This Week in San Diego: Kings of Leon, the Lilith Fair, Avenue Q and more

Seems like San Diego is really stepping it up this week with a plethora of music performances of every variety and for every budget. A hub of arts and culture, its no surprise that San Diego brings in big names while also being home to thousands of local artists. Enjoy your favorite artist or try something new- San Diego has something for everyone.

Wednesday, July 7

In San Diego for one night only, The Lilith Fair: A Celebration of Women in Music is going to be at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre this Wednesday! Comprised by an eclectic group of talented women, the musical performances of the Lilith Fair will be rocking audiences across the country. Check the schedule to find your favorite artist on one of three stages starting with Ashley Mattre at 2:50pm all the way to Sarah McLachlan at 10:00pm. Other artists featured include Donna Delory, A Fine Frenzy, Susan Justice, Brandi Carlile, The Weepies, Kitten, Miranda Lambert and Jenni Rivera. Get your tickets online starting from $10 to $71 plus taxes.

Meet me underneath the San Diego summer sky. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s Heikoff Dome Theater presents the monthly “The Sky tonight” Planetarium Shows, which features none other than our own San Diego night sky as it appears tonight. Get ready to explore the summer solstice and constellations in tonight’s show. Tickets are limited and may be purchased online or at the Science Center by 6:30pm for the 7:00pm or 8:00pm show. ($10.50 Adult Visitor/ $8.00 Adult Member) Tickets also include admissions into the Center’s exhibit. For an added treat or a cheaper alternative, take advantage of the free public sky viewing, hosted by the San Diego Astronomy Association, just west of the Science Center on The Prado directly after the show.

Thursday, July 8

Great music performances are available this Thursday for every taste and every budget. For the female pop/R&B aficionados, Jordin Sparks, accompanied by Ashlyne Huff and Days Difference, will be performing at the House of Blues in downtown San Diego as part of her “Battlefield Tour” this summer. Armed with some serious vocals, Sparks and Huff will blow you away at this intimate venue.  Purchase tickets online or at the box office to avoid additional online fees. Tickets start at $23.50 for all ages with special prices for 4-packs and Citi® Cardmembers. Doors open at 6:30pm but get there early to nab a good spot on the dance floor.

For those looking to enjoy some music on the cheap, Balboa Park has you covered. For the last 30 years, Twilight in the Park Concert Series has been attracting San Diegans each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. San Diego-based performance groups bring a broad range of free performances to the stage of the iconic Spreckels Organ Pavillion. This week, rock ‘n’ roll is headlining with Cat-illacs highlighting rock ‘n’ roll classics Wednesday night, and tonight, you can enjoy Cool-Rays’ rock ‘n’ roll beats from 6:15pm to 7:15pm. Check out the full schedule online and catch at least one show running through August 26.

Friday, July 9

Friday continues the impressive variety of performances offered in this edition San Diego events.

Not only is Boyz II Men, the ultimate R&B kings, performing at 7:00pm tonight at the Dreamcatcher at Viejas Casino, but Kings of Leon will also be rocking the stage at 7:30pm at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. Comparably priced around $45, R&B and southern rock fans alike can get tickets to either Boyz II Men or Kings of Leon online for a fun Friday night.

Universal Picture’s new animation, Despicable Me, starring TV and film funny-man Steve Carell (The Office, 40-Year Old Virgin) comes to theatres today. Highlighting the antics of Gru, the neighborhood villain, Despicable Me promises to delight kids and adults of all ages at a theatre near you.

Saturday, July 10

For an artsy Saturday night, head out to North Park for the 106^th Ray at Night Artwalk, the self-proclaimed “largest monthly artwalk in San Diego.” From 6:00pm to 9:30pm, weave your way between over 25 galleries and makeshift art venues to enjoy local and national artists’ showcased work. This event happens the second Saturday of every month and is entirely free!

Surf enthusiasts or competitors should make your way to the Wave House for the 2010 Flow Tour, which will be making its San Diego stop on its way to the championship in Utah. All day (10:00am-5:00pm), you can watch riders compete in the amateur and expert boarding divisions. It’s also not too late to sign up and test your hand at flowboarding for a small fee.

Sunday, July 11

After this jam-packed week of events, sleep in Sunday and enjoy one of San Diego’s great brunch spots. A personal favorite: Hash House A Go-Go, where the flapjacks are as big as your head and well worth the wait. Check out the full menu online and prepare to salivate over their “twisted farm favorites.”

Stopping in San Diego this week only, catch your chance to see the hysterical Broadway hit, Avenue Q at the San Diego Civic Theatre. This raunchy puppet show about real life in New York City is better suited for adults, particularly recent graduates, rather than kids. Catch the matinee show at 1:00pm or the closing show at 6:00pm starting from $17.50. Tickets for this Tony-award winning show will sell out!

While the summer sun may be lagging, San Diego’s events well make up for the disappointing weather. Between free artwalks, park concerts and star-gazing, this is one week to truly thank your lucky stars that you live in San Diego.