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This weekend in the arts: Sparks Summer Showcase, La Jolla Playhouse's new play series, 'Beehive the '60s Musical,' indie pop at Soda Bar and "On the Move" brings City Ballet back to audiences.

From the theater: San Diego REP Hear U.S. Now New Play Festival, featuring readings of commissioned plays that provoke contemporary conversations, will take place in November of 2021. The new festival will showcase brand new plays from four playwrights: Boni B. Alvarez, Jason Grasl, Nambi E. Kelley, and Giovanni Ortega. Top directors from around the nation will also join these writers. Those directors for each play are: Elizabeth Frances for "The Normal Force," Margo Hall for "American History X (working title)," May Adrales for "Duty Free," and Jesca Prudencio for "The Butterfly of Chula Vista." Reserve a ticket here. In 2020, San Diego REP commissioned and developed plays from writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color and/or LGBTQIA+ through the Hear U.S. Now Commission program funded in part by the Leon and Margo Embry Fund for New American Plays as well as a National New Play Network Commission (for Nambi E. Kelley’s play). Readings of the following plays will be presented online: On Friday, November 12 at 6 p.m. PT "The Normal Force" by Jason Grasl centers on Logan, a Native American PhD student in particle physics who is on the precipice of a scientific breakthrough, yet confronted with fundamentalist protests that consider his research a threat to their religious beliefs. Meanwhile, secrets from the past and unexpected discoveries could challenge everything he holds to be true. This play explores colonialism and ethics in science as well as the under-represented voices and realities of Native Americans in STEM fields. Jason Grasl is an actor/playwright/director of Blackfeet descent who is an ensemble member with Native Voices at the Autry in Los Angeles. As a playwright, his plays include The Blame of Love, Emergency Management, The Wheels On the Bus Come Off, and Lying With Badgers. A long time ago, Jason worked as a control systems engineer and rocket scientist. Directed by Elizabeth Frances. On Saturday, November 13 at 11 a.m. PT "American History X (working title)" by Nambi E. Kelley is a National New Play Network commission that spans from American slavery to Black Lives Matter present day through the lens of one family across generations. This powerfully poetic one-woman show asks the question: Who is the dreamer? Are the ancestors dreaming you, are you dreaming them, or are we dreaming each other? This play is a meditation on how dreams affect consciousness, agency, and personal power in the construction of a Black woman's understanding of her connection to her ancestors through time. Nambi E. Kelley is an actress, Film/TV writer, and playwright who has been in residence at the National Black Theatre, Goodman Theatre, and New Victory Theatre through the LabWorks Program (current). Her plays include adaptations of Tony Morrison’s Jazz, Richard Wright’s Native Son, and a modern day reimagining of Antigone called Xtigone. Kelley’s production company, FIRST WOMAN LLC, is producing a digital and national tour of her young audiences' play, Jabari Dreams of Freedom.Directed by Margo Hall. On Saturday, November 13 at 2 p.m. PT "Duty Free" by Boni B. Alvarez explores the experiences of various immigrants seeking entry into the United States such as Filipina journalist Merlina Rojas who was recently named an ‘enemy of the republic’ and is seeking refuge in America. She meets others across time in the same US Customs detention room at LAX airport. This play seeks to shed light on the Filipino experience and how everyone co-exists with other groups within the American landscape. Boni B. Alvarez is a Los Angeles-based actor-playwright. His plays have been produced at Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre, Echo Theater Company, Theatre Rhinoceros, and Playwrights’ Arena. He is currently in Skylight Theatre’s Skylab, the Geffen Playhouse Writers’ Room and a Resident Playwright of New Dramatists. Directed by May Adrales. On Sunday, November 14 at 11 a.m. PT "The Butterfly of Chula Vista" by Giovanni Ortega follows Libertad Molina, a Mexi-Pino (Mexican-Filipino American) as he embraces his many layers by performing drag at GG Island Grindz Bar & Grill in Chula Vista. This heart-felt and fast-paced comedy touches on powerful themes about familial duty, identity and acceptance. Giovanni Ortega is currently an Assistant Professor in Pomona College’s Department of Theatre for the Claremont Colleges. His work, such as Criers for Hire and ALLOS, the Story of Carlos Bulosan has been performed globally including in Sydney and Singapore. He was a resident scholar for Playwriting Australia’s National Play Festival and is the Artistic Director of FilAm Arts Teatro. Directed by Jesca Prudencio. RELATED LINKS: San Diego REP on Facebook San Diego REP on Instagram

The ever-popular Academy of St Martin in the Fields, under the musical direction of renowned violin soloist Joshua Bell, returns to La Jolla Music Society for another spectacular performance. This storied, conductor-less ensemble is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, well known for its inspired and inspiring interpretations of great orchestral music. Date | Monday, March 14 at 8 p.m. Location | San Diego Civic Theatre Get tickets here! Ticket prices ranging from $43 to $103. For more information, please visit ljms.org/events/academy-of-st-martin or call (858) 459-3728.

Now that the Taliban has virtually seized full control of Afghanistan, the lingering threat of international terror is on the minds of many Americans. Plus, a new program in California is offering stipends to volunteers, in an effort to bring climate change solutions to urban and rural communities throughout the state, including here in San Diego. Also, a sewage testing program at UCSD could be key to helping identify COVID-19 outbreaks when students return to school in the fall. And, we highlight Daniella De Jesús, one of the playwrights in the fifth annual San Diego Repertory Theatre's Latinx New Play Festival happening next month. Finally, from the archives, a summertime anthem about Southeast San Diego.

California public health officials say they will let local school districts decide how to enforce new mask rules. California is still requiring all students and staff to wear masks while indoors at school even if they are fully vaccinated.

Cutting emissions now and in the near future could still save humanity from climate catastrophe, but it won’t save us from the climate changes we’re already experiencing, according to a new United Nations report. Plus, author Amanda Ripley talks about how certain issues, such as climate change, become politicized and can lead to discussion surrounding those issues becoming toxic. And, owners of sport fishing boats say an effort to improve the state’s air quality could cost them their businesses. Also, Brian Burrows, who grew up in Fallbrook, talks about winning the bronze medal in trap shooting. Finally, an outdoor film series will feature the best screwball comedy sparring matches.

It’s been one year since the killing of George Floyd -- what’s happened to police reform in San Diego since then? Meanwhile, across San Diego school officials say there will be a return to normalcy in the fall. Plus, the Yellow Whistle Campaign, a nationwide effort to stand in solidarity with the Asian community, has made its way to Mira Mesa.

Children who are regularly exposed to gun violence can struggle with feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. There's a lot communities and after-school programs can do to help.

Some flu experts are urging many people to get their shots earlier than usual this year because of the potential for an early, possibly severe flu season. But what's the best timing for you?

Four decades after the New York City Rap Tour made history in Europe, Hip-Hop's influence is everywhere - in art, fashion and even the 2024 Olympics.