Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Arts and Culture

El Centro Cultural de Mexico Open House Celebration this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Culture, Entertainment, Latinos, mexico, music, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

El Centro Cultural de Mexico is hosting an Open House Celebration on Saturday, August 7.  They are located at the corner of Broadway and Fifth Street (above the El Curtido Salvadorian Restaurant). Free parking lot is available in front of El Centro.

Here are the details they have provided about the event:

Please join us the first Saturday in August as part of Santa Ana’s Artwalk!

El Centro Cultural de Mexico will be providing great programs for you to visit and even participate in! Bring your dancing shoes, creative spirit & get to know what El Centro Cultural de Mexico provides for our community!

Some of the programs that will be sharing their work:

  • Danzon
  • Educarte
  • Barrio Writers
  • Barrio Actors Guild
  • SAPO
  • UMER
  • OC Dream Team
  • Come to enjoy our music, Cafe Centro & make your own t-shirts!

By engaging Orange County residents and communities through community outreach efforts, it supports inter and intra-cultural interaction and dialogue among Orange County’s residents by creating a variety of programs which enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Through educational programming, which includes workshops in dance, music, art, and literacy, it promotes understanding and appreciation of the contributions of the many cultures in our region by sharing knowledge of Mexico’s rich cultural, and educational, and social legacy.

We hope to continue our efforts by maintaining our space and sharing our culture, we welcome your support and new ideas!

Date: Saturday, August 7, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: El Centro Cultural de Mexico
Street: 310 W 5th Street
City/Town: Santa Ana, CA

Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

Downtown Summer Block Party & Artwalk

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Business, Civic Affairs, Entertainment, music, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Downtown Inc. is proud to present Downtown Summer Block Party & Artwalk on August 7th, 2010.

In addition to the monthly Artwalk that happens every first Saturday of the Month, there will be a free music festival at the city lot on 3rd/Bush featuring a diverse set of music and performances.

The lineup includes:

4:00 – The Causa (Rock En Español)
4:30 – Jorge Meza y Su Tropicolombia (Cumbia/Colombia)
5:15 – Aparato (Rock)
6:00 – Bad Fish Crew (Reggae)
6:45 – M.E.O. (Mexican Experimental Orchestra)
7:30 – Saint City Session (Hip Hop, Break Dancers, Live Art)
8:15 – La Santa Cecilia (Latin Fusion)

Other Events Downtown:

El Centro Cultural de Mexico’s Open House
6-10 pm, 2nd floor above El Curtido, 4th & Broadway

Free screening of “Hey There, it’s Yogi Bear,” at the Old O.C. Courthouse on August 7

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Movies, Nature, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Our state flag has a bear on it, but we don’t see bears in Orange County much anymore.  However, on August 7, the Old Orange County Courthouse, in conjunction with Downtown, Inc., is presenting the second of three films about, you guessed it, bears, as part of their 2010 Summer Family Film Series.

On August 7, you will be able to enjoy “Hey There, it’s Yogi Bear,” at 2 pm and 8 pm. And on Sep. 4, they will screen Disney’s “Brother Bear.”

The Old Orange County Courthouse is located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., in Santa Ana.  You can call  (714)973-6605 or (714)973-6607 for more information.

The Old O.C. Courthouse started their focus on the California Grizzly on June 11, with an exhibi called “Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly.  That event included a lecture by Susan Snyder, author of the book Bear In Mind: The California Grizzly.

Senator Correa hosting a Children’s Summer Festival this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Health and Medical, Literature, Lou Correa, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

State Senator Lou Correa and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County are hosting a Children’s Summer Festival at the Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center this Saturday, July 31, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm .

Come for an exciting day of activities such as arts and crafts, summer reading books, and physical fitness!

The Anaheim Independencia Family Resource Center is located off Katella Between Gilbert& Magnolia 10841 Garza Ave., in Anaheim.

For more information, contact Julie Nguyen at (714)558-4400 or Julie.Nguyen@sen.ca.gov.

Free concerts in Downtown Santa Ana this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Entertainment, music, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Downtown Inc. Presents Posse on Broadway: A Downtown Santa Ana Block Party

6 venues, 6 events, every third Saturday of the summer

Saturday, July 17, 2010, Downtown Inc. of Downtown Santa Ana PresentsPosse on Broadway, sponsored by KCRW, LA Record and OC Weekly.

Now in its third annual year, Posse on Broadway brings live music and top DJ’s to the streets and venues of Downtown Santa Ana. A block party featuring 6 venues, 6 events, every 3rd Saturday of the summer, on July 17 and August 21.

What a night we have planned for this Saturday. Starting with a free live concert from 7-10pm on the 2nd Street Promenade and dove-tailing into an all night party of food, song, drinks and dancing ranging all over the entertainment district of Downtown Santa Ana. Many venues, lots of amazing talent, and plenty of fun to be had. Don’t miss our headliners the “Beat Ventriloquists” sure to bring it all. Your hosts Monotone and PWA will be in the house keeping the party going till the wee hours. Last call.

Continue reading→

Orange County High School for the Arts buys the OC Pavilion, in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Business, Education, music, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 5 Comments

The Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA) has finalized an agreement with developer Mike Harrah to buy the OC Pavilion, Harrah’s Santa Ana restaurant and entertainment complex, for $13 million, according to the O.C. Register.

“The expansion will increase OCHSA’s sprawling campus by almost 25 percent, from about 160,000 to 210,000 square feet. But Dr. Ralph Opacic, the school’s founder and president, is more excited about the facilities the new building will provide, especially a proscenium-style theater with more than 500 seats.”

OCHSA also reported earlier this month that “A team of Beckman Coulter employees has adopted the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA) Symphony Hall as a summer community project teambuilding event. Built in 1922, Symphony Hall currently houses more than 75 student productions and events each year. Beckman Coulter employees will donate their time and join together with volunteers from OCHSA to enhance the theatre’s exterior by making necessary cosmetic improvements. The team’s first priority is to patch and paint the window frames outside of Symphony Hall.”

OCHSA provides a link to the O.C. Register story on their website, but no further news about the purchase of the OC Pavilion.

The O.C. Register also reported yesterday that the “Fine-dining French bistro Ambrosia Restaurant, inside the OC Pavilion in Santa Ana, announced plans to close at the end of the month.”

The Ambrosia sent this email to their customers:

“For 5 Years Ambrosia Restaurant has had the privilege of serving Orange County unforgettable meals & memories. We must close our doors soon, on Saturday, July 31st, but we look forward to serving you at a new location in the future. Wine, Beer & Cocktails are 50% off all month and Bottles of Wine will be available for Purchase 50% Off as well.

Thank you for your patronage and we hope to see you during our last days at The OC Pavilion.  Au revoir et a bientot!”

There is no further news about this move on Ambrosia’s website.

Is Harrah having money problems – or just being civic-minded?  As usual it is hard to say.  But kudos to the folks at OCHSA for making this move to really expand their campus and their ability to showcase their student performers.

As for Ambrosia, I always thought they were an odd fit for our city – too expensive for most folks in town.  Good luck to them at their new location.

Summer art classes at MC Art Studio, at the Santora in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Have fun and learn the fundamentals of art at the MC Art Studio, located at 207 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana.  They have art classes for beginners and non beginners every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm through September 15.  You can sign up by clicking here.  Or click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Instructor: Mollie C. Smith.  Email:Mcsmithart@yahoo.com.

Monday 6 pm: the class is focus on students with no previous background on art.  Starts with a few exercises with pencil, charcoal and acrylics to developing the basic skills on drawing and coloring.

Basic subjects:

  • Light and shade
  • Volume
  • Primary colors.

No beginners class: Wednesday 6 pm

Inspired on the theory of a Emotional Intelligence, this class is focus on students with some background on art, we combine the elements of a traditional class with a innovative and dynamics exercises like drawing with left hand and simplifying the shape of a model with geometric forms.

This class request at least 15 years old students.

The class are $20 per student.  Two hours with 10 ms. break.

Summer Block Party Indie Craft Show in downtown Santa Ana this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Business, Entertainment, Fashion, Santa Ana, Women 16 Comments

Are you ready for a Summer Block Party Indie Craft Show Presented by The Handmade Brigade of Orange County?  It will be held in Downtown Santa Ana, on July 10, from 11 am to 5 pm.

The HandMade Brigade would like to give you a personal INVITATION to come out and join us at the BLOCK PARTY.

Upon arrival you will receive a special gift along with an escort to show you around the event and fill you in on everything we have to offer.

BLOGGERS : If you are interested in coming to our event please RSVP with Jessica @ jesskabrittanymegan@yahoo.com.

Hope to hear from you soon and see you at the BLOCK PARTY!

The Handmade Brigade of Orange County is: Nina, Brook, Melissa and Jackie.  They are the renegade craft club made up of entrepreneurial indie crafters all living in orange county who meet up to share ideas and plan events.

Tacos ‘n’ Eggrolls Jewelry by Nina Brito:

Well, Basically, I love EVERYTHING handmade. I like to carry through my own personal style whcih may not please everyone, but how boring would the world be if everyone loved the same things? Diversity makes the world go round. If you’re style meshes with mine… hopefully, you can find a treasure in my pieces of ecclectic jewelry. I love to create with color, texture, energy, vintage pieces, new pieces and everything in between. http://www.tacosneggrolls.etsy.com

Not Quite Vintage by Brook Owens:

I have spent my life loving all things vintage. My crafts and every day life have been inspired by the 40’s & 50’s look, leading to my ” Not Quite Vintage” life. A little bit of modern with the nostalgia of a vintage look. Spice up the vixen in you and get dolled up!! http://www.brookowens.etsy.com

Melissa Loschy Designs by Melissa Loschy:

I try to surround myself with wonderful people and that’s how I get inspired to make my pieces. I’m also inspired by the social circumstances and implications of our world. I try to intertwine positive messages and quotes into many of my bags and apparel items. I have great faith in humanity and I hope to represent that in my socially charged art. http://www.melissaloschy.etsy.com

Voz Clothing and Art by Jackie Sepulveda:

Everything is hand painted in my sweatshop of one (well except for the graffiti bangles- those aren’t painted :p ). I scour my area for the best vintage clutches and forgotten goods and give them new life by painting them up. Themes tend to include socially conscious hip hop, punk and graffiti attitudes. http://www.vozclothingandart.etsy.com

To get a hold of us drop us an email at

for press/ sponsor/ vendor info contact: nina@handmadebrigadeofoc.com

for contributions/ craft group info contact: brook@handmadebrigadeofoc.com

for street team info contact: jackie@handmadebrigadeofoc.com

for blog info contact: melissa@handmadebrigadeofoc.com

for RSVP: handmadebrigadeofoc@gmail.com

Visit Santa Ana’s Discovery Science Center for free today!

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

You can go to the Discovery Science Center for free today, if you reside in Santa Ana.  They are located at 2500 North Main Street, in Santa Ana, just north of the 5 Freeway.  They are open from 10 am to 5 pm today.

Here are their current exhibits:

Discovery Science Center “Grossology”

MAY 29, 2010 – SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 GROSSOLOGY Explore the good, the bad and the downright ugly about how your body works at Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body at Taco Bell Discovery Science Center in the summer of 2010.  

Discovery Science Center “Tinkertoy”

June 5, 2010 – September 26, 2010

There’s no limit to what you can do when you use teamwork and creativity in Tinkertoy: Build Your Imagination, a new traveling exhibit based on the classic building toy adored by generations of children. The exhibit features Tinkertoy in educational and fun activities inspired by GE’s successful “Imagination at Work” campaign – showing how innovation can positively influence everyday life and create solutions to real work challenges. Children will be immersed in creative exhibit environments where they can experiment with design, architecture and engineering, including the design studio, power plant, machine shop, think tank and more!

Boeing Rocket Lab: Now Open!

Blast off with Discovery Science Center as we celebrate the opening of Boeing Rocket Lab- the first exhibit inside the giant cube! Be the first to experience a simulated rocket launch INSIDE the Cube… it’s a must-do to kick-off your family’s Fourth of July weekend!

It’s out of this world fun at Discovery Science Center’s new, permanent, exhibit, Boeing Rocket Lab. Discover your inner astronaut; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist! Boeing Rocket Lab is designed for kids (and kids at heart) who love all things space, and want to learn about the science of space, rockets, and engineering.

Relámpago del Cielo Casino Night tonight

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Charities, Entertainment, Latinos, mexico, music, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Relámpago del Cielo Inc., a non-profit cultural arts organization which supports the study and preservation of traditional Mexican performing arts through our music, folklore and dance, is having a Casino Night fundraiser on Friday, June 25, from 5:30pm – 9:30pm.  Location: Original Mike’s Restaurant 100 S. Main St., in Santa Ana.  Contact: 714-836-8715.  Admission: $25 Includes: 1 Dinner – Game Chips – Door Prize Ticket.

Great Park Movie on the Lawn: Chicken Run, on June 26

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, irvine, Movies, Nature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2010

CONTACT: JENN STARNES, 949-724-6574

Movie on the Lawn: Chicken Run

Chicken movie and chicken sandwiches this Saturday at the Great Park

IRVINE – The Great Park has teamed up with Chick-fil-A at Woodbury Town Center to organize a chicken-themed tweet-up at this Saturday’s Movie on the Lawn. Twitter users who sign up to follow both @ocgreatpark and @woodburycfa before this weekend’s showing of “Chicken Run” at the Great Park will receive a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A.

The Great Park’s Movie on the Lawn series continues with Saturday’s showing of “Chicken Run,” an Academy Award-winning movie for all ages. The showing is free and open to the public, and begins at 8 p.m. this Saturday, June 26.

To sign up for a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, first sign-up or sign-in to Twitter. Follow BOTH @ocgreatpark and @woodburycfa by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010 (deadline) and your RSVP will be automatically received. For existing followers, if you are already following BOTH @ocgreatpark and @woodburycfa, your spot will be automatically reserved. Chick-fil-A will also have sandwiches for sale at the movie, so everyone can enjoy dinner and a show.

“Chicken Run” is a mixture of comedy and adventure, starring Rocky, a rooster from America, who crash-lands at an English farm and finds romance with a hen named Ginger. Together they devise a plan to escape the chicken farm.

Admission to the Great Park Movie on the Lawn “Chicken Run” and parking are free. Weather permitting. Warm clothing is recommended. Bring your beach chair and blanket. The Great Park is located off the 5 Freeway and Sand Canyon in Irvine.

For more information and details on the promotion, please visit www.ocgp.org.

####

Here are additional instructions regarding the free Chick-fil-A sandwich offer:

Chicken Eat & Run Tweetup. RSVP Today!

Follow the Orange County Great Park and Chick-fil-A at Woodbury Town Center on Twitter to get a free chicken sandwich* before the movie starts on Saturday, June 26!

How to RSVP:

Step 1: Sign-up or sign-in to Twitter. Step 2: Follow BOTH @ocgreatpark and @woodburycfa by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Friday, June 25, 2010 (extended deadline) and your RSVP will be automatically received. Existing Followers: If you are already following both accounts, your spot will be automatically reserved.

Step 3: Tweetup! Meet at the Orange County Great Park at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 to check-in for your sandwich. Enjoy the company of your fellow tweeps before settling in to the feature presentation!

*Limited quantity, while supplies last. Limit (1) free chicken sandwich per Twitter user. Offer non-transferrable or valid with any other offer. Questions about this promotion? Please DM us at @ocgreatpark. For all other inquiries, please visit our contact page.

Movie Info

Theatrical Release Date: June 21, 2000
Rating: G
Run Time: 84 mins
Distributor: DreamWorks Distribution LLC
Director: Nick Park, Peter Lord
Starring: Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson, Timothy Spall
Official Movie Site: None

Alfredo Amezcua to hold an Independence Day fundraiser on July 3

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Elections, Entertainment, music, Politics, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Santa Ana Mayoral Candidate Alfredo Amezcua is having another fundraiser, this time in celebration of Independence Day.  The event will be held on Saturday, July 3, at the Laborers Local #652, located at 1532 E. Chestnut, across from the SAUSD, in Santa Ana, from 8 pm until midnight.

The event will feature the music of Frank Cano, and Suave. 

Tickets are only $25 each.  There are a few VIP tables available for $500.

For tickets and to RSVP call 714-835-3538.

For more info about Amezcua, go to www.alfredoamezcua.com.  Click here to see the event flier.

Amezcua has refused to note his ideas to turn around the City of Santa Ana, on his website, but he says he will address these issues at public events.  Perhaps he will do so at this fundraiser…

Blues at the Santa Ana Zoo featuring the Blues Cruisers, on June 27

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, music, Santa Ana 1 Comment

“Blues at the Zoo” featuring The Blues Cruisers

Summer rolls on at the Santa Ana Zoo’s 2010 “Blues at the Zoo” summer concert series with The Blues Cruisers!

Bring family and friends out to the Santa Ana Zoo for the 2010 summer concert series with “Blues at the Zoo” on the front lawn.

Explore the Zoo, see some cool animals and maybe catch an animal show, feed a few goats and sheep, ride the Zoofari Express train or the Conservation Carrousel, then relax on the lawn for a Sunday afternoon Blues jam. Bring a folding chair or blanket and pick a spot to hang out and see the show.

Bringing you sweet Vintage Blues, the Blues Cruisers are sure to have them dancing on the lawn at the Zoo!

Rich Knight- Guitar

Rich got turned on to the Blues watching the legendary Hollywood Fats play guitar with the James Harman band during their weekly gigs at Newport Beach’s Red Onion Restaurant back in the day. Hollywood Fats’ guitar playing drew from Freddy King’s upbeat Surf flavored Blues Instrumentals, T-Bone Walker’s swinging West Coast Jump Blues and the rockin’ West Side Chicago Blues of Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. Through Rich’s vintage guitars and amplifiers you’ll hear authentic blues guitar with feeling and healthy doses of retro West Coast Surf, Jump and Swing mixed in for good measure.

Barry Hayman- Bass and Backing Vocals

Barry began playing bass in rock and blues bands in the late 60s. His influences include Paul Butterfield, Freddy King, Hound Dog Taylor, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. Barry has earned a reputation for being that solid, driving, bass playing machine that forms an indispensible bottom end rhythm.

Johnny Minguez- Drums

Johnny has been playing drums since the early eighties and has long been a student of the blues. When you hear him play…you’ll hear a drummer who’s really done his homework. Jonnny has played for many So Cal blues greats including Junior Watson , Lynwood Slim and Al Blake.

This concert is included with regular Zoo admission
($8 adults, $5 child/senior, under 3 & Zoo members free).

Date: Sunday, June 27, 2010
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
Street: 1801 East Chestnut Avenue
City/Town: Santa Ana, CA

This is the second show in the Santa Ana Zoo’s Summer “Blues at the Zoo” concert series. For info on these shows, see our event page at www.myspace.com/jazzoo.

Save the dates now for these “Blues at the Zoo” and “Sunset at the Zoo” shows:

June 27 3:00-5:00 “Blues at the Zoo” with The Blues Cruisers
5:30-7:30 “Sunset at the Zoo” with The Ron Kobayashi Trio

July 18 3:00-5:00 “Blues at the Zoo” with Mighty Mitch, Big Son, & Friends
5:30-7:30 “Sunset at the Zoo” with Elnora and Sumpthin’ Cookin’

The Santa Ana Zoo… Home of the 50 Monkeys!

For info on the Santa Ana Zoo, events, membership, and more, see our website at www.santaanazoo.org.

Sneak Peek of Walking with the Dinosaurs this weekend, at the Cube

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Walking With Dinosaurs

Saturday, June 26 & Sunday, June 27

DinoQuest, the world’s only interactive dinosaur exhibit gets a fresh start with a grand re-opening featuring Baby Triceratops and special presentations about dinosaurs!

Hands-on activities include a Fossil Dig and learning stations on how fossils are made. Plus, brush up on your Dino IQ and be a contestant on Dino Jeopardy!

Baby Triceratops, star of the Honda Center’s WALKING WITH DINOSAURS arena spectacular visits Discovery Science Center!

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series, will make eight performances at the Honda Center in Anaheim, September 1-5, 2010. Continue reading→

Are you ready for a downtown Santa Ana Happy Hour Trolley?

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Business, Entertainment, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

Are you ready for a Santa Ana Trolley?  Our friends at Downtown Inc. are planning just that!  The proposed trolley will follow a route that will meander throughout downtown Santa Ana, stopping at the Train Depot, near Fourth and Bush, off of Sycamore, just north of First St., down to Main and First, Ross and Fourth, Civic and Ross, and north of Santa Ana Bl. at Flower (see the Trolley Route graphic below).

What a great idea!  The Trolley will run during Happy Hour, which will be great for downtown Santa Ana restaurants and bars.  The Trolley will be free from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  It will be running every Thursday and Friday this summer. 

If you have ever been to Chicago, then you know how much fun these Trolleys can be.  And, unlike light rail, they can change routes on the fly. 

California Trolley is providing the Trolley. 

This is exactly what I had previously suggested instead of the proposed Transit Zone light rail line.   Consider this a preview, I guess.