Music: International Blues Festival
Chicago blues legend Steve Arvey plays acoustic blues at El Sótano, along with special guest David Scott. Other acts include MG and the Blues Burners, JR Blues Band, Navil Garcia, and others.
Festival takes place Aug. 21 & 22 at El Sótano, Barrio Amón. 7:30 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: El Sótano Facebook page.
Dance: The Prague Ballet
Direct from the Czech Republic, the famed Prague Ballet presents classical choreography for two nights at the National Theater.
The Prague Ballet performs Aug. 17 & 18 at the National Theater, downtown San José. Sun., 5 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m. ₡16,500-46,000 ($33-92). Info: National Theater website.
Music: Limón Roots Festival of African Culture
Jazz, piano, and the Trinidad and Tobago Dance Company – this festival and awards ceremony celebrates the African diaspora at the National Theater. Produced by “Limón Roots,” the magazine of the Greater Caribbean.
“Festival Afro Cultural Limón Roots” takes place Aug. 20 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 7 p.m. ₡8,000-25,000 ($16-50). Info: Event Facebook page.
Sports: NCCWMA 2014 Championship
Seasoned athletes from around the world converge on San José to compete in the 2014 North, Central American and Caribbean World Masters Athletics Championship. None of these track-and-field stars is younger than 30, and the majority are older – but they still sprint like champions.
The NCCWMA Championship takes place Aug. 21-24 at the National Stadium, La Sabana. Info: Offical website.
Dance: Mediterranean Celebration
Several dance shows explore the unique culture and movement of Mediterranean peoples, from Greece to the Levant. The show is a collaboration between The National Dance Company, the group Luna del Desierto, and others.
“Fiestas del Mediterraneo” presents Aug. 17 at the Teatro de la Danza, CENAC building, downtown San José. 7 p.m. ₡6,500 ($13). Info:Teatro de la Danza Facebook page.
Film: “Ten Days Without Love”
Miguel is having the worst time of his life, and not just because his wife is having an affair and his wallet’s been stolen. Catch this free screening of the 2001 comedy by Miguel Albaladejo at the Spanish Cultural Center.
“El Cielo Abierto” screens Aug. 21 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Cultural Center website.
Tribute to José José
The Philharmonic Orchestra and singer Manuel José pays homage to José José, the beloved Mexican crooner and musician.
Concert takes place Aug. 16 at the Melico Salazar Theater, downtown San José. ₡15,000-29,000 ($30-60). Info: Philharmonic Facebook page.
Art: “Dirty Game”
Costa Rican artist José Miguel Rojas González explores the nature of winning and losing in this subversive series. Read our review here.
“Juego Sucio” continues through Oct. 11 at the Central Bank Museum, Plaza de la Cultura, San José. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: Museos Banco Central website.
Theater: “Amadeus”
Peter Schaffer’s masterpiece about the life of Mozart (and his bitter rival, Salieri) receives an epic production at Teatro Espressivo.
“Amadeus” plays Aug. 7 – Oct. 12 at Teatro Espressivo, Curridabat. Info: Teatro Espressivo website.
Theater: “Virus”
What is the nature of sickness? Costa Rican playwright Ana Istarú explores this theme in “Virus,” her new drama at the Vargas Calvo Theater. Read our review here.
“Virus” plays through Aug. 31 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater website.
Art: “The Day We Became Contemporary”
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design celebrates 20 years of cutting-edge arts with a comprehensive, retrospective showcase.
“El Día Que Nos Hicimos Contemporáneos” continues through Sept. 5 at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Downtown San José. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Residents ₡1,000 ($2), foreigners ₡1,500 ($3), students ₡500 ($1). Info: MADC website.
Enamorate de tu ciudad
Yes, you can go gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-round celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check out the event site for news on games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.
Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website and Facebook page.
Art: Paintings by Fabio Rojas
The artist presents a series of landscapes at the University College of Cartago.
The exhibition will display Aug. 8-29 at the University College of Cartago. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free. Info: University website.
