Bonitafest Melodrama “Ms. Sweetwater Valley”
An Award-Winning Family Musical
Beauty is only skin deep, maybe even less if you are the evil villains Cadwell von Fowl and Lickpenny trying to ruin the region’s premier pageant.
South Bay’s favorite bad guys return to wreck havoc and provide laughter in the 33rd Annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Ms. Sweetwater Valley,” Sept. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at the Bonita Vista High School Bolles Theatre. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Written and directed by Sunnyside playwright/song-writer Max Branscomb, “Ms. Sweetwater Valley” was inspired by a controversial local pageant. Branscomb’s musical-comedy is a tuneful and uplifting story of a young woman who draws from a strong upbringing to overcome tragedy and disappointment to encourage others by her example.
Melodrama institution Timothy Paul Evans returns for his 30th production as Lickpenny. Gabriel Orendain-Necochea is back again to play the bumbling villain Cadwell von Fowl.
Talented 15-year-old singer/actress Natalee Nordfelt plays the leading lady Lindsey Magnuson. Chantal Marie Branscomb plays her little sister, Paulette. Chloe Yantis plays the spacey but good-hearted Melody Sue McGuire and Ginny Mabrey plays the shy singing sensation Shannon May.
San Diego County’s longest-running theatre production, the Bonitafest Melodrama features original musical-comedies based on South Bay history. Its multicultural, family-oriented shows are known for their tuneful songs, comical villains and uplifting storylines.
This year’s production opens with its traditional Picnic-on-the-Green on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. For $15 theatre-goers receive a catered dinner by Chic fil A and tickets to the show. For ticket information call (619) 850-7126.
Free Food, Fun, and Entertainment at the Fifth Annual Spring Valley Library Fiesta
The Spring Valley library, 836 Kempton St, is hosting their fifth annual Fiesta on September 18 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The theme of this year’s fiesta is “Nurturing Minds and Bodies,” and will feature live entertainment, speakers, music, art, refreshments, and community booths.
The Spring Valley Fiesta is free to the community and has events and activities for children, teens, and adults. Included on the agenda are performances by singer/song-writer Nicole Torres nd Ballet Folklorico, a Low Rider Car Display, and a photography display by Manuel Cavada, photographer and curator. Spring Valley Branch Manager, Christine Plante, sees the Fiesta as “a great opportunity for the community of Spring Valley to come together and celebrate a culture rich in music, dance, and art.”
“Noche Mexicana” at Oceanside Library
The public is invited to celebrate Mexican culture and independence in Oceanside on Wednesday, September 15, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Civic Center Library and Plaza area, located at 330 N. Coast Highway. The annual fiesta, called “Noche Mexicana,” is free and open to the public. It will be particularly special this year as neighboring Mexico celebrates its bicentennial—two hundred years of independence.
The event, whose program this year features the theme “Así se lleva México en la Piel” (“That’s the Feeling You Get from Mexico”) will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a welcome from “Charro” singer Jorge Estrada, who like all performers donates his time to this event. Traditional Mexican dance will be offered by Calpulli Omeyocan, directed by Sandra Carmona, and two Ballet Folklorico troupes: Tapatío, directed by Luis Oceguera; and Tierra Caliente, directed by Jose Jaimes.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
Fiesta Patrias 200th Anniversary Celebration
Enjoy a former time when Old Town San Diego celebrated Mexican Independence Day with lively dancing, music, food and drink on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. The festival commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810, which is one of the most important days in Mexico’s history.
Guests of the festival will be able to join local dignitaries including host Governor José María de Echeandía inside the beautiful Casa de Estudillo as they enjoy the play, Bells of Dona Josepha. Portrayed by actor Victor Contreras, Governor Echeandía was twice governor of Alta California from 1825 to 1831 and from 1832 to 1833. The romantic play is about Josepha Carillo and Henry Fitch. Hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
The festival will feature many free activities for visitors of all ages such as contests, relay races, paper-flower making, piñatas and cornhusk-doll making.
Padres Latino Marketing Manager Alex Montoya to Speak at El Cajon Library
Not unlike his San Diego Padres, Alex Montoya has experienced and conquered his share of adversity. The El Cajon Branch Library, 201 E. Douglas Av, will host his presentation, “Every Day is an Opportunity,” and book signing, on Wednesday, September 15, at 6:30 PM. Montoya is Manager of Latino Relations for the Padres. A triple amputee, he is the author of Swinging for the Fences: Choosing to Live an Extraordinary Life.
Montoya will also talk about his upcoming book, Always Positive, the Alex Montoya Story: a Journey of Hope, Faith and Attitude. With humor and inspiration, he will share the story of his move to the United States, fulfilling a dream of working in Major League Baseball, and succeeding in life through a positive attitude and determined will.
The Imperial Beach International Film Festival
The South County Renaissance Project announces the 8th annual International Film Festival September 17th & 18th.
The Imperial Beach International Film Festival kicks off its 8th season highlighting the work of student filmmakers from the San Diego region that include works of students from San Diego State, UCSD, and the Sweetwater School Districts Visual & Performing Arts department. The two day event begins on Friday September 17th 7 pm at the Marina Vista Center located at 1075 8th Street Imperial Beach. Directly following the event attendees can enjoy an evening of food and live music at the festival’s opening night gala.
On Saturday September 18th enjoy a day down at the pier for the festivals “Cinema by the Surf” event. This yea’s feature film is “Back to the Future” sstarring Michael J. Fox that starts at dusk. Prior to the main film event there will be live music starting at 3pm followed by the participation of Nohemi’s Zumba Group to help get everyone back in shape. This year’s event is made possible through the generous support of the Unified Port of San Diego, Cox Communications, Pacific Realty, APS Marine Services, Leak Control Services, & The Chula Vista Brewery.
The Imperial Beach International Film Festival is produced by Imperial Beach based Corporation the South County Renaissance Project. For more information log onto the new website at www.ibscrp.com
Boost Mobil y 4 Jugadores de las Chivas Estarán Presente para Festejar “El Grito”
Boost Mobile, el patrocinador oficial del CD Guadalajara, invita a todos del área de San Diego a un evento especial celebrando la llegada de las Chivas Guadalajara durante su gira estadounidense.
El 13 de septiembre entre las 4 – 6pm, cuatro jugadores de las Chivas estarán presente en la tienda Exclusiva de Boost Mobile, firmando autógrafos y tomando fotos. Los jugadores estarán presentes para celebrar el bicentenario de la Independencia de México con los fans de las Chivas.
Además tendremos la música energética de Cumbre Norteña, tocando su nueva canción “Nina Bonita”. Cumbre Norteña sigue adelante con su meta de conquistar el gusto y el corazón del público interpretando música norteña sin límites. DONDE: Boost Mobile Exclusive Retail Store, 481 Broadway Ave, Suite D, Chula Vista.