Thursday 05/01/03
They’re fuzzy, they’re cute, they’re man’s best friend, and now they have their own exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Often forgotten in the illustrious history of mankind, dogs have played an important role as hunters, sentinels and friends. The exhibit “”Dogs: Wolf, Myth, Hero and Friend”” surveys the history of these intelligent animals, and admission is only $8. The exhibit runs through Sept. 2. For information call (619) 232-3821.
There’s nothing better than listening to a shrewd and humorous artist’s commentary on the popular culture, and it’s especially great if the artist is MC Paul Barman. Barman, the hip hop goofball from New Jersey, will perform at The Casbah with the up-and-coming vocalist Jessy Moss. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $8. For more information call (619) 232-4355.
Friday 05/02/03
A lot of bands categorized as part of the California punk phenomenon have gotten a lot of slack for producing a ton of songs that all sound the same. So when a band manages to bring a new slant to classic punk songs, it is greatly appreciated. Check out Manic Hispanic, the Latino punk band with members from such bands as Agent Orange, 22 Jacks and Los Infernos, perform at the Casbah at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information call (619) 232-4355.
Who would have thought to go to Sweden to find good metal? Meshuggah proves that Swedes can rock, too. Since the release of last year’s album Nothing, the band, including original members guitarist Fredrik Thorendal, bassist Peterson Nordin and vocalist Jens Kidman, has been relentlessly on tour here and in Europe. But you don’t have to go to Stockholm, Sweden, or Kristiansand, Norway, to see them. You can see them when they perform at The Scene. For more information call (858) 505-9111.
Saturday 05/03/03
If you’re bummed that you missed them at Muirstock, you can still catch the B-Side Players when they perform at Belly Up Tavern. This local seven-piece San Diego band is reminiscent of Ozomatli with their Latin roots and active performances. Don’t miss what promises to be another exciting concert. The show starts at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $10. For tickets and information call (858) 481-8140 or visit http://www.bellyup.com.
Can anyone forget that legendary song lyric “”I’m spunky. I like my oatmeal lumpy””? Of course not. Well, Digital Underground, the authors of that infamous line in “”The Humpty Dance,”” will play at Canes Bar and Grill along with The Icons and DJ Hektik. For a fun-filled evening of great grooves and hilarious lyrics, be there at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information call (858) 488-1780.
Ventriloquism seems like a lost art that has disappeared into the abyss of yesteryear, but comedian Jeff Dunham is bringing it back with great wit and humor for adult audiences. It sounds strange, but puppets and voices as adult entertainment? Those skeptics who think puppets should be saved for kids should check out his standing ovations from “”The Tonight Show”” and his special on Comedy Central. Dunham will perform at 4th and B. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $21. For more information call (619) 231-4343
Sunday 05/04/03
Spanish rock is all the rage right now; there’s no better time to get into it, and there’s no better band than Jaguares. Lead singer Saul Hernandez’s distinctive voice and their various melodic compositions will leave you floored. Even if you don’t understand any of the Spanish lyrics, it doesn’t really matter because the music will still get to you. Jaguares will play at 4th and B at 8 p.m. Tickets for this show are $30. For more information call (619) 231-4343.
Swedish death metal isn’t very well known to people outside of the main metal circles, but the Stockholm band Opeth has been around since the early ’90s and making great music with their ever-changing line up. With a large number of distinguished albums like Morningrise (1996) and My Arms, My Hearse (1998), Opeth has been gaining rave reviews and building a solid fan base on both sides of the Atlantic. They will play at Canes Bar and Grill with special guests Lacuna Coil and Yakuza at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $17. The show is ages 16 and up. For more information, call (858) 488-1780.
Monday 05/05/03
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, which recognizes the Battle of Puebla in which a small army of Mexican farmers and indigenous people drove out a French infantry of some 6,000 soldiers, the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park is holding a celebration to exhibit the dress and dance of the indigenous people of Puebla. The exhibit entitled “”Fiesta Poblana: From Chinaco to Chicano/a, the Global Influence on the Indigenous Peoples of Puebla”” is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and runs through June 29. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For more information call (619) 235-6135.
Wednesday 05/07/03
Skepticism always runs high when an exhibit boasts the works of young, talented and cutting-edge artists, but the new exhibit “”Mass Distraction”” at Duck Waddle’s Emporium in Encinitas actually features the works of humorous visionaries and experimenters. The art will be displayed Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call (760) 632-0488.
