March 14 Issue: Local and regional events

Community Concerts of RSF to present ‘The Starlets’

Join Community Concerts of Rancho Santa Fe at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club on Friday, March 22, to enjoy The Starlets concert singing pop hits and favorite classics with vintage glamour and style. The Starlets are inspired by iconic girl groups such as The Shirelles and The Supremes, taking you on a musical journey through the ‘50s and ‘60s. This powerhouse female vocal trio performs the sounds of pop, doo wop, R&B, Motown, and will dazzle the CCRSF audience with their fabulous costumes, sizzling choreography and, yes, also audience engagement.

Their repertoire includes familiar hits like “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Everyone will be inspired to be “Dancin’ in the Street” or, as the audiences have been inspired to be doing at each of CCRSF’s concerts this season, dancing in front of the stage or in the aisles.

Doors open at 6 p.m., just enough time to enjoy light supper selections and beverages with all your friends, including a glass of wine thanks to Northern Trust, CCRSF’s appreciated friends since the year 2000. Concert begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available concert evening or in advance at www.ccrsf.org. $75 for adults, $15 for children 13-17 accompanied by adults. Plus, the CCRSF 2024-25 concert series will be announced and ready for sale.

RSF Republican Women meeting to feature guest speaker

The Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women Federated will hold their March monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 20, at the La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Doors open for the breakfast meeting at 9:15 a.m.

Featured speaker: Dr. Bill Wells, mayor of El Cajon, currently running for Congress (D-51) in the November election against Sarah Jacobs. Besides his involvement in politics, Wells has had over 30 years’ experience in the area of mental health, as a doctor of clinical psychology. He has emerged as a nationally recognized expert on the homeless, as well as an advocate for conservative causes. Members $17; Guests $20. RSVP to: www.rsfrwf.org by Monday, March 18. Address: 5690 Cancha de Golf, RSF, 92091.

FACE Foundation Bags & Baubles 2024 benefit event

Registration is now open for FACE Foundation’s Bags & Baubles 2024 benefit event to be held on Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at a Rancho Santa Fe estate.

Enjoy complimentary wine, appetizers, desserts, and the opportunity to bid on hundreds of new and gently loved designer handbags, jewelry, accessories and more. This year, due to a very generous estate donation, the event will feature the most luxe collection of items to date. All proceeds benefit pets in need of life-saving veterinary care.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can still participate and bid on items from any remote location. Register as normal, and everything will be sent that you need to take part in this popular event. Early bird pricing is $85, price increases to $125 on April 1.

For tickets and more information go to www.face4pets.org

Explore tiny homes and van life at Tiny Fest

TinyFest is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the fifth year in a row March 16-17. TinyFest is an annual exposition that celebrates tiny living in a big way.

Visitors of all ages are invited to tour the large spectrum of alternative living structures from tiny homes, buses and vans to backyard cottages, ADUs, shipping container homes and more. Experts in the tiny living movement will be giving educational presentations and guests can shop the Simple Living Marketplace with a variety of vendors to help minimize your clutter, debt, and carbon footprint.

More information at delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2024/tinyfest

Music critic George Varga to give lecture

The Learning is for Everyone (LIFE) group at Mira Costa College’s San Elijo Campus hosts a lecture from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 15 on “Popular Music in San Diego ... and Beyond” led by George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune music critic. Varga, who has earned three Pulitzer Prize nominations and is a voting member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will talk about the challenges of being a music critic and share some of his stories. Varga has provided live coverage of the Grammy Awards and festivals from Coachella and KAABOO to the 1994 edition of Woodstock. The free lecture is in Room 204 in Building 200 at Mira Costa’s San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. There is free parking in student spaces of parking lots SAN-1 and SAN-2 in front of the 200 building. Email lifesanelijo@miracosta.edu.

USET Foundation to host ‘Equestrians in Paris’ benefit event in Del Mar

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation will host an exciting benefit event on Friday, March 22, in the Del Mar Arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The “Equestrians in Paris” event will raise critical funds to support the U.S. equestrian teams that are headed for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

“Equestrians in Paris” will be hosted by honorary chairman Mark Wahlberg, 2023 Miss California Sabrina Lewis, and benefit co-chairs, Sean Caddell, Katherine Annie Finch, Laura Maloney, Patricia Mayer, and Francie Nilforushan, as well as several athlete host committee and benefit committee members. The event will begin with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m. followed by dinner served at 6:30 p.m., and entertainment presented by Halter Ego. In addition to music, there will be live equestrian performances from several top athletes including world champion vaulters and Olympic dressage medalists Guenter Seidel, Steffen Peters, and Sabine Schut-Kery, as well as dressage athlete Kathleen Raine. Olympic show jumping gold medalist Will Simpson will also lead a performance with his daughter and NAYC show jumping gold and bronze medalist Sophie Simpson-Leckie. A play on the popular Netflix television series Emily in Paris, the “Equestrians in Paris” benefit gala is an opportunity for guests to don their best Parisian-inspired cocktail attire.

For additional information on “Equestrians in Paris” and to purchase a table or ticket in support of the USET Foundation and the U.S. equestrian athletes headed to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visit www.uset.org/eip-gala

La Jolla Music Society brings Nrityagram and Chitrasena dance companies to The Conrad

One of the premier Indian dance ensembles performing today, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble has the unprecedented distinction of making The New York Times’ “Best Dance of the Year” list two consecutive years in a row. The troupe, together with Chitrasena Dance Company in their joint program Āhuti, will make their San Diego debuts presented by La Jolla Music Society for two nights in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad in La Jolla, on March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. each night.

In a cultural dialogue delivered through movement and music, these two world-renowned dance companies present a fusion of classical and cultural dance, diving deep into historical and cultural roots of India’s Odissi Dance and Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance. The work engages in a conversation between the distinct dance traditions and movement vocabularies of each country, in the second cross-cultural collaboration between these two acclaimed companies. Tickets are $46 to $81 at TheConrad.org.

Local Author Showcase to be held at Encinitas Library

The Encinitas Library will hold its first Local Author Showcase on Sunday, March 17 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Local authors of all genres and target audiences (children and adults) will be at the event for an interactive meet and greet program. The local authors will be in the community room with copies of their books available for purchase. Various St. Patrick’s-themed activities will be happening along with a special Scavenger hunt and raffle prizes. This is a free all-ages event. Celebrate local authors and their creative and intellectual writing success. Location address: Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr., 760-753-7376.

Scholarship offered for soccer players

A local nonprofit, Gregg’s Goals, is looking for applicants for the 2024 Gregg Garon Scholarship. Applicants must have played soccer for a high school or club team in northern San Diego County, (north of Highway state Route 56) and plan to continue their education after high school. Applicants must demonstrate team leadership, loyalty, love of the game, giving back to others and courage. Scholarship amount depends on number of awardees selected, but has averaged $2,000 in recent years. The scholarship was created in memory of soccer player and coach Gregg Garon. The deadline to submit applications is March 24. Visit greggsgoals.org.

North County Italian group gives scholarships

The North County Italian Association, a nonprofit that fosters an appreciation of Italian culture, is offering $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school seniors of Italian descent. Application deadline is March 16. Visit northcountyitalianassociation.org.

Public invited to AAUW Musical Tea

The public is invited to a Musical Tea presented by the American Association of University Women-Carlsbad-Oceanside-Vista. All funds made from this event will support a program called Tech Trek which allows 8th grade girls to spend a week in the summer at UCSD learning about STEM job opportunities. The music will be provided by Bach-N-All and WINDSPRING. The event includes a high tea, fashion show, and jewelry sale. The AAUW Del Mar-Leucadia Branch will offer silent auction baskets including gift certificates for restaurants and local businesses and a “Chocolate Tasting for 8.” The event is Saturday, March 16, 1-3 p.m. at the Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St. Carlsbad. Reservations are due March 14 at $40/adult. For more information go to cov-ca.aauw.net

Encinitas Rotarty Club to hold an evening of magic and laughter

The Encinitas Rotary Club is presenting an evening of enchanting magic and belly laugh humor, bringing together five world-class magicians from the illustrious Magic Castle in Hollywood. This unforgettable experience of wonder and laughter supports community charities and youth programs through the 501(c)3 Encinitas Rotary Club Foundation.

The event will be held Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m., at the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center Theater (on the campus of Carlsbad High School, 3557 Monroe St., Carlsbad). Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.MagicMagicMagic.com/rotary-magic

The show features five mesmerizing magicians, each a maestro in their own right, having showcased their talents nationally and internationally on platforms such as Penn & Teller, Masters of Illusion, late-night TV, and even Disney Cruises, according to a news release. The all-star lineup includes: Chipper Lowell: Where Comedy and Humor Collide; Arthur Trace: The Artful Deceiver; Eric Buss: Innovative and High-Energy Comedy and Magic; Krystyn Lambert: Renowned Mentalist and Mystic; Paul Dwork: The Magic of Merlin.

For more information about the Encinitas Rotary Club, visit www.EncinitasRotary.org.

‘Sanctuary in the Wild’ book launch at San Diego Botanic Gardens

Join photographer Christina McFaul on Saturday, March 16, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for the launch and large-scale exhibition of her latest photography book, ‘Sanctuary in the Wild.’ Set against the backdrop of the lush Conservatory at the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas, the evening promises an enchanting blend of wine, art, nature, and inspiration. (Address: 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, 92024.)

McFaul’s’s monograph is a deep dive into the intrinsic connection with nature, portrayed through the adventurous eyes of two young brothers. It reveals the enchanting magic and mysteries of the wilderness. This hand-crafted artist book, a limited-edition of only 200 copies, includes a 7” x 5” original archival print, each signed by McFaul herself. Her captivating black-and-white portraits and landscapes unveil the breathtaking beauty of the wild.

The evening is set to be an immersive experience that brings the book’s themes to life, inviting guests to explore their personal connection with the natural world. The event will also showcase a special exhibition of photographs by emerging young talents mentored by Christina, offering a glimpse into the future of photography. In a pledge to conservation, 10% of all proceeds from the evening will be donated to a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and restoration of precious wildlands for generations to come. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.christinamcfaul.com. If you can’t attend but would like a copy of the book or to learn more and be notified of future events email info@christinamcfaul.com.

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance: La Jolla Tour d’Elegance Automotive Rally

The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance invites automotive enthusiasts to experience “the elegance and grandeur of the La Jolla Tour d’Elegance automotive rally” on Saturday, April 20. The La Jolla Tour d’Elegance experience is designed to celebrate a diverse array of automobiles, from vintage classics to modern marvels. Participants will have the opportunity to share their love for cars, connect with fellow aficionados, and immerse themselves in a day of automotive excellence. This is a rare opportunity that unites enthusiasts in their shared love for the open road.

The public is invited to join the spectacle and cheer on their favorite cars at various points along the route. Join the “Cars & Coffee” Parade in Rancho Santa Fe on Paseo Delicias from 9 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. and through La Jolla Shores from 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. to catch a glimpse of these more than 100 modern and vintage marvels.

Registration for the Tour d’Elegance is open with an entry fee of $425, offering an intimate and exclusive automotive experience. While car entry requires a fee, spectators are welcome to enjoy the event for free along the rally route in Rancho Santa Fe on Paseo Delicias at 9 a.m. and in La Jolla Shores at 11:30 a.m. For more information on the event’s activities and to register, visit lajollaconcours.com/entrants/tour-delegance-registration/

Solana Center to celebrate 40th anniversary at ‘Waste to Wonder’ event

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, 501(c)(3) nonprofit which pioneered the first comprehensive curbside recycling program in Southern California and one of the first community-based recycling programs in the U.S., will recognize its 40th year of addressing the San Diego region’s most pressing environmental issues and enacting real, measurable impacts to mitigate climate change, according to a news release.

To celebrate this milestone Solana Center is hosting Waste to Wonder, an event to showcase history, current initiatives, and future plans to address the organization’s mission – empowering innovative solutions to climate change through education, community engagement, and research. The community is invited to attend Waste to Wonder taking place at the Encinitas Community Center on Saturday, May 11, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The event will feature local food by Santosha Nutrition, locally produced drinks, impactful speakers, live music, and networking opportunities. Tickets are on sale now at shorturl.at/egruG

The Lodge at Torrey Pines hosts Annual Celebrate the Craft Festival

The Lodge at Torrey Pines, San Diego’s distinguished AAA Five Diamond resort, hosts the 21st iteration of the Celebrate the Craft culinary festival on April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A premier showcase of California’s agricultural bounty and epicurean craftsmanship, Celebrate the Craft brings together dozens of the region’s finest chefs, food artisans, farmers, ranchers, fishers, wineries, distilleries, and breweries in one stunning outdoor setting: The Lodge’s Arroyo Terrace overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Considered one of San Diego’s finest food fêtes, hundreds of gourmands will converge at The Lodge to mingle, sip and savor regionally grown ingredients, innovative cooking, masterful winemaking, and more. Tickets are available for $250 per person at www.CelebrateTheCraft.com. Each all-inclusive ticket includes an extensive array of food tastings, wine, craft beer and spirits, and complimentary valet and self-parking. An exclusive VIP experience is also available for $350 per person which includes a private seating area in the luxe Gamble Suite and the opportunity to sample exclusive reserve wines from the event’s featured wineries.

A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to The Ecology Center, a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm and education center that serves as a hub for Southern California’s ecological movement.

Events in and around La Jolla

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Spring Jazz Series will feature the Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart organ trio on Saturday, March 23, and Luciana Souza and Trio Corrente on Friday, April 26. Each concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. $129 for the series for Athenaeum members, $144 for non-members; $45 per individual concert for members, $50 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/jazz

• The La Jolla Music Society presents the Alphabet Rockers at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. The group won a 2023 Grammy Award for best children’s album. $28-$38. theconrad.org/events/alphabet-rockers

• Author Paul Filenko will discuss his children’s book “Kyle & Mira Sell Lemonade” at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Community Room at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. bit.ly/3T5zPsn

• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Chris Bohjalian discussing his book “The Princess of Las Vegas” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $29 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/bohjalian-2024

• Author Jonna Mendez discusses her book “In True Face,” about her experiences as a CIA officer, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/mendez-2024

• The La Jolla Music Society presents Ahuti: Nrityagram & Chitrasena at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, March 20-21, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. The dance companies will perform traditional dances from India and Sri Lanka. $46-$81. theconrad.org/events/nrityagram-dance-ensemble

• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents Robert Irwin Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The event will honor the late artist’s contributions to the Light and Space movement. Free. bit.ly/3wzigJs

• Warwick’s presents “Booked for Lunch with Anna Quindlen” as the author discusses her book “After Annie” at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 21, at a location near the La Jolla bookstore. For the exact location, RSVP to marylee@warwicks.com. warwicks.com/event/booked-quindlen-2024

• UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater presents “Because You’re Mine,” a musical tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, at 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $20-$45. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/because-youre-mine

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents the 16th “Acoustic Evenings” concert series at 7:30 p.m. Fridays beginning March 22 with Jack Tempchin, Gregory Page and BanjerDan at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Other concerts will feature Jamie Shadowlight, Irving Flores and Ashley Norton on March 29; Wax, Billy Galewood and Monette Marino on April 5; and Tim Flannery, Jefferson Jay, Bobo Czarnowski and Drew Cady on April 12. $52 for the series for Athenaeum members, $72 for non-members and $18 for students; $15 per individual concert for members, $20 for non-members and $5 for students. ljathenaeum.org/acoustics

• Camarada presents “Vivaldi’s Magic,” infusing baroque masterpieces with rock energy on flute, strings, double bass, keyboard and guitar at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $38-$98. camarada.org/calendar/vivaldis-magic

• Quint Gallery presents “Domestic Memory,” an exhibition of artworks by Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson, through Saturday, March 30, at 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla. quintgallery.com/exhibitions/location/1

• “Nice Days,” an exhibition by artist Chris Thorson, runs through Saturday, March 30, at The Museum Of __, 7655 Girard Ave., La Jolla. It is part of the museum’s series “Unreal,” which looks at realism in contemporary sculpture. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. themuseumo.com

• La Jolla Playhouse presents Idina Menzel starring in “Redwood” through Sunday, March 31, at the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. Show times typically are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, with some exceptions. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/redwood

• La Jolla artist True Ryndes presents an exhibit titled “Past Times” through March in the gallery at Wesley Palms, 2404 Loring St., Pacific Beach. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (858) 274-4110.

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents artist Peter Cochrane’s exhibition “The Magician Longs to See” through Saturday, April 13, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The show features photographic images and mixed-media works. ljathenaeum.org/events/exhibition-2024-cochrane, (858) 454-5872

• “La Jolla 101,” an inaugural event celebrating local community, cuisine and culture, is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at 1111 Prospect St. It will feature sessions with community leaders, bites from local restaurants, and networking opportunities with clubs and other organizations. RSVP at thelajolla101.com or call Amber Anderson at (858) 333-6458.

• Girl Scouts San Diego presents its “Cool Women” luncheon at noon Thursday, March 21, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines hotel, 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road. The 24th annual event will honor Suzie Alarcón of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Kim Folsom of Founders First Capital Partners, Martha Gilmer of the San Diego Symphony, Pamela Gray Payton of the San Diego Foundation and Superior Court Judge Sherry Thompson-Taylor. $150. bit.ly/3PaRo99