Orange County Women's Chorus Creates 'Something New' for Our Times

As the pandemic drags on, fans of the performing arts have become numbingly familiar with the surreal alternative universe that has sprung up to give us some comfort. Our current diet consists of live-streamed concerts broadcast from empty rooms, awkward group sessions that try to hide the technical hurdles of performing together online, and endless solo recitals (interrupted occasionally by pets and kids) recorded in the performer's living room.

Prominent Orange County Arts Supporter William J. Gillespie Dies

William J. Gillespie, a prominent Orange County philanthropist whose love of the performing arts, especially dance, led to generous donations to several local organizations, has died. Gillespie's passing was announced Friday during a staff meeting at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. A cause of death was not announced.

Panoringan: Lockdown Part Two – How Restaurants Are Reacting Nine Months Later

On Sunday, Dec. 13, those supporting a Declaration of Safe Responsible Service (referenced as #OpenSafe on social media) gathered at Bob Henry Park in Newport Beach for a march along 17th Street. The intent was to support small businesses by demanding the full reopening of dining, personal services, gyms, and other establishments forced into closure a second time this year.

Orange County has returned to Tier 1 of the California Re-Opening Plan, precipitating the closure of many of Orange County's arts and culture organizations and venues. In addition, a curfew for non-essential activities after 10pm has been instituted by the state government. Arts Orange County will continue to spotlight a mix of virtual and streaming arts and culture offerings along with in-person events that conform to the most current safety guidelines. We encourage everyone to keep their lives enriched by the arts, but safely! Save lives by wearing masks and respecting social distancing protocols. 

South Coast Repertory Audio Performance, "A Christmas Carol" with Richard Doyle

Enjoy a yuletide tradition at home with South Coast Repertory's audio recording of Dickens' classic novella, A Christmas Carol. Performed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle with a vibrant soundscape to transport you back to 19th-century London, this uplifting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation is the perfect cure for the holiday humbugs! Listen free Dec. 15 through Dec. 31  DETAILS »

Dardens Holiday Drive-in Concert @ the Muck

The beloved local musical ensemble The Darden Sisters has a full lineup of holiday favorites for you at this special edition of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center's Drive-in Concert series  DETAILS »

Online: Newport Beach Library Programs

Every member of the family can keep their curiosity stimulated with the wide variety of online programs offered through the Newport Beach Public Library  DETAILS »

Casa Lumina Holiday Garden Walk

With advance reservations and safety precautions, you can enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights and holiday music in the Casa Romantica's outdoor gardens in San Clemente  DETAILS »

Livestream: Blind Boys of Alabama

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is the local presenting partner for this special livestream holiday concert featuring the legendary blues and gospel singers  DETAILS »