Dear Readers,

Our thoughts continue to be with the people in LA who are suffering from the devastating fires. Here’s a link to an article with many options for helping out victims and the people fighting the fires: How to help those affected by fires raging across Los Angeles County.

San Diego’s cultural scene is buzzing! This week offers a variety of enriching events, including multiple Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and an extraordinary number of Asian Lunar New Year festivities across the county.

Music lovers have plenty to enjoy, from tonight’s Center for World Music concert featuring Ukrainian artist Julian Kytasty (don’t forget to use code WVP10 for a discount) to Bob Marley tribute performances and an impressive lineup of Latin music concerts spanning diverse styles.

Film enthusiasts can dive into the ongoing Borrego Springs Film Festival (happening now), attend the Underground Film Festival this Sunday, or catch one of the many independent screenings happening throughout the city. Meanwhile, theater productions are on the rise, and a handful of art exhibition openings adding to the week’s cultural offerings.

Here’s the full list of events:

Festivals, celebrations, and community events: Community Culture Celebration Potluck • SDLFF: Arte Latino • Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, and Festival • 37th Annual All Peoples Celebration • 36th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration • Lunar New Year Festival • Lion Dance: Lunar New Year Celebration • Lunar New Year Lion Dance Performance • Lunar New Year Lion Dance • Lunar New Year AXIS Event • San Diego Midnight Lion Dance Show • San Diego Black Film Festival • San Diego Tet Festival.

Music and/or dance performances: San Diego Salsa & Bachata Festival • Music and Stories from Ukraine featuring Julian Kytasty • Kuchipudi Dance Performance • Holo Holo Music Festival • Django Reinhardt Birthday Show • Flor de Toloache & Jacqie Rivera • Latin Mafia • Fire Shut Up in My Bones • Blind Boys of Alabama • ZueZue • Bob Marley Tribute Festival • AfroSocaLove Celebration • Mariachi Garibaldi • Jóvenes Flamencos Tablao Series • EYM Trio • Azucar! A Tribute to the Queen of Salsa • Mosaicos Mexico Dance Festival • Grand Victorian Ball • María José.

Interesting talks around town: Joe Wong Chinese Talk Show • New Perspectives Into Ancient Greek Culture • Albert Lin.

Film festivals and special movie screenings: Borrego Springs Film Festival • Strip Nude for Your Killer • San Diego Underground Film Festival • Our Man in Havana • Get Carter • Nezouh • International Jewish Film Festival • San Diego Black Film Festival • Ieri, Oggi e Domani (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow).

Books and literature lovers are sure to enjoy: Open Reading: Henry VI, Part 1 • Jewish Poets - Jewish Voices • Shakespeare's Peers.

Food and Drink events: Italian Chocolate Dessert & Limoncello Workshop • Asian Culinary Journey • Lunar New Year Dumpling Party.

Local theatrical productions: Macbeth • The Heart Sellers • Churlish Chiding of Winter Winds: A Shakespeariment • The Half-Life Of Marie Curie.

Visual Arts events: Ancient Greek Art • Persian Art Exhibition by 5 Women Artists Opening.

Sports events: Peking Acrobats.

Other notable events: Canadian Trivia Night (at the Pub down the block!).

Everyone here at the San Diego Participant Observer and the Worldview Project wish you fulfilling, illuminating, and culturally-rich experiences in the days ahead. See you next week!