Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

East County Magazine

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Our guide to live music and entertainment venues in East County

  By Branda Gorgies, with updates by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city street

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SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES MARY’S WEDDING APRIL 4-27

East County News Service   Photos by Ken Jacques   March 13, 2025 (Scripps Ranch) — Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its Season 45 with Mary’s Wedding, written by Stephen Massicotte. Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds, the production runs April 4th – 27th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2

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THE RAM, BORREGO VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO, LAUNCHES

East County News Service March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Ram, a grassroots, nonprofit community radio station serving Borrego Springs is now online and can be heard here. Thew station features music from all genres, largely contributed by community members, as well as potential coverage of live local events such as community gatherings, concerts and school events, local businesses,

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MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH SEAN GASKELL: MARCH 7 AT JULIAN LIBRARY

East County News Service March 2, 2025 (Julian) — Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a  21-stringed West African harp.  This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian. Gaskell studied

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GROSSMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOSTS “SPANISH NIGHTS” CONCERT MARCH 7 WITH NEW CONDUCTOR HERNAN CONSTANTINO

East County News Service February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino.  He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30

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WOMEN’S CHORAL GROUP, KEY OF SHE, PERFORMS MARCH 2 IN SANTEE

East County News Service   February 2, 2025 (Santee) – Key of She, a 12 woman choral group, is presenting a free concert on Sunday March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church at 9735 Halberns Blvd in Santee. The repertoire is an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pieces. Some a cappella and some accompanied, to

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LAUREL AND HARDY FAN CLUB MEETS FEB. 1 IN EL CAJON

East County News Service January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)– In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads??  Films include “Should Married Men Go Home?”, “Our Wife”, and “Yes, Yes Nannette.”  The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of

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BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 15-19: TICKETS NOW ON SALE

East County News Service January 8, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Film Festival takes place January 15-19 in Borrego Springs, showcasing independent films. The event also features a filmmaker networking event, catered opening gala, panel discussions, filmmaker activities, Saturday party, red-carpet event, and catered awards ceremony. For a list of films, see: https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org/2025films For tickets (on sale now) and

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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues

Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26

  East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26.  Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees

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Julian Family Fiddle Camp pie social and promotion August 16

East County News Service August 9, 2025 (Julian) – If you are going to Summergrass, and if you are a Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) alumni OR if you are interested in attending JFFC, you are invited to attend the JFFC pie scial & promotion at 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 16. The pie and promotion event will be held

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Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival Aug. 16 features Gatsby theme

  By Karen Pearlman  Miriam  Raftery also contributed to this report Last year’s Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a  hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation)   July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned “public” park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount Helix Park

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Destination East County: midsummer fun

By Miriam Raftery July 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As the weather heats up,  late July has many cool events including visits to the new Camel Lavender Farm in Ramona, Music on Main in El Cajon, Cajon Cruises, Movies at county parks and recreation centers, La Mesa’s Sundays at Six concerts and classic car shows, outdoor concerts in

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LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES OPENS JUNE 26

East County News Service June 25, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove’s summer concert series kicks off at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove) each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m.  The series opens June 26 with a DJ and Karaoke and runs through August 7, concluding with the Bayou Brothers playing Cajun, Zydeco and blues. 

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LA MESA SUNDAYS AT SIX CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES

The Navy Southwest Band, shown here in 2013, is a regular part of the Sundays at Six summer concert series in La Mesa. (Photo by Karen Pearlman) East County News Services June 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa’s Sundays at Six summer concert series continues this Sunday, June 29, with variety dance band Breez’n taking the stage from 6

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“ARTIVAL” DEBUTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON JUNE 7

June 3, 2025 (El Cajon) — Artival– an art, wine and music festival–makes its debut in downtown El Cajon on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate art, culture and community. Organizers describe the new festival as “where art meets vibes: immerse yourself in creativity, community and craft.” Enjoy an art walk featuring works by talented local

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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues

Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues