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Ryan R. Brown named new artistic director of Laguna Beach Chamber Singers

Laguna Beach Chambers Singers (LBCS) and its board of directors announced that Dr. Ryan R. Brown will become the company’s next artistic director. “On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to announce that Ryan Brown has been selected to lead LBCS as the next artistic director,” said Board President Jacoby Hickerson. “Ryan’s passion for choral music, coupled with his outstanding leadership qualities, made him the perfect choice to guide our choir. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the exciting musical journey ahead.”

Ryan R conducting

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Courtesy of LBCS

Dr. Ryan R. Brown, LBCS’s new artistic director

Dr. Ryan R. Brown is a conductor, educator and baritone based in Los Angeles. Brown currently serves as Lecturer of Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music where he also completed his doctorate in Choral Conducting in 2021. At UCLA he teaches graduate conducting students, undergraduate music education students and directs the UCLA Chorale, a large mixed-voice choir that frequently presents choral-orchestral works. Previously, Brown served as assistant professor of Music and director of Choral Activities at Lone Star College – University Park, choral director at California School of The Arts – San Gabriel Valley, artistic director of the Arroyo Singers, associate conductor for the National Children’s Chorus, artistic director for Diamonds From the Dust and choral director at Wachusett Regional High School.

Brown also enjoys an active singing career as a soloist and ensemble artist. He has performed with several Grammy-award winning and Grammy-nominated choral ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Houston Chamber Choir, Seraphic Fire, Voces8, Westminster Choir and the UCLA Chamber Singers.

With his appointment, Brown brings a vision for LBSC’s next chapter that builds on the chorale’s success to make it a vital, celebrated and authentic part of people’s lives in Laguna Beach and the broader Orange County community.

“I am honored and humbled at the prospect of leading the LBCS into its next chapter,” Brown said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be leading the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers, a choir that is dedicated to impacting its audiences, singers and the larger Laguna Beach community by presenting exceptionally expressive and captivating choral performances. For nearly a decade, this choir has served as a cultural gem within Laguna Beach, a city that fiercely celebrates art, beauty and human connection.”

Further, Brown invites singers from the area to join the group. “We still have openings for singers this season, so if you are looking for a place to sing in south Orange County, reach out to us! It’s going to be a very special season.”

Brown’s appointment comes after a months-long search led by a board committee which generated many highly qualified applications from throughout Southern California – and beyond. Brown’s first task as artistic director will be to choose the fall season of LBCS winter performances.

The mission of the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers is to create high quality choral music in a positive and joyful atmosphere and share their voices with the local community by presenting performances of multiple genres and styles intended to entertain, inspire and educate. LBCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information, go to www.lbchambersinger.org, or contact Marshall Ayers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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LBCAC celebrates September

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) is looking forward to these upcoming events as summer turns to fall.

lbcac celebrates gathering

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Courtesy of LBCAC

The Gathering – from September 21-October 5

Thursday, Sept. 21-Thursday, Oct. 5

The Gathering

“The Gathering” celebrates Laguna Beach’s place in the storied history of hippiedom. From the innocence of youthful artists, musicians and poets seeking enlightenment to the alleged societal crimes of Timothy Leary, the colorful past of our art colony is worth gathering to remember.

–September 21 - Oct 5 | Hippie Art Show

–September 21 | Orange Sunshine | Film Screening

–September 22 | Hippie Dance Party

–September 23 | Trevor Green in Concert

–September 24 | The Fantastic Fungi | Film Screening

–October 5 | Hippie Art Show & Closing Night Concert

Concert will be performed by rock virtuoso James Clay Garrison.

Get your tickets today, space is limited, click here.

Note that the second-floor Center is not currently ADA-accessible from the street level.

LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus free environment.

Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

LBCAC is located at 235 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.

For tickets and the LBCAC calendar, go to www.lbculturalartscenter.org.

LBCAC has installed a Patriot Air Purification System to ensure a virus-free environment.

Grant funding was made possible by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach.

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LAM adds more to the great line-up for September and October

Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including a talk by costume designer Holly Poe Durbin about fashion history, a performance by Fabio Zin and an interactive event by Third Street Writers.

October 14, 2023-January 7, 2024

Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) announces Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, on view from October 14, 2023 through January 7, 2024. This remarkable showcase pays tribute to the pioneering artists Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, renowned for their contributions to Bay Area Figuration. Throughout their artistic journeys, they fearlessly explored new styles and subjects, from captivating landscapes featuring classic bathers to Baroque-inspired still lifes adorned with everyday objects, animals and flowers. Breaking the Rules is an immersive experience with a rich collection of 75 paintings, watercolors and drawings, offering an in-depth exploration of these trailblazing artists’ exceptional talents.

lam adds new exhibit

New exhibition is now open and runs through September 30

Continues through September 30

Brand Spanking New: Freshly acquired Artwork at LAM

Though Laguna Art Museum traces its roots back to 1918, it did not begin developing a permanent art collection until 1940. Today, the collection spans nearly every historical period of California art from 1835 until present day. This exhibition of 14 recently acquired artworks expresses unabashedly Californian ideas including excess, optimism, irreverence and perfection. Many embrace experimentation, environmentalism and social change.

Artworks are by Joseph Birren, Elanor Colburn, Albert Contreras, Scot Heywood, Sandow Birk, Don Bachardy, Tom Wudi, John Baldessari, William Griffith, Buena Johnson, Edward & Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Francis De Erdely, William Wendt and Gunnar Widfoss.

lam adds Fabio Zini

Fabio Zini - September 14

Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

Fabio Zini

Location: Laguna Live! Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach

Film composer, guitarist and orchestrator Fabio Zini is a professional musician, performing guitarist and film composer. In 2007, he was nominated for a Grammy in the Tango genre. Originally from Argentina, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the National University, Santa Fe, Argentina. He studied orchestration and film scoring at Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass. Zini has been awarded a Berklee Online Celebrity Scholarship. This scholarship is a true reflection of his outstanding work as a Berklee certificate program student.

Tickets are not yet on sale.

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

What’s It Worth?

Bring up to five items of fine art, silver, jewelry, and more to get a free verbal auction valuation and find out “What It’s Worth.” All proceeds to benefit the Laguna Art Museum.

John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum.

Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to five) including, Paintings, Sculpture, Prints and Multiples, Photography, Decorative Art and Furniture, Books and Manuscripts, Asian works of art and Decorative Items, Clocks and Barometers, Coins and Medals, Handbags and Accessories, Ceramics and Glass, Jewelry, Judaica, Musical Instruments, Objects of Vertu, Pre-Columbian Art, Native American Items, Western Items, African and Oceanic, Rugs, Silver, Collectibles, Stamps and Watches.

Cost: Members $20, non-members $30. For tickets, click here.

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LAM adds more to the great line-up for September and October

Many exciting exhibitions are on view at Laguna Art Museum (LAM) and the museum has added more public programs, including a talk by costume designer Holly Poe Durbin about fashion history, and an interactive event by Third Street Writers.

October 14, 2023-January 7, 2024

Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) announces Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, on view from October 14, 2023 through January 7, 2024. This remarkable showcase pays tribute to the pioneering artists Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown, renowned for their contributions to Bay Area Figuration. Throughout their artistic journeys, they fearlessly explored new styles and subjects, from captivating landscapes featuring classic bathers to Baroque-inspired still lifes adorned with everyday objects, animals and flowers. Breaking the Rules is an immersive experience with a rich collection of 75 paintings, watercolors and drawings, offering an in-depth exploration of these trailblazing artists’ exceptional talents.

lam adds new exhibit

New exhibition is now open and runs through September 30

Continues through September 30

Brand Spanking New: Freshly acquired Artwork at LAM

Though Laguna Art Museum traces its roots back to 1918, it did not begin developing a permanent art collection until 1940. Today, the collection spans nearly every historical period of California art from 1835 until present day. This exhibition of 14 recently acquired artworks expresses unabashedly Californian ideas including excess, optimism, irreverence and perfection. Many embrace experimentation, environmentalism and social change.

Artworks are by Joseph Birren, Elanor Colburn, Albert Contreras, Scot Heywood, Sandow Birk, Don Bachardy, Tom Wudi, John Baldessari, William Griffith, Buena Johnson, Edward & Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Francis De Erdely, William Wendt and Gunnar Widfoss.

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

What’s It Worth?

Bring up to five items of fine art, silver, jewelry, and more to get a free verbal auction valuation and find out “What It’s Worth.” All proceeds to benefit the Laguna Art Museum.

John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum.

Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to five) including, Paintings, Sculpture, Prints and Multiples, Photography, Decorative Art and Furniture, Books and Manuscripts, Asian works of art and Decorative Items, Clocks and Barometers, Coins and Medals, Handbags and Accessories, Ceramics and Glass, Jewelry, Judaica, Musical Instruments, Objects of Vertu, Pre-Columbian Art, Native American Items, Western Items, African and Oceanic, Rugs, Silver, Collectibles, Stamps and Watches.

Cost: Members $20, non-members $30. For tickets, click here.

lam adds storytime

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Storytime Saturday - September 23

Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m.

Storytime Saturday

Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive storytime and art-making experience unlike any other. Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others.

This Month’s Session

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, kids will engage in a read aloud and art-making activity featuring El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, written by Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Juliana Perdomo.

Cost: Museum members: $7, Non-members: $14

All children receive free admission. Tickets are required for accompanying adults only. For tickets, click here.

lam adds writers

Third Street Writers: Paint a Picture with Words - September 23

Saturday, Sept. 23, 6 p.m.

Third Street Writers: Paint a Picture with Words

Third Street Writers is proud to present an ekphrastic writing workshop on the work of Joseph Kleitsch. As well as an exclusive tour of the current Laguna Art Museum exhibit of Kleitsch’s work, they will guide you through techniques and approaches to creative writing about art, whether as poetry, prose, or personal essay. In this intensive but supportive environment, their goal is for you to come away with an original work of literature centered on your responses to the work of this important American artist. After the workshop, they invite all participants to join an open mic. Writing supplies provided.

Please arrive early to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, social time and light refreshments.

Advance tickets are recommended. Laguna Art Museum members: $20 per person, Non-members: $30 per person. For tickets, click here.

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Laguna Live! announces Maiya Sykes to take the stage with Bijon Watson on September 27

Laguna Beach Live! looks forward to the exciting events scheduled for September.

It brings Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson to usher in the fall at [seven degrees].

Laguna Live Fabio Zini

Photos courtesy of Laguna Live!

Fabio Zini - September 14

Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

Fabio Zini

Location: Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach

Film composer, guitarist and prchestrator Fabio Zini is a professional musician, performing guitarist and film composer. In 2007, he was nominated for a Grammy in the Tango genre. Originally from Argentina, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the National University, Santa Fe, Argentina. He studied orchestration and film scoring at Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass. Zini has been awarded a Berklee Online Celebrity Scholarship. This scholarship is a true reflection of his outstanding work as a Berklee certificate program student.

Laguna Live Zach

Zach Churchill at Laguna Beach Library – eight Tuesdays beginning September 19

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 11:30 a.m.

Live! Music Matters Returns

With thanks to grants from Festival of Arts, Assistance League of Laguna Beach and Laguna Beach Rotary Club, Laguna Live! announced the return of Live! Music Matters, their free interactive music program for children ages up to 6 years with caregiver involvement. The eight weekly sessions, led by local musician Zach Churchill, will run from September 19 through November 14* and will take place at Laguna Beach Library on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.

*No session on October 31.

Dates: Tuesdays - September 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24; November 7, 14, Time: 11:30 a.m., Venue: Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, Cost: Free.

The Live! Music Matters sessions have been immensely popular with local tots and caregivers alike.

Testimonies from Happy parents:

“Amazing experience for kids and mamas, best part of our Tuesday.”

“We have loved coming every week, our child is only 11 months old, but he has learned how to use the egg shaker and sticks to make a four count!”

“Music class with Zack is the highlight of our week; he has a natural ability to engage with the kids and makes music so much fun.”

laguna live Watson

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Courtesy of LagunaLive!

Laguna Beach Live! is excited to announce the perfect “End of Summer-Welcome Fall” event: Bijon Watson - September 27

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m. for drinks and social hour. (Food available to pre-purchase.)

The Soul of Jazz featuring The Laguna Live! All-Stars led by
Grammy Award-winning Trumpeter Bijon Watson

Laguna Live! is excited to announce that powerhouse jazz and blues vocalist, Maiya Sykes, will join Bijon Watson on stage for The Soul of Jazz concert on Wednesday, Sept. 27. Sykes was last seen in Laguna Live!’s crowd-pleaser Shout Hallelujah, when she brought the house down with her magnificent vocals and infectious energy.

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Watson is a sought after and in-demand lead trumpet player that can be heard on television, in films and award-winning recordings with iconic and world-class artists such as Michael Bublé, Justin Timberlake, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Arturo Sandoval and Lady Gaga, to name just a few. Laguna Live! is honored to have Watson as their artistic director for jazz and is delighted that he is available to perform after his recent Grammy win.

Laguna live Ordiano

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Carlos Ordiano

The All Stars:

On tenor sax and flute, Grammy winning writer, producer and performer, Scott Mayo. On guitar the incredible Will Brahm. The astonishing Carlos Ordiano on keys. The outstanding Edwin Livingston on bass and world class drummer Jamey Tate.

Led by Grammy® Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson and featuring powerhouse vocalist Maiya Sykes, the Laguna Live! All-Stars will take the audience on a musical journey showcasing the artists that continue to shape, define, and influence Soul and Jazz to this day. Not to be missed!

Venue: [seven degrees] 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

Price: $37.50 in advance, $40 at the door

Tickets for all events are available at www.lagunalive.org, or call 949.715.9713.

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LOCA announces workshop with Sandra Jones Campbell

Check out all the Custom Art Escapes LOCA has to offer – paint donuts, flowers, walk the city, there’s something for everyone.

loca announces Campbell

Courtesy of LOCA

“4 Women for August” by Sandra Jones Campbell

Wednesday, Sept 20 and 27,1-4 p.m.

Watercolors with Sandra Jones Campbell

Laguna Beach Community Center, 380 Third St., Laguna Beach

Two-Day Workshop: Wednesdays, Sept. 20 and 27. In this watercolor class, students will be using a wet-on-wet style, with vintage black and white photos (supplied by artist). Instructor will supply arches paper, Prang or Crayola watercolors and one big fat brush (the size of your thumb).

Fee: Members: $50, Non-Members: $100.

For member registration, click here. For non-member registration, click here.

loca introduces Mary Gulino

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Photo by Mary Gulino

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

Custom Art Escapes

LOCA continues to create exciting events and art escapes for both kids, families and adults to enjoy. Now, you can setup your very own art experience this summer. There are custom workshops for adults and groups, kids and families, and advanced sessions for those who want to improve their artistic skills with personal instruction. Designed for beginners to the most advanced student, lessons are in various Laguna locations, can be in your home or you can take a Zoom class.

“LOCA Certified” artists are offering classes and tours in a variety of Laguna Beach locations. Check out all the adventures and be inspired to receive individual attention, a wonderful time and unique access to some amazing artists. “Custom” Art Escapes are great activities for locals and visitors seeking unique art experiences in Laguna Beach.

This is just a sampling of the “Custom” Art Escapes LOCA offers, for the full listing, go to www.locaart.org/custom-art-escapes/.

loca introduces heisler park

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Photos courtesy of LOCA

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

Heisler Park Walking Tour of Public Art

Instructor: Mike Tauber 

Enjoy a walk through this spectacular ocean-front park and get a close-up view of more than 14 works including sculptures, seating and floor murals in bronze, glass, metal, stone and ceramic. Unlike a regular docent – your guide Mike Tauber is a long-time Laguna Beach resident and artist who personally worked with many of the artists who made these pieces. The stories will amaze you!

Availability: Daylight hours. Available year-round.

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach

Length of Time: 1.5 hours, 5 blocks

Fee: $290/event (1-12 people), To register, click here.

loca introduces watercolor

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Courtesy of LOCA

Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

Watercolor & Ink Travel Journal Painting

Instructor: Mary Gulino

Have you ever wanted to capture the essence of a place by drawing or painting it? Join local artist, Mary Gulino, while she guides you through how to assess a scene and create a quick sketch, control paint flow and transparency with washes and glazes, and explore wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting techniques. Finally, each painting and inking will be brought to life with superfine permanent technical pens as you learn outlining and different texturing and shading techniques.

Availability: Upon Request

Location: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach or online over Zoom

Length of Time: 3 hours

Fee: $99 per person (min. 4, max. 8). To register, click here.

loca introduces donut

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Courtesy of LOCA

Paint-a-Donut Party

Paint-a-Donut Party

Instructor: Lisa Mansour

Lisa Mansour, a Sawdust artist whose work can be seen at Quorum Gallery throughout the year, is offering this sweet treat. Gather your young friends and meet at Primi Donuts in Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point for a delicious snack and a painting lesson. Using one of Mansour’s donut paintings, you and your friends will “decorate” a donut using your imaginations and an array of acrylic paints and embellishments.

Availability: Anytime (two-week notice required)

Location: Primi Donuts, Dana Point

Length of Time: 1+ hours

Fee: $45 per person (Up to 12 people). Groups of four or more can be arranged with prior notice at their preferred park location and preferred day of the week (subject to artist availability.) To register, click here.

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New September sunset serenades and Stage on Forest concerts

 The winners of the Juried Fine Art Exhibition will be on display beginning September 25. Don’t miss the September Serenades Series this Friday, Sept. 15 with the Brad Wilson Trio.

Stage on Forest:

Friday, Sept. 15, 5:30-7 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Ava August

Saturday, Sept.16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Jackie Pember

Sunday, Sept. 17, 5-7 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Jodi Siegel

new cultural Jodi

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Photo by Scott Brashier

Jodi Siegel performs on September 8 at Heisler Park

new cultural Heisler

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Photo by Scott Brashier 

A beautiful evening for a concert

Sunset Serenades

September 15 – Brad Wilson Trio

Fridays in September

Heisler Park Amphitheater

new cultural wilson

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Photo by Elfi Kluck Photography

Brad Wilson Trio – September 15

Come enjoy free live music performances Friday evenings in September at the Heisler Park Amphitheater featuring:

–September 22 - Pacific Opera Project

–September 29- Las Colibri (Mariachi)

cultural arts las colibri

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Las Colibri performs on September 29 at Heisler Park

Holiday Palette Competition

Deadline: October 2

Honorarium: $700

For details on both competitions, click here.

cultural arts pink

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Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Melody Nuñez, “Motherhood: VOID,” 2022 Juried Fine Art - First Place

The deadline for the annual Juried Fine Art exhibition has passed. Elected works of the Juried Fine Art exhibition will be displayed at Laguna Beach City Hall from September 25 through November 16.

This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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September sunset serenades and Stage on Forest concerts

 The winners of the Juried Fine Art Exhibition will be on display beginning September 25. Don’t miss the September Serenades Series this tonight, Sept. 15 with the Brad Wilson Trio.

Stage on Forest:

Friday, Sept. 15, 5:30-7 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Ava August

Saturday, Sept.16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Jackie Pember

Sunday, Sept. 17, 5-7 p.m.

Stage on Forest – Jodi Siegel

new cultural Jodi

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Photo by Scott Brashier

From Jodi Siegel's Sunset Serenade performance on September 8 at Heisler Park

new cultural Heisler

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Photo by Scott Brashier 

A beautiful evening for Siegel's concert

Sunset Serenades, 5:30-7 p.m.

September 15 – Brad Wilson Trio

Fridays in September

Heisler Park Amphitheater

new cultural wilson

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by Elfi Kluck Photography

Brad Wilson Trio – September 15

Come enjoy free live music performances Friday evenings in September at the Heisler Park Amphitheater featuring:

–September 22 - Pacific Opera Project

–September 29- Las Colibri (Mariachi)

cultural arts las colibri

Click on photo for a larger image

Las Colibri performs on September 29 at Heisler Park

Holiday Palette Competition

Deadline: October 2

Honorarium: $700

For details on both competitions, click here.

cultural arts pink

Click on photo for a larger image

Photos courtesy of City of Laguna Beach

Melody Nuñez, “Motherhood: VOID,” 2022 Juried Fine Art - First Place

The deadline for the annual Juried Fine Art exhibition has passed. Elected works of the Juried Fine Art exhibition will be displayed at Laguna Beach City Hall from September 25 through November 16.

This program is funded by the lodging establishments and City of Laguna Beach.

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Mozart Classical Orchestra’s 39th season begins September 17, featuring new masterworks

Ami Porat, the music director of the Mozart Classical Orchestra (MCO), announced the opening program of the Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season, featuring masterworks in new settings celebrating its 39th season.

The concert program Autumn Splendor will be performed on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Artists Theater at Laguna Beach High School. It will consist of “J. C. Bach Sinfonia” in g minor, “Beethoven Violin Romances” in F and in G and “Schubert Symphony No. 5” in Bb. Violin soloist is Alexis Meschter.

Mozart Classiclal orchestras

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Courtesy of MCO

Opening program of the 39th season will be performed on September 17

It was with the encouragement of J.C. Bach that Mozart wrote his first symphonies. The concert opener is the “Sinfonia” in g minor by the same “London Bach.” Beethoven’s two “Violin Romances” were rejected as “inferior” by a very famous Vienna publisher. The two masterpieces are now repertoire gems. Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 remained unpublished for 57 years. Fortunately, it is now an extensively performed masterpiece. One can hear all this and more at the Mozart Classical Orchestra concert on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Great reserved seats are available online. For tickets, click here. For season tickets, click here.

Laguna Beach High School is located at 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach.

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Laguna Art Museum presents the Directors Circle Dinner and Awards Night on September 21

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) has announced plans for the upcoming year of Directors Circle events, beginning with the Directors Circle Dinner and Awards Night on Thursday, Sept. 21. This year’s event will take place in the peaceful sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Gallery, where guests will indulge in a specially curated menu by Celebrity Chef Amar Santana of Broadway.

The evening will be elegant, yet relaxed, and there will be no auctions or financial solicitations. The focus will be on honoring those who have made significant contributions to the arts in California and at LAM.

Laguna Art Museum is proud to honor this year’s recipient of the Wendt Award Art Historian and Curator – Jean Stern. Additionally, the museum will be presenting the Anna Hills Award to Laguna Art Museum supporters Elie Weaver and Hilton Weinberg, in recognition of their unwavering dedication to the museum.

laguna art building

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

LAM Directors Circle Dinner and Awards Night will be held on September 21 at the Dawson Cole Gallery

In September of last year, Laguna Art Museum established the Directors Circle, a group meant to foster a stronger community of friends and supporters around the museum. Each September, they hold a social reception with dinner and awards, in addition to meeting periodically throughout the year for exclusive opportunities related to museum programming.

The Directors Circle is comprised of a diverse group of members from various backgrounds such as philanthropy, filmmaking, business, environmental and community development. They all share a profound love for the museum. The kindness and financial support of the Directors Circle were instrumental in the success of the museum’s last fiscal year by enabling the museum to flourish and surpass every goal it set to achieve.

The Directors Circle gathered on several occasions to deepen the relationship with the arts and with each other. Memorable Directors Circle moments include the California Cool Art Auction preview with artist Chuck Arnoldi at the home of Betsy and Gary Jenkins; a beautiful garden party with participating and alumni Art & Nature artists Lita Albuquerque, Kelly Berg and Rebeca Méndez at the home of Kathleen and Gregg Abel; a joyous reception with Curator Jean Stern and the lenders to the exhibition Joseph Kleitsch: Abroad and At Home in Old Laguna held at the charming historic home of Greg and Clark Collins; and the opportunity to mix and mingle with many of the street and post-graffiti artists represented in the art collection of Elizabeth Wallen before heading to Laguna Art Museum to dance the night away with Shepard Fairey as DJ of his own exhibition opening.

This year, LAM is expanding the Directors Circle and looking for new members. LAM’s 2023-2024 members will receive a piece of art by David Krovblit, featuring his one-of-a-kind process, combining traditional and new methods in collage art.

To learn more about the Directors Circle, contact Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee at 949.494.8971, ext. 202.

For more information on Laguna Art Museum, visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org.

Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.

Shaena Stabler, President & CEO - Shaena@StuNewsLaguna.com

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