Growing and engaging our communityFront Street Productions, funded by the Outreach and Growth Fund, is excited to present a series of events designed to engage our local community while attracting new visitors to our church campus. We'll be hosting concerts, dance performances, author talks, guest speakers and much more and we hope you'll join us and get involved! Be sure to get your free tickets, download our current Season Flyer!
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Upcoming Events

Winter Schminter: A Celebration of the Winter Solstice
Brought to you by Front Street Productions
7:30pm Thursday, December 21st, 2023
Yale Strom's Hot Pstromi ensemble explores the history of celebrating the winter solstice through the folk music of the three Abrahamic religons and European paganism. "The choice of music, the performances, and the wealth of background information ... are exemplary. - A Green Man Review. Admission is free with registration. Get tickets.
Brought to you by Front Street Productions
7:30pm Thursday, December 21st, 2023
Yale Strom's Hot Pstromi ensemble explores the history of celebrating the winter solstice through the folk music of the three Abrahamic religons and European paganism. "The choice of music, the performances, and the wealth of background information ... are exemplary. - A Green Man Review. Admission is free with registration. Get tickets.
Past events

POSTPONED Emma's Revolution Celebration Concert for First Unitarian's 150th Anniversary
Brought to you by the 150th Committee and Front Street Productions
7:30pm Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O. With one eye on the news, they consistently write songs about critical issues happening in the world and enthusiastically lend their voices to the movements those issues inspire. In their 20th year performing together, their songs have traveled around the world inspiring countless social justice and environmental achievements. Admission is free with registration. Get tickets.
Brought to you by the 150th Committee and Front Street Productions
7:30pm Saturday, November 4th, 2023
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O. With one eye on the news, they consistently write songs about critical issues happening in the world and enthusiastically lend their voices to the movements those issues inspire. In their 20th year performing together, their songs have traveled around the world inspiring countless social justice and environmental achievements. Admission is free with registration. Get tickets.

"Two Eyes" Feature Film Screening
6-9pm Friday October 20th, 2023
"Two Eyes" explores sexuality and gender in three storylines over the course of a century. Following the movie, we'll screen a 30 min, pre-recorded Q&A with the cast and filmmakers hosted by Alan Cumming. "Two Eyes" had me in tears of appreciation for the trans, nonbinary, non-conforming ancestors whose struggles reverberate to the present day" ~ Glenn Gaylord of The Queer Review. Co-hosted by Lifespan, Outreach & Growth and Rainbow Action with support from the Outreach and Growth Fund. Free popcorn and drinks! Admission is free with registration, get tickets.
6-9pm Friday October 20th, 2023
"Two Eyes" explores sexuality and gender in three storylines over the course of a century. Following the movie, we'll screen a 30 min, pre-recorded Q&A with the cast and filmmakers hosted by Alan Cumming. "Two Eyes" had me in tears of appreciation for the trans, nonbinary, non-conforming ancestors whose struggles reverberate to the present day" ~ Glenn Gaylord of The Queer Review. Co-hosted by Lifespan, Outreach & Growth and Rainbow Action with support from the Outreach and Growth Fund. Free popcorn and drinks! Admission is free with registration, get tickets.

Nishi La Tremenda: Opera Desconstructed
7:30-9 pm Friday, September 22nd, 2023
There is nothing like the visceral power of the human voice to build connections and reaffirm our shared humanity. With that in mind, this music is focused on deconstructing opera into its most basic elements, with the human voice, dynamic instrumentation and storytelling front and center. The opera-curious will delight in La Tremenda's ability to relate opera to modern life experiences with her gift for expressive storytelling folded into the pulses of Latin and urban America. All who love music and culture will appreciate this celebration of the vibrant synergy of elements coming together in the spirit of crossing borders. Anishka Lee-Skorepa is a distinguished vocal artist who lives, works, and creates as a fronteriza - an artist with a foot in both worlds, existing in the full flow of the border experience in the San Diego/Tijuana region. Inspired by a lifetime of connections she's experienced through music and performance- she set out to create a more accessible and agile version of opera to excite and attract new audiences. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.
7:30-9 pm Friday, September 22nd, 2023
There is nothing like the visceral power of the human voice to build connections and reaffirm our shared humanity. With that in mind, this music is focused on deconstructing opera into its most basic elements, with the human voice, dynamic instrumentation and storytelling front and center. The opera-curious will delight in La Tremenda's ability to relate opera to modern life experiences with her gift for expressive storytelling folded into the pulses of Latin and urban America. All who love music and culture will appreciate this celebration of the vibrant synergy of elements coming together in the spirit of crossing borders. Anishka Lee-Skorepa is a distinguished vocal artist who lives, works, and creates as a fronteriza - an artist with a foot in both worlds, existing in the full flow of the border experience in the San Diego/Tijuana region. Inspired by a lifetime of connections she's experienced through music and performance- she set out to create a more accessible and agile version of opera to excite and attract new audiences. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.

Album Release Concert by Zane Alexander S.B. and the Holy Ghost Ensemble
7:30-9 pm Friday, September 8th, 2023
Composer Zane Alexander S.B. will lead the 13-piece Holy Ghost Ensemble of distinguished San Diego musicians through a structured improvisation blending jazz, classical, and new textures in an idiom of his own - a composition that has surprised concert-goers with its sound and scope. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.
7:30-9 pm Friday, September 8th, 2023
Composer Zane Alexander S.B. will lead the 13-piece Holy Ghost Ensemble of distinguished San Diego musicians through a structured improvisation blending jazz, classical, and new textures in an idiom of his own - a composition that has surprised concert-goers with its sound and scope. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.

Summer Arts Festival - All Community Event on the Patio
3 to 5:30 pm Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Join us for this family-friendly event filled with music groups and performers made up of members and friends. More details coming soon.
Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.
3 to 5:30 pm Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Join us for this family-friendly event filled with music groups and performers made up of members and friends. More details coming soon.
Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.

SummerFest Community Concert by trioJEM and Quartet Integra
Presented in Partnership by Front Street Productions and La Jolla Music Society
7:30-9 pm Thursday, August 10th, 2023
Join us for a truly remarkable evening of music by the La Jolla Music Society's 2023 Fellowship Artists trioJEM (comprised of Elliot Wuu, piano; Max Tan, violin and Julia Lee, cello) and Quartet Integra (Kyoka Misawa, Rintaro Kikuno, violins; Itsuki Yamamoto, viola; and Anri Tsukiji, cello) in the acoustically-optimized Meeting House at First UU Church in Hillcrest. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.
Presented in Partnership by Front Street Productions and La Jolla Music Society
7:30-9 pm Thursday, August 10th, 2023
Join us for a truly remarkable evening of music by the La Jolla Music Society's 2023 Fellowship Artists trioJEM (comprised of Elliot Wuu, piano; Max Tan, violin and Julia Lee, cello) and Quartet Integra (Kyoka Misawa, Rintaro Kikuno, violins; Itsuki Yamamoto, viola; and Anri Tsukiji, cello) in the acoustically-optimized Meeting House at First UU Church in Hillcrest. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.

Summer Tardeada Dance Party
La Rondalla de San Diego and Mariachi Victoria de San Diego
2-5 pm Saturday, July 29th, 2023
Come to the inaugural Tareada by La Rondalla de San Diego elders and the young Mariachi Victoria offering a traditional afternoon dance party. Schmooze with friends and family. Dance as you like. Rondalla dancers will share tips and demonstrate dance steps to some of the songs. Enjoy free refreshments including a nacho bar, fruit, veggies and sweets. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.
La Rondalla de San Diego and Mariachi Victoria de San Diego
2-5 pm Saturday, July 29th, 2023
Come to the inaugural Tareada by La Rondalla de San Diego elders and the young Mariachi Victoria offering a traditional afternoon dance party. Schmooze with friends and family. Dance as you like. Rondalla dancers will share tips and demonstrate dance steps to some of the songs. Enjoy free refreshments including a nacho bar, fruit, veggies and sweets. Admission is free. Registration is required, sign up for your free tickets.

"Songs of Liberation" Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Choir of San Diego
With special guest Marshall Voit, vocals and guitar
7:30pm Saturday, June 10th, 2023
Treat yourself to an evening of uplifting songs from the African American choral tradition, including traditional and contemporary gospel, Negro spirituals, anthems, and oratorios. Under the direction of Ken Anderson, the MLK Choir raises funds for educational grants for local college-bound students. The Choir will be joined by Marshall Voit, music director at First UU San Diego, opening the concert with protest music classics, original compositions, and social justice songs. Registration required. Get your free tickets.
With special guest Marshall Voit, vocals and guitar
7:30pm Saturday, June 10th, 2023
Treat yourself to an evening of uplifting songs from the African American choral tradition, including traditional and contemporary gospel, Negro spirituals, anthems, and oratorios. Under the direction of Ken Anderson, the MLK Choir raises funds for educational grants for local college-bound students. The Choir will be joined by Marshall Voit, music director at First UU San Diego, opening the concert with protest music classics, original compositions, and social justice songs. Registration required. Get your free tickets.

The Grossmont College Middle East Ensemble
7:30 pm Saturday, May 20th, 2023
Immerse yourself in a world of beautiful melodies and fascinating rhythms. The Grossmont College Middle East Ensemble is open to all instruments with players from both the college and the community specializing in music from the vast Afro-Asiatic region known these days as the "Middle East". In the Meeting House, free. Registration required. Get your free tickets.
7:30 pm Saturday, May 20th, 2023
Immerse yourself in a world of beautiful melodies and fascinating rhythms. The Grossmont College Middle East Ensemble is open to all instruments with players from both the college and the community specializing in music from the vast Afro-Asiatic region known these days as the "Middle East". In the Meeting House, free. Registration required. Get your free tickets.

MacArthur Genius Natalia Molina Author Talk & Book Signing -
A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community
7:30-9pm Sunday, April 30th, 2023
In the 1950s and 60s, a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles was much more than a popular eating spot: it was an urban anchor whose ethnic Mexican workers and customers formed a robust community. Molina illuminates the many facets of the immigrant experience from racism and segregation to family and community networks, the cross-currents of gender and sexuality, and the small pleasures of daily life. The Nayarit was a space where people could speak out, claim space, and belong. Natalia's editor, our own Isabella Furth, will be on hand along with staff from Libélula Books & Co, an independent book store in Barrio Logan, which will be handling book sales at our reception afterwards.
A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community
7:30-9pm Sunday, April 30th, 2023
In the 1950s and 60s, a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles was much more than a popular eating spot: it was an urban anchor whose ethnic Mexican workers and customers formed a robust community. Molina illuminates the many facets of the immigrant experience from racism and segregation to family and community networks, the cross-currents of gender and sexuality, and the small pleasures of daily life. The Nayarit was a space where people could speak out, claim space, and belong. Natalia's editor, our own Isabella Furth, will be on hand along with staff from Libélula Books & Co, an independent book store in Barrio Logan, which will be handling book sales at our reception afterwards.

San Diego Children's Intermediate Choir in collaboration with the Piedmont East Bay Children's Intermediate Choir
April 2, Sunday, 6:30 pm, Meeting House. Front Street Productions presents the “San Diego Children’s Intermediate Choir and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir” for a collaborative evening of spectacular singing by children and youth under the age of 18 from both San Diego and Oakland.
April 2, Sunday, 6:30 pm, Meeting House. Front Street Productions presents the “San Diego Children’s Intermediate Choir and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir” for a collaborative evening of spectacular singing by children and youth under the age of 18 from both San Diego and Oakland.

Mali Irene in Concert with Joshua White
7:30 pm Sunday, March 26th 2023
Classics from Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson and Abby Lincoln finished with a sweet dose of Spanish boleros. Mali Irene is a versatile vocal artist composer, scholar and collaborator. Her work breathes on an inspired continuum between opera, jazz, world, and electronic music. Joshua White is one of today’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists. Praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock, Joshua has distinguished himself as a formidable leader and distinct voice among his peers.
7:30 pm Sunday, March 26th 2023
Classics from Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson and Abby Lincoln finished with a sweet dose of Spanish boleros. Mali Irene is a versatile vocal artist composer, scholar and collaborator. Her work breathes on an inspired continuum between opera, jazz, world, and electronic music. Joshua White is one of today’s most creative and technically accomplished pianists. Praised by legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock, Joshua has distinguished himself as a formidable leader and distinct voice among his peers.

Una Noche de Barbershop with Los Bordershop Quartet
7:30 pm Saturday, March 11th 2023
Experience barbershop standards and originals in English, Spanish and Portuguese! Formado en 2019, Los Bordershop es el primer cuarteto mexicano de barbershop, y uno de los únicos del mundo que canta en español. No pierdas la oportunidad de ver su debut en los EEUU. Formed in 2019, Los Bordershop is Mexico's premier barbershop quartet, and among the only quartets in the world to sing in Spanish. Featuring special guests: MotleyQ and So Noted!
7:30 pm Saturday, March 11th 2023
Experience barbershop standards and originals in English, Spanish and Portuguese! Formado en 2019, Los Bordershop es el primer cuarteto mexicano de barbershop, y uno de los únicos del mundo que canta en español. No pierdas la oportunidad de ver su debut en los EEUU. Formed in 2019, Los Bordershop is Mexico's premier barbershop quartet, and among the only quartets in the world to sing in Spanish. Featuring special guests: MotleyQ and So Noted!

Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation with Jeffrey Zlotnik
Friday, February 3rd, 7:30 pm, Bard Hall
Free Community Event Series presented by Front Street Productions
Cost: FREE
Jeffrey is Co-Founder and CEO of the Dharma Bum Temple, Founder and CEO of The Meditation Initiative and Co-Ed Buddhist Fraternity at SDSU. Come see what it’s all about and learn!
Friday, February 3rd, 7:30 pm, Bard Hall
Free Community Event Series presented by Front Street Productions
Cost: FREE
Jeffrey is Co-Founder and CEO of the Dharma Bum Temple, Founder and CEO of The Meditation Initiative and Co-Ed Buddhist Fraternity at SDSU. Come see what it’s all about and learn!

Tasha Smith Godinez Jazz Harp with viola and percussion
Saturday, January 21st, 7:30-9pm
Cost: FREE
Featuring songs from her latest album "Out of the Desert" - help us spread the word, download a flyer. Tasha is a renowned harpist and she composed this album between 2020 and 2021, as a refuge from the chaotic world around her. Master musicians, Christopher Garcia on percussion and Domenico Hueso on viola, as well as others, join her to create a magical sound. This concert is free and is absolutely gorgeous for the ears and the eyes.
Saturday, January 21st, 7:30-9pm
Cost: FREE
Featuring songs from her latest album "Out of the Desert" - help us spread the word, download a flyer. Tasha is a renowned harpist and she composed this album between 2020 and 2021, as a refuge from the chaotic world around her. Master musicians, Christopher Garcia on percussion and Domenico Hueso on viola, as well as others, join her to create a magical sound. This concert is free and is absolutely gorgeous for the ears and the eyes.

Winter Schminter
A Hanukkah / Solstice Concert
Thursday, December 22nd, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Featuring Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
A Hanukkah / Solstice Concert
Thursday, December 22nd, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Featuring Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

The Grossmont College Jazz Ensemble with The Grossmont College Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble
Tuesday, December 13th, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Specializing in popular Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musical styles such as the Mambo, Cha-Cha, Bossa Nova, Samba, Merengue, and Afro-Cuban 6/8. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 13th, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Specializing in popular Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musical styles such as the Mambo, Cha-Cha, Bossa Nova, Samba, Merengue, and Afro-Cuban 6/8. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Darryl F. Walker and The Saxations - Motown & More
Sunday, November 13th, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Performing pieces from their hit show "Motown and More", Darryl F. Walker and The Saxations righteously rocked the Meeting House. It was a great family-friendly evening the packed audience dancing in their seats and singing along. View photos.
Sunday, November 13th, 7:30-9pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
Cost: FREE
Performing pieces from their hit show "Motown and More", Darryl F. Walker and The Saxations righteously rocked the Meeting House. It was a great family-friendly evening the packed audience dancing in their seats and singing along. View photos.

10/7/22 Friday, October 7th, 7:30-9pm
La Chimi Flamenco Show with live music
Featuring singer Pepele Mendez from Southern Spain
Cost: FREE
Flamenco dancer, Lakshmi Basile "La Chimi" delivered a dynamic show to a full house last Friday night at First UU Church of San Diego. Accompanied by Jeff Basile on Bass, David Morales on violin, Kambiz Pakan on guitar and special guest singer Pepele Mendez, La Chimi guided the audience through a magical Flamenco journey - to enthusiastic applause. View photos.
La Chimi Flamenco Show with live music
Featuring singer Pepele Mendez from Southern Spain
Cost: FREE
Flamenco dancer, Lakshmi Basile "La Chimi" delivered a dynamic show to a full house last Friday night at First UU Church of San Diego. Accompanied by Jeff Basile on Bass, David Morales on violin, Kambiz Pakan on guitar and special guest singer Pepele Mendez, La Chimi guided the audience through a magical Flamenco journey - to enthusiastic applause. View photos.

8/19/22 - La Jolla Music Society's SummerFest Concert
An audience of about 280 enjoyed this evening of modernist classical music from the early 20th century by Taneyev, Schoenberg, Janáček, Ravel and others. Funded by the Outreach and Growth Fund and produced by Front Street Productions, this event featured the La Jolla Music Society's fellowship artists: the Aestas Trio and the Pelia Quartet. View photos.
An audience of about 280 enjoyed this evening of modernist classical music from the early 20th century by Taneyev, Schoenberg, Janáček, Ravel and others. Funded by the Outreach and Growth Fund and produced by Front Street Productions, this event featured the La Jolla Music Society's fellowship artists: the Aestas Trio and the Pelia Quartet. View photos.

7/30/22 - Summer Hootenanny
Hoot·en·an·ny: An afternoon of music and fun for the whole family, featuring live music, sing-alongs, food, drink, fun and games. Roughly 190 attendees enjoyed a musical afternoon on the patio of the First Church Hillcrest campus listening, singing along, clapping and tapping to the rhythms - enjoying being together and having a good time. Entertainers included the Front Street Troubadours, Carolyn and Tom Owen-Towle, Drew Massicot, the South Bay Singers, the Ferrier Brothers, Penny Whistlers, Keith Mesecher and more performing a sparkling variety of folk music. The UU Men’s Fellowship provided free snacks, drinks, ice cream bars and popsicles for everyone.
Hoot·en·an·ny: An afternoon of music and fun for the whole family, featuring live music, sing-alongs, food, drink, fun and games. Roughly 190 attendees enjoyed a musical afternoon on the patio of the First Church Hillcrest campus listening, singing along, clapping and tapping to the rhythms - enjoying being together and having a good time. Entertainers included the Front Street Troubadours, Carolyn and Tom Owen-Towle, Drew Massicot, the South Bay Singers, the Ferrier Brothers, Penny Whistlers, Keith Mesecher and more performing a sparkling variety of folk music. The UU Men’s Fellowship provided free snacks, drinks, ice cream bars and popsicles for everyone.
Who to contact
For more info, email outreach@firstuusandiego.org. Front Street Production events are funded by the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego's Outreach and Growth Fund.