One thing has become very clear: 2013 is looking bright. Go outside and have an adventure — even if it’s just for the story. There’s something for everyone during this month of love — whether you’re going solo, have a date in mind or are taking on the world with your favorite group of friends.
ArcLight Presents
ArcLight La Jolla opened last year as an alternative luxury movie-watching experience. With reserved seating, no pre-screening ads and specialty food and drinks, going to the movies became a more delightful experience. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the theater will be screening classic films about love (some in 35 mm) including "Casablanca," "West Side Story," "Some Like It Hot" (filmed in Coronado) and "Breakfast at Tiffany’s." These blast-from-the-past love stories are sure to make your month a little sweeter. The "ArcLight Presents" series runs throughout the month at ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla.
Drink the Point
Point Loma and Ocean Beach are quietly emerging as pockets of San Diego with interesting restaurants and bars. While the local haunts and dive bars still have their charm (and characters), there are quite a few new establishments that are worth checking out. It seems fitting then that Drink the Point recently emerged as a free bus ride journey to bars near the point. Why not check out a different part of the city at night? It’s the second Wednesday of every month and will get you through the mid-week slump. This month’s Drink the Point is Wednesday, February 13.
Jessica Lange: unseen
Jessica Lange has made a name for herself as an award-winning actress for the past 30 years. More recently, she’s created a buzz for her strange and haunting role on the TV series “American Horror Story.” I was delighted to discover that, for the past decade, she has maintained a career as a fine art photographer. This month, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) will present the first U.S. exhibition of her mid-career retrospective. The exhibition "Jessica Lange: unseen," will showcase Lange’s largely cinematic and eerie works. "Jessica Lange: unseen" opens Saturday, February 9, and runs through Sunday, May 19 at MOPA in Balboa Park.
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s classic cult film “Pulp Fiction” (1994) has not only stood the test of time, but had an awesome soundtrack and inspired many a Halloween costume. Who could forget the famous dance scene with Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman)? If you’re in need of some Tarantino, don’t miss this free movie screening. "Pulp Fiction" plays poolside at the Pearl Hotel in Point Loma as part of their ongoing "Dive-In Theatre” film series on Wednesday, February 27.
Portland Cello Project
The Portland Cello Project formed in 2007 and has built a reputation playing music on the cello that you might not normally hear. From Kanye West’s “All Of The Lights,” to Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” to Britney Spear’s “Toxic,” the group’s new take on pop hits is refreshing and fun. With sold-out shows and a large following, it’s not surprising that the group was mentioned as being so very “Portland” by the creators of “Portlandia.” Don’t miss an intimate show with the Portland Cello Project at Luce Loft in East Village on Friday, February 8.
Warby Parker Class Trip
Warby Parker makes stylish and extremely affordable glasses and sunglasses with quirky names like “Tenley” and “Winston.” With an efficient business model and a philanthropic side, Warby Parker has made bad vision seemingly cool. This month Warby Parker’s Class Trip tour comes to San Diego. The company will bring their showroom experience to life in a customized yellow school bus complete with a library, a selection of eyeglass wear and much more. The tour kicks off Saturday, February 2, and runs through Sunday, February 10, at various locations in San Diego.
The Place Beyond the Pines
Though Ryan Gosling won People magazine’s 2013 pick as “America’s Most Wanted Man,” he’s definitely more than just a pretty face. Gosling has played (and can take on) a variety of roles — from the love-stricken player in the lighthearted “Crazy, Stupid, Love" to the violent stunt performer in “Drive.” This month he’ll star in the crime drama “The Place Beyond the Pines,” but this time he’ll play a motorcycle stunt rider who gets involved with the wrong side of the law. Though this may not seem like a stretch, there's a greater underlying story about the bonds between fathers and sons. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (“Blue Valentine”), this film will likely prompt many tears. “The Place Beyond the Pines” opens in a small selection of theaters.
Young Adult
Los Angeles’ pop culture-themed art space Gallery1988 will debut their newest exhibition “Young Adult” this month. The show is in collaboration with Zooey Deschanel’s popular website HelloGiggles and will feature the work of around 60 female artists addressing the theme of teen literature from the '80s and '90s. From Nancy Drew and Harriet the Spy to Goosebumps, there’s no doubt that this show will be oozing with nostalgia. “Young Adult” opens Saturday, February 2, and runs through Saturday, February 23 at Gallery1988.
People Under the Stairs
People Under the Stairs emerged from Los Angeles' underground hip-hop scene in the late '90s. The duo has gathered much praise over the past decade, for its laid-back rhymes and jazz samples. Known for its DIY ethic, the duo has self-managed, produced and engineered seven full-length albums as well as countless singles and side projects. Though their latest album "Highlighter" was released two years ago, they’ve still maintained their buzz. People Under the Stairs perform at The Irenic in North Park on Friday, February 8.
Check Yo’ Ponytail 2
Check Yo’ Ponytail began seven years ago in Los Angeles as an eclectic music-filled party featuring up-and-coming bands and artists. This month, Check Yo’ Ponytail returns to kick off the new year with four bands to pay attention to: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Foxygen, Gothic Tropic and Wampire. Each band has a name that sticks, but they all bring something different to the stage. Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Foxygen will deliver their psychedelic jams, while Gothic Tropic and Wampire will likely ensue a dance party. I can’t think of a better way to kick off Valentine’s weekend. Check Yo’ Ponytail 2 is Friday, February 15, at the Echoplex in Echo Park.
