Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

Entertainment Roundup: Chris Tucker, Dance Films, Jazz, and New Plays

Chris Tucker, the renowned actor and stand-up comedian, continues to shine as he takes the stage for a night of comedy this Saturday at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center.

Tucker is among the esteemed alumni of the groundbreaking HBO series “Def Comedy Jam,” which made its debut 30 years ago and ran for eight seasons.

Produced by Def Jam Recordings’ Russell Simmons and hosted by Martin Lawrence, the series showcased a host of comedians, including Jamie Foxx, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Bernie Mac, Adele Givens, D.L. Hughley, Kevin Hart—all prominent figures in comedy today.

Chris Tucker is remembered for his performances in films like “Friday” alongside Ice Cube and the “Rush Hour” franchise with Jackie Chan, which catapulted him to Hollywood fame.

Despite his success in the film industry, Tucker has remained committed to his roots in stand-up comedy.

For those wanting to catch up on classic moments from “Def Comedy Jam,” all eight seasons are available for streaming on Amazon Prime, with Tucker first making his appearance in the second season’s debut episode.

In a unique blending of art and technology, the California Center for the Arts Museum in Escondido will showcase the dance film “CRWDSPCR” starting this Friday.

This legacy film, created in the early ‘90s by renowned choreographer Merce Cunningham, utilizes the digital technology of its time to create an abstract and immersive experience.

Directed by filmmaker Charles Atlas, the film captures the movements of performers from the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, reflecting a pioneering convergence of dance and digital media.

“CRWDSPCR” will be screened at the museum every half-hour during museum hours until June 1, showcasing a historical intersection of art and technology.

On the musical front, the San Diego Symphony will bring the essence of New Orleans jazz to its stage this Saturday night, conducted by trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling.

Stripling, who has an impressive background, including being a former member of the Count Basie Orchestra, will lead the Symphony in a celebration of jazz embedded deeply in New Orleans’ rich cultural history.

The concert will feature guest performers, including keyboardist Bobby Floyd, drummer Jim Rupp, and vocalist Sydney McSweeney.

Despite the coincidence of the event falling on the Sunday before Easter, the Jazz celebration embraces the joyful spirit of Mardi Gras, promising a night of lively music and entertainment.

Meanwhile, theater enthusiasts can look forward to Trinity Theatre Company’s Third Annual New Works Festival, which kicks off with staged readings of fourteen new plays starting Wednesday and running through April 27.

Out of over 500 submissions, fourteen plays were selected, including six from San Diego writers.

The showcased works include “Craftsmen” by Wesley Preis, “Hamlet – Act V, Scene II, Take 2” by Roger Henry, “Cringe” by Melissa Jordan Grey, “Dragonsbreath: The Video Game” by Austin Steinmetz, “Road Buddy” by Sashank Kanchustambam, and “The Art of Tolerance and Forgiveness” by Lisa Balderston.

All invited to attend are encouraged to pay what they can for tickets, making it accessible for a wide audience.

For more information on the schedule and details, interested individuals can visit trinityttc.org.

In the hip-hop scene, West Coast rapper Too Short is set to perform this Wednesday night at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, coinciding with the release of his first album in five years, titled “Sir Too Short, Vol. 1.”

The album features collaborations with notable artists, including Snoop Dogg.

Additionally, this month sees the theatrical release of “Freaky Tales,” a film narrated by Too Short.

This film comprises four interconnected stories set in Oakland, where Too Short began his career in the 1980s, featuring Pedro Pascal and Tom Hanks in key roles.

In other cultural news, readers may want to catch up on this week’s U-T stories, including guides to the La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025 Without Walls Festival, reviews of Cygnet Theatre’s “Hot Wing King,” and The Old Globe’s “Regency Girls.”

Amidst all this entertainment, Heart has rescheduled its San Diego concert following Ann Wilson’s cancer recovery, offering fans a much-anticipated show.

For those interested in art, the San Diego Museum of Art’s new exhibition “american minimal” showcases the Minimalist movement, while several other local shows highlight the works of San Diego-based Black artists.

image source from:https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/17/san-diego-arts-roundup-chris-tucker-to-perform-saturday-in-north-county/

Abigail Harper