Sushi Performance and Visual Arts

A friend invited me here a few weeks to see a bass clarinet duo that calls itself «Sqwonk». The friend only referred to it as «The Sushi Gallery», so I wasn’t really sure what kind of place this was going to be. I thought it might be something like a small bar or restaurant so I was a little confused when I arrived at a place that looked more like a modern art museum.
Even though I had arrived only 10 minutes late, the show had already started. I got my program and tried my best to walk in inconspicuously, but everyone turned around to look at me anyway. I felt pretty guilty about my tardiness and spent the rest of the evening trying to make up for it by clapping louder and longer than everyone else. I hope people noticed my efforts.
Sqwonk were really good. Both of the guys were accomplished musicians, and although I know very little about contemporary classical music or the bass clarinet, I really enjoyed the show. The Sushi Gallery itself was okay. I thought the acoustics were nice, but I felt a little out of place there. The place looked like it was designed by rich, sophisticated people, for rich, sophisticated people. Incidentally, most of the people in the audience appeared rich and sophisticated to me.
Despite its name, this place didn’t seem to have anything to do with sushi or Japanese cuisine, which was a slight letdown for me. I don’t see why they can’t serve sushi in the lobby area. I would’ve gladly paid 5 dollars for a few spicy tuna rolls.
There weren’t any other Japanese people there, either.

Oooh tough one. The venue is small, but really great because it feels so intimate. It was interesting to see sheets hanging on the ceiling, I felt like I was in a mini high school gym or in a Thao video and expecting confetti to drop down.
We went to see The Dodos and I have to say that while everything seemed to be perfect, the sound was not. I’d give the sound system one star. You had to be up close to the stage to even make out the lyrics, the singing was drowned out by the distortion of the electric guitar. It’s a good thing The Dodos have great beats because that’s all you could make out.
Acoustic and other types of arts may be a wiser choice to see here. I am a huge fan of The Dodos, so it didn’t really affect my enjoyment. Yeah I’d come back.

I saw a fantastic play there last weekend, truly experimental, hilarious and thought provoking. The play was only here for the weekend… so this review is about the Sushi venue.
I am giving you four stars because I support what you are doing. You are an independent arts-​based organization and that can’t be easy in this town.
So when I attend an event, and I’m not a member, then I am potentially a future member. By refusing the three of us ticket buyers playbills upon entrance (rather one to share) is NOT going to inspire me to become a member. They were black and white xeroxed copies for God’s sake, we wanted to read about the show and venue while waiting for the performance. Your attitude of «you’d be happy to give us more copies on the way out» was totally arrogant and short sighted. By purchasing 3 tickets, wouldn’t you have reserved 3 playbills for us? Please spare me the pretentious «I’m a struggling artist» schtick. Treat your audience well and we may return. Sorry Sushi, you had a potential member but you blew it.

Sometimes you roll the dice & get lucky & other times, well… you lose the short off your back & Grandma’s false teeth to boot!
Sushi’s theater is a vast warehouse – stipped of any fanfare or luxury, but it is a large venue with eateries within walking distance where one can explore all sorts of unusual performance art… this is not the place to see your favorite pop band nor your child’s gymnastic recital –but then again, who wnats to see that junk anyhow?
Sushi is truly a blank slate open to interpretation & creation of mood/​attitude of those who perform there. You may see a Barbie doll, wrapped in asparagus thumping to the beat of hip-​hop tunes or you may experience a surreal musical & light extraganza to make your senses literally explode! Prices are usual fair & moderate – more expensive doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better show, just a lightening of your wallet & less $$ for brain-​numbing spirits.
So, tired of the same old San Diego scene? Pull up Sushi’s schedule & see what you can trip into…