Author, activist and pioneer Temple Grandin, will speak and sign copies of her book “Different Kinds of Minds: A Guide to Your Brain” at 7 p.m. Monday at the San Diego Central Library downtown.
The new book from scientist Grandin, who is a high-profile advocate for the autism community, discusses ways to help you identify your own mode of thinking.
In her description of the book, Grandin writes that some of the world’s greatest geniuses — including Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs and Maya Lin — have been visual thinkers. Visual thinkers think in pictures and patterns. enjoy doing puzzles, writing computer codes, taking things apart and playing games like Wordle.
But many people who end up as teachers and lawyers are verbal thinkers, who are good at language. They think in a linear way, are well organized, communicate their thoughts easily, learn sequentially and do well in academic settings.
Grandin, who calls herself an “object-visual” thinker, is a distinguished professor of animal science at Colorado State University and the author of the New York Times bestselleing books “Animals in Translation,” “Animals Make Us Human,” “The Autistic Brain” and “Thinking in Pictures,” which became an HBO movie starring Claire Danes. Grandin has been a pioneer in improving the welfare of farm animals as well as an outspoken advocate for the autism community.
The free presentation will take place in the Neil Morgan Auditorium at the library at 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Details at libraryfoundationsd.org/events/grandin.
Television
(Courtesy of Sacra/Profana)
The holiday season is here and for seven local choirs, that’s something to sing about. In its first locally produced holiday special, KPBS Television is showcasing these groups in a show that airsat 8 p.m. Saturday: Jewish Men’s Choir, San Diego Chorus, SACRA/PROFANA (pictured), San Diego Children’s Choir, San Diego Master Chorale, Promotora de las Bella Artes and Encore Vocal Ensemble.
This “KPBS Holiday Special” was produced in cooperation with the Choral Consortium of San Diego which encompasses some 70 choirs in our community. The choirs in the special were recorded in various houses of worship in both San Diego and Tijuana.
Following its airing, the show will be available for streaming throughout the holiday season at video.kpbs.org.
World music
(Courtesy of La Jolla Music Society)
Mariachi is usually associated with male musicians. Unless you’re familiar with Flor de Toloache. This all-female band from New York has been around for 15 years, having gone from playing in subways to winning a Latin Grammy award in 2017. They even performed at the White House a couple of years ago.
Las Flores, as they’re popularly known, will perform next Thursday night in a La Jolla Music Society concert at the JAI performance space.
There will be two shows: one at 6 and another at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Visit theconrad.org.
Theater
Encinitas’ Patrick Combs describes his solo performance piece “Trying to Break a Leg” as “a two-dimensional show — it’s designed to tell the truth and to entertain.” Combs’ previous one-person endeavor a decade ago, “Man 1, Bank 0,” was a hit off Broadway, in HBO’s bygone Comedy Festival and on a national tour. He’s world-premiering the new “Trying to Break a Leg” this weekend at City Heights Performing Annex.
“Man 1, Bank 0” recounted the true and quite funny tale of Combs depositing a $95,000 junk-mail check with his bank which it actually cashed. “Trying to Break a Leg” is about Combs’ efforts to create a theatrical show. The title questions the theater world’s traditional good luck wish: “Why do you tell me to ‘break a leg’ when I’m already scared enough?” Combs asks rhetorically.
Putting this show together has been a lengthy exercise in writing and rewriting: “It took me 50 tries to find the beginning of the story,” says Combs. “It took me 25 tries to tell the ending that wouldn’t ruin the whole show.
“It’s shocking that what can sound so good in your bedroom cannot come off well when you’re on stage.”
A motivational speaker and author as well as a comic performer, Combs was drawn to solo theater by experiencing performances by monologists Spalding Gray and John Leguizamo. “When I first saw them,” he says, “my thought was ‘There’s the single best thing a human being can do with his life.’”
Following its opening this weekend (tonight, Friday and Saturday), Combs hopes to tour “Trying to Break a Leg” at some point. Don’t be surprised if there will be changes.
“When I put this on for opening weekend, I will love the show, I’m positive,” says this perfectionist. “Then I’ll walk offstage and I will rewrite it for the next few days.”
“Trying to Break a Leg” will be presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at 3795 Fairmount Ave., San Diego. Tickets are $50-$75.
Comedy
(Amy Harris / Amy Harris/invision/ap)
Deon Cole may be best known for his roles in the popular ABC television series “Black-ish” and new streaming show “Average Joe” on BET+, but he got his start in standup comedy, which he’ll perform this weekend at the Balboa Theatre.
Raised in Chicago, the 51-year-old Cole made his first appearance onstage a comedy club to win a $50 bet. After a brief stint as an “Old Spice” model for TV commercials, he ended up on the writing staff for two Conan O’Brien late-night shows before branching out into solo standup work about 10 years ago. The gravelly-voiced comic’s profanity-laced comedy focuses on the realities of Blackness, racism, food and his preference for older women.
Cole has also released two Netflix comedy specials “Cole Hearted” in 2019 and last year’s “Charleen’s Boy,” which was dedicated to his late mother. He also starred in the Netflix documentary “Workin’ It Out,” which was filmed over several months as he worked out new bits at an L.A. nightclub in early 2020 before the pandemic arrived.
The show is at 8 p.m. Saturday at 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. sandiegotheatres.org.
Pop music
(Larry Busacca / Getty Images)
The first woman to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stevie Nicks has enjoyed a wildly successful solo career since the heyday of Fleetwood Mac came to an end. This was not unexpected. Talented as others in the supergroup were, Nicks’ stage presence and vocals were always the biggest and best thing about the Fleetwood Mac she joined in 1974.
Now 75 but ever the witchy woman, Nicks comes to town next Wednesday for a concert at Viejas Arena. If you need more proof that Nicks is still a viable star, consider that Mattel earlier this month released a Stevie Nicks Barbie doll. But good luck finding one for the holidays — they’ve sold out so quickly you might have to go the eBay route.
U-T arts stories you may have missed this week
(Courtesy of Deckman’s en el Mogor)
Check out these stories from our holiday guide
(Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
“Challenging Hate”
Sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across the country have been subjected to increased hate incidents. In this program, Manjusha Kulkarni, a prominent advocate for Asian American rights, talks about the complexities of anti-Asian sentiment and its impact on communities. Kulkarni addresses the rise in hate crimes, the role of political rhetoric, and the challenges in recognizing and reporting these incidents. She highlights the significance of media representation, education, and community engagement in combating racism. She also explores the critical need for conversations on microaggressions within academic settings and urges active civic participation. Join us for a vital discussion on promoting inclusivity and understanding within the Asian American community and beyond.
“What Drives Longevity?”
What drives longevity? Explore the keys to healthy aging in this panel discussion featuring leading experts in public health, nutrition, and medicine. You’ll get a comprehensive analysis of how lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise profoundly impact our health span and longevity. The panelists discuss the significance of the Mediterranean diet, the role of physical activity in maintaining wellness and the potential benefits of medications like Metformin for non-diabetic patients. This engaging session also highlights the crucial influence of our environment and social structures on individual health behaviors. Discover actionable insights and the latest scientific findings on aging gracefully and improving your quality of life.
“Stem Cells and the Immune System”
Leonard Zon, M.D., discusses cutting-edge research on the intricate relationship between macrophages, stem cells, and the development of leukemia using the zebrafish model. He delves into the fascinating interactions between these cell types, highlighting the role of a “don’t eat me” signal and the influence of the leukemic niche. Through cellular barcoding and single-cell RNA sequencing, he unveils a potential therapeutic target which may offer promising insights into treating leukemia by disrupting the stromal activities that support it. Zon showcases the power of zebrafish models in advancing our understanding of hematopoiesis and cancer, promising new avenues for research and treatment.
And finally, top weekend events
(Courtesy of Timken Museum of Art)
The best things to do Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego.
Coddon is a freelance writer.
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