
‘World Classic Rockers’ return to honor vets
The American Freedom Festival San Diego will return to the USS Midway Museum for its fifth anniversary on May 24, bringing back the classic rock supergroup “World Classic Rockers.” Organized by the American Freedom Foundation, the festival has raised approximately $120,000 for military-focused charitable organizations in San Diego. This year, to accommodate an additional 400 seats for attendees, the museum will shuffle planes around to create more space on the flight deck. World Classic Rockers features former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steppenwolf, Journey, Boston and Santana and will play hits from each band. Tickets for the event start at $49.50 and can be purchased through midway.org/freedom or americanfreedomfoundation.org.
Star Wars comes to Central Library
San Diego Central Library will be celebrating Star Wars Day on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Joan ? Irwin Jacobs Common. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the library will feature Jedi knights, storm troopers, droids, and possibly even Darth Vader. Fans of all ages are invited to dress up as their favorite Star Wars character, encouraged to meet other fans, mingle with the Empire and the Rebel Alliance, and enjoy fun activities from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. May 4has become the unofficial holiday celebrating the Star Was franchise, due to its phonetic similarity to the phrase “may the force be with you.” Expect to hear the phrase used incessantly. The San Diego Central Library is located at 330 Park Blvd. Individuals parking in the garage will receive a special $5 rate if anyone in the vehicle is dressed as a Star Wars character.
Little Italy revamps Kettner Nights
To celebrate the changing façade of northern part of the neighborhood, the Little Italy Association (LIA) is launching a new quarterly event in North Little Italy: NoLI Nights. The event is designed as an opportunity for North Italy businesses to present all the culture, arts, entertainment and culinary delights hidden within one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets. Similar to Kettner Nights, NoLI Nights will feature a more diverse collection of businesses. Each quarter, visitors can stroll down the sidewalks and experience the newest, most unique events and offerings at North Little Italy galleries, restaurants, boutiques and shops. The first NoLI Nights will take place Thursday, May 15, from 6 – 9 p.m. North Little Italy is considered the area between I-5 Freeway and Pacific Hwy., with cross streets at W. Grape Street and W. Laurel Street. For more information on Little Italy and NoLI Nights, visit littleitalysd.com.
Events for National Bike Month announced
In celebration of National Bike Month, the San Diego Country Bicycle Coalition has produced a calendar of bicycle events, educational opportunities and rides for all cycling levels. The San Diego Bicycle Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to making bicycling safer and more popular in San Diego through educational programs, reviewing infrastructure, and acting as a voice for bicyclists to elected officials. The first event featured was the National Bike Month kick-off on May 1, in which participants were invited to ride with the Bike Coalition from Hillcrest to Recon Environmental in Little Italy, before heading to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) building for a press conference. Other upcoming events include Ride to School Day on May 7, Bike Fiesta on May 10, National Women’s Ride on May 11, and Bike to Work Day on May 16. To learn more about the free activities in San Diego, visit sdcbc.org.
Buccaneer Ball celebrates Meals-on-Wheels
The annual Meals-on-Wheels Gala will be taking place June 14,from 5:30 – 11 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. The Buccaneer Ball is the non-profit’s largest fundraiser of the year, and will feature top chefs from all over San Diego competing for the 5th annual Chef Appetizer Challenge. Funds raised will support the independence and well being of over 2,700 seniors in San Diego County. For over 54 years, Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego, Inc. has been serving its local community and enhancing the support network of seniors. The pirate themed bash will be a bountyfull of fun for foodies, philanthropists, and those looking to have a great evening and help a worthy cause. The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina located at 1380 Harbor Island Dr. Tickets to the event include tasty cocktails and dinner. Prices are $150 per person until May 17, then $175 per person; $1,500 per 10 person table. Attire is Fanciful Finery! Parrots, peg legs and patches are optional. RSVP is by June 4. For more information, or to make a reservation, go to meals-on-wheels.org.
Boys and Girls Club benefit at Altitude
On Tuesday, May 13, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge will host a charitable evening event to benefit the San Diego Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito. Beginning at 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a gorgeous sunset and live acoustic performances from local artists Ron Morabito and Arun while sipping on signature summery cocktails. Funds will be raised through suggested donations, raffle items and CD sales. Born and raised in New York, Ron Morabito began performing at the age of fourteen. Now a San Diego singer, songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Rob’s voice and words draw on a wide range of life experiences, including being homeless as a teen. His poignant work has been described as soulful and powerful. Admission to Ron Morabito and Arun Charity Acoustic Night is free. The ALTITUDE Sky Lounge is located at 660 K St. This is a 21+ event. For more information, you can call the ALTITUDE Sky lounge at 619-696-0234 or visit altitudeskybar.com.