This Weekend in SD: Sake, Jazz and a Mix Tape

This weekend, San Diego provides ample ways to have a good time. These next four days provide an opportunity to celebrate Japanese beer, re-live the 80s or help support a rockin’ charity.

Dining

This Thursday night, watch the Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant—an eatery inspired by the olive trees, gardens and villas that dot the Mediterranean coastline— transform into an intimate outdoor concert venue. The recurring event Tunes & Tastes features local performers matched with irresistible menu items each Thursday. This week’s lineup includes Sasha Cline, a contemporary jazz vocalist. Tickets are $10-$18 and the event is 6-8 p.m.

Or, also on Thursday, the 9th Annual Beer and Sake Festival, presented by the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana, will offer the masterful brews of Japan – refreshing beer and delicate sake – along with local flavors from the San Diego and Tijuana region. According to the website, there will be 22 beer & sake companies providing over 100 different drinks and 13 Restaurants providing pairing appetizers at the event, including signature dishes and sushi.  There will also be a best appetizer contest. Admission is $40 for JSSDT members and $60 for non-members.

Theater

Throughout the weekend, stop by the Lamb’s Players Theatre and catch a performance of the hit musical “The Music Man.” Meredith Willson’s masterpiece tells the story of Harold Hill, a travelling music salesman whose latest stop is River City. Tickets are $28-$62 and performances will be Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Theater buffs can also head to the Horton Grand this weekend to see “Mix Tape.” According to its website, the production is “a celebration of that most Awesome of decades” and features the music of Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Dire Straits, Journey, Paul Simon, The Cure, U2, Amy Grant, Duran Duran, the B52s, Tears for Fears, Billy Joel, Madonna, Sting, Michael Jackson and more. Tickets are $28-$58 with half-off Thursday night tickets. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.

Music

This Friday, head to the House of Blues to see Coca-Cola Presents Taking Back Sunday. The band, originally fromNew York, is touring in promotion of its new self-titled album, released earlier this year. Advanced tickets for this all-ages show are $32.50-$47.50 or $37.50-$50 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Also performing are Thursday, Colour Revolt and The New Regime.

Those who want to make a difference can check out the third annual Rock to Stop the Violence show this Thursday at House of Blues. RTSV’s mission is to bring communities together to stand against violence and abuse through high impact rock ‘n’ roll music, art and fashion. The third Annual Summer Kick Off event will feature five bands, DJ Layla, an anti-violence fashion show, art & photo exhibit / sale, and a silent auction benefiting Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children’s Hospital. The VIP mix and mingle begins at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets to the all-ages show are $20-$25 and VIP tickets are $100.

Philanthropy

Also this Friday, be sure to kick off the summer right with Philanthro Productions. Philanthro is known to party for a better future, and this event at Analog will allow you to do just that. Why give money to a bar or club if you can give money to charity instead? 100% of net proceeds benefit local nonprofit Community Coaching Center (CCC) and their efforts to provide after school and Saturday programs for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With the purchase of a ticket, enjoy a complimentary drink from Analog, munch on Pop Chips and savor See’s candies. Sponsored by SKYY Vodka, drinks specials will be served until 10PM. DJ Coda will be mixing all night, so come and enjoy. Tickets are $15 at the door. Or go online for pre-sale at $10 each.

In theaters this weekend:
Cars 2
Bad Teacher
A Better Life (Limited)
Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop (Limited)