Tag: music

Cool entertainment: a live television talk show in San Diego!

On the set of Tonight in San Diego, taped with a live audience in The Raw Space at the Spreckels Theatre. Host Jesse Egan talks to comedian Erik Knowles.
On the set of Tonight in San Diego, taped with a live studio audience in The Raw Space at the Spreckels Theatre. Host Jesse Egan talks to comedian Erik Knowles.

Are you looking for some cool entertainment? There’s a live television talk show debuting in San Diego modeled after those popular late night variety shows which millions of people love. It’s called Tonight in San Diego.

Anyone can attend a live taping of new shows in The Raw Space, a small venue that is part of the downtown Spreckels Theatre. Like those well-known national shows filmed in Los Angeles, San Diego audience members participate in the live taping: clapping and cheering on cue, while enjoying comedy acts, live music and interviews of local celebrities. Of course there’s a house band and opportunities for the most enthusiastic audience members to win prizes. There’s also a bar serving wine and beer that people can visit during breaks.

I was invited to the most recent taping–which was last night! It was the last episode of the show to be featured exclusively on YouTube. From this point forward, Tonight in San Diego will air on KSDY Channel 50!

So what did I think?

The show is fairly witty, fun and quite well-produced. The host Jesse Egan, who hails from Ocean Beach, is a naturally funny guy. The monologue was a bit silly. The music was great. The opportunity to watch a live television show being produced is what intrigued me most–I was surprised at the number of people involved and impressed by how smoothly the entire process went.

The night I attended, the guests were standup comedian Erik Knowles, San Diego Rugby’s Phil MacKenzie (aka The Dragon) and a fantastic musician Mike Pinto, who I considered to be the highlight of the evening. The atmosphere was casual and many jokes were off-color. Laughter was provoked with quips about open pants, alcohol and smoking weed. This will obviously narrow the show’s appeal. I got the impression the show was directed more toward party people and hipsters than a more general audience.

Tonight in San Diego has incredible potential. At this point, seemingly few know about it. If this is your cup of tea, head to their website and get a ticket. As a member of the live studio audience, you’ll certainly be entertained for an hour and a half, and you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of history. Because I think this might be the beginning of something big!

The Raw Space is a small venue on First Avenue just south of Broadway in downtown San Diego.
The Raw Space is a small venue on First Avenue just south of Broadway in downtown San Diego.
A comedy act by Erik Knowles, who explains with a wink that being a stoned Dad can be surprisingly beneficial.
A comedy act by Erik Knowles, who explains with a wink that being a stoned Dad can be surprisingly beneficial.
Tonight in San Diego host Jesse Egan discusses our city's new pro rugby team with guest Phil MacKenzie.
Tonight in San Diego host Jesse Egan discusses our city’s new pro rugby team with guest Phil MacKenzie.
A photo of the house band's drummer. Three other great musicians were concealed by cameras. Yours truly, a silly San Diego blogger, was considered media and given a front row seat!
Photograph of the house band’s drummer. Three other great musicians were concealed by cameras. Yours truly, a mere blogger, was considered media and given a front row seat!  I still can’t believe it!
A quick change on the set. Getting ready for a musical act by talented guest Mike Pinto, who brought the house down.
A quick change on the set. Getting ready for a musical act by talented guest Mike Pinto, who brought the house down.
A video screen off to one side shows what actually appears on television. Here Jesse Egan is having a laugh with musician Mike Pinto.
A video screen off to one side shows what actually appears on television. Here Jesse Egan is having a laugh with musician Mike Pinto.

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San Diego American Indian Pow Wow in Balboa Park!

Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.
Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.

A special event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park. The American Indian Health Center Pow Wow is taking place near the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way.

I enjoyed the first hour of the pow wow, watching and listening to the performance of Bird Songs by members of the Kumeyaay Nation. These very powerful ancient songs live on today, but other similar songs from the past have been lost to time.

Other events at the pow wow include gourd dancing and fancy shawl dancing. Tents around the venue feature all sorts of Native American crafts, food, art and cultural information. If you’re in San Diego, swing on by! The public is welcome!

Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.
Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.
A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.
A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.
Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.
Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.
I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.
I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.
Many who'd arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costume. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.
Many who’d arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costumes. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.
Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.
Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.
Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.
Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.
Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.
Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.
Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow in San Diego.
Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow in San Diego.

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Spreckels Organ retakes world record! Concert celebrates!

The historic 1915 Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park has regained the title of largest outdoor pipe organ in the world!
The historic 1915 Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park has regained the title of largest outdoor pipe organ in the world!

There’s a special concert going on right now in San Diego, celebrating the breaking of a world record. The Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park, after a drive to 5000 pipes, has regained the title of largest outdoor pipe organ in the world! (For several years, the Heroes’ Organ at Kufstein Fortress in Austria held the record.)

Here are some photos from about an hour before the celebration concert. Congrats to the Spreckels Organ Society for their fine achievement!

Before the celebration concert, a photographer gets ready and organ enthusiasts have a special dinner in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Before the celebration concert, a photographer gets ready and organ enthusiasts have a special dinner in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A special program! Taking the Title: The Celebration Concert for the World's Largest Outdoor Pipe Organ. Sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University.
A special program! Taking the Title: The Celebration Concert for the World’s Largest Outdoor Pipe Organ. Sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University.
Friendly Spreckels Organ Society volunteer confirms that Balboa Park's amazing outdoor organ has regained the world record with 5000 pipes!
Friendly Spreckels Organ Society volunteer confirms that Balboa Park’s amazing outdoor organ has regained the world record with 5017 pipes!
Spreckels Organ Society tent welcomes new members at the very special event.
Spreckels Organ Society tent welcomes new members at the very special event.
Getting the famous Spreckels Organ ready. San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams looks on.
Getting the famous Spreckels Organ ready. San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams looks on.
A crowd gathers. About an hour to go before the evening concert.
A crowd slowly gathers. About an hour to go before the evening concert!
The House of Scotland Pipe Band will take part in a grand procession into the Spreckels Organ Pavilion as the concert begins. They wear the official San Diego tartan!
The House of Scotland Pipe Band will take part in a grand procession into the Spreckels Organ Pavilion as the evening concert begins. They wear the official San Diego tartan!
I paused to listen for a few minutes as concert organist Dr. Carol Williams and singer Diane Alexander, a soprano, practiced. It was beautiful music. Congratulations to the world-record Spreckels Organ!
I paused to listen for a few minutes as concert organist Dr. Carol Williams and singer Diane Alexander, a soprano, practiced. It was beautiful music. Congratulations to the world-record Spreckels Organ!

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Bayou Brothers rock Seaport Village!

Visitors to Seaport Village in San Diego rock out to the Bayou Brothers!
Visitors to Seaport Village in San Diego rock out to the Bayou Brothers!

I walked quite a bit today. As I passed through Seaport Village, my ears caught some music coming from the East Plaza Gazebo.

The Bayou Brothers were rocking, and people were dancing to cool Zydeco music like crazy!  It felt like a slice of Mardi Gras!  I love it!

As I walked along San Diego's Embarcadero today, I noted a lot of energy around Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
As I walked along San Diego’s Embarcadero today, I noted a lot of energy around Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
Look at all the happy people dancing! It's hard to keep still when an awesome Zydeco band is playing!
Look at all the happy people dancing! It’s hard to keep still when an awesome Zydeco band is playing!
The Bayou Brothers, based in El Cajon, is a well known local band. Their infectious, toe-tapping music features accordion, keyboards, guitar, bass, and even rubboard!
The Bayou Brothers, based in El Cajon, is a well known local band. Their infectious, toe-tapping music features accordion, keyboards, guitar, bass, and even a fun rubboard!
It's hard to stand still! The Bayou Brothers add wonderful vitality to a Sunday afternoon in Seaport Village!
It’s hard to stand still! The Bayou Brothers add wonderful vitality to a Sunday afternoon in Seaport Village.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 fun photos for you to enjoy!

Photos of International Mariachi Festival in National City.

A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!
A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!

Today I rode the trolley down to the South Bay to enjoy the big 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition.

The annual cultural event takes place in Pepper Park, which is located close to where the Sweetwater River empties into San Diego Bay.

I was absolutely amazed by the color, the energy, the sheer happiness of those participating and watching. Hopefully my photos provide a taste…

A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!
A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!
The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.
The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.
Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival's Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.
Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival’s Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.
The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.
The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.
A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.
A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.
Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.
Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.
Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.
Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.
A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego's South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.
A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego’s South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.
Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.
Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.
A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Even many of the participants enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.
A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Many of the participants also enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.
Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out on the short pier in National City's Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.
Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out onto the short pier in National City’s Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.
Looking back at the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.
Looking back at the rear of the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.
Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.
Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.
Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.
Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.
These ladies in costume were taking their turns at one of the festival's many prize wheels!
These ladies in traditional costume were taking their turns at one of the festival’s many prize wheels!
Dancing with joy.
Dancing with joy.
A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.
A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.

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

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

A brilliant recital at the San Diego Opera.

The San Diego Opera has performances scheduled for April and May 2016. Madama Butterfly and Great Scott.
The San Diego Opera has performances scheduled for April and May 2016: Madama Butterfly and Great Scott.

Yesterday evening I attended a recital by Ferruccio Furlanetto at Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego. The concert was a collaboration between the San Diego Opera and the San Diego Symphony.

Simply: it was a powerful and deeply moving experience. The combination of a full symphony orchestra and one of the world’s great opera stars stirred my soul and mind in a way that very, very few things can–not unlike the world’s greatest literature or poetry.

Both the quiet moments and the thunder seemed the very elements of human life, but exquisitely condensed, made poignant. During the diverse program, Ferruccio’s voice rose through the hall with sadness, memory and yearning. It was a performance that lifted me as I listened, and as I watched.

And I didn’t understand most of the words that he sang!

A voice that can express high passion with minute subtlety is a rare thing, indeed. Ferruccio was brilliant, and now I want to experience more of the opera.

It was a shame that I saw very few youthful faces in the audience. I suppose the opera is a medium that relies largely on reverence to tradition. But the opera could easily speak to modern, younger audiences. Much of human experience is universal. We all have those same feelings that are expressed in the opera: the same passions and tensions that result from human interaction. I challenge writers and composers to renew the opera and make it less stuffy, less repetitive, less beholden to the past. Our present world is full of great issues and movements. Make these part of a living art, one that moves boldly and experimentally forward into the future.

Because art is ultimately about life. Our lives.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? Please click Short Stories by Richard.

Incredible didgeridoo player adds life to San Diego!

Mitchell, an incredible musician, plays one of his didgeridoos in Balboa Park on a beautiful San Diego day.
Mitchell, an incredible musician, plays one of his didgeridoos in Balboa Park on a beautiful San Diego day.

Please meet Mitchell, the self-named Didgeridude! For many years I’ve seen him playing his collection of cool didgeridoos in public around San Diego. I’ve often walked past him performing in Balboa Park or Seaport Village, and have paused to listen to his incredible, resonating music. But I’d never spoken to him at length until last weekend.

Mitchell is not only a really great musician, but he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever be pleased to meet. His spirit is a big as the universe; perhaps that’s why his music sounds like emanations and echoes from a place deep in the heart of the cosmos.

It brought a smile to my face when I heard he first took an interest in the didgeridoo after watching the movie Crocodile Dundee. This ancient musical instrument of the Australian Aborigines requires a special circular breathing technique, and it’s plain to see that playing the didgeridoo continuously is a labor of love that requires dedication and great effort. Mitchell told me he loses about a pound on those days he comes out to perform in public.

Check out his cool website, which is called Didjetellus. “Did I tell you” that his website has cool samples of didgeridoo music and MP3 files you can download? Mitchell does school presentations and can be booked for private concerts.

Mitchell has given me so much pleasure over the years, I feel privileged to have finally met him. If you want to hear something really cool and unusual, click the many MP3 samples on his website!

The Didgeridude is one very cool dude!
The Didgeridude is one very cool dude!
This didgeridoo features a snake! Mitchell told me it would be fun if he could somehow devise a way to make a mechanical tongue come out of the snake.
This didgeridoo features a snake! Mitchell told me it would be fun if he could somehow devise a way to make a mechanical tongue come out of the snake.

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A beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony!

This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!
This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!

Today I enjoyed a beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony. I arrived at noon to listen to a free public concert, which was just the first part of the five hour Hands On Community Day event. Later on, after I left for my walk, there were additional performances, and kids were taught how to play the piano by world-class musicians!

The San Diego Symphony is celebrating the piano during an ongoing Upright and Grand festival, which continues through February 8. If you haven’t been to a concert at Copley Symphony Hall, I assure you it’s a magical, wonderful experience!

Please enjoy a few photos and read the captions for explanations…

The San Diego Symphony's Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
The San Diego Symphony’s Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
One table had samples of a piano key's inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
One table had samples of a piano key’s inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogen Nash.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogden Nash.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there's a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there’s a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
After the first hour's concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!
After the first hour’s concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!

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Music and fun at San Diego Multicultural Festival!

This super nice lady posed while blowing some bubbles! And I got photobombed! What fun!
This super nice lady posed while blowing some bubbles! And I got photobombed! What fun!

Lots of photos today!

Let’s start out with the fun San Diego Multicultural Festival, which was held in sunny Ruocco Park, downtown near Tuna Harbor. I always enjoy walking through the annual event, taking in the cool, happy vibe and listening to some great live music. Here are a few pics!

Remember–tomorrow is the big MLK parade which goes down Harbor Drive along the Embarcadero! It begins at 2 o’clock!

Folks were at the San Diego Multicultural Festival in Ruocco Park listening to lots of great live music.
Folks were at the San Diego Multicultural Festival in Ruocco Park listening to lots of great live music.
This smiling lady representing the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park had a table full of beautiful crafts. They'll be having a Let Freedom Ring event on MLK Day.
This smiling lady representing the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park had a table full of beautiful crafts. They’ll be having a Let Freedom Ring event on MLK Day.
Super colorful art and wares at the WorldBeat table. Celebrating life, diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego!
Super colorful art and wares at the WorldBeat table. Celebrating life, diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Diego!
People were enjoying drumming on the grass in Ruocco Park, near Seaport Village.
People were enjoying drumming on the grass in Ruocco Park, near Seaport Village.
This cool musician on the stage saw me taking a photo! Hello!
This cool musician on the stage saw me taking a photo! Hello!

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Three magic benches in front of the Old Globe!

Three magic benches are visible in this photo. Can you spot them?
Three magic benches are visible in this photo. Can you spot them?

I discovered three magic benches during my walk through Balboa Park this afternoon! All three are situated in front of the Old Globe Theatre, one of San Diego’s great cultural treasures.

How do I know these benches are magic? It’s very easy to see! Just examine the following photos, and read the captions!

The first bench is dedicated to that magical playwright Shakespeare! As you might recall, the Bard is associated with the Globe Theatre, which was in London.
The first bench is dedicated to that magical playwright Shakespeare! As you might recall, the Bard is associated with the original Globe Theatre, which was in London.
The iconic face of William Shakespeare on the side of a fantastic public bench in Balboa Park's Old Globe Courtyard.
The iconic face of William Shakespeare on the side of a fantastic public bench in Balboa Park’s Old Globe Courtyard.  Sit here and be inspired!
A jolly character from the Shakespeare comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor.
A jolly character from the Shakespeare comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor.
A famous scene from Hamlet. Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy...
A famous scene from Hamlet. Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy…
The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego is where you want to see Shakespeare's famous tragedy Julius Caesar.
The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego is where you want to see Shakespeare’s famous plays, including the tragedy Julius Caesar.
Here's the second magic bench. Looks ordinary? Don't be deceived! Sit or lie here, and you might mysteriously be transported far away!
Here’s the second magic bench. Looks ordinary? Don’t be deceived! Sit or lie here, and you might mysteriously be transported far away!
And finally, the magic piano bench. Anybody can sit here and play through January, courtesy of the San Diego Symphony's PLAY ME: Pianos In Public Spaces event.
And finally, the magic piano bench. Anybody can sit here and play music through January, courtesy of the San Diego Symphony’s PLAY ME: Pianos In Public Spaces event!

To learn more about the ten public pianos that have been placed around San Diego, check out my previous blog post!

To experience some magic in wonderful Balboa Park, head over to the courtyard in front of the world famous Old Globe Theatre!
To experience magic in wonderful Balboa Park, head over to the courtyard in front of the world famous Old Globe Theatre!
The Old Globe Theatre has another great lineup for 2016. World-class entertainment in amazing Balboa Park!
The Old Globe has another great lineup for 2016. World-class entertainment in amazing Balboa Park!

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