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San Diego's Top Weekend Arts Events: Mother's Day Edition

A 2019 promotional photo of musician Lila Downs.
Courtesy of the artist
A 2019 promotional photo of musician Lila Downs.
It’s Mother’s Day weekend and there are events happening around town sure to please all kinds of moms -- whether it’s comedy by one of the all-time greats, music from Mexico or a new take on dance.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend and there are events happening around town sure to please all kinds of moms -- whether it’s comedy by one of the all-time greats, music from Mexico or a new take on dance.

Lila Downs

Music

Did you know May 10 is Mexican Mother’s Day? And a perfect way to celebrate is with a concert by Mexican-American musician Lila Downs.

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Downs is often compared to a musical version of Frida Kahlo because her work is so passionate and always infused with Mexican influences. Whether it’s a mariachi song, or lyrics about her home state of Oaxaca, she embodies a love for Mexico throughout her work.

But at the same time, Downs blends her songs with musical influences from the United States, where she also grew up. So her unique songs also have hints of jazz, blues and soul.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday. California Center for the Arts: Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. $25 to $85; find tickets to Lila Downs.

A 2019 promotional photo of comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
Courtesy of Ticketmaster
A 2019 promotional photo of comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

Jerry Seinfeld

Comedy

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Maybe Mother’s Day is more about family jokes and observations. Luckily, one of the all-time great comedians is in town: Jerry Seinfeld.

In his early years, Seinfeld’s TV show was basically about four friends getting in awkward situations. But these days, his standup focuses on things like family and aging.

Of course, Seinfeld still makes his jokes about the mundane. Whether it’s observations on parking spots or raisins, these are the jokes that have kept him so popular for more than 30 years.

Details: 7 p.m. Friday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, downtown. $66.50 to $300; find tickets to Jerry Seinfeld.

A 2018 promotional photo of Dorrance Dance.
Courtesy of ArtPower
A 2018 promotional photo of Dorrance Dance.

Dorrance Dance

Dance

For those mothers who love to dance - or just like new experiences, consider a modern take on tap dancing with Dorrance Dance.

Michelle Dorrance, a 2015 MacArthur Fellow, founded a tap dance company that’s unlike any other. You won’t find Broadway moves at this show - instead an electronic soundtrack guides movements that are more about rhythm and musicality.

Dorrance Dance turns the entire stage into an instrument and the show features eight dancers and six musicians all working together to create one of the most original shows you’ll see.

Details: 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Mandell Weiss Theatre, UC San Diego, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $25 to $46; find tickets to Dorrance Dance.

Find more Mother's Day events in this in-depth guide.