West Side Story going East

West Side Story
Much-loved American classic features interdisciplinary cast

Review by Josue Meneses

West Side Story, the groundbreaking musical that combines on stage performances, live music and drama was one of the best performances I ever seen, at least for the past decade at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. A great experience indeed, including lavishing production numbers, great portable sets, dazzling costumes, excellent choreographies and superb performances. A must see for the on-going theatre lover of just the occasional aficionado. Read more

WEST SIDE STORY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
CLAIRE TREVOR SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

The Claire Trevor Show
West Side Story
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents
Directed by Eli Simon
Musical director: Daniel Gary Busby
Conductor: Stephen Tucker
Choreographed by: Tracey Bonner

Evenings: Nov. 14 - 22, 8 pm
Matinee: Nov. 16 & 22, 2 pm
For tickets go to: ticketmaster.com
Irvine Barclay Theatre
$28 general audiences/ $25 seniors & UCI staff & faculty/$12 UCI students & children

Join us for a 51st anniversary celebration of America’s greatest modern era musical!
This Claire Trevor School of the Arts production of “West Side Story” features Leonard Bernstein’s breathtaking score for full orchestra, with thrilling dance numbers and favorite songs including “Maria,” “Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” “One Hand, One Heart,” “Cool” nd “Somewhere.” “Something’s Coming” indeed, as a pair of star-crossed lovers face the gripping tension between the Jets and the Sharks. Bristling with the energy and passion of the streets of New York, UC Irvine’s vibrant production will stir your heart and bring a fresh appreciation for this unparalleled musical masterpiece.

UCI ARTS BOX OFFICE
(949) 824-2787

SOUND DOWNTOWN

SoundDowntown 2008 is a one-day music festival on Saturday, November 15, featuring a lineup of over 50 locally and nationally recognized bands, DJ’s and performing artists at various venues throughout the Artist’s Village of downtown Santa Ana.

Preferred advance tickets are $10 and general admission is $15 day-of. Event tickets will allow patrons to enter all local venues (some 21+) curated with entertainment. Venue capacity will range from 50 to 800, so suggested arrival times will vary. Advance tickets are now on sale.
Click to hear the psa

click here to purchase!!!
New Artists TBA!
Note: Some Performances are 21+
Please Check Schedule

Sponsored in part by the Downtown Santa Ana Business Council, OC Weekly, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, KUCI, Yelp and Splitends.

Participating Venues:

The Crosby, The Yost Theater, Bistro 400, Festival Hall, Gypsy Den, Jason’s Downtown, Memphis Santora, Proof, CSF Grand Central Art Center

Billing (More TBA):
Austin Hartley-Leonard - Bearded Baby - Blank Blue - Bobby Soul – Busdriver - Cheap Date - DJ Dan Oh - DJ Dan Sena – DJ J Hall - DJ Nobody - DJ Pubes - Faded Tequila Wormz - Flying Saucers - Free Moral Agents - Free the Robots - From Elsewhere – Inkblots - Living Suns - Look Daggers - Majic Bullet Theory - Mexican Institute of Sound – MODE - My Hollow Drum – Nalepa – Narodniks - No MSG - Nortec Collective Presents Bostich + Fussible - Nosaj Thing - One Way – Peanut - Protect Me – Satisfaction - Shepard Fairey - Sparrow Love Crew - Strange Fruit - Tea Long - Teton Songwriters - The Entrance Band - The Growlers - The Hattrix Project - The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Two Guns - Venus Infers - Zechs Marquise - Zutra

The historic—and historically progressive—Artists’ Village district in the city of Santa Ana gets into the groove this November 15, with the much-anticipated soundDowntown 2008. This day-into-night music and spoken word festival happens on Saturday, November 15, from 2pm-2am, featuring a lineup of 60+ locally and nationally recognized bands, DJs and performing artists hosted by more than a dozen of Santa Ana’s most famously intriguing landmark venues, all within a walkable radius of just a few square blocks in the downtown arts district. The streets of the area won’t be blocked off, instead audiences will be issued all-access passes that allow for a freeform, self-guided experience akin to a gallery walk, complete with printed programs containing maps and full schedules, and integrating the simultaneous performances to unfold within the vibrant nightlife of the neighborhood.

One of the Southland’s best kept cultural secrets, Santa Ana is a dynamic, evolving, and engaged arts community. The Bowers Museum, Orange County High School of the Arts, OC Weekly HQ, the revitalized Santora Building, the renovated Festival Hall and Yost Theater, dozens of independent galleries, and Rude Guerrilla Theater Company are just a few of the pillars of this naturally occurring culturati hub. The noted Grand Central Art Center with its small but salient regional museum vibe in the European kunsthalle tradition, and its edgy, ambitious programming, offers the quintessential example of the kind of cultural interplay soundDowntown 2008 is engendering, as it invites radio station KUCI to program a full night of local indie buzz bands inside its galleries, including some explosive special guests to be announced soon.

In fact, each of the dozen plus venues participating share not only the organizers’ love of progressive culture, but also their passion for the breathtaking architectural preservation and innovation that gives the community its compelling, eccentric, and almost literary flavor.

soundDowntown 2008 signals the return of Koos Art Center, whose presence laid the groundwork for Santa Ana’s cultural vibrancy, as founder and soundDowntown producer Dennis Lluy reopens Koos at the Yost, once a Mexican movie house and Vaudeville theatre, and who for soundDowntown host a bill featuring; the politically-charged, anthemic rock from Rick Rubin-produced buzz band International Noise Conspiracy; Nortec Collective Presents Bostich + Fussible, a collaborative effort in furhterance of dirty TJ techno; the Entrance Band’s psychedelic avant-freedom rock; and Free the Robots blend old-school/avant-garde hip-hop.

Meanwhile, down the block, Mexican Institute of Sound’s boundary and border-blurring indie electronica and rough-riding feel-good beach Goth from the Growlers take the stageFestival Hall; The Living Suns infiltrate the Gypsy Den with their psychedelic prog rock;Bistro 400 opens their patio to host DJ Bobby Soul and Secret Affair and Jason’s throw their antes in with eclectic indie fare. Shepard Fairey aka DJ Diabetic, and DJ Pubes hold it down at the Crosby, an archetype of the lively college town coffee house offering books, art, music, food, drinks, and the kind of genre-blurring cultural fusion that defines Santa Ana society.

Among the most lively mash-ups of old and new is are the all-star spoken word jam by Hattrix Project, dancers, and music from the Magik Bullet Theory taking place at the Grand Central Art Center; DJ Nobody and Free Moral Agents at Memphis in the instantly classicSantora Building, kicking out the louder beats amid impressive surroundings that include three floors of art galleries; and Sparrow Love Crew’s soulful hip-hop and self-described “Ghettotech” draw dance-hungry crowds at Proof.

JUST HOW DOES A PATRIOT ACT

A Response to US Policy at Home and Abroad
Curator : Joella March

October 4 to 26, 2008
117 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, CA
714.667.1517 www.occca.org

Opening Reception:
Saturday October 4th, 6 pm to 12 am

First Friday Films:
October 3: 8pm, Free
Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers (2006)
Director: Robert Greenwald

Performance art Event:
October 18th from 8 pm to 11 pm. Free
Featuring “Letters To The President” a multi-media spoken word performance by M.S.Garvey; original performance art by Toni Ivashkov and a spoken word poetry slam performed by local poets, including D’Lo, John Trudell and Douglas Kearney and Special Guest Vietnam Vet / anti-war activist Ron Kovic

The Exhibition:
“Just How Does A Patriot Act” seeks to create a forum for conversation and debate, extending beyond the current political climate of denial, distraction, and dismissal of the public voice and will.

The Artists in this Exhibition:
The artists in this exhibition work in a variety of media including traditional and new forms: Painting, Drawing, Screen printing, Assemblage, Animated Neon, Kinetic Sculpture, Installation, Fashion Sculpture, Text Art, Photography, Sound sculpture, Digital Media, Conceptual Art, Performance Art and Video. They represent various ages, political, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and are all answering the call to inquire, investigate, analyze and create.

Revealing questions, answers and solutions through their own unique process, as they contemplate and respond to U.S. policy at home and abroad, (including Abu Grahib, War profiteering, 9/11, Over deployment of U.S. troops, Public Apathy, Loss of Civil liberties, Accountability, Environment, Economy Immigration, Homeland Security)

Just how does a patriot act in a changing world?
I invite you all to ruminate upon this query. To begin a discussion that extends beyond gallery walls. To take an active role in the future of this nation and the world. To not loss faith in “the power of the people” or the ability for one voice to make a profound difference. Knowledge redefines power, use it or loose it!

“To dissent is Patriotic” - Thomas Jefferson, founding father

We The Artists:
Andrew Armstrong * Bryan de Roo * Cat Gwynn
Chris Revelle * Clayton Campbell * Dan Van Clapp
Danielle Adair * Dianna Cohen * Douglas McCulloh
Elana Mann * Francisco Letelier * Hillary Mushkin
Hayley Blatte * Jason Chakravarty * Joe Biel * Jody Zellen
John Carr * John Trudell * Karen Atkinson * Karen Fiorito
Lun*na Menoh * Matthew Bryant * Meekyung Shim
Nabby El-Soudani * Nancy Buchanan * Nicholas Grider
Noah Breuer * Rebecca Lowry * Richard Ankrom
Robbie Conal * Robin Clark* Roman Genn
Ryan Broughman * Sahar Alsawaf * Sheila Pinkel
Stephen Anderson * Suzanne Mejean * Tomas Moreno
Toni Ivashkov * Wayne Coe * William Stone
Zachary Biberstine * Zig Gron

Michael Garvey / Spoken Word Performance Artist
“LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT”
M.S. Garvey has composed over 130 letters (and counting) to President George W. Bush. In the mysterious Courtyard’s inner sanctum and under the watchful gaze of his cat Mr. Pickles, he writes the letters on his human-powered typewriter and mails the originals to the White House. The letters express Garvey’s thoughts on topics from administration policies, the direction of our country and the current wars, to charity, peace and the power of taking baths. He held the first live readings in the summer of 2002 at O’Brien’s Pub in Venice, and then went on to perform selected letters in Los Angeles, Grand Rapids, Chicago and Berlin, as well as various cities in Romania. M.S. Garvey also participated in the 2004 Republican National Convention by staging readings outside of Madison Square Garden during convention events.

Over time, the show has evolved into a collaborative performance piece that defies description, with a rotating cast of accomplished musicians. Garvey, a charismatic presence and expansive performer, proclaims the letters against a sonic backdrop of improvised music that beckons the sounds of old New Orleans, the Kansas plains and the dark bars of Los Angeles. Full of humor, insight and passion, these rare performances are not to be missed. In an exclusive two-week engagement (November 29th to December 9th, 2007), M.S. Garvey’s “Letters to the President”, co-produced by Ice Hat Creative and the Robert Berman Gallery, was performed with The Hootenanny All- Stars at the Electric Lodge in Venice, Calif.

“Michael Garvey’s solo show is something different…in just under an hour
he poignantly raises a question familiar to many…creates a welcoming
place for the confused and downhearted citizen.” –The Chicago Reader

All Events & Gallery Admission Are Free

Film, Concerts and Other Events @ OCCCA During October 2008:
First Friday Films: October 3: 8pm
Iraq For Sale: The War Profiteers (2006)
Director: Robert Greenwald

EMC Concert no.27: October 11: 8pm
Slow
Audacity
Life on the Bang Bus

FRIDA KAHLO IN NEW YORK

Written & Directed by Louie Olivos Jr.

YOST THEATER
307 SPURGEON
SANTA ANA

THURSDAY, JULY 10TH
FRIDAY, JULY 11TH
SATURDAY, JULY 12TH
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH

THURSDAY & FRIDAY’S PLAY STARTS AT 8PM

BOX OFFICE OPENS
AT 7:30PM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
PLAY STARTS AT 3PM

INFORMATION:
714-534-5603

ALL SEATS: $5.00

Each night partial proceeds will go to the following non-profit organizations:

On July 10th, ten percent of Box office goes to: SANTA ANA HIGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
On July 11th, ten percent of Box office goes to: Eli House for abused children.
On July 12th ten percent of Box office goes to: Chicanos Unidos
On July 13th ten percent of Box office goes to: United Latina Business Women.

http://www.louieolivosjr.com/

THE OLD AND THE NEW

Claire Trevor School of the Arts
Department of Music
UCI Symphony Orchestra
presents

THE OLD AND THE NEW
June 6 & 7, 8 pm
Pre-concert conversation: June 6, 7 pm

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Stephen Tucker, conductor

Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ - Tuba Concerto, with Fred Greene, soloist
Manuel de Falla – El Amor Brujo - with the UCI Dance Department’s restaging of the 1944 version created by La Meri

UCI Arts Box Office (949) 824-2787 (noon – 4 pm weekdays)

Ticketmaster.com

http://www.arts.uci.edu/events

PHYSICAL GRAFFITI

UNDERGRAD CHOREOGRAPHERS CREATE “PHYSICAL GRAFFITI”

EVENT: “Physical Graffiti,” presented by UCI Department of Dance

WHEN: Opens 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 8;
repeats 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10;
matinee 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10

WHERE: Claire Trevor Theatre, Claire Trevor School of the Arts

INFORMATION: Tickets: $11/$10/$9; UCIArts Box Office, (949) 824-2787;
www.ticketmaster.com
www.arts.uci.edu/events

BACKGROUND: Fifteen undergraduate choreographers present 13 original works – ranging from tap and ballet to modern/contemporary – in this annual showcase of talent. Assistant Professor Loretta Livingston serves as artistic director for this 90-minute program.

The UCI Department of Dance was founded on the principle that aspiring professionals need substantial experience in more than one form of dance and in more than one academic area to succeed in the field of dance. Dance at UCI reflects the research and preservation of dance history, the exploration of choreography in the present, and the cutting edge technology of the future. Student choreography, teaching, and scholarship benefit from exposure to many styles and approaches, all aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of dance professionals.

Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

Linda McCrerey
Interim Director of Communications
Claire Trevor School of the Arts
UC Irvine
(949) 824-2189

Dance Escape 2008

Claire Trevor School of the Arts
Department of Dance
presents

Dance Escape 2008
April 24 - 26, 8 pm
matinee performance: April 26, 2 pm
Claire Trevor Theatre, $11/ $10/ $9
New works by UCI graduate choreographers

UCI Arts Box Office (949) 824-2787 (noon - 4 pm weekdays)
www.ticketmaster.com

For more events visit our Events Calendar

Navidad Flamenca

CLAUDIA DE LA CRUZ FLAMENCO INSTITUTE

8th Annual Christmas Recital
Grand Central Art Center Theatre
125 N Broadway, Santa Ana CA 92701
RSVP 714.543.1370

Fri Dec 14 - 7pm
Sat Dec 15 - 7pm
Sun Dec 16 - 2 pm

$15 school members and guests
$20 general admision

Limited Seating, reservations strongly suggested.

Enjoy the Festival atmosphere of Navidad Flamenca Recital with Spanish food & Refreshments before and after each performance. Also visit our gypsy style studio in the lower level & check out our flamenco boutique for great holiday specials up to 50% off!

For your convenience we are accepting reservations online through Paypal by adding $2 transaction fee per ticket.
Please click the DONATE button at our main page here:

http://www.tierra-flamenca.com

CLAUDIA DE LA CRUZ FLAMENCO INSTITUTE
Cultural Stage of Art | Foro Cultural de las Artes

CSUF GRAND CENTRAL ART CENTER
125 N Broadway Lower Level
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.543.1370 studio
714.750.8157 mobile

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

5th Annual Noche de Altares

Join Calacas and El Centro Cultural de Mexico as we host the 5th Annual Noche de Altares in downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007, from 2 pm to 10 pm. This Dia de los Muertos celebration is centered around altars that pay homage to loved ones that have passed away or to bring awareness to a social issue. This is a FREE! FUN! family event that includes crafts, entertainment, vendors and food.

Entertainment Line-up for Noche de Altares

2:00 pm Ballet Folklorico del Centro
2:30 pm Danzon Salsa & Cumbia
2:45 pm Guajiro Lopez (Trova Musician)
3:00 pm Relampago del Cielo
4:00 pm Rumba Buena Salsa Band
4:30 pm Xela
4:45 pm Olmeca
5:15 pm Niños de Son del Centro
5:30 pm Procession Begins - Blessing of Ceremonies
by Danza Azteca Group: Chichimeca Xiuhcoatl
7:00 pm Son del Centro
8:00 pm Very Be Careful

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