Decor & Style Magazine

news & events

For more events, visit decorandstyle.com.

Nerd Night On Monday November 12, the San Diego Horticultural Society will be hosting Nerd Night, patterned after Portland Oregon's successful event. Six specialty plant wholesalers will pitch their "favorite plants" with opportunities to purchase (or win) simi liar plants for your own garden. This free meeting of the San Diego Horticultural Society starts at 6 p.m. at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmy Durante Blvd in Del Mar.

Baroque Pearls Concert With a heavenly mix of ornate melodies and dance rhythms, these famous Baroque works sparkle with joy. Delight your senses with a well-loved melody and perhaps encounter something wonderfully new. Opening night is Friday, November 9 downtown, with two more performances on Monday, November 12 in La Jolla and on Tuesday, November 13 in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information visit www.sdco.org.

Sharp Studio Gallery Presents New Art Opening Sharp Gallery presents Spirits by artist Susan E. Roden, November 10 thru December 6. Meet Susan E. Roden, and view her dynamic work at the exhibition opening reception Saturday, November 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The opening is in conjunction with RAY AT NIGHT, San Diego's largest monthly art event. This is a free event. For more information please visit www.sharpgallery.net.

Pottery Sale in Balboa Park Looking for unique gifts? Visit the San Diego Potter's Guild's biannual sale on November 10 and 11 in Balboa Park. Located in the Park's Spanish Village patio area, the sale features thousands of pieces of hand-made ceramics by many of San Diego's finest potters. All of the items are one-of-kind. Works range from functional ware such as plates, bowls, and coffee cups to more decorative and sculptural forms such as ceramic shoes, garden lanterns, and conch shells. Prices range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information call the Guild at 619-239-0507 or visit the web site at www.sandiegopottersguild.org.

Cherryholmes at the Center This electrifying Nashville-based bluegrass band will have you stompin' and hollerin' with their high-speed instrumentals played at warp speed. This Grand Ole Opry group will take you on a roller coast ride of exciting song, giving you a bluegrass thrill ride you'll never forget. Cherryholmes comes to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Sunday, November 11 at 7p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and can be purchased by calling 800-988-4253 or by visiting www.artcenter.org.

San Diego REPertory Theater The REP season will continue with San Diego native Rick Najera's SWEET 15 (Quinceañera), which brings everyone's best and worst family memories to the fore, as a long-lost Latino dad seeks to host a party in the hope of reuniting his estranged family. Performances run from November 17 thru December 16.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, the largest luxury festival of its kind, returns November 14-18 for a five day feast of the senses. The Festival features 160 of the world's top wine and spirits producers, 60 of San Diego's award-winning fine dining restaurants, celebrity chefs, legendary winemakers, wine tasting and cooking classes, olive oil tasting and competition, a Reserve & New Release wine tasting, Embarcadero Bay Park Grand Tasting, along with spirited live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the event's live and silent auctions benefit the American Institute of Wine & Food culinary and enology scholarships for students and professionals in San Diego. For more information visit www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337.

Mixtec Textiles on Exhibit at Fiesta Imports Fiesta Imports is proud to present an extraordinary collection of textiles crafted by the Mixtec Indians in Southern Mexico. The Mixtec, an ancient culture, are renowned as master weavers of cotton, using pre-Hispanic designs and processes. In 1989 Luna Blanca founded a revitalization project for Mixtec weavers, with assistance from UNICEF and the Mexican government. The program has revived the traditional use of coyuche (a special caramel-colored cotton once reserved for royalty, and now highly prized by collectors), purple cacacol dyes (extracted from sea snails, sustainably), and ancient embroidery patterns and techniques. The exhibit runs from November 14-30. Opening Reception Wednesday, November 14, from 4-7 p.m. Gallery/Shop hours are from 10-5:30 Monday-Saturday in La Costa Towne Center. Call 760-942-8842 for more information.

Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival The 17th Annual Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival features 175 artists who exhibit and sell their original art and unique, handcrafted items in an enchanting outdoor setting in Laguna Canyon. Special holiday touches include a real snowfield, the Children's Holiday Playhouse, thousands of lights and holiday decorations, and Santa! The Winter Fantasy entertains patrons with art classes for all ages, holiday carolers, children's shows and music of all types. The festival will take place during the last two weekends in November and the first two weekends in December. There will be a Community Tree Lighting Ceremony with surprise guests and performers on Saturday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.sawdustartfestival.org.

Clint Black Clint Black epitomizes what a male country & western singer should be and has the awards, hits, CDs and fans to prove it. He performs for San Diego County at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. Concert tickets are $53 to $68 and can be purchased by calling 800-988-4253 or by visiting www.artcenter.org.

Les Ballet Jazz de Montreál Under the daring and passionate leadership of Louis Robitaille, the renowned Les Ballets Jazz de Montreál has exploded the dance repertoire by exalting the body and its mechanism, strength, and sensuality. As the public becomes eager for new forms of dance, Robitaille, a dancer of internationally acclaimed virtuosity, is taking an already brilliant dance company and reshaping it into a neoclassical ballet jazz adventure. Les Ballet Jazz de Montreál demonstrates the physicality of dance in new ways at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Sunday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $50 and are available by calling 800-988-4253 or online at www.artcenter.org.

Dracula at the North Coast Repertory Theatre Get ready for one of the most famous stories of suspense and seduction to grace the stages of North Coast Repertory Theatre. Delightfully chilling and dynamic, this treatment of the gothic tale fits perfectly with our intimate setting. Travel with us to 19th century England and back to old Transylvania but don't forget your garlic wreath and your cross. The experience promises to be filled with energy, lust and of course, blood. Performances run until November 18. Call 858-481-1055 for tickets.

Queen Latifah to Sing Jazz at the Center Hollywood leading lady Queen Latifah brings her powerful voice and melodic jazz sounds to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on November 19 at 8 p.m. Her radical departure from the hip-hop genre results in heartfelt, lush jazz, soul and blues music. Exploring the songbooks of Peggy Lee, Etta James, Roberta Flack, Sarah Vaughn and more, she adds her warm vocals and playful personality to a hand-picked mix of familiar classics and forgotten jewels. Tickets range from $45 to $60 and are on sale at www.artcenter.org.

The Producers at the Art Center Winner of the most Tony Awards ever, including Best Musical, Original Score, Book, Choreography, and Actor, this Mel Brooks comedy follows the exploits of a Broadway producer and an accountant whose goal is to produce the world's worst musical, "Spring Time for Hitler". This Broadway musical is a ridiculous spectacle sure to keep you laughing. See the show at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Friday, November 23 at 8 p.m. or on Saturday, November 24 at 2 or 8 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $55 to $70 based on seating preference, can be purchased by calling 800-988-4253 or online at www.artcenter.org.

Jim Barrasso Offers Cooking Classes at the Kitchen Witch Firefly Grill and Wine Bar owner Jim Barrasso will be demonstrating how to prepare each dish and discuss proper food and wine pairing based on specific flavor profiles, food textures and more. Students will also have the unique opportunity to sample from Firefly Grill and Wine Bar's extensive limited-production wine inventory, enjoy generous samplings during the class and take home recipes of each dish. On Monday, November 26 at 6 p.m. Barrasso will teach students how to prepare seared scallops served with cheddar cheese grits and crispy bacon, grilled Kobe sirloin steak served with sautéed arugula and roasted parsnips, and apple cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream. Cooking classes are $55 per person per class and advance registration is required. To register please call 760-942-3228.

Julio Iglesias at the Art Center International Latin star Julio Iglesias, the most popular recording artist in the world, will be singing his unique, heartfelt ballads at the Center Friday, November 29 at 8 p.m. Iglesias has sold more that 250 million albums, and has been the recipient of more than 2,600 Platinum and Gold records in his illustrious musical career - an unsurpassed music record Tickets range from $63 to $78 and can be purchased by calling 800-988-4253 or online at www.artcenter.org.

Orchids & Onions Returns to San Diego Orchids & Onions returns to San Diego on Nov. 30 at the North Park Theater. The O+O awards ceremony will begin with a hosted street reception at the entrance to the North Park Theater on 29th Street in North Park. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the awards at 7:30 p.m. in the Theater. The reception will include live music, food and beverages along with other entertainment. Tickets for O+O will be available to the public on Nov. 1st at www.sdarchitecture.org.

Holiday Jubilee A show that kids will love—and so will you. Imagine a paper napkin that becomes a confetti snowstorm billowing from an actor’s hands, covering the stage and then blanketing the audience. Envision acrobats inside seven-foot diameter snow globes performing breathtaking stunts; wooden soldiers that tap dance and toys that come alive. Come see Holiday Jubilee at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 at 4 and 8 p.m. For more information and tickets contact www.artcenter.org.

Deck the Palms Wraps Holiday Fun with SoCal Lifestyle Forget the traditional white Christmas, and retreat to Seaport Village to celebrate all that makes the holidays unique in Southern California: tepid temperatures, palm trees, surfboards and sand. On Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 to 4 p.m., Deck the Palms will transform the bayside shopping center destination into a warm-weather wonderland embracing San Diego’s most renowned winter elements. For more information visit www.seaportvillage.com or call 619-235-4014.

The San Diego Watercolor Society presents its Winter Holiday Show SDWS’s winter holiday show presents the best in water media paintings which celebrate the season’s festive celebrations. Professional quality paintings are on display and for sale, making this a timely presentation for gift giving. Celebrating Family and Friends will be held on Dec. 5 through 29, 2007 at NTC Promenade in Point Loma. For more information visit www.sdws.org.

The Ordover Gallery Presents New Exhibition The Antarctic Peninsula Exhibition by Abe Ordover will be on view at the Ordover Gallery from Dec. 6 through Jan. 13, 2008. Abe Ordover has created intriguing photographic studies of the undulating blue ice found in icebergs. These close-ups become beautiful abstract images with gradations of white and blues. The public is invited to attend the opening reception Thursday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.ordoverproject.com.

Garden of Lights Celebration Quail Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season during the month of Dec. with the spectacular Garden of Lights Celebration. The annual event is an extravaganza of more than 100,000 sparking lights, which turns the garden into a dazzling winter wonderland. The festivities include family friendly activities including horse-drawn-wagon rides, crafts for children, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, live music, hot mulled wine and refreshments. The celebrations are on Dec. 7-9, 13-23 and 26-30 from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets range from $3 to $10. For more information please visit www.qbgardens.org or call 760-436-3036.

La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents L'Enfance du Christ Choral Director David Chase leads soloists, chorus, and orchestra in music perfectly suited to the season, L’Enfance du Christ, a Christmas oratorio that tells, in some of Berlioz’s most gentle and beautiful music, the story of the flight into Egypt by Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. The performance will take place on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Mandeville Auditorium, USCD. For more information please visit www.lajollasymphony.com.

San Diego Horticultural Society On Monday, Dec. 10, renowned Dutch floral designer Rene van Rems will entertain with Holiday Entertaining with California Native Plants. This free meeting of the San Diego Horticultural Society starts at 6 p.m. at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds on Jimmie Durante Blvd in Del Mar. For more information call 760-730-3268 or visit www.sdhortsoc.org.

Speak up Now for a Child Help stop the child abuse crisis. San Diego’s abandoned and neglected children desperately need you. Volunteer to become a child advocate. The next information session is on Dec. 12. Call voices for Children at 858-569-2019 or visit ww.speakupnow.org.

Special Holiday Show: A Christmas Carol This fresh and theatrically imaginative adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings new life to a much loved classic. Filled with all the festive trimmings of the season, this production promises to enchant, entertain and delight. A crisp retelling of Dickens’ age old story laced with love, compassion, and forgiveness. A holiday treat for the young and old and everyone in between. Performances run from Dec. 14-30. Contact www.northcoastrep.org for more information or call 858-481-1055.

Disney's High School Musical at the San Diego Civic Theatre Presented by Disney Theatrical Production, the phenomenally popular High School Musical on Tour, based on the 2006 Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie will play San Diego Civic Theatre on Dec. 26-30. Tickets are available by calling the ticket office at 619-570-1100 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition Open through Dec. 31, this is the largest, most comprehensive exhibition of the Dead Sea Scrolls ever assembled. It includes authentic scrolls, illuminated biblical manuscripts, ancient artifacts and interactive displays. Among the highlights is a scroll that features the Ten Commandments. Additionally, a Distinguished Lecturer Series is being offered. The San Diego Natural History Museum will be the only venue in California to host this exhibition. The Museum is at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park. For more information, visit www.sdnhm.org or email scrolls@sdnhm.org.

The Newest Exhibition at Ordover Gallery The Ordover Gallery is pleased to present a show of fine art photography by Peter Fay and Donna Cosentino. Fay will exhibit photographs that include the vast expanses of wild landscape found in southeastern Alaska and Denali State Park. Cosentino will exhibit black and white photographs that express the inner stillness she feels when surrounded by nature. Their works will be on view Oct. 25 through Dec. 2. The public is invited to attend the opening reception Thurs., Nov.15, from 6-8:30p.m. The Ordover Gallery is located at 444 S. Cedros Ave., Studio 172, in Solana Beach. Gallery hours are Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m.

Mingei Museum Begins Yearlong Celebration The Beauty of Use—Mingei International Museum at 30 which runs into May 2008, features masterworks from many cultures and recognizes the development of the collection of more than 17,000 objects from 141 countries. At the Escondido Museum is First Collections—Dolls and Folk Toys of the World, a reprise, after a fashion, of the Museum’s inaugural exhibition at University Towne Centre in May 1978. On May 5, 2008, Mingei International will open free to members and the public for a daylong celebration. Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park, is located at 1439 El Prado, and is open Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For information call 619-239-0003. Mingei International Museum-North County is located at 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido. Hours are 1-4 p.m., Tues.-Sat. For more information, call 760-735-3355. Admission at the museums is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children.

San Diego Repertory Theater 2007-2008 Schedule The 2007-2008 season of five works will run from Sept. through March at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego. Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show will open the season, followed by The Bible: The Complete Word of God, Sweet 15 (Quinceañera), The Blessing of a Broken Heart and The Clean House. Ticket prices range from $28-51 and can be purchased at the Rep’s box office, located at 79 Horton Plaza, by calling 619-544-1000 or online at www.sandiegorep.com. Subscriptions run from $98-264. For more information, visit www.sandiegorep.com.

JSIX Restaurant Brings Brunch Dowtown Jsix restaurant officially fills the downtown Sunday brunch void with its Sunday Jazz Brunch. With the culinary creations of Executive Chef Christian Graves and musical talent of The Elliot Lawrence Jazz Quartet, Jsix Jazz brunch provides a comfortable, cozy downtown brunch experience. Menu offerings include Lemon Laced French Toast, California Eggs Benedict made with tomatoes and avocados, Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare, Banana Pancakes with house made pastries, and other items. Jazz Brunch is served every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, contact Jsix at (619) 531-8744 or visit Jsixsandiego.com.

Museum of Man Teams with Israel Museum The San Diego Museum of Man has joined forces with a prestigious trio—the Israel Museum, a renowned facility dedicated to art and archeology; Dr. Thomas Levy, a noted UC San Diego archeologist; and The National Geographic Society—to create Journey to the Copper Age: Pre-Biblical Archeology in the Holy Land, an intriguing new exhibit. The exhibit includes 50 beautiful objects that have never before been out of Israel and full-color photographs by National Geographic photographer Kenneth Garrett. The pieces will be at the Museum of Man through Jan. 2008, coinciding with the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. For further information about the exhibit, call 619-239-2001 or visit www.museumofman.org. Located beneath the landmark California Tower in Balboa Park, the San Diego Museum of Man is an educational, nonprofit corporation. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

social calendar

NOVEMBER 2007

Wed. 11/14
San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Hats Off to Women annual luncheon and designer fashion show celebrates and honors the women of San Diego. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Westgate Hotel’s Riviera Terrace. Opening Remarks will be given by Nancy Graham, President & COO of the Centre City Development Corporation Proceeds benefit the 2008 Women Build. Tickets: $85 per person, or $800 for a table of ten (tax and gratuity additional). Call 619-557-3655 or visit www.sdhfh.org.

Wed.-Sun. 11/14-18
American Institute of Wine & Food. 4th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is an international showcase of the world's premier wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. The event benefits the American Institute of Wine & Food culinary arts scholarship program. Over 700 wines, 60 of San Diego’s top fine dining restaurants, and 30 gourmet food companies and exhibitors will participate in the 2006 Festival. The five-day festival features wine tasting seminars, cooking classes by award-winning chefs, and an elegant Reserve Tasting at one of San Diego's finest hotels. The festival culminates on Saturday at the star-studded Grand Tasting Event and Fine Wine/Lifestyle Auction complete with dueling chef demonstration stages, celebrity cookbook signing tents, "Living Large" entertainment tent, and more. For further information, visit www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337. Tickets, and a complete Festival schedule, will be released on June 15.

Sat. 11/17
The Starlight Musical Theatre’s Starlight Society. Starlight Starbright Encore celebrates 61 years of Starlight Musical Theatre with a luncheon and fashion event featuring The Fabulous Stars of Starlight. Held at the Bahia Resort Hotel, the event will honor Dr. Eleanor Pratt and Sam Bedford. It all begins at 11:00 a.m. with a social hour, followed with luncheon at 12:15 p.m. and the fashion show at 1:00. Guests will also enjoy boutique shopping, as well as Chinese and silent auctions. For further information, contact Event Chair Merle Lotherington at 858-453-2683; for reservations call Brenda Moore at 619-423-2898.

Sat. 11/17
The National Multipel Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter. 21st Annual MS Dinner Auction an event regarded as San Diego's largest society charity auction and dinner, will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Live and silent auction items valued at $50 to $25,000 will include a variety of domestic and international vacations, fine art, antiques, professional services, gift certificates for entertainment and hotel accommodations, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, various home-related products and services, furnishings, home improvement services, automotive repair, a home theater system with a big-screen TV, and other consumer electronics merchandise. Attire is black-tie optional. For further information, call 619-461-3104.

Sat. 11/17
Bravo San Diego. Bravo San Diego, originally scheduled for 11/17, has been postponed until further notice due to insufficient funding to mount this event at the level of the previous eight years of this celebration. Bravo’s Board of Directors will continue, with community support, to continue to seek the remainder of the required funding toward this goal.

Sun 11/18
National Charity League of San Dieguito. Luncheon and Fashion Show featuring 10th grade NCL models wearing fashions from a variety of boutiques. Fashion show presented at the Sheraton Harbor Island by Gretchen Productions.

Sun. 11/25
The Old Globe. Second Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happens at 6:00 p.m. on the Globe Plaza, on the Prado in Balboa Park. Continuing the tradition that began last year, the ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Tickets to this free event are available through Star 94.1 Radio. Tree Lighting tickets are also available to patrons who purchase tickets to the 4:30 p.m. performance of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on November 25. For further information, call 619-23-GLOBE.

Tue. 11/27
Joan E. Bowes-James Madison Distinguished Speaker Series. The Constitution in Peace and War features a presentation in the Theatre of the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice on the campus of UCSD. The speaker will be Edwin Meese III. The 5:30 p.m. presentation will be followed by a reception at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free of charge. RSVP by Wednesday, November 21, either by phone at 619-260-6848 or by e-mail at ucsdlawevent@sandiego.edu.

Wed. 11/28
Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. Gingerbread City 2007, “America the Beautiful” will take place at the US Grant hotel. It will start with an exclusive Patrons’ Reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by the main gala from 6:00 to 9:00. Sally Thornton will chair, with Charles Curo as honorary chair. The event will showcase creations by leading “celebrity” chefs, artists, and designers competing in a nationally recognized gingerbread competition; gourmet food by celebrity chefs; complimentary champagne and wine; holiday music; and a spectacular auction (great for holiday shopping!). The dress is black tie optional; the alternative is Holiday Attire. For further information or reservations, call 619-296-0161 or visit www.epliepsysandiego.org.

DECEMBER 2007

Sat. 12/1
Scripps Memorial Hospital Hospital, La Jolla. 78th Annual Candlelight Ball will be held at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Once again, Betty Knight Scripps will serve as General Chair, and Cliff Robertson will be the Guest of Honor. As always, the event will offer dinner and dancing in a stunningly elegant setting. The cocktail reception will begin at $6:30 p.m., with dinner following at 7:30, and dancing to The Bob Hardwick Sound until 11:30. The dress is black tie, and complementary valet parking will be provided. Friends of the Ball tickets are priced at $1,000, and regular guest tickets cost $600. Call Sandy Liarakos at 858-678-7357.

Sun 12/2
The Old Globe. Fifth Annual Grinch Family Experience is a delightful family gala created to help raise money for the Globe's education and outreach programs, while offering an exciting day of hands-on theatre activities for children and families. The event includes a special buffet lunch, followed by a puppet show and a delightful performance by the children in the Grinch cast, as well as “Grinchy” crafting activities where children can make fun holiday items. At 2:00 p.m., patrons attend a performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Tickets range from $100 to $300. For more information, please contact The Old Globe at 619-231-1941, ext. 2317.

Sun. 12/2
Vista Community Clinic. 21st Annual Holiday Homes Tour features four exquisite North County homes professionally decorated for the holidays, as well as the opportunity to tour the historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Event proceeds will benefit VCC’s Kare for Kids Fund, which enables the clinic to fulfill its commitment to "never turn away a sick child." Tickets purchased prior to Dec 2 are $20, and are available by calling VisTix at 760-724-2110, or VCC at 760-631-5000, ext. 1139. Tickets are $25 if purchased at the homes or the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe on the day of the tour.

Sun 12/2
Rancho Santa Fe Big Band. Holiday Concert is more than just a concert; it’s a social event where big band music lovers gather to enjoy music, food, and fun. The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. The Rancho Santa Fe Big Band is a non-profit organization bringing you the best of American Swing with all the excitement and glitz of the 30s and 40s. Their 17 piece swing orchestra features a lineup of some of the great players of the swing era, with Professor of Jazz history, Jack Wheaton, in the lead, and Marie and Dom Addario as producers and performers. The indoors pops-like setting features reserved tables of 10, available for purchase at $500 per table. All tables are reserved and they do sell out! Call 858-756-4542 to reserve. Individual tickets can be purchased at the RSF Association Office or Wells Fargo and Pacific Western (First National) Banks in the Village of RSF for $45 per person, or at the door $50. The entire ticket price goes to band rehearsals, and performance and venue expenses. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic basket of appetizers and wine if they like; bottle openers and glasses will be provided, as well as complementary munchies, coffee, and punch.

Thurs. 12/6
Childhelp San Diego. 21st Annual Holiday Fantasia runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Four Seasons La Costa Resort. The morning begins with unique boutique-style shopping, the sale of small “one of a kind” designer holiday trees, live and silent auctions, and opportunity drawings. A gourmet lunch will be served at noon, during a floating runway Gretchen Productions fashion show. Event proceeds will be divided among the San Diego Family Recovery Center; the Village of Childhelp in Beaumont, California; and the 24-hour national hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD. For tickets, call Jeanette Arthur at 619-295-0121.

Fri. 12/7
American Red Cross Red Rose Society. "Everything’s Coming Up Roses” Fashion Show & Luncheon was originally scheduled for November 9, but has been moved to December 7. It all starts at 11:00 a.m. with registration and a social hour, followed by luncheon at noon, and the runway fashion show, produced by Leonard Simpson, at 1:00 p.m. It’s all at the US Grant Hotel’s Presidential Ballroom, where Sally Thornton will be Honorary Chair, and Kimberly Hunt will be Special Host. Tickets come in three varieties: American Beauty Circle at $200, Ruby Circle at $150, and Garnet Circle at $125. Tables of ten are available, as is valet parking. Call Mari Hamlin Fink at 858-309-1276.

Sat. 12/8
La Jolla Playhouse. 2007 Gala, Diamonds are Forever! was originally scheduled for October 21, but was postponed to December 8 because of the southern California brush fire disaster. The event will honor the Playhouse's 60th year, its Diamond Anniversary, and the Playhouse's own diamond-in-the-rough, Director Emeritus Des McAnuff. Debby Jacobs will chair once again. The event begins at 5:30 pm with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction, followed by a gourmet dinner designed by Wolfgang Puck Catering and featuring an array of amazing wines. After an exciting live auction featuring lavish items and getaways, Tony Award-nominated actress and singer Melissa Errico, the Red Dirt Band, and other special celebrity guests will perform. The night culminates in a party featuring the musical stylings of Zowie Bowie, gourmet desserts and dancing in Club 007. The dress is cocktail or “007 fabulous,” and individual ticket prices range from $500 to $5,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (858) 550-1020 x117, or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org/Get_Involved/Special_Events/Gala/.

Sun. 12/9
Mainly Mozart. Mainly Mozart Arrives at the Balboa Theatre, celebrates the grand re-opening of the newly-remodeled 83-year-old former vaudeville house and movie theatre, which will begin hosting public events in January of 2008. Mainly Mozart will be the first local performing arts organization to gain access to the 1,300 seat facility. The event, which starts at 3:00 p.m., will be a concert exclusively for Club Amadeus, Mainly Mozart’s most generous patrons and donors. But you can join, too. Call Mainly Mozart at 619-239-0100 to find out how.

Tues. 12/11
St. Germaine Children’s Charity. 24th Annual “Silver Tea” Fundraiser will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in a magnificent seaside La Jolla home with breathtaking ocean views The Silver Tea is limited to 300 guests by invitation only. Sarah Burton will chair the event, with Sally Irwin as co-chair. To enhance the enjoyment of this stylish home, two arrival times of 1:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. are being offered. All proceeds from The Silver Tea benefit abused and neglected children of San Diego. Reservations are $75 per person and must be received no later than December 7, 2007. Guests are encouraged to respond early as this event is historically sold out. Reservations will be honored in the order they are received. For more information, or to request an invitation, call Kathryn Murphy at 858-336-5623 or Ruth Varonfakis at 858-273-0928.

Thurs. 12/20
SERVE San Diego and Hollywood South Productions. The 17th Annual Snow Ball will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency at Aventine from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The black tie event will feature dancing to the Mar Dels, a silent auction, casino black jack gaming, and a holiday photo compliments of La Jolla Spa MD. Bring a toy for the Salvation Army Toy Drive and receive a raffle ticket for a cruise for two from Holiday Travel of America. Tickets cost $20 in advance, or $30 at the door, and self-parking will cost $8. Call 858-552-1234.

JANUARY 2008

Sat. 1/19
Mainly Mozart. Amadeus 2008 celebrates Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 252nd birthday and the 20th anniversary of the founding of Mainly Mozart. Held at the Hyatt Aventine, the glittering black-tie affair features spectacular individually-designed tables by the region’s finest artists and designers, a musicale by Mainly Mozart artists, and an extended cocktail reception with silent and live auctions. The reception and auctions begin at 6:00 p.m.; guests are then invited to preview the fabulous tables at 7:30, prior to being seated for dinner at 8:15; and the recital is at approximately 9:30, followed by dessert. Throughout the evening, fun and frivolity will reign, just as in Mozart’s time. Mainly Mozart board member Alexandra Pearson will chair the event, with Arlene Esgate as vice chair. Proceeds from AMADEUS 2008 benefit Mainly Mozart’s educational programs and the 2008 Mainly Mozart Festival. Tickets, at $300 for Friends ($325 after December 3) and $400 for Angels ($425 after December 3), are available by calling 619-239-0100, ext. 308. Angels ordering tickets by Dec. 28 are invited to an exclusive party at an elegant private residence in Del Mar Heights on January 6, 2008.

Sat. 1/19
Monarch School. Diamond in the Rough Gala will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Natalie Cole will headline this benefit for the Monarch School. The school’s own steel drum band will also perform, and the evening will also offer live and silent auctions, wine tasting, and a delicious dinner. Further information to follow. Alternatively, call Paula Kelly at 619-685-8242, ext. 227, or visit www.monarchschools.org for updates.

FEBRUARY 2008

Sat. 2/2
Kids Korps USA. Annual Super Star Gala starts at 6:00 p.m., with cocktails and a silent auction, followed at 7:30 by the live auction, show, dinner, and dancing. It’s all at the Four Seasons Resort at Aviara, and Larry King will again emcee. For further information, call 858-259-3602.

Sat. 2/9
Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego. 99th Anniversary Charity Ball, “Unforgettable” will be held at the Hotel del Coronado. This year’s event will be chaired by Phyllis Alford Snyder, and will benefit the hospital’s Surgical Services Program. Further information to follow, or call Amy Huth at 858-966-5988.

Sat. 2/16
San Diego Opera. Season Opening Gala takes place on Opening Night of the season's second opera, Mary, Queen of Scots. Further information to follow.

Sun. 2/17
UCSD Cardiovascular Center. Annual "Heart of San Diego" Gala will take place at the Del Mar Grand. Further information to follow.

Sat. 2/23
Rancho Santa Fe Auxiliary Unit of Children's Hospital. Annual Gala will take place at the new Grand Del Mar Resort, and will feature Jay Leno performing his Las Vegas act. Further information to follow.

Tue. 2/26
Vista Hill Women's Council on Mental Health. Spring Luncheon will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, with best-selling author and centenarian expert Thomas Perls, M.D., as featured speaker. His presentation will be titled "Living to 100: Lessons in Living to Your Maximum Potential at Any Age." Marjie Atwood will chair the event. For further information, call 858-514-5153 or visit www.vistahill.org.

MARCH 2008

Sat. 3/8
Soroptimist International of San Diego. Luncheon, Awards Ceremony and Fashion Show presented by Gretchen Productions at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel. For further information, call 858-277-2988.

APRIL 2008

Tues. 4/1
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Women of Dedication Luncheon will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. For further information, contact the event chairs: Marlene Shook at 619-223-0700, or Dulie Ahlering at 619-224-6523.

Sat. 4/12
Moores UCSD Cancer Center. 27th Annual Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala will take place from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Further information to follow, or call 858-822-0175.

Sat. 4/12
Children's Village and Youth Camp. Gala Fundraiser, "Valentino at Valenti" will benefit Father Joe's Children's Village and Youth Camp for 200 homeless and foster children. Jointly hosted by the Valenti Foundation and the Sullivan Foundation, the black tie event will be held at the Valenti Estate and Saddle Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Rock 'n' roll legend Chubby Checker will perform. For further information and reservations, call 858-759-9239 or visit www.valentifoundation.org.

Wed. 4/30
Vista Hill Foundation. Annual Boutique, Luncheon, and Fashion Show, Heroes & Hemlines" will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego. Connie Conard will chair the event, and the fashion show, presented by Gretchen Productions, will feature styles from a variety of upscale San Diego boutiques. For further information, call 858-514-5153.

MAY 2008

Sat. 5/3
St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Church. Philoptochos' "En Vogue" 2nd Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The fashion show, presented by Gretchen Productions, will showcase fashions from several local area boutiques. For further information, call 619-518-2755

Sat. 5/10
Alzheimer's Association, San Diego/Imperial Chapter. Memories in the Making Gala, "A Moment in Time" will feature a hosted reception and silent auction starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment, and a live auction. Amazing artwork created by individuals with Alzheimer's through the Memories in the Making art program will be auctioned off, along with "memory-making" trips and experiences. Maggie Watkins will again chair this black tie optional event, which will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on San Diego Bay. Further information to follow.

features

departments

in every issue

news & events

social calendar