In Arts: Junior Theatre tackles Maurice Sendak
This week the San Diego Jewish Arts Festival offers several concerts suitable for all ages. Those into classic films can get their fill at Cinema Under the Stars. Kids and their families can be wowed by the youthful cast of the imaginative play “Really Rosie.” Sports enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy watching those dirt bikes jumping mud mounds, can take in the “Motocross America, the Early Years” exhibit. Concert goers can jump on the Billy Idol bandwagon when he brings his “Idolize Yourself “ tour to two venues in San Diego.
15th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival
The San Diego REPertory Theatre continues the Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza. On Monday, June 23, 7:30 p.m. “A Musical Tour of The Jewish Calendar” features singer Benny Friedman, composer Sha-rone Kushnir and the 8th DAY, one of L.A.’s top young bands. The 8th Annual “Klezmer Summit” stages on June 30 at 7:30 p.m. The double header features music by Klezmer Summit and Yale Strom. Klezmer Juice, (Klezmer -Yiddish for professional folk musician), represents a new generation of Jewish soul musicians whose members see themselves as torchbearers of an ancient traditional craft that unites generations in spirit and offering fresh interpretations of traditional tunes. Yale Strom is one of the world’s leading experts in Eastern European music and has traveled the world as a musician, composer and ethnologist. Since 1981, he has been composing his own New Jewish music, which combines klezmer with Hasidic nigunim, Rom, jazz, classical, Balkan and Sephardic motifs. For tickets call (619) 544-1000 or visit www.sandiegorep.com.
Cinema Under the Stars
San Diego summers offer wonderful entertainment venues. One hidden treasure is Cinema Under the Stars, San Diego’s premiere outdoor theater that shows classic films. Each classic includes an introduction and discussion, and occasionally a surprise guest. The seating ranges from ergonomic lounge chairs and cafe table seating to balcony barstools and chairs with ottoman. Concessions are available, and the area is heated for those who fear getting chilled. The best part of Cinema Under the Stars is watching the classic films on a big screen. Digitally projected on a 20-foot screen, the images are clearer, the adventure far more exhilarating, the love stories more romantic and the dramas more intense. June showings include everything from “Sorry, Wrong Number” with Barbara Stanwyck to “Indiscreet” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. Cinema Under the Stars is located at 4040 Goldfinch St., San Diego. Ticket prices are $12.50-$13.50. Doors open at 6 p.m.; films start at 8:30 p.m. For more information or reservations call (619) 295-4221 or go to
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Billy Idol
Music fans are gearing up for the upcoming Billy Idol’s “Idolize Yourself “ tour. Following a world-wide tour, the U.S. leg of Idol’s trek kicks off on Sunday, June 22 at 4th B Concert Theater in San Diego and continues June 23 at Valley View Casino in Valley Center. Idol, along with guitarist Steve Stevens, drummer Brian Tichy and keyboardist Derek Sherinian will entertain with the bands’ vast career of pop tunes. Idol will also be celebrating the June 23 release of his new album “Idolize Yourself” with two songs, “John Wayne” and “New Future Weapon,” among the CD’s 18 tracks. Tickets are available at
or (619) 220-TIXS.
‘Really Rosie’
A great summer outing for families is the San Diego Junior Theater. The current production is “Really Rosie,” a play based on several books by renowned author Maurice Sendak. The setting takes place on a hot, July Saturday on Avenue P where the neighborhood kids are pretending to make a movie. With an active imagination, and a director-like persona, Rosie leads her friends in and out of adventures. From the jungles of Africa, to the pyramids of Egypt, to producing their own motion pictures, Rosie takes the lead in every imagination journey. She’s independent and confident and loves to turn herself into fascinating characters using costume pieces and her own imagination. Showcasing local talent in notable productions, the San Diego Junior Theater stages their plays in the nostalgic 600-seat Casa del Prado theatre in Balboa Park. The play runs June 27 - July 13. For tickets or more information, call (619) 239-8355.
“Motocross America, the Early Years” Exhibit
Debuting at the San Diego Automotive Museum, the “Motocross America, the Early Years” exhibit showcases the history of motocross for audiences in Southern California – home to many champions, past and present. The exhibit traces the evolution of the sport with bikes and memorabilia featuring National Champions Roger DeCoster and Gary Jones, whose bike is on display. Champions from the past and present are highlighted, and a lBMW R 1200 GS adventure bike is on display in the lobby! The exhibit runs through September 25 at the San Diego Auto Museum in Balboa Park. For more information, call (619) 231-2886.