In the world of music and entertainment, there are numerous stories waiting to be told. One such story takes us on a journey through different musical genres and performances. From a unique exploration of Pink Floyd's music to holiday theater shows and more, this article dives deep into the diverse world of arts and culture.

Discover the Hidden Gems in the Music and Theater Scene

An Exploration of Pink Floyd's Music with Think X

Think X is not your typical Pink Floyd tribute band. As the sax player and driving force, Scott Page, explains, "We're not trying to be. We want to do an exploration of Pink Floyd. We try to mash things up, create some entertaining ways of presenting the music." The band's show title, "An Exploration of the Music of Pink Floyd with Original Electronica Transitions," perfectly captures their approach. They play the music heavier and allow their members to solo and add their own flavors. For example, guitarist Kenny Olson, known for his work with Kid Rock, brings a Hendrix-y, crazy vibe. Bassist Norwood Fisher, a co-founder of Fishbone, and drummer Stephen Perkins, with a resume that includes Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros, add their expertise to the mix. Young guitarist Derek Day is one of their secret weapons. Keyboardist Will Champlin and vocalist Roberta Freeman also contribute significantly, with Freeman knocking "The Great Gig in the Sky" out of the park. Page himself learned a lot from working with Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, who he describes as the master of melody. To truly understand what Page means, one can revisit Gilmour's bluesy guitar solos on Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from the "Wish You Were Here" album. It's a timeless experience.

The Potluck Party with Comedian Kathleen Madigan

Comedian Kathleen Madigan has a unique story. Like many, she went to college and earned a B.A. in journalism. But unlike others, she chose standup comedy and has been doing it since the '90s. She has starred in comedy specials on both Netflix ("Kathleen Madigan: Bothering Jesus") and Amazon Prime Video ("Kathleen Madigan: Hunting Bigfoot"). Now, you can catch her act in person on Friday at the Magnolia Theater in El Cajon. Her show is titled "The Potluck Party," and one can only wonder if somebody's supposed to bring the potato salad.

"Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play" at New Village Arts Theatre

The holiday season brings with it the festive show "Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play" at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. Adapted by Lance Arthur Smith and with original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz, this show is a nod to the days of Lux Radio Theater and is a much preferable way to experience the story compared to a straight retelling. Previews are already underway, and the opening night is on Nov. 30, making it a perfect activity over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The 27 Club: A Tribute by Six String Society

For many years, the 27 Club has been a topic of discussion among music fans. It's the club of artists who died at the peak of their fame at age 27 due to various reasons including drug and alcohol overdoses, suicide, or other causes. San Diego's own Six String Society is paying tribute to these gone-too-soon artists with their thematic concert "27 Club." The concert imagines all six artists gathered together in a mythic Greenwich Village apartment circa 1969, and each takes their turn performing. Performers like Whitney Shay (as Winehouse), Lauren Leigh Martin (as Joplin), Trevor James (as Hendrix), Tony Suraci (as Morrison), Austin David (as Cobain), and Robin Henkel (as the spirit of Johnson) bring these iconic artists to life. Since its debut at the Belly Up concert hall in Solana Beach in 2016, the concert has sold out virtually everywhere it goes. Although the 7 p.m. show on Nov. 29 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is sold out, there are still tickets available for the 2 p.m. show that afternoon.

"A Tribute to Ella, Billie and Sarah" with the San Diego Symphony

If there was a Mount Rushmore of jazz singers, three of the four spaces should be taken by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. Each unique and unforgettable. On Saturday, the San Diego Symphony presents "A Tribute to Ella, Billie and Sarah" at the new Jacobs Music Center. The concert features vocal performances by one of jazz's best contemporary vocalists, Jane Monheit, along with Sherry Williams and keyboardist/vocalist Champian Fulton. The band includes the great Rickey Woodard on tenor sax. Local jazz icon Gilbert Castellanos' Young Lions Jazz Conservatory All Stars open the show.

Sublime with Rome: A Farewell Concert in San Diego

A couple of veteran San Diego bands, Switchfoot and P.O.D., are on the bill Saturday at Petco Park's Gallagher Square when Long Beach's ska kings Sublime with Rome (formerly just Sublime) headlines what they're billing as their "last California show ever." The farewell is due to singer/guitarist Rome Ramirez, who will embark on a solo career once this tour is over. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:35 p.m., adding an interesting element to the Petco Park experience.

UCTV: Special Programs from the University of California

University of California Television invites you to enjoy a special selection of programs. "A Conversation with Artist Jeff Koons" features renowned artist Jeff Koons discussing his provocative and influential work. He blends pop culture, consumerism, and art history to challenge traditional notions of art. "Greatest Anime Pioneer in Japan: The Osamu Tezuka Story" explores the legacy of Osamu Tezuka, the "God of Manga and Father of Anime," and his groundbreaking work that set the stage for modern manga and anime. "Movement and Strength Training to Improve Metabolic Health" with Dr. Natalie Marshall emphasizes the importance of movement and strength training for maintaining metabolic health.

Lamb's Players Theatre's "R-E-S-P-E-C-T-F-U-L-L-Y Christmas"

Lamb's Players Theatre's 2023 production of "R-E-S-P-E-C-T-F-U-L-L-Y Christmas" returns for the second year on Nov. 26. It's one of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego, offering a unique and memorable holiday experience.