La Jolla Village Merchants Association is partnering with Disney’s musical production of “The Lion King” to promote five “Hakuna Matata-themed” events in July and August.
“Hakuna Matata” is a Swahili phrase meaning “no trouble,” “no worries” and “take it easy.” The phrase is derived from the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios animated film “The Lion King.” The movie popularized the phrase in one of its songs, which is translated as “no worries.”
La Jolla Village will host a variety of events to shine the light on environmental stewardship, family, and of course — the no-worry attitude, said LJVMA on its website lajollabythesea.com. The promotion collaborates with Broadway San Diego, which is presenting the return of the Tony Award-winning musical on the Civic Theater stage downtown from Aug. 24 to Sept. 11.
Jodi Rudick, LJVMA’s executive director talked about how the promotional collaboration came about.
“Prior to the pandemic in March of 2020 Disney’s Broadway musical, “Frozen,” was heading to San Diego and had similarly partnered with La Jolla Village,” said Rudick adding, “The show, unfortunately, did not go on, but LJVMA forged a positive relationship with Disney Theatrical that endured beyond COVID. When ‘The Lion King’ became part of the Broadway San Diego 2022 season, Disney’s promotional team again selected La Jolla to be part of its launch.”
Rudick noted that “Lion King”-themed events, sponsored by the show, will “bring a fun, unique vibrancy to La Jolla. We are always looking for mutually beneficial partnerships that promote the values of La Jolla and the needs of our merchants. The themes of ‘Lion King’ align perfectly with La Jolla’s commitment to the environment, conservancy, and preservation. As a cross-marketing partner, Broadway San Diego is a natural fit as La Jolla Village seeks to attract similar arts and culture audiences to events and activities.”
Tickets for the Tony Award-Winning musical are on sale and are likely to sell out. Whether you are a roaring fan or have never experienced the visual and musical magic of the show, you’ll want to mark your calendar and reserve your spot for these Lion King-themed events in La Jolla Village.
LION KING IN LA JOLLA VILLAGE
– Simba’s Safari Scavenger Hunt: July 15-Aug. 7. Discover La Jolla Village as you follow the clues to find “Lion King” masks that will be on display throughout the Village. Enter to win show tickets, restaurant gift cards, and the grand prize package valued at more than $1,400 featuring a stay at the La Valencia Hotel, dinner, brunch, and tickets to see the Broadway production.
– ManeTain the Trail: La Jolla Coast Walk Cleanup, Sunday, July 17, 9 -11 a.m. Gather to honor the “Circle of Life” spirit by giving back to the earth and protecting natural resources. Whether you can help with light maintenance or assist with registration and other administrative duties, all are welcome to clean up a La Jolla version of Pride Rock. Volunteers will be treated to refreshments, prizes, games, and more.
– Pool-side screening of “The Lion King” on Tuesday, July 19 at 8 p.m. at La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St.
– Circle of Life Art Contest Call for Entries: July 5-July 20. Amateur artists of all ages are invited to submit their best representation of “The Lion King” themes from the African animals and scenery of the Savannah to symbols of love, family, adventure, coming of age, and even betrayal. All media are welcome but must be submitted digitally by July 20 for review by a panel of professional artists. Selected pieces will be displayed beginning Aug. 5. People will be able to vote for their favorite pieces both online and in person.
– First Friday Art Walk: Aug. 5, 4-7 p.m. “Hakuna Matata” is the theme and will feature live music, sips, snacks, art demos, and more than 16 galleries — many of which are dedicated to conservation and wildlife protection. Join in for the opening reception of the community art show where you can vote for your favorite piece and savor the creativity of artists of all ages.
