SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY LOSES MENTOR MARVIN HAMLISCH
Music legend Marvin Hamlisch, who served as principal pops conductor for San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops the last seven seasons, passed away Aug. 6 after a brief illness.
Stephen Kougias, Symphony director of public relations, released the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of … Marvin Hamlisch, who had been with the Symphony since 2006. He most recently performed at the Star Spangled Pops to open San Diego Symphony’s summer series in late June of this year. In addition to his role as principal pops conductor, Marvin was a great friend to the Symphony and the consummate professional, always willing to meet with members of the community and to reach out to our patrons, musicians and students throughout San Diego County.”
According to Kougias, Hamlisch started his career in music as a six-year-old child prodigy at Julliard, and had won every major award since, including three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globes.
“Marvin touched our lives with humor, compassion and his extraordinary talent,” Kougias said. “Through his perseverance and optimistic spirit, he taught us all that the show must go on. We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife, Terre, and his extended family. Marvin Hamlisch will be deeply missed by all of us at the San Diego Symphony.” For more information see sandiegosymphony.org.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE TITANIC
The Titanic is about to set sail again to a new location after a six month visit. Called “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park has been offering visitors an intimate look at arguably the world’s most famous ocean vessel, since February 10. The extensive exhibit, which will remain on public display through September 9, takes visitors through Titanic’s construction, launch, maiden voyage, life on the ship, and its imminent tragedy. A timed-entry exhibit, each visitor is issued a boarding pass – a replica of those issued on that fateful day of embarkation. Guests are then invited to take on the life of one of its passengers throughout the exhibit, and through dramatic reconstruction, more than 200 actual artifacts from the original ship, and the sharing of personal histories of those on board when tragedy struck, provided a true understanding of the Titanic. “Educational, emotional, and appropriate for all ages,” says the sdnhm.org website. All tickets include concurrent exhibitions and movies shown in the 3D theater. Non-member adults $27, members $18, Student, military, youth (13-17) are $21. More pricing options and discounts available online. Museum hours are Sun-Fri, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sat, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park.
LANDSCAPE CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LIBRARY
With the construction progress of the new Central Library Downtown moving steadily forward, an award has now been set for the construction of the building’s landscape. Benchmark Landscape, a Poway-based commercial landscape installation and maintenance company, won the bidding process and is expected to start the project this Fall, with a completion date set for Summer of 2013. They will also maintain the entire landscape for the duration of the contract.
A highlight of the project is the installation of what is being referred to as a “green screen,” between the penthouse level and the ninth floor just below it. This “living wall” will have vines growing through the interior courtyard and will be fully animated, with a trellis system and cobblestone acting as accents.
Along the street below will be a pathway made of decomposed granite, comprised of native plant material and other planters. Other notable installations include a rock garden on the fifth floor, shade tolerant plants inside the parking garage, and other landscaped courtyards within the building.
The new library will be located at 330 Park Blvd., at 11 th Ave in East Village, just adjacent to Petco Park.
NEW MTS ROUTE SCHEDULE CHANGES
MTS has made significant changes to all of their trolley and bus schedules, effective Sunday, Sept. 2. Major changes will allow San Diego Trolley’s Blue, Orange and Green Lines to each offer direct trips to Downtown on all lines, making trips faster for most passengers. The Blue Line will travel between San Ysidro and America Plaza, and the weekday early-morning frequency will be increased to every 7 to 8 minutes.
The Orange Line will travel between the El Cajon Transit Center and Santa Fe Depot, with the frequency increased on Saturday mornings and Sunday. The Green Line will be extended through Old Town to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center, with frequency also increased on Saturday mornings and Sunday.
Most bus schedules will also be changed because of the modified trolley schedules. Visit sdmts.com for more information.
CHEF SHOWDOWN MOVES TO LIBERTY STATION
The Chef’s Showdown, the annual September event that serves to raise awareness for the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is moving its kitchens this year.
In its eighth year, the popular event pits local culinary experts against each other in an “Iron Chef-style” competition. In years past the event has always taken place Downtown, but this year it will be held at the NTC Promenade of Liberty Station, located in Point Loma, on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit Center for Community Services (CCS), a local nonprofit that provides support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. A goal of $100,000 has been set.
Chefs participating include: Amy Dibiase from The Shores, Dawn Parks from Wild Thyme Co., Joe Magnanelli from Cucina Urbana, Paul McCabe from Delicias, Bobby Mariner from Viejas, Hanis Cavin from the Carnitas Snack Shack, Chef Matt Gordon of Urban Solace, Rachel King of Searsucker, Anthony Sinsay from Burlap, Augie Saucedo from Donovan’s, Scotty Wagner from Chi Cuisine, and Chris O’Donell from La Villa.
Judges include Chef Bernard Guillas from The Marine Room, restaurateurs Ingrid Croce, Joe Bussalachi, and Michelle Lerach. Two additional judge spots will be up for bidding during the live auction portion of the event, and local resident Sam Zien (Sam the Cooking Guy) will act as host.
Over 600 are expected to attend, which will also include food and wine tastings and a chance at auction items. Tickets are $125 each or $200 for a VIP reservation, and can be purchased by calling (858) 272-5777, ext. 120.
