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Arts & Culture

Culture Lust Weekend: All That Glitters, Handmade Puppet Dreams and Poncho Sanchez

"New Abstract #3 (Inverted Rainbow)" by Victor Rodriguez
"New Abstract #3 (Inverted Rainbow)" by Victor Rodriguez

ART

Mexico City painter Victor Rodriguez is on the rise with his collage-like diptychs that combine the real and surreal. Visit Scott White Contemporary Art this weekend to experience them in person at his latest show, “NewAbstract Paintings." A reception will be held from 6 to 8 this Friday night.

You probably already want to catch the latest exhibit from Lael Corbin or brush up on MCASD’s most venerable collections (on display as part of their "Collectors XXV" exhibit), and this Tuesday, you’ll have no excuse not to. Admission to all MCASD locations will be totally free in celebration of International Museum Day!

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Bling it on, San Diego Natural History Museum! “All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals” opens this Saturday, an exhibit that offers a glimpse at the history, science, and sparkle of gemstones. Bring some shades for its showcase of bijoux from Tiffany’s, Cartier, and more.

The edgiest work on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art this Saturday won’t be on a canvas – at least, not in the traditional sense. “Masterworks of Body Art” touts over 45 models that bear the mark of 10 Southern California tattoo artists, including La Jolla Tattoo’s Chris Winn, the curator of the exhibit.

An amalgam of the hood’s eclectic music, art and locavore food scene, the North Park Festival of the Arts is perhaps one of the hippest fests of the year. Expect plenty of live entertainment, unique finds from local artists (like the North Park Craft Mafia), and even a free bicycle valet for your fixed-gear. The event is free; its craft beer block is $30.

Religious painter John August Swanson’s colorful kitschy canvasses have been on display at Old Town’s Bazaar Del Mundo for over 30 years, and this weekend, he’ll unveil a new work, “Madonna of the Harvest.” Stop by Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. to take a peek.

THEATER

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“The Whipping Man” debuted last week at The Old Globe, and we can’t wait to witness its tale of a Jewish Confederate Soldier’s visit to his childhood home – only to encounter some very unexpected guests.

Paging poets of all ages: the San Diego Public Library will host its Payday Slam at the City Heights Performance Annex this Friday. Expect cash and door prizes aplenty; poets must sign up in person by 7 p.m.

FILM

It only makes sense that “Handmade Puppet Dreams” would be presented by Jim Hensen’s daughter, Heather – the festival features demiurgic, whimsical, and creepily cool short films from some of Hollywood’s most famous puppeteers. It happens this Friday night at the MoPA from 7 to 10.

Using environmental science research, students at High Tech High were asked to visualize the world in 2110 for the MoPA’s “Science, Art and the Future” film fest next Tuesday. All flicks are 5 minutes or less, and touch on a world with an underground resistance for organic food, government-mandated birth control, and robot replacements for extinct animals.

FOOD

A slew of new eateries have popped up around town lately. The latest to hit the scene (and our taste buds): try the Bells and Whistles-designed The Smoking Goat for some French comfort food (duck fat fries!), Barrio Star in Banker’s Hill for chef Isabel Cruz’s noveau Mex, and East Village Asian Diner in Encinitas for a healthy, vegetarian-friendly take on Asian cuisine.

MUSIC AND DANCE

San Diego native Jimmy LaValle will come home with The Album Leaf, who’ll visit the Birch North Park Theatre this Friday. Rumor has it a total of 11 musicians will take the stage to orchestrate tracks from their latest E.P., “Chorus of Songs”.

The San Diego Dance Theatre’s version of “Rhapsody in Blue” will debut at the Don Powell Theater this weekend. The performance will also feature some of founder Jean Issacs’ favorite past works.

As a young man with autism, 18-year-old Matt Savage may face more challenges than most of us, though that hasn’t stopped him from playing his soulful jazz piano for the likes of Conan O’Brien and the Kennedy Center. He’ll be at the Kensington Community Church this Saturday at 3 p.m. Afterwards, stop by the nearby Edgeware Gallery for a wine and cheese reception. The gallery’s latest exhibit, “Jazz”, features artwork inspired by the genre. Listen to his performance on NPR (when he was only 14!) here.

It’s the "Rite of Spring" this Saturday, as Stravinsky’s seminal composition comes to life at the San Diego Symphony Hall. It starts at 8 p.m.

Maybe it’s us, but we think any trombone band daring enough to dub themselves Bonerama is worth checking out. Not your typical jazz fare, expect funky covers of The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix from this Rolling Stone-coined “brass balls” ensemble. See them – and their, uh, instruments – at the Belly-Up next Tuesday night.

Commencing the La Jolla Music Society’s Latin Jazz Series is conga king and Grammy Winner Poncho Sanchez, who’ll groove at the Birch North Park Theater this Saturday night at 8.

Get down at Kadan this Saturday with Funk Deluxe, a global blend of beats from NuFunk to Bogaloo. Expect live conga music, swing and salsa dancing, and plenty of talented local D.J.’s. Doors open at 8:30.

Solana Beach will get a visit from a CSI detective this Saturday, as former Oscar nom and CBS star Gary Sinise and his side project, the Lt. Dan Band, pay the Belly-Up a visit.