DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MARCH 1-31

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East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes Run East County in El Cajon, a Queen Bee Tea in Alpine, Jungle Book for Kids, Diva, Baja Blues Brothers and Bon Jovi in concert.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Lilac Festival, the Rolando Street Fair, a Star Party in Lakeside, the Circle of Art show in Borrego Springs and more.

So scroll down for all of these events and many others!

VOICES OF THE CITY CHOIR MARCH 4 IN EL CAJON

 Voices of the City Choir will appear in concert at the El Cajon Library (201 E. Douglas Avenue) on Saturday, March 4th at 2:00 p.m.  The 30-voice ensemble, composed of homeless singers, will present a wide-ranging program of ballads, jazz, and gospel infused pop songs, backed up by a professional, 3-piece rhythm section.

Voices of the City Choir was founded in 2016 by Stephanie Johnson to provide the homeless and their supporters with an artistic outlet.  The choir is led by Johnson, who has been honored with a San Diego Music Award, and Nila Leilani, a multi-instrumentalist and trained vocalist.  The musicians providing the instrumental underpinning are all well-known artists in the San Diego area.

BAJA BLUES BROTHERS MARCH 4 IN WYNOLA

The Baja Blues Brothers will perform acoustic blues and American roots music on Saturday, March 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wynola Pizza Express (4355 Highway 78), three miles west of Julian on Highway 78. The band includes guitar, harmonica, bass, drums and sometimes saxophone. 

JULIAN DAFFODIL SHOW MARCH 4-5

You’re invited to celebrate spring with the flower of hope at the 13th annual Julian Daffodil Show.  The beautiful blooms can be viewed on March 4th and 5th at the historic town hall (2129 Main St.) in downtown Julian.

The Julian Daffodil Project was started by Sally Snipes in 1990 as a memorial to her father Jack Snipes. Today there are over 4 million bulbs planted in the Julian community.

BLOOMING DESERT HIKE MARCH 4

Once in a blue moon our deserts get big winter rains and explode into an extraordinary spring bloom. Join the Water Conservation Garden's Director of Horticulture, Clayton Tschudy, for a wildflower tour of the Anza-Borrego State Park on Saturday, March 4.

An easy level hike will be held from 8:30 to 11:30, with a moderate level hike from 1 to 4 p.m.

Bring your cameras and lunch! You will be responsible for your own transportation. Additional details will be provided prior to event.

For more information on this event and more, visit www.TheGarden.org.

RUN EAST COUNTY:  ST. PATRICK’S DAY HALF MARATHON MARCH. 5

This year’s Run East County St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon will be held early, on Sunday, March 5th.  Wear green if you join in this fun and festive event, which includes not only the half marathon but also a 5K Run/Walk, a Green Mile, and a Tribes and Clans competition to involve the whole family in fun and fitness. 

The event is organized by the Run East County Foundation to raise funds benefitting several East County charities.  To enter or volunteer, you can visit http://www.stpatricksdayhalf.com/.  

QUEEN BEE TEA MARCH 5TH IN ALPINE

Now here’s the buzz! Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Queen Bee Tea on March 5th at 11:30 in the Alpine Community Center.  Teatime will be presented by Donna Marie’s Tea Time, plus guests will enjoy vendors and a fashion show by Dana’s Boutique.

You could be chosen Queen Bee in a Bee Bonnet Hat Contest!  The Queen Bee Tea also marks the beginning of honey season in Alpine, to be crowned by the first annual Honey Festival coming up later in March.  For tickets and details on the Queen Bee Tea March 5th, you can visit www.AlpineChamber.com and click on “events.”

VISIONARY DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS “DIVA” MARCH 4

Lenelle Wylie, a vocal powerhouse from La Mesa, will star in “Diva”, March 4th at the San Diego Performing Arts Center (4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego).  The show starts at 7 p.m. with a pre-show reception at 5:30.

Mounarath-Powell Productions with Visionary Dance Theatre in La Mesa presents this cabaret style concert and celebration including musings and music ranging from standards to popular music to musical theater.  For tickets and details visit www.VisionaryDanceTheatre.org.

YAT PERFORMS JUNGLE BOOK FOR KIDS MARCH 2-12

Young Adult Theatre brings The Jungle Book for Kids to life March 2nd through 12th at the Encore Theatre in Spring Valley.  The jungle is jumpin' with a jazzy beat in this special adaptation from the classic Disney animated film, featuring a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the movie.

​Banished by the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan, the boy Mowgli and his panther friend, Bagheera, are on the run in the deepest parts of the jungle. On their journey, the two meet a sinister snake, a herd of elephants and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin' musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys, Mowgli and Bagheera must rally the jungle animals into a battle to restore peace throughout the jungle.

For tickets and details visit Young Adult Theatre’s website at YATSanDiego.org.

BON JOVI MARCH 5 AT SDSU’S VIEJAS ARENA

Bon Jovi, the hit band known for its sounds ranging from glam metal to country rock, will be performing live at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on Sunday, March 5th at 7:30 p.m.  as part of their tour titled “This House is Not for Sale.”  

The band has been honored at the American Music Awards and inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.  For tickets and details visit www.ViejasArena.com.

GREGORY PAGE: MARCH 5 AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 5

Gregory Page will perform in the Visitor’s Center Concert Hall at Mission Trails Regional Park on March 5th at 3 p.m. The concert (free) will include selections from his brand new soon to be released album, So It Goes as well as other classics from the extensive Gregory Page Songbook. 

Page is a critically acclaimed recording and international touring artist whose original music is nostalgic, cinematic, and charming in its ability to have audiences “rewind” to the early 20th century through his guitar and vocal performances.  For more information, you can visit Mission Trails Regional Park’s website at www.MTRP.org.

NOW FOR A PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS…

HONEY FESTIVAL MARCH 11 IN ALPINE

Alpine was once known as the honey production capital of the world.  Now here’s the buzz:  On Saturday, March 11 from 10 to 4, Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce will present the first annual Honey Festival to celebrate the region’s sweet success.

The event will include food, vintage vendors and kids’ activities. The Honey Festival will have six event locations; park at Joan JacQueen Middle School, where shuttles leave every 15 minutes.

To get the buzz on all Honey Festival activities, you can visit www.AlpineChamber.com.

TOMATOMANIA!  MARCH 11 AND 12 AT THE GARDEN

California's largest tomato seedling sale is back and the Garden at Cuyamaca College is the only San Diego location this spring.   TOMATOMANIA features hundreds of  heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties, expert advice, and the accessories to grow tomatoes in your own backyard.  

The event will be held March 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a special presentation at 11 a.m. each day on best growing practices.

Admission to TOMATOMANIA! is FREE for all tomato lovers. Free Docent-led tours of The Garden also offered at 10:00am each day.

 For more information visit www.TheGarden.org.

OASIS CAMEL DAIRY OPEN HOUSE AND TOUR MARCH 11-12

The Oasis Camel Dairy will host an open house and tour on March 11 and 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Friendly farm animals, curious camels and an animal show featuring performing parrots, racing turkeys, “working” farm dogs and majestic camels starts at 1:30.

Guests can ride camels, pet and get great selfies while they feed treats to these gentle giants. You can also visit a mini farm animal petting zoo or shop for camel milk chocolate, lotion and soaps in the gift shop. For more information, visit www.cameldairy.com.

SPRING INTO HEALTHY LIVING MARCH 15 AT THE YMCA

You’re invited to Spring into Healthy Living on March 15th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the McGrath Family YMCA (12006 Campo Road) in Spring Valley. The health and wellness fair for seniors will include free health screenings, speakers and information on how to avoid scams, driver safety and fire safety, and more.

Health screenings will include blood pressure, balance, body mass index, a hearing test, stroke screening, check your mood, and more. You can also learn about senior-friendly exercise demonstrations, senior resources, and enjoy a healthy continental breakfast.

The healthy living event is organized by the AARP, East County Chamber of Commerce, Grossmont Healthcare District.  For details and breakfast reservations (free!) you can call 1-877-926-8300 or visit the East County Chamber’s website at http://business.eastcountychamber.org and click on their calendar.

STAR PARTY AT SYCAMORE GOODEN RESERVE MARCH 17

A star party will be held at the Sycamore Gooden reserve in Lakeside (13899 Highway 67) on March 17th from 6 to 8 p.m.

You’re invited to join volunteer astronomers from the San Diego Astronomy Association and County Park staff for a night under the stars, viewing our galaxy using the same technology used by professionals to witness out-of-this world phenomenon.

Inclement weather could cancel this event. For more information, you can call (8580513-4737.

CIRCLE OF ART SHOW MARCH  18-19 IN BORREGO SPRINGS

The 28th annual Circle of Art Show and Art Sale celebrating art in the desert will take place Saturday March 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..and Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs.

Over 60 artists will display their works.  There will also be live musical performances and foods available. As an added bonus, this is an ideal time of year to watch for spring wildflowers blooming across the Anza Borrego Desert.

For more information, visit www.Circle-of-Art.org.

LILAC FESTIVAL MARCH 25-26 AT FORT CROSS IN SANTA YSABEL

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel (4425 Highway 78) invites you to savor springtime at a Lilac Festival on March 25th and 26th.  

Stroll through organic, sweet-smelling lilac groves in the mountains near Julian, or hop on a hayride to enjoy views on a scenic nature loop.  Plus, you’ll find an array of unusual activities reflecting the community’s rich pioneer heritage.

Jesse Cross, dance caller and music man, will play live music and lead any willing participants through square dancing and hootenanny dance steps.  Listen to a lively hoedown, or pick up an instrument and join the jog band.

You can also try your skill at tomahawk throwing, visit a petting zoo, get your face painted, make a fairy garden, paint a flower vase to keep and dip your own lilac-themed candle the old-fashioned way.   Potted lilacs and fragrant lilac stems will be available for purchase.

For full details on the Lilac Festival, you can visit https://www.fortcross.com/.

VIOLIN AND PIANO CONCERT MARCH 22

Violinist Alexandra Keegan and pianist Justin Gray will perform sonatas for violin and piano at Cuyamaca College’s performing arts theatre on March 22nd at 7 p.m.

Keegan is a Cuyamaca College instructor and conductor of the East County Youth Symphony. Gray is the music director of the Welk Resorts - San Diego Theatre, as well as the chairman and founder of the San Diego Interfaith Choir and Orchestra.

For tickets and details, visit www.cuyamaca.edu/performingarts.

CARNIVAL RIDES, MUSIC AND MORE AT ROLANDO STREET FAIR MARCH 26

On Sunday, March 26th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the 21st annual Rolando Street Fair will be held on Rolando Blvd., south of El Cajon Boulevard.  The event includes over 130 vendors with handcrafts, food, carnival rides and kid's activities. 

Live music bands will include Len Rainey and the Midnight Players, Trey Tosh & The Band Called Life, The Routine, Paul Cannon IRON SAGE WOOD, and Cassidy and the Music. Nearly 15,000 people attend this family friendly event each year. 

That’s all for this week!

If you have an event you’d like added to our calendar, or if you would like to sponsor the Destination East County column on our website, or the Destination East County show on KNSJ radio, you can contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.  Destination East County is the most-read feature on our website.

We’ll be back next week with more festivals, events and attractions in San Diego’s East County!

 


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