MUSIC
Beethoven’s Ninth
May 31-June 3. Beethoven’s thrilling “Ode to Joy” has delighted audiences around the world for nearly two centuries. Yet when Beethoven conducted the piece, he heard not a single note, nor the numerous standing ovations the epic choral work received. This time around, the Pacific Symphony’s Carl St. Clair conducts in conjunction with the artistic direction of John Alexander of the Pacific Chorale at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. On June 3, enjoy “Beethoven’s Ninth Revealed” during which Carl St. Clair and the orchestra explore Beethoven’s crowning achievement—a monumental fusion of soloists, chorus and music all set to Schiller’s magnificent “Ode to Joy.” 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. pacificsymphony.org
Sugarland
June 2. American country music duo Sugarland perform their country croons at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. With multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM awards and nominations under their belt, the singer-songwriter team of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush continue to push the limits of their creativity. Their current “In the Hands of the Fans” tour allows fans to request their favorite songs to be added to the concert set list. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095. livenation.com
The Beach Boys
June 3. Summer never sounded so sweet! The 1960s chart-toppers, including genius songwriter, Brian Wilson embark on an international 50th Anniversary Tour—their first together in more than two decades—stopping at Irvine’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheater for an evening of nostalgic grooves including “California Girls” and “I Get Around.” The surf pop legends debut their 29th studio album That’s Why God Made the Radio June 5, 2012. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095. livenation.com
FOOD + DRINK
Taste of the Nation
June 3. The Montage Laguna Beach invites you to enjoy an afternoon of delectable dishes, wine, signature cocktails, live music and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at the second annual Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation hosted at the resort’s stunning restaurant Studio. Seven celebrity chefs from around the country come together and prepare fresh, farm-to-table delicacies in an effort to further Share Our Strength’s mission of ending childhood hunger by 2015. Guests can either participate in the Celebrity Chef Tasting from 4-7 pm or the VIP “Meet the Chefs” Reception from 4-9 pm. Proceeds benefit Share Our Strength as well as local beneficiaries including Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank and the Community Action Partnership of Orange County 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.824.7559. montagelagunabeach.com
SPORTS
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Texas Rangers
June 1-3. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim take on the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Enjoy an excellent fireworks display after the Friday night game with Big Bang Friday presented by Wells Fargo. 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 714.940.2000. losangeles.angels.mlb.com
THEATER
Laugh Out Loud Tour
Through June 3. America’s famed comedy troupe, The Second City, is coming to town with its one of a kind “Laugh Out Loud Tour.” From the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray and more, comes the next generation of the comedy world’s best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City’s trademark improvisation. 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
American Idiot
Through June 3. Based on Green Day’s Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. The show, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, features hits including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns” and the title track, “American Idiot,” with lyrics by Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Jitney
Through June 10. Enjoy a night out at the theater with Jitney now on stage at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Repertory. A follow-up to the successful 2010 SCR production, Fences, August Wilson’s newest show takes audiences back to the 1970s as urban renewal threatens a storefront station where the drivers of gypsy cabs, known as jitneys, share their funny stories about the day’s fares and meddle in each other’s lives. Cronies drop in, fights break out, a son faces his father after 20 years in prison, lovers make up and just as we get to know this cast of colorful characters, Wilson asks us to look again. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
MUSEUMS
Wildlife Rescue
Through Sept. 3. Enter the fascinating world of Wildlife Rescue and learn about the recovery efforts from people who dedicate their lives to saving animals. Explore the innovative ways used to capture, raise and release endangered species back into the wild in this eye-opening, interactive exhibit. Wildlife Rescue visitors also receive a free admission ticket to the Santa Ana Zoo and the Orange County Zoo. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. discoverycube.org
EVENTS
Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
May 31-June 3. Dana Point Harbor, one of the most spectacular on the California coast, is always full with the highest-quality boats and is home to thousands of watercraft enthusiasts. New and used yachts, sailboats, electric boats, power boats, and even kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from more than 150 exhibitors will be on display at the 12th annual Boat Show. Admission is free on Thursday, May 31, and Friday, June 1 is $1 day. Take advantage of $1 admission, $1 hot dog, $1 soda and $1 beer. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, 949.496.2979. danaboatshow.com
ART
The District Art Gallery Open House
June 2. Enjoy a wide range of original work by local artists as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages at The District Art Gallery’s Open House event. From abstract expressionist paintings to historic New York photographs of the ‘50s, The District Art Gallery has an amazing collection for art enthusiasts and decorator needs. View pieces from the current featured artist Van Bui, along with works by Ted Baker, Jerry Muller and gallery curator Lisa Ricondo. 2477 Park Ave., Tustin, 424.645.4161. thedistrictartgallery.com