Laguna Beach, CA

Rock Keyboardist Turns Up the Volume at Art Workshops By SUZIE HARRISON       Town Keyboardist and vocalist Lisa Harriton, who spent the last year touring extensively with the Smashing Pumpkins, recently relocated to Laguna Beach. Walking around her newly adopted home to check out the scene, she entered a shop that captured her attention. More ... Jazz Orchestra Grooves to Fill the Dance Floor       News The award-winning Laguna Beach High School jazz orchestra, under the direction of Roger Shew, will be playing at the annual "Dining and Dancing Under the Stars" fundraiser and silent auction beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Tivoli Terrace. The event benefits the school's instrumental mu... More ... Playhouse Conjures Up 'Sleeping Beauty' Performances May 7-18       The Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre will present the stage version of the classic fairytale "The Sleeping Beauty," adapted by Charlotte B. Chorpenning from the book by Charles Perrault, at the Moulton Theatre, May 7-18. Directed by Kelly Herman, this Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre production is su... More ... A Real Original       Local designer Katharine Story will auction an original "condomdesigned dress" in support of Planned Parenthood at a party at her store on May 15. The condom dress will be on display from May 12-17. More ... Festival Exhibits Newcomers Early       Patrons need not wait until July to view work by the Festival of Arts' new exhibiting artists. They can visit the third floor gallery of the Wells Fargo Bank in Laguna Beach now through June 5 to get a sneak peak at the work of some of the artists who have been juried into the festival for the 20... More ... Rohrer Artists Examine Society's Contempt for Nature       Rohrer Fine Art will host an artists' reception Saturday, May 10, from 6-8 p.m. for the group exhibition "Nature Morte/Dead Nature. More ... Teen Show 'Can't Believe It'       The comic drama "Can't Believe It," drawn from the real lives of students, teachers and parents, explores the consequences of good and bad decision-making. In this scene, a portion of the cast, from left, Jordan Sandfer, Sophia Tupy, Marissa Lowry and Matt Stoner debate a decision. Laguna Playhous... More ... Develop the Write Attitude With Free Workshops       A free writing workshop on "Uncovering Strengths and Gifts" will be held May 17 on Main Beach from 9 - 11 a.m. taught by Trina Belanger, an award-winning writer of creative nonfiction, and adjunct community college instructor. More ... Booth Assignment Day       Artists David Sullenger, Karen Joy, Grace Sylke and Bette Lee, who this week selected a spot to claim as their own throughout the upcoming Sawdust Festival, confer with booth builders Dan Hall over transforming airspace into a retail exhibition showcase. More ... Meet a Falconer and his Pastime Book signing May 14       Learn about contemporary falconry when Tim Gallagher, author of "Falcon Fever: A Falconer in the Twenty-First Century," speaks at Latitude 33 Bookshop at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14. More ... On Sunday, Treat Mom to Brunch       On Mother's Day, May 11, Chef Azmin Ghahreman will prepare a special brunch menu. The three-course $55 prix fixemenu (exclusive of tax, gratuity and beverages) will be served from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sapphire Laguna is located at 1200 S. Coast Highway. For reservations, call (949) 715-9888. More ... Workshop Draws on Spirituality       In a unique workshop on May 18, artist Sylvia La will lead participants in contemplative drawing, a practice that slows the mind and anchors it in observation. Unlike traditional drawing and composition classes, this workshop will focus on the process of drawing, rather than the product. This tec... More ... Fine Meal Funds Miracles for Children       Join David August of Lifestyle Outfitters& Artisance Laguna and Sapphire Laguna Chef/ Owner Azmin Ghahreman for a fundraising dinner and silent auction at Sapphire Laguna on May 19 at 5 p.m. Wine and canapés will be followed by a four-course dinner prepared by Ghahreman. Each course will be ... More ... Festival Spiffs Up For Summer Crowds       Improvements are underway at the Art-A-Fair grounds in preparation for the summer season. For the second year, the Laguna Canyon setting will be recreated as "Palazzo Laguna". More ... Sound spectrum Augustana Can't Love Can't Hurt       Epic Records Lead vocalist Dan Layus writes of running out of luck in "I Still Ain't Over You," of not giving up on love in "Sweet and Low," and of a place of self freedom in "Twenty Years." The music that brings his words to life is performed by Jared, Chris, Justin, and John. Together, they are... More ... LOCA Hosts Workshop       Laguna Outreach Community Arts will host their Art and Sea workshops at the Treasure Island tide pools on May 10 and 11. More ... Shake It Up at Belly Dance Party       The Annual Belly Dance Party fundraiser will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 384 Legion Street. It's an event for all who enjoy belly dancing, whether they prefer watching from the sidelines or getting in on the action. More ... GROOVIN IN LAGUNA       Brussels Bistro 222 Forest Ave • 376-7955 Tuesday - 7 p.m. Jennifer Hart and Llew Matthews, light jazz Wednesday - 7 p.m. Dave Goldberg/Duane Allen Trio, jazz Thursday - 7 p.m. More ... 'Our Town' Revival Reunites Three Thespians       By SUZIE HARRISON On a nearly barren stage, filled only by a few chairs and tables, three unlikely theater contemporaries in 1996 prepared for rehearsal of "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder. Now that thespian trio of Amanda Hastings, Mark Dressler and Doug Rowe has come full circle. More ...