ONGOING EVENTS

‘God of Carnage’
Through Feb. 9
“God of Carnage” relates an evening in the lives of two couples, residents of a Brooklyn neighborhood, who meet to discuss a playground incident. Alan and Annette’s son hit Michael and Veronica’s son in the face with a stick, resulting in two broken teeth. The four of them agree to discuss the incident civilly, but, as the night wears on and drinks are imbibed, the polite veneer breaks down. The couples initially spar against each other, but the men gang up. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. Tickets are: adults $23; seniors, students, active military $20; groups of 10 or more $18. Visit lamplighterslamesa.com.

‘Red Bike’
Through Feb. 16
“Red Bike” imagines when you were 11 years old and you had a bike, one that made you dream about a world bigger than the one in which you live. This play is that memory. Except it is now. Two performers play the same character in a wildly imaginative, physical and poetic performance unlike anything else. “Red Bike” is about the divide between those who have and those who long for. It captures the heart of middle America while pushing two actors to their limits in a highly choreographed theatrical duet of storytelling. Thursdays 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.; and Sundays 2 p.m. at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N. Tickets range $20-$45, available at moxietheatre.com.

FEATURED EVENTS

Thursday, Jan. 20

Adventures By The Book
Adventures By The Book will host a “Southern Lunch Adventure” with New York Times bestselling Southern authors Kristin Harmel, Mary Alice Monroe and Kristy Woodson Harvey on a panel moderated by NYT bestselling author Kristina McMorris. Harmel is a No. 1 international bestselling novelist. Her latest novel is “The Winemaker’s Wife.” Monroe is an author of environmental fiction; her current book is “The Summer Guests.” Woodson Harvey’s current book is “The Southern Side of Paradise.” McMorris’ current book is “Sold on a Monday.” Noon at Claim Jumper in La Mesa, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The event is ticketed ($38 per person) and is open to the public. Visit adventuresbythebook.com.

Friday, Jan. 31

Inside the Actor’s Process: Love Scenes
Through Feb. 1
Grossmont College Stagehouse Theater presents: In a world that feels saturated with negativity, a showcase of the best parts of life is long overdue, even if sometimes the characters in these love stories betray mixed motives, less-than-stellar ideals, and imperfect behavior. This behind-the-scenes look at how the theatrical artist engages with love stories includes vignettes featuring contemporary lovers, classic lovers, and everything in-between. What makes love scenes so magnetic? The times may change, but more than anything else, our need to find someone to connect with never does. 7:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; an additional 2-4 p.m. performance on Saturday at the Stagehouse Theatre, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. $10 tickets available bit.ly/2u995iH.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Cuyamaca College Powwow
Native American history and culture will be celebrated when tribes from throughout the West congregate at Cuyamaca College’s 6th Annual Powwow. The powwow begins at 9:30 a.m. with a traditional blessing, followed by the Ashaa Takook Bird Singers at 10 a.m., gourd dancing at 11 a.m. and Grand Entry at noon. The celebration continues until 8 p.m. and vendors will be selling Native American arts and crafts, fry bread and Indian tacos. Admission is free. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway. For more information about Cuyamaca College, visit cuyamaca.edu.

Brew Community Market
The Brew Community Market brings the community together by creating this diverse venue of local artisans, craft home goods, hand-made jewelry, bath soaps, scented candles, and more. The Brew Community Market is located in the parking lot to the side of the Brew Coffee Spot building, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa, and hosts up to 25 different vendors. This is a monthly event. Come shop 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from many local businesses in the community. For more information, visit brewcoffeespot.com.

Women’s Club Open House
The La Mesa Women’s Club will host an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. that will feature food tasting, drinks, raffles, fashion show, music entertainment and prizes. 5220 Wilson St., for more information, visit lamesawomensclub.org or call 619-466-4362.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Author talk
Ladies are invited to come hear local author and regular Courier contributor Cynthia G. Robertson speak on the topic of spiritual development related to her novel “Where You see Forever.” Robertson will also speak about her own life’s spiritual journey. The talk will be held 1 p.m. at the monthly meeting of the United Methodist Women’s fellowship at La Mesa United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave., La Mesa. Call 619-466-4163 for more info.

Wine Down Wednesday
Join La Mesa Chamber of Commerce for a special mixer at the new Westmont of La Mesa, 9000 Murray Drive. With the opening of this beautiful facility, the city now has a 130,000-square-foot, three-story retirement community to house 150 residents that provides both independent living and assisted living, including memory care. Tantalizing hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by Natasha and her team and delicious beverages will be served. You won’t want to miss this special evening. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Ample parking available in front of the building and on Murray Drive in front of the parking lot. Free to chamber members. Please RSVP so the culinary team knows how much to prepare for the special evening. RSVP to: [email protected].

Friday, Feb. 7

First Friday Night Market
On the first Friday of each month in Grossmont Center, located in the parking lot between Chuze Fitness and Fuddrucker’s Restaurant, an outdoor, all-vegan eats, sweets, drinks, and goods event will be held that celebrates the vegan lifestyle. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce also hosts a beer garden featuring local breweries. 5-10 p.m. in Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Admission is free.

Sunday, Feb. 9

Tom Griesgbaber concert
Tom Griesgbaber is an honors graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. He was already proficient as an electric guitarist when he decided to take up the Chapman Stick. The Stick has six guitar strings and six bass strings. It looks like a wide guitar neck, with no guitar body. The strings are tapped rather than plucked, allowing the player to create separate sounds in each hand with a variety of guitar and bass-like sounds. Tom has taken things further, adding an outlet so he can incorporate looping and synth effects. The Chapman Stick was developed in the early 1970s by Emmett Chapman. Griesgraber is one of the most respected and active performers on the Stick and has been the opening act for many famous musicians, including Al Di Meola, Larry Carlton, Tower of Power, Asia, and the Dixie Dregs. Tom performs regularly with his group, Agent 22, and as a duo with Bert Lams of the California Guitar Trio. 3-4 p.m. at Mission Trails Church, 4880 Zion Ave., San Diego. The concert is free. There is plenty of free parking.

San Diego Family Fun Fest
Get ready for nonstop play at San Diego Family Magazine’s San Diego Family Fun Fest! This free event will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center (in the Corner Zone), 6845 University Ave. Sign up for free tickets at bit.ly/2Tl6n4s. Have a blast with more than 40 activities and resource booths, two bounce houses, zipline, swings and more. Dance along with the DJ, win cool raffle prizes, explore family resources and take playtime to a whole new level!

Saturday, Feb. 22

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’
Through Feb. 23
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd. Suite N. $12.50 tickets available at bit.ly/2tjoxsL.