DANCE
Laguna Dance Festival
Apr. 12-15. Enjoy performances from some of the most accomplished dancers and choreographers in the nation at the Laguna Dance Festival held at the intimate Laguna Playhouse. Companies such as River Dance North Chicago and Philadelphia’s BalletX as well as New York City Ballet stars Tiler Peck and Joaquin DeLuz lead the lineup of theater performances, showcasing some of the dance world’s most creative choreography. Audiences can also attend master classes and pre-performance discussions with dancers and artistic directors. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.715.5578. lagunadancefestival.org
ART
Pocket Full of Vision
Through Apr. 28. The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art explores the booming growth of mobile photography with Pocket Full of Vision. The show features 60 printed images—27 winners from the Mobile Photo Awards plus 15 photos from the judges and an additional 18 chosen by founder Daniel Berman. The Mobile Photo Awards were created to promote the global phenomenon of mobile, or cell phone, photography and celebrate the creativity within this new genre. Entries were judged for their originality, creativity and adherence to the contest theme. 117 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana, 714.667.1517. occca.org
Resonating Fields
Through Oct. 31. Muzeo presents a beautifully curated exhibit of Lois Greenfield’s illuminating photography developed by Canadian artist Henry Jesionka. Greenfield pioneered photography of the human body in movement with both grace and whimsy. While many of these captivating images line the gallery walls, Jesionka takes the installation a step further with rotating plexiglass cubes, each with a printed image of a body in motion creating a compelling re-animation of Greenfield’s work. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. 714.95.MUZEO. muzeo.org
FOOD + DRINK
Spring Menu at Palm Terrace
Ongoing. The Island Hotel Newport Beach’s Palm Terrace Restaurant & Lounge introduces new seasonal lunch and dinner menus. Chef David Man, who is known for his California coastal cuisine, has created a sophisticated menu with options for businessmen on the go, leisurely Fashion Island shoppers or guests in search of a gourmet dining experiences. Highlights include farm to table entrées such as Puttanesca with capers, California olives, Irvine Ranch tomatoes and roasted peppers; Mary’s free range chicken with organic Weiser Farm potatoes, wild mushrooms and rosemary jus and salmon poached in California sparkling wine with spring succotash, potato puree and mache sauce Vierge. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
MUSEUMS
Bubblefest
Weekends through Apr. 22. Bubblefest features hands-on bubble activities to delight kids and adults alike. Try your hand at creating giant bubbles and learn about the science behind the spectacular Mega Bubblefest Laser Show. Bubble scientist Deni Yang showcases his unique bubble artistry in the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show featuring all things bubbles—bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, bouncing bubbles and bubbles in all shapes and sizes. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. discoverycube.org
Star Wars: Wear Science Meets Imagination
Through Apr. 15
Don’t miss your last chance to get up close and personal with the science Star Wars! Santa Ana’s Discovery Science Center explores the scientific possibilities behind some of Star Wars’ most visionary ideas such as humanoid robots, landspeeders and X-wing Starfighters. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823. discoverycube.org
MUSIC
Chris Botti
Apr. 12-14. Chris Botti, trumpeter extraordinaire, returns to Orange County to perform a brand new program with the Pacific Symphony, conducted by Richard Kaufman. The Grammy Award-nominated musician and composer toured as trumpeter for Sting and is known for crossing the boundaries between pop, classical, jazz and rock. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Brian McKnight
Apr. 13. Grammy Award-nominated R&B artist Brian McKnight performs at the City National Grove of Anaheim in support of his latest album, Just Me, which features over 40 tracks—10 new studio songs as well as live versions of his classics. McKnight plays his hits along with songs that have inspired him through the years on both the piano and the guitar. With record sales upwards of 20 million, 14 albums and collaborations with the likes of Quincy Jones, Justin Timberlake and Mariah Carey, McKnight has established himself as a versatile and successful fixture on the R&B scene. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700. citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
Gerald Wilson’s Big Band
Apr. 13. Soka Performing Arts Center continues its Jazz Monsters series with Gerald Wilson and his boisterous big band. The Mississippi-born trumpeter and composer has been based in Los Angeles since the early 1940s, collaborating with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. The beloved jazz musician also writes music with his son and grandchildren. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000. soka.edu
RagFest
Apr. 15. Dance to classic ragtime music at Orange County’s annual RagFest music festival. Enjoy tunes from the Heliotrope Ragtime Orchestra, The Albany Nightboat Ragtimers and Brad Kay & Those Syncopating Songbirds. 2012 marks the first year that the Muckenthaler hosts the festival. The historic Orange County mansion has set up three sites throughout the spacious grounds to enjoy performances. Browse arts and crafts booths and enjoy food from local vendors as well. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595. ragfest.com
THEATER
Dream Carver
Apr. 14-15. Children will love the creative production Dream Carver, a bilingual musical based on the children’s book of the same name debuting on stage at the Samueli Theater. Dream Carver follows Mateo, a little boy growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico, as he uses his imagination to bring wooden toys to life in his own way. Mateo’s experience along with the colorful puppets encourage youngsters to think creatively, try new things and follow their dreams. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Cloudlands
Apr. 15-May 6. When Monica makes an unexpected discovery about her mother, her own personal life and struggles are suddenly thrown into question. As she searches for answers, Monica exposes a tangled web of secrets involving her mother, her father and a stranger who connects them all. Cloudlands also features beautiful songs that add even more depth to this compelling drama. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org