October 4, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery opens an exhibition of paintings by: Ben Aubert, Jennifer Bennett, Daphne Hill, Tom Lazzara, Bill Mosley, Anna Stump and Michael Wheelden. All of the participating artists have represented our Art Department over the years. This makes for a logical connection between Grossmont College celebrating its fifty years of higher education and these particular examples of artwork produced by those artists having a direct influence on our students.

San Diego Arts Guide features gallery event on cover

September 28, 2011 (La Mesa) – Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel and his intriguing collection of oil and acrylic paintings will be in La Mesa Village tonight from 5-8 p.m. for a reception at at O’Dunn Fine Art. The public is welcome to attend, also savoring refreshments and entertainment provided by guitarists Bill Coleman.

San Diego Arts Guide will  be  present to launch its October-December edition, which features a Kempel painting, “Skyscrapers in the Night,” from the exhibit on the cover.

Meet the artist Sept. 28

September 6, 2011 (La Mesa) -- AbEx invades La Mesa Village! Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel is bringing a selection of larger oil and acrylic paintings to East County for his exciting show September 7 – October 9 at O’Dunn Fine Art.  Art lovers are also invited to meet this talented artist at a reception on Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 p.m.

Influenced by the 20th century San Francisco abstract expressionist movement, Krempel references the beauty of both natural and man-made landscapes in his work. He has been featured in dozens of bay area shows, and is the founder of the Temporary Artists Group (TAG), which brings emerging artists to the community. With degrees in both the arts and psychology, John's paintings dance at the interface of the physical and psychological worlds.

September 15, 2011 (Poway) – Grab your cowboy hats and your dancing shoes, then head on out to the 2nd annual Poway Days Battle of the Bands, where rock, country, bluegrass and contemporary music bands will vie for cash prizes—and bragging rights. Try out your cowboy skills on a mechanical bull, enter a pie-eating contest, and try your luck at casino blackjack and poker games.

September 13, 2011 (Santee) -- Last year's inagural Santee Wine & Bluegrass Festival was a surprise success that hit all of the right notes in this friendly East County community.

September 5, 2011 (Mt. Helix) – Heart’s Horizon, a painting created on site by local artist Chuck McPherson during the HeART of Mt. Helix event last weekend, brought a welcome $2,350 during a live auction to benefit the Mt. Helix Foundation.

The 18 x 24 watercolor took McPherson two and a half hours to complete, delighting onlookers in the crowd as well as the winning bidder.

August 30, 2011 (Julian) – Beautiful, historic Julian is an enjoyable place to experience art galleries and shops selling local artists’ works. This weekend, the Julian Art Guild hosts a Labor Day show that brings together numerous artists in one place on September 2-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall, upstairs, on Main Street.

August 25, 2011 (San Diego) –  Robert Thome, an internationally acclaimed mouth painter, will be teaching Alvarado Hospital rehabilitation patients/former patients how to use art as a therapeutic tool on Friday, Aug. 26, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

By Lauren Radice

Historical Society Honors 100th Anniversary of Flying A Movie Studio

August 11, 2011 (La Mesa)-- Hollywood’s long-forgotten roots in La Mesa will be commemorated on the 100th anniversary of San Diego County’s first movie studio with two events honoring the Flying A Movie Company studios.

LIVE & UP CLOSE CONCERT SERIES TO FEATURE SURVIVOR, MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, MIDTOWN MEN & MORE

August 4, 2011 (El Cajon) – This fall, Sycuan Casino will welcome famous bands, musicians and Broadway actors to its intimate Live & Up Close concert venue. Performances start August 6 with '60s favorites  Herman's Hermits and conclude November 22 with Monty Python's SPAMALOT.  

by Elena Peña

Get ready to witness a different kind of learning experience this fall at the Encore! Theatre in Spring Valley. The Young Actors’ Theatre is set to bring to life the beloved musical animated series School House Rock come September. It’s sure to be a fun, knowledge-infused event for the whole family.