PACIFIC San Diego Magazine, October 2019

CUZ WE LOVE LIZZO!

Our favorite flute-playing, twerking pop star headlines a busy month of concerts

October 2019

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

ALSO INSIDE DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ROUNDUP ALL THE HALLOWEEN HAUNTS A HIGH-FLYING BLIND DATE OKTOBERFEST OPTIONS THE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS THE RETURN OF WOW TWO FILM FESTIVALS + TONS MORE CONCERTS, COMEDIANS AND EVENTS

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EDITOR’S NOTE

EDUARDO CONTRERAS

This Is Us

H

i, everyone!

I’m the new editor of PACIFIC, and I sort of can’t believe it.

As a kid growing up in Chula Vista, I worshipped magazines. Every month, I’d trek down a very steep hill to raid the Vons magazine rack and buy as many titles as I could carry back. My staples were Vogue for the fancy ads that doubled as posters; Sassy, then Jane for the writers who felt like friends; Spin for my music news; and Cosmopolitan for the quizzes and (questionable) dating advice.

And now, here I am, writing my own editor’s note.

My goal at PACIFIC is that you feel that same kind of teen giddiness when you see our magazine on the racks.

I have lots of plans, like including more articles about unique San Diegans, highlighting local artists and creating neighborhood guides and food roundups. Of course, our trademark photo galleries, event listings, happy hours and contests aren’t going anywhere.

Luckily, I inherited a smart, quirky and talented staff to help make it all happen. And fun fact: Four of us are San Diego natives!

I’ve been writing about San Diego’s arts and entertainment

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

since my days at San Diego State University, eventually working as an entertainment reporter at The San Diego Union-Tribune, then on to KPBS to focus on arts for radio, TV and online.

Managing editor Jennifer Ianni (from the former University of San Diego High), is the heart of PACIFIC, plus she has encyclopedic knowledge about pretty much anything that’s cool or that we don’t even know is cool yet.

Staff writer Sara Butler (Steele Canyon High) has impeccable taste in music and she makes her print debut this month with a Dia de los Muertos roundup.

Then there’s our super stylish and savvy sales team, Katie Musolf, Pamela Razo (Chula Vista High) and John Vaccaro.

Together with the brilliant editors, writers, photographers and designers from The San Diego Union-Tribune, and our dedicated freelancers, we’re able to put together this beautiful magazine. I’m excited for its future, and I hope you are, too.

Nina Garin (Bonita Vista High)

From left: John Vaccaro, Sara Butler, Nina Garin, Jennifer Ianni, Pamela Razo.

Not pictured: Katie Musolf

It’s a Gift

Volume #13 | Issue #10 | October 2019

Actually, it’s a bunch of prizes

Register to win tickets to these October events and more at pacificsandiego.com/contests.

Life’s cool in San Diego. Here’s proof:

On Broadway Whether you’re a fan of the late-’90s cartoon, Russian royal mysteries or anything Broadway, you’ll want to enter for a chance to win tickets to Anastasia, making its San Diego debut.

Oct. 1 at San Diego Civic Theatre

LOL at ACC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Nina Garin

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTORS DESIGNERS

PRODUCTION/ DESIGN DIRECTOR

You might recognize comedian Rory Scovel from his work in TV and films like I Feel Pretty, The House or Inside Amy Schumer. You’ll definitely recognize him if you enter for a chance to win tickets to his San Diego stand-up show.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Oct. 18 at American Comedy Co.

Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Anita L. Arambula, Gregory Schmidt Michael Domine, Javier Gonzalez, Mark Opriska, Tyler Rau, Anthony Tarantino Michael Price Michael Benninger, Lisa Deaderick, James Hebert, Pam Kragen, Scott McDonald, Peter Rowe Eduardo Contreras, Misael Virgen

Something WCKD The hottest Halloween party happening in San Diego this season? The WCKD Village festival promises spine-tingling tarot card readers, fortune tellers, palm readers, three stages with live music, a costume contest and many more spooky treats. Enter for a chance to win a pair of GA+ tickets (two complimentary drinks included!).

Oct. 26 at downtown San Diego

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Vaccaro

CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR

Pamela Razo

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Greg Johannsen

Sara’s Songs She won’t write you a love song or bake you a pie, but you can hear Sara Bareilles sing some of her hit songs by entering for a chance to win a pair of tickets to her upcoming San Diego show.

Oct. 29 at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Register to win at pacificsandiego.com/contests 10

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Life’s Cool.

Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social, email, street team and events.

Read, click, connect... BOOM! PACIFIC is a media property owned

by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

pacificsandiego.com

@PACIFICSD 619.293.1945

A subsidiary of The San Diego Union-Tribune

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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019

MARCELA TABOADA

CURRENTS 14 Ten.Nineteen October events calendar

PULSE 46 Art Beat October gallery + exhibition openings

36 Party for the Dearly Departed Where to celebrate Dia de los Muertos

54 In the Wings What’s on stage in October

40 Laughing Stock October stand-up comedy shows

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

56 Cinematic Celebration San Diego International Film Festival puts the spotlight on America’s Finest City

TASTE 58 In With the New A dozen new San Diego eateries serve up everything from ramen to gelato 68 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here

GROOVE 70 Sounds Like a Plan October concert calendar

ON THE COVER: Reigning queen of the charts, Lizzo, comes to San Diego Oct. 24 for her headlining “Cuz I Love You Too” tour. Read more about her (and her flute) on page 70.

84 Take a Spin October EDM + DJ performances

ON THIS PAGE: Dia de los Muertos celebrations begin early at venues around the county. We have a guide to the top events, including a visit from Mexican music icon Lila Downs, performing Oct. 13.

Find details on page 36.

LOVE 86 Leap of Faith Blind daters fly high on a daring date.

CURRENTS WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER, NINA GARIN AND JENNIFER IANNI

Jason Knibb of Nine-Ten.

10.20

Celebrate the Craft

The Lodge Torrey Pines, La Jolla, lodgetorreypines.com/ celebrate-the-craft Foodies, this is your event! Mingle with high-profile chefs, farmers, brewers and wine-makers at this annual gourmet food festival. Talk bread-making with representatives from Bread and Cie, or learn how chefs Kelli Crosson (The Lodge at Torrey Pines) and Jason Knibb (NineTen) create menus around seasonal, SoCal ingredients.

NELVIN C. CEPEDA

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

10.2 8TH ANNUAL TASTE OF MISSION HILLS

Throughout Mission Hills, missionhillsbid.com Twenty-five of Mission Hills’ most talented chefs, brewers, baristas and ice cream experts prepare to please your palate at this annual food fest that includes free transportation on an Old Town Trolley.

GETTY IMAGES

10.3 TASTE + TEQUILA OLD TOWN

Throughout Old Town, oldtownsandiego.org Get your fill of Old Town’s most famous meals and wet your whistle with top-shelf tequila and other sensational spirits during this self-guided dining tour featuring musicians and other entertainers who keep the fun flowing between bites.

10.3 CRIME JUNKIE PODCAST LIVE

Balboa Theatre, downtown, crimejunkiepodcast.com True-crime obsessives, meet fellow fans and spend time with popular Crime Junkie podcast hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. The live show focuses on a case that’s never been told before, so get ready to analyze all sorts of clues and evidence.

CARA BOYER

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

GA RY PAYNE IAN PATZKE PHOTO GRAPHY

10.3 ORCHIDS & ONIONS AWARDS CEREMONY

US Grant Hotel, downtown, orchidsandonions.org Every year, the San Diego Architectural Foundation crowns the county’s most beautiful new buildings, projects and designs.

But also? Finding out which not-so-pretty projects will earn onions is what makes this a nail-biting, must-attend event for local designers, architects and artists.

10.4-27 FERN STREET CIRCUS NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Neighborhoods throughout county, fernstreetcircus.com You know in the movies when you see a circus coming to town?

That’s the inspiration behind this locally based arts group.

Acrobats, actors and puppet artists perform free shows — with socially conscious messages — in neighborhoods from North Park to City Heights and beyond. (See site for tour schedule.)

10.5 VALLE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Valle de Guadalupe, vallefoodandwinefest.com Wolfgang Puck, Javier Plascencia and other culinary heavy-hitters from both sides of the border join forces to celebrate the wines and cuisine of Valle de Guadalupe at this mustattend festival that also features live music, craft breweries, art, vendors and more.

ALEJANDRO TA MAYO

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

10.5 TASTE OF OCEANSIDE

Throughout Oceanside, mainstreetoceanside.com Take a ride on the Taste Trolley (or hoof it to hit your step goal) during O’side’s premier culinary experience featuring food, beer and wine from the neighborhood’s most reputable eateries and alcohol purveyors.

ROAD WEST P HOTOTG RAPHY

10.5-6 TROLLEY DANCES

RICK NOCON

10.5 PACIFIC BEACHFEST

Along the boardwalk from Felspar to Thomas streets, Pacific Beach, pacificbeachfest.org Billed as “San Diego’s premier beach festival,” this family-friendly fest promises live music from artists like Big Daddy Blues Band, Martin McDaniel, The Routine and more, plus a 5K, fish taco contest and the Big Josh Beer Garden, which benefits the Big Josh Foundation.

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12th & Imperial Transit Center, East Village, sandiegodancetheater.org Modern dance has a very specific audience, but when it’s performed at trolley stops and public buildings, it suddenly becomes an art form for everyone. Take a guided tour along the trolley’s green and orange lines to see dances created

by San Diego Dance Theater choreographers, and inspired by their urban surroundings.

ALEJANDRO TAMAYO

AARON GILLIAM

10.6 FLAVORS OF SAN DIEGO

Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Del Mar, alfflavors.org This culinary experience transcends traditional foodie fests by hosting local chefs who prepare signature dishes and multicourse meals directly at guests’ tables.

COURTESY P HOTO

10.10 TASTE OF CARLSBAD VILLAGE

Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad, carlsbad-village.com/events/taste-of-carlsbad-village Take a self-guided culinary tour through charming Carlsbad Village and sample bites from spots like CampďŹ re, Jeune et Jolie, Park 101, Barrel Republic and more.

ROBERT J. HIBBS

10.10-13 ART SAN DIEGO

San Diego Convention Center, downtown, art-sandiego.com Miami has Art Basel, we have Art San Diego, a four-day contemporary art showcase featuring works from around the world. Yes, there will be wine-and-cheese platters galore, but the weekend also features plenty of art talks, events and even a local artist spotlight. @PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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C URRENTS | E V E N TS

10.12 TASTE OF NORTH PARK

Throughout North Park, explorenorthpark.com/ taste-of-north-park-2019 North Park showcases its unique brand of hip dining options at this rain-or-shine festival, featuring samples from foodie hot spots like 619 Spirits, Bivouac Ciderworks, Dunedin New Zealand Eats, Louisiana Purchase, The Smoking Goat and more.

EXPLORE NORTH PARK

10.12 FIT FOODIE FESTIVAL & 5K

10.12 FUTURE STANDARD MUSIC & ART EXPERIENCE

NTC Park at Liberty Station, fitfoodierun.com/ san-diegocalifornia.html Because “a healthy lifestyle and delicious culinary experiences don’t have to be separate,” participants in the Fit Foodie Festival & 5K get the best of both worlds as they dash and then dine on delicious bites. A beer garden and fitness demonstrations round out the day.

SOMA, Midway District, futurestandard.live This locally organized independent festival — DJed by recording artist Toro y Moi — aims to raise the bar for the city’s alternative music scene by inviting locals to mingle with top national talent amid live performances, a beer garden and an expansive exhibition hall.

ALLEN J. SCHABEN

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C URRENTS | EVENTS 10.12-13 LA JOLLA ART & WINE FESTIVAL

Girard Avenue, La Jolla, ljawf.com

Try wines from around the world, beers from local breweries and discover new art at this 11th annual festival. Happening throughout downtown La Jolla, the free, family-friendly event showcases more than 150 artists in genres like painting, ceramics, photography and even jewelry design.

You’ll also find pet adoption stations, live music, a kids area and lots more.

A Casa Tutti Bene

10.13 TYLER HENRY LIVE

Dogman

Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, pechanga.com/entertain/ tyler-henry The star of E! Entertainment’s Hollywood Medium brings his gift for communing with the other side to Pechanga Theater for a show that features discussions, live readings and an interactive audience Q&A.

L’uomo Che Compro La Luna

10.15-27 SAN DIEGO ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

At venues throughout San Diego, sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com/event/2019-sdiff-festivale Celebrating Italian culture through film, the San Diego Italian Film Festival’s feStivale spans 12 days and includes a launch party (on Oct. 6), film screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts and a closing night gala.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

Lee Kraner, Pink Stone, 1969. Courtesy of SDMA.

10.17 CULTURE & COCKTAILS

San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park, sdmart.org It’s all about the ladies at the San Diego Museum of Art’s popular art-themed party.

Celebrate female artists from the Abstract Expressionist movement with an evening filled with spin art, face painting and makeup, lemon cupcakes and dancing.

The Abstract Revolution exhibition will be open during the event, and on view at the museum through February 2020.

10.17 DINE OUT FOR THE CURE

Restaurants throughout the county, komensandiego.org/dineout October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and more than 50 local restaurants will donate proceeds from their Thursday, Oct. 17, sales to Susan G. Komen. Dine out at spots from the casual Blaze Pizza and Lolita’s Mexican Food to the more upscale Terra American Bistro and Waypoint Public to help this annual fundraiser. Find a complete list of participating restaurants online.

GLENN KOENIG

10.17-20 WITHOUT WALLS FESTIVAL

MYRA KLARMAN

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Arts District Liberty Station, Liberty Station, wowfestival.org The La Jolla Playhouse’s biennial celebration of site-specific, immersive and otherwise unconventional performance has become a certified happening. And this year, it moves to a new location: Arts District Liberty Station. (-JAMES HEBERT)

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

10.19-20 SAN DIEGO GREEN HOMES TOUR

Throughout the county, sdgreenhomestour.org You’ve eliminated plastics and have the whole composting thing figured out. But, now what? Get more green living inspiration at the 10th annual Green Homes Tour. You’ll see green designs from high-tech home battery systems to backyard native plant gardens. Saturday is for homes in South, East and Central San Diego, Sunday showcases spots in North County.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

REAL ESTATE MARKET WATCH

Ocean Beach

Enjoy sweeping ocean views from every level of this stunning 3,761+ sqft beach estate with guest house and rooftop deck at 4646 Del Mar Ave! Spacious floorplan features meticulous attention to detail with high-end fixtures/finishes including grand spiral staircase, gleaming wood floors, 5 custom fireplaces, gourmet kitchen with gas range, multi-media room with rich wood paneling and stunning views, palatial master retreat with his/hers walk-in closets, spa-like bath and numerous outdoor spaces to bask in the San Diego sun and ocean breezes!

4646 Del Mar Ave., San Diego, CA 92107, $2,399,000

OCEAN BEACH MARKET UPDATE # of homes for sale: 61 # of homes sold: 20 Highest price: $3,500,000 Lowest price: $390,000 Average home price: $1,206,574

The inventory has continued to increase and interest rates have remained low. Prices have still continued to rise at a steady rate. Comparably the San Diego market has less available housing than other areas creating more competition. As a buyer this is still a great time to buy taking advantage of the low rates. For sellers, it is important to have the expectation that the time on the market may be a little longer; there are plenty of buyers looking for homes and the successful sale of your home can become your reality!

MELISSA GOLDSTEIN TUCCI

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C URRENTS | EVENTS 10.26 BUBBLE RUN

North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, bubblerun.com Immerse yourself in an abundance of bubbles at this unconventional, exercise-oriented event featuring 5 kilometers of sudsy fun for runners, walkers, dancers and stroller-pushers of all ages and abilities.

BRADLEY SCHWEIT

10.20 THIRD ANNUAL TIKI LUAU

The Grass Skirt, Pacific Beach, venno.com/ event/tiki-luau-2019 Say goodbye to summer in Polynesian style at The Grass Skirt’s Tiki Luau, featuring a traditional pig roast, rum tasting, craft cocktails and more.

GETTY IMAGES

10.26 5TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL

Waterfront Park, Little Italy, sandiegomacncheese.com Indulge in unlimited samples of cheesy comfort food — and knock back loads of local brews — as some of the city’s best restaurants compete for your vote at this yearly pasta party.

COURTESY P HOTO

10.20 WASTED: A CELEBRATION OF SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Kitchens for Good, Lincoln Park, wastedcelebration.com Local and national chefs are tasked with creating a meal using an ingredient that might normally be thrown away at this event (which benefits Kitchens for Good) that aims to change the way people think about food waste.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

GETTY IMAGES

10.27 10TH ANNUAL SPRING VALLEY TAILGATE AND BBQ FESTIVAL

Cali Comfort BBQ, Spring Valley, behindthesmokemedia.com Put your grill skills to the test at this backyard BBQ challenge in which more than two dozen teams will compete to be crowned Spring Valley’s top amateur pitmasters.

San Diego Gulls Home Games

Pechanga Arena San Diego, sandiegogulls.com

10.18

VS. STOCKTON HEAT

10.25

VS. ONTARIO REIGN

CHADD CA DY

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

Oktoberfests

KAREN PEARLMAN

9.27-29, 10.4-6 OKTOBERFEST IN EL CAJON

German American Societies, El Cajon, germanclubsandiego.org Do the chicken dance, sing time-honored tunes, and tantalize your taste buds with authentic German eats during two fun-filled weekends featuring a ceremonial keg tap, the crowning of the Oktoberfest queen and a raffle for a flight to the Fatherland.

10.5 CARLSBAD ROTARY OKTOBERFEST

Holiday Park, Carlsbad, rotaryoktoberfest.org Dig out your finest German attire as North County’s long-running Oktoberfest returns for another year of costume contests, ice-cold beer, music, meals and more.

BRADLEY SCHWEIT PHOTO GRAPHY

10.4-6 46TH ANNUAL LA MESA OKTOBERFEST

La Mesa Village, La Mesa, lamesaoktoberfest.org Billed as the largest Oktoberfest bash west of the Mississippi, this free, three-day event attracts more than 100,000 attendees and boasts live local music, traditional German dishes and plenty of Bavarian bier along with sing-a-longs, stein races and oodles of other games.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

SCOTT MCCLATCHEY

10.11-12 OB OKTOBERFEST

Along Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach, oboktoberfest.com Toss a sausage, gorge on bratwurst or dare to do “Das Booty Flip” as Bavaria takes over Ocean Beach for a weekend full of beer, live music, costume contests and tons of crazy challenges.

C URRENTS | E V E N TS

Halloween 9.27-11.2 SCREAM ZONE

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, thescreamzone.com One of SoCal’s scariest scenes returns with three hair-raising haunts, including a hallucinatory House of Horror, a harrowing Haunted Hayride and a Wizard of Oz-inspired experience called The Chamber.

10.4-11.2 THE DISTURBANCE

Mission Valley Center, Mission Valley, hauntedhotel.com This trio of terrifying attractions includes undead outcasts from Downtown’s Haunted Hotel, a congregation of “kill-billies” from the Ozarks and a 3D Freak-Fest designed to melt your mind.

10.25-26 NIGHTMARE BEFORE HALLOWEEN AT LAFAYETTE

Lafayette Hotel, University Heights, lafayettehotelsd.com Be there when El Cajon Boulevard’s celebrated inn transforms into a Tim Burton-esque wonderland where guests with the creepiest themed costumes can win big prizes. Some of San Diego’s favorite bands will perform throughout the night, including Low Volts, Shane Hall and Dani Bell & The Tarantist.

9.27-11.2 HAUNTED TRAIL & EXPERIMENT MAZE

Balboa Park, downtown, hauntedtrail.net Squeamish peeps should steer clear of this mile-long amusement that starts with a spine-tingling, 3,500-squarefoot maze then continues throughout Balboa Park’s perilous paths, brimming with pop culture’s most insidious icons.

10.26 WCKD VILLAGE

GERALD MCCLARD

10.25-26, 10.31-11.2 SAN DIEGO ZOMBIE CRAWL

Throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village, sandiegozombiecrawl.com Now spanning two weekends and coinciding with the Dia de los Muertos, this year’s alcohol-infused undead event offers access to more than 20 of the city’s hottest parties (and escape rooms) and features complimentary shots at 10-plus venues.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

10.26 9TH ANNUAL HALLO-WINE & SPIRITS PARTY

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, hoteldel.com Prepare to see plenty of Pennywise cosplayers as Coronado’s famously haunted hotel invites guests to wear clown-themed costumes for this adultsonly affair full of drinking, dancing and decadent desserts.

Market Street to J Street, East Village, wckdvillage.com Confront fearsome creatures face-toface at this musical fright-fest featuring three eerie experiences, loads of live music, and a morbid bar crawl among other attractions.

10.26 NIGHTMARE ON NORMAL STREET

Pride Flag Plaza, Hillcrest, fabuloushillcrest.com Kick off Halloween weekend at this massive 21-and-up block party boasting two enormous bars, an epic outdoor dance party and multiple costume contests — including one for canines.

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

A party for the dearly departed

Where to celebrate Dia de los Muertos

BY SARA BUTLER

B

ring on the sugar skulls, marigolds and mariachi — it’s Dia de los Muertos season. The Mexican holiday, also known as Day of the Dead, is an annual tradition honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

Even though Dia de los Muertos forces you to think about death, the holiday is actually a joyful celebration that happens throughout Mexico. And over the last decade, the tradition has made its way to this side of the border through celebrations, film and music. There’s even a new Day of the Dead Barbie doll, complete with a floral dress and painted face.

On Dia de los Muertos, you create ofrendas (altars) with photos and other keepsakes of family and friends who have died. Gifts, like food and drinks they loved, and the traditional marigolds, are placed on these ofrendas. Meanwhile, living relatives celebrate with calavera (skull) face painting, arts and crafts, live music, dancing and other activities.

While the holiday technically happens Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, festivities start early in San Diego.

From concerts to bread-baking, here are events to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

WA LT DISNEY PICTURES

10.26 SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY PRESENTS COCO IN CONCERT

2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., downtown. $29 to $86. 619.235.0804, sandiegosymphony.org If you haven’t seen the Oscar-winning Coco yet – or if you are a huge fan – experience the animated film with live accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony. Disney Pixar’s movie celebrates Mexican culture, tradition and ancestry (and features local theater actor Herbert Siguenza as the voice of the late twin uncles). The screening will also feature Coco’s original soundtrack guitarist, Federico Ramos.

10.26 ARTELEXIA’S DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

Artelexia, 3803 Ray St., North Park.

Free. artelexia.com Situated in trendy North Park, Artelexia is a vibrant retail shop specializing in Mexican gifts, décor and other goods.

The shop, which is no stranger to hosting cultural workshops and events, will bring back its Day of the Dead festival for a third year. The “colorful celebration” honors tradition with a community altar, face painting and sugar skull decorating, along with a tequila/ mezcal tasting and cerveza cantina.

10.27 ‘DIA’ AT THE MISSION

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside. $2. mslrdiadelosmuertos.com The Old Mission San Luis Rey invites you to spend your “dia,” or day, in Oceanside. Now in its 19th year, this festival features altars, a chalk cemetery and the Por Siempre Car Show. A stage also hosts live entertainment, including bands and ballet folklorico, and Old Mission Elementary Mariachis.

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C URRENTS | EVENTS

“

I grew up on both sides of the border. The border area has been very important to me throughout my life and in our songwriting.

Today it’s a symbol of division and conflict, yet to many, it is home. I believe our music is about crossing borders in order to learn about ‘others’ and how Latin cultures enrich life and are the backbone of U.S. economy. This show is an effort to bring people together from all kinds of races and cultures, to show people some of the beauty in Latin American art and music.”

— Lila Downs

10.13 LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY PRESENTS LILA DOWNS 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $28 to $78. 858.459.3728 ljms.org

Mexican songstress Lila Downs kicks off Dia de los Muertos early with a themed performance.

Downs, a Grammy Awardwinning artist, epitomizes the Mexican spirit. If her name sounds familiar, you may know her voice from the soundtrack of the popular film Frida. The singer is also known for her political activism. She matches bold, thought-provoking lyrics with her signature style, characterized by vibrant, colorful clothing.

Now the Oaxaca, Mexico, native brings her Al Chile tour to downtown, a show named after her most recent album. The evening is a collaborative union of music, dance and tradition, which also features Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company and Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in traditional garb and makeup to celebrate the occasion.

MARCELA TABOADA

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

11.2-11.3 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IN OLD TOWN

10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3.

Old Town State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St., Old Town. Free. dayofthedeadsd.com Arguably the most robust Day of the Dead event in San Diego, Old Town’s two-day celebration spans the entire historic neighborhood. The park plaza is packed with entertainment options like sugar skull workshops, ballet folklorico, live music and a beer garden. And don’t miss out on the iconic Dia de los Muertos face painting experience, which is offered at a dozen locations. The surrounding businesses will also have holiday specials, shows and unique ofrendas. Find more than 40 throughout the neighborhood during the weekend’s “Tour of Altars.” There will also be a community candlelight procession through the streets of Old Town at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

10.28 BREAD BAKING WORKSHOP AT WORLDBEAT CENTER

6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.

WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd., Balboa Park worldbeatcenter.org Want to bring offerings to the altars, but don’t know how to bake? A culinary workshop at the WorldBeat Cultural Center teaches you how to make the traditional Day of the Dead bread: Pan de Muertos. Learn the culinary basics with returning instructor Mary Lou Valencia.

Check the website for ticket prices.

11.1-2 BUILDING ALTARS FOR QUEER LATINX ARTISTS AT SAN DIEGO ART INSTITUTE

Event begins at noon Friday, Nov. 1, and will be up through 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Free. 619.236.0011 sandiego-art.org For a hands-on approach to the holiday, San Diego Art Institute will build creative ofrendas dedicated to three late artists from its Forging Territories: Queer Afro and Latinx Contemporary Art exhibition who are no longer living.

These unique altars honor their artistic and cultural contributions, keeping their memory alive. As you work, you will be treated to traditional Mexican pastries and drinks. @PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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C URRENT S | COMEDY

Laughing Stock October stand-up roundup

BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

10.26

BILL MAHER

“

@ San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org

When did America decide to redesign its entire economy based on everyone rating everyone else?

People’s jobs shouldn’t depend on some rando judging them.”

— Bill Maher on Twitter

NICHOLAS HUNT GETTY IMAGES

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

10.5 JB SMOOVE

@ Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., downtown 619.570.1100 sandiegotheatres.org

“

Went to a fancy restaurant last night, it was classy, too fancy for me … $300 a plate … ooh, that’s fancy. They had this one dish, I had to have it, man … it was a lobster holding two goddamned steaks.”

— JB Smoove at the Just for Laughs Festival

10.10 NATE BARGATZE

@ Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., downtown 619.570.1100 sandiegotheatres.org

“

You know what marriage is like? Marriage is like, you ever go to a concert, and you see a mosh pit? And you’re like, ‘I’m gonna go get in that mosh pit.’

But once you get in it, you’re like, ‘Oof. I do not want to be in this mosh pit ... at all. I’m going to leave and go get some beer.’

And then the mosh pit is like, ‘Hey, you drank last night.’ And you’re like, ‘Allright mosh pit, why don’t you get off my back, and let me live my life.’”

— Nate Bargatze at The Broadway Comedy Club

“

I need a bra. It’s necessary, right? I take my bra off, my boobs fall down like a broken mini-blind.”

— Vicki Barbolak on America’s Got Talent

10.4-6 VICKI BARBOLAK @ The Comedy Store 916 Pearl St., La Jolla 858.454.9176 thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

FRAZER HARRISON / G ETTY IMAGES

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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C URRENTS | COMEDY 10.18 CHRIS D’ELIA

@ Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, downtown 619.235.9500, spreckels.net

“

I don’t care about sports, I tried to watch … I don’t care, I just don’t care ... I would watch it if it was real bears against real dolphins … basically the game would just be bears eating dolphins and I’d watch every game. NFL would have all my money! Bears versus lions, wouldn’t you wait all year for that ferocious matchup?”

— Chris D’Elia at the Just For Laughs Festival

10.11-13 STEVE RANNAZZISI

@ The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla 858.454.9176, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

“

My 9-year-old’s biggest issue is this kid’s losing teeth like a meth head, guys. We got a big f**ckin’ problem on our hands. He’s losing 10, 12 teeth a week. They’re just falling, cascading out of this kid’s mouth. He’s handsome until he smiles at you, and then you go, ‘Oh, my God.’ We didn’t even do school pictures this year. I told him, ‘You take the free comb, shove it in your pocket, don’t sign up for any of the packages. You look like a busted jack-o’-lantern, buddy. And I’m the only one that’s going to tell you that. All these other people are going to lie to you about how handsome you are. These are the years we forget.’ ” — Steve Rannazzisi at Comedy Works 42

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

10.17-19 RORY SCOVEL

@ The American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., downtown, 619.795.3858, americancomedyco.com

“

I used to be pretty religious. I used to go to church all the time. And then I did mushrooms, and I was like, well, that phase of my life is over. I’m not going to go to God’s house if he’s clearly willing to come to mine.”

— Rory Scovel on Conan

10.18 CLAUDIA OSHRY

@ Balboa Theatre 868 Fourth Ave., downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org

“

Hands down the best part of watching The Bachelor is catching the last five minutes of Wheel of Fortune.”

— Claudia Oshry on Twitter

10.18-20 ERIK GRIFFIN

“

@ The Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla, 858.454.9176 thecomedystore.com/la-jolla

In modern times, right now, you have to go to school for 20 years before you’re considered smart — a master at something. Twenty years. Another five if you want your Ph.D. Do you know the life expectancy of the people that wrote the Bible? It’s like 30ish. How smart could they be? I’m just throwing it out there.”

@ The American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave., downtown 619.795.3858, americancomedyco.com

— Erik Griffin at The Laugh Factory

— Dante Chang on Twitter

10.24-26 DANTE CHANG

“

Basketball Wives is what happens when NBA players make really bad draft picks at da club.”

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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PULSE ARTS | COOLTURE

ART BEAT

BY LISA DEADERICK

10.5-2.9.2020

Tiny Canvases: The Art of Nails

Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Creative Nail Design (created by Oceanside chemist, dentist, and inventor Stuart S. Nordstrom in 1979), submerge yourself in the work of CND artists and learn about how they create nail designs for leading fashion designers all over the world.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

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PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Art Beat

October gallery + exhibit openings

BY LISA DEADERICK

10.5-12.1 XXV: THE SILVER ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

Roman Angel Cat

10.4-31 ANGELS AND MONSTERS

June Rubin Studio/Gallery, 2690 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 214, Barracks 19, Liberty Station 858.229.4571, junerubin.com Witness a bit of softness to the watercolor angels and monsters in this exhibition, with images that include a kindly Godzilla baring sharp teeth while holding a sweet baby in a pink sun hat.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 760.839.4138, artcenter.org/museum Celebrate the silver anniversary of California Center for the Arts, Escondido, with selections from the museum’s permanent collection, including paper items and photographs from the center’s history, along with the annual Dia de los Muertos altar.

Clockwise from top: Desert Shadows by Harry Sternberg; Dientos de Naturalesa by Therman Statom; Tulips by Robert Mapplethorpe

10.5-12.5 METAMORPHOSIS: ALLIED CRAFTSMEN 2019

Godzilla with Baby Jenna at Hotel Del

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

City Gallery at San Diego City College, 1508 C St., AH314, downtown, mingei.org Inspired by the renovation project currently taking place at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, this exhibit features the work of members of Allied Craftsmen, an arts collective active since 1946. The artists, architects and designers focus on themes of reinvention and transformation to create works made of fiber, glass, metal, ceramics, mixed media and more.

A HILARIOUS NARCO COMEDY FEATURING RIC SALINAS AND HERBERT SIGUENZA OF CULTURE CLASH

By Herbert Siguenza · Directed by Sam Woodhouse

OCTOBER 3 - 27, 2019 ON THE LYCEUM STAGE TICKETS START AT $25

619.544.1000 | SDREP.ORG | Lyceum Theatre | Horton Plaza

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Untitled #12 by Troi Anderson

10.12-2.17.2020 THE STORIES THEY TELL: A HUNDRED YEARS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.238.7559, mopa.org Drawing from nearly 9,000 photos from about 850 photographers, the Museum of Photographic Arts is telling the story of the medium of photography spanning the last 100 years through sharing the work and the stories behind the art.

Untitled #39 by Troi Anderson

Morning Mist (Aquatint) by Julianne B Ricksecker

10.5-31 TRADITIONAL PRINTMAKERS

The Studio Door, 3867 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest 619.994.2263, thestudiodoor.com The lithography, intaglio, relief, monotype and monoprint methods of traditional printmaking will be on display all month, from noted Southern California artists.

10.11-13 LATIN AMERICAN ART FAIR

Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Barrio Logan 619.752.6118, latinamericanartfairsd.com The artwork of more than 100 artists from Mexico and Central and South America will be highlighted at this annual festival, raising awareness of different cultures, encouraging exchange between cultures, and also showcasing Latin food, music and entertainment.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

Untitled #37 by Troi Anderson PHOTO S FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE MUSEUM OF PHOTO GRAPHIC ARTS

10.12-12.12 MEXICAN FOLK ART POP-UP

Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Barrio Logan, mingei.org This collaborative exhibition between Mingei International Museum and the Athenaeum Arts Center serves as a complement to an exhibition by Tijuana artists Cesar Vazquez and Mike Jimenez. It features artwork symbolic of Mexican popular culture, including Day of the Dead pieces, papier-mâché dolls, devils, mermaids and more.

Clockwise from left: Möbius – Joven Alado (Winged Youth); Maria Paula; Mariana; Möbius – Virginal

10.17.-1.26.2020 CONSTRUCTED MYTHOLOGIES: LUIS GONZALEZ PALMA

SDSU Downtown Gallery, 725 W. Broadway, downtown 619.501.6370, art.sdsu.edu Known for taking a deep look at the cultural identity of his native Guatemala, artist Luis Gonzalez Palma layers his work with religious symbols, poetry, strong colors and shapes, and magical realism. This selection of his work covers 20 years of his evolution from formal portraits to more recent work in abstract pieces.

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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PULSE | VISUAL ARTS 10.19-11.19 SIZE MATTERS

Echo (blue rock) by Meg Griffiths

Sparks Gallery, 530 Sixth Ave., downtown 619.696.1416, sparksgallery.com The signature exhibition of the Medium Festival of Photography in San Diego, Size Matters features small photographic works by contemporary artists from all over the country.

The Prodigal by Reginald Willoughby Machell

10.18-4.19.2020 THE PATH OF THE MYSTIC: ART & THEOSOPHY AT LOMALAND

San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, Balboa Park 619.232.6203, sandiegohistory.org This look at the utopian experiment started by Katherine Tingley in 1897 on a patch of land in Point Loma known as Lomaland, showcases a selection of artwork, objects, photos and documents that illustrate the cultural and social shift created by the community of artists who came to live there.

Candice, Los Angeles by Jenny Sampson

10.20 ART IN THE GARDEN

Heritage Garden, 121 W. Juniper Ave., Escondido, visitescondido.com As part of the Escondido Grand Avenue Festival, Art in the Garden offers a chance to meet and shop directly from the artists whose work is on display, with work in various media and surrounded by a day of live music, entertainment, food and shopping.

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PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

In the Wings

What’s on stage in October

BY JAMES HEBERT

10.1-6 ANASTASIA

Broadway San Diego San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619/858/760.570.1100, broadwaysd.com Onetime Old Globe artistic ace Darko Tresnjak directs the musical adaptation of the animated movie about an orphan girl who could be the surviving daughter of Russia’s doomed Romanovs; it’s the Broadway production’s first local touring visit.

10.3-27 BAD HOMBRES/ GOOD WIVES

10.18-27 EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL

Tenth Avenue Arts Center 930 10th Ave., East Village 619.920.8503, tenthavenuearts.com Your favorite Halloween cult films are meshed into one outrageous show filled with stage blood, flying limbs, chainsaws and joke-telling demons. Even if you hate horror (or hate musicals) this satire is all about cheesy, B-movie fun. (NINA GARIN)

10.18-11.17 HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

OB Playhouse & Theatre Co. 4944 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach 619.795.9305, obplayhouse.com Based on the darkly comic ’80s movie about a high school lorded over by a trio of mean girls, Heathers hits the musicaltheater stage, featuring such chipper songs as Prom or Hell?

10.19-27 AIDA

San Diego Opera San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., downtown 619.533.7000, sdopera.org Michelle Bradley takes on the title role of Giuseppe Verdi’s enduring opera about a captured Ethiopian princess swept up into war, love and betrayal in ancient Egypt.

San Diego Rep’s Lyceum Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, downtown 619.544.1000, sdrep.org Culture Clash co-founder and San Diego Rep resident playwright Herbert Sigüenza weaves present-day politics into this satirical world-premiere work, which draws on everything from Oscar Wilde to telenovelas.

Adobe Chapel 3963 Conde St., Old Town writeoutloudsd.com/poefest Why listen to regular ghost stories when you can hear truly terrifying tales by

10.4-13 ROMEO AND JULIET

Anastasia

California Center for the Arts, Escondido 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org Shakespeare’s great story of romantic tragedy is the inspiration for Charles Gounod’s five-act opera; the Pacific Lyric Association presents the piece in French (including spoken narratives in English), with a full cast, 30-piece orchestra and ballet troupe.

10.11-11-17 RING ROUND THE MOON

Lamb’s Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org Lamb’s revives Christopher Fry’s funny and romantic play (adapted from Jean Anouilh’s Invitation to the Castle), which centers on identical twin brothers who become rivals in matters of love and more.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

10.19-28 POEFEST

EVAN ZIMMERMAN

America’s most Goth writer? This twoweekend event features local actors performing Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tales like The Pit and the Pendulum, The Cask of Amontillado and, of course, The Raven.

(NINA GARIN)

10.19-11.17 HANDBAGGED

Moxie Theatre 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Rolando District 858.598.7620, moxietheatre.com Moira Buffini’s comic play pivots on the real-life pas de deux between Queen Elizabeth II and the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – who each have to contend not only with each other but with younger versions of themselves.

10.23-11.17 THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Cygnet Theatre 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town 619.337.1525, cygnettheatre.com This intimate, time-bending musical by the Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Bridges of Madison County) focuses on the tumultuous relationship between a writer and an actress over the course of a half-decade.

10.23-11.17 THE SUNSHINE BOYS

North Coast Rep 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org North Coast Rep, a longtime champion of the late Neil Simon’s works, revives his 1972 play about two aging, ever-feuding vaudeville performers who try for one last reunion.

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PULSE | MOVI E S

A Cinematic Celebration

San Diego International Film Festival puts the spotlight on America’s Finest City

BY NINA GARIN

The San Diego International Film Festival is a five-day event that showcases new movies, documentaries and short films. Because some of the films have already won awards at other festivals, this is your chance to see likely Oscar contenders before they’re officially released. It’s also an event known for its grand, celebrity-filled parties and informative panels.

NEED HELP? HERE ARE SOME MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR:

When it happens: Tuesday, Oct. 15, with screenings every day through Sunday, Oct. 20.

Where? You can watch movies at four locations, Theatre Box San Diego, the Balboa Theatre and the Pendry hotel downtown, and ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla.

How it works: If you want to see all the things, a festival pass will get you access to films, panels and events, though remember to reserve a spot in advance or you’ll be shut out. Passes range from $79 for a one-day to $599 for a VIP pass. You can also browse the different categories online – from comedy and drama to foreign and LGBTQ – and buy tickets to individual screenings for $16 a screening.

Which celebs are coming? The Night of the Stars Tribute is an awards event that honors a variety of celebrities for their contributions to film, TV and music. This year’s honorees include Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), Jared Harris (Mad Men), pop star Pitbull, Lindsay Wagner (Grey’s Anatomy), Jillian Bell (Brittany Runs a Marathon) and Camila Morrone (Death Wish). Night of the Stars Tribute happens Friday, Oct. 18, and tickets start at $250.

Other events: Mingle with filmmakers at the Filmmaker Awards Show & Party on Saturday, Oct. 19; Culinary Cinema on Sunday, Oct. 20, pairs food tastings inspired by that day’s films.

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

PARASITE

Screens 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Theatre Box Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes and already hailed as a best film of 2019, the South Korean film is about the financially unstable Kim family that makes ends meet by doing odd jobs and small cons. But then the Kims all begin getting work at the rich Park residence and everything seems perfect, until it completely falls apart.

A HIDDEN LIFE

Screens 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at ArcLight The story about an Austrian farmer who refuses to fight for the Nazis is based on true events. It has the added prestige of being written and directed by Terrence Malick (The Thin Red Line, Tree of Life), and starring film festival favorite, Matthias Schoenaerts.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE

Screens 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Theatre Box and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at ArcLight Cinemas This highly-anticipated film won best screenplay and the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s about painter Marianne, hired to create a portrait of the young noblewoman Heloise without her noticing. It’s a lush, 18th century period romance that also focuses on how women observe each other.

CLEMENCY

Screens 5:05 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at ArcLight Cinemas Starring Alfre Woodard, this powerful feature won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It’s about a prison warden who organizes the execution of death row inmates. But then one prisoner forces her to examine the emotional toll of her job and question the idea of capital punishment.

FULL SCHEDULE:T S D F IL M F E S .C O M

JOJO RABBIT

Screens 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Balboa Theatre A World War II satire by Taika Waititi, director of Thor: Ragnarok.

It’s about Jojo, a lonely German boy who discovers that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic, causing Jojo and his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, to confront their blind nationalism.

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF

DINING OUT

BY PAM KRAGEN

THE HENRY Coronado

Fox Restaurant Concepts opened its fourth Henry location in Coronado, joining sister locations in Phoenix, West Hollywood and Dallas.

Described as a “modern ode to the Gatsby era,” The Henry serves separate breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch menus, as well as a full bar, with 12 custom cocktails. The diverse menu ranges from burgers and fish and chips to Korean prime skirt steak, Scottish salmon and spaghetti Bolognese.

1031 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.762.1022, thehenryrestaurant.com

IN WITH THE NEW A dozen new San Diego eateries serve up everything from ramen to gelato

San Diego’s dining scene continues to grow, with new dining options from hospitality powerhouses like Consortium Holdings, Cohn Restaurant Group and Rise & Shine Restaurant Group. Here are 12 of the most buzzed-about openings in town.

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HALEY HILL PHOTO GRAPHY

TAST E | DINING

5TH & SKY ROOFTOP GARDENS & LOUNGE /Gaslamp

In August, the upscale movies, dining and entertainment complex Theatre Box opened this rooftop bar and nightspot. The 5,000-square-foot space, designed to look like a contemporary Japanese garden, is open for food, drinks and dancing — a DJ spins on Thursday through Saturday nights and during the day on Sundays. The menu includes burgers, pork sliders and sushi, and the bar menu serves Asian-inspired cocktails like a lychee martini and spicy tamarind margarita.

701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.814.2225, theatrebox.com/5th-sky

ARTISAN NOODLE TATSUKI

ARTISAN NOODLE TATSUKI /Gaslamp

In August, chef Daiki Tanaka — formerly of L.A.’s famed Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles — opened his first solo ramen shop in downtown San Diego. The shop sells traditional ramen, as well as his signature dish tsukemen, which involves dipping noodles from one bowl into a second bowl of soup, followed by a helping of light broth to mix with the soup.

531 Broadway, Gaslamp 619.310.5370, instagram.com/ artisannoodletatsuki 60

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

BLACK RAIL KITCHEN + BAR /La Costa

In August, North County restaurateur Grant Gottesman opened this elegant 6,000-square-foot indoor/ outdoor restaurant and bar inside the former Tuscany space, which had been shuttered for two years.

Gottesman, who owns adjacent Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen, brought in the Cohn Restaurant Group as investors and hired high-profile San Diego chef Travis Swikard to design the menu, which features housemade pastas, kale and walnut flatbread, Moroccan lamb meatballs and whole branzino. The restaurant is named for the endangered marsh bird depicted on a large wall mural in the dining room.

6981 El Camino Real, La Costa, 760.931.0020, blackrailkitchen.com

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TAST E | DINING

EL JARDIN CANTINA/Liberty Station

A year after launching El Jardin as a fine dining regional Mexican restaurant under the leadership of star chef Claudette Zepeda, Rise & Shine Restaurant Group closed and relaunched the Liberty Station eatery in August with a new name, chef team, look and menu. The 8,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor garden restaurant is now serving a more approachably priced, traditional menu with $4 to $6 tacos, $10 entrée salads, $12 to $14 ceviches, $14 to $21 aguachiles and combination plates from $17 to $24. The bar menu features 11 custom margaritas, priced from $8 to $14, and tequilas, wines and beers starting at $4 a glass. The restaurant’s exterior décor has also been brightened up with colorful parasols and murals. A new happy hour, weekend brunch and prix-fixe menu are in the works.

2885 Perry Road, Liberty Station 619.795.2322, eljardincantina.com

J & TONY’S DISCOUNT CURED MEATS AND NEGRONI WAREHOUSE East Village

GETTY IMAGES

GELATI & PECCATI /North Park

The culinary team behind the popular Buona Forchetta restaurant group has introduced this pared-down quick-service option in North Park. The walk-up window-service shop serves only gelato and pizza. Founders Matteo Cattaneo, Luca Zamboni and Giovanni Bonomi are known for their oven-fired Neopolitan pizzas, but this shop sells Roman-style pizza, which has a thicker, airier crust cut in squares. Diners can choose from up to 40 varieties of pizza and 18 flavors of fresh-made gelato.

3068 University Ave., North Park facebook.com/gelatiandpeccati 62

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

One of San Diego’s most successful restaurant groups, Consortium Holdings, has opened this combination cocktail bar, restaurant and coffee bar.

It’s modeled after the Italian aperitivo bars that serve a pre-dinner snack of Negroni cocktails and small bites, including sandwiches, salads, cured meats and cheeses. Sharing the space is the Invigatorium, a retro coffee bar with vegan pastries run by Modern Times brewery and coffee.

631 Ninth Ave., East Village 855.634.7664, instagram.com/prosciuttoboyz

JAMES TRAN

ROVINO THE FOODERY East Village

ROVINO

In mid-August, the co-founders of three-year-old RoVino Restaurant & Wine in Little Italy opened this new authentic Italian market in East Village.

Co-owners Tom Tarantino, Antonia Buona and Vincenzo Bruno met with residents and businesses to determine what was needed in the area. The venue has a deli counter serving imported Italian meats and cheeses, a pizza oven, gelato, a bakery, a coffee bar, a wine bar, a grab-and-go market and a restaurant serving pizzas, pastas, salads and antipasti.

969 Market St., East Village 619.310.6421, rovinothefoodery.com @PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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KRISSEL RIVAS PHOTO GRAPHY

SIAMO NAPOLI RISTORANTE

North Park

Naples-born restaurateur Flavio Piromallo opened this 100-seat Neopolitan pizzeria in the former Il Postino space in North Park. Piromallo, who’s a part-owner of Civico 1845 in Little Italy, has focused the Siamo menu on Southern Italian cuisine. The specialty is Neopolitan pizza, but the restaurant also serves pasta, beef, chicken and fish entrees, antipasti, salads and imported Italian cheeses and salumi. The restaurant has a full bar offering cocktails, wines, beer and ciders from Italy and America.

3959 30th St., North Park 619.310.6981, siamonapolisd.com

TOWNHALL PUBLIC HOUSE Vista

In early September, Roger and Aaron Browning closed down their four-year-old Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen in Vista and converted it into this new community-focused, lower-priced gathering spot for all ages. TownHall serves an all-day Southerninspired gastropub menu with nightly specials developed by chef Mario Moser. Diners can choose between waited table service in the 89-seat dining room or walk-up bar service in the bar and on the fire-pit patio. There’s a new children’s play area, more TV sets for sports fans and the number of beer taps has expanded from 23 to 30.

230 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista 760.630.4311, facebook.com/ TownHallPublicHouseVista 64

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

WINDMILL FOOD HALL /Carlsbad

After more than a year of construction delays, this 12,000-square-foot attraction opened Sept. 1 in Carlsbad’s iconic 38-year-old windmill building. Founded by quick-service pizza pioneer James Markham, the Windmill Food Hall has 14 vendor booths serving sliders, salads, Belgian frites, sushi, poke bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Asian ice cream desserts, coffee, lobster rolls, pho, Mexican, Korean food and more. A barbecue eatery should open in the base of the windmill — which is finally turning again after 10 years of disrepair — in mid-October. There’s a full bar and children’s play area as well.

890 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, 442.287.8485, windmillfoodhall.com

NORTH PARK

Now Open LA MESA

3028 University Ave, San Diego, CA, 92104

ENCINITAS

8325 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, 91942

IMPERIAL BEACH

805 Ocean Lane, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

COMING SOON PACIFIC BEACH

SORRENTO VALLEY

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TAST E | DI N I N G

ZINQUÉ Little Italy

Los Angeles-based French wine bar and bistro Zinqué opened in September on the ground floor of the AV8 complex, a mixed-use retail and residential development in Little Italy. The all-day eatery’s menu (divided into breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner) includes items like breakfast sandwiches, pastries, quiche, steak frites, tartines and whole branzino.

2101 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy lezinque.com

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HALEY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

BRUNCH DIRECTORY OLD TOWN TEQUILA FACTORY & CANTINA 2467 Juan St., Old Town (across from Heritage Park) 619.260.8124 | oldtowntequilafactory.com

(buffet style)

A spectacular scenic hillside spot for your Saturday or Sunday Champagne brunch with panoramic views from the Coronado Islands, over Old Town to Mission Bay. This traditional Mexican buffet, served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, features sizzling steak, shrimp, carnitas or chicken fajitas and includes favorites like fresh menudo and pozole, cheese enchiladas, homemade chile rellenos, agave glazed ribs, flowing Champagne and more. At $26.99 (kids under 12, $12.99), it’s perfect for bridal/baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties and reunions.

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CHINA MAX (table service) 4698 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.650.3333 | chinamaxsd.com

Experience the true delight of an authentic Chinese dim sum brunch, dozens of varieties (from $2.45) and their famous regular menu.

Served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.

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KAISERHOF GERMAN AMERICAN RESTAURANT 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach 619.224.0606 | kaiserhofrestaurant.com

(table service)

Enjoy Sunday brunch in Kaiserhof’s award-winning and quaint German American restaurant. Served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. the brunch menu features dishes such as German pancakes, eggs benedict, Kaiserschmarren, steak & eggs, poached salmon, omelets and more.

Includes a glass of Champagne, mimosa or orange juice and fresh rolls and butter. From $12.95.

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OLD TOWN COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL & RESTAURANT 2660 Calhoun St., Old Town 619.297.1874 | oldtowncosmopolitan.com

(table service)

A blend of American and Mexican favorites served in their uniquely historic setting, either on the patio or indoors. Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with entrees starting at $7.95 and $7 mimosas and Champagne. Kids under 12 eat free (one per paid adult).

Additional kids, $5.95.

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HORNBLOWER CRUISES & EVENTS

1800 N. Harbor Drive 619.686.8700 | hornblower.com

(buffet style)

Take brunch off land! Hornblower’s Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise features free-flowing bubbly and mimosas, unbeatable views of San Diego’s sights, and live music from Dave Scott Duo (KUSI’s Weatherman!) on the Sun Deck. This relaxing 2-hour cruise includes a buffet stocked with classic breakfast dishes, a seafood display, seasonal lunch entrees and a twenty-foot dessert bar! Available Saturdays and Sundays. Save $5 with code CB5D. Expires 12/30/19, up to 6 guests, new orders only, cannot be combined.

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94TH AERO SQUADRON (buffet style) 8885 Balboa Ave., Kearny Mesa 858.560.6771 | 94thsandiego.com

Join 94th Aero Squadron Sunday for their Champagne buffet brunch. Buffet includes omelet bar and eggs benedict, Belgian waffle station, carved meats, fajita station, pasta station, dessert station, chocolate fountain and much more. Served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an early brunch special from 9 a.m to 10 a.m. Early pricing is $29.95 and regular pricing is $34.95 (per adult). Children ages 4-10 are $16.95.

TASTE | BEER

Take it from the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here

BY PETER ROWE

YOUR (SECRET) HAVEN FOR TROPICAL BEERS Go: Forbidden Cove Know: A tiki bar and speakeasy with a beer focus, Forbidden Cove belongs to its Kearny Mesa neighbor, Kilowatt Brewing. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the Cove is only accessible if you make online reservations. Wait in the Kilowatt tasting room for an escort, who will guide you to the Cove via secret entrance.

Yo Ho: Imagine Disneyland’s Tiki Room redecorated by a creative if impoverished buccaneer, then stocked with tropical-themed beer drinks. Like piña coladas? Try the Pineapple Coconut Blonde, Kilowatt’s blonde ale (4.8 percent alcohol by volume) brewed with fresh pineapple and then rested on toasted coconut.

AN OKTOBERFEST ALTERNATIVE

Beer: Festbier

From: Eppig Brewing Why: Paler and drier than a Märzen, the standard Oktoberfest beer, Festbier is a straw-colored, well-carbonated lager with a faint grassy aroma, lightly toasted malts, a bit of iron and snappy herbal hops. Light in body, Festbier is a great, but not showy, refreshment. This is the sort of beer that is content to be part of the party; it doesn’t need to be the party.

Geek Out: 6 percent alcohol by volume; 24 International Bittering Units.

Seek Out: Eppig beers are found in better-stocked bottle shops; the North Park brewery (3052 El Cajon Blvd., Ste. C), and its Shelter Island tasting room (2817 Dickens St.)

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Whoa: To appreciate the Cove, go with the kitschy flow. Admire the larger-than-life parrot, the plastic vines crawling across the walls, the bamboo furniture and the hallway’s “infinity mirror.” The shimmering red paper “flames,” the flashing “lightning,” the recorded “thunder” – raise a toast to this good-natured hokum.

Pro Tip: Don’t dally. Your reservation to the Cove is only good for 90 minutes, ensuring turnover in the 35seat room. And don’t delay your visit.

The landlord plans to demolish this space in a year and a half. This good thing won’t come to those who wait.

7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa 858.715.3998, forbiddencovesd.com

GROOVE MUSIC NIGHTLIFE |

SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

10.24

LIZZO

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast What more can be said about this Minnesotabased siren? The newly anointed superstar has ruled the charts for months with the hit single Juice from her April-released third album, Cuz I Love You. In fact, her songs have resonated so intensely with fans that old cuts, Good As Hell (from 2016’s Coconut Oil EP) and Truth Hurts have become runaway smash hits.

ALL ABOUT LIZZO! Full name: Melissa Jefferson Age: 31 Born: Detroit, Mich.

Bio: Lizzo is all about confidence, sass and star power. She’s a classically trained musician who has been playing the flute for more than 20 years and went to the University of Houston on a music scholarship.

Top songs: Truth Hurts, Juice, Good As Hell, Cuz I Love You Albums: Lizzobangers (2013); Big Grrrl Small World (2015); Cuz I Love You (2019) Slow hit wonder: Truth Hurts, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in September 2019, was released in 2017 Songs to boost your confidence, Lizzo style: Fitness, an ode to working out; Tempo featuring Missy Elliott; Like A Girl for a dose of female empowerment For your YouTube deep dive: Start with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, which showcases her personality and powerful voice; move on to her Flute & Twerk Lesson on 2 Dope Queens; finish with her exuberant performance from MTV’s 2019 Video Music Awards Social: Twitter: @lizzo (975K followers); Instagram: @lizzobeeating (5.2M followers) Flute facts: Lizzo’s flute is named Sasha, after Beyonce’s third album, I Am … Sasha Fierce. It also has its own Instagram account @sashabefluting (258K followers) Silver screen: Lizzo makes her movie debut in Hustlers, which also stars fellow musicians Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B Iconic positivity lyric: “If I’m shinin’, everybody gonna shine” from Juice

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@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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GROOVE MUSIC NIGHTLIFE |

SOUND DECISIONS

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

10.24

LIZZO

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast What more can be said about this Minnesotabased siren? The newly anointed superstar has ruled the charts for months with the hit single Juice from her April-released third album, Cuz I Love You. In fact, her songs have resonated so intensely with fans that old cuts, Good As Hell (from 2016’s Coconut Oil EP) and Truth Hurts have become runaway smash hits.

ALL ABOUT LIZZO! Full name: Melissa Jefferson Age: 31 Born: Detroit, Mich.

Bio: Lizzo is all about confidence, sass and star power. She’s a classically trained musician who has been playing the flute for more than 20 years and went to the University of Houston on a music scholarship.

Top songs: Truth Hurts, Juice, Good As Hell, Cuz I Love You Albums: Lizzobangers (2013); Big Grrrl Small World (2015); Cuz I Love You (2019) Slow hit wonder: Truth Hurts, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in September 2019, was released in 2017 Songs to boost your confidence, Lizzo style: Fitness, an ode to working out; Tempo featuring Missy Elliott; Like A Girl for a dose of female empowerment For your YouTube deep dive: Start with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, which showcases her personality and powerful voice; move on to her Flute & Twerk Lesson on 2 Dope Queens; finish with her exuberant performance from MTV’s 2019 Video Music Awards Social: Twitter: @lizzo (975K followers); Instagram: @lizzobeeating (5.2M followers) Flute facts: Lizzo’s flute is named Sasha, after Beyonce’s third album, I Am … Sasha Fierce. It also has its own Instagram account @sashabefluting (258K followers) Silver screen: Lizzo makes her movie debut in Hustlers, which also stars fellow musicians Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B Iconic positivity lyric: “If I’m shinin’, everybody gonna shine” from Juice

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@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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G ROOVE

Sound Decisions

October concert calendar

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

10.19

Tyler, the Creator

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com The rapper, producer, fashion designer and one-time leader of the Odd Future hip-hop collective released his selfproduced fifth studio album, Igor, in May. It features appearances from Playboi Carti, Kanye West, Solange, Pharrell and others, while also standing as Tyler’s first-ever No. 1 album. Rapper Goldlink opens the show.

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G RO OV E | SO UN D DE C I SI ONS

10.2

Banks

@ SOMA, somasandiego.com Singer/songwriter Jillian Rose Banks released her third studio album, the appropriately titled III, in July. The former CRSSD headliner’s latest collection cracked the Top 25 on the U.S. Billboard Chart and features coproduction from Sohn, Hudson Mohawke and Tim Anderson.

10.1 ROY ORBISON & BUDDY HOLLY HOLOGRAM TOUR

@ Magnolia Performing Arts Center, magnoliasandiego.com OK, OK. Yes. This is an entire concert of long-dead rock and roll pioneers in hologram form. And while this sort of thing hasn’t exactly caught fire since the Tupac Shakur hologram made a 2012 debut at Coachella, J-Pop/ Vocaloid hologram “singer” Hatsune Miku is a bona fide superstar. Also, a full-scale Amy Winehouse hologram tour was planned for later this year (until it was recently postponed due to “unique sensitivities”).

10.1 MERCURY REV & BETH ORTON

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The best musical stew that’s come together in these parts for a while: Brit chanteuse Beth Orton (Chemical Brothers) joins forces with vet indie rockers Mercury Rev (who appear without founding vocalist David Baker) to perform Bobbie Gentry’s 1968 album The Delta Sweete. And if that’s not enough, former Heartless Bastards frontwoman Erika Wennerstrom opens the show.

10.2 STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Yes, the Irish punk pioneers are at the start of their fifth decade of making and performing music together. But with founding lead vocalist Jake Burns and bassist Ali McMordie still in the fold, and guitarist Ian McCallum and drummer Steve Grantley both more than 20 years in, the band has never sounded better. @PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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10.3

Vampire Weekend

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast Father of the Bride, the Grammywinning, New York-based indie rockers’ May-released fourth album, is their first without founding multi-instrumentalist/ producer Rostam Batmanglij. And while Batmanglij ultimately did contribute to a pair of songs on the album, collaborators like Chromeo’s Dave Macklovitch, Danielle Haim and Mark Ronson helped fill the void.

10.4 CALEXICO AND IRON & WINE

@ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com The love affair continues! After releasing 2005’s joint EP In the Reins, Calexico (Joey Burns and John Convertino) and Iron & Wine (Sam Beam) have stayed friendly by occasionally appearing on each other’s albums. But in June, the super trio fully reunited once again for new album, Years to Burn, and a world tour that runs through November.

10.5,6 ANGELS & AIRWAVES

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Just here in August for a pair of shows at North County’s Belly Up and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Tom DeLonge-led supergroup took a month off before returning to San Diego proper.

10.6 MORRISSEY/INTERPOL

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com How excited you are for this show is likely related to how much you appreciate the former Smiths frontman’s recent unsolicited foray into the political arena.

But hey, even if that is giving you pause, remember: Interpol also will be there.

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MAKE A

Great Food Great Drinks Great Entertainment

alendar C t n e m in a t r e t n ber E October/ Novem OCTOBER 6 @ 8PM AMERICA’S SONGWRITER

JIMMY WEBB “AN EVENING WITH JIMMY WEBB” OCTOBER 26 @ 8PM TONY AWARD-WINNER

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG “LIVE! AT MARTINIS ABOVE FOURTH” MUSIC DIRECTION BY TOMMY FARAGHER OCTOBER 3 @ 8PM

OCTOBER 12 @ 11AM

JAMES TORMÉ “COLOR ME JAZZ”

FAITH, HOPE & BRUNCH FUNDRAISER

OCTOBER 5 @ 8PM

OCTOBER 13 @ 1PM

THE KINSEY SICKS “NAKED DRAG QUEENS SINGING”

BABETTE’S BINGO BRUNCH

OCTOBER 20 @ NOON

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING SINGER

TRAGIC SINGER, HORRIBLE DANCER & SURREAL RACONTEUR

DINA MARTINA “FORGOTTEN BUT NOT GONE”

OCTOBER 10 FROM 7-10PM

MA4 LIVE! NO COVER ENTERTAINMENT

SINATRA NIGHT WITH CHANCE TOBAR

FRATERNITY HOUSE, INC. PRESENTS

DOORS OPEN FOR BRUNCH AT 11AM

OCTOBER 17 @ 8PM

GORGEOUS A CAPPELLA, HILARIOUS DRAG, OBSCENITY & ABSURDITY

OCTOBER 15 @ 8PM

DOORS OPEN AT 11AM FOR BRUNCH ROSS MATHEWS PRESENTS

GUYS AND GIRLS NIGHT OUT - THE SHOW

OCTOBER 22 @ 8PM

THE HOTTEST EXOTIC TICKET IN TOWN

DRAGTASTIC BUBBLY BRUNCH AN EVENING OF LOCAL CABARET FAVORITES

OCTOBER 16 @ 8PM

CLIFFORD BELL & MICHAEL LAVINE...AND FRIENDS

THIRSTY BURLINGTON “CHER LIVE!”

OCTOBER 23 @ 8PM

DRAG LEGEND WITH LIVE VOCALS & JAW-DROPPING COSTUMES

NOVEMBER 3 @ 7PM TONY AWARD-WINNER

FAITH PRINCE “HAVE A LITTLE FAITH” OCTOBER 29 @ 8PM ITALIAN CHANTEUSE

VALENTINA RANALLI MUSIC IS ONLY ONE

OCTOBER 30 & 31 @ 8PM

CELEBRATING ALL THE GENDERS, BOTH OLD & NEW

MISS RICHFIELD 1981 “GENDER FLUIDS” NOVEMBER 5 @ 8PM BROADWAY’S PHANTOM

CHRIS MANN “FROM GERSHWIN TO GAGA: CELEBRATING THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK”

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF “HELLO, DOLLY!”

STEVEN BRINBERG IS SIMPLY BARBRA MONDAY - HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT LONG! (OVERLOOK BAR ONLY) TUESDAY - SUNDAY HAPPY HOUR 4PM-7PM AND 10PM - CLOSE

SAN DIEGO’S PREMIER CABARET SUPPER CLUB HILLCREST, 3940 FOURTH AVE OPEN 4PM DAILY (619) 400.4500 • MA4SD.COM

Full Concert Calendar, Tickets & More info: ma4sd.com/shows

G RO OV E | SO UN D DE C I SI ONS 10.6 BAD RELIGION

10.8 BLACK LIPS

@ SOMA, somasandiego.com The L.A.-based punk vets were just here in June to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game.

The band returns on the heels of releasing its 17th studio album, Age of Unreason, Bad Religion’s first release of original music in six years.

@ Casbah, casbahmusic.com These veteran Atlanta garage rockers came through town last year for a co-headlining show with Danish punks Iceage.

They head to the perfectly cozy confines of Casbah on this solo return trip.

10.8

Van Morrison

@ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, livenation.com Sir Van Morrison, that’s right, he’s been knighted, heads to Chula Vista with none other than the great Mavis Staples in tow. Hopefully, the pair will make time for a duet or two, but the Grammy-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is still sure to play hits like Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance and Tupelo Honey.

10.9 STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast After releasing their second self-titled album in a row (and first since 2010) last year, the one-time San Diego-based rockers (who have featured both Scott Weiland and Chester Bennington as vocalists) return for a local show with two-time X Factor contestant Jeff Gutt at the helm.

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10.9 CASS MCCOMBS

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Not only did the veteran singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist release his ninth studio album, Tip of the Sphere, this year, he also makes an appearance on the latest release of Anti- label mates and fellow October Groove entry Tinariwen (playing here three days later).

10.11 LOGIC

@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com The Maryland-based rapper heads back to San Diego after his amphitheatre performance last summer. Logic (aka Sir Robert Bryson Hall II) downsizes the venue a bit despite his latest album, May’s Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, debuting at the top spot of the U.S. Billboard 200 – Hall’s third album in a row to accomplish that feat.

G RO OV E | SO UN D DE C I SI ONS

10.11

Lana Del Rey

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The singer and songwriter’s recently released sixth studio album, Norman F-----g Rockwell, debuted at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and at the top of the U.K. albums chart. It also prompted Rolling Stone to call it “massive and majestic,” and Pitchfork to deem Del Rey “one of America’s greatest living songwriters.”

10.12 TINARIWEN

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com The Grammy Award-winning Tuareg musicians released their eighth full-length album, Amadjar, last month.

Recorded with West African historian and storyteller Noura Seymali in Mauritania, it also features collaborations with Warren Ellis, Stephen O’Malley and Cass McCombs (see page 76).

10.13 J BALVIN

@ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, livenation.com The Colombian reggaeton singer’s 2018 album, Vibras, produced the worldwide smash, Mi Gente, and claimed the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. Balvin followed it in June with Oasis, an eight-track collaborative EP with Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Once again, the album hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and it cracked the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

10.13 MORCHEEBA

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com This show sold out in a hurry and that’s because, until just recently, the pioneering U.K. trip-hop trio was performing as a duo under the moniker Skye & Ross. But now the OG gang is back together and people are excited for a night of their favorite tracks from the band’s classic catalog.

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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10.13 BASTILLE

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast The band had never before experienced the kind of worldwide smash it did when lead singer Dan Smith teamed with DJ Marshmello on the 2018 single, Happier. Smart enough to quickly build on that kind of priceless exposure, Bastille released its third studio album, Doom Days, in June.

10.15 RIDE

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego After a 20-year hiatus, the pioneering U.K. shoegazers returned with their fifth studio album, Weather Diaries, in 2017.

They followed it with another, This Is Not a Safe Place, in August. Both new albums were produced by DJ Erol Alkan.

10.16 THE WHO

@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com “It’s ooooonly teeeeenage wasteland!”

It’s really kind of hard to believe, but even in their 55th year (!!) the indomitable U.K. rockers are still at it. But with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend continuing to suit up every night, there’s no excuse to not go and see these legends one more time.

10.17

Jonas Brothers

@ Pechanga Arena, pechangaarenasd.com Pop superstar siblings Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas have reunited for the first time in six years and are celebrating the occasion with a new album and tour. The new album, Happiness Begins, was released in June and debuted in the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200. It also went to No. 1 in Mexico and Canada, and cracked the top 10 in countries across the globe.

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10.24

10.18 CLAIRO

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego Singer/songwriter Clairo, aka 21-year-old Claire Cottrill, released her debut album, Immunity, in August. It features Danielle Haim on a pair of tracks and was produced by former Vampire Weekend multi-instrumentalist/producer Rostam Batmanglij.

10.19 BRING ME THE HORIZON

@ Viejas Arena, viejasarena.com There’s a pretty stark contrast between the U.K. metalcore outfit’s 2006 debut, Count Your Blessings, and its Januaryreleased sixth studio album, Amo. The one-time caustic screamers have evolved into a genre-defying collective that relies more on programming than it does on guitars.

Amo even features collaborations with beatboxer Rahzel and dream pop siren Grimes.

Andrew Bird

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/sandiego The classically trained violinist, singer, songwriter, and actor will soon appear in FX’s Emmy-winning limited series Fargo. But before that, the multi-instrumentalist and composer hits the road to support his March-released, politically-tinged 12th album, My Finest Work Yet.

10.23 CARAVAN PALACE

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Despite the recent departure of founding member Hugues Payen, the French electro-swing sextet is still led by singer Zoé Colotis. The fourth studio album, Chronologic, was released in August and features collaborations with Charles X and Tom Bailey. @PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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G RO OV E | SO UN D DE C I SI ONS

10.25

Black Pumas @ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com This show sold out shortly after it was put on sale weeks ago and for good reason. The Austin, Texas-based duo’s self-titled debut is equal parts Sam Cooke, 13 Floor Elevators and Ghostface Killah. Try to talk your friend with an extra ticket into taking you along or don’t miss them the next time they’re in town.

10.25 ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT

@ House of Blues, houseofblues.com/ sandiego Most recently coming out of hibernation to participate in last year’s Dia de los Deftones at The Park in Petco Park, the John Reis-led and perennial San Diego favorite, Rocket From The Crypt, hits the Gaslamp for a show of its own. El Vez, Death Valley Girls and L.A. Witch (among others) also are on the bill.

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10.26 HOZIER

@ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, as.sdsu.edu/ calcoast The Irish Take Me To Church singer was in San Diego about a year ago promoting his four-track EP, Nina Cried Power, at the Observatory in North Park. He gets the venue upgrade after releasing his second studio album, Wasteland, Baby!, in March. It debuted in the top spot on both the U.S. Billboard 200 and the Irish Albums Chart.

10.26 DEVENDRA BANHART

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com The Venezuelan/ American freak-folk poster boy released his 10th studio album, Ma, last month. It’s his first release since 2016’s Ape in Pink Marble. Banhart is donating one dollar from each ticket purchased for the accompanying Ma tour to the World Central Kitchen.

10.28 LUCY DACUS

@ Belly Up, bellyup.com Here in 2018 as part of the supergroup boygenius (with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers), the Virginia-bred singer/songwriter heads back to San Diego for a solo show. Dacus released her second studio album, Historian, last year, and a trio of new singles – La Vie En Rose, My Mother & I and Forever Half Mast – in 2019.

G ROOVE

10.4 LOUD LUXURY

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com The Juno Award-winning Canadian production duo of Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace heads back to OMNIA after last making an appearance there in May. They continue an already banner year that has seen the pair play Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas and Chicago’s Lollapalooza, as well as team with Bryce Vine on new single I’m Not Alright.

Spin Cycle

October EDM +DJ performances

BY SCOTT MCDONALD

10.11 A-TRAK

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com Half of DJ duo Duck Sauce with Armand Van Helden, Canadian producer and Fool’s Gold label boss Alain Macklovitch spent years as Kanye West’s personal DJ. He is also the younger brother of Chromeo’s Dave Macklovitch.

A-Trak’s latest single, Work It Out (Friend Within Remix), was released in June.

10.12 THE ALCHEMY TOUR

@ The Park at Petco Park, petcoparkevents.com NGHTMRE, aka Connecticut-born/L.A.based producer Tyler Marenyi, goes back to back with Slander, aka dubstep duo Derek Andersen and Scott Land, as the headlining act of this phenomenal bill that also includes trance DJ Seven Lions (Jeff Montalvo) and L.A.-based electronic music trio The Glitch Mob.

SAM DIVINE 84

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10.18

@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com

The London-based Ibiza regular is also the host of the weekly Defected Records radio show. Although Divine has recently branched out into production as well, her latest release is a 60-song DJ mix, Defected Ibiza 2019, with label boss Simon Dunmore.

10.12 CHROMEO

@ Embarcadero Marina Park North, intothehorizon.com A DJ set from David Macklovitch and Patrick Gemayel of synth-funk duo Chromeo is the latest chapter in the Horizon Music Series – a string of mini-fests that have used the Embarcadero’s beautiful backdrop to host Outkast’s Big Boi, Thievery Corporation, RAC, Elephante and Justin Caruso in the past.

10.12 GEORGE FITZGERALD

@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com The former English record store employee turned DJ followed his sophomore album, last year’s Dominoreleased All That Must Be, with a new, self-released single, Chimes, with Lil Silva as Otherline, in August.

10.17 LOST FREQUENCIES

@ Music Box, musicboxsd.com Belgian DJ and producer Felix De Laet (aka Lost Frequencies) was last in San Diego at Parq in February.

He returns after releasing 23song, twin-disc sophomore album, Alive and Feeling Fine, earlier this month. It features collaborations with Aloe Blacc, James Blunt, Mokita, Kyla La Grange and more.

10.18 4B

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com New Jersey-based DJ and producer Bobby McKeon (aka DJ 4B) was last here with RL Grime in February as part of the LED Anniversary show at Pechanga Arena.

McKeon has released tracks on both Diplo’s Mad Decent Records and Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records, but his latest single, Told You, dropped at the end of August on Ultra Records.

10.19 PROK & FITCH

@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com The English DJ/production duo of Ben Prok and James Fitch first met in a record store and have worked together ever since. This year has been an especially busy one for the pair, releasing three singles – Roller Girl, The Homie and Wow – as well as a new EP, July’s Pop in Pop out.

10.25 SONNY FODERA

@ Hard Rock San Diego, hardrockhotelsd.com + Spin, spinnightclub.com Australian-born, Londonbased DJ Sonny Fodera released his fourth full-length LP, Rise, in July. Three years in the making, the 12-song collection includes appearances from Biscits, Lilly Ahlberg, Sinead Harnett, Scrufizzer and Janai. Fodera will start the evening on the Float at Hard Rock San Diego and close it at Spin.

10.25 BENNY BENASSI

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com In the past, this globehopping, Grammy-winning Italian DJ and record producer has worked with the likes of Sofi Tukker, Chris Brown, John Legend, T-Pain, Kelis and Serj Tankian. This year, Benassi teamed with Chris Nasty on the single Inside, as well as with rapper Lil Yachty on the single Lonely Nights.

10.22

10.26 STAFFORD BROTHERS

@ Parq, parqsd.com The Australian-born, L.A.based DJ siblings return for the second year in a row as the headliners for Parq’s Halloween bash. Last October, they joined forces with Bay Area rapper E-40.

This time, DJhere.com and DTown productions present them as the main event for Parq’s Freak Show: A Horror Story.

10.26 THE MAGICIAN

@ Spin, spinnightclub.com Known at one time for doing magic tricks on stage while performing, Belgian DJ/ producer Stephen Fasano – who pulled a gold record out of his hat when he collaborated with Years & Years on the 2014 single, Sunlight – was last here in March when he played Quartyard. He returns to Spin after releasing his latest single, Ready To Love, as well as three accompanying remixes, in June.

10.26 PARTY FAVOR

@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com This dude really loves San Diego. Like, really. L.A.-based DJ Dylan Ragland (aka Party Favor) has already rocked the OMNIA stage twice in 2019 – once in April and once in June – the first show coinciding with the release of his debut full-length album, Layers. The 11-track collection featuring collaborations with GTA, A$AP Ferg, Rich The Kid, graves, Juicy J and more got the remix treatment in August.

10.26 FUNTCASE

@ Bassmnt, bassmntsd.com Masked English dubstep/ drum & bass producer FuntCase (aka James Hazell) has remixed the likes of Flux Pavilion, Dirtyphonics, Mefjus, Dead Exit and more.

His latest release, the fourtrack Next Chapter EP, was released last month.

GRiZ

@ The Observatory, observatorysd.com After a much-needed break from touring, Michigan-born, saxophone-playing DJ Grant Kwiecinski (aka GRiZ) is back on the road. The electro-funk producer released his sixth studio album, Ride Waves, in April. The 14-song collection features collaborations with Snoop Dogg, DRAM, Wiz Khalifa, Bootsy Collins and more.

@PACIFICSD OCTOBER 2019

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

LEAP OF FAITH

BY JENNIFER IANNI PHOTOS BY MISAEL VIRGEN MATCHMAKING BY COLLEEN PERONE

Blind daters fly high on a daring date

A

sk any single and they’ll tell you: dating can be risky. There’s the risk of getting ghosted, the risk of jumping in too fast, the risk of getting hurt and the risk of being humiliated and left with nothing but a bruised ego and a broken heart.

But, of course, dating can also be rewarding: the reward of feeling sparks with someone new, the reward of falling in love and the reward of never having to swipe on a dating app again.

As the saying goes, “no risk, no reward.” So, with that in mind, the cupids here at PACIFIC decided to put it to the test and send this month’s blind daters on a risky

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adventure that would test their ability to calculate risk versus reward and to step (or jump) outside their comfort zone.

Meet Michael, an Aussie with a penchant for adventure, and Denise, a native San Diegan who prides herself on being easygoing and able to go with the flow. They have just met up in an Epic Limo that will take them to the circus – or rather, to Trapeze High, a training facility in northern Escondido that welcomes flyers of all ages and skill levels to try their hand at the flying trapeze.

So grab your cotton candy and peanuts, dear readers, because the greatest date on earth is about to begin. Let’s watch our blind daters fly through the air with the greatest

of ease (hopefully) and see if taking that leap will be worth it in the end.

Before we jump in, let’s get to know our daters a little better via their pre-date interviews.

Where are you from and where do you live now?

DENISE: I’m originally from San Diego, born and raised. I currently live in Clairemont, been living in the area for about a year.

MICHAEL: I’m from a country town called Bendigo, which is about 100 miles inland from Melbourne in Australia. Right now, I’m living in Pacific Beach with a couple of mates.

How old are you?

DENISE: I’m 34 years old.

MICHAEL: 27.

What do you do for a living?

DENISE: I’m a pharmacy technician.

I’ve been in the medical field for about 10 years, and I enjoy it.

MICHAEL: I recently finished my Ph.D. in infectious disease research in Australia and now I’m working on developing new stem cell therapies to treat hepatitis B infection and the liver cancer that it causes.

What’s your Instagram handle?

DENISE: @blueva_p MICHAEL: @miduck How long have you been single?

DENISE: I’ve been single for six years, don’t know how it lasted this long. But within that time, I’ve focused on self-improvement and what I would like in a relationship.

MICHAEL: Three months.

LOVE | BLIND DATE Currently, what dating apps can be found on your phone?

DENISE: I have Tinder and Hinge.

MICHAEL: Hinge.

Where can you be found on the weekends?

DENISE: Hanging out with friends, lounging around the pool, at home cooking or at the movies with a glass of wine.

MICHAEL: Playing Australianrules football for the San Diego Lions, so typically either here or up in the O.C. or L.A. On off days I usually head to Mission Bay for volleyball, then hit the P.B. area later in the arvo (Editor’s note: That’s “afternoon” for you non-Aussies).

What are you best at?

DENISE: Going with the flow, easy to get along with.

MICHAEL: Playing football.

I love the atmosphere and camaraderie of team sports. Also trivia. Got a lot of irrelevant #facts tucked away.

What do you suck at?

DENISE: I suck at time management, sometimes I take longer to get ready.

MICHAEL: Sticking to Sunday plans.

What are you looking for in a date, physical or otherwise?

DENISE: Physical is a plus, but also looking for chemistry and [someone] who has an adventure side [and likes] hiking, rock climbing, snorkeling, etc.

MICHAEL: Someone that likes spending time outdoors, be it running, going to the beach, a day at the races, day drinking in P.B., hanging out at Papas & Beer (in Baja).

Why do you think you’ll be a good date?

DENISE: I’m very attentive, I try to see the positive side of things, just to make life easier. I have a good sense of humor, and [I like] to joke around. I’m also not a judgmental person and will accept you for who you are.

MICHAEL: As my friend Mark would say, I’m a “reasonably good person” and I like meeting new people.

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Describe your special brand of sex appeal in a Tweet.

DENISE: I’m sexy and I know it.

MICHAEL: Michael Scarn.

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

DENISE: I would rate myself as an eight, because I’m cute.

MICHAEL: Seven.

Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for personality.

DENISE: I would rate myself as an eight.

MICHAEL: 10.

What’s your cocktail of choice?

DENISE: I like to switch it up from time to time, but for now, a Jameson mule. I like the taste. It is refreshing with a little kick to it.

MICHAEL: Gotta be a Long Island.

What’s a total deal-breaker on a date?

DENISE: Texting or answering phone calls.

MICHAEL: Someone chewing with their mouth open while talking.

Fill in the blanks: I want my date to be “blank” and “blank.”

DENISE: I want my date to be tall and handsome.

MICHAEL: Attractive and fun.

Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less?

DENISE: Not sure, I don’t usually kiss on the first date.

MICHAEL: Just gotta wait and see.

Let’s take a closer look at these answers, shall we? Michael’s a long way from home, but seems to have made a home in sunny Pacific Beach. He’s a team player (except on Sundays) and wants to date someone who enjoys the outdoors and doesn’t mind that his favorite cocktail is a Long Island.

Denise hasn’t strayed far too far from home (because why would

she?), and although she might take a little longer getting there, she’s happy to spend her days hanging with friends or lounging by a pool. She also says she wants to date someone with an adventurous side and she says she’ll “accept you for who you are” (even if you like Long Islands, presumably).

Michael and Denise have such potential. Let’s put their physical prowess (and trust issues) to the test by having them strap in for some flying lessons.

AG AV E

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M I L AG R O

M E A N S

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LOVE | BLIND DATE

SWINGIN’ IT

Daters leap outside their comfort zones

M

ichael and Denise arrive at Trapeze High and get the lay of the land. Trapeze High has been in business since 2002 in the backyard of the home of Harmony and Jeremy Chute and their daughters, Tatum and Cameron. As expected, everyone in the family is an ace trapeze flyer.

Cameron, who took her first swing at just 14 months old, even holds the title of “youngest professional female flyer.”

While Michael is game to strapin and swing right away, Denise is a little more hesitant at first.

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She seems a bit overwhelmed as she stares at the rope and net apparatus in the family’s yard, eyes wide.

In fact, she nearly chickens out entirely.

But Harmony and Jeremy are so calming and experienced, they make Denise feel at ease. After a lesson on the ground about positioning, Denise eventually works up enough courage to climb to the top of the platform.

Still, she’s uncertain. Back on the ground, the crew begins to wonder if Denise will work up the courage to jump.

“She’s going to do it,” Michael says with a knowing smile.

And it turns out, he’s right. With more time and gentle coaxing, plus the reassurance that she’s strapped in tightly and can’t free fall, Denise takes a leap and swings through the air. Everyone applauds and highfives her when she’s back on solid earth. She’s glad she did it, and in

fact, takes two more jumps.

Michael never hesitates for a second. He climbs up the ladder handily and jumps off the platform with enthusiasm. He flies through the air, and soon, he’s shifting mid-air to hang onto the bar by his knees. After a few more jumps, Michael even attempts a catch with another flyer.

Taking a trapeze class on a first date is a quick way to get to know someone. Michael and Denise had different methods, but they both ended up loving the rush of the trapeze.

Once class is over, the daters change into their dinner clothes.

They’ve both worked up an appetite and agree that after trapeze class, a cocktail is in order. The daters go from air to water when they arrive at The Florence, a new, beautifully designed restaurant in Sabre Springs that pays tribute to San Diego swimming legend Florence Chadwick.

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LOVE | BLIND DATE The locally sourced menu at The Florence ranges from classics like shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs and beer-battered onion rings to more unique offerings like salmon tots and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Michael and Denise order cocktails and appetizers before we separate them for their mid-date interviews.

How’s it going so far?

DENISE: It’s going great.

MICHAEL: Good, having a fun time.

At first glance, would you swipe right or left on your date?

DENISE: Right.

MICHAEL: Definitely right.

Is this the type of person you’d normally date?

DENISE: No. MICHAEL: Yeah, I think so.

How was your experience at Trapeze High?

DENISE: It was an experience.

At first, I was very hesitant to try and get into it, but once I got it, I conquered it. It took awhile at first, I was really scared. This was out of my comfort zone. But the people there, they reassured me and made sure that I was safe. They were really awesome. I really liked it. Totally different. I would never have thought of doing that on the first date, first blind date. It was a good experience.

MICHAEL: It was really good, something I’ve never done before and I really enjoyed it. It’s such a cool little ice-breaker because you can see exactly what the person you’re dating is like.

What caught your eye on the menu at The Florence?

DENISE: The drinks. I have the Mexican Firing Squad. It comes with Milagro Tequila, bitters and pomegranate.

MICHAEL: I’m getting the steak.

The waitress said it was the best one, it’s amazing. Salmon tots, and then we’ve got some baconwrapped dates and a bit of goat’s cheese and the fries.

What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far?

DENISE: He did a flip. He didn’t back down, he went out of his comfort zone himself and he was

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already doing tricks. I think was very attractive.

MICHAEL: I really like shows of character. And when she was on the bar and she wanted to come down, and then she just gritted out and did it and then she got down and said she wasn’t going to do it again, and she did it again and then, by the third one, she was loving it.

And now she’s saying she wants to get really good at it.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

DENISE: Eight.

MICHAEL: Ten, she’s a stunner.

She’s great. She’s got an amazing smile.

And for personality?

DENISE: Eight.

MICHAEL: Ten, the same.

What’s your date’s most attractive physical quality?

DENISE: His eyes.

MICHAEL: I like her eyes.

Do you want to kiss your date right now?

DENISE: No. MICHAEL: Yeah.

Does your date want to kiss you?

DENISE: I don’t know. Maybe.

MICHAEL: (Laughs) Not sure.

Is this someone you’d take home to mom, or just take home?

DENISE: He would be someone to take home to mom. It’s the accent, he has an accent.

MICHAEL: (Laughs) Back to Australia? Sure [she has potential].

How and when will the date end?

DENISE: (Laughs) I don’t know.

It’s too soon to tell, but I’m having a good time.

MICHAEL: I think we’re going to go out for a few drinks later. We’re talking about P.B. She hasn’t been there in awhile, used to live nearby.

It looks like these two lovebirds are hitting it off quite nicely after flying through the air at trapeze school. They both say they that they would swipe right on each other and that they find each other’s eyes to be their most attractive quality.

Michael also loved the way Denise conquered her fears and took the leap at Trapeze High. And Denise loved the way Michael did aerial tricks on the bar. Plus, she

says the accent doesn’t hurt.

And while Denise is a little hesitant about whether she wants to kiss her date, Michael is more certain. Noticing a pattern here?

Post-dinner, Michael plans to show Denise the ropes in P.B., much like he did at Trapeze High.

Here’s hoping the night ends with a smooth landing.

LOVE | BLIND DATE

GOOD CATCH

us back and we went to P.B. and we went out to a bar in P.B., had a drink there and just kind of walked around the waterfront. It was really nice.

Michael and Denise take it to the next level

O

ur daring daters spent their evening overcoming their fears, getting out of their comfort zones and whizzing through the air on a trapeze. We checked in with them the next day to see what other death-defying stunts they got into after dinner at The Florence.

How’d everything go last night?

DENISE: It went really well.

MICHAEL: Good, I had really good time. As I was saying going in, I didn’t know what to expect, 94

OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

but I think it went really well. I had a lot of fun.

Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after dinner at The Florence?

DENISE: We had the driver go to my place to drop off my things, then we went to his place to drop off his things and we went to P.B. We went to Mavericks and had a drink and hung out, talked, continued on with the date. And then, after that, we went and walked on the boardwalk. We noticed that there were some chairs we went over there and just hung out, sat and continued talking.

Did you guys exchange numbers?

DENISE: Yeah.

MICHAEL: Yup. Hook up?

DENISE: We kissed.

MICHAEL: Yeah, we kissed.

It was nice.

It was really nice, the waves were crashing and stuff.

MICHAEL: So our driver dropped

What was the best part of the date and why?

DENISE: It was nice, the whole time. I had a good time.

Best part? I think when we were at the beach and we were having our moment.

MICHAEL: I think getting to know her. She’s a great girl. I just really enjoyed the time we got to spend one on one.

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LOVE | BLIND DATE Will there be a second date? Why or why not?

DENISE: Yeah, we were talking about going to Rosarito, having steak and lobster.

MICHAEL: Yeah, there will be. We’re talking about going down to Rosarito and getting steak and lobster.

We’ll probably do that in the next week or two.

We love it when these dates end so sweetly.

Normally, after-dates in P.B. result in stumbling out of a bar at 2 a.m., not stumbling upon tiki torches and chairs in the sand. It was the perfect, romantic setting for Michael and Denise to take their budding relationship to the next level. And it looks like next, they’ll be taking a trip south of the border for some surf and turf.

Dear reader, the lesson here is, of course, to take the leap, so to speak.

To get outside of your comfort zone and do things that normally scare you, whether that’s going on a blind date in general or jumping off a trapeze platform. Big risk can equal big reward and you just have to know when it’s worth it.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM: EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo. com TRAPEZE HIGH 619.318.0833, trapezehigh.com THE FLORENCE 858.433.1545, theflorencesd.com MATCHMAKER COLLEEN PERONE naturalselectionsd.com

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OCTOBER 2019 @PACIFICSD

STATUS UPDATE

CHEC KING IN W ITH L AST M ONTH ’S B L IND DATE R S

Dedicated PACIFIC readers might remember blind daters Kristle and Tom (“For Batter or For Worse,” September 2019 issue), who spent their evening dodging foul balls at a Padres game at Petco Park.

We checked in with them to see what’s happened since being featured in PACIFIC. Are they still batting a thousand? Here’s what they had to say about their current status.

Are you still seeing your blind date?

KRISTLE: No, but we’re still in touch from time to time.

TOM: We are not seeing each other, but we do talk every now and then.

What were the reactions of your friends/family after you went on the date?

KRISTLE: I didn’t get much of a reaction, actually.

They were like, “Oh, that’s cool!”

TOM: My family thought it was really cool that I had an opportunity to do something so fun like that so soon after I moved out here. Things like this don’t happen in the small town that I’m from. My friends, they naturally gave me a ton of s**t for it, before eventually admitting they were jealous I had that experience.

Has your opinion of the date changed since you went on it?

KRISTLE: No, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the experience.

TOM: No, it was still a really fun time. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

After reading your blind date story, did any of your dates’ answers surprise you?

KRISTLE: Yeah, it was actually really fun reading his answers. I called him up and read some of them together.

TOM: I don’t think so. We shared most of our

answers with each other after the interviews.

I sort of recall us exchanging numbers a little differently, but if Kristle thinks it was a smooth move, I’ll take credit.

What did you learn?

KRISTLE: I learned that you can want to make something work with someone, they may be fun and kind, but sometimes it just isn’t a fit.

TOM: The biggest thing I learned was that great things can happen if you take a little risk and leave your comfort zone entirely. I am extremely camera shy and I don’t love the idea of a blind date, but we still had a ton of fun and I made a friend out of it. And from that, whether she knows it or not, she’s inspired me to be more active, enjoy the outdoors and to try to be the best version of myself that I can be.

Anyone slide into your DMs since the blind date went to print?

KRISTLE: I’ve been on other dates since then, yes.

TOM: There was definitely a little spike in activity there for a minute. A lot of follows, a few random DMs. Would you ever go on another blind date, either in a magazine or otherwise?

KRISTLE: Absolutely!

TOM: Blind dating is definitely not my style, but after this experience, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.

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