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2025 marks the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, widely considered one of the most important works in American literature. While this tale of sordid love affairs, rich criminals, and shocking killings has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most assigned books in American classrooms, many readers are surprised to learn that it flopped when it was first published. So, how did it go from failure to classic? Join us to celebrate the Gatsby centennial with a public presentation by Palomar College English professor Adam Meehan, who will talk about why the book is as American as apple pie (did we mention the sordid love affairs, rich criminals, and shocking killings?) and why it still resonates today. Visit: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/great-gatsby-100-433255

San Diego Poetry Annual and San Diego Public Library present the 9th annual Steve Kowit Poetry Prize, given to deserving poets anywhere in honor of celebrated local poet Steve Kowit, a former teacher at San Diego State University and Southwestern College. Winners and Honorable Mentions are invited to read at the annual awards reception. The program honors late local poet Steve Kowit’s contributions to American poetry. The program will feature readings by the top three 2024 Steve Kowit Poetry Prize honorees and special appearances by all three existing San Diego Poet Laureates Paola Capó-García, Jason Magabo Prez, Ron Salisbury, and California Beat Poet Laureate Chris Vannoy. Winning and Honorable Mention poems are published in the San Diego Poetry Annual. Visit: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/copy-2025-kowit-awards-and-san-diego-poetry-celebration-388380 San Diego Poetry Annual on Instagram and Facebook

Truchard Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been a cornerstone of the Carneros region in Napa Valley for nearly 50 years. Founded by Tony and Jo Ann Truchard, the estate began as a vineyard dedicated to growing exceptional grapes and played a key role in pioneering viticulture in the region. In 1989, the Truchards established their own winery, crafting wines exclusively from their estate-grown fruit—an approach that reflects their deep connection to the land and dedication to quality winemaking. For this special evening, Anthony Truchard, General Manager of Truchard Vineyards, will guide us through a selection of the winery’s exquisite wines, each thoughtfully paired with a 5-course prix fixe dinner created by Executive Chef Matt Sramek. This immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the harmony between exceptional food and wine while gaining insight into the passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle. Make a reservation Stake Chophouse & Bar on Instagram and Facebook Truchard Vineyards on Instagram and Facebook

For one night only, step into a world where Japanese tradition meets modern culinary artistry. Matsu, Oceanside’s acclaimed fine dining destination, is teaming up with the legendary Kuheiji Brewery to bring an unforgettable evening of sake, storytelling, and elevated flavor. Visit: https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1166083&lang=en-US&ot_source=Restaurant%20website&corrid=ded6587b-4c6f-47fc-b8f8-04b3dfefb881 Matsu on Instagram and Facebook Kuheiji Brewery on Instagram and Facebook

Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant "Starburst" meets Mendelssohn and Brahms in a grand finale that celebrates the festival’s theme—illuminating past triumphs and future horizons. JESSIE MONTGOMERY "Starburst" for String Orchestra SummerFest Chamber Orchestra MENDELSSOHN "Concerto" for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra Benjamin Beilman, solo violin; Inon Barnatan, solo piano; SummerFest Chamber Orchestra BRAHMS "Serenade" in D Major (Reconstructed for Nonet, 1858) Andrew Wan, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Zlatomir Fung, cello; Samuel Hager, bass; Rose Lombardo, flute; Anthony McGill; Jay Shankar, clarinets; Peter Kolkay, bassoon; Mark Almond, horn Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/starburst/ La Jolla Music Society on Instagram and Facebook

Journey into the depths of late works and visionary masterpieces in which Ravel, Shostakovich, and Beethoven each crystallize profound personal journeys. RAVEL Introduction and Allegro Julie Smith Phillips, harp; Rose Lombardo, flute; Anthony McGill, clarinet; Owen Dalby, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Zlatomir Fung, cello SHOSTAKOVICH Viola Sonata, Op. 147 Milena Pajaro Van de Stadt, viola; Inon Barnatan, piano BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 12, Op. 127 Benjamin Beilman, Andrew Wan, violins; Hsin-Yun Huang, viola; Kyril Zlotinkov, cello Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/profound-reflections/ La Jolla Music Society on Instagram and Facebook

One of the greatest pieces in all of chamber music, the sublime Schubert string quintet, is paired with a piece it inspired, one that was so well received at its premiere the audience demanded it be played twice. PENDERECKI "Clarinet Quartet" Anthony McGill, clarinet; Andrew Wan, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Zlatomir Fung, cello SCHUBERT "String Quintet" in C Major, D. 956 Alexi Kenney, Benjamin Beilman, violins; Milena Pajaro Van de Stadt, viola; Kyril Zlotnikov, Zlatomir Fung, cellos Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/transcendence/ La Jolla Music Society on Instagram and Facebook

Hop into Vistal this Easter for a deliciously elevated à la carte experience, featuring spring-inspired specials crafted with creativity and flair. Start your celebration with Deviled Eggs ($18), with bee pollen, honey mustard, rosemary, caviar, bacon and chives. Savor indulgent flavors in a decadent Lobster Benedict ($28), served on a Portuguese English muffin with Bloomsdale spinach, poached lobster, preserved lemon hollandaise, fennel-roasted tomatoes and herb hashbrowns. For a savory centerpiece, don’t miss the Volcano Braised Lamb Shank ($36), paired with English peas, white asparagus, a poached egg, and mint Paloise hollandaise. Raise a toast to the occasion with the festive Bunny Ears cocktail ($18)—a refreshing blend of Tuner Berry-infused Ketel One Botanical, Sipsmith Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Vistal’s Easter specials are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve your table now via Resy or call +1 619-535-0485. Visit: https://www.vistalsd.com/ Vistal Bar + Restaurant on Instagram and Facebook

This joy-filled collision of music and movement brings the multi-award-winning dancer Caleb Teicher back to The Conrad—this time with Nic Gareiss, one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” and festival favorite Tessa Lark on violin. Expect a lively combination of folk, jazz, and swing music alongside percussive dance that celebrates Appalachia and its traditional roots from Ireland and England. Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/dance-the-jai/ La Jolla Music Society on Instagram and Facebook

Vocal luminary Cécile McLorin Salvant returns to SummerFest with an ensemble of superstar performers to reimagine early music, jazz, and folk in a boundary-blurring exploration. The three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer explores the world of Baroque music and transforms it into something contemporary, exciting, and truly captivating. Visit: https://theconrad.org/events/book-of-ayres/ La Jolla Music Society on Instagram and Facebook