By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

April 9, 2018 (San Diego) -- As both the Christian and Jewish communities celebration of their holiest time of the year is coinciding with one another this year, the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra is joining forces with the voices of the East County San Diego Mormon Chorale in a landmark concert featuring the world premiere of an orchestral cantata written for cantor, choir, and orchestra called “Unetofah Takef” (Day of Reckoning) written by John Michael Luther. The performance features shofar (ram’s horn) virtuoso, Steve Ovitsky.

By Liz Alper

Photo via Apple Trailers

April 4, 2018 (San Diego) - I’m a sportswriter who doesn’t know anything about volleyball.  Kind of pathetic, I know.  Of course I know how it’s played, but I don’t know the logistics of scoring, etc.  That’s why you won’t see any college or prep volleyball recaps on here.  But as a sports reporter and fan, of course I love a Cinderella sports story.  The Miracle Season was all of that and more.

East County News Service

March 26, 2018 (Alpine) -- Viejas Casino and Resort in partnership with Goldenvoice today unveiled its 2018  Viejas Concerts in the Park lineup. This summer’s performers will include Wynonna Judd, Loverboy, Three Dog Night, Little River Band, Los Tigres Del Norte, Jeff Foxworthy, Eddie Money, Jeff Dunham, Peter Cetera, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, and King of the Cage, with more performers to be announced soon.

By Jonathan Goetz

March 19, 2018 (La Mesa) – Constitution, the dance, is coming to the San Diego Performing Arts Center (4579 Mission Gorge Place) April 13-14 thanks to La Mesa based Kidz Danz Kompany and Visionary Dance Theatre.

By Liz Alper

Photos via jeddjong.wordpress.com

March 13, 2018 (San Diego) - When I was a kid, my best friend had a PlayStation.  On that PlayStation, he had the original Tomb Raider game.  Gaming was simpler back then; feminists didn’t have to complain about the “sexualization of women” (there is none) in games because, you know, this was the 90s; women and men in video games were just...blocks (Goldeneye, anyone?).  So, I went to see Tomb Raider under the premise of nostalgia.

By Mimi Pollack

Photo:  Rosen’s painting: “Romance in the Desert”.  Photo by Mimi Pollack

March 13, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- “Plein Air” means fresh air–think outdoors-in French and many painters feel inspired when working outdoors in natural light surrounded by the splendors of nature. The Borrego Art Institute currently has an exhibit called, “Borrego Art Institute 12^th Annual Plein Air Invitational.” This exhibit, which runs from March 5 to April 2, showcases the beauty of the desert. The curator is Shannon O’Dunn who owned an art gallery in downtown La Mesa before moving to Colorado.

East County News Service

March 10, 2018 (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 Winter Art Exhibit showcasing 13 art pieces by Fabian Diaz Luevano of El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

March 5, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- An impressive lineup of musical performances are coming up with Cuyamaca College’s annual Spring Concert Series, which opened in February and continues with many upcoming shows.

“The Spring Concert Series includes some very exciting events, including some new and repeat performers,” said Taylor Smith, Performing Arts chair at Cuyamaca College. “I am especially excited about the new ECHO Chamber Music series, which will feature world-renown instrumentalists. Each semester, we try to provide an educational and entertaining series with a wide variety of musical styles. This semester we are presenting music from Beethoven to the Beatles and everything in between. Where else in San Diego can you go to see such a variety?”      

All but the Coyote Music Festival take place at the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets to all other shows is $8, or $5 for students unless otherwise noted.

By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2018 (La Mesa) – Nainsook Framing + Art invites you to “Glow,” a spring artists’ reception  on Saturday, March 3 from 6-8 p.m.  The event features works by local artists Beverly Berwick, Mary Sue Compton, Gary Dyak, Tina Fries-Miller, Sue Z. Gold, Susan Hewitt, Roberta Labastida, Harriet Lisak, Carol Mansfield, Ann Slater, Paul White and Jami Wright.

Wine and cheese will be served at the reception, which is open to the public.  The art show will run from March 3 through April 30. 

www.http://losangeles.splashmags.com/

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2018 (Ramona) – You’re invited to meet artists, art teachers, furniture artisans and celebrate the life of the late, great artist Helen Petre  on Friday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street in Ramona.  The event is the first of a series of “First Friday” art events that the gallery plans to host, each featuring art, music and refreshments.

Helen Petre was a colorful and acclaimed artist who lived in Julian and continued creating works of art well into her nineties. Known for her stylish hats and fashionable clothing that she designed herself, during her long and productive life she became a prolific artist excelling in collage, monoprinting, mixed media and bookarts. 

East County News Service

February 15, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Art lovers can view works of over 70 fine artists at the 29^th annual Circle of Art Show and Sale on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. This popular event will be held Saturday, March 10^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deadline for new members to apply is Feb. 26 to perform in Spring Concert April 29

By Teresa Fistere, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego Festival Chorus, based in East County, is in its 18^th season, and never sounded so good!

We are non-sectarian, performing choral masterworks and popular choral arrangements in the same program.

Our winter concert featured the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and a zany “Musicological Tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas”. 1400 people attended our performance at the College Avenue Baptist Church, a marvelous venue.

This spring’s concert starts with John Rutter’s “Requiem”, a modern choral masterpiece. Anyone would be inspired by it. Then we get to perform songs from a new choral version of “West Side Story”. It’s a wonderful American musical. We finish the concert with delightful songs from “The Wizard of Oz”.

East County News Service

February 8, 2018 (Mt. Helix) -- Art in the Park camp is being offered for the sixth season by Art Smarts, Inc. at Mt. Helix Park starting Monday, March 26 and running through Friday, March 30 from 9 a.m. until noon each day. You’re invited to treat your kids to a creative outdoor experience at the historic Mt. Helix Park and Amphitheater.