The producer's nightmare: push a project to Broadway through a gauntlet of nay-sayers: the playwright, iconic young stars, agents, a tony (small t) British director, and a fund-raiser sheep-dipping for seed money, literally. Even by his own admission, Felix Artifex …

A blues band takes the stage. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/30/32546/ Can you spy The Reader tent? The fantastic staff answered lots of questions passers by had. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/30/32548/ http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/30/32549/ The food stalls included homemade rootbeer, kielbasa and cajun sausages, Thai and Chinese food, Haiwaiian …

The San Diego Film Festival is here (started on Wednesday but there are a lot of films and events for the weekend). Tonight, the Festival is featuring Seven Pyschopaths at 9 p.m. at the Reading Theater (701 5th Ave) in …

The Smashing Pumpkins are coming to the Viejas Arena at SDSU (5500 Canyon Crest Dr) on Saturday, October 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $62.50 (here is a deal through Sunday: $25 per ticket.) Anberlin opens for them. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/29/32517/ The …

El Centro artist Danny Gibson aka Ser Humano will be showing his work at Bujwah Clothes Company (1011 23rd Street - Golden Hill) tonight. 5 to 10 - all ages - free. THIS Visits: Danny Gibson from Incase on Vimeo.

"We created it because San Diegans deserve a festival where the whole family can spend the day learning about their city — while having fun." This is the purpose behind San Diego's Politifest, which takes place on Saturday, September 29 …

To break the traditional set-up of theater - actors up there, audience down here - the La Jolla Playhouse began its site-based, "Without Walls" series two years ago. Its first production, Susurrus, took place at the San Diego Botanical Garden …

You read that correctly, mini golf is allowed and encouraged within the library walls one day per year! “Mini Golf ‘fore’ the Library” will be held this year on September 30th. This annual event raises money for Carlsbad libraries, arts, …

On Friday, September 28, The New Children's Museum (200 West Island Ave) invites children to finger paint at Finger Painting Friday: Rainbow Show from 10:30 a.m. to noon. "We empower our visitors and members to think, play and create through …

JSix (616 J St) downtown is hosting Whole Animal Dinner on Thursday at 7 p.m. This Oktoberfest celebration will feature beer from Coronado Brewing Company. Tickets cost $65 per person or $85 with beer pairings. Reservations must be made at …

Yesterday I spent five hours in Rosarito and appreciated every moment. What I love the most about Baja is that everything moves at a slow pace. There isn’t the same high-strung day to day urgency in Rosarito that you find …

Heading into Canyonside Park for my daughter’s softball game, I spied a sport I recognized, but had never seen played in person. “Is that a cricket game?” I queried my partner with an air of disbelief. How did players of …

The Shins and Washed Out are coming to San Diego's Open Air Theatre (5500 Campanile Dr) at SDSU on Sunday, September 30. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25-40. Most people know The Shins' music, but here's …

I used to spend a lot of time at Lestat’s in Normal Heights due to its close proximity to my kids school, and because they have a table with Gregory Page’s face painted on it. I love him. I stopped …

Thursday | 27 WRITER AND POETAmy Gerstler visits from Los Angeles to read from and sign her work, comprising eight books of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, including Dearest Creature. Gerstler’s poetry is “known for its wit and complexity” and …

Grossmont College (8800 Grossmont College Dr) hosts a free literary reading and book signing by writer and poet Amy Gerstler on Thursday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 220. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/25/32261/ "Los Angeles writer Amy Gerstler has authored numerous reviews …

I'll be working on the 2013 San Diego postcard and website column header later this week - each year's design includes 11 or 12 local "landmarks." I wonder if anyone can name ALL the locales drawn in the previous two …

San Diego Writers, Ink's first Fall for Writing Conference is fully scheduled. The nonprofit literary center is offering reduced rates for all events. The conference runs from Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14. The All-in-One rate is $75, all …

Longtime fans of San Diego theater will recognize her name. For years, Linda Castro was one of our leading lights and award-winners. She moved away almost a decade ago. Since we no longer wear opposing theatrical hats, she has become …

I went to the Hotel Del in hopes of fire pits on the patio bar, but the fires had been extinguished for the evening and the bright light of the moon refracting off the ocean was a bigger draw than …

I don’t understand ear stretching. Why someone would elect to have golf-ball-sized holes in the ears is beyond me. Not too long ago, a friend's boyfriend got ear plugs. She dumped him two weeks later because she didn't want to …

Today (September 24) Wine and Canvas San Diego will host an art event at Taste and Thirst on Fourth (715 Fourth Ave). "Enjoy cocktails and a painting class led by a local artist. Leave with a 16x20 masterpiece. Painting materials …

The elections are nearing, and with about six weeks left, there's still a chance to get involved. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/22/31986/ The San Diego County Democratic Party is looking for volunteers to make phone calls, contact local voters, register voters, enter data, and …

Jack Tygett passed away last week. For everyone who knew him, the loss is immense. But rather than me listing his credentials from afar, I asked John Martin, longtime local actor (and cast member of the Marquis Public's legendary Gemini) …

The Del Norte High School String Quartet in San Diego will lend their talents to a touring Beatles musical performing at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts on October 5. In My Life - A Musical Theatre Tribute to …

On Monday, September 24, three lectures will be held in San Diego on fertility, immigration rights, and editing. Tri-City Wellness Center (6250 El Camino Real) hosts Fertility 101. Dr. Mickey Coffler, MD, FACOG, will "discuss the most effective treatments available...how …

Home ec. studio (2225 30th St.) is teaching a kids' class called Monster Jr. High Voodoo Dolls on Mondays from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. This 5-class series runs from October 1 - October 29 and is suitable for children …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/22/31981/ Balboa Park will offer a host of activities tomorrow, September 23. The San Diego Bromeliad Society Show will take place in the Botanical Garden from 12-4 p.m. The 55th Annual Folk Dance Oktoberfest will take place from 12:30-5 p.m. …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/22/31979/ On Friday, September 28, The San Diego Zoo offers a night for children ages 3-6 to explore Wild Voices: The Better to Sing With!, a "trek into the Zoo after dark to meet a keeper and the New Guinea …

Fink, British musician, producer, songwriter Fin Greenall, will play at UC-San Diego's The Loft space (9500 Gilman Dr) on Sunday, October 14 at 9 p.m. Fink's music has been featured on television and film including Lie to Me, Pretty Little …

I love South Park. Its home to my favorite local boutique: Bad Madge & Company, my favorite bar: Hamilton’s (the guy that works the door looks like Popeye), and The Big Kitchen-my favorite cafe. Today I had lunch at the …

There are many ways to volunteer in San Diego, and whether you are want to connect with your community, give back because you've benefitted in the past, or use your skills and time in a way that will help others, …

Melissa and Manny Fernandes, real life husband and wife, perform with the fluidity and timing of a matched set. In some of the play's more comic moments, they recall Desi and Lucy. In others, George and Martha. Bernard Slade's comedy-drama …

The “perfect wave” may not be at MiraCosta College, but come enjoy a California tradition on the big screen, when “Endless Summer” (1966) plays under the stars at the Oceanside campus. More than an outdoor screening, this event, which begins …

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd.) is currently displaying three large sculptures downtown. Sol Lewitt's Six-Part Modular Cube is on exhibit in the downtown Jacobs Building. The Cube "presents the geometric forms typical of …

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall St.) in La Jolla is offering two days of children's art classes (ages 7-12) during the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14. Creative Collages with Ellen …

Years ago I saw an episode of MTV Cribs featuring a celebrity, I think it was Adam Goldberg, who lived in, of all places, Imperial Beach. I thought it was hilarious that he lived in IB, mostly because no one …

My brother used to rock a magician mustache. He showed up to my sister’s wedding with one and my grandmother told him to shave his face or else. He did because my grandmother is a fiery Irish woman and it’s …

Thursday | 20 ART OF FASHION RUNWAY SHOWThe Country Friends present their 57th annual fashion show in partnership with South Coast Plaza. Proceeds go to benefit over 20 San Diego charities, including the Burn Institute of San Diego and YWCA. …

With this being child obesity awareness month, it brings up an enormous issue. Who is responsible for our health and fitness? Who is responsible for the health and fitness of our children? For whatever reason, many of us appear to …

HipCooks (4048 30th St.) in North Park is offering a class called Holy Mole! on Thursday, September 27 from 6-9 p.m. This wheat-free menu will include albondigas soup, nontraditional chili relleno with traditional red salsa, coconut chicken with rice and …

San Diego Writers, Ink celebrates Fall for the Arts 2012 by offering a series of workshops and panels from October 11-14 at the Ink Spot (710 13th St) downtown. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/16/31570/ "Fall for Writing, suitable for all levels, will explore a …

Grant Barrett, co-host of NPR's A Way with Words, American lexicographer, and editor of dictionaries including the Oxford Dictionary of American Political Slang, will be hosting Blueprint Special Event at Mingei International Museum (1439 El Prado) on Friday, September 28. …

Home ec studio (2225 30th St.) will be teaching a baby layettes sewing class on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Students will create personalized terry bibs and burp cloths, "perfect for the new mother who wants to express …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/18/31767/ Name:Chelsea Coon Age:26 Occupation:Receptionist http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/18/31768/ Chelsea's dress is from Ann Taylor http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/18/31769/ Name: Elena Poddighe-Cirbo Age: Undisclosed Occupation: Artist Elena purchased her amazing shoes in Italy. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/18/31770/ I love how out of place Marco looks in Coronado where most …

It was the Broadway equivalent of a coup d'etat. Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics, and Roger O. Hirson the book, for a musical about the oldest son of Charlemagne. Pippin's father - Charles the Great - united much …

Nearly eight years ago, the Kava Lounge opened doors at their inconspicuous Middletown location with the intention of "promoting cultural unity through music, art, and dance." Countless events have since taken place under this banner and, accordingly, In-Stead's debut production …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/16/31581/ Malcolm X Library (5148 Market St.) is hosting a free one-hour poetry workshop for students grades 5-12 today at 3:30 p.m. with Jim Moreno, "emeritus member of the Langston Hughes Poetry Circle, author of Dancing in Dissent: Poetry For …

The Westgate Hotel (1055 Second Ave.) hosts Ladies Literary Tea with Luisa Weiss, author of The Wednesday Chef blog, on Saturday, September 22 at 2:30 p.m. Weiss will share stories from her memoir My Berlin Kitchen over traditional afternoon tea …

September is National Child Obesity Awareness Month. Why do titles like this exist? It is as if they're saying, "Hey everyone, we know you're busy, but in case you haven't noticed, there are a bunch of obese kids around". How …

"On the first day of fall—the autumnal equinox—day and night are each about 12 hours long. The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west," states The Old Farmer's Almanac. The …

Culture Shock Dance Studio (2110 Hancock St), "a nonprofit professional hip hop dance company and youth outreach program," has its full fall class line up for kids and adults. Classes run from 7:30 a.m. on Monday through 1:30 p.m. on …

Left Hand Black tattoo parlor (1947 Fern St) in South Park introduces Horror Business, "a new art show featuring a collection of 'hand painted' meat cleavers." The collection will be on display from September 29 through November 2. The opening …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/15/31529/ On Saturday, September 29, the second annual Adams Beer Taste will be held on Adams Ave simultaneously with the Adams Ave Street Fair. Tickets cost $16-25 and the tasting runs from 1-5 p.m. between Adams Ave and 32nd St. …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/15/31525/ BunnyFest 2012 on Sunday, September 16, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the San Diego House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit organization that upholds the value of and welfare of rabbits, and promotes proper care for domestic rabbits as well as …

When I told Micah to put her LOUIS VUITTON purse down because I didn’t want it in the photo, she was amused. “You want me to leave my $800 purse in the grass?” Here’s the thing, I am vehemently against …

From a Facebook event page posted by Bike San Diego. Civic San Diego is interested in attracting a bicycle share system to the City of San Diego and has invited companies that provided systems in other cities to attend the …

Statement pieces like chunky necklaces, bright punches of color, and oversized gold watches are huge this fall. Joanna sports all three trends. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/13/31451/ Name: Joanna Lasalle Age: 28 Occupation: Psychologist Favorite Store: Nordstrom Joanna’s ankle pants and floral top are …

I once knew a man - old Bill - who didn't just have a black cloud always overhead, he was one. Mention a subject, he'd say "it's stupid." Mention a person, "a bum." I swore he could take on all …

Most yoga studios offer their own yoga teacher training programs to enrich student practice and certify those who want to go forward and teach classes. Here are two 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified programs starting in late September. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/12/31409/ The Little …

San Diego Music Thing starts this weekend on September 14-15. The Music Thing is an annual music conference hosted at Lafayette Hotel (2223 El Cajon Blvd) for musicians and music lovers that is part workshop with panels trade shows, performances, …

Thursday | 13 ENCINITAS CLASSIC CAR NIGHTSThe last night of this year’s summer car show in Encinitas, where hot rods, woodies, and other classic and vintage cars gather for public appreciation. Enjoy music by the Fabulous Woodies, the Retro Rocketts, …

The 2012 Carlsbad Music Festival will include several locals performing, including Carlsbad natives/residents Calder Quartet, Wu Man, Sara Watkins with Sean Watkins (of local bluegrass/Americana family band Nickel Creek) with MandoBasso, Sacra/Profana, the Mattson 2, and Matt McBane. Other highlights …

I've long been curious about the yoga at Mystic Water Kava Bar (3811 Ray St) in North Park whose interior looks like the cool, cavernous space of an ancient cave. Mystic Water Kava Bar offers a variety of yoga classes …

Susan Graham will arrive at Lux Art Institute (1550 S. El Camino Real) in Encinitas on September 13 and reside through October 6. Her industrial machinery and other objects made of porcelain and sugar will be on display through October …

Julian Apple Days Festival is coming up on October 6 and 7. In 2011, the Festival drew more than 3,000 visitors. This year it will be held at Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchards Dr) and feature "apple displays, music and …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/10/31255/ I love that designer Andre Soriano showed up to Fashion Week San Diego's press conference with an entourage that wore coordinating outfits. From right to left: Andre Soriano, Dessy Carter, Andre's assistant, and Manoj Sharma, manager and fashion director …

Last night Fashion Week San Diego hosted a press conference at Roppongi in La Jolla. Free wine coupled with the luxury of previewing one piece from each designer’s Spring 2013 collection, was a terrific way to spend a Monday night. …

When I pulled into the parking lot of the Goodwill in Santee, every spot was taken. A woman in a beat up Toyota Corolla nearly ran me off the road in an attempt to score a spot that a station …

The Museum of Photographic Arts (1649 El Prado) hosts Craft Sunday on September 16. Participants will learn about and create their own personal flipbooks. "Animate simple actions or create your own stories. Join us at MOPA for a fun new …

Salman Rushdie will discuss his new autobiography Joseph Anton at the Mandeville Center in Revelle College at UC-San Diego (9500 Gilman Dr) from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 22. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/09/31173/ Rushdie was sentenced to death 23 years …

Paul Ryan is not the first politician to lie about his marathon time. Mexican politician, Roberto Madrazo also lied. To be accurate, Madrazo didn't lie, he cheated. After the 2006 Mexican presidential election, in which Roberto Madrazo got the worst …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/08/31154/ Last night we saw The Imposter, the docudrama about Frédéric Bourdin, a missing boy, and the Barclay family of San Antonio, Texas. The trailer is quite amazing, dark, and suspenseful, but the film itself though fluid is very slow. …

The Prado (1549 El Prado) in Balboa Park is offering a Thursday evening dinner package which includes a VIP dinner, a bottle of wine, and 2 tickets to see the The Jazz Loft Project at the Museum of Photographic Art. …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/07/31132/ I spotted Bear, the man pictured above, while I was walking down Main Street in El Cajon. He was inside Undisputed, a martial arts gym. He was holding an adorable toddler. The combination of his face tats paired with …

Allegiance: A New American Musical is having its world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre from September 19 through October 21 (previews have begun already). It's based on the "relocation" of West Coast, Japanese Americans following the attack on Pearl …

The AIDS Walk & Run will be held on Sunday, September 30 at 8 a.m. Funding recipients for this event include Christie's Place, Family Health Centers of San Diego, Mama's Kitchen and many more organizations. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/07/31094/ Participants can register online …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/06/31039/ Name: Melanie Wolf Occupation:Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA Favorite Wardrobe Piece: Big black coats http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/06/31040/ I took a handful of really nice shots of the couple pictured above. Unfortunately there was a smudge on my …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/06/31035/ Zefrey Throwell, a New York-based artist, whose work has garnered praise is staging "I’ll Raise You One, "a strip poker game performed in public. At the end of each round, players begin again using a different economic model, from …

On Saturday, Sep 8, the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla (700 Prospect St) will transform into the silver screen at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner at 8 p.m. For the Museum's 36th annual gala, the …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/06/30995/ This Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Target sponsors free admission for The New Children's Museum (200 West Island Ave). The museum is a nonprofit "dynamic new model of a museum that celebrates children and the arts. NCM …

Print versions of the Unforgettable history columns always include three sidebar quotations. I want to include the ones for the Tets Hiraskai columns here — "Letters from the End of the World" parts one and two — because they help …

New Best Thing presents Back to School, a night of "hilarious sketches and stand-up comics you’ve come to expect from the most unique comedy revue in town!" Tonight's lineup at The Whistle Stop Bar (2236 Fern St) includes Jonathan Fraser, …

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/04/30902/ Name: Nico Peji Age: 18 Major: Pre-Nursing Monday was Nico's 18th Birthday. Happy Birthday Nico! http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/04/30903/ I caught the woman above inbetween classes. She was kind enough to allow me to snap a quick photo before rushing off. I …

I know it isn't a particularly new concept, but the return to Transcendentalism, the old proverb "Be noble for you are made of stars" along with the popular ultra-magnification of objects (Claes Oldenberg) and our own technological advances for journeying …

On Sunday, September 9, yoga instructor and owner of The Little Yoga Studio Maria Camacho will be leading Absolute Beginners Workshop at her studio (702 Ash St.) from 1 to 3 p.m. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/04/30888/ About the workshop: "Regardless of your flexibility, …

In the last two years I've had to deal with a corrupt landlord and a company that wouldn't pay out for freelance services. Filling out and filing paperwork properly wasn't easy at all, and I have a Masters in the …

I have no idea why I've never heard of Kobey's Swap Meet (3500 Sports Arena Blvd.) but on my way to the Ocean Beach dog beach this weekend, I saw the massive, labyrinthine tent structure that was Kobey's. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/03/30800/ Kobey's …

Kris Markovich - legendary skater, artist, and co-owner of the Oceanside-based Given Skateboards – will be holding a “Perfectly Imperfect” art show at Artlab (3536 Adams Ave. – Normal Heights) on Saturday, September 8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ8vZeZc1hA From Artlab’s website: “Kris has …

Over the years I've interviewed at least a thousand people. A favorite will always be the one with the late Hal David (who died Saturday) a few years back. A Hall of Famer, David wrote the lyrics for "Raindrops Keep …

While walking to my car in Balboa Park on Sunday afternoon, I ran across a group of cosplayers. I thought they were Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts. Turns out I was wrong. I had never heard the term cosplay until Shannon …

This weekend we visited Mystic Mocha (2105 Mission Ave) in University Heights for coffee and Gladys breakfast burritos stuffed with chorizo, chile, egg, potato, sour cream, and salsa ($7 each). Pancakes, iced coffee drinks, and chilaquiles are equally delicious. The …

Florence and the Machine is coming to San Diego's Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre (2050 Entertainment Circle) in Chula Vista on October 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $45-80. Songs from Lungs, the debut album, have been featured in …

The Kava Lounge (2812 Kettner Blvd.) in partnership with TheMixster.com, Dataset Clothing, Elk Beats, Eric Yo Presents, and Donnie "EshOne" Valdez are holding a fundraiser to restore Balboa Park's Lily Pond, which was damaged by an estimated 300-1,000 people who …

Taste of University Heights opens will be held on Sunday, September 16 in University Heights. This arts and food celebration will run from 12 - 3 p.m. "Taste of UH is a self guided walking tour of delectable delights showcases …