STUDENT RATES ADDED: $10 at door

EARLY-BIRD RATES EXTENDED! ($15 if you pre-pay online; $20 at door)

Prizes * Great Food * Hilarious Comics

May 24, 2011 (La Mesa)—Laughter is truly the best medicine! Comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence, co-star of the NBC-TV series “Chuck” and numerous movies and TV shows will perform with comics from Brew Ha Ha in “Humor for Haiti” on May 27 at 7 p.m. in La Mesa.  It's all to help meet medical needs of people in impoverished Haiti.  East County Magazine is a media sponsor of the event--and we hope to see you there!

May 20, 2011 (Mt. Helix) – The East County Youth Symphony will present a free concert at the Mt. Helix Park ampitheater on Sunday, May 22 at 4 p.m. An 85 piece orchestra will play a trumpet concerto followed by pops music.

May 7, 2011 ( La Mesa) -- You're invited to purchase tickets today for C. Hook Theater's upcoming production, Once Upon a Mattress. It will be held at the Performing Arts Center at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, located at 6845 Universtiy Ave., San Diego.

The play will be performed by C. Hook Theater's cast of high-school-aged students June 22, 2011 through June 24 at 7.00 p.m. with the June 25 performance at 1:00 p.m. Be our guests as you enjoy a delightful evening of entertainment and comedy.

By Abigail Migala

May 6, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Main Street 5 Gallery (www.mainstreet5gallery.com) is presenting “Wonderful World of Watercolor,” an art event showcasing the work of 25 top names in watercolor painting. The show’s opening will be on Saturday, May 7, from 5-9 p.m.

May 5, 2011 (La Mesa)--Approximately 300 students from the Grossmont Union High School District plunged into designing water-themed jewelry in the 3rd Annual Golden Artistry Jewelry Design Competition. The twenty-two finalists will be honored this Thursday evening, May 5th from 5-9 p.m., at La Mesa’s Community Center.

This FREE event is a fundraiser for the arts, with funds distributed by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. The evening will have FREE food from Tiramisu Trattoria and El Cajon Applebys.  Wine and beer will be available for purchase. The evening also includes a live auction and opportunity drawing prizes. The event is open to all who want to support the arts.

May 4, 2011 (El Cajon)--Concerts on the Green, downtown El Cajon’s free weekly Friday night summer music series, opens this Friday, May 6, 2011. Chosen one of San Diego Magazine’s Top 10 outdoor music venues, Concerts on the Green at Prescott Promenade Park feature musicians performing from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Opening night of 2011 features San Diego’s favorites - the Mar Dels – to rock your socks off.

April 28, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Arts Alliance and the East County Youth Symphony present the 4th Annual Spring Concert at the La Mesa Community Center on Sunday, May 1 from 3-5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. The event also includes a silent auction and refreshments.

April 26, 2011 (San Diego)--A jazz concert benefiting the Grossmont College Music Dept. Scholarship Fund will be held starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 2, at Humphrey’s By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. on Shelter Island.

Performers include the college's music department instructors Derek Cannon, Paul Kurokawa, Steve Baker, Ken Ard, Fred Benedetti, Manny Cepeda, Doug Booth, Justin Grinnel, Melonie Grinnel and Chris Kilch. Alumni will also perform, including Jose Molina Serrano on guitar and Tom Stillman on drums. Serrano has played with some of the recording industry’s top names, including Bo Diddley, The Olympics, Thelma Houston, Joe Tex, Ike and Tina Turner, Red Bone, Spiral Staircase and Carlos Santana. 

April 28, 2011 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to express yourself in public through the spoken word, poetry, song or dance at the Space Bar Internet Café at 7454 University Avenue in La Mesa tonight from 7:30-10:00 p.m.  The event, hosted by Jim Moreno, will feature author, poet and musician Lalo Velasco, recipient of a California Arts Council Grant. Refreshments are available.

"We've got a conga player from Cuba, and a percussionist from Ghana, and another from Zimbabwe that make the evening an interesting combination of music and spoken word," Moreno said.

April 22, 2011 (La Mesa) -- Oh Yeah! Once again, blues musicians will be jamming at the 12th annual Spring Harp Fest. Bring sunscreen, lawn chairs and friends to Harry Griffen Park (near the Amaya Street Trolley Station and Grossmont High School) in La Mesa for this fun, FREE concert on Saturday, April 23 from 12 noon to 7 p.m. 

April 20, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, is holding anl art sale featuring original works by well known artist Guadalupe Apodaca, whose popular works feature Native Americans and the West. He has galleries in Scottsdale and Santa Fe.

The Museum is also holding a sale featuring Pan Dao, the stitchery of the Lao Hmong. During the Vietnam War, the Lao Hmong allied with United States forces. Their service was vital in leading downed airmen back to friendly territory. Without a written language, their stitchery was the art form that recorded their beliefs and their history.

April 20, 2011 (San Diego) Kid Rock has announced the second leg of his "BORN FREE" tour that comes in support of his most recent release, "BORN FREE." The second leg of the tour, featuring Sheryl Crow, will kick off July 2nd in Cincinnati and cross the country hitting amphitheaters over the span of 30 shows.

Ticket sales began this week for their San Diego appearanceAugust 2nd at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre.

April 15, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Main Street 5 Gallery will host an art and jewelry show Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. to showcase works by artisans Chuck McPherson and Jeff Fulkerson.

“McPherson’s paintings swim in rich color and vibrant brushstrokes, complimented by Fulkerson’s jewelry that will make any night on the town a unique experience,” said Esther Beish, owner of the gallery.

April 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Pomerado Saxophone Quartet will perform a variety of music in a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center theater. The one-hour concert will be followed by a public reception in the Visitor Center Gallery.

“ Strange that, when we first got together none of us has ever even heard of a saxophone quartet .But now we have and, much to our surprise it is an emerging type of chamber music, with a special sound all of its own,” says musician John Groot.

By John Rene Gardner
Photos by Veronica Lavarello

April 11, 2011 (Ramona)--A dusting of snow in many places over Ramona Friday night gave way to a bright sunny Saturday, fine weather for the fourth annual, Rotary-Kiwanas Music Fest in beautiful Dos Picos Park.

It was a perfect setting to enjoy a sampling of San Diego County’s finest musical talent featuring Cactus Twang &Whyte, Aja Alycean, The Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Quintet, Baja Blues Boys, Brandon Burrill, Emily Grace Rajcic, Jason Winters, the Filthy Violets, Sage, Grand Canyon Sundown, Ramona Town Hall Brass Band, Sherm the Band, RHS Royal Blues Jazz Band, as well as Henry and the Seacreatures.

Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion Into Business, By Bob Taylor, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2011, 230 pages.)

Book Review by Dennis Moore

April 8, 2011 (El Cajon)--Bob Taylor, co-founder and president of Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, California, has added a new title to his repertoire: author. in Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion Into Business, Taylor masterfully crafts a story in which the guitar becomes a metaphor for much more—sharing secrets for success in business and in life.

April 2, 2011 (Ramona) – This year, The Ramona Music Fest IV benefit concert will be 50 percent longer than in the past – a full six hours on April 9 from noon to 6 p.m. at Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona.

The nonprofit event, hosted by Ramona Kiwanis and Ramona Rotary clubs, will feature top local and San Diego-area performers plus emerging talent on two stages.

April 2, 2011 (San Diego)--The second annual San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase is  underway. The Acoustic Showcase series offers a wide variety of some of San Diego's very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These concerts are free to the community. This year's series includes over 30 concerts at 12 branch libraries between February and the end of June.

The following concerts are set for April:

March 29,2011 (La Meas)--The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library in La Mesa, is featuring an exhibit of 22 paintings by El Cajon resident Hazel Ross. The paintings include Ross’ signature watercolor landscapes and portraits in pastel.  Art will be on exhibit now through the month of May.

March 29, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Twenty artists displayed more than 100 works, met with visitors and shared secrets of their success at “Wine Down Wednesday” last week. The event, held at Westfield Parkway Plaza in the Macy’s court, showcased artwork from St. Clair Gallery with 20% of proceeds benefitting St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
 

Kathy Huneke says she uses texturing compound combining plaster, joint compound and metallics to create eye-catching, large-scale geometric forms.

March 26, 2011 (Ramona)--If you've ever wondered what an artist’s studio really looks like, now is your chance to see for yourself. Eighteen award winning artists from Ramona have been invited to open their studios to visitors. Meet these artists, discuss their work and process, and even add to your art collection if you're so inclined.

The tour will feature a variety of art including fused glass, painting, sculpture, art quilts, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and metalwork. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th.

March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) -- To celebrate two years in business, proprietor Shannon O’Dunn has announced her gallery will host an all-day event featuring special savings on Thursday, March 24, 2011. All are welcome. Three California fine artists have recently joined with O’Dunn Fine Art for representation, furthering the gallery’s role and reputation as an attractive venue and outlet for high-quality fine art in East County.

By Abigail Migala

March 23, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Main Street 5 Gallery (www.mainstreet5gallery.com) is presenting a solo show by award-winning watercolorist Chuck McPherson. The opening reception will take place on Friday, March 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., when you can come meet the artist, see some of his artwork and enjoy refreshments in a fun, lively atmosphere.

The gallery is in the heart of downtown El Cajon at 124 East Main Street and is owned and operated by local photographic artist and promoter Esther Beish (www.eyesofesther.com). She is enthusiastic about this upcoming event, describing McPherson as the “Wizard of Watercolor.”

Popular American musical playing March 24-27 in Spring Valley

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Director Jean Isaac calls Ragtime a show that “will get inside your soul.” Drawn to the musical’s epic scale and powerful yet timeless themes, she observes, “It’s a beautiful story to be told," then adds that it's important to tell the story anew in today’s turbulent times.

Isaac delivers a moving interpretation, brought to life through often stellar performances by the Young Actors’ Theatre cast. 

March 21, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation will present "Where the Wild Things Grow," an exhibition features paintings by seven award-winning artists in the Mission Trails Regional Park Gallery from March 26 through April 22.

The public is also invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Sunday, April 3 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Admission is free.

About the Artists:

March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –What could be more inspiring than an afternoon of music and nature? On March 20th at 3 p.m., the Silver Strings Quarter will perform classical, light classical and popular music at a free concert at MissionTrails Regional Park. The free concert will be held inside the theater at the Visitor & Interpretative Center.

The quartet features Marilyn Thomas on violin, Janet Mathews on viola, Evelyn Kooperman on cello, and Don Matthews on bass. After the concert, a reception will follow in a gallery at the Visitors and Interpretive Center, overlooking spectacular scenery in the 6,150 acre park.

RSVP by March 21; proceeds benefit St. Madeleine Sophie's Center

By Abigail Migala

March 17, 2011 (El Cajon)--The St. Clair Gallery announces “Wine-Down Wednesday” at the Westfield Parkway Shopping Center at 415 Parkway Plaza in El Cajon on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5 - 7 p.m. The gallery and the shopping center team up twice a year to host these lively receptions, during which part of the common area in Macy’s Court is sectioned off to provide an intimate locale for 150 guests to enjoy fine art, wine and refreshments.

By Alexander Nguyen

“Hamlet” is now playing at the Grossmont Stagehouse Theatre at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 through Thursday March 19. Matinee is on March 19 at 2 p.m.

March 14, 2011 (El Cajon)--Hamlet is the most revered and hated of Shakespeare’s plays, at least from an actor’s perspective. It is a role that has both made and broken careers. Even the noted Shakespearean actor Laurence Olivier once admitted to flaws in his earliest attempt at portraying Hamlet. There’s even a play titled “I hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick. The plot of Hamlet deals with emotions ranging from overwhelming grief to seething rage, from treachery to incest, from revenge to moral corruption. It is a leviathan task to take on, for sure. With that baggage in mind, the students at Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department did a commendable job.

March 8, 2011 (San Diego)—Young actors ages 6 to 18 are invited to audition for an upcoming musical production of The Sound of Music. Young actors will find plenty of opportunities to learn their craft and dazzle onstage,” a press release on the auditions states. Scholarships are available. Everyone who auditions will be in the show!

Auditions will be held Thursday, March 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. Scroll down for details on the show and auditions.

March 3, 2011 (El Cajon)--The Grossmont College Art Council presents its annual fundraising Exhibition and Auction next week. The Hyde Gallery on campus will exhibit works of 18 established artists representing a variety of disciplines.