Nov. 16 issue: Local and regional events

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents popular ‘2 PIANOS 4 HANDS’ for the holidays

By popular demand, North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful, family pleasing “2 PIANOS 4 HANDS” to brighten the holiday season. Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter as Jefferson McDonald and Matthew McGloin take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel. This entertaining, crowd-pleasing show not only hits all the right notes, it tickles the ivories and your funny bone. Tickets will be flying out the door, so reserve yours early to avoid disappointment.

“2 PIANOS 4 HANDS” performances begin Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Final performance is Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The show runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Added Wednesday matinees on Dec. 20 and Dec. 27. There is no evening performance, Sunday, Dec. 24. Tickets are $64. Seniors, students and military are entitled to a $3 discount per ticket. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

The Country Friends Annual Holiday Tea

The Country Friends Annual Holiday Tea will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa. The event features a delicious luncheon, boutique shopping, and more.

For more information and to purchse tickets go to www.thecountryfriends.org. Location address: 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad.

The Country Friends mission is “to support human care agencies with emphasis on those providing services to women, children, the elderly, military, and persons with disabilities in San Diego County.”

SeaWeeders’ 11th annual Poinsettia Sale fundraiser is underway

The Solana Beach Garden Club is once again offering locally-grown red Ecke Prestige Poinsettias in 6-inch pots for $12. In addition, this year the club is offering Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Truncata), also in 6-inch pots, for $10 each.

Quantities are limited. Visit Seaweedersgardenclub.org to download its order form and return it by Wednesday, Nov. 22.

You can pick up your plants on Saturday, Nov. 25, between 9 a.m. to noon at the Boys & Girls Club, 533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Unreserved plants will be offered for sale there, as well as at the Post Office at 153 S. Sierra Ave.

Treat your holiday decor to a cause that benefits public gardens in this community. All proceeds go to beautification projects in Solana Beach.

Village Church to host 2023 Alternative Christmas Market

A cherished tradition at the Village Church returns this month with the 2023 Alternative Christmas Market. It provides the opportunity to give Christmas gifts that will bring the true joy of Christmas to the giver, the recipient and those in need.

Visitors to the church patio from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, Nov. 19, can visit over a dozen booths representing various charities that will benefit from direct donations in honor of friends and loved ones. With a check, cash or credit card, you can lift farmers out of poverty, provide toys and clothing for homeless families, help shelter Afghan and Ukrainian refugees in San Diego, and fund Christian satellite programming to the Middle East.

All the participating charities receive 100 percent of your donation while each donor receives a card detailing the organization they supported – the perfect Christmas gift!

The Village Church of Rancho Santa Fe is located at 6225 Paseo Delicias. You can also shop online at villagechurch.org/alternative-christmas-market

For more information, email gretchens@villagechurch.org

Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K

Participants can run or walk starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 23 with check-in at 7:15 a.m. at the Fleet Feet San Diego store, 5980 Village Way, in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley, and ending there. There will be refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals. The route will be on the sidewalk and there will be a marked turnaround for a 1-mile option. The event follows a “fun run” format, and the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. Free; bring donations of canned food for the San Diego Food Bank. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/

FreeThanksgivingDay5k; email community@fleetfeetsandiego.com.

RSF Garden Club to host Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop

The RSF Garden Club will hold its popular Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Garden Club’s Secret Garden. In a news release the Garden Club says “Come and explore your creativity as you have fun making a holiday wreath for yourself or someone special. The club will provide everything you need to create your wreath along with decorative elements to embellish it.” Event address: 17025 Avenida De Acacias Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.

For more information and to register, go to: shorturl.at/hFLV4

Theatre School @ North Coast Rep presents ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep presents the trivial comedy for serious people “The Importance of Being Earnest” as its next student production Nov. 16-19. This masterpiece by Oscar Wilde revolves ridiculously around the most ingenious case of “manufactured” mistaken identity ever put into a play.

Director Benjamin Cole is proud to present this pinnacle of playful parodies of the “leisure class” in the Victorian era, according to a news release. “The comedy of manners style is so clearly articulated in the back-and-forth banter,” Cole expounds in the news release. “We’re gleefully challenging our talented students with precision of physicality and vocal delivery.”

Performances are Nov.16 -19 in the Theatre School Studio Space: 985 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Suite D, Solana Beach, 92075 with show times 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18, and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Ticket prices are regularly $25 for adults and $21 for seniors 65 and older, children under age 19, and active military. Call the box office to reserve your tickets today: 858-481-1055 or visit www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org..

Del Mar Village to welcome Susan G. Komen 3-Day walkers

Join Del Mar Village Association on Friday, Nov. 17, from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. in painting the town pink and cheering on more than 2,000 walkers as the San Diego Susan G. Komen 3-Day kicks off in Del Mar. This cheering station is an annual outpouring of support from the community that welcomes the walkers with pink balloons and ribbons. Cheerleaders from Torrey Pines High School, the Del Mar Lifeguards, local business owners and community residents line the streets to cheer the event participants on their journey as they head south to San Diego.

Anyone interested in participating in this fun and inspirational morning is encouraged to dress in pink and come to Del Mar Village just south of 15th Street on Camino Del Mar (Highway 101) between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/breast- cancer-cheering-station for more information on the cheering station. For more information on the Komen 3-Day walk, go to shorturl.at/agRTX

Start Thanksgiving Day with annual Encinitas Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, come run the annual Encinitas Turkey Trot, a festive and family-friendly and scenic race on Coast Highway 101, starting and finishing under the famous Encinitas sign.

Participants can get in some early morning exercise before sitting down to a Thanksgiving feast with race distances of 5K and 10K, as well as a Kids-K race free for kids under nine. Runners and walkers are also encouraged to flex their creativity to compete in individual and group costume contests.

The Encinitas Turkey Trot is a holiday tradition started by Steve Lebherz, a long-time resident of Encinitas, with the mission of helping families in need throughout the North County of San Diego. This year the race benefits VANC, a non-profit supporting veterans with the goal of reducing PTSD and suicide. The race will also provide a grant to the local Boy Scouts of America Troop 776.

The 10k starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8 a.m. For more information, including the full schedule of events, or to register, visit encinitasturkeytrot.org

Community Resource Center to hold Jingle & Mingle benefit event

Jingle and mingle for a cause at Community Resource Center’s annual fundraising event on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Morgan Run Club & Resort in Rancho Santa Fe. Join Community Resource Center for a magical evening featuring mingling with CRC supporters, a lively silent auction and raffle, jewelry pop-up shops by CRC’s Resale Stores and Kendra Scott, and a heart-touching program showcasing how your generosity helps those in need. Enjoy delectable food, drinks, and joyful tunes, all included in your ticket. Established in 1979, Community Resource Center (CRC) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help neighbors create paths to healthy food, stable homes and safe relationships. Location address: 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe.

For tickets go to: shorturl.at/alCP7

To make a donation got to: shorturl.at/bqsGM

Visit crcncc.org for more information on CRC.

North Coast Rep to present ‘I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce’

“I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce” starring Ronnie Marmo will be presented at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach Nov. 30-Dec. 3 (Nov. 30-Dec. 2 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2-3, 2 p.m.)

Directed by Joe Mantegna, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation.

The show chronicles the life and death of one of the most controversial comedian and undisputed legend of all time, Lenny Bruce. His personal pain, sharply funny social commentary and completely original, freestyle comedy left a lasting impact on today’s poetry, politics, music, film – and of course – comedy. The show explores mature themes, includes strong language and nudity, and is intended for mature audiences.

“I believe Lenny’s is the voice this country needs right now,” says playwright and star Ronnie Marmo in a news release. “In the 1960s, he exposed many of the ‘untouchable’ subjects that are in the news again now: religion, racism, immigration, xenophobia, gender inequality, sexual identity, the criminal justice system, capital punishment, bail reform, government aid, police brutality, corrupt capitalism, the opiate epidemic, marijuana legalization, censorship, I could go on and on. So here we are, over 56 years later, all the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant and even radical. In certain ways, we’ve progressed since Lenny was with us, and in many, we have regressed.”

There will be a talkback with Marmo following the performances on Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1.

To reserve tickets, visit www.northcoastrep.org, or call the Box Office at 858-481-1055.North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, 92075.

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles at the Belly Up

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Featuring all the top hits of the Beatles along with some great holiday tunes, Abbey Road’s Christmas With The Beatles promises to be a night of fun. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, 92075. The show is 21+

10th annual Bing Crosby racing season returns

The famous seaside track welcomes fans back for an exciting 10th annual Bing Crosby racing season. The season began Nov. 10 and continues with a variety of events including:

Thanksgiving Brunch (Nov. 23) – Spend this Thanksgiving in the Turf Club at Del Mar. Bring your family for a deliciously decadent day at the races featuring a three-course Thanksgiving meal, a reserved Turf Club table, and bottomless mimosas (Gates open at 9 a.m., brunch served until 1:30 pm)

Beer & Cider Fest (Nov. 24) – The Beer & Cider Fest returns to Del Mar, featuring over 50 brews and ciders. Located at the west end of the Grandstand, the event offers gourmet food trucks and local brewery reps available for questions.

First post daily is 12:30 p.m., except for Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 23, which starts at 11 a.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @delmarracing or on Facebook @DelMarRaces.

LITVAKdance’s fall 2023 production celebrates 3 generations of women choreographers

For its final concert before LITVAKdance takes a hiatus from producing full evening performances, LITVAKdance will spotlight three generations of women choreographers including choreography and performance by LITVAKdance artistic director’s mother, Betzi Roe, and guest Rebecca Margolick, and works by award winning choreographers Zuleima Burruel and Dolly Sfeir.

The concerts will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, 92024.

Tickets: $35 general, $20 student/senior/military. Ticket link: litvakdance.ticketleap.com/fall23concert/

For more information, visit LITVAKdance.org/performs

Snowman Scavenger Hunt in Del Mar

Friday, Nov. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 18. A mischievous young snowman has left the North Pole searching for sandy beaches and salty sea air. Find him in Del Mar Village shops, post to social media, and be entered to win fun prizes. See @visitdelmarvillage on Instagram for details and contest rules.

Annual Red Nose Run in Del Mar returns Dec. 9

The Red Nose Run, presented by the Del Mar Foundation, is a 5k/3k fun run/walk on the beach in Del Mar, held every winter holiday season. The 31st Annual event is on Dec 9, and you can join this lively holiday charity event. The proceeds benefit Semper Fi/America’s Fund and the San Dieguito River Walk. Sign up for yourself or a team at www.therednoserun.com.

This year’s event begins in front of the Poseidon Restaurant on the Beach in Del Mar. The focus is on local charities and uplifting those in the community.

Start Thanksgiving Day with annual Encinitas Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, come run the annual Encinitas Turkey Trot, a festive and family-friendly and scenic race on Coast Highway 101, starting and finishing under the famous Encinitas sign.

Participants can get in some early morning exercise before sitting down to a Thanksgiving feast with race distances of 5K and 10K, as well as a Kids-K race free for kids under nine. Runners and walkers are also encouraged to flex their creativity to compete in individual and group costume contests.

The Encinitas Turkey Trot is a holiday tradition started by Steve Lebherz, a long-time resident of Encinitas, with the mission of helping families in need throughout the North County of San Diego. This year the race benefits VANC, a non-profit supporting veterans with the goal of reducing PTSD and suicide. The race will also provide a grant to the local Boy Scouts of America Troop 776.

The 10k starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8 a.m. For more information, including the full schedule of events, or to register, visit encinitasturkeytrot.org

North Coast Women’s Connection to hold ‘Jingle Bell Luncheon’

All are cordially invited to the North Coast Women’s Connection “Jingle Bell Luncheon” on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. It will be held at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach. The event guest speaker will be Jeanell Piconi sharing “Changing Your Life from Surviving to Thriving.” The program will include Christmas caroling and a fun-filled White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Bring a new or used wrapped gift. Invite your friends and join the event for a festive afternoon of fun, cheer, new friends and laughter.

Tickets: $35 per person. Questions? Phone calls only: Barbara Litwiller at 760-487-5151.

NCWC is under nonprofit Stonecroft Ministry, a 501(c)(3) non-denominational nonprofit organization.

‘It Was Never About the Books’ author Robert Pacilio to speak at event in Cardiff

San Elijo LIFE will host guest speaker Robert Pacilio, accomplished author and an award-winning teacher in San Diego, on Friday, Nov. 17, from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.at the San Elijo Campus of MiraCosta College in Cardiff.

Pacilio uses rock ‘n roll lyrics and films to help students unlock the power and mystery of literature. In his latest book, “It was Never About the Books,” he shares vignettes of students who touched his heart, and whose paths he, in turn, changed inexorably. Pacilio will talk about the process of transitioning from teaching to writing and share examples of his work. Books will be available for sale. The lecture will be held in room 204 at the San Elijo Campus of MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, 92007. The lecture and parking are free in lots SAN-1 and SAN-2.