heART of Mt. Helix
Saturday, Aug. 13
The annual arts event at Mt. Helix Park features local restaurants; craft beers and wine; live music and art demonstrations; and a fundraising auction for the Mt. Helix Foundation.
$75 general admission; $125 VIP reserved table; Friends of the Park members save $15. Call 619-741-4363 for advanced tickets. Visit mthelixpark.org for more information.
On Film
‘Big Hero 6’
Friday, July 22
La Mesa will host a free movie in the park at La Mesita Park (8855 Dallas St.). This family-friendly event invites attendees to bring a picnic and enjoy a movie under the stars. The film will start at 8 p.m. on a high-definition Blu-Ray projection system with a 26-foot wide screen. Visit cityoflamesa.com for more information.
‘Inside Out’
Friday, Aug. 5
The El Cajon Recreation Department will be hosting this free summer movie event at Renette Park (935 Emerald Ave., El Cajon). Pre-event activities will start at 6 p.m. and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic. The film will begin playing at dusk. Visit summermoviesinthepark.com for more information.
Gallery Views
‘Petit Point Needlework’ by Linda Gillespie
Through Sunday, July 31
Ladybug Art Center (4685 Biona Drive, Kensington) will be displaying more than a dozen handcrafted art pieces by Linda Gillespie. Her Petit Point is a delicate version of needlepoint using finer linen, needles and thread. Her pieces depict historical buildings including San Diego’s Heritage Park. The artwork will be on display through the end of July. Visit ladybugartstudio.com for more information.
‘Moments in Time’
Through Monday Aug. 22
The Wieghorst Museum Foundation presents this art show with works by Grace Schlesier, Gloria Chadwick, Dennis Torzeski, Denise Rich, Millie Shaw, and Debbie Hughbanks. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 131 Rea Ave. in El Cajon. For more information, call 619-590-3431.
Music Notes
Big Band Ambassadors
Sunday, July 24
Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St., La Mesa) is wrapping up their series with this performance from 6 – 7 p.m. Big Band Ambassadors will be the final musical guest. Visit cityoflamesa.com for more information.
Smokey Robinson
Tuesday, July 26 – Thursday, July 28
Sycuan Casino’s concert series in their Live & Up Close Theatre (5485 Casino Way, El Cajon) starts with three performances by the legendary Smokey Robinson. The singer-songwriter is known for hits like “Cruisin’,” “Just to See Her,” and many more. Shows are at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are $69 – $79. Visit sycuan.com for more information.
KC and the Sunshine Band
Thursday, Aug. 4 – Friday, Aug. 5
Sycuan Casino’s concert series continues with two performances by KC and the Sunshine Band in the Live & Up Close Theatre (5485 Casino Way, El Cajon). The disco and funk band is responsible for well-known songs like “That’s the Way (I Like It)” and “Boogie Shoes.” Shows are at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are $89 – $99. Visit sycuan.com for more information.
Homesick Hitchers
Friday, Aug. 19
Start your weekend off with some upbeat live music at Helix Brewing Co. (8101 Commercial St., La Mesa). Homesick Hitchers are an all-acoustic group that plays traditional bluegrass music sprinkled with touches of other genres, from folk to funk and everything in between. Music starts at 6 p.m. but arrive early to grab a good spot and some grub. Urban Eats Food Truck will be on hand starting at 4 p.m. Visit drinkhelix.com for more information.
On Stage
’80 Days; A Musical’
Thursday, July 28 – Friday, Aug. 5
The Grossmont College Summer Theatre Arts Conservatory program brings high school and college-age students together to perform family-friendly summer theater in the Stagehouse Theatre. This year’s performance by the students will be an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days,” the timeless tale of amazing adventure with Phileas Fogg attempting to circumnavigate the globe in less than 80 days in order to win a sizeable wager. Performances will be held at Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre (8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon bordering La Mesa. Visit grossmont.edu for tickets.
Live comedy: George Lopez
Friday, July 29 – Saturday, July 30
Sycuan Casino’s concert series in their Live & Up Close Theatre (5485 Casino Way, El Cajon) has just gotten underway. Their first comedy shows will feature George Lopez, one of the original Latin Kings of Comedy. Known for his self-titled ABC comedy and stand-up routine examining race and culture, Lopez is sure to serve up laughs and social commentary. There will be a 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. show each night. Tickets are $69 – $79. Visit sycuan.com for more information.
‘The Dixie Swim Club’
Through Sunday, Aug. 7
Lamplighters Community Theatre (5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa) presents a comedy about five women who have remained friends since their time together on a college swim team 33 years ago. Visit lamplighterslamesa.com for tickets.
