Good morning, and welcome to the U-T Arts & Culture Newsletter.
I’m David L. Coddon, and here’s your guide to all things essential in San Diego’s arts and culture this week.
Like them or not, livestream concerts are not going anywhere. In fact, after almost two years we might be getting used to them. There are certain advantages: No parking issues. No obnoxious fan behind you singing along to the band. No one driving afterward when they shouldn’t be. You can also see the performers up close without having to pay for front-row seats.
Most artists have come to embrace livestreaming as a way to connect with their tribes during the pandemic. Prominent among them is San Diego’s own Switchfoot. Its ongoing “Fantastic NOT Traveling Music Show” livestream series offers fans monthly online performances for an $8.99 subscription fee.
Next up is a livestream concert on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The members of Switchfoot should be applauded for pivoting from the get-go. Back in June of 2020 the band performed a drive-in concert at Petco Park, and a year ago returned to the formerly named Park at the Park to play a streaming concert. Here we are in January of 2022 and these guys are still committed to their fans and keeping the livestream ticket prices very affordable.
If you have questions about Switchfoot’s livestream shows, email livestream@switchfoot.com
Classical music
Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe at San Diego Opera on Oct. 23 at the Balboa Theatre.
(Karli Cadel)
As with rock ‘n’ roll, opera has immersed itself in the digital realm. The New York City-based On Site Opera was way ahead of the curve. It’s been producing virtual performances since 2012.
The newest for livestreaming is “Lesson Plan,” which is based on Georg Philipp Telemann’s “Der Schulmeister.” This interactive production will be performed live six times beginning tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. PST. The final performance will be Jan. 29, also at 4:30 p.m. PST. Tickets are…