration of the music of Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Dionne Warwick, Janis Joplin, the Supremes & many, many more! Respect is a delightful evening filled with songs of love and laughter that audiences can’t get enough of and is currently being held over for the 5th time until June 4th
Broadway SD has a pair of shows hitting the boards over the next month at The Civic Center starting on April 11th with the Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show. This is a Riverdance, as you’ve never seen it before! It is a powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite that has been celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Riverdance started as an innovative seven-minute dance piece that stunned the crowd at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. After that, it was developed into a full-length stage show that has been electrifying audiences worldwide for the past twenty-five years nonstop. Riverdance composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack. At the same time, producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have entirely reimagined the groundbreaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance from April 11th through the 13th Next up on May 9th, with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, is 1776 The Musical, based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence; this telling story of the efforts of John Adams to persuade his colleagues to vote for American Independence and to sign the document. The show premiered on Broadway in 1969 and won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Direction, and Lead Actor. In 1972, it was adapted into a film and revived on Broadway in 1997, and again in 2022 with a glorious multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors who portray the fiery founders of this country, putting our history in the hands of the humans who were left out the first time around—and the result is an epic show of passion, debate, and roof-raising musical fireworks. Suddenly, this musical masterpiece’s songs, humor, and passion soar as never before. “Experience a 1776 worth celebrating!” Says Variety, “It pulsates with energy and snaps with attitude.” You may never think about our country — who we are and why — the same way again. 1776 sings its way across the Civic from May 9th through the 14th
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Over in Old Town, The Cygnet Theatre has the howling revolving-door comedy with Noel Coward’s Present Laughter. Present Laughter is a lighthearted farce that celebrates playwright Noël Coward’s legendary wit and larger-than-life persona. Based on Coward himself, actor Garry Essendine is the star of the London theatrical scene at the height of his fame and adored by legions of admirers–perhaps a little too much. Fans regularly throw themselves at Garry’s feet, drawn in by his charm and charisma, throwing his household into chaos. In the week before Garry is set to embark on an African tour, he is forced to juggle a besotted young woman with stars in her eyes, an unhinged young playwright obsessed with being in Garry’s presence, his best friend’s wife who is determined to seduce him, his manager, his producer, his secretary, his estranged ex-wife, and an impending mid-life crisis. Present Laughter will keep you in stitches until April 29th
While temporarily displaced from their home stage as the Spreckels Theatre is undergoing a massive refurbishment, The City Ballet of San Diego won’t be kept in the dark waiting to dance again. With so many stages around town, it is the California Center for the Arts in Escondido that fate smiled on this month as the City Ballet will perform Romeo & Juliet on May 6th and 7th Resident Choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich has created a lavish production based on Shakespeare’s epic tale of Romeo and Juliet. In the ballet, two teenagers from warring families meet, fall in love, and rush headlong toward their destiny. The magnificent scenery and costumes evoke Renaissance Italy, and Sergei Profofiev’s lush score, with John Nettles conducting the City Ballet Orchestra, brings this classic love story thrillingly to life. This is Ballet Storytelling at its best.
The San Diego Symphony offers up an exciting month under the stars at The Rady Shell with a pair of weekends that sees the Symphony playing their Jacobs Masterworks Program, including Debussy, Malhar, and Rachmaninoff. Followed by a weekend of John Williams. Oh, hold me back! On April 21st and 22nd, We’ll revel in two excellent pieces by the French composer Claude Debussy. The first, Prelude to “Afternoon of a Faun,” made his international reputation for its unashamed sensuality and dreamy delicacy. The second, Fantaisie for Piano and Orchestra, is remarkable for its lushness, unlike anything else the composer wrote. And who better than the fantastic pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet to be at the keyboard? Then Rafael Payare will be on the podium for Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, which abounds in gorgeously colorful melodies that range from child-like innocence to deep explorations of the human soul. For those of you not overly savvy about the Symphony, this is one of those few breathtaking nights that will leave you as a Symphony fan for life!
Now that you have caught your breath, on May 5th and 6th, The Symphony settles for an evening with guest Conductor Robert Spano and Pianist Garrick Ohlsson. 1st up is Brian Raphael Nabors: Onward. Nabors is an emerging figure on the music scene as a composer of emotionally enriching music that tells exciting narratives with its vibrant themes and colorful harmonic language. Nabors says, “Onward is an homage to the triumphs and growth we experience along the epic journey of life. The piece is a 10-minute soundscape to celebrate the dreams and aspirations that motivate us to become our best selves. The consistent use of perpetual motion throughout the orchestra’s texture is meant to capture the spirit of constantly traveling onward, either philosophically or literally. I aspired to create a musical journey depicting the moments of discovery, innovation, and change that continually push us and our world into the future.” Onward was commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Maestro Robert Spano, Music Director, and first performed by them in November 2019.
Onward will be followed by Witold Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra. One of the most imposing figures of the twentieth century’s Polish musical renaissance, Lutosławski left a relatively sparse catalog but made many important musical statements. The Concerto for Orchestra, however, marks an imposing statement by this modern master, and many consider it to be his crowning achievement. The Symphony closes the night out with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Op. 30. Piano Concerto No, 3 originated with the Russian-born composer’s first visit to the United States, which he would eventually adopt as his homeland. In accepting an invitation to undertake a concert tour in this country, Rachmaninoff agreed to compose a new piano concerto that he would perform with American orchestras. The Rach 3 is a very demanding piece to perform. The difficulty many pianists encounter with the Rach 3 comes down to a simple factor: anatomy. Rachmaninoff had very large spaces between his fingers and huge hands, So the writing very much reflects his own body.
The Symphony prides itself on offering performances the whole family can enjoy. On May 13th and 14th, pack the kids for a night under the stars with Star Wars: A New Hope. The one that started the saga that continues to still emerges today. There is no need to recount the story here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Conductor Conner Gray Covington and our Symphony will bring John Williams’s galactic soundtrack of this timeless story to life. This might be the perfect night to get your kids to sit still at the performing arts without asking them to, and they might learn to appreciate the Symphony and what they have to offer.
You have been gifted with World Premiers, Comedies, Mysteries, Musicals, Opera, Ballet, and the Symphony to choose from this month. It’s a full slate of World Class Performing Art for a World Class City, and you have no idea how lucky you have it. So, Break-A-Leg, and for all you ballet fans, Merde! Now, go see a show.
“Beauty fades but dumb is forever.” These words are eternally engraved in my mind. Every summer, my family visits my grandmother in Chicago. She has lived in the same house for nearly 60 years. When I step through her door, I feel like I’ve entered a time machine transporting me back to the 1970’s. ‘Gaga’ loves to cut clever headlines and quotes out of the Chicago newspapers and tape them on her kitchen cabinets. I’m amazed at her cabinet collage, and I enjoy reading them all. But the one that sticks with me is an old, torn, picture taped on the refrigerator door that says, “Beauty fades but dumb is forever.”
I don’t know why this quote, among hundreds, jumped out at me as I sat at her kitchen table eating her famous chocolate cherry cake. Maybe because Gaga has a good sense of humor and I appreciated the irony or maybe deep inside, I just agree.
Growing up, I was taught that education is the key to success. But the words on her fridge left me thinking about girls my age, who are completely focused on their physical appearance, never realizing, nor valuing, the most important part of themselves.
into teenagers smothered with beauty tips (and if we didn’t or weren’t allowed to connect to people online, we were isolated and alone). But now we’re living back in the world of human interactions and still addicted and obsessed with social media and the messages we learned to value. We follow influencers, celebrities, and anyone else with a pretty face, a dance, a trick, a voice, a message. It’s like a drug and we’re completely hooked!
Coast
I get it! TikTok, Snap Chat, and Instagram convince us that beauty is all that matters. We idolize the pretty girls who teach us how to apply makeup; pushing our eyeliner out and up, contouring our faces to enhance our cheeks and bone structure, and creating shadows to thin our nose and face. We quickly learn how to wear our hair, nails, and eyelashes. We admire and desire the clothes that are “in” and stop wearing beloved items when they’re “out”. We perfect our selfie from every angle, add the perfect filter, and never miss an opportunity to let everyone know that we’re “hot” and “happy” even if it’s not real.
The influencers messages are crystal clear, and they come at us all day…. Looking your best is all that matters. But is it? The sad truth is that during COVID social media was teens’ sole lifeline to friends and the world. We have grown
This social media phenomenon is changing my generation and leaving a wake of low selfesteem, poor body image, and feelings of inadequacy. According to a study by Common Sense Media, 80% of teenage girls compare themselves to images they see on social media, and 39% feel bad about themselves as a result (Common Sense Media, 2018). Another study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that teenage girls who spend more time on social media have higher rates of body dissatisfaction, which can lead to other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders (American Psychological Association, 2023).
This constant comparison and focus on unrealistic beauty standards have changed the way we see ourselves. Our mental health is clearly suffering due to endless exposure to idealized beauty standards, but we’re also giving up so much more…. Has a preoccupation with physical appearance left us with empty minds, no longer curious about the human condition or how to pursue a meaningful life through intellectual curiosity, hard work, and education? A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that
teenagers who place a high value on physical appearance are less likely to engage in meaningful activities such as volunteering, participating in sports or clubs, or pursuing academic interests (Journal of Health Psychology, 2016). This trend is disturbing as meaningful activities are essential for the development of a sense of purpose and identity, and critical for overall well-being and success in life. Instead of exploring interests that could lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving, we spend all our time and energy on our appearance. This lack of intellectual development can have longterm consequences, not only for our own personal growth but for society. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, we need the next generation to be well-equipped to think critically and creatively to help find solutions. Sadly, we have become a generation of superficial involvement and short bursts of attention to support causes with shoutouts and memes which can never constitute real activism. It is important for us to understand the complexities of social issues and engage in meaningful ways. Real activism involves ongoing education, community involvement, and sustained efforts to effect change. We need to wake up and reject this endless, mindless pursuit for the perfect mascara and instead invest in ourselves. Because a beautiful mind is way sexier than anything we wear. Remember… Beauty fades but a beautiful mind is forever!
Sources
Common Sense Media. (2018) Social media, social life: Teens reveal their experiences.
Retrieved from. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/social-media-social-life-teensreveal-their-experiences-2018
Science Direct. February (June 2016). Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Retrieved from.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S2352250X15002249
Journal of Health Psychology (2016). Body image dissatisfaction, physical activity, and screentime in Spanish adolescents. Retrieved from. https://journals.sagepub.com/ oi/10.1177/1359105316664134
American Psychological Association. (February 23, 2023). Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults. Retrieved from.
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/02/ social-media-body-image
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