East County News Service

June 20, 2017 (Alpine) – Once again, summer concerts will rock the night at the Alpine Community Center Park (1830 Alpine Blvd, Alpine, CA 91901 - behind the Library) Presented by the Alpine Community Center & the Alpine Library.

East County News Service

June 20, 2017 (El Cajon) - At the next Friday night Dinner & a Concert on June 23, dance to hippie rock music by the group “Summer of Love” from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The  2017 season of “Dinner & a Concert” is held outdoors at the Prescott Promenade, 201 E. Main Street, now through September 29. Arrive early to dine at one of many great restaurants downtown, or bring your picnic and lawn chairs. 

50 years as organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa

By Mary Domb Mikkelson

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa) -- A national treasure right in our midst-- that’s the incomparable Valerie Victor, organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM).

Born in National City (as were her mother and grandmother), Valerie was seven when she started to play the piano, eight when her elementary school music teacher asked that she not return to class – it was “too easy” for her.  Taken on as the teacher’s private student for the next seven years, young Valerie thrived.  Another teacher followed, working with her for the next 25 – 30 years.  Once a month a “bonus” was added:  organ lessons. 

East County News Service

June 8, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now presenting its Spring 2017 art exhibit featuring 37 photographs shot by three amateur photographers who work as laboratory scientists at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. The show runs through June 30. The photographers include Celeste Saxer of Santee, Mary Peddecord of Del Cerro and Cari Gallenson of Carmel Valley.

By E.A. Barrera

June 5, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - There is something particularly galling when a writer and supposed historian pens a screenplay and intentionally distorts history for the purposes of modern day sensibilities. In this case, that sensibility is rampant in the portrayal of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill - under a childish modern notion of human interaction and motivation.

East County News Service

June 1, 2017 (Julian) --Sons of the American Legion will present the 11^th annual Julian Dance on June 10^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The backcountry dance and barbecue features music by Three Chord Justice and the California Rangers, a large dance floor, plus dinner slow-cooked Santa Maria style over open oak-wood flames. 

This event is described as a “throwback to a simpler time with twinkly lights and bonfires backdropped by dark mountain skies,” a time for mountain residents and visitors to get together for a great time.

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals

Photo:  artist, Bob Teague (left) with Kenneth Tinsley, a member of the committee who helped with the installation.

May 30, 2017 (Ramona) – A dedication ceremony for the “Country Lifestyle Mural,” sponsored by the San Diego Country Estates Association, will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2017, beginning at 10 a.m. at the site of the mural at 325 10^th Street, Ramona CA 92065.  The public is invited to attend. In addition to refreshments, attendees will receive a picture of the mural, autographed by the artist.

East County News Service

May 26, 2017 (La Mesa) - Lamplighters has been entertaining La Mesa and its surrounding communities since 1937.  On Sunday, June 11, they're inviting you to celebrate their 80th anniversary with a gala from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Women's Club.

East County News Service

May 18, 2017 (San Diego) - Sycuan Casino is pleased to announce this year’s Summer of Sycuan concert series. Kicking off the summer series is world-famous drummer Sheila E. performing at Sycuan on Friday, June 9. Multi-platinum music group Bell Biv DeVoe will follow with three shows on consecutive nights, June 26, 27 and 28.

By Miriam Raftery

May 12, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Library at 3001 School Lane in Lemon Grove is hosting “Art Days: Celebrate Art in the Grove!”  The series opens with a lecture May 15^th on the marvelous murals of Lemon Grove.

Additional upcoming events include an opportunity for teens to created melted crayon art, a preschool art show, and after school art. Scroll down for full details.

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com

Freelance writer Splash Magazine

May 12, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Not everything is black and white. If you have never had the opportunity to watch Into the Woods, it can be complex and difficult to follow. The more I see it, the more I love it. For some reason, it's one of those shows that resonates with me. Perhaps the show points out we are not on out path in life alone.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 9, 2017 (El Cajon) -- It’s going to be hard to stay still in those Sycuan Casino concert seats with the hit band Loverboy pumping out the bass, the vocals, and the memories at their concerts this weekend!  “Turn Me Loose” or turn you loose, with flickering lights and almost karaoke night for all those who know every word of their songs.

By Miriam Raftery

Video, above: Open fiddling competition 2016 champion Shira Ellison in her winning performance

May 2, 2017 (Julian) -- Each year,  the town of Julian comes alive with the sounds  of music—fiddle music, along with banjos, guitars, mandolins and mountain dulcimers at the annual Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest. 

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 20^th at the Julian Town Hall, plus on Friday night a Texas-style fiddle workshop will be led by two-time national grand fiddle champion Matthew Hartz.  (For details and a schedule visit www.SanDiegoFiddler.org)

Recently we’re seeing a revival of interest in the art of fiddling and more broadly, a Renaissance in traditional music both regionally and nationally.

By Miriam Raftery

April 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - The Baja Blues Boys, known for their original acoustic and electric blues plus roots, Americana and party music, will be performing in several local venues over the next month including locations in La Mesa, Santa Ysabel and Poway.

Below are their appearances in our inland region:

East County News Service

April 18, 2017 (Santee) - The Santee Craft, Vendor and Food Fair will be held Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Avenue in Santee.  Guests can shop for Mother’s Day handcrafted gifts, including hand-made art dolls,  origami owl jewelry, bracelets, Donald Trump pussycat toys,  Avon and MaryKay cosmetics, PartyLite, warming bags, ceramics, hand-made oak crafts and more.  Hand-made tamales and fruit waters will also be available.