By Miriam Raftery

Photo, right: La Jolla Cove, by W. Jason Situ

June 25, 2014 (La Mesa)— When an out-of-control truck smashed through the picture window of her gallery on La Mesa Boulevard back on June 2, artist Shannon O’Dunn kept it all in perspective.

Now she’s hosting a grand reopening at O’Dunn Fine Art, 8325 La Mesa Boulevard, inviting the community to share in champaign, chocolates, live music, and some fine new works of art that she has acquired since the unexpected closure. The event will be held on Friday, June 27 from 5 to 8 p.m.  “Come celebrate a new chapter in fine art for East County,” says O’Dunn. “We would love to see you here!"

June 9, 2014 (La Mesa)-- Volunteer worship leaders at Journey Community Church in La Mesa have been teaching students at La Mesa Middle School to play instruments and create their own bands in what is called “Rock University.”  The after-school program was instituted three years ago as school funding dried up for music classes in the schools. The music team at Journey – all accomplished musicians – decided to fill in the gap and give the free lessons to students who have never experienced playing music.  This event is the recital/concert for nearly 20 students who have gone through Rock University this past school year and takes place Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Journey Community Church.

June 8, 2014 (Santee)--The city of Santee’s Summer Concert Series resumes June 19 with an expanded lineup featuring performances by 11 well-established regional bands.The free concerts are held Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. — except for the week of the July 4 holiday—at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive.

May 29,2014 (Alpine)- Movies in the park return at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, where you can enjoy watching the latest action thrillers and other blockbuster films while lounging under the stars in a serene park setting. 

Admission is  $5, which includes a regular-size popcorn, plus a 12oz. soda and preferred seating. Children 12 and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Movies start at 8 p.m. Movies run from late May through August 22.

To download and print the 2014 schedule, please click HERE or click "read more" and scroll down. 

May 10, 2014 (Alpine) – The brass quintet from the Navy Band Southwest will perform a concert of patriotic music  to honor military heroes on Memorial Day week. The concert will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m.  in the Alpine Library, 2130 Arnold Way in Alpine.

Originally, a woodwind ensemble was planned, but that was changed to the Navy’s brass quintet. “So, it will be very exciting—and NOISY—for a library program!” librarian Elisabeth Newbold exclaimed.

May 9, 2014 (Julian)--Talented artists from Julian and nearby communities will present their paintings, photography, mosaics, ceramics, printmaking, jewelry and other works of fine art. Admission to the Julian Arts Guild show on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. is free, and many of the artists will be available to discuss their work.

April 25, 2014 (El Cajon  -- The eras from the Babylonian Empire to present-day Iraq will be depicted with the Cuyamaca College staging Wednesday, April 30, of “A Journey to the Sun,” a costume and music showcase and labor of love for Arabic  instructor Aklas Sheai.

By Miriam Raftery

April 24, 2014 (El Cajon) – By a unanimous vote, El Cajon’s City Council on Tuesday voted to grant $10,000 to fund the San Diego Youth Choir, a multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community youth choir based in El Cajon. The group’s mission statement is to empower young leaders through musical excellence.  It’s mantra is “Empowering San Diego County youth, one note at a time.”

“What it really is, is an investment in children’s future,” Councilman Gary Kendrick told East County Magazine. “$10,000 today could save us $100,000 tomorrow in police costs and property crimes.”  He added that performing together also builds self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, as well as forging bonds that can last a lifetime.  “My son still has close friendships in Hollywood that started when he was in Christian Youth Theater in San Diego,” Kendrick recalled.

 The San Diego Youth Choir (www.youthchoirsd.org) aims to be housed in a central location in El Cajon with state of the art rehearsal space, practice rooms, dance rooms, and a recording studio.

April 16, 2015 (El Cajon) – Homegrown live music from seven bands with a diverse mix of styles will be coming to Cuyamaca College with the return of the Coyote Music Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Now in its sixth year, the free outdoor festival has retained its eclectic vibe, with a host of young talent playing everything from coffeehouse acoustic pop to Tejano rock. The mostly young crew of volunteers is a reminder that the event is actually a class assignment for students enrolled in Music Industry Studies, a transfer degree program unique locally to Cuyamaca College that focuses on the practical aspects of developing careers in the music industry.

By Miriam Raftery

Updated April 11, 2014 (El Cajon) – By a unanimous vote, the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday asked the City Manager to prepare a request for proposal for groups seeking to rent or lease space at the East County Performing Arts Center. 

The theater has been closed for several years, in need of major repairs. Recently Council voted to allocate funds for renovations and is now moving forward to attract additional tenants in hopes of reopening the theater  next year.

But some community members testified that they believe the city should first make good on its promise to hire a professional theater management company, before making commitment to lock in time blocks for groups such as the Rock Church, which wants to use the theater for church services on Sundays.

April 6, 2014 (San Diego)Mission Federal ArtWalk, the largest fine art festival in Southern California, will commemorate its 30th year with a 17-block celebration in the lively neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego. Founded by local artists, Mission Federal ArtWalk has become a showcase for established and emerging artists and the ultimate event for aficionados and casual collectors. The two-day celebration runs April 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 4, 2014 (La Mesa)--Learn to paint a masterpiece in just a few hours with step-by-step instruction at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa on April 8 from 6-9 p.m.. No painting experience is necessary.

By Miriam Raftery

March 28, 2014 (Crest) – From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m . Saturday, March 29 you can savor live music under the oaks at the Acoustic Crestridge concert.  The event is held at the Crestridge Ecological Reserve, 1171 Horsemill Road in the La Cresta area of Crest in unincorporated El Cajon.  The event benefits the Earth Discovery Institute, which supports youth science learning and environmental stewardship.

Enjoy music by San Diego’s Jeffrey Joe, Sierra West, Chris Avetta, Chad Taggart and the Harpers, as well a children’s drum circle, neighbors’ song circle and surprises.  Tickets cost $10 (kids under 12 are free) and can be purchased at http://www.earthdiscovery.org.