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The entrancing story of an innocent Japanese girl who gives her heart to a fickle American naval officer, there's a reason why this opera is one of the most performed around the world. It's a moving tale of love, loss, and longing, captured by operatic beauty at its most melodramatic. Giacomo Puccini's sweeping score features some of the most beautiful melodies ever written, with soaring vocal lines expressing every human emotion. This unique production brings the story to life in a new, magical way by incorporating ballet into this classic Italian opera. The title character gets her wings as a butterfly by dancing on her toes. Leading lady Cio-cio-san (Japanese for "butterfly") is represented by a ballerina butterfly in a dream ballet, fluttering and soaring as she tries to escape her fate of being pinned in a box. This production is presented by Cinballera Entertainment, a non-profit performing arts company based in San Diego County which is now entering its third season. This company was founded by prodigious artist sisters Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan, who both specialize in opera and ballet. Cinballera (pronounced cheen-ball-er-a) specializes in performances which blend classical opera and original ballet with retro Hollywood inspiration. In their first two seasons, they have produced over a dozen original productions throughout Southern California, bringing fresh yet tasteful creativity to timeless tales. This production will be performed in Italian with silent film-style title cards projected for translation. Cinballera Entertainment on Facebook / Instagram

These three local artists, first highlighted in a 2024 feature, are making waves in the comics world with their bold, genre-bending stories.

Bats sometimes get a bad rap, but these fascinating facts show how they pollinate plants, control insects and thrive in the wild.

"If you close your eyes, you might wake up inside the movie, unstuck from time yourself." — New York Times A ghostly train journey on a forgotten branch line transports a son, Jozef, visiting his dying Father in a remote Galician Sanatorium. Upon arrival, Jozef finds the Sanatorium entirely moribund and run by a dubious Doctor Gotard, who tells him that his father’s death, the death that has struck him in his country, has not yet occurred and that here they are always late by a certain interval of time of which the length cannot be defined. Jozef will come to realize that the Sanatorium is a floating world halfway between sleep and wakefulness and that time and events cannot be measured in any tangible form. A stop-motion/live-action masterpiece inspired by the works of Jewish-Polish author and artist Bruno Schulz, this personal passion project is the first feature by the Brothers Quay since "The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" (2005) nearly 20 years ago. Digital Gym Cinema on Facebook / Instagram

Visit: https://keymartialarts.com/ Key Martial Arts on Instagram

This fall, Soulful artist Sarah Lightman will be joining Jimmy Pearson for a mini tour in Southern California. "The tour is focused on community, and how we empower each other through connection and meaningful interaction. This past year has carried a lot of difficult ups and downs in Southern California, and we aim to bring a bit of so-cal sunshine back to the coast. Join us for an unforgettable night of soulful live music - I’ll be bringing the band too!" Shows: October 25 @ The DoubleTree Hotel; San Diego, CA October 30 @ LaBoom; Chula Vista, CA Get Tickets: https://www.sarah-lightman.com/ **About Sarah Lightman:**
Sarah Lightman is an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for their heartfelt lyrics, soulful vocals, and captivating stage presence. With a unique blend of soul, folk, and pop influences, Sarah Lightman has quickly garnered attention for their honest storytelling and emotive performances. Her voice is most often compared to those of Amy Winehouse, Corrine Bailey Rae, Sara Bareilles, and Adele. Sarah Lightman on Facebook / Instagram

San Diego Black Pride is kicking off its annual festival, which centers Black queerness and joy in San Diego. Then, hear from our Midday Movies critics about their favorite Shakespearean film adaptations.

The 4th annual Birdstock Music Festival & Artisan Market transforms a closed-down La Jolla Boulevard in the seaside neighborhood of Bird Rock into a day-long street festival celebrating music and community. Admission is FREE for all ages! This year is bigger than ever, featuring appearances from San Diego's premier bands, artisans, community organizations and merchants. BirdStock will feature: • Five Stages of Live Music • Pelican Disco Dance Tent featuring Live DJs • Artisan Market — Over 70 curated booths for shopping • Wine & Beer Garden — Located by the main stage • Culinary Offerings & Food Trucks • Kids’ Zone including New Wave Youth Stage • Pet Parade and Costume Contest • Local Civic & Nonprofit Booths — to engage with community initiatives and projects This year, family-friendly offerings include a visit from the Mission Control bus, a pumpkin patch to prepare for Halloween, Halloween costume photography, a STEM area, flower bar, dunk tank, tennis/pickleball court, Book Nook, a hat bar, and more! A portion of proceeds from this year’s event benefits Bird Rock’s beloved neighborhood school, Bird Rock Elementary. BirdStock Music Festival offers a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy this charming La Jolla neighborhood during a day filled with music, fun and community spirit. For more information, please visit BirdStockMusicFestival.com. BirdStock Music Festival & Artisan Market on Instagram

The San Diego Italian Film Festival opens Oct. 1, offering a blend of Italian and Italian American films that explore the theme of courage through shorts, features and conversation.

Get ready to fall head over heels for "Love on the Menu"—a heartwarming original musical that serves up laughter, inspiration, and the sweet surprise of connection when you least expect it. Written, choreographed, and produced by the TERI Campus of Life Performing Arts Center, this joyful production premieres this August with a vibrant mix of music, movement, and meaning. Brought to life by the spirited TERI Players and the talented TERI Theatre & Performing Arts Pro Team, Love on the Menu tells the story of Will, a sandwich shop owner stuck in the comfort of routine, whose life is upended by Jasmine, a passionate dancer with big dreams. As their worlds collide, the ordinary becomes extraordinary—routines shift into rhythms, strangers turn into friends, and love becomes the secret ingredient to a life reimagined. With catchy original songs, energetic choreography, and a cast full of heart, Love on the Menu isn’t just a show—it’s a celebration of community, courage, and the delicious unpredictability of life. Join us for an evening of feel-good fun and toe-tapping tunes. Love on the Menu is a story you’ll savor long after the final curtain. Directed by: Emily Friesen Written by: Jenni Hurley Music by: Kyle Ramirez About the TERI Players The TERI Players are a dynamic ensemble of performers from the TERI Campus of Life, known for creating inclusive and empowering theatrical experiences. Guided by a team of professional artists and educators, they continue to redefine community-based performance, proving that creativity has no boundaries. Visit: https://events.humanitix.com/love-on-the-menu TERI Campus of Life on Instagram and Facebook