San Diego Arts & Culture Newsletter: ‘Dark Winds’ headed to Netflix

I’m not a binge-watcher. I won’t park myself on the couch and stream three, four or more episodes of a show. When a series drops its entire season on a single day, a common practice these days, I’ll watch one, maybe two at a time, but that’s it. I’ve got restraint … and patience … and other things to do.

But this is for those of you who do binge watch. On Monday, Netflix makes available the first two seasons of the psychological cop drama “Dark Winds,” originally produced for AMC.

If you didn’t catch this stylish, visceral adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Navajo Nation mysteries when it began two years ago, get busy, bingers. You won’t regret it.

The show produced by, among others, Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin stars Zahn McLarnon (“Reservation Dogs”), Kiowa Gordon and Jessica Matten as three Navajo Tribal Police characters created by Hillerman, who wrote 18 novels set on the “Big Rez” as he called it before he passed away in 2008. His daughter Anne has continued writing about the characters of Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito since 2013.

The Netflix arrival will allow those like myself who’ve watched the show from the start the luxury of episodes not being interrupted by AMC’s incessant blocks of commercials.

But again, for those who didn’t see Seasons 1 or 2 of “Dark Winds” (it’s tentatively scheduled to premiere Season 3 sometime next year), find out what you’ve been missing — like its vivid characters and the stark beauty of a Navajo country threatened by violence and malevolence.

Pop music

Steve Poltz performs Sunday at the Belly Up. STEVE POLTZ

He’s back, and the Belly Up’s got him. Six months after headlining his “Annual 50th Birthday Bash” at the Solana Beach venue, Steve Poltz takes the stage there on Sunday night at 7 p.m. The Bay Area bluegrass band The Brothers Comatose opens. https://bellyup.com/calendar/#tw-event-dialog-13560164

If you’re a fan and/or you’ve followed Poltz for years you already know he’s a founding member of the indie-rock locals The Rugburns and once a staple of places like the Ould Sod in Normal Heights and the Inner Change in PB. But that’s going way back. For a quarter-century Poltz, now based in Nashville, has been making records and touring. Touring a lot. His shows are as clever, cool and entertaining as ever. For more visit poltz.com.

Theater

I love asking college students I teach if they know what an 8-track tape is. Most of the time I get bemused stares and dead silence. Those clunky cartridges ubiquitous in the 1970s are long gone, but many people cling with fond nostalgia to the music they contained.

Should that be you, New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad is your destination for the jukebox musical “8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s.” Beginning with preview performances Friday, a cast of six in period garb (brace yourself for bell bottoms and leisure suits) will belt out songs by performers who were at the forefront of this sometimes-disrespected musical era. From the sublime (like Marvin Gaye) to the ridiculous (KC and the Sunshine Band — sorry, disco fans.)

Visual art

Detail from "Linea en Tijuacolor" by Hugo Crosthwaite, who is featured in a solo exhibit Aug. 19-Sept. 12 at San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery. HUGO CROSTHWAITE

Detail from “Linea en Tijuacolor” by Hugo Crosthwaite, who is featured in a solo exhibit Aug. 19-Sept. 12 at San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery. HUGO CROSTHWAITE

Tijuana-born and -based SDSU graduate Hugo Crosthwaite has been reflecting border narratives in art for more than two decades. His installation “The Rupture of the White Cube,” curated and designed by Smadar Samson, will be on exhibit beginning Monday at the Mesa College Art Gallery.

In this comparatively small gallery you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Crosthwaite’s work on a more intimate basis. The artist himself will be on hand at a reception there from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29. He’ll also do a live endurance painting session that can be viewed beginning Monday (through Aug. 28) from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A parking permit is required on campus. For hours and details, visit sdmesa.edu/art-gallery.

Movies

The alien monster Xenomorph in a scene from "Alien: Romulus." 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

The alien monster Xenomorph in a scene from “Alien: Romulus.” 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

Many students are back in school now, but the summer movie season isn’t over. Friday brings the opening nationwide of the sci-fi horror film “Alien: Romulus.”

It’s been well over 40 years since the first “Alien” flick, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver, taught moviegoers that “in space, no one can hear you scream” (the film’s catch line). Scott is one of the producers of this seventh “Alien” movie which is set between the first movie’s timeline and that of the follow-up, “Aliens,” in 1986.

Cailee Spaeny, who you might have seen playing Priscilla Presley in a theatrical biopic last year, tangles with a force even more powerful than Elvis in “Alien: Romulus.”

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:

“Performance: The Lyrical Groove

The Intersections Concert series presents the award-winning hip-hop soul band The Lyrical Groove. Known for their unique blend of spoken word and live instrumentation across diverse musical genres, the band features the talents of producer and poet Kendrick Dial, artist Brisa Lauren and a seasoned ensemble of musicians. Their music, which has earned them three San Diego Music Awards, including Best Hip Hop/Soul Artist and Best Hip Hop/Soul Album, resonates deeply with themes of humanity and soulful expression. Beyond their musical achievements, band members like Lauren engage in political and civic advocacy, while Dial trains human service leader professionals, underscoring their commitment to creating impactful, enjoyable art.

“The Art of Mexico’s Currency”

Deputy Vice Governor of Banco de Mexico Galia Borja Gómez discusses the transformative redesign of Mexican currency. Delving into themes of national identity and technological advancement, she explains how the new banknotes are a celebration of Mexico’s rich cultural and natural heritage, integrated with advanced security features to bolster public trust. This redesign is not just a functional update but a cultural revival, aiming to foster national pride and deepen the public’s connection to their heritage. Borja Gómez emphasizes Banco de Mexico’s dedication to marrying tradition with innovation, ensuring that each banknote not only serves as legal tender but also as a storyteller of Mexico’s storied past and vibrant present.

“Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disparities among Black, White and Filipino Women”

Dr. Maria Rosario (Happy) G. Araneta explores health disparities among Black, White and Filipino women, with a focus on visceral fat accumulation and its links to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Araneta highlights the significant impact of prenatal and childhood malnutrition on health outcomes such as coronary heart disease. Despite lower Body Mass Index (BMI) levels, Filipino women exhibit higher levels of dangerous visceral fat compared to their Black and White peers. She underscores the importance of physical activity, strength training, and inclusive research to address these disparities, emphasizing the need to understand unique health profiles across different demographics to develop more equitable health policies and practices.

And finally, top weekend events

The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Aug. 16-18.