St. Patrick's Day, a baseball movie marathon, the first day of Spring, and Cirque du Soleil - it's a festive week here in San Diego. Here are my best bets for the week of March 15-21.
The greatest show under the bigtop (with apologies to Ringling Bros.) returns to San Diego (the big yellow and blue tent is set up in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot) with the touring show of "Varekai," one of the Montreal-based troupe's revolving productions. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul. If you've never experienced Cirque du Soleil, and you can afford the steep ticket prices, don't miss its run.
As they say, on March 17, there's a little bit of Irish in everyone. And San Diego has its fair share of Irish pubs, so celebrating St. Paddy's Day isn't much of a stretch. Besides, the Irish tradition is the perfect excuse to drink. The Gaslamp District has its annual street party ($15), but you're better off find your nearest local Irish pub and downing a few Guiness pints. The Ould Sod in Normal Heights is always a best bet for authenticity...and the crush of humanity.
The 11th annual edition runs through March 21 at the Madstone Theaters in Hazard Center. With more than 100 films from Mexico, Cuba, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Spain and the U.S. This prestigious and internationally recognized film festival is the longest running Latino festival in Southern California. Tickets range from $6 to $8 for film screenings, $10 to $25 for concerts and galas.
Here's the ticket to get you revved up for baseball season. The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park is throwing a baseball movie marathon - one of MOPA's many clever themed film events. Watch 10 hours of recent baseball-themed films in one sitting, including the two Kevin Costner classics, "Bull Durham" and "Field of Dreams." Top it off with the rowdy "Major League" and notice that Charlie Sheen has a pretty good throwing motion. $12 for the entire marathon.
I don't know, it seemed kinda kitschy to include Englebert in the best bets. $40
Possessing one of the owrst band names ever this side of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Goo Goo Dolls, the Colorado-born band offers up an appealing mix of classic blues rock. Worth a try if you've never heard them before. $25
Techno's biggest DJ star spins his magic, along with DJ Peretz (aka Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction fame). $30
