San Diego Symphony Announces 2022 HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING at THE RADY SHELL! Kick Off the Holidays San Diego Style!

San Diego Symphony Announces
2022 HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING at
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK

 The San Diego Symphony will perform another year of its Noel, Noel holiday concerts at its bayfront home, and feature two holiday movies in concert
for audiences to enjoy 

  SAN DIEGO (September 12, 2022) – Today, the San Diego Symphony announced programming for its beloved holiday series, which begins November 19, 2022. The Symphony will return to its bayfront home, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, for the majority of its holiday programming. This year's spectacular lineup includes the return of the Symphony's signature and adored Noel, Noel concerts, as well as performances of How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Movie in Concert and Love Actually: Movie in Concert, and the Symphony will present the Vienna Boys Choir in Concert at the Balboa Theatre.

 To kick off this year’s season of festive musical favorites, the Vienna Boys Choir make their return to San Diego in a San Diego Symphony presentation of Christmas in Vienna at the Balboa Theatre on November 19th at 7:30 PM. The illustrious group of young musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and popular repertoire. Christmas in Vienna showcases these gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty in an extraordinary program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs and, of course, holiday favorites. Tickets range from $20 to $75 at www.TheShell.org. 

 Additionally, this December the San Diego Symphony is thrilled to present three performances of its annual Noel, Noel concerts on the San Diego bay, following last year’s successful sold-out run at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for the first time ever. The Symphony invites friends and families to Jacobs Park for three show-stopping performances, December 9-11, 2022 (December 9 & 10 begin at 7:30 PM and December 11 begins at 5:00 PM.) Conducted by Christopher Dragon, directed by Jonathan Gilmer, featuring the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Master Chorale, and the San Diego Children’s Choir, audiences will experience an all-new story and script, full of cozy holiday moments, popular tunes, and jolly spirit.  All are invited to come early for holiday activations throughout the park, including themed food and beverage delights. Tickets range from $20 to $95 and are on sale today at www.TheShell.org. 

And to round out the December offerings this year, Holiday Movies in Concert are back for another year at The Rady Shell, conducted by Thiago Tiberio and with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. On December 17th at 6:00 PM in a presentation of How The Grinch Stole Christmas: Movie in Concert, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra brings you on a wild ride back to Whoville where Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out and funny side up in her search for the true meaning of Christmas.  Later in the month, on December 21st at 7:00 PM the beloved holiday classic, Love Actually: Movie in Concert comes to The Rady Shell stage for a one-night-only performance. Spend the evening with your favorite holiday “rom-com” characters and get swept up in the magic of one of the most iconic Christmas Movie soundtracks of all time, as the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performs Craig Armstrong's evocative score, with the film being projected onto the large screens at The Rady Shell. Tickets for both Movies in Concert range from $20 to $95 and are on sale today at www.TheShell.org. 

On a budget? Sit outside the venue at a free seat, but come early - super duper early as these areas are highly sought after.

Local Wally’s Pro Tips for Seeing a Show at The Rady Shell

1. While all the seats are pretty great, the tables in front allow you to pre-order food which will be delivered straight to your table.

2. If you do a table pay attention to which direction your seats face if you want to have the table in front of you, versus behind you. Tables seat four.

3. Come early and forget about trying to find cheap parking. Just park in the Convention Center parking lot - and park as close as you can to the exits as it can really back up when everyone tries to leave at the same time.

4. I’ve eaten there twice and both times the food was really good. The pizzas are single size even though the box looks like it’s sharable. The Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich was delicious but a bit of a messy eat so perhaps not the best choice for first date night.

5. No outside food allowed but you can bring in a blanket, highly recommended even if you think it’s going to be a warm night. You are on the bay, remember. You can bring in folding beach chairs if you opt for the lawn seats in the back. I saw both beach and camping height chairs, but I’d go with the lower chairs if you have then so you don’t block the view of people behind you.

6. If you go super cheap and sit outside the venue for a free seat you’ll still get great sound and the screens are large enough to enjoy the show - but get there super early as there are only a handful of really good viewing areas. Of course, the lawn area inside is pretty affordable so think twice about trying to nab a free seat. But even if you just come out on a show night to walk around and hear the music outside the venue it’s a fun vibe and that hot dog cart sure smelled great!

Plenty of food options at the Rady Shell - Come early to avoid parking hassles and relax with some great San Diego style bites like gourmet pizza or aKorean Fried Chicken sandwich by Top Chef Richard Blais.

 About the San Diego Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1910, the San Diego Symphony is the oldest orchestra in California and one of the largest and most significant cultural organizations in San Diego. The Orchestra performs for more than 250,000 people each season, offering a wide variety of programming at its two much-loved venues, Copley Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego (now under renovation) and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on San Diego Bay. In early 2018, the San Diego Symphony announced the appointment of Rafael Payare as music director. Payare leads the orchestra’s 82 full-time musicians, graduates of the finest and most celebrated music schools in the United States and abroad. The San Diego Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the San Diego Opera each season, as well as performing at several regional performing arts and community centers. For more than 30 years, the San Diego Symphony has provided comprehensive learning and community engagement programs reaching more than 65,000 students annually and bringing innovative programming to San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods and schools. For more information, visit www.sandiegosymphony.org.

 About The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The centerpiece of the 3.7-acre public Jacobs Park developed and managed by the San Diego Symphony on the city’s scenic Embarcadero, The Rady Shell is the first permanent outdoor venue in the San Diego Symphony’s century-long history, designed to host more than 100 concerts and events year-round. The venue has been developed in partnership with the Unified Port of San Diego with 96% of the $85 million cost raised privately by the Symphony.

As innovative in design as it is spectacular in setting, offering 360 degrees of year-round music, sky and sea, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an unprecedented resource for the Symphony’s expanded schedule of diverse outdoor concerts, including classical concerts and an exciting roster of commissioned works and premieres programmed by San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare as well as performances by international touring artists and free programs.  The venue will be available year-round for non-profit community groups, schools and individuals. Jacobs Park, owned and managed by the Symphony, surrounds the performance space with walkways, dining pavilions and recreational facilities in the heart of the Embarcadero and is accessible to the public for free on most days of the year.

Gator by the Bay - San Diego's "Hidden" Music Fest - Planning for 2023 with Tips and Tickets!

Gator by the Bay is San Diego’s Most Fun Event (that no one knows about!)

I must admit - I didn’t know anything about Gator by the Bay until last year. It was like I fell into a Alice in Wonderland world with people dressed in crazy costumes, New Orleans parades (complete with beads), dancing and music. It was so much fun (and so delicious) I’m still smiling. So what is it? It’s hard to explain but it’s unlike anything you might imagine happening in San Diego, an authentic four day Mardi Gras celebration from May 11-14, 2023.

GET TICKET INFO HERE

I learned a lot last year from my day at the Gator by the Bay event and I’ll share some tips with you so you can get the most out of this super fun event. And spoiler alert - you should go!

WHAT EXACTLY IS “GATOR BY THE BAY” IN SAN DIEGO?

It’s sort of like a four day Mardi Gras party down in the Spanish Landing, the grassy area across from the airport with views of they bay. OK, but what is it??? At first glance it looks like a street fair with vendors and food carts but it’s much more than that. With seven music stages, authentic foods like boiled crawfish, beignets and po’boys, this isn’t like anything you’ve ever experienced in San Diego. There’s plenty of people watching to be had (verrry interesting) and parades with beads tossed to the crowds, just like New Orleans.

If you like people watching, Gator by the Bay is in a class by itself.

MUSIC, DANCING, AND GOOD EATS IS WHAT GATOR BY THE BAY IS ALL ABOUT

Now remember, I had never been and had absolutely NO IDEA what to expect so let me lay it out for you. First and foremost, this is a music festival with people bringing in their beach or camp chairs and staking out spots by the various stages. There’s a listing of people playing but it won’t necessarily matter if you don’t know the artists because the acts come and go throughout the day. It’s a bit like the old San Diego Street Scene, New Orleans Style.

No need to dress up though if you have tails it would not be wrong to wear them.

Most people just put their chairs out and roamed the area, searching for food and beer, then returning to check out the music and hit the dance floors. It’s blues, zydeco, rock, and even a marching band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In” (pro tip: Follow that parade!).

CRAYFISH AND OTHER DELICIOUS DELIGHTS

New Orleans is famous for their foods, from Jambalaya and Po’Boys to my favorite, boiled crawfish. Wait, you’ve never had these? The first time I had them was on a business trip to New Orleans where I was slightly (more than slightly) tipsy and they poured a pile of these in front of me. Like little lobsters, you twist off the tails and pinch out the tail meat, then suck down the juices in the head, all while trying not to get the red spicy seasonings all over your clothes.

These are hard to find in San Diego but they had a seemingly never ending vat of crawfish boiling away. I was expecting rip off prices for these (and willing to pay, why not?) but for $15 I got enough to satisfy my craving. There’s a larger $25 platter and if you want to add boiled potatoes and corn you can. I’ll say it - these were better than the ones I had in New Orleans on Bourbon Street.

DON’T MISS THE BEIGNETS!

Like a cross between a cream puff and a doughnut, beignets are another “must get” food at both New Orleans and Gator by the Bay. Crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, with enough powdered sugar to fly though the air as soon as you take a bite. Tip: Don’t wear black unless you want to wear white specks for the rest of the day.

PLAN AHEAD TIPS

Like I said, this was my first time so while I had a GREAT time let me share some wisdom with you so you can have an even better time than I did.

1. Bring a folding chair - I was jealous of the people who were relaxing in their chairs with a beer and enjoying the music while I stood up in the back. People brought beach chairs, tall camping chairs, blankets, everything goes here.

2. Check out the music schedule so you know if there’s an act you might want to see.

3. Plan to stay all day - this isn’t like a street fair where you come and go in a couple of hours. You’ll want to dance (or take their free dance lessons), you’ll want to sample all the food, you might even want to check out the cooking demos.

4. While there are plenty of food stalls selling things you can find at any street fair (turkey legs, nachos, etc) be selective and make sure you try all of the New Orleans specialties first. You can have a bratwurst later, right?

5. Parking can be a bit of a hassle so we just parked at Liberty Station and took an Uber in - about $10 each way. No big deal, and no problems.

Go! Just Go!

If Covid has taught me anything it’s that life is short so when out of the ordinary things like this come around don’t waste a lot of time wondering if it’s going to be fun or if it’s worth it, just buy that ticket and go. If you like music, food, and just getting out of the house to do something cool in San Diego then make sure you go to the next Gator by the Bay Festival in San Diego.

Bring your beach chairs and stake out your spot at Gator by the Bay.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE + FOOD FEST 2022 - NOT TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING!

Insane Food and Wine at the San Diego Bay Wine + Food Fest

I’ll do a big post later of the highlights of the 2021 San Diego Bay Wine + Food Fest, an annual event that’s always the weekend before the week before Thanksgiving (pull out a calendar, what I said might make sense). It’s one of the best foodie events in the country and certainly the best in San Diego. What I want you to do is to go to your 2022 calendar and on OCT 1, 2022, to mark the following:

GO TO THE SAN DIEGO WINE AND FOOD FEST WEBSITE TO BUY TICKETS RIGHT NOW!

I’ve gone for the past 13 years and it just gets better and better. If you like going to Costco and eating free samples then imagine an event where the samples are bites of top end steak, or delicate seafood, or stunning gourmet pizzas, all washed down with unlimited sips of wine and spirits.

Do I have to say it again? PUT A REMINDER ON YOUR 2022 CALENDAR to visit their website for ticket info next October. The event sells out so you don’t want to put it off only to miss out.

Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey entertains the crowd

What a glorious way to kick off the holiday season, San Diego style, with temps in the high 70’s and a food and wine festival that will make you feel like the VIP you know you are.

What? You still need more convincing????

San Diego Bayside Summer Nights 2019 Schedule

It’s summer and that means San Diego Bayside Nights Concerts!

*LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND: CELEBRATE AMERICA WITH LYLE LOVETT THU JULY 4 at 7PM

Singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums over three decades. With his gift for storytelling, Lovett’s eclectic performance style and his impressive Large Band fuses elements of Americana, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.

THE DOO WOP PROJECT FRI JULY 5

Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits Motown: The Musical and Jersey Boys, The Doo Wop Project “Doo-Wopifies” some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history including songs made famous by Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.

*THE MIDTOWN MEN SAT JULY 6

Travel back in time to the sixties with four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. The Midtown Men, accompanied by their powerhouse seven-piece band, sing huge hits of the sixties from the Beatles, the Rascals, Motown, the Four Seasons and more.

*“Not A Performance Of, Not Affiliated With the Show Jersey Boys.”

DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY SUN JULY 7

Get swept away with some of classical music’s most enduring melodies featuring Dvořák’s New World Symphony. Francesco Lecce-Chong conducts with 17-year-old guest violinist Julian Rhee, recent recipient of the Aspen Festival’s 2019 Dorothy DeLay Fellowship and first prize at the 2018 Johansen International String Competition, in Washington D.C.

LEGENDARY WOMEN’S VOICES: AN EVENING WITH CYNTHIA ERIVO FRI JULY 12

“Her voice is like silk, from the top to the bottom,” said Jennifer Hudson of the fearless and feisty, Tony and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo. Erivo gives voice to music made famous by the greatest female singers of all- time including Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald. Conducted by Steven Reineke.

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE™ IN CONCERT SAT JULY 13 | SUN JULY 14

Harry discovers a mysterious potions book in CineConcerts’ presentation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ In Concert! Projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra, you can join in on Harry’s adventures as never before. Nicholas Hooper’s wonderful score and J.K. Rowling’s classic tale combine to deliver all the adventure, humor, and suspense you remember in an experience you’ll never forget.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are ©️ & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights ©️ JKR. (s19)

GALAXY QUEST™ IN CONCERT AT COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL AT JACOBS MUSIC CENTER

FRI JULY 19

This cult-classic sci-fi spoof arrives in San Diego for its concert world premiere just in time for Comic-Con week! Stars of a 1970s sci-fi show are beamed aboard an alien spacecraft and join the aliens in their quest to overcome the oppressive regime in their solar system. Academy Award® nominated composer David Newman conducts the San Diego Symphony performing the score he wrote. Galaxy Quest In Concert is sure to delight and boldly go where few parodies have gone before! GQTM & ® 1999 Dreamworks LLC. All rights reserved.

BACK TO THE FUTURE IN CONCERT AT COPLEY SYMPHONY HALL AT JACOBS MUSIC CENTER

SAT JULY 20

When teenager Marty McFly is blasted to 1955 in the DeLorean time machine created by the eccentric Doc Brown, he finds himself mixed up in a time-shattering chain reaction that could vaporize his future - and leave him trapped in the past. Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time.

Back to the Future is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios and U-Drive Joint Venture. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

*JAZZ: CONGAS AND BONGOS: CELEBRATING “MONGO” SANTAMARÍA AND JACK “MR. BONGO” COSTANZO THU JUL 25

Enjoy a fiery musical salute to Latin percussion pioneers Mongo Santamaría and Jack Costanzo featuring the many flavors of Latin Jazz/Afro-Cuban music. Santamaría placed the congas in the forefront of percussion instruments. His classic hit “Watermelon Man” is a staple in rock, Latin, soul, and jazz repertoires. We’ll salute the late great Jack Costanzo - known for his work with Elvis Presley, the Nat King Cole Trio, Frank Sinatra, and other legends - with performances by Mongorama and the Jack Costanzo Tribute Band featuring members of Costanzo’s last working group led by Mike Holguin.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD: A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS FRI JULY 26 | SAT JULY 27

Lights, camera, cue the orchestra! The magical music of Oscar-winning movies and songs return to Bayside Summer Nights with a concert featuring all new film clips accompanied by famous scores led by conductor Ted Sperling.

COMMON WITH THE SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY SUN JULY 28

Academy Award and 3x Grammy winning hip hop artist, actor, film producer, and activist, Common joins the San Diego Symphony for a one-night-only showcase performing selections from his new forthcoming album “Let Love Have the Last Word”, along with some of his most memorable hits. Starting with his breakthrough 1992 album Can I Borrow a Dollar?, Common quickly became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, augmenting his illustrious music career with roles in film and television in the decades that followed. Don’t miss this iconic, multi-talented artist as he takes the Bayside Summer Nights stage for an electrifying evening with the San Diego Symphony and conductor Steven Reineke.

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK™ IN CONCERT THU AUG 1 | FRI AUG 2

Don’t miss one of the most popular science fiction films of all time shown on the big screen with John Williams’ unforgettable score—from the brassy and foreboding Imperial March to the noble Yoda’s Theme—performed by the orchestra and conducted by Lawrence Loh.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music. © 2018 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY

*THE B-52s SAT AUG 3

With over 20 million albums sold, The B-52s are one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands. From groundbreaking songs like “Rock Lobster,” “Dance This Mess Around” and “Private Idaho“ to chart-topping hits like “Love Shack” and “Roam” and “Deadbeat Club” The B-52s’ unforgettable dance-rock tunes will start a Bayside party this summer.

BEETHOVEN BY THE BAY SUN AUG 4

Revel in the glorious sounds of Beethoven while the sun sets on San Diego Bay and music swells against the beauty of the night sky. The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Yaniv Dinur, pays its annual tribute to Beethoven in a concert of his Symphony No. 7, Leonore Overture No. 3, and a performance of his Piano Concerto No. 1 by rising star pianist Dominic Cheli, first prize recipient of the 2017 Concert Artists Guild and Music Academy of the West Concerto competitions.

*JAZZ: A TRIBUTE TO NANCY WILSON THU AUG 8

Nancy Wilson, one of the leading songstresses of our era whose jazz, pop, R&B and soul crossing hits and powerful stage presence catapulted her to fame. We’ll celebrate her with a night of her greatest music featuring songs like “Save Your Love For Me,” “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” and “Guess Who I Saw Today?”

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PRESENTS THE BEATLES’ SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

FRI AUG 9 | SAT AUG 10

Sgt. Pepper is 50 years old! Experience the groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper album with a ‘note for note – cut for cut’ performance by the San Diego Symphony featuring hits like “When I’m Sixty Four”, “A Day in the Life” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” From the sitars and orchestra to the guitars and kazoos, this performance brings The Lonely Hearts Club Band back to life. Conducted by Stuart Chafetz.

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: THE BROADWAY HITS OF RODGERS, HAMMERSTEIN & HART

FRI AUG 16 | SAT AUG 17

Bayside comes alive with the sound of Broadway’s most famous music including “My Favorite Things, “ “Where or When,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” and more. Featuring two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde) and Jason Danieley (Candide, The Full Monty, Pretty Woman) who the New York Times hailed as “the most exquisite tenor on Broadway.” Conducted by Rob Fisher.

*BLUES TRAVELER SUN AUG 18

Front man and harmonica player Jon Popper and the band return to their bluesy roots with new jams of old favorites and tunes from their latest album, Hurry Up & Hang Around.

*JAZZ: ULTIMATE MILES DAVIS THU AUG 22

Following the sold-out success of Kind of Blue In Concert last Spring at Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, we’ll showcase Miles Ahead +19, Miles Davis' first collaboration with arranger Gil Evans released in 1957 by Columbia Records. Miles Ahead is one of the most famous recordings of Third Stream, a fusion of jazz, European classical, and world musics. Take pleasure in a track by track performance of this masterpiece with the nineteen-piece KSDS Jazz Orchestra.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN IN CONCERT FRI AUG 23

What a glorious feeling, I’m happy again!” It’s been called the greatest musical ever filmed — now, dance your way to Bayside Summer Nights and experience the charm of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor on the big screen with the score played live by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Kaufman.

*CHAKA KHAN SAT AUG 24

“Chaka Chaka Chaka Chaka Khan.” The Queen of Funk first came to prominence in the 1970s as the lead singer of Rufus before launching a massive solo career in the ‘80s. The soulful power of her voice on massive hits like I Feel for You and I’m Every Woman has won her 10 Grammys, sold 70 million records, and influenced generations of musicians.

*THE O’JAYS PLUS THE COMMODORES SUN AUG 25

Spend an evening Bayside enjoying classic R&B and soul hits of the 70’s and early ‘80s with The O’Jays plus the Commodores. Hear top 10 singles from The O’Jay’s including “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money” and sing along to “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Brick House” from the Commodores.

1812 TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR FRI AUG 30 | SAT AUG 31 | SUN SEP 1

The summer season comes to a dazzling end with our crowd-pleasing annual Tchaikovsky concert led by conductor Christopher Dragon. Delight in the grand finale: the 1812 Overture complete with booming cannons and a sparkling fireworks display over San Diego Bay.

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WHERE ARE THE SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE CONCERTS HELD?

Directions to the San Diego Bayside Concerts - Near Seaport Village and the Convention Center

Getting to the San Diego Symphony’s Bayside Summer Nights is easy, and there are so many ways to do it!

MTS SAN DIEGO TROLLEY
Leave your car at home! Take the Metropolitan Transit System Green Line trolley to the Convention Center stop. Cross Harbor Drive and look for the footpath found between the Convention Center and the Marriot Hotel. From there it’s just a short walk to the Embarcadero entrance. As you walk SW down the walkway and emerge on the other side, the Summer Pops site is towards your left just down the Embarcadero footpath. (The Special Event Line also stops at the Convention Center stop on Game and Special Event Days such as Comic-Con weekend.)

For those traveling from the North side of the city and county, Take the Rapid 215 and then transfer at Santa Fe Station to the Green Line Trolley. All MTS bus and trolley routes can be found at www.sdmts.com 

DRIVING

If you are driving to the concert site, then follow these directions:

From North – take I-5 south, exit Front Street, drive south to Harbor Drive, turn left, proceed to Park Blvd. (just past Convention Center), turn right, parking on your left.

On occasions of heightened Downtown activity (such as Padres games or Comic-Con), we recommend avoiding Downtown traffic by proceeding farther down I-5 to the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit. Take a right on Cesar Chavez, proceeding SW to Harbor Drive. Turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left. Patrons coming down Hwy 163 should take the I-5 south exit before downtown, then once on the 5, take the Chavez exit as noted above.

Patrons coming down I-15 should exit to Hwy 163 south and proceed as above.

From South – take I-5 north, take the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit, turn left, drive SW to Harbor Drive, turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before the Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left.

From East – take King/Hwy.94 west toward downtown. Before coming into downtown, exit to Hwy. 15 south, and then shortly exit to I-5 north. Take the Cesar Chavez Parkway exit, turn left, drive SW to Harbor Drive, turn right, proceed to Park Blvd. (just before Convention Center), turn left, parking on your left.
(Please note: Except for buses, left turns will be disallowed onto Harbor Drive after the concert, please plan accordingly) 

SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE CONCERTS PARKING STRUCTURE

ARKING STRUCTURE SHUTTLE
Before and after every concert, there will be shuttle transportation running patrons to and from the Hilton Bayfront Parking Structure at Harbor & Park Blvd. Concert site dropoff and pickup for these buses is at the same point: the NW edge of the traffic circle adjacent to the Bayside Summer Nights patron entrance. 

WATERFRONT SUMMER SHUTTLE
The Waterfront Summer Shuttle Service is provided by the Port of San Diego and managed by Ace Parking to connect visitors of San Diego Bay with the waterfront and its businesses and attractions, including Bayside Summer Nights. The shuttle runs on a loop (approximately every 20 minutes) from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island to Harbor Drive Bridge, just south of the San Diego Convention Center, with several stops in between along the Embarcadero. Riders can hop on and off the shuttle all day long for an unlimited number of rides per day, with one $3 ticket. The shuttle runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer season (May 24, 2019 through September 2, 2019). The July 4th Shuttle will operate from 10 a.m. through Midnight. Cost is just $3 per person for all day pass! CLICK HERE for the shuttle map. 

BY FERRY
Coronado residents and vacationers: The Convention Center Landing of the Coronado Ferry can bring you to Bayside Summer Nights! On Bayside Summer Nights concert evenings you can take the Coronado Ferry from the Coronado Ferry Landing to the Convention Center landing, just steps away from Embarcadero Marina Park South. There are 5:10pm and 6:10pm departures from the Coronado Ferry destined for the Convention Center, and on Friday and Saturday nights, there is a 10:25pm departure from the Convention Center Landing back to Coronado. (Note: this return trip is NOT currently available on Thursday and Sunday nights.) The Convention Center Landing is located at 600 Convention Way, zip code 92101. See www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html for more details.

BY FOOT
The Bayside Summer Nights concert site can be accessed by the Embarcadero Footpath which, moving SE by the water, runs by the Manchester Hyatt, Seaport Village, the Marriot Marina, and a new section down to the Hilton Bayfront hotel. The concert site is just behind the Convention Center by the Bay, on the Marina Park South peninsula. 

BY TAXI (WATER)
Water taxis from Coronado (Hotel Del Coronado, Ferry Landing Marketplace), Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Broadway Pier, and other locations can moor at the Convention Center Landing. Call the water taxi at 619.235.8294 for more details and rates.   

BY TAXI or RIDESHARE (CAR)
Note: Taxis or hired transportation (i.e. Uber, Lyft, etc.) should only drop off/pick up adjacent to the Bayfront Hilton parking structure, which is serviced by a free shuttle into and out of the concert site. Ask onsite parking personnel for further direction. Address of our concert site is 206 Marina Park Way, 92101.

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San Diego Symphony Concert Schedule, Fall/Winter 2018

Rickie Lee Jones performs Nov. 9th, 2018, in San Diego

The San Diego Symphony launched their 2018-19 indoor season last week with a sold-out performance featuring pianist Lang Lang. The Symphony is continuing the exciting momentum in November with a packed lineup of Jacobs Masterworks and Jazz @ The Jacobs concerts, as well as the return of the City Lights concert series on November 9 with Rickie Lee Jones & Anders Osborne.

November will also host two of the San Diego Symphony’s most anticipated events of the season:

• November 1: Rush Hour 2.0

On November 1, the San Diego Symphony will be unveiling a special concert series: Rush Hour 2.0. This series features one-hour concerts designed to help people who live or work downtown skip traffic, while enjoying a world-class musical program at a lower price. Guests can also enjoy signature cocktails, a photobooth, and a food truck prior to the concert. The first Rush Hour 2.0 concert will feature a one-hour performance of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with 24-year-old pianist Conrad Tao, who was recently named one of New York Times’ 5 Classical Music Faces to Watch this Season. 

• November 1, 2, 4: World Premiere of Brazos de niebla

On November 1, 2 and 4, the San Diego Symphony will host the world premiere of a unique commissioned work – Brazos de niebla – that brings together Mexican composer Javier Alvarez and genre-crossing United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Alvarez’s piece – that is set to an original poem by Herrera (a San Diego native) – depicts the thoughts and feelings of a young immigrant child lost in the circumstances surrounding him. This work, commissioned by the San Diego Symphony, will provide a snapshot of today’s climate, start conversation and connect people through a moving musical narrative.

Looking ahead to December, the Symphony will be celebrating the winter holidays with two exciting concert offerings: Love Actually in Concert on December 14 and Noel Noel on December 15, 21 and 22. Tis the season to celebrate with music!

NOVEMBER CONCERTS:

THU NOV 1 | TAO PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY
David Danzmayr, Conductor

Conrad Tao, Piano 

The unique commissioned work that opens this program brings together Mexican composer Javier Álvarez and genre-crossing United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Imagining the hopes, fears and dreams of an immigrant child, this work features a boy soprano and incorporates the sound of Mexican vihuelas. The concert also features brilliant young pianist/composer Conrad Tao performing Piotr Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

Note: This Rush Hour 2.0 concert begins at 6:30 PM and runs less than 90 minutes with no intermission.

FRI NOV 2 | SUN NOV 4 | TCHAIKOVSKY & PROKOFIEV

David Danzmayr, Conductor

Conrad Tao, Piano 

The unique commissioned work that opens this program brings together Mexican composer Javier Álvarez and genre-crossing United States Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Imagining the hopes, fears and dreams of an immigrant child, this work features a boy soprano and incorporates the sound of Mexican vihuelas. The concert also features brilliant young pianist/composer Conrad Tao performing Piotr Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

THU NOV 8 | STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. (1928)

Russ Peck, Organ 

Our film season opens with the final Silent Era Masterpiece from comedian extraordinaire, Buster Keaton. Buster plays a college graduate trying to gain the respect of his father, a roughneck riverboat captain, as well as the love of Kitty, pretty daughter of his father’s business rival. This film contains one of cinema’s most famous (and dangerous) stunts as Buster narrowly avoids being crushed by a tumbling house facade.

FRI NOV 9 | RICKIE LEE JONES & ANDERS OSBORNE

Our City Lights season opens with an artist who has been blazing her own trail for years, singer/songwriter Rickie Lee Jones. From her early collaborations with Tom Waits and Dr. John to her own breakout hits “Chuck E.’s In Love” and “The Last Chance Texaco,” Jones became a “cool pop” icon in the late ‘70s/early ‘8os, appearing on Rolling Stone covers and SNL. Two Grammys® and 15 critically-acclaimed albums later (including her landmark 1981 breakup album Pirates), Jones has fearlessly explored a number of American musical idioms such as rhythm & blues, jazz and (most recently) New Orleans soul. Rickie Lee Jones’ vast repertoire, musical curiosity and “confessional” style of songwriting will make for a memorable evening at Copley Symphony Hall. Jones' special guest will be sensational New Orleans singer and guitarist, Anders Osborne. Guitar Player calls him “the poet laureate of Louisiana’s fertile roots music scene.” New Orleans' Gambit Weekly has honored Osborne as the Entertainer Of The Year. OffBeat named him the Crescent City’s Best Guitarist for the third year in a row, and the Best Songwriter for the second straight year. Osborne also won Song Of The Year for his composition, "Louisiana Gold."

FRI NOV 16 | SAT NOV 17 | BERNSTEIN & HIS WORLD

Steven Sloane, Conductor

Orli Shaham, Piano

We continue our celebration of Leonard Bernstein@100 with works inspired by him and written by close colleagues. The urban sophistication of Bernstein’s own The Age of Anxiety, which is structured as a concerto for piano with orchestra, contrasts with the pastoral nostalgia invoked by Aaron Copland’s American masterpiece, Appalachian Spring.

SAT NOV 24 | EDDIE PALMIERI LATIN JAZZ SEPTET

Winner of ten Grammy® awards (including the first-ever Grammy® for Best Latin Recording), Eddie Palmieri is a living legend and innovator who in the 1970s dared to combine elements of salsa, funk and soul with a Latin jazz heritage absorbed from early collaborators Tito Rodríguez, Carl Tjader and his own beloved brother, Charlie Palmieri. Founder of the bands La Perfecta, La Perfecta II and Harlem River Drive, Palmieri recently received the coveted Jazz Master award from the National Endowment of the Arts and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Note: San Diego Symphony does not appear as part of this program.

TUE NOV 27 | AN EVENING WITH KELLI O’HARA & MATTHEW MORRISON

Rob Fisher, Conductor

Two of Broadway’s brightest stars come together for one glittering evening of American song with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra! Matthew Morrison is well-known for his featured roles in Broadway’s Hairspray, The Light in the Piazza and South Pacific as well as the landmark Fox TV series, Glee. Before winning the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for the 2015 revival of The King and I, Kelli O’Hara was Morrison’s co-star in The Light in the Piazza and South Pacific. Together they and the Symphony will make Copley Symphony Hall shine like the Great White Way!

FRI NOV 30 | MOZART AND DVORAK

Johannes Debus, Conductor

Jeff Thayer, Violin

Witold Lutosławski wrote his charming Polish folk music-based Little Suite in response to criticism of his First Symphony as being “too modern." Antonín Dvoŕák’s Sixth Symphony brought him international recognition, and shows his developed style following German traditional form infused with Czech folk melodies. Concertmaster Jeff Thayer performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s final violin concerto, which contains a hint of international influence in the final movement.

Temecula Wine Tasting on a Budget

Wine Country in San Diego?

Yes, just an hours drive from San Diego or Orange County is Temecula where you’ll find a bustling wine region with over 40 wineries and a dozen or so breweries. Once a hidden day trip destination, Temecula Wine Country has become one of the top weekend attractions and it’s easy to see why. There’s wine, there’s food, there are picnic spots, there’s live music, and this happens every weekend. What are you waiting for?

The Ultimate Stop by Stop Temecula Winery Itinerary… on a Budget!

Stop 1: There are a number of wineries who have their own restaurants but for me there’s nothing better than a picnic with a glass of wine at a winery. That’s why I make my first stop Campini’s Deli. Located close to the freeway in a strip mall, Canpini’s is an authentic Italian deli with great sandwiches. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Stop 2: Thornton Winery: Let’s kick off the day with a glass of champagne! There’s no better place to do this than at Thornton Winery where there are 7 different varietals. It’s also on the Priority Wine Pass so you can get two for one tastings and save $20. Wait, you didn’t buy one? Just go here, buy ONE pass per couple, and show it on your phone. It will pay for itself many times over.

Stop 3: Hart Winery: One of the oldest wineries in Temecula with a small and friendly tasting room. I love places like this over some of the giant mega wineries being built because you still get that family run winery vibe. Yes, two for one on the Priority Wine Pass, save $15. Afterwards it might be time to enjoy that picnic lunch and Hart has plenty of picnic tables with beautiful views.

Stop 4: BelVino Winery: With the expansive lawn area and live music on weekends it’s pretty hard not to have a good time at Bel Vino Winery. Those who like sweeter wines will love this stop and those who like dry wines should opt for their cab franc. Two for One with Priority Wine Pass, save $19.

Stop 5: Mt Palomar Winery: Another small tasting room and one of Temecula’s original wineries, a local favorite with terrific views and live music every weekend. Two for one with the Priority Wine Pass, save $20.

Stop 6: Lorimar Winery: Looking like a transplant from Tuscany is Lorimar Winery, makers of some of Temecula’s best wines. There’s their own food truck on weekends, brunch on Sundays, and the wines will not disappoint. Two for one with Priority Wine Pass, save $20.

Stop 7: Briar Rose Winery: OK, look, I saved this one for the last because it’s so weird. The winery cottage was designed by a Disney “imagineer” who wanted to replicate Snow White’s cottage. There’s Disney music playing, there are trolls, the server’s hair is gelled like a shark and everyone is acting like this is normal. It’s the strangest winery I have ever been to and that’s why you should stop there. Two for One with Priority Wine Pass, save $15.

Remember, you only need ONE Wine Pass per couple to get the Two for One deals!

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San Diego Hotels With Tennis Courts

Traveling to San Diego isn't complete without experiencing its vibrant tennis scene. A haven for tennis players, the city features a bevy of state-of-the-art sports facilities accessible to both recreational and professional players. 
 

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

This luxurious resort tucked away in north San Diego county, known for its golf community, is also a great place for tennis as well. Its four hard and two clay lighted courts are always in tip-top shape, and players of all ages can take of lessons at the Four Seasons. Their lessons come with rackets and even tennis shoes, giving those who've always wanted to play tennis zero reasons not to try.

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is known for attracting high-profile members, and is quite easily the finest and most elite tennis facility in the area. This holds quite some weight if you consider that La Jolla beach has more tennis courts per capita than any other area in the United States.

Since 1935, celebrities and professional tennis players alike have graced this beachfront hotel's 12 championship hard courts. It is also host to the annual Pacific Coast Men's Doubles Championship, the second oldest tennis event in the United States, approaching its 130th year.

La Costa Resort & Spa

La Costa Resort & Spa: Photo credit Omni Hotels La Costa

The 17 clay and hard courts at La Costa have been host to professional tournaments for many years. According to tennis website Play Your Court San Diego, World Team Tennis league team The Aviators, which features some of the top young players in the world, even call the courts here their home. But you don't have to be a pro to enjoy tennis at La Costa. Their many tennis amenities, which include group and private lessons, lighted courts, ball machines available for rent, are also available for amateur players. They also offer the Extreme Tennis Makeover program, where you can record your sessions on video for viewing later on to help improve your game.

Rancho Valencia

Rancho Valencia, San Diego: Photo Credit Tennis Resorts Online

Complex.com includes Rancho Valencia in its listof "Breathtaking Places to Play Tennis Before You Die”. The 45-acre state of the art facility features 18 pro-level plexi-plave courts spread throughout the property, and breathtaking views of the San Dieguito valley are part of the package.

Ball machines are available for use when you stay at the resort. They offer tennis matching for solo travelers, which means you can always find a good match against a player of similar ability. Families, on the other hand, can enjoy private lessons and sessions, and tennis clinics are regularly held by local pros.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa: Photo Credit booking.com

Tennis is just one of the many sports offered by this family-friendly resort, built on a private island close to SeaWorld. Ball machines and pro lessons are readily available by appointment, and courts are available for reservations.

Guest Post by Judith J. Prince, 2017.

Green Flash Concert Series | Birch Aquarium at Scripps | Things to Do in San Diego 2017

Green Flash Concerts at Scripps Aquarium 2017

Each summer Birch Aquarium transforms its Tide Pool Plaza into an outdoor music venue unlike any other for the Green Flash Concert Series. These lively monthly concerts, presented in partnership with 101.5 KGB, STAR 94.1, and Belly Up Entertainment, provide the ultimate Southern California music experience while supporting a good cause. 

The concert series, which is for ages 21 and up, combines live music with panoramic ocean views. Keep an eye out for a real “green flash,” a rare optical phenomenon caused by refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon.

The view, the setting, the music, this is what San Diego summers are all about!

The 2017 Green Flash Lineup:

Wednesday, May 17

Johnnyswim

Johnnyswim is an American folk, soul, blues, and pop music duo consisting of singer-songwriters Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez.

Wednesday, June 21

Cracker

Cracker has been described as a lot of things: alternative rock, Americana, insurgent country, —even punk and classic rock. Led by vocalist David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman, the band has brought us genre bending songs such as "Low,” “Euro-Trash Girl" and “Get Off This."

Wednesday, July 19

Steve Poltz

Playful singer-songwriter and San Diego legend Steve Poltz returns for a clever, creative, and fun-filled evening. Always quirky and unpredictable.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Milo Greene

Milo Greene is an L.A.-based Cinematic Indie-pop band with four members doing double-duty as singers and songwriters.

Wednesday, Sept. 20

Pine Mountain Logs and Venice

The Pine Mountain Logs' repertoire of high energy classic hits range from Led Zeppelin to the Jackson Five, Tom Petty, TLC, Aerosmith, Outkast and more, with surprise bridges and choruses around every corner.

Venice’s sound is at once familiar and fresh, their classic rock and folk influences — such as Crosby Stills & Nash, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder — apparent in their pop sensibilities.

All concerts are held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and are general admission and standing room only. Savory bites, craft beers, and wines are available for purchase. Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $30.95 for members, $35.95 for the general public (convenience fees may apply). Walk up tickets are $41.95. Season passes are also available for $140 for members and $154.95 for general public.

Admission includes the concert, entrance to all aquarium exhibits, and parking. Green Flash Concerts are made possible by Subaru, Rock Bottom, French Gourmet, Bank of America, Korbel, Jackson Design and Remodeling, Sobieski Vodka, and EventAvision. Proceeds support exhibits and educational programming at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Visit San Diego on a Budget with a GO SAN DIEGO CARD

Get close to the animals at San Diego Safari Park

Unlike a lot of vacation towns, San Diego lives up to its hype of having a ton of world class attractions and things to do.  The problem is a family could go broke trying to squeeze everything in.  Just getting into the San Diego Zoo will set you back $58 per adult and Legoland is a whopping $95!  But thankfully there is a way to visit San Diego on a budget and still see it all - just get a Go San Diego Card and get access to 40 top attractions for one low price.

Here's the deal:

• 1 day pass to 40 attractions:  $84 adult, $89 child
• 2 day pass:  $125, $110
• 3 day pass:  $189, $169
• 5 day pass:  $235, $199
• 7 day pass:  $265, $229

With the pass you can roam San Diego like a rock star, stopping in at any number of attractions from the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Legoland, or USS Midway.  Hop on a Harbor Cruise, pop into the museums at Balboa Park, visit the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, even go whale watching or ride the roller coaster at Mission Beach.  Feeling adventurous?  Take a day trip to Knott's Berry Farm.  Why not, it's included!  Want the complete list?  It's right here in pdf format.

And if you get the 3, 5 or 7 day ticket you'll get FREE admission to SeaWorld, normally $93 per person. 

To get a Go San Diego Card just click here to order and then show it on your phone or print it.  And you might want to add on the 2 day Hop On, Hop Off Trolley tour for only $39/$25, normally $78/$38. It's a great way to get around San Diego and to see the sights.

So get yourself and your family a Go San Diego Card.  It's Local Wally approved!

La Jolla Seals: The first seal pup of 2017 has been born!

The Seal Conservancy is happy to report that the first pup of the season was born at Casa Beach on February 4, 2017!  But, wait - there's more! Mara and Jenny, two more pups, were born on February 5! Soon, these pups will be popping up all over the beach. If you missed the first few births, there is still plenty of time to witness the beauty of a live birth or watch pups and moms nursing, swimming, or being playful. Under the safe and peaceful conditions of a closed beach, we can reasonably expect there to be 40 - 50 successful seal pup births at the rookery this year, with the majority of births between February and late March.

Harbor seals are pregnant for 9 - 11 months? If pregnant seals have a safe place to rest before birth, then it is very likely that the average newborn pup will be born full term and weighing 20 - 24 pounds. It is very important that once this pup is born, the mother is undisturbed for 24 hours and is able to bond with the pup. Once the mom and pup have bonded, the newborn will nurse from its mother for one month before it is weaned and ready to swim and hunt on its own.

The chain is up and the beach is closed for the 2017 harbor seal pupping season, but this almost did not happen because of on-going litigation. Please visit our Latest News webpage to stay informed of the news at Casa Beach.

Follow the pup births at Casa Beach by checking in our Pup News 2017 page. We try to keep track of each birth as it occurs - sometimes 3 or 4 in one day - and update our page with details and photos of the newborn pups.