San Diego's Top Weekend Events: Disco, Jazz And Tennis!

I'm Alison St. John in for Maureen Cavanaugh and you're listening to Midday Edition on KPBS. This weekend a lot of people have family in town and even if you don't maybe you're in the mood to start the holiday season.Our arts editor Nina Garin has suggestions. Thank you for being with us.Let's start off by talking about the new musical. The Playhouse has history of turning lives of musicians into successful musicals and now putting on a show of the life of Donna Summer. Remind us of some of the past successes and whites a good bet for another one.La Jolla Playhouse has a history of musicals about musicians. There must popular was Jersey Boys which was a tale of Frankie Valley. Recently they did escape to Margaritaville which pay tribute to Jimmy Buffett. Now we have Donna Summer. She's like a woman who takes control of her musical and creative life and it's the perfect time to hear the story.Let's listen to some of her music. This one is the last dance. [ MUSIC ] that's pretty high energy.Apparently three different actresses are playing the role of Donna summer. Who are they and what does it add to the production?The person who plays Donna in the later years of her life is Tony winning Broadway star LaChanze. Then we have the Disco Donna, the one that lived in Germany and became the queen of disco the trade by Ariana DeBose. She was in Hamilton, the original cast. Then we have Duckling Donna which is Donna in her early years in Boston and she is pretrade by Storm Lever from freaky Friday.This is a musical about the disco era so what does the set look like?There is no platforms or polyester on the set. It's very high glam. Stark colors, very bright and high-tech and it also has a fantastic set were things pop up, letters and bright lights. It's pretty fantastic.Sounds like a really good night of entertainment. That's the Donna summer musical at the La Jolla Playhouse and it's playing through December 24Next he will tell us about San Diego Jazz Fest which is an event that's been around for many years. What's the secret to its success?It brings very devoted families. People who love jazz, they flocked to this event. It's always held on the Thanksgiving weekend. You know that you always know where you'll be if you love jazz on Thanksgiving weekend. That's a big reason it's still around.Not everybody loves jazz. Is this an event that anyone could enjoy?Yes. This event has all styles of jazz. If you're a fan of complex jazz, swing is also big part I would say check out Saturday night and they are having a swing extravaganza they have bands nonstop from 6:00 until midnight. You can dance and wear your beautiful swing clothing and if you forgot the jitterbug, they will have lessons. If you're a newbie, that's a good time to check it out.Tell us about the performers?Some other favorites are Sue Palmer. The euphoria brass band. Then there's the 25-year-old clarinet and sax player. She's got again following so she's bringing a new crowd.Let's listen to something from Chloe. [ MUSIC ] very cool. So the San Diego Jazz Fest continues this weekend at the Town & Country hotel in Mission Valley.Finally were going to talk about tennis. This is an indie rock band.A sporty name but this is actually a husband and wife in the pop outfit made of Mellaney Moore and Patrick Riley and they've been together for several years performing.Let's hear a bit of tennis. [ MUSIC ] that's the indie rock band tennis plane tonight Friday at the music bought -- the music box a little ill -- in Little Italy.