10 Great Dates

compiled by Katy Berry

Alan Jackson

July 27, Stockton

Country music superstar Alan Jackson has had an amazing career by any standards, with thirty-fi ve number one hits to date and no signs of slowing down. Now, he comes to Stockton to play such hits as "There Goes", "Gone Country", and more. 8 p.m. $37.50-$65.50. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, stocktonarena.com

 

"Down by the Bay" Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Through August 25, Lodi

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Knowlton Gallery presents this collection of pieces from various local artists, each depicting their own favorite San Francisco sights and experiences. The opening reception is on July 7 from 1-4 p.m. with an art talk at 1:30 p.m. Gallery hours vary. Free. Knowlton Gallery, 115 S. School St., #14, Lodi, (209) 368-5123, knowltongallery.com

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Through July 22, Stockton

Perhaps the grimmest musical ever conceived, Steven Sondheim's Sweeney Todd is sure to thrill audiences with its macabre tale of an exiled barber who returns to London seeking revenge on his wrongdoers. With plenty of bloodshed, betrayal, and suspicious looking meat pies, this unlikely Broadway favorite keeps audiences glued to their seats. Show times vary. $15-25. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, (209) 473-2424, sctlivetheatre.com

 

Port City Roller Girls Derby Bout

July 14, Stockton

Come support our local roller derby girls as they battle the South Bay Derby Mizfi tz in the rink. This rowdy, high-energy sport is full of spills, thrills, and kills (okay maybe that's an overstatement.) This family-friendly sport is something different and lots of fun so be sure to stop by. 6:30 p.m. $5- $15. Stockton Indoor Sports Complex, 3251 N Ad Art Rd., Stockton, 1-888-99-DERBY, portcityrollergirls.com

4th of July Parade on the Miracle Mile

July 4, Stockton

The Miracle Mile's Independence Day celebration is the perfect way to show your patriotism proudly. Bring a lawn chair and grab a seat for the parade as you enjoy food and entertainment. 10-11 a.m. Free. Beginning at the corner of Harding way and Lincoln Avenue and ending on Tuxedo Court, Stockton, (209) 463-7982, stocktonmiraclemile.com

The Bill Stevens Band

July 13, Lodi

Part of the Hutchins Street Square summer concert series, The Bill Stevens Band will be playing rock n' roll oldies in the Wishek Amphitheater. This outdoor event will have water, wine and soda available for purchase. Pack a picnic dinner, bring blankets and chairs, and prepare to dance the night away under the stars. Gates open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $10. Wishek Amphitheatre, 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi, (209) 333-5550, hutchinsstreetsquare.com

Summer Fest

July 14, Acampo

"Summer Fest" is Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation's premier food and wine tasting event. Hosted by Woodridge by Robert Mondavi since 1984, Summer Fest features top restaurants and catering companies that provide a variety of gourmet foods paired with wines generously donated by Mondavi. Woodbridge Winery, 5950 East Woodbridge Rd., Acampo, (209) 365-8139, lmhfoundation.org

Truckin' for Hospice Annual Poker Run

July 21, Stockton

Truckin' for Hospice is an annual poker run presented on behalf of the California Trucking Association-San Joaquin Unit. The run is a motorcycle/car rally that runs through the sierra foothills. The riders usually make four stops with a fi nal meeting place at the end. At each stop there are refreshments and a card is drawn for the poker hand. The fi nal meeting place has a chicken and tri-tip lunch with dessert, as well as raffl e prizes and a DJ. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $31 per rider. Two starting locations: 825 Navy Dr., Stockton, and 5837 Golden State Blvd., Turlock. (209) 922-0216, truckinforhospice.org

Randy Sparks and New Christy Minstrels Concert and Dinner

July 27, Stockton

This wonderful annual event benefi tting the San Joaquin Historical Society and Micke Grove Zoological Society features Randy Sparks and the eight members of his group, The New Christy Minstrels, as they perform their folk hits. This outdoor event will also feature a social hour and a NY Steak Dinner. 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show. $75. San Joaquin Historical Museum, 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi, (209) 331-2055, sanjoaquinhistory.org

American Idol Live!

July 21, Sacramento

AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! gives fans the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the top ten Idol fi nalists: Colton Dixon, DeAndre Brackensick, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Heejun Han, Hollie Cavanagh, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Skylar Laine. 7:30 p.m. $32-$65. Powerbalance Pavilion, 1 Sports Parkway, Sacramento, (916) 928-6900, powerbalancepavilion.com