Tag: events

A most extraordinary organ concert.

Over the years, during the course of many International Summer Organ Festivals in Balboa Park, I’ve been fortunate to hear concerts by some of the greatest organists in the world.

But this evening’s concert was extraordinary.

I’m at a loss for words to describe how much I was moved by the masterful, absolutely astonishing performance by Gunnar Idenstam.

Gunner Idenstam, from Sweden, has distinguished himself by winning some of the highest prizes and honors in the organ world. In 1984 he won the very prestigious international competition in improvisation, the Grand Prix de Chartres.

His concert tonight, to my ear, was perfect. He made the Spreckels Organ sound like a sparkling heart.

From his fingertips, through the pipes, came waves and droplets and streams of emotion from the deepest wells. The organ’s voice was complex, subtle, dancing, regal, triumphant, exuberant, sometimes manic, and it soared and soared, and stirred, and soared again, lifting me to a place of pure, exalted emotion.

I don’t know how to describe it.

Parts of his composition Metal Angel were so exultant I almost felt myself flying.

Listening with my eyes closed, I could feel my spirit whirling forward through an epic story. With victory in reach.

Great writing, reading celebrated at TwainFest!

Giant puppets representing Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe roam Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2019 TwainFest!
Giant puppets representing Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe roam Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2019 TwainFest!

Today I enjoyed one of my very favorite San Diego events. I headed to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for a celebration of great writing and reading at 2019 TwainFest!

Literature is the focus of this annual festival–the most famous 19th century literature and writers in particular. Produced by Write Out Loud, TwainFest features live readings, performances, period music and costumes, games, and a variety of fun activities for the entire family.

Kids not only develop an appreciation for classic books, but they experience the joy of creativity!

Here comes a tall Mark Twain puppet walking through Old Town San Diego!
Here comes a tall Mark Twain puppet walking through Old Town San Diego!
A noon parade circles the Old Town plaza during 2019 TwainFest, where great writers and reading are celebrated!
A noon parade circles the Old Town plaza during 2019 TwainFest, where great writers and reading are celebrated!
Many characters in 19th century period costume could be spotted at the annual event.
Many characters in 19th century period costume could be spotted at the annual event.
Musical entertainment on the main stage. Fiesta de Reyes presents TwainFest by Write Out Loud. Laughter, Levity and Literature.
Musical entertainment on the main stage. Fiesta de Reyes presents TwainFest by Write Out Loud. Laughter, Levity and Literature.
This sea captain might have been an acquaintance of Herman Melville. He has been joined by Lewis Carroll's Red Queen.
This salty Captain Swordfish might have been an acquaintance of Moby Dick author Herman Melville. He has been joined by Lewis Carroll’s Red Queen.
I met Walt Whitman, who told me this is his first time at TwainFest.
I met poet Walt Whitman, who told me this is his first time at TwainFest.
One of many fun games at TwainFest. Spinning the Wheel of Fiction, in order to solve a literary clue.
One of many fun games at TwainFest. Spinning the Wheel of Fiction, in order to solve a literary clue.
Characters and scenes from Mark Twain's stories could be colored, like The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
Characters and scenes from Mark Twain’s stories could be colored, like The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
Anyone could walk up, grab a marker, and help write several Never Ending Stories.
Anyone could walk up, grab a marker, and help write several Never Ending Stories.
A performance of a magical folk tale in the Japanese Kamishibai tradition.
A performance of a magical folk tale in the Japanese Kamishibai tradition.
Lively music from 19th century San Diego adds life to the cultural event.
Lively music from 19th century San Diego adds life to the cultural event.
Some fun musical accompaniment nearby.
Some fun musical accompaniment nearby.
Kids were learning how to play drums and the fife.
Kids were learning how to play drums and the fife.
The young and the young at heart could play Victorian era games on the grass, including wheelbarrow races, sack races, egg races and the game of graces.
The young and the young at heart could play Victorian era games on the grass, including wheelbarrow races, sack races, egg races and the game of graces.
A crazy wheelbarrow race is underway. It's hard not to fall out when you turn!
A crazy wheelbarrow race is underway. It’s hard not to fall out when your driver abruptly turns!
Visitors to TwainFest could learn how to make simple books by folding paper and applying fancy cover designs with a glue stick.
Visitors to TwainFest could learn how to make simple books by folding paper and applying fancy cover designs with a glue stick.
Of course, a literature themed event must include lots of classic books.
Of course, a literature themed event must include lots of classic books.
Shelves full of books!
Shelves full of books!
Some history reenactors had set up a Civil War era field encampment.
Some history reenactors had set up a Civil War era field encampment.
Union soldiers in uniform appear at attention.
Union soldiers in uniform appear at attention.
The nearby Headquarters Post Office contained more costumed participants.
The nearby Headquarters Post Office contained more costumed participants.
A working telegraph was on display.
A working telegraph was on display.
While walking about, I noticed many smiling volunteers handing out TwainFest programs.
While walking about, I noticed many smiling people handing out TwainFest programs. (I’m sure Write Out Loud always welcomes new volunteers.)
Stories were being told at the Casa de Estudillo about immigrants, the descendants of early California, and the road to women's suffrage.
Stories were being told at the Casa de Estudillo about immigrants, the descendants of early California, and the road to women’s suffrage.
At the Old Town Courthouse Museum, people could take a literacy test to see whether they could vote in the election of 1872.
At the Old Town Courthouse Museum, people could take a literacy test to see whether they could vote in the election of 1872.
Political illustrations and cartoons from print over a century ago.
Political illustrations and cartoons from print over a century ago.
Young people were enjoying a Mad Hatter tea party, with Alice and other Wonderland characters!
Young people were enjoying a Mad Hatter tea party, with Alice and other Wonderland characters!
It appeared that some people had already painted Tom Sawyer's fence with whitewash!
It appeared that some people had already painted Tom Sawyer’s fence with whitewash!
Is that the Red Queen or the Queen of Hearts? I get them confused.
Is that the Red Queen or the Queen of Hearts? I get them confused.
Don't be an idiom. (You probably don't want to be an oxymoron either.)
Don’t be an idiom. (You probably don’t want to be an oxymoron either.)
More dramatic words were being read inside Old Town's one room Mason Street Schoolhouse. I recognized funny passages from Tom Sawyer.
More dramatic words were being read inside Old Town’s one room Mason Street Schoolhouse. I recognized those funny wart-cure passages from Tom Sawyer.
A puppet show delights kids in Old Town's plaza.
A puppet show delights kids in Old Town’s plaza.
The smiles go on and on during TwainFest...
The smiles and good times live on and on during TwainFest…
...thanks in part to this amiable if somewhat satirical fellow.
…thanks in part to this amiable if somewhat satirical fellow.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Have fun on Mission Bay for a good cause!

Today I learned that Susan G. Komen’s 19th Annual Row for the Cure is coming up on Sunday, October 27, 2019!

I can affirm after watching the Row for the Cure out on Mission Bay last year that this event is definitely fun! And money raised is used to fight breast cancer!

Any and all are welcome to participate. There are a variety of activities that you can enjoy, including kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Or simply hang out on the grass or the sand and watch!

Learn the details by visiting the Susan G. Komen website here!

…

Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

A WWII paratrooper and his 2019 Normandy jump.

Tom Rice smiles after a brief speech at the 2019 Spirit of '45 Celebration at The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park.
Tom Rice smiles after a brief speech at the 2019 Spirit of ’45 Celebration at The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park.

Today I listened to a few words that were spoken by Tom Rice, a 97-year-old member of the Greatest Generation. He spoke during the annual Spirit of ’45 Celebration at The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park. He came up to the podium and told the audience about his experiences.

In the dark, very early morning of D-Day, 75 years ago, Tom parachuted behind Nazi lines with other brave soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, to pave the way for the invasion and liberation of Europe. In 2019 he parachuted into Normandy again, to honor other World War II veterans, many of whom are no longer with us.

He remembered his deeds with humility.

I learned that a film will soon be released that features Tom Rice’s anniversary jump. Libertas, which is the title of the Normandy Jump 2019 documentary, will be pre-screened on August 17 & 18, 2019, at the Vintage Village Theatre in Coronado, California. After the screening there will be a panel discussion with the film director, producer, and Tom.

Money raised through ticket sales will be used by Honor Flight for their Fall 2019 Tour of Honor, which will send World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can see their memorials. There are over 100 San Diego veterans on the waiting list.

Should you pre-order the DVD, use the code “Honor Flight” at check-out and $5 will go to help make the Tour of Honor possible.

To learn how you can buy a ticket for the special pre-screening of Libertas, or if you’d like to order the DVD, please visit this website.

I know some of this blog’s followers are in the local military community. Spread the word!

If you’d like to donate to Honor Flight San Diego, click here!

Action photos from 2019 Supergirl Surf Pro!

The largest women’s surfing competition in the world is taking place this weekend by the Oceanside Pier. It’s the 2019 Supergirl Surf Pro!

Over 100 amazing athletes from around the world are vying for glory in this very cool international surfing event. The competition is among the very best female surfers on the planet. Some of the participants will compete in the next Olympic Games!

Not only does the Supergirl Surf Pro provide great entertainment in its huge, bustling Festival Village and along the beach, but the event’s positive message of female empowerment is broadcast around the globe!

I spent a couple hours today watching the incredible surfing action from the Oceanside Pier.

My modest camera managed to get a few exciting photos!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Flamenco dancing at San Diego Museum of Art!

This evening the San Diego Museum of Art held a free public event titled On the Steps At SDMA: The Golden Age Of Spain. The small outdoor festival, which was held in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama, celebrated the museum’s current exhibition, which features fine art produced in the Spanish Empire from about 1600 to 1750.

Local artists had booths near the museum’s front steps, as did Balboa Park’s House of Spain, but my favorite part of the event was the fantastic flamenco dancing.

I lingered for a good while and enjoyed performances by Flamenco Sur (Carlos Hernandez and Students), Olé Flamenco, and Luna Flamenca Dance Company.

Each dancer possessed fire, intensity, passion.

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Comic-Con cosplay photos and more on Pinterest!

If you like to use Pinterest, you might enjoy checking out a bunch of pins that I just now added to my San Diego Comic-Con Pinterest page!

The special page now contains almost 450 cosplay and other fun photographs that I’ve taken while walking around Comic-Con during the past five years!

To see all these cool photographs in one place, click here!

One more fun walk outside 2019 Comic-Con!

Krypto the Superdog has entered South Park during 2019 Comic-Con.
Krypto the Superdog has entered South Park during 2019 Comic-Con.

It’s Sunday, the final day of 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.

This morning I took a leisurely walk around downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and the convention center.

No suffocating crowds, and more relaxed…but less cosplay.

I saw lots of families out enjoying a fun day!

It's Sunday morning at Comic-Con, and pop culture fans are heading to the San Diego Convention Center.
It’s Sunday morning at Comic-Con, and pop culture fans are heading toward the San Diego Convention Center.
As I walked up MLK Promenade, these nice Amazon Prime Video ladies handed me literature concerning upcoming shows.
As I walked up MLK Promenade, these nice Amazon Prime Video ladies handed me literature concerning upcoming shows.
I got into the Amazon activation with ease, but then discovered the attractions within had waits of up to two hours!
I got into the Amazon activation with ease, but then discovered the attractions within had waits of up to two hours!
I watched a mock fight up on the colorful central structure.
I watched a mock fight up on the colorful central structure.
People could don fairy wings and take flight for a Carnival Row photo.
People could don fairy wings and take flight for a Carnival Row photo.
This structure contains the Carnival Row attraction. In an earlier blog post I surmised it was for The Boys.
This structure contains the Carnival Row attraction. In an earlier blog post I surmised it was for The Boys.
A cool area at the Amazon offsite where people can relax. I enjoyed my free water and churros.
A cool area at the Amazon offsite where people can relax. I enjoyed my free water and churros.
As I walked back down MLK Promenade, I turned down these strange jelly-filled donuts, however.
As I walked back down MLK Promenade, however, I politely turned down these peculiar jelly-filled donuts.
I saw Dumbledore last year, too. I guess rumors of his demise are exaggerated.
I saw Dumbledore last year, too. I guess rumors of his demise are exaggerated.
Wonder Woman cosplayer strikes a pose.
Wonder Woman cosplayer strikes a heroic pose.
Everyone was photographing Batgirl!
Everyone was photographing Batgirl up on the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge!
What we do in the shadows...or on our phones.
What we do in the shadows…or on our phones.
Sunday morning 2019 Comic-Con. Walking behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Sunday morning 2019 Comic-Con. Walking behind the San Diego Convention Center.
The Hot Wheels truck!
The Hot Wheels truck!
Awesome Wonder Woman and Hawkman cosplay!
Awesome Wonder Woman and Hawkman cosplay!
Taking photos in the Dragon Ball Z activation.
Taking photos in the Dragon Ball Z activation.
A bit of cosplay on Sunday, but not as much as Saturday.
I observed examples of cosplay on Sunday, but not nearly as much as Saturday.
Joker gives me an evil look.
Joker gives me an evil look.
Here come some snacks.
Here come some snacks.
They were doing some sort of filming in the FX Fearless Forum.
They were doing some sort of filming in the FX Fearless Forum.
A banana posed for a photo.
A banana posed for a photo.
A fanatic demonstrates their unquestioned FAITH IN GODZILLA.
A fanatic demonstrates their unquestioned FAITH IN GODZILLA.
Jack Skellington cosplay, from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Jack Skellington cosplay, from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Does this mean I'm NOT supposed to believe The Twilight Zone?
Does this mean I’m NOT supposed to believe The Twilight Zone?
These guys at the 91X radio table in the Interactive Zone smiled for some strange guy taking pictures.
These guys at the 91X radio table in the Interactive Zone smiled for some strange guy taking pictures.
I spied Popeye nearby.
I spied Popeye nearby.
This guy was singing his heart out doing Carpool Karaoke.
This guy was singing his heart out doing Carpool Karaoke.
Is this knight from Game of Thrones?
Is this knight from Game of Thrones?
An artist had spray paint art creations on the grass by a walkway.
An artist had spray paint art creations on the grass by a walkway.
Lots of criminals are lining up at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Lots of criminals are lining up at Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
This fellow likes dolls it would seem.
This fellow collects dolls it would seem.
New employees of the Superstore get photographed.
New employees of the Superstore get photographed.
This particular Darth Maul doesn't look so tough. Just saying.
This particular Darth Maul doesn’t look so tough. Just saying.
A relatively tranquil Sunday morning outside Comic-Con. Another beautiful San Diego day!
A relatively tranquil Sunday morning outside Comic-Con. Another beautiful San Diego day!
Basketballs were flying madly at the FOX Fan Fair.
Basketballs were flying madly at the FOX Fan Fair.
As I headed up Fifth Avenue for home, I was lucky to get this cool cosplay shot.
As I headed up Fifth Avenue for home, I was lucky to get this cool cosplay shot.
And some Ghostbusters, too.
And some Ghostbusters, too.
And this Angry Bird!
And this Angry Bird!

Tomorrow it’s back to normal, everyday, ordinary life.

Now it’s time for a nap!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Marketing and fun, combined into one.

I’m sure most people know the truth. Comic-Con is mostly about marketing. Movies, television shows, video games, toys, collectibles, even lunch–all swirl before the eyes of excited fans.

And yet–it’s all so much fun!

How does one draw the line between the calculated marketing and the unabashed fun?

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Amazing, fantastic, crazy cosplay everywhere!

Cosplay out of control!

Amazing, fantastic, super creative cosplay everywhere!

The explanation? It must be another Saturday afternoon around San Diego Comic-Con!

Late this afternoon and into the evening, a few blocks of the Gaslamp Quarter were so jammed with cosplayers posing in their elaborate costumes and onlookers turning every which way with phones and cameras, a person could barely move!

I’m not even going to attempt to identify every one of these great cosplays. It’s just too much. (But I must confess I really like both Ron Burgundy and the Sand-witch.)

As you can tell by these photos, 2019 Comic-Con is just as crazy and as wonderful as ever!

One more day of Comic-Con to come!

…

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!