La Jolla’s Best Bets for Events, Dec. 17-24

On Stage

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In a virtuoso performance, award-winning showman and San Diego favorite Hershey Felder brings to life the remarkable story of Irving Berlin, long thought of as “America’s Composer.” See it through Jan. 3 at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. Among the hits to be heard are “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “God Bless America,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “White Christmas.” Tickets from $50. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

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La Jolla Theater Ensemble will present a 70-minute holiday show in the old-time radio style, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at La Jolla Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. In addition to the performance, learn about the group’s upcoming season. $10 suggested donation. (858) 552-1657. lajollalibrary.org

Concerts

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This holiday season, the Blind Boys of Alabama return to La Jolla Music Society with tunes from their album, “Talkin’ Christmas!” and the band’s previous Grammy-winning Christmas recording, “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” along with other gems from their 70-plus-year career, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at Sherwood Auditorium, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St. Tickets: $30-$85. (858) 459-3728. ljms.org

San Diego Symphony’s Holiday Pops concert features Cirque Musica filled with acrobats and jugglers demonstrating strength, balance, stunts and beauty. Matinee and evening shows Dec. 18-20 at Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown San Diego. Join in a sing along to hits of the season performed by the orchestra and voices of the San Diego Master Chorale and Children’s Choir. Tickets from $20. (619) 235-0804. sandiegosymphony.org

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Art songs and chamber music by de Falla, Kuspa, Ravel and R. Schumann will be performed by soprano Katina Mitchell, pianist Peter Walsh, Rachel van Amburgh on oboe and Afendi Yusuf on clarinet, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at St. James By-the-Sea Church, 743 Prospect St. Free. katinamitchell.com

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Monday Night Jazz presents the Bob Boss Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Hear Bob Boss on guitar, Duncan Moore on drums, Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet and Marshall Hawkins on bass. 987 Lomas Santa De Drive, Suite D, Solana Beach. Tickets: $22. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org

Santa Saturday

Join Santa and his helpers for lunch, face-painting, cookie-decorating, arts and crafts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. For ages 2-10. Bring a camera for photos with Santa and his helpers. Parents may only reserve for their own children for this event: (858) 552-1658. Donations accepted at the door. bit.ly/ljreccenter

Final Performances

See the Whos down in Whoville, when the seasonal classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” takes The Old Globe Theatre’s Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage through Dec. 26. The musical stars J. Bernard Calloway as the Grinch, with young La Jolla actors Hourie Klijian as Betty Lou Who (pink team) and Kennedy Nibbe in the Ensemble. Tickets from $37 for adults, $24 for children. 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org

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