ART
“The Avant-Garde Collection”
Through Jan. 4, 2015; Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach
Five decades of art proudly adorns the walls at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), illustrating the evolution of avant-garde pieces from the 1960s to now. The exhibition features installation art signature to the 1970s, as well as pieces representing identity politics from the 1990s, all pulled from the permanent collection. (949-759-1122; ocma.net)
“Elizabeth Turk: Sentient Forms”
Through Jan. 25, 2015; Laguna Art Museum
Time, matter and space are at the heart of artist Elizabeth Turk’s “Sentient Forms” series featuring pieces from fragile- and fluid-looking marble sculptures to LED-illuminated prints. The exhibition is featured on the main level as part of the museum’s Art & Nature festival. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
“Lita Albuquerque: Particle Horizon”
Through Jan. 25, 2015; Laguna Art Museum
An installation on display as part of the museum’s Art & Nature event (held in early November), the primary focus of “Particle Horizon” is Pigment Figure No. 1. The human figure made of plaster and covered in blue pigment speaks to the concept of a “never-ending now.” Several of Lita’s other works also are on display as part of the exhibition. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
ENTERTAINMENT
“Striking 12”
Dec. 3-28; Laguna Playhouse
New Year’s Eve proves to be anything but expected for one New Yorker who receives an unforeseen visitor in this rock-musical-turned-live-concert with a story based in part on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Little Match Girl.” The whole family is encouraged to attend this show, which is suitable for all ages. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)
Live! at the Museum: Angels of Venice
Dec. 11; Laguna Art Museum
Enjoy the sublime refrains of the Angels of Venice as the trio brings a lively music performance to the museum setting. The group features a harpist alongside a vocalist and flutist to evoke neoclassical, Old World melodies. (949-715-9713; lagunabeachlive.org)
“Kinky Boots”
Dec. 30 – Jan. 11; Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
Find out what all the high-heeled hype is about with this Tony Award-winning musical that follows a struggling businessman who pairs up with an unlikely partner to save his shoe factory. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Jan. 8-10, 2015; Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
Renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich graces the concert hall stage for three nights only to challenge the Segerstrom Center’s acoustics as he fills the venue with Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)
Upcoming Concerts
throughout December and January; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
Catch an eclectic array of shows ranging from classic rock legends and soulful singer-songwriters to holiday medleys and local favorites: “An Unpredictable Evening with Todd Rundgren” (Nov. 25, 8 p.m.); “A John Waters Christmas” (Dec. 3, 8 p.m.); Howie Day (Dec. 11, 8 p.m.); Gary Ho Ho Hoey (Dec. 19, 8 p.m.); Donavon Frankenreiter (Dec. 27, 8 p.m.); David Lindley (Jan. 17, 2015, 8 p.m.); Spencer Day (Jan. 25, 2015, 7 p.m.) Visit the venue’s website for more events taking place throughout the month. (949-496-8930; thecoachhouse.com)
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Winter Fantasy
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21; Sawdust Art Festival grounds
The magic of the Sawdust Art Festival shouldn’t be contained to summer. Enjoy the winter rendition featuring 175 artists displaying and selling jewelry, clothes, ceramics, woodwork, photography sculptures and more at special holiday-themed booths. In addition to gifts, art media and decorations, the event includes refreshments for sale and even a few cameos by Santa Claus. (949-494-3030;
sawdustartfestival.org)
“A Christmas Carol”
Nov. 28 – Dec. 27; South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
Ebenezer Scrooge returns to the Segerstrom stage and brings 19th-century London with him for the 35th annual production of this timeless tale—holiday cheer may or may not be included. (714-708-5555; scr.org)
Sand Sculpture Dedication and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 30; The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point
The 14th annual St. Regis resort’s festivities invite guests to enjoy the wintertime magic of bringing a sky-high tree to life. Attendees can also view an 8-ton holiday sand sculpture and visit with Santa Claus during this whimsical holiday-themed evening. Carolers provide additional entertainment for guests, who can listen to music while enjoying treats like hot cocoa and cider. The event, which is complimentary and open to the public, runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (949-234-3200; stregismb.com)
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 1; Montage Laguna Beach
Illuminate the season at Montage Laguna Beach, where thousands of twinkling lights accent a towering holiday tree. The evening’s festivities also include holiday carolers, hot cocoa and children’s activities. (949-715-6000; montagehotels.com/lagunabeach)
Hospitality Night
Dec. 5; Downtown Laguna
From 5-9 p.m., downtown Laguna transforms into a fantastical winter wonderland that begins with the lighting of the pepper tree and a visit from Santa Claus at City Hall. The festivities continue along Forest Avenue as businesses host open houses to share holiday cheer. (949-494-1018; lagunabeachchamber.org)
Yappy Howl-iday Celebration
Dec. 7; The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Families are encouraged to plan a holiday treat for their four-legged members as the resort becomes a “howl-iday” heaven with activities for all, including photos with Santa. Guests are encouraged to bring unopened dog food or toys for donation to an animal rescue organization. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com)
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Dec. 10-14; Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
This classic holiday story comes alive as one little girl leads this Broadway musical sensation in stealing the audiences’ hearts—just as the Grinch finds his own. Featuring hit songs such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” it’s fun for the whole family. (714-556-2787; scfta.org)
