Arts Orange County Working to Get Public and Private Money Into Local Artists' Hands

Richard Stein's dream is finally coming true. Now he hopes this nightmare will end.

Stein is president and CEO of Arts Orange County, the county's designated arts agency. Since 1995, it has served as the networking, information and advocacy hub of the county's arts community. One of its key roles is connecting artists to those entities that allocate grants and other public funds for the arts.

But in the past couple of months, it's been doing something new: helping to decide where that money goes.

Barclay and Bayside are Serving Up a Weekly Jazz Lunch

It probably goes without saying that most people have been starved for live musical entertainment over these last few socially restricted months — but we'll say it anyway.

So most reading this will probably welcome a new collaboration between the Irvine Barclay Theatre and Bayside Restaurant.

The two have joined forces to serve up "Summer Jazz Lunch @Bayside" at the Newport Beach venue every Saturday through September 26.

Panoringan: Barbecue Basics from Seasoned Pros, Plus Family-Friendly Meal Kits from OC Eateries

Backyard grilling is going strong as Labor Day inches closer. To prepare home cooks for the holiday, I reached out to a duo of BBQ professionals for their best words of wisdom when it comes to perfecting their craft. I start at the recently opened Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano with Daniel Castillo, then bring it home with owner/chef Luis Flores of Placentia's Meat Up BBQ. Fellas, the floor is yours.

While the majority of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues remain physically closed; virtual/streaming offerings are thriving, and some outdoor venues are beginning their phased re-openings. Arts Orange County is pleased to combine its recommendations for online enrichment with some good news about places you can now visit personally. ArtsOC and Voice of OC continue to urge everyone to follow the State and County's current precautionary guidelines as they venture out. Masks and distancing save lives. 

Live Stream: A Midsummer Night's ZOOM

UCI'S New Swan Shakespeare Festival has re-imagined their production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to take place in the magical virtual realm - free to view!  DETAILS »

Sculpture Garden @ The Muck

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center's outdoor exhibition of sculptural art continues to expand and entice visitors, now featuring the magnificent Papua New Guinea Story Poles on long-term loan from the Bowers Museum  DETAILS »

"Made in California" Virtual Exhibition

The City of Brea Art Gallery's beloved annual exhibition of locally-made art is viewable in a virtual gallery, and you can vote on your favorite works  DETAILS »

International Drumming Festival

The latest Virtual Family Festival from the Bowers Museum will include an international array of drum performances and dance, along with art projects and recipes to get people involved at home  DETAILS »

Brews and Blues with Fullerton Arboretum

Bring home a selection of local craft brews and enjoy a virtual introduction to them along with live music, all in support of the Fullerton Arboretum  DETAILS »