By Kathy Carpenter

Freelance Writer www.splashmags.com

September 2, 2017  (La Mesa) -- Magnetic. Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got The Will, by Del Shores, master of Texas comedies, draws you in like sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving. This Lamplighters Theatre production has lots of rich characters--sweet and naughty.

Documentary on education apartheid in Iran against Baha’I minority to premiere at Harlem International Film Festival

East County News Service

August 30, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Changing the World, One Wall at a Time, is a documentary feature film on Education Is Not a Crime – the world’s largest street art and human rights campaign, which raises awareness about education apartheid by Iran’s government against tens of thousands of Baha’is in the country. 

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2017 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to experience bluegrass, Cajun, Flamenco, and country blues music this Wednesday night at Brew Coffee spot, the happening new gathering place in La Mesa, at 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.  from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m.

By Mimi Pollack

Photos courtesy Cinewest Productions

August 16, 2017 (San Diego) -- Filmmaker Isaac Artenstein likes to tell good stories, especially unknown ones, and if those stories inform and entertain others, even better. He feels that the Jews of the Southwest have an untold story as the narrative has been mostly about the Anglo westward expansion; whereas other immigrants are also part of the history. He wants to show one of the missing pieces of the puzzle. To that end, he is working on a four part series of documentaries, Frontier Jews, which covers Jews of the Southwest, including New Mexico, San Diego, Arizona [Tucson] and El Paso. The documentary on New Mexico, Challah Rising in the Desert has just been completed and the one on San Diego, To the Ends of the Earth is near completion.

Review by Kathy Carpenter

Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com and Freelance Writer, Splash Magazine

August 7, 2017 (Casa De Oro) - Young Actors Theatre took on Legally Blonde to show that beyond fun and fluff, the real message is for young women in today's society to stay positive, believe in yourself, dig deep and stay strong. For the rest of us, not everything is as it first appears. Look beneath the blonde to find what's important.

East County News Service

July 30, 2017 (Julian) - Julian Arts Guild will hold its Fall Art Show on September 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall (2129 Main Street, Julian).

This is a free event showcasing the works of talented Julian artists. Artworks displayed will include weaving, ceramics, gourd painting, drawing and mixed media.

East County News Service

July 28, 2017 (San Diego) — The Pomerado Brass Quintet will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 30 in the visitor center at Mission Trails Regional Park.

Based in San Diego, California, the Pomerado Brass Quintet was formed in the summer of 2005 as a spin-off from the Pomerado Community Band.  The Pomerado Brass Quintet performs a wide variety of music from classical, marches, jazz, ragtime, Dixieland, and selections from Broadway musicals.

Review by Kathy Carpenter, Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com, Freelance writer Splash Magazine

July 19, 2017 (La Mesa) - Laughter is the best medicine and makes for great plays. George Bailey, president of the board at Lamplighters says they are not out to wow the critics, but entertain their audience. As such, they are pretty much crushing it. If a play at Lamplighters sounds like you would enjoy it, you probably will.

Women in Jeopardy is a laugh out loud comedy that gives you a couple hours of complete escape and entertainment. With that name you might think it's something entirely different. Don't let the name fool you. It's comedy pure and simple. Totally entertaining.

East County News Service

July 10, 2017 (La Mesa) — La Mesa invites you to come celebrate July as Park and Recreation Month at a free outdoor movie in the park on Friday, July 21. Bring a picnic, lawn chair, spread out a blanket, and enjoy The Jungle Book (2016), rated PG.

East County News Service

June 28, 2017 (El Cajon) – Ross Mathews is bringing his famed, “Straight Talk with Ross Mathews” live podcast to San Diego for one night on Thursday, July 13. He will be accompanied by his straight-talking crew for an interactive, crowd-engaging show.

East County News Service

June 25, 2017 (Julian) – The Julian Triangle Club invites you to help solve a hilarious crime at a murder mystery theater set for July 28^th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Julian town hall ‘s lower level (2129 Main Street, Julian).  Dinner will be catered by Jeremy’s On the Hill.

By Miriam Raftery

June 21, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Lamplighters Community Theatre presents Women in Jeopardy! This new comedy by Wendy MacLeod, directed by Rob Conway, will run July 7-30 at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa.

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.