THEATER
The Giver
Feb. 17-18. Jonas lives in a perfect world where everything is under control and everyone has a specific role within the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who holds the memories of true pain and pleasure of life. Now it’s time for Jonas to receive the truth and there is no turning back. The Newberry Award-winning book, authored by Lois Lowry, is adapted for the stage by Eric Coble. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
The Borrowers
Through Feb. 26. Arietty lives a quiet and happy life with her parents in a warm and cozy home under the floorboards with “human beans” living just above. At just four inches tall, Arietty and her family are Borrowers, venturing above the floorboards only to “borrow” a few necessities. Her life takes a wild turn when Arietty meets a human boy who accidentally reveals her family’s hiding place, forcing her family to flee to the great outdoors! South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
EVENTS
Long Beach Scottish Festival
Feb. 18-19. Celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Queen Mary at the Long Beach landmark’s 19th annual Scottish Festival & Games. Considered the most famous ship built on the River Clyde, the Queen Mary exemplifies fine Scottish craftsmanship. Enjoy Highland and Country dancing, authentic Scottish foods and ales, single malt Scotch whisky tasting, sheepdog herding demonstrations and a colorful grand parade Saturday and Sunday with massed pipes and drums, clans and special guest grand marshals. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Mardi Gras & Carnevale
Feb. 18. You don’t have to go to New Orleans or Italy to celebrate Mardi Gras and Carnevale—Shoreline Village in Long Beach is hosting a great day of music, art, festivities and more! Dance to samba, calypso and swing music, enjoy gondola rides and watch the parade of performers and colorful characters make its way from Rainbow Harbor to Shoreline Village. Festivities begin at 1:00 pm at Rainbow Harbor. 429 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, 323.428.7411. rainbowharbormardigras.com
ART
Grand Opening of The District Art Gallery
Feb. 17. The District at Tustin Legacy is proud to introduce The District Art Gallery, an exciting new addition to its extensive tenant mix. Join The District at Tustin Legacy in celebrating the launch of The District Art Gallery at the grand opening party with complimentary food and beverages at the gallery from 6-9:00 pm. The gallery serves as a space for local artists to showcase their work and for local and visiting tastemakers to purchase dynamic pieces for their homes, business and collections. Gallery owner Lisa Ricondo is curating a group of local artists for a six-month exhibition. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.9090. thedistricttl.com
SPORTS
Harlem Globetrotters
Feb. 18. With a fresh crop of rookies on the lineup, the Harlem Globetrotters bring their outstanding basketball skills to the Honda Center for two shows. The new Globetrotters feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including reigning champ Jacob “Hops” Tucker who sports a 50-inch vertical leap! The exhibition basketball team has wowed audiences around the world since its founding in 1927. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com.
DINING
Carnaval Dinner
Feb. 17-20. Agora Currascaria joins its Sister City, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in celebrating Carnaval with authentic Caipirinhas, the national cocktail of Brazil, and other traditional dishes. Grab Carnaval beads at the door before enjoying a delicious Brazilian meal of skewer-roasted meats served by Agora’s Gauchos! Carnaval revelers can also feast upon a sumptuous hot and cold premium salad bar featuring fresh salads, vegetable and seafood dishes as well as the classic feijoada bean stew that is sold on every street corner in Rio during Carnaval. 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910. agorachurrascaria.com
MUSIC
Pacific Symphony Chamber Concert
Feb. 16. Carl St. Clair directs the Pacific Symphony for a special concert featuring the smaller Chamber Orchestra and a program that will delight listeners of all ages. The Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Saint Saens’ Carnival of the Animals and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4278. performingarts.soka.edu
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Feb. 17. The band that successfully revived big-band music for the ’90s and beyond takes the stage to perform some of their greatest hits, including “Go Daddy-O,” “Mr. Pinstripe” and “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 (Tonight).” They’re last album, released in April of 2009, pays homage to Cab Calloway, the leading commercial proponent of jump, jive and wailing swing in the ’30s and ’40s. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 17. The acclaimed Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by music director Riccardo Muti, performs works by Arthur Honegger, César Franck and Chicago Symphony Orchestra resident composer Mason Bates at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Christopher Russell, coordinator of the orchestra program at Orange County High School of the Arts, leads a pre-concert lecture at 7:00 pm. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787.scfta.org
MUSEUMS
THE WORD: Ink & Blood
Ongoing. Explore the history of the written word in the west coast debut of THE WORD: Ink & Blood at MUZEO in Anaheim. The exhibit is the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection on the history of the Bible and the origins of written language with authentic Dead Sea Scroll fragments, ancient biblical manuscripts, 5,000-year-old pictographic clay tablets, Hebrew Torahs, ancient Greek texts, Medieval Latin manuscripts, original pages from Gutenberg’s Bible and rare English printed Bibles on display for visitors. A working life-size reproduction of Gutenberg’s Printing Press with moveable type, perhaps the most significant invention of the last millennium, is also included in the exhibit and will be featured in live demonstrations. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936. muzeo.org