on stage

Attend one of the Little Shop of Horrors preview nights and receive a discounted price at Cygnet Theatre on Thursday, July 28 through August 6, or catch the rock musical based on the campy, cult B-movie through September 11. Meet Artistic Director Sean Murray and the coolest plant ever - Audrey II - prior to the August 2 performance. Cost: $35 - $59.

Also help Cygnet Theatre beat the heat by making a donation today! In addition to purchasing a much needed new air conditioner, funds will also be utilized for "Little Shop of Horrors" props and if the $15,000 goal is met by July 31, a generous anonymous donor has pledged to match the entire amount! Support local theater!

Get ready for the most upbeat concert to date from the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus! They take the stage at the Balboa Theatre on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 for their Spring Concert Guy Tunes. The two performances cover over 130 pop hits made famous by the best boy bands from the 50's through today. Cost: $26 - $43.

Celebrate another Out & About night at the La Jolla Playhouse on Thursday, July 28. The all-inclusive evening social mixer begins at 6:30 pm with cocktails and delicious appetizers, followed by an 8pm performance Sleeping Beauty Wakes. A modern twist on the classic fairy tale, this rock musical dives into the magical space between dreaming and waking. Cost: $56 - $66; includes cocktails and appetizers. Check out the preview:

Fans of The Who do not want to miss this week's special events at the San Diego Repertory Theatre held prior to the performance of The Who's Tommy, a stage-based rock musical. Arrive early on Friday, July 29 and rock out to hits from The Beatles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and many more, as covered by The Weener Pigs, and on Saturday, July 30 take part in the Pinball Wizard Tournament. Cost: Free for events; musical $42 - $48. Get a behind the scenes look:

laughter

Comedian Tony Calabrese known as "Uncle Tony" is back by popular demand! The Brew Ha Ha Comedy Entertainment team presents two opportunities to enjoy his hilarious antics on Saturday, July 30 at 4590 Park Blvd in University Heights and at the Moxie Theatre in El Cajon on Sunday, July 24 . Both performances begin at 7 pm. Cost: No drink minimum, $15 suggested donation for Moxie

Join Live Comedy Live hosts Rajan Dharni and Christian Spicer for another night of comedy on Monday, August 1 with Comedy Central Roasts writer Tony Hinchcliffe at 8 pm at Bourbon Street Bar and Grill. Cost: Free but bring extra cash for delicious food and good beer.

If you are in the Palm Springs area this weekend, head to the heart of downtown for Comedy Night at Azul, featuring L.A.'s hottest comics like Tammy Jo Dearen and Teddy Margas, on Saturday, July 30. Cost: $10 for comedy only; $35 for dinner and comedy.

Make it movie night

Tonight, grab a poolside seat and enjoy Mel Brooks' spaghetti western comedy "Blazing Saddles" brought to you by The Pearl Hotel's Dive-in Theatre, the coolest movie experience in town. Cost: Free, but bring cash for food and drinks.

This week Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills goes way back into the film vault and presents two classics. On Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 check out the screwball satire of civic corruption starring Cary Grant in "The Talk of the Town" and on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 get your motor running with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in "Easy Rider." All shows begin at 8:30 pm. Cost: $14 - $15. Here's an "Easy Rider" preview:

On Thursday, July 28 the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La Jolla begins its "Flicks on the Bricks" series with Sean Connery in the first James Bond film, "Dr. No" at 8pm. Enjoy this classic film while enjoying snacks and wine that are included in the ticket price. Cost: $17 - $22.

The San Diego Public Library in downtown's East Village will screen Woody Allen's romantic comedy/murder mystery "Scoop" starring Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson on Monday, August 1 at 6:30 pm. Cost: Free.

Special Events

If you have yet to visit Del Mar this racing season, then head over to the track on Saturday, July 30. Track admission not only gets you access to the first of three beer festivals featuring over 60 different cold brews beginning at 1 pm, but also this weekend's summer concert series, featuring a special performance by Ziggy Marley after the final race! Cost: Free with track admission, which is as low as $3.

On Saturday, July 30 the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble will take the stage at the Mississippi Room of The Lafayette Hotel for their Summer Pops Concert at 7 pm. A no-host bar will be available. Cost: $15.

Sample a Taste of the Pacific Islands on Thursday, July 28 at the bay. The Pacific Islander Festival Association has joined forces with many of the Pacific Islander restaurants throughout town to put together an evening of great food and entertainment to benefit the their scholarship program. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Cost: $20 - $25.

Take your pooch out for some socializing with other dogs on Friday, July 29 at the Doggie Cafe, brought to you by the San Diego Humane Society. Behavior and Training specialists will be "on-paw" to answer training questions, and dogs can enjoy complimentary desserts and treats. Beverages, sandwiches, and salads will also be available for purchase. Event takes place from 6 to 8 pm. Cost: $10 suggested donation.

The La Jolla Fashion & Film Festival brings together the best of two worlds for two nights this weekend, July 29 through July 30. All events take place in and around La Jolla’s pristine coastline, parks, bays and famous Prospect Avenue, offering attendees a world-class seaside resort experience. Cost: $50 - $75

Head over to Babycakes in Hillcrest on Tuesday, August 2 and take part in Gentlemen's Martini Night (ladies are welcome, too) from 6 to 10 pm. Admission includes fabulous socializing, tray passed hors de' oeuvres, discounts on drinks, and opportunities to win fun stuff in the drawing. Cost: $10. Check out what to expect from Babycakes:

Also on Tuesday, August 2 the Balboa Theatre presents a one-time concert from Grammy Winning artist Peter Frampton at 8 pm. Cost: $39 - $110.

GET GOING is a weekly feature highlighting San Diego’s best events with an emphasis on, but not limited to, theater, dance, music, comedy, politics, films and museums. Submit notices by e-mail prior to our Wednesday publication date to Staff Writer Esther Rubio-Sheffrey at esther@sdgln.com.

From theater events for the LGBT community, to a chance to meet the giant plant from the Little Shop of Horrors, this week's top events include everything from comedy and film, fashion shows, free concerts like Ziggy Marley at the racetrack, and a special event at Babycakes. Plus, a chance to sample food from the Pacific Islands and something special for your pooch!