Art doesn't have to be just escapist, even if it does help you cope with the turmoil and despair of current events. The arts in San Diego this weekend may offer a welcome diversion from what's trending on Twitter, but maybe you'll also find a little insight, perspective and connection about social issues. From writers who know their stuff about social justice and racial inequity to an evocative tapestry that pits the way we understand myth against history. Plus, brand new contemporary dance, and a local surf-rock duo with a lovely new album. Here's your weekend sorted out for you.
San Diego Festival of Books
Books
This year's San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books is entirely virtual, and that means it's more accessible than ever (remember the year all the panels sold out way in advance?) and can also accommodate some top-notch talent from across the country — Wesley Lowery, Walter Mosley, Henry Winkler and more. But rest assured, San Diego literary stars and community will be front and center. The panel topics and featured authors this year illustrate a strong focus on social justice and race. From Jean Guerrero, author of the brand new political book "Hatemonger," recent transplant and fiction writer Jac Jemc, poet Adam O. Davis, Rae Armantrout, Chris Baron, Gill Sotu, Matt de la Peña and more.
I moderated a panel, "Strange and Wonderful New Fiction," with Jac Jemc and California writer April Davila. Jemc's recent collection of short stories, "False Bingo" just came out this fall and is very strange and wonderful, and Davila's new novel, "142 Ostriches," follows a charming, heart wrenching tale of family mystery, grief and … ostrich farming?
And be sure to tune in at 10 a.m. for the announcement of the KPBS One Book, One San Diego selections for 2020.
Details: All panels and readings will be available for on-demand livestreaming Saturday at 10 a.m. Registration required. Free.
More books: The 2020 San Diego Book Crawl and the nationwide Independent Bookstore Day also take place this Saturday. Many local bookstores are open for in-person browsing, curbside pickup or online sales, and some are offering freebies like bookmarks, special pins and more. Virtual events, like readings, panels, activities and more in conjunction with Independent Bookstore Day kick off at 10 a.m. For virtual event information, check the schedule here.
Puerto At The Casbah
Music
No, you can't go to the Casbah yet. But they've been steadily gracing our screens with livestreams on their Twitch channel, featuring local bands performing to an empty venue. On Saturday, catch local surf rock duo Puerto. Their debut full-length album, "Portugal," just came out this month on local label Blind Owl. The opening track, "Call the Doctor," has a total mid-career Beatles vibe, and I love the way the band swishes so many other influences into their surf sound: garage rock, classic rock, jazz, pop and even a little soul.
Grab a drink (maybe even in an acrylic glass for Casbah authenticity), say hello to your fellow Casbah supporters in the Twitch chat and let the music transport you. Maybe to a cabana by the ocean, or maybe to a bar under the flight path.
Details: Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Livestreaming on Twitch. Free/donation-based.
More music: SummerFest wraps up with a finale performance livestreamed from the Conrad Prebys Music Performing Arts Center, featuring chamber music performances of Bach, Prokofiev and Schubert. Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Rosin Box Project: August Series
Dance
The Rosin Box Project hit the ground (marley?) running with innovative, virtual contemporary dance events early on in quarantine, and hasn't looked back. This month, they feature five new works of choreography — all world premieres, by Rosin Box artists Bethany Green, Brian Heil, Katie Spagnoletti, Carly Topazio, Jeremy Zapanta, plus work by guest choreographer Donnie Duncan.
Previews of some of the works suggest a ton of variety: some emotive, gorgeous works, some surreal and experimental pieces and also a dash of wit and whimsy.
The company is also offering free admission to any frontline or essential worker for any of the livestream performances, plus delivering free, live outdoor performances near select essential businesses throughout the weekend.
Details: Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m., plus additional 5 p.m. performances on Saturday and Sunday. Friday's performance includes a talkback with the artists following the show. Livestreamed from Tenth Avenue Arts Center. $21.50.
Carlos Castro Arias, 'Myth Story'
Visual Art
Quint ONE Gallery in La Jolla just installed a major new tapestry work, "The Awaken King, 2020," by cross-border artist Carlos Castro Arias. The work is part of Castro Arias' series on myth, and spans 110 inches in width. Castro Arias, who teaches at SDSU, explores the space between myth and history in this piece.
Quint ONE features one significant work of art at a time, though the gallery also has a small back room to display a few impressive straggler works from their collection — when I was there last week, I caught a glimpse of a pair of Kim MacConnel painted chairs, some Kelsey Brookes work and more. While the gallery is open for in-person visits, free appointments (and masks) are required.
Details: "The Awaken King" is on display at Quint ONE now through Sept. 9. 7722 Girard Ave, La Jolla. Free appointments.
More Visual Art: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's Family ArtLab this month involves a quick trip to the mall, browsing some public, outdoor art, and then a DIY, take-home art project for ages 5+.
