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A literary celebration is coming to San Diego. More than 40 award-winning authors are participating in interactive panel sessions and book signings at the inaugural San Diego Book Festival taking place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10am - 4pm, on the University of San Diego campus.

Presented in collaboration with San Diego based award winning theater company Blindspot Collective, "Karaoke Dreams" is a feel good new musical where every character whether a regular, newcomer, or a wannabe rockstar—carries a secret, a song, and something to prove. In this immersive production, as the drinks get stronger and the bass gets louder, past and present collide—revealing the heartbreaks, hookups, and hopes hiding behind the music. Featuring songs by Lady Gaga, Elton John, Rihanna, Queen, Madonna, Tracy Chapman, ABBA, Bad Bunny, and many more, this world premiere is a joyful celebration of connection, community, and the catharsis of singing your truth. "Karaoke Dreams" reminds us that sometimes, the right song really can change everything. Blindspot Collective is an award-winning theater company based in San Diego whose productions won or been nominated for "Best New Play," "Best New Musical," and "Best Solo Performance" by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. It is created and directed by Blake McCarty, whose work is “broadening the definition of theater” (New York Times), with musical direction by Lyndon Pugeda and choreography by Micah Parra. Visit: https://www.blindspotcollective.org/karaokedreams Blindspot Collective on Facebook / Instagram

Alex Warren is a singer-songwriter and social media personality known for his heartfelt pop music and viral success on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. His music blends emotional storytelling with polished production, drawing comparisons to artists like Lewis Capaldi and Tate McRae. With an authentic connection to his audience, he continues to grow as both a musician and digital creator. Visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7p4Og Alex Warren on Instagram and Tik Tok

Under the radiance of the city lights or a starlit sky, attendees can unleash their creativity with a workshop that pays tribute to the mystical allure of the moon. Through a guided painting session, aspiring artists can capture the ethereal beauty of the moon's various phases on a 10x20 pre-traced canvas, making it a welcoming platform for beginners. Visit: https://paintingandvino.com/event/moon-phases-paint-and-sip-san-diego/ Alma San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

LOS/NR is excited to announce "everything and anything," a group show of striking artists from San Diego, CA working in video, painting, photography, sculpture and installation. This is a show about the fluff that is filling and covering the story structures of our lives, each step, each level. Participating artists are: Sophia Cleary, Dove Cochrane, Adele Gaburo, April Rose, Louise Russell, and Andrew Warthon. There will be an opening reception with free ice cream on Friday, August 1, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

On April 18 and 19, the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE) invites the community to witness the mesmerizing art of live glassblowing in the Cal Club Courtyard. This two-day demonstration, led by renowned glass artist James Stone of Stone & Glass, will showcase the precision, artistry, and transformative beauty of molten glass in motion. As part of Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month, this event is more than just a demonstration—it’s a celebration of community, accessibility, and artistic exploration. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with six talented glass artists, including 55Acre Project, each displaying and selling their handcrafted works. This interactive experience provides a rare glimpse into an ancient art form while fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity in all its forms. Hot Glass, Cold Beer: A Fundraiser for the Arts In the spirit of community support and cultural engagement, we are excited to host “Hot Glass, Cold Beer,” a special fundraising initiative benefiting the CCAE Foundation. James Stone and participating artists will generously donate hand-blown glass cups, which will be given away with a complimentary drink ticket in exchange for a $25 donation. This initiative not only raises vital funds for arts programming but also offers guests a one-of-a-kind keepsake—an artistic reminder of the power of creativity. Visit: https://artcenter.org/event/live-glassblowing-at-the-ccae-a-dazzling-celebration-of-art-community-creativity-2/ California Center for the Arts on Instagram and Facebook

North City is turning up the volume this summer with North City LIVE, a free outdoor concert series where live music, good food, and warm summer nights come together in the heart of San Marcos. On Saturday, August 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Music by Eras will be performing "California Dreams", a feel-good night of 60s and 70s hits celebrating peace and love. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore North City’s walkable streets, colorful public spaces, eye-catching artwork, and a lineup of local eateries like A Lo Fresco, Buona Forchetta, Maya’s Cookies, Wynston’s Ice Cream, Milonga Empanadas, Draft Republic, and more. The band takes the stage at 7 p.m., and the evening will include era-inspired decor, games, and a lively dance area, with attendees encouraged to dress the part and embrace the groovy spirit of the decade. Visit: https://www.northcity.com/events/gigtown-live-music

On Friday, May 23, the series continues with Jimmy and Enrique, Sue Palmer and Liz Ajuzie, and Walt Richards. Guitarist Jimmy Patton and percussionist Enrique Platas blend flamenco, Middle Eastern, salsa, calypso, Brazilian, and other world rhythms into their fiery, virtuosic performances. Their unique world-music style captivates audiences with intricate guitar passages and exotic percussive rhythms. Known as the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sue Palmer has been a force in the San Diego music scene for over 30 years. Inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, Palmer teams up with powerhouse vocalist Liz Ajuzie, whose dynamic voice perfectly complements Palmer’s electrifying piano playing. An expert in guitar and banjo, Walt Richards has been performing and teaching music for over 50 years. He has worked with numerous musical groups, participated in live theater productions, and even won an Emmy for his television work. Jimmy and Enrique Guitarist Jimmy Patton and percussionist Enrique Platas have combined their talents to form this award-winning duo. Their music can be described as having an international flair as they incorporate flamenco, Middle Eastern, salsa, calypso, Brazilian, and other world rhythms into their compositions and arrangements. Their musical collaboration has created a unique, fiery world-music style that has captivated audiences from all over. Listeners will experience virtuosic guitar passages accompanied by exotic percussive rhythms, which together produce a sound that will grab your soul. Sue Palmer and Liz Ajuzie Known worldwide as the Queen of Boogie Woogie, Sultana of Swing, and Lady Who Skates on the 88s, Sue Palmer has been a presence on the live music scene in San Diego and the world for over 30 years. She was inducted into the San Diego Music Hall of Fame in 2018, had a day named after her by the city in 2008, and won numerous San Diego Music Awards for her bands and albums. Liz Ajuzie is a captivating, powerhouse vocalist who has blended masterfully with Sue Palmer in their collaborations in recent years Walt Richards Walt Richards began performing on guitar while still in high school. Within a year he had added banjo, soon becoming one of Southern California's best-known players, with multiple wins at Topanga in the 1960s and 70s. He also toured nationally with the Eddystone Singers and the Appalachians in the 60s. Although offered other opportunities related to his degree, music kept drawing him back and he started teaching guitar and banjo at a San Diego music store in 1963. Walt is celebrating over 50 years of playing and teaching music in the San Diego area. As a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, he has worked with many diverse musical groups, including doing studio work and live theater (The Old Globe and Starlight theaters in San Diego), besides being a solo and group performer. Earlier work for television earned an Emmy for Walt and partner Vickie Cottle. His most recent television credits include train songs sung for a documentary originally commissioned by Disney.

Lecture title: Reprogramming the immune system: A new era of precision immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune disease - Front Row lecture with Travis Young, PhD Description: Your immune system is your body’s natural defense, capable of identifying what belongs and what doesn’t. But when it falters, it can let cancer grow unchecked or mistakenly attack your own healthy tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases. What if we could reprogram the immune system to tip the balance in our favor, gaining an advantage over both cancers and autoimmune disorders? In this free Front Row lecture, Calibr-Skaggs’ vice president of biologics, Travis Young, will share how Scripps Research is using genetic engineering to reprogram patients’ own immune cells to create personalized “switchable” CAR-T cell therapies. This approach represents a new class of precision immunotherapy designed to induce deep and durable remissions in patients with a wide range of cancers, from lymphoma to breast cancer, as well as in chronic autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Young will explain how this breakthrough strategy works and what it could mean for the future of medicine. About Scripps Research: Scripps Research is an independent, nonprofit biomedical institute based in La Jolla, California, and ranked one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. The Front Row lecture series, now in its eighth season, offers an exclusive glimpse into groundbreaking scientific discoveries in action. Reserve your seat today and learn how our scientists remain at the forefront of advancing the future of science and medicine. Join us—in the front row. Reserve your seat! Settle into our auditorium for an inspirational, in-person experience, or attend virtually with thousands of people from around the world. Scripps Research on Facebook / Instagram

We’re kicking off San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with a stellar artist line-up—and you're invited to join us at our Seaport Village Gallery. Friday, July 25 - Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Chuck Jones Galleries (map)