Best Bets: A quick guide to La Jolla entertainment and experiences
This is a continuing listing of local in-person events and online activities.
Lectures & learning
• The Pen to Paper writing class is offered at 1 p.m. Thursdays at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The weekly class is open to writers 18 and older of all experience levels. Free. (858) 552-1657
• St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla presents Florence Gillmann, professor emerita of biblical studies at the University of San Diego and adjunct professor at the Franciscan School of Theology, speaking on “Understanding the New Testament by Understanding the Old Testament: Don’t Forget, Jesus was Jewish!” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18, in St. James Hall at the church, 743 Prospect St. sjbts.org
• The La Jolla Woman’s Club presents “March Into Spring With Flowers!” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at 7791 Draper Ave. Club members Natalie Crain and Karen Weir will demonstrate how to create floral bouquets from your yard using everyday items. lajollawomansclub.org
• Megan Medina, deputy director of the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, will speak about trends and innovations in oceanography at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in the Community Room at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. bit.ly/49Pg27C
Health & fitness
• Speakers will address the topic “The Future of Surgery: How Robotics, AI and Cancer Detection are Transforming Cancer Care” during Celebration of Champions Day from 6:30 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. There also will be golf, tennis, hiking and spa activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a networking event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a dinner gala from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission to the seminar is $250, including breakfast; golf is $750 and the gala is $350. celebratechampions.com
• Sanford Burnham Prebys presents a Cancer Center open house at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the research institute’s Building 5, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. The event will feature scientists who are working to better understand melanoma and create new drugs. Free. bit.ly/3vJv53H
• Saturday Morning Walkers, who are members of the La Jolla Newcomers Club, gather at 9:30 a.m. March 23 on the La Jolla Bike Trail at Fay Avenue for a free walk followed by coffee. lajollanewcomers.org
Arts & culture
• Surrealist artist Nalini Malani, a 2023 Kyoto Prize winner in arts and philosophy, will speak from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 14, as part of the Kyoto Prize Symposium at the Price Center at UC San Diego, 3135 Matthews Lane, La Jolla. Free. kyotoprize-us.org/event-registration
• The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents Music Director Sameer Patel conducting “Nexus” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Mandeville Auditorium at UC San Diego, 9390 Mandeville Lane. The performance will include Lili Boulanger’s “D’un Matin de Printemps,” Nina Shekhar’s “Lumina,” Claude Debussy’s “La Mer” and Francis Pulenc’s “Gloria.” $20-$43. ljsc.org/events/nexus
• The La Jolla Village Merchants Association presents a celebration of spring and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at La Jolla Cove Rooftop, 1155 Coast Blvd. The event will include cultural displays, food, music and other entertainment. Admission is free. Registration is full but a waiting list is available at bit.ly/3TweQ3i.
• The La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club presents a Pointeworks performance of interpretive dance for peace from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, at the UC San Diego Faculty Club, 270 Muir Lane. bit.ly/4c4tYMJ
• The La Jolla Community Center presents its 2024 Fourth Friday Jazz Series with monthly concerts from March to October at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. All concerts will begin at 8 p.m., with a pre-show reception at 7 p.m. The performers are double bassist Marshall Hawkins and pianist Joshua White on Friday, March 22, saxophonist Christopher Hollyday on Saturday, April 27, guitarist Peter Sprague on Friday, May 24, flutist Lori Bell on Friday, June 28, singer Melissa Morgan on Friday, July 26, singer Rose Mallett on Friday, Aug. 23, flutist Holly Hofmann on Friday, Sept. 27, and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos on Friday, Oct. 25. $25-$35. ljcommunitycenter.org/ffjs
• The Blue Water Film Festival screens a series of environment-themed films Friday through Sunday, March 22-24, at venues in La Jolla as part of the overall event at locations around San Diego County. For the full schedule and tickets, visit bluewaterfilmfestival.org.
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its Spring Jazz Series with 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. $45 per individual concert for Athenaeum members, $50 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/jazz
• Author Katherine Reay discusses her book “The Berlin Letters” in conversation with Rachel McMillan at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14, online in an event presented by Warwick’s bookstore of La Jolla. Free. warwicks.com/event/reay-2024
• The La Jolla Music Society presents saxophonist Branford Marsalis at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. The concert is sold out but a waiting list is available by calling the box office at (858) 459-3728. theconrad.org/events/branford-marsalis
• 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
• The La Jolla Library Poetry Group meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in the Community Room of the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The group meets the third Thursday of every month for local residents to gather with other budding or experienced poets to read and share poems they have written. Email vmdandrea@hotmail.com.
• 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
• ArtPower at UC San Diego presents Red Baraat at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. Red Baraat is a band from Brooklyn, N.Y., that merges north India bhangra music with elements of hip-hop, jazz and punk. $14-$28. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/red-baraat
• 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
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents guitarists Fred Benedetti and Peter Sprague and bassist Mack Leighton at noon Monday, March 25, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Free. ljathenaeum.org/events/mini-concert-2024-0325
• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Tea Obreht discussing her book “The Morningside” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $29 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/obreht-2024
• A free guided tour will visit the Murals of La Jolla from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, beginning at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Register at ljathenaeum.org/events/murals-24-0327.
• The Alzheimer’s Association’s San Diego/Imperial Chapter presents “On Art & Alzheimer’s: A Ray Grew Retrospective” at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at UC San Diego, 3377 N. Torrey Pines Court. Dr. Greg Sahagian will speak about the evolution of Grew’s art from a neurological perspective. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association will be accepted. bit.ly/3v5TeBr
• The La Jolla Music Society presents violinist Ray Chen at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. $75-$100. theconrad.org/events/ray-chen-violin
• City Ballet of San Diego presents A Book and a Ballerina Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, in the Community Room at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The hour-long program with a professional ballerina will provide an introduction to classical ballet for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Free. bit.ly/3wX0ikd
• Besos Jazz Trip will play at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the Wu Tsai Qrt.yrd at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. Free. theconrad.org/events/qrt-yrd-besos-jazz-trio
• 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
• The La Jolla Presbyterian Church gallery presents “Witness to Faith: The Biblical Art of Sadao Watanabe” from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays through April 21 at 7715 Draper Ave. Weekday appointments are available by request. (858) 454-0713, ljpres.org
• “Ebb and Flow: Giant Kelp Forests Through Art, Science and the Archives,” a group exhibition presented by the UC San Diego Library and curated by San Diego-based photographer, marine scientist and Scripps Institution of Oceanography alumna Oriana Poindexter, runs through Sunday, April 21, at UCSD’s Geisel Library, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The exhibit explores the giant kelp forest ecosystems of Southern California and how they have been observed and documented in the past 134 years. Works by featured artists Poindexter, Julia C R Gray, Dwight Hwang and Marie McKenzie are accompanied by a curated selection of archival seaweed pressings created in La Jolla between 1890 and 2023. Free and open to the public. library.ucsd.edu/news-events/events/ebb-and-flow
• The Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla presents “Passing Time,” a photographic exhibit by Sage Sohier, through Saturday, April 27, at 7661 Girard Ave. The gallery also is presenting “Pulp Fiction,” an online exhibition of photographs by Thomas Allen. Free. josephbellows.com/exhibitions
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents the exhibit “Documenting History Through Art: The Life and Art of David Labkovski” through Friday, May 10, at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Free. (858) 457-3030
• The La Jolla/Riford Library and Kite Flite present the kite exhibit “Up Up & Away” through Monday, May 13, in the Community Room at the library, 7555 Draper Ave. A kite-making workshop will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6. (858) 552-1657
• The La Jolla Historical Society presents “Order/Disorder: Belonging in Nature” through Sunday, May 26, in the Wisteria Cottage gallery, 780 Prospect St. The exhibition explores the beauty and complexities of La Jolla’s natural environment through a collection of sculptures, cyanotypes and more by artists Kline Swonger, Britton Neubacher, Oscar Romo, Annalise Neil and Courtney Mattison. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Free. lajollahistory.org
• “Hold Fast,” an exhibit exploring San Diego’s kelp forests and climate change, runs until September at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The show features works of local photographer and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter, gyotaku prints created by artist Dwight Hwang and kelp forest mapping by Scripps Institution of Oceanography Ph.D. student Mohammad Sedarat. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through February and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The exhibit is included with aquarium admission: $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children ages 3-17. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Galas & events
• The La Jolla Newcomers Club presents Happy Hour Around Town from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the New Living Room, 1205 Prospect St. lajollanewcomers.org
• “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.
• The La Valencia Hotel and the La Jolla Loves Pets Foundation present Yappy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the hotel’s Med Patio, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla. The event will offer specialty cocktails, a raffle, pet treats, the Cutest Dog and Most Talented Dog contests and more. Admission is free. Donations will go to K9 Connection Pet Rehoming & Adoption. lajollalovespets.org
• 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
• Soroptimist International of La Jolla presents its annual fundraising luncheon beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at the La Jolla Country Club, 7301 High Ave. The event will feature a presentation of cash awards to Live Your Dream winners — single female heads of household who are continuing their education to better support themselves and their families. $85. soroptimistlj.org
Do you have an event — online or in person — that you’d like to see here? Email your leads to Rob Vardon at robert.vardon@lajollalight.com by noon Friday for publication in the following week’s edition. ◆
Get the Del Mar Times in your inbox
Top stories from Carmel Valley, Del Mar and Solana Beach every Friday for free.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Del Mar Times.
Become a press patron
At a time when local news is more important than ever, support from our readers is essential. If you are able to, please support us today.
