San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Live music, cultural events and fun adventures for the whole family
Beat the winter blues and explore the greater San Diego area this week with music, festivals, flowers and adventure. Witness the wonder of the latest Disney on Ice, learn more about the importance of local tidepools and protecting the unique habitats, check out a funky show in Solana Beach or bask in winter blooming camelias.
‘Blues in the Night’
North Coast Repertory Theatre has the blues in the best way. Now through Feb. 12, the theater is presenting the musical revue, “Blues In The Night,” a collection of 26 songs that run the gamut of human emotion.
Conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps, the North Coast Rep production is directed by Yvette Freeman Hartley and stars Ciarra Stroud, Karole Foreman, Elijah Rock and Anise Ritchie.
Attend the show and be captivated by favorites such as “Wasted Life Blues,” “Stompin' at the Savoy,” and “Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.”
The theater is at 987 Lomas Santa Fe in Solana Beach.
Visit northcoastrep.org/production/blues-in-the-night/ or call (858) 481-1055.
Chinese New Year fair
Head to Chinese New Year Fair on today at the International Cottages at Balboa Park. This supersized event includes cultural performances, traditional foods, lion dances, crafts, calligraphy and more fun. It's one of many that the House of China puts on throughout the year to encourage Chinese American relationships.
Bring the kids to the colorful event and introduce them to some ancient traditions and new sights and sounds.
Visit www.chinesenewyearfair.com
SD Home Improvement Expo
The San Diego Home Improvement Expo is coming to Del Mar Fairgrounds Jan. 28-29 with hands-on demonstrations, hundreds of home-improvement products, exhibitors, plant sales, face-to-face consultations and more.
The show focuses on San Diego-area experts, services, products and businesses. Attendees find everything they need to save time and money improving, refreshing or remodeling their homes and outdoor surroundings—from the latest in appliances to garden lighting, sunrooms, barbecues, home security systems and kitchen and bath supplies.
Special pricing is a big draw and homeowners can collect multiple quotes on a project all in one place.
Admission is free. Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29.
Visit sandiegohomeimprovementexpo.com/ .
‘Disney on Ice: Road Trip’
The magic of Disney is closing out its wintry stop in San Diego at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. today with “Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures” at the Pechanga Arena.
Bring the kids for the latest twist on Disney stories as characters skate through sets based on your favorite Disney films, from Moana's island to Simba's prideland, with iconic parades and carnivals in between. Plenty of songs and surprises are sure to delight generations of Disney fans and give the kids a memorable afternoon.
Visit pechangaarenasd.com/ events/.
Tidepooling adventures
Sure, you can just happen upon a tidepool and ooh and ahh, but what if your kid has questions? Wouldn't it be nice to have an expert along to explain what you've found?
Go on a Tidepooling Adventure with a Birch Aquarium naturalist and learn more about the stunning habitats where the land meets the sea. Adventures can be found on select weekend dates from January to March, with exploration times varying according to tides.
Advance reservations are required.
The Birch Aquarium is at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla.
Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu/experiences/programs/tidepooling.