The site-specific walking adventure play “San Diego, I Love You” created by Katherine Harroff of the bygone theater company Circle Circle dot dot is returning this weekend for the first time in seven years.
After producing in the neighborhoods of Hillcrest, University Heights, the UCSD campus, Ocean Beach, Liberty Station and North Park, the site for performances this weekend, and again March 29-30, is City Heights.
Former Circle Circle dot dot company member Soroya Rowley, who’s also a City Heights resident, wrote the script for this immersive romantic comedy that will unfold in the community and at two neighborhood destinations: Key & Cleaver restaurant and the Tower Bar.
Rowley says the impetus for reviving “San Diego, I Love You” in City Heights is to call attention to the stalled road construction in the area that is negatively impacting local businesses and, she says, even endangering residents.
“The road construction issue is a bit of a character,” she said of the play. “It comes up in each scene but it’s not the focus. The focus is the relationship between the two main characters — they’re inspired by the love story of two people from one of the businesses in the play.”
Performances of “San Diego, I Love You: City Heights” start every half hour between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. on both weekends. Tickets are $20 at eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-i-love-you-city-heights-tickets-1218580128969.
If you’re new to the “San Diego, I Love You” format, here’s Rowley’s advice: “Be ready to be a little brave. You’re right up in it, watching the action. It’s not a play where you’re ively absorbing; you’re actively involved.”
Rowley calls the City Heights production “a little resurrection moment,” but added “It’s such a popular, beloved series. We’ll probably continue to do these.”
Who knows? Your neighborhood may be next.
Theater
Before his Tony Award-winning historical musical “Parade” or his highly regarded Off Broadway relationship musical “The Last Five Years,” composer/playwright Jason Robert Brown debuted in 1995 the theatrical song cycle “Songs for a New World.” It features four performers playing multiple characters, it blends different song stylings and it radically changes time periods.
San Diego Musical Theatre is launching its new Off-Broadway Series Monday and Tuesday nights with its own production of “Songs for a New World.” Jonathan Sangster directs the cast of Bryan Banville, Bethany Slomka, Chase Lowary and Salima Gangani. Dr. Randi Rudolph is musical director.
Tickets are $25. What do you have to do that’s better on a Monday or Tuesday night? Visit sdmt.org/shows/sfanw.
Music festival
From the “Only in O.B.” file comes Saturday’s block party “Punkrock Rodeo.” The longtime Huntington Beach band Guttermouth headlines a loud day’s journey into night that features life music on five stages including clubs and the Hodad’s parking lot in Ocean Beach.
The musical bill also includes Poway’s own Agent 51, L.A.’s Angry Samoans, whose punk roots go all the way back to the late ‘70s, and the melodic hardcore band Ignite from Orange County. If you’re wondering where the rodeo comes into all this, the block party does have a mechanical bull on site.
Check the various venues for showtimes and ticket prices. Details at punkrockrodeo.com.
Street fair
Here’s an idea: After spending Saturday at a block party in O.B., head east to the neighborhood Rolando on Sunday, March 23, when its annual street fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day of music, food and crafts culminates with a performance by the current iteration of the Beat Farmers at 4:45.
Besides being known for the Rolando Street Fair, this neighborhood south of El Cajon Boulevard is famous among locals for its paved, picturesque catwalks that connect streets. You can find a map of them on the Rolando website at rolandocc.org/rolando-street-fair.
Jazz
Legends of jazz keyboards will be celebrated in music Saturday in a concert at the Jacobs Music Center downtown. The aptly titled “Piano Paragons” program explores the timeless stylings of Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Chick Corea and Art Tatum. That’s a Mount Rushmore if there ever was one.
The pianists who will perform are Tyler Bullock, Eric Scott Reed and Helen Sung, accompanied by Peter Washington on bass and Carl Allen on the drums. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. but get there an hour early to enjoy a performance the Gilbert Castellanos-founded Young Lions Jazz Conservatory All-Stars. The San Diego Symphony will not perform at this concert. sandiegosymphony.org/performances/piano-paragons
U-T Spring Arts Preview 2025
On Sunday, the Union-Tribune published a 24-page preview featuring our critics top picks for the best events to see, read and experience in San Diego County this spring and early summer in the fields of music, theater, dance, visual arts and books We also profiled six local artists who have made their name in San Diego. Here are the 12 stories featured in that issue:
Top 10 picks for spring
- Our top 10 books picks and events for the season
- The top 10 theater and opera events to see this season
- Our top 10 music picks for the season
- Our top classical music picks for the season
- The top 10 dance events we’re looking forward to this spring
- The 10 art exhibits and events we can’t wait to see this season
Profiles of six San Diego County artists
- For theater artist Michael Amira Temple, service to the community comes first
- Guitarist Eric Wesling is a rising star on the San Diego music scene
- San Diego gave author Deborah Rudell the strength to make it through
- Homegrown Brian Heil thrives as an in-demand ballet dancer
- Cellist Peter Ko is thriving at UCSD and beyond
- Natalie Gonzalez makes her artistic tribute a reality in adopted hometown
Other U-T arts stories you may have missed this week
- Todd Rundgren honors Burt Bacharach on new tour: ‘You don’t want to murder the melodies!’
- Check out these 7 new restaurants and where to get free pizza on Saturday
- These San Diego museums have later hours for night owls and after-work exploring
- Three operatic Salomes dish on the punishing role, veil dancing and severed heads
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
Formed in 1994, the B-Side Players blend the vibrant sounds of Cuba, Jamaica, Mexicoand Brazil with the funk, rock, jazzand hip-hop rhythms of their homeland. Their dynamic style also weaves in Cumbia, gritty street Samba, Son Montunoand Jarocho. Often described as “War meets Lenny Kravitz by way of Ben Harper,” the band has shared the stage with music legends like Ben Harper, Ozomatli, The Wailers, James Brown and War. Led by Karlos “Solrak” Paez — who grew up in a musical family — the B-Side Players bring deep cultural roots to their music. Paez’s father, Ezequiel Paez, was a trombone player and arranger for renowned groups like Los Moonlights and La Banda Del Recodo.
“Aging, Health and Lifestyle Choices”
Gordon Saxe, M.D., Ph.D., reveals how to slow the aging process and enhance overall health. He explores how aging impacts bones, muscles, and the brain — contributing to memory loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity. See how choices made today can longevity and vitality, from the benefits of caloric restriction to the power of a plant-based diet in preventing chronic disease. Saxe also shares practical strategies for maintaining strength and mental sharpness, including exercise, stress management, and fostering social connections. Discover how small, intentional steps can lead to a healthier, more energized life as you age.
“The Ethics of Choosing a Disability”
An estimated 1.3 billion people — 16% of the global population — live with a significant disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Disabilities can be physical or mental, affecting vision, movement, cognition, communication, hearing or social relationships. While some are genetic, others result from circumstances beyond an individual’s control. In this episode of “Exploring Ethics,” Professor Joseph Stramondo examines the complex narratives and identities surrounding disability. He delves into the ethical considerations of choosing disability, challenging assumptions and exploring how disability shapes personal identity and societal perceptions.
And finally, top weekend events
The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: March 21-23.
