Search results for

Growing up in a turbulent household in Japan, Kazu dreams of escape. Raised by a distant, irresponsible father and a mother living with schizophrenia, Kazu learned to use humor to heal her wounds and process her trauma. In school she was frequently considered the “class clown,” an identity at odds with Japanese societal norms for women and girls. Despite the odds, she discovers her voice and sense of purpose in comedy. Kazu delivers a one-two punch of wry observation, and raw physicality in this exuberant, rebellious ride. Winner of “Best of Fest” at the Crazy Woke Asians Solo Fest, “Hottest Selling Show” at the Vancouver Fringe”, “Best of the San Francisco Fringe,” and had a sold out run in Toronto Fringe. “Kazu Kusano...is a consummate storyteller,” —San Francisco Chronicle "Hilarious and devastating...'Pretty Beast' signals a bold and important new voice in comedy and theatre." —The Georgia Straight Kusano, now based in Los Angeles, has appeared on AGT’s Celebrity Audition and Channel Hopping on Comedy Central as a Japanese correspondent. "Pretty Beast" takes on family mental illness, stigma, societal sexism, and what it means to discover your own superpowers, while there’s still enough time to use them for good. In today’s political climate, "Pretty Beast" is more than just a performance—it’s a timely reminder of the power of humor and hope through an immigrant voice. - Written & performed by Kazu Kusano - Directed by Jane Morris (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Shameless) Additional Pricing Information: - Fringe Tag $7 - Multi-show Ticket passes available to festival. Details at: https://sdfringe.org/tickets25/ Kazu Kusano on Facebook / Instagram

A string of settlements has brought new scrutiny on whether the small South Bay city is doing enough to prevent fatal encounters with police.

Whether you're fascinated by physics, architecture, or infrastructure, join us to uncover the science and engineering behind building bridges that last. About the Speaker: Prior to coming to UC San Diego, Palermo was a professor in structural Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, which he joined in 2009. He started his career as a Faculty in 2005 as Assistant Professor (tenured) at Politecnico di Milano, Department of Structural Engineering. Palermo has three patents, over 400 publications in international journals and conference proceedings. Palermo is a member of several associations and is a Fellow of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Engineering New Zealand, the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE). He served as President of the Concrete NZ Learned Society in 2021-2022 and New Zealand Head Delegate of the fib (Federation International du Beton) 2015-2023. Palermo is a passionate teacher and received several awards at the University of Canterbury. In 2021 Palermo was awarded as the “Most Influential International Accelerated Bridge Construction Person of the Year Outside U.S.” in Academia at the 2021 Accelerated Bridge Construction Conference in Miami. Visit: https://coronado.librarycalendar.com/event/new-date-more-concrete-and-steel-science-behind-bridges-36221

Songwriter Sanctuary, an intimate monthly series that platforms premiere local songwriters in a Nashville-style round, will host its third annual Pride event on Friday, June 27 at Normal Heights United. Featuring performances by LGBTQ-identifying artists Anna Ballew, Kimiko, and In Mazes, the event is hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley in partnership with Normal Heights United. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30pm, Music 7pm.) “I book all kinds of artists no matter the observance, but I have to say that working with an affirming church to spotlight queer artists during Pride month gives me a little pep in my step,” said Lindsay White, who curates the series and is herself a LGBTQ+ artist and activist. In a time where many institutions appear to be backing away from inclusive policies and practices that help reduce harm for marginalized populations, Normal Heights United (NHU) is vocal about welcoming everyone in the community to participate in their activities. They even have a page on their website entitled “All Are Welcome” dedicated to stating as much that reads: “We recognize and are saddened by the knowledge that many churches, including our own denomination of the United Methodist Church, have and do exclude people from the fullness of participation in the church community and have therefore wounded God’s beloved. At Normal Heights United Methodist Church, we work to include rather than exclude, so that all are actively welcomed and valued at worship, meals, spaces, events and especially in our sacred celebrations including communion, baptism and marriage. The fullness of our community is open to all ages, races, ethnicities, political affiliations, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, faith histories, marital status and mental or physical abilities. We welcome all to come as they are to participate, lead, love, be loved, challenge, edify, push, question, and belong.” While Songwriter Sanctuary is not religiously affiliated, they are dedicated to partnering with a venue who stands firm in these principles, not just in word but in action. “Artists and audiences alike always feel welcome and safe in the sanctuary,” said White. “And thanks to their generous support, we are able to provide 100% of door and pre-sale donations directly to artists, while also remaining committed to not turning anyone away for lack of funds. For this year’s Pride event, Songwriter Sanctuary will be welcoming three talented up-and-coming artists to the round: Anna Ballew (she/her), whose rich, sultry voice and introspective writing make her one of San Diego's most sought-after performers. Kimiko (she/her), a Japanese-American indie artist whose songs feel like a diary entry in a coming of age story. In Mazes (they), a San Diego-based indie moon gaze. Past Pride editions of Songwriter Sanctuary have featured a who’s who of talented LGBTQIA+ artists with San Diego ties, including Billboard-charting Flamy Grant, Joy Fuliga, Kori Gillis, Ben Parks, Virr, and Rhthmx. Other out and proud artists to grace the Songwriter Sanctuary stage include The Lovebirds, Tori Roze, Mariela, Angel René, Julianna Zachariou, and more. But you don’t have to wait for next summer to roll around to see your favorite queer artists get a turn at the mic. “Throw a dart at our music schedule, and you’ll find a lot of queer representation,” said White, joking, “As an elder queer with loads of religious trauma, it’s basically my field of dreams to be building up gay stuff in a church.” Event Details: Location: Normal Heights United Church 4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community! Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7-9p.m. ish. Suggested Donation: $10, but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds. All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family. Parking: Street parking Food/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors! Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully) Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly mollyrose@nhunited.org. Remaining 2025 Season Schedule: *subject to change Jul 25 - The Bella Lunas - Espi - Miranda Ramos Aug 29 - Claire King - Hailey Wetzel - Lexi Pulido Sep 26 - Joe Summers - Grainne Hunt - Helena Holleran Oct 24 - Shea Givens - Kevin Cooper - Anthony Cullins Dec 5 - Holiday Edition! - JT Moring - Cara Cormier - David Beldock and Peggy Watson For inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact: Lindsay White lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Songwriter Sanctuary on Instagram

A deaf and mute Mongolian man showed up at the San Diego border in February. More than 80 days later, he’s sitting in the Otay Mesa Detention Center facing deportation without due process, his lawyer says.

The 2025 San Diego International Fringe Festival wrapped with standout performances, big wins and powerful stories from local and international artists.

Cooler weather was expected throughout San Diego County this week, with gusty winds and possible light rain from the coast to the mountains.

The rapper's Instagram account says his lungs collapsed after he was stabbed 14 times, but he is "in good spirits." Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

When Alice Barnett returned from Europe and settled in early-20th-century San Diego, the city was a modestly sized but rapidly growing community of approximately 40,000 residents. Amid this evolving cultural landscape, she quickly emerged as a prominent composer, performer, and advocate for the arts. During this time, she divorced and became a single mother and sustained herself and her family through her musical endeavors before remarrying. Her influence was far-reaching: in addition to co-founding the San Diego Symphony Association, she taught at San Diego High School, delivered public lectures, authored program notes, and actively collaborated with fellow musicians and civic leaders. This lecture features performances of Alice Barnett’s compositions from this chapter of her life (some published by G. Schirmer, others preserved only in manuscript), offering a glimpse into the musical and professional world she helped to shape. About Dr. Katina Mitchell Dr. Katina Mitchell is a native of San Diego. She has sung with the San Diego Symphony; lautten compagney BERLIN; MicroFest, Los Angeles; Monday Evening Concerts, Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, Volti, San Francisco; Bach Collegium San Diego, The Da Camera Society, Los Angeles; and more. A favorite engagement was performing with Ensemble Vocatrix in fully staged productions of Hildegard von Bingen’s Ordo Virtutum in Los Angeles and Berkeley. Recently Mitchell has sung as both soloist and chorister with San Diego Master Chorale, Sacra/Profana, and the Schola Cantorum of St. James-by-the-Sea. Her work has been featured at the Velaslavasay Panorama, Los Angeles and the Medieval History Center in Azincourt, France, and in media outlets including the BBC, NPR’s Life in Berlin, and the Los Angeles Times. In 2023, Mitchell began presenting her extensive original research on composer Alice Barnett, giving lectures with the San Diego History Center; the Western History Association, Los Angeles; National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), San Diego chapter, at San Diego State University; Palomar College; and Society for American Music, Tacoma, Washington. Katina holds degrees in music from Rice University and the University of Southern California (USC). She is a member of the music faculty at Palomar College, teaches voice at Grossmont College, and maintains a private studio. About Dr. Yewon Lee Dr. Yewon Lee is a frequently sought-after conductor and collaborative pianist on the operatic and concert stage. Prior to relocating to San Diego, Lee was Assistant Music Director of Opera at Baldwin Wallace University and Adjunct Professor at Kent State University. In the operatic world, she coached at Baldwin Wallace Opera Theater, National Opera Center, Aspen Opera Theater Center, and International Vocal Arts Institute in Israel, France, Italy, and Japan. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee received a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Seoul National University, completed her Master of Music in vocal accompanying at Manhattan School of Music, and earned an artist diploma in collaborative piano from The Juilliard School. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in choral music at USC. Currently, she is a music director of the San Diego Festival Chorus and the San Dieguito United Methodist Church. She also serves as the Far South Representative for the California Choral Directors Association. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/mitchell-25-0623 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

People spend a lot of time outside during hot and humid weather. Whether you're going to the beach or working your shift as a lifeguard, try these 7 proven ways to stay cool while outside.