San Diego, CA
San Diego weekend arts events: DNA forensics, Miles Davis, books and more
Top Picks | Live music picks | More weekend events
Top picks
Melissa Walter and Manuel Alejandro Rodríguez-Delgado
Visual art, Science | Local artist Melissa Walter and the New Mexico-based mixed media artist Manuel Alejandro Rodríguez-Delgado will both open separate exhibitions at Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego-North campus in Encinitas.
Rodríguez-Delgado will show installation work that are self-contained survival systems made out of found electronics and materials, inspired partly by Star Trek, partly by the U.S. Space Program and also by Puerto Rico’s late-1980s bid to host the 2004 Olympics, and the slogan “We can do it.” His exhibit is called “Futuros Itinerantes.”
Courtesy of ICA San Diego-North
Melissa Walter’s work is always fascinating and science-informed, and for this show she is also debuting some experimental animation and ceramic sculptures — her first foray into both forms. This exhibit, “Plexus,” is informed by her study of DNA-based identification processes in the criminal justice system, and the evolution from early technology to the AI-based systems on the horizon. Her art is often paper-based, and the (often beautiful) visual imagery represents abstractions of the science and data she’s studied.
The more Walter, a 2020 San Diego Art Prize recipient, studied the evolution of forensic science, the more her own relationship with the work evolved too.
Courtesy of ICA San Diego
“I was starting to think about it a little more from a psychological perspective of the people that might have been affected by the lack of DNA analysis in the, you know, progression of their lives or the presence of DNA analysis. And so some of the newer pieces are a little more emotional in that sense, but they’re still very abstracted. I mean, all my work is very abstracted because I love this idea of taking these very complicated conversations and ideas and theories and technologies, and then boiling them down to their visual essence,” Walter said.
One series in the exhibit reflects early DNA technology, a series of smudgy, black watercolor dots on white paper — arranged in rows but still messy, a reflection of the messiness and inexactness of early forensic science.
A large piece draws from further along in the DNA technology evolution, by the present and future of DNA forensics, and based on a technology that uses AI to draw a picture of what someone may look like just based on scraps on DNA found on gum or a stray hair on the floor. Walter’s piece captures the decision tree of the technology as it determines eye color, and includes a mirror to reflect the viewer.
Both exhibits open with artist walkthroughs at the C You Saturday party this weekend. Tours begin at 5 p.m. Also on the agenda is a musical performance from locals Please Ask For Paul, a ceramics sale and kid-friendly survival device art-making activities inspired by Rodríguez-Delgado.
Details: Opens with a reception from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 17. On view through Dec. 29. ICA San Diego-North, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas. Free.
For more arts events or to submit your own, visit the KPBS/Arts Calendar. If you want more time to plan, get the KPBS/Arts Newsletter in your inbox every Thursday to see event picks for the weeks ahead.
Booked for the Weekend
Books | Join KPBS at the San Diego Central Library downtown for a special mini book festival as we announce the 2024 selections for One Book, One San Diego. If you’ve missed the reveal of the finalists, you can find the longlist here. The first 300 attendees will go home with a free copy of one of the selections, or you can purchase any of them at the event. The announcement will take place to kick things off at 11 a.m. in the Neil Morgan Auditorium on the first floor. Guests can then peruse the many libraries, literacy organizations and local presses set up in the outdoor courtyard, and there’s a 12:30 panel on how to use the One Book program for literacy at home and in the classroom.
Details: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Free.
SummerFest: ‘California Dreamin’
Music, Classical | Part of La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest, this performance spotlights pianist Conrad Tao and is inspired by Rachmaninoff, his time in California, and other composers with ties to the Golden State.
Tao will perform a selection of works by Rachmaninoff, and a set of chamber ensembles will perform additional works by composers like John Adams, John Williams, Reena Esmail, Rozsa and Terry Riley.
SummerFest continues through Aug. 24, and in addition to the ticketed concerts, a handful of free events remain, including lectures, coaching workshops, an open rehearsal and an artist lounge. Find the list of free events here.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $43-$85.
‘Cleopatra’
Theater | Co-produced by Moxie Theatre and Loud Fridge Theatre Group, “Cleopatra” is adapted by — and stars — former local Joy Yvonne Jones, based on Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra.” This is the play’s world premiere production, and it digs into the life of Cleopatra: the tragic Egyptian queen typically remembered more for her lovers and eyeliner than her actual influence on politics or her interior life. This production is directed by Andréa Agosto.
With the play, Moxie is launching a new “Equiticket” program, where up to a quarter of each night’s seats will be sold at “pick your price” rates.
Details: Opening night is Aug. 16. On stage through Sept. 7. Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Rolando. $5-$90.
‘Velour: A Drag Spectacular’
Theater | Drag queen, performer, author and activist Sasha Velour (winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race!) comes to La Jolla Playhouse for a play inspired by her own origin story. Co-created by Velour and playwright Moisés Kaufman, this is a co-production with Kaufman’s New York-based Tectonic Theater Project.
Details: On stage through Sept. 15. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., UC San Diego. $25-$75.
‘Exit, Pursued by a Bear’
Theater | Playwright Lauren Gunderson’s “dark revenge comedy” is inspired by one line of stage direction in Shakespeare’s “The WInter’s Tale” and follows a woman, Nan, and an unlikely set of best friends as they plan an over-the-top and, uh, grotesque “exit” from an abusive marriage. Directed by Kira Blaskovich.
Details: On stage Aug. 16 through Sept. 8. Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. $24+.
Gilbert Castellanos: ‘Miles Davis: Kind of Blue’
Music, Jazz | This weekend marks the 65th anniversary of Miles Davis’ iconic masterpiece, “Kind of Blue.” To celebrate, local jazz trumpet great Gilbert Castellanos and his band will perform from the album at the Rady Shell. Maybe I’ve been working in local arts for too long, but if you gave me two seconds to name the first two jazz trumpeters to come to mind, I’d definitely say Miles Davis and Gilbert Castellanos.
Michele Zousmer
/
San Diego Symphony
Bonus: Get there early to catch the mind-blowingly talented youngsters from Castellanos’ Young Lions Jazz Conservatory. Their pre-show set will begin at 6 p.m.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The Rady Shell, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $18-$70.
Live music picks
*Indicates local act
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
More arts and culture weekend events
OCEANSIDE — The Frontwave Arena scoreboard showed 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Up 16, Francis Parker’s win over Westview High School for the CIF San Diego Section Open Division girls basketball championship was secure.
“No, no, no!” Parker head coach Courtney Clements screamed to freshman guard Jordan Brown, telling her there was no need to score.
So Brown walked the ball up the floor, from the backcourt, across midcourt, a 1,000-watt smile etched across her face.
With no Wolverines defending her, Brown dribbled from side to side across the logo. Then, a fraction of a moment before the final buzzer sounded, Brown flung the basketball high toward the rafters, then was engulfed by teammates.
The job was complete. Parker’s first Open Division title in program history was secure, the final reading 66-50 on Saturday night.
Of those final seconds, said Brown, who scored 23 points. “It was a surreal moment, knowing we worked for this all year long. It’s amazing.”
One reason it was amazing was because the top-seeded Lancers (21-7) were a decided favorite, but were stressed by the sixth-seeded Wolverines (20-9). Led by UC Santa Barbara-bound senior guard Sarah Heyn (18 points in the first half), Westview led 35-28 early in the third quarter.
“I just knew I had to do whatever it took to win,” said Brown. “Whether that was defense or offense. I just wanted to win, period.”
Sparked by its defense, Parker closed the quarter on a 14-0 run. Westview’s final 11 possessions of the quarter ended with five missed shots and six turnovers.
Still, the game wasn’t over. Heyn cut the deficit to 48-44 with just over six minutes to play on a bucket. But with 5:47 to play, Heyn was whistled for her fifth foul on a reach-in.
“Knowing their best player fouled out, we sealed the win,” said Brown.
As for Heyn, who finished with 23 points, she sat on the bench and pulled her jersey over her eyes, hiding tears.
Clements’ thoughts when Heyn fouled out? “I hope we can put this game away now.”
That the Lancers did, outscoring Westview 18-6 down the stretch.
The Lancers’ players and coach were effusive in their praise for Heyn, a four-year starter.
“She’s a great player,” said Brown.
“She played phenomenally,” said Clements. “She played the way you would think a senior would play in a championship game. She played desperately. She played every possession like it was the last 20 seconds of the game. She was extremely impressive. (Heyn buried five 3s, missing only once from deep.) She should be proud of herself.”
Clements was proud of her team for another reason. After blowing out two-time reigning Open Division champion Mission Hills by 26 in the semis, some thought Parker might cruise in the title game.
“I figured it was going to be a fight, and it was,” said Clements. “It was good that our girls had to come together, had to stick together. That’s what this is all about, developing character via the sport of basketball. When the kids face adversity, they have to make a decision. Who do they want to be? They showed the best version of themselves. That’s what I want to remember from a game like this.”
Francis Parker’s primary color is brown, which is fitting for the girls basketball team. They are led not only by the freshman Jordan Brown, but also junior Brieana Brown, a strong, aggressive and athletic 5-foot-11 wing.
Brieana Brown scored 25 points and yanked down a team-best eight rebounds.
About the team in brown being led by the Browns (who are not related), Jordan Brown said: “It’s super cool. I love Bri and our story. So many people think we’re related, that we’re siblings. In reality, we’re not, but we play like it.”
Francis Parker and Westview both will advance to the Southern California Regionals.
Earlier in the season, Clements — who was dressed in all black for the championship game — confessed she wasn’t crazy about Parker’s primary color. Her mood shifted Saturday night.
“Brown’s doing well for me now,” she said.
Asked if Lancers’ Brown squared tandem represents the best one-two girls basketball punch in the San Diego Section, Clements gave the questioner a “What do you think?” smirk.
“That,” said the coach of the Open Division champions, “is a no-brainer.”
Joan Endres
OBITUARY
Born January 1939 in Cincinnati Ohio. Died February 14, 2026, in San Diego, California, with her sons at her side. Her beloved husband Dean passed away in 2010.
Joan was the only child of Thomas and Edna Palmer. In 1943, the family moved to San Diego, where Joan graduated from Helix High School in 1956.
In 1957 Joan married Dean Endres of San Diego, where they raised two sons. Joan followed her two great passions outside the home, the Arts, and Gardening. Both activities being a way to bring beauty to others and to the community.
Joan received a degree in Environmental Design from San Diego State University, and afterwords worked at UCSD, for the Campus Architect.
As an artist, Joan worked in various media, especially ceramics. She was active in many cultural and arts organizations, eventually becoming President of the Combined Organization for the Visual Arts (COVA). Later she turned to gardening, with the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca Community College and the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County.
Joan is survived by her son Jeff and wife Katrin, grandson Jackson, and son Todd Endres, all of La Mesa, and sisters Alice Buck of Phoenix, Elaine Kennedy of San Diego, Nancy and husband Don Jones of Vista, Eva Budzinski of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and their children and grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Joan in the near future. Those who wish to attend should contact celebratejoanuvart@gmail.com to receive details when they are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests a donation to the Water Conservation Garden or the Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN).
Best Missouri Sportsbooks: Download MO Sportsbooks Today
Montana Department of Agriculture focusing on innovation in 2026
Huskers/OSU game three canceled
Nevada debuts public option amid federal health care shifts
Former president of NH-based charity sentenced after stealing $350K
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: What the Texas Primary Battle Means for the Midterms
Dems’ potential 2028 hopefuls come out against US strikes on Iran
At least nine killed after Iranian strike on Israel’s Beit Shemesh
Mass shooting at Austin, Texas bar leaves at least 3 dead, 14 wounded, authorities say
Mamdani’s response to Trump’s Iran strike sparks conservative backlash: ‘Rooting for the ayatollah’
-
World4 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts4 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Montana1 week ago2026 MHSA Montana Wrestling State Championship Brackets And Results – FloWrestling
-
Denver, CO4 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana7 days agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT