Source:  Sycuan

September 26, 2017 (El Cajon) – Rick Michel, a master impressionist who has performed and headlined in Las Vegas since 1981, will present “Sinatra Forever,” a show focusing on the music of Frank Sinatra. Michel has been called “the closest thing to Sinatra we have ever heard” by Variety.

By Valerie Watts

September 24, 2017 (San Carlos) -- On Sunday, October 1 from 12-4 p.m., the On the Edge Art Collective is hosting a garden party and pop-up art show at 6378 Lake Athabaska Place, San Diego, CA 92119.  The Collective, which has ties with the On the Edge Art Gallery in La Mesa, is a group of local artists who gather to paint together, challenge each other, and put on pop-up art shows to display and sell their works.  This event will be the second annual held at this location, the private residence of one of their members, Bebe Brookman.  Her home and garden will be the backdrop for affordable art by over 11 local artists.  They are also offering light refreshments and acoustic music.  For more information, call 619-733-4786.

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2017 (La Mesa) – Bugsy’s Brew Coffee shop ha s closed its doors, five years after opening at the corner of La Mesa Blvd. and Jackson Drive.   A note taped to the door informs customers of the closing over the weekend “with a heavy heart but great memories.”  Owner Dan Moran thanked patrons, adding, “I’m sorry for having to move on, but my family is in need and I just focus on remaining active in my children’s lives! Family first forever.  I will love and miss my time here…let’s stay positive and may our paths cross in the future.”

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum invites the public to a special presentation and reception, “Padre Johnson and his Gift of the Global Human Family” on Friday, October 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. 

East County News Service

August 21, 2017 (San Diego) -- Kidz Danz Kompany, the acclaimed children’s dance troupe based in La Mesa, presents “Bamboozled” at the San Diego Performing Arts Center (4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego) on September 22-23 at 7 p.m. 

East County News Service

September 4, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Music Department will present "Salsa Under the Stars," a fundraiser for student scholarships and a CD release celebration for music instructor and internationally known salsa bandleader, composer and recording artist Manny Cepeda.

By Kathy Carpenter

Freelance Writer www.splashmags.com

September 2, 2017  (La Mesa) -- Magnetic. Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got The Will, by Del Shores, master of Texas comedies, draws you in like sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving. This Lamplighters Theatre production has lots of rich characters--sweet and naughty.

Documentary on education apartheid in Iran against Baha’I minority to premiere at Harlem International Film Festival

East County News Service

August 30, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Changing the World, One Wall at a Time, is a documentary feature film on Education Is Not a Crime – the world’s largest street art and human rights campaign, which raises awareness about education apartheid by Iran’s government against tens of thousands of Baha’is in the country. 

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to experience bluegrass, Cajun, Flamenco, and country blues music this Wednesday night at Brew Coffee spot, the happening new gathering place in La Mesa, at 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.  from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

By Mimi Pollack

Photos courtesy Cinewest Productions

August 16, 2017 (San Diego) -- Filmmaker Isaac Artenstein likes to tell good stories, especially unknown ones, and if those stories inform and entertain others, even better. He feels that the Jews of the Southwest have an untold story as the narrative has been mostly about the Anglo westward expansion; whereas other immigrants are also part of the history. He wants to show one of the missing pieces of the puzzle. To that end, he is working on a four part series of documentaries, Frontier Jews, which covers Jews of the Southwest, including New Mexico, San Diego, Arizona [Tucson] and El Paso. The documentary on New Mexico, Challah Rising in the Desert has just been completed and the one on San Diego, To the Ends of the Earth is near completion.

Review by Kathy Carpenter

Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com and Freelance Writer, Splash Magazine

August 7, 2017 (Casa De Oro) - Young Actors Theatre took on Legally Blonde to show that beyond fun and fluff, the real message is for young women in today's society to stay positive, believe in yourself, dig deep and stay strong. For the rest of us, not everything is as it first appears. Look beneath the blonde to find what's important.

East County News Service

July 30, 2017 (Julian) - Julian Arts Guild will hold its Fall Art Show on September 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall (2129 Main Street, Julian).

This is a free event showcasing the works of talented Julian artists. Artworks displayed will include weaving, ceramics, gourd painting, drawing and mixed media.

East County News Service

July 28, 2017 (San Diego) — The Pomerado Brass Quintet will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 30 in the visitor center at Mission Trails Regional Park.

Based in San Diego, California, the Pomerado Brass Quintet was formed in the summer of 2005 as a spin-off from the Pomerado Community Band.  The Pomerado Brass Quintet performs a wide variety of music from classical, marches, jazz, ragtime, Dixieland, and selections from Broadway musicals.

Review by Kathy Carpenter, Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com, Freelance writer Splash Magazine

July 19, 2017 (La Mesa) - Laughter is the best medicine and makes for great plays. George Bailey, president of the board at Lamplighters says they are not out to wow the critics, but entertain their audience. As such, they are pretty much crushing it. If a play at Lamplighters sounds like you would enjoy it, you probably will.

Women in Jeopardy is a laugh out loud comedy that gives you a couple hours of complete escape and entertainment. With that name you might think it's something entirely different. Don't let the name fool you. It's comedy pure and simple. Totally entertaining.

East County News Service

July 10, 2017 (La Mesa) — La Mesa invites you to come celebrate July as Park and Recreation Month at a free outdoor movie in the park on Friday, July 21. Bring a picnic, lawn chair, spread out a blanket, and enjoy The Jungle Book (2016), rated PG.