Amid the toil of our daily lives and the turmoil often surrounding them, it’s easy to forget that it’s not all , that we share our earthly home with the living inhabitants of the natural world. I’ve been poignantly reminded of this by watching the NBC documentary series “The Americas.”
Narrated by Tom Hanks, this spectacularly filmed program explores the creatures that reside in all three Americas — North, Central and South. It’s co-produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and Universal Television Alternative Studios. When it premiered in late February “The Americas” became the most-watched natural-history documentary on TV in the past 15 years.
With good reason. Its close-up filming of everything from bees to buffalo to sharks in their natural habitats. Enhanced by Hanks’ storytelling narrative but never manipulated for “entertainment,” it’s magical, even compelling. The filmmakers are able to provide us with an intimate view without disturbing all these wonderful, unique living things.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that there are sequences that can take your breath away: an orca breaching, a mother owl protecting her tiny owlets from a predator, a jaguar moving majestically and kinetically through brush in the darkness.
“The Americas,” five years in the making, required some 180 filming expeditions to create this 10-part series, according to Variety. How that was done with such intimacy, and with such safety to animals and humans alike, could be another series on its own.
“The Americas” continues on Sunday night with an episode titled “The Frozen North.” Heat up the cocoa, break out the blanket and prepare to be amazed, and likely to gain fresh respect for all creatures great and small.
World music
The first episode of “The Americas” that I caught explored Mexico: its flora, its fauna and beneath its seas and rivers. So how can I not be in the mood for some music from Mexico?
It’s featured Sunday afternoon at St. James-by-the-Sea in La Jolla when Bodhi Tree Concerts presents “Voices of Mexico.” The concert stars soprano Mariana Flores Bucio and tenor Miguel Zazueta. Accompanied by pianist Ivan Mares, they’ll be performing Mexican pop songs, opera arias and duets.
Both Flores Bucio and Zazueta earned their master’s degrees at UCSD and are now pursuing doctorates in musical arts there.
Pop music
Streaming music festival performances has become an attractive alternative to the traveling hassles, crowds and concession prices that come with actually being there. No wonder that Coachella to many has become “Couchella.”
With the opening on Monday of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas, it’s good to know that virtual resources are available. You can follow the festival online at sxsw.com/live or on the its official YouTube channel. Online es are available as well.
Besides performances, you can watch from the comfort of your home many of the festival’s film-related events.
Visual art
A public art memorial created by modernist artist Ruth Asawa, “The Garden of Remembrance,” is a permanent fixture on the San Francisco State University campus and a tribute to the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.
Now an exhibition inspired by that work, “Reflecting on Ruth Asawa and the Garden of Remembrance,” has come to San Diego State’s University Art Gallery. It can be viewed Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment. ission is free.
The exhibition which originated at San Francisco State features works by five artists (Mark Baugh-Sasaki, Ruka Kashiwagi, Paul Kitagaki Jr., Lisa Solomon, TT Takemoto) and, for the SDSU residency which runs through April 12, work from one of its emeritus professors, Wendy Maruyama.
Theater
The theater in San Diego is so rich with talent and creativity that every month should be San Diego Theatre Month. But for the time being, that month is March, and here we are. Presented by the San Diego Performing Arts League, this monthlong showcase is an opportunity to experience at reduced ticket prices theatrical performances at every level and across the breadth of the county. sandiegotheatremonth.com/shows
To single out just a few that I’ve seen and can recommend: Lamb’s Players Theatre’s “Once,” Diversionary Theatre’s “we are continuous” and CCAE Theatricals’ “Motown: The Groove That Changed America.” There’s much more and plenty of fare for the kids.
Turn off your phones. Open your eyes and your minds, and go.
U-T arts stories you may have missed this week
- Review: Visceral ‘3 Summers of Lincoln’ is thrilling and thought-provoking
- Review: Diversionary’s ‘We Are Continuous’ takes a subtle, nontraditional look at family ties
- Review: Funny and smart ‘Constitution’ starkly shows the flaws of 237-year-old document
- Rady Shell summer season will include Smokey Robinson, Beck, Cynthia Erivo and the Beach Boys
- Comedian Brad Williams bringing tour to San Diego. There’s one topic he won’t touch.
- Dramatic roles and demanding challenges inspire City Ballet’s ‘Swan Lake II’
- All the winners at San Diego’s Craig Noel theater awards
- KAABOO goes kablooey: Music fest at Del Mar Fairgrounds canceled for second year in a row
- Review: Pianist Yunchan Lim takes Bach’s Goldberg Variations in a fresh direction
UCTV
University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
Experience the beauty of Earth from space accompanied by the serene sounds of pianist Chad Lawson’s award-winning album, “Bach Interpreted.” This breathtaking visual journey pairs 10 variations of Bach Chorales with stunning footage of Earth captured from the International Space Station. Each composition aligns with a different ISS flight path recorded between May and September 2024, creating a meditative blend of music and imagery. Let the harmony of Bach and the peaceful vistas of our planet offer a moment of reflection and tranquility.
“How to Create Lasting Behavioral Change”
Anthony Lim, M.D., J.D., explores how small, intentional steps can lead to lasting behavioral change. He introduces a simple four-step framework — awareness, intention, action, and reflection — to help you build healthier habits and make meaningful life changes. Drawing on real-life examples and insights from neuroscience, Lim highlights the importance of connecting with your deeper “why,” taking consistent action, and practicing self-comion. See how this approach can empower you to create positive, sustainable change in your daily life.
“Do Cash Transfers Save Lives?”
Can direct cash transfers improve health and well-being in low-income communities? Edward (Ted) Miguel, professor of economics and co-director of the Center for Effective Global Action at UC Berkeley, examines the impact of cash transfers in rural Kenya. Using a large-scale census of birth histories, his research explores how financial affects infant mortality and overall community well-being. See how experimental economics provides valuable insights for public policy, offering evidence on the broader effects of direct aid in poverty reduction and health outcomes.
And finally, top weekend events
