East County News Service

June 19, 2016 (Mt. Helix) -- Tickets are now on sale for the 9th annual heART of Mt. Helix set for Saturday, August 13 - 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the park atop Mt. Helix.  The popular party on the hill will feature dancing under the stars to the Mighty Untouchables, samplings from over 15 local restaurants along with wine and spirits from several local establishments including, St. Petersberg Vodka, Hennebery Whiskey, and this year's signature cocktail, The Helix, created by Vom Fass, as well as local brews from Helix Brewing Co., Ballast Point and more.

East County News Service

June 25, 2016 (El Cajon) – Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique multi-media entertainment event featuring the live music of Hall of Famer Ricky performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew & Gunnar, grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson .   When Matthew and Gunnar hit #1 on Billboard with their rock band NELSON and their own mega hit “Can’t Live Without Your Love & Affection” is put the Nelson family in the Guiness Book of World Records as the only family in entertainment history with three generations of #1 hitmakers.

On June 26^th at 7 p.m., the show will be onstage at the Sycuan Live up Close Theatre (5484 Casino Way) in El Cajon. This performance includes never before seen big screen video footage of the NELSON family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson, as well as his hit songs including “Hello Mary Lou”, “Travelin’ Man”, “and Garden Party.”  This year marks the 31^st anniversary of Rick Nelson’s passing in a tragic New Year’s Eve plane crash.

East County News Service

June 20, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- The smooth sounds of the Cat-illacs will entertain a crowd at Lemon Grove’s Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 30^th. The summer concert series takes place each Thursday night all summer long at Berry Street Park starting at 6:30. 

East County News Service

June 9, 2016 (El Cajon) – The Olaf Wieghorst Museum at the Wieghorst Western Heritage Center, 131 Rea Ave., El Cajon, will present “Moments in Time,” an exhibit featuring 24 pieces created by six artists from June 15 to Aug. 22.

By Chisato Iversen

June 6, 2016 (San Diego) -- Visionary Dance Theatre showcased Shadoworx, an amazing dance performance choreographed by Natalia Valerdi-Rogers on May 27 and 28th.  All the dancers were stunning. They could really convey their emotions through to the audience. They were able to go from sad and forlorn to sassy and quirky to soft and delicate. The dancers ranged from children to adults.

By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2016 (La  Mesa) – Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and other beloved characters from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book will come to life to enchant and delight audiences in Visionary Youth Ballet’s presentation of “The Jungle Book Ballet.” This special program choreographed by Kiona Daelyn, Visionary’s Director of Dance Education, wil be held Friday and Saturday, June 3-4 at 7 p.m. at Visionary’s new studio (8693 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa.

East County News Service

May 26, 2016 (La Mesa) – AP students at Grossmont High School recently researched Japanese-American students who attended Grossmont and the impact that the 1942 internment of program had on their lives.  Now the results of their efforts are on display in a special exhibit at the La Mesa Historical Society: May through September on the 2nd & 4th Saturday  from 1-4pm: “WWII Internment and the Japanese-American Students of Grossmont High School.”

But action comes too late for Grossmont Community Concert Association, set to hold its farewell concert June 15

By Jonathan Goetz

May 26, 2016 (El Cajon) - El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells promised “we are in the process of refurbishing the performing arts center and it will be open soon” in response to public comment at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.

Image: Aerial over Shell Spill Monday, May 16, 2016. Miles of sheen before even a single skimmer boat is seen. Photo courtesy Dr. Ian MacDonald / Bonny Schumaker

East County News Service

May 21, 2016 (San Diego) -- Mark Manning, director of The Road to Fallujah, has been covering the BP Oil Spill for six years. Being immersed in the communities suffering severe health circumstances following that spill and the risky ‘clean-up’ operations using chemical dispersants prompted him to act on the current response to the Shell spill off the Louisiana coast last Thursday.

By Helen Ofield, President, Lemon Grove Historical Society

East County News Service

May 15, 2016 (San Diego) -The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Diego’s 8^th Annual International Documentary Film Series continues May 16, and 23, screening three compelling documentary films that shed light on what life is like for refugees around the world. Plus, each film will be followed by Q&A with a guest speaker who has relevant firsthand experience providing humanitarian response to conflict and disaster.  See flyer on the website for schedule and details.

East County News Service

May 14, 2016 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to have a ropin’ good time at a Cactus Garden BBQ at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, a hidden gem at 131 Rea Street, just off Main Street in downtown El Cajon. On June 4^th and 5^th from 5 to 9 p.m. Sons of Charity Inc. will celebrate western Heritage and famed artist Olaf Wieghorst’s iconic art with a cowboy BBQ and concert by “Smith and Western.

East County News Service

May 8, 2016 (Julian) -- The California Old Time Fiddlers Association invites you to the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest on Saturday and Sunday, June 4^th and 5^th plus a Saturday night performance by two two-time National Fiddle champions. There’s also a warmup workshop on Friday June 3^rd led by a national Grand Fiddle champions.

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

May 7, 2016 (El Cajon) – The Odd Couple is a case of opposing personalities coming together.and trying to work things out. The original movie was in 1968, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.  I can hardly believe it was so long ago. In 1970 they made the television series with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, also a classic. Recently came the remake with Brian Cebrain as Felix and Matthew Perry as Oscar. Although I have only seen a couple of shows, it was also quite funny.

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

May 5, 2016 - (El Cajon) - Remember when you were in the theatre program in high school? Perhaps even El Cajon Valley High School?  They have this beautiful little old theatre which I'm sure housed many many of you and your plays over the years. Remember how nice it would be or would have been to perform in front of a full house? A real confidence booster to feel people are here to see me. I matter.