July 31, 2011 (Rancho Bernardo)—Tastings by 20 San Diego County wineries plus food vendors will be on hand at the San Diego Wine Country Festival on Saturday, August 6 from 1-5 p.m. The event takes place at the Bernardo Winery, San Diego’s oldest winery founded 121 years ago.

Live music, raffle prizes, wine education booths and meeting local winemakers are all part of the festivities. Tickets are $20 and include 10 tastes.

August 1, 2011 (Lemon Grove) -- Ready for some hot August nights? There's still time to catch the last two free summer concerts of the season at Lemon Grove's Berry Park.  Videographer Jack Winemiller prepared a video report for ECM, including interviews with a teen queen, reminiscences of an event organizer, and of course, music!

July 31, 2011 (Cleveland National Forest) – On Saturday, August 13, the San Diego Archaeological Center will host a presentation on volunteer opportunities including the Cleveland National Forest heritage program, “Passport in Time.” The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido.

July 30, 2011 (Tierrasanta) - Javier Ugarte, chef/owner at Andiamo! Ristorante Italiano, is a native of Peru. Tonight, he invites you to experience an evening of Peruvian cuisine and live music from the coast of Peru. 

July 28, 2011 (Ramona) – It’s opening day at the Ramona Country Fair, where admission is free! This four-day event includes live entertainment including musical bands and the Ramona Idol contest, animals, livestock auction, crafts, food, and carnival rides.

July 27, 2011 (Jacumba)—Choosing what to wear won’t be an issue for attendees at Nudestock, a three-day rock ‘n’ roll festival at De Anza Springs Resort in Jacumba July 29-31.

Billed as one of the largest and newest clothing optional resorts in America, the facility is hosting the music fest that it claims will “rival Woodstock.” In addition to live music all weekend, activities include body painting, a beer garden, raffle, vendors and “special surprises.”

July 30, 2011 (Alpine) – Exotic birds from around the world will flock to the Alpine Library on July 30th at 1 p.m. for a very special program. Be sure to bring your camera! Learn about different bird species, habitats and behaviors, then come and play with the birds at this free family event.

Update: View a video with this year's parade excerpts and historic information on Pine Valley. youtu.be/Tt2745YDmy0

July 21, 2011 (Pine Valley) – If you’re looking for a festival that epitomizes small town America, mark your calendars for Pine Valley Days on July 29-30. Events include a deep-pit barbecue, parade, live music with starlight dancing, craft fair, horseshoe tournament, kids' activities, prizes and much more.

July 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – "Last Light," the largest collection of artwork by Wade Cline will be on display at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa from July 27 to August 28. In addition, the public is invited to meet the artist at a reception July 27 from 5-8 p.m.

Cline's oil paintings are mostly moody urban scenes of San Diego, with mid-century architecture, rainy streets, and that” low energy time right at dusk,” O’Dunn said.  Influenced by Wayne Thiebaud and Edward Hopper, Cline has exhibited at the Crocker and Barrios art galleries in Sacramento, the Pratt and La Jolla Artists' galleries in San Diego, and in "Art Alive" at the San Diego Museum of Art.  

July 23, 2011 (San Diego) -- The East County Youth Symphony will present a concert of Wolfgang Mozart symphonies No. 40 and 41 at San Diego State University (SDSU) on Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m.

July 19, 2011 (El Cajon) – Country music superstar Tanya Tucker will perform two shows on Saturday, July 23 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Sycuan Casino’s Showcase Theater.

Voted the Country Music Association’s female vocalist of the year in 1991, she had eight consecutive singles reach the Top 10 charts including “Down to My Last Teardrop,” “(Without You) What Do I Do With Me” and “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane.”

July 18, 2011 (La Mesa) – On the fourth Thursday of each month, the Space Bar Internet Café at 7454 University in La Mesa presents open mike night from 7:30 to 10 p.m with Jihmye Collins. On July 28, host Jim Moreno will welcome Jerrica Escoto and Succinct from the San Diego Slam Team. (see details below). The public is also invited to “come express yourself in public” through spoken word, poetry, song, comedy, and dance.

21 BANDS and 120 CRAFT BREWERIES "LIVE ON THE LAWN" AT QUALCOMM

July 18, 2011 (San Diego) – America’s Finest Beer Festival is expected to be one of the largest craft brewery festivals in Southern California. With beer from more than 120 craft breweries on tap and 21 bands participating, this fun-filled event will benefit the San Diego USO and the Rancho San Diego − Jamul Chamber of Commerce.

Juggler/comedian David Lucas joins lineup July 17 at Moxie Theater

July 15, 2011 (San Diego)—Something funny is happening in San Diego’s eastern region. Brew Ha Ha, the popular comedy group founded by Diane Jean and Chris Clobber, is now performing regularly at two locations near San Diego State University: San Diego Desserts and the Moxie Theater.
 

On Sunday, July 17, international juggler and comedian David Lucas will headline a show at the Moxie Theater, 6663 El Cajon Blvd.

July 15, 2011 (El Cajon) –Artists’ demonstrations, live music, giveaways, food and drinks are all part of a Gallery Walk event set for Friday, July 15 from 5-8 p.m. in downtown El Cajon.  The public is invited to participate in the free art walk to help support local artists at eight participating galleries. In addition, many downtown shops and restaurants are offering discounts for the evening.

July 8, 2011 (La Mesa)--Dive into fun at the La Mesa Municipal Pool’s “Dive-in Movie” featuring “Toy Story 3” on Friday, July 15. Family and friends can enjoy viewing an outdoor movie from a spot on the pool deck or while floating in the heated pool.

July 12, 2011 (San Diego) – The hilarious comics from Brew Ha Ha will present a rollicking comedy show tonight, Tuesday July 12 at 7 p.m. feature top comic Albert Linton. The show is at San Diego Desserts & Bistro, 5987 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego 92115.

Half the proceeds will benefit Haitian charities. Donations are suggested; No cover charge.

July 8, 2011 (San Diego) - Native American Flute Players will perform this Sunday, July 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park.  The group of 4-9 volunteers practice on a variety of flutes in the amphitheater on the Visitor Center's back terrace from 1 to 3:00 pm on the second Sunday of each month.

by Elena Peña

July 7, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)--We go to the mall to watch a movie, to shop for new attire, or maybe just to walk around and spend some quality time window shopping. However, there are plenty of other things to do besides shop, if you go on the right day.

Every month there are special events going on at malls in East County—such as free concerts, pet adoptions, children’s activities and family fun. Here are some highlights of events taking place in July that are worth checking out.

June 22, 2011 (San Diego)--SummerFest tickets are selling fast!  Join us June 26 at Mission Trails Regional Park for a  feast cooked up by Chefs de Cuisine, plus wine and beer tasting, live music, thousands of dollars in prizes and more -- all for just $25 ($20 if you buy 2 or more tickets) if you buy in advance online (at the door: $30 or two for $50).

Get tickets and prize list here: www.eastcountymagazine.org/summerfest-2011

Scroll down to view the juicy details of the full menu--then make plans to join us for this fabulous midsummer feast!

April 12, 2011 (El Cajon)--Lauren Potter, born with Down’s syndrome, plays cheerleader Becky Jackson on Fox’s Emmy Award-winning hit show Glee. The California native is teaming up with www.AbilityPath.org and recently testified before a special Congressional briefing that Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D- California) hosted, speaking out against the bullying of children with special needs.

Potter will be guest of honor at Home of Guiding Hands's 37th Annual Gala, "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which will take place on Southern California’s largest and most exclusive yacht, the Inspiration Hornblower, on June 25.

June 14, 2011 (Valley Center) -- The Key Creek Lavender Farm will be holding a Forage Dinner on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. This unique, five course dinner will serve local, organic vegetables grown at Morning Star Ranch, as well as fresh produce from other local organic farmers.  

June 21, 2011 (San Diego)—Paul and Denise Strahm, a husband and wife team, set out on a mission to paint and photograph the 21 California Missions. Now Plein air painter Paul and photographer Denise share their art covering their unique journey at an exhibition hosted by Mission Trails Visitor Center Gallery from Saturday, June 18 through Friday, July 15. What better venue to showcase the California Mission artwork than in the Mission Trails Visitor Center Gallery, named after the historic start of the California Mission system?
 

There will be an artists reception open to the public on Sunday, June 26 from 1-4 p.m. (just before East County Magazine’s SummerFest event at 6 p.m. in the same venue, with a trail walk in between at 5 p.m.).  Savor both events--enjoy wonderful art plus an evening of feasting, winetasting, merrymaking and fabulous prizes!

June 17, 2011 (La Mesa)--What is your image of summer? Being on the water, a back country visit, ripe grapes in the sun? We all have nostalgic and joyful memories of summers past, and hopes for relaxation, recreation and friendship in the months ahead.

"Images of Summer" at O'Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa will present--in the vernacular of painting--sunny days of over twenty artists, in oils, watercolor, and pastels. Landscape, figurative, and abstract pieces evoke the season, each framed and ready to hang. Proprietor Shannon O'Dunn invites you to join her for the opening of "Images of Summer", and to celebrate the Summer Solstice with music and art on Wednesday June 22, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

All ticket and raffle sales from the event will assist Japan in rebuilding after earthquake, tsunami

San Diego, CA, June 13, 2011 – GAM3RS, the hysterical one-man play about role-playing games, work, life and elves, returns to San Diego for a special benefit performance Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Ansir Innovation Center. Created by San Diegans Brian Bielawski and Walter G. Meyer and starring Bielawski, the show has rocked the New York International Fringe Festival and played at colleges from MIT and ASU to UCSD and USD.

“As soon as the earthquake hit, we knew we wanted to figure out a way to help. When the good folks at Ansir offered a venue, we jumped at it,” Meyer said. “Ansir is a good fit for us,” Bielawski added. “They do cutting edge, technical stuff—the kind of stuff we tend to make fun of in GAM3RS.”

June 15, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Art lovers are invited to stroll through "6 Galleries-1 Evening" in a "Downtown Gallery Walk" on June 17 from 5-8 p.m.  All six galleries are now located within a half-block in the heart of downtown El Cajon.  In addition to savoring art by local artists, visitors can also sip champagne and wine, enjoy hors d'oeuvre's and a passport full of prizes--followed by a free concert in the park.

Participating galleries include:

 By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2011 (San Pasqual) –Doff your shoes, kick up your heels and dive into a barrel of ripe grapes at Orfila Vineyards annual Grape Stomp on Saturday, August 27^th.   This popular event sells out early each year and includes a wine-tasting reception with hors-d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, live performance by Java Sounds featuring saxophonist Adrienne Nims, tractor rides, and grape stomping.

June 10, 2011 (La Mesa) --The Chipotle “Sundays At Six” Summer Concerts Series at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa continues for its tenth season beginning on Sunday, June 12, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The concerts are held at the outdoor amphitheatre at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa.

Admission is free. For directions, see http://www.cityoflamesa.com/index.aspx?nid=391

The following is a listing of the 2011 season concerts:

Tea, Cakes and Frivolity Planned 

June 10, 2011 (Julian)--Residents throughout San Diego County are invited to attend the Julian Woman’s Club Apple Blossom Tea today. The annual event, attended by people of all ages, offers a formal English tea serving with sandwiches and sweet pastries. The event also includes opportunities to win themed gift baskets.

June 8, 2011 (La Mesa)--East County’s largest annual free health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, at the Grossmont Center mall in La Mesa, near the movie theaters.

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the event, expects over 75 exhibit booths will feature health screenings for stroke, blood pressure and blood glucose/diabetes, as well as the latest information on health-related techniques and products.