Welcome to Ask KBPS/Arts, a new feature that answers your questions about how to navigate the many arts events happening in San Diego.
To get things started, I'll begin with something people have been asking me as I've been out and about the last few days: how can I recover from the election madness?
There are several good ways to do this depending on what kind of escapism you're after.
If you're searching for something uplifting, something that will make you feel like you're being wrapped in a giant, warm hug, there's only one choice: "Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" at the Old Globe Theatre. It has cute kids, whimsical costumes, catchy songs, and of course the mean green villain who ultimately changes his ways. The show runs through Dec. 26 at the Old Globe.
If tickets are too pricey, you can still get a bit of "The Grinch" via the Old Globe Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. You get the best parts of the show: the holiday songs and the magical snowfall -- and it's free. The only problem is that it's an RSVP event and all the spots are taken. But there's a standby line that opens up at 4:30 p.m. and the theater has a decent record of getting people in.
Of course, you may be looking for something less fuzzy and more bloody. If that's the case, definitely check out SDSU's production of "Julius Caesar." Not only is it a Shakespearean tragedy full of knife fights and political scandal, it's also performed by an all-female cast. You can catch that on the SDSU campus at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13.
If your mind's not quite ready to tackle Shakespeare, you can drown everything out with super loud punk, indie and rock music. The San Diego Music Thing is a two-day music conference on Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12, that fills all the North Park nightclubs with bands. You don't like what you hear at The Irenic? No worries, your badge will get you in to the many other venues (Bar Pink, The Office, Casbah, Music Box) until you find something that will snap you out of that funk.
And of course, there's always comedy. Improv comedy, but still. On Saturday, Nov. 12, the cast from "Whose Line Is It Anyway" will be in Escondido to play improv games and have a generally silly time. Scheduled to appear at "Whose Live Anyway?" is Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray.
Now, unfurl from that fetal position, turn off the cable news, and get out there and support local arts.
How does a film festival work? What are good concerts for kids? Send me your events-related questions and they'll be answered each Thursday.
