Rivian to open South Coast Theater to public next Saturday
Rivian is opening the South Coast Theater to the public on Saturday, Dec. 9.
The space has been transformed into a destination for visitors and locals alike to not only learn about Rivian vehicles but also enjoy film screenings and programming with community partners such as LCAD and the Laguna Ocean Foundation. Film screenings will be curated in partnership with Coast Film Foundation. Opening weekend activities and film screenings are open to the public and include family art workshops hosted by Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). Some events are ticketed and require a reservation. For more details on events and programming at Rivian South Coast Theater, visit https://rivian.com/spaces/laguna. The theater is located at 160 South Coast Highway. Street parking only.
LCAD Unveils Alumni-centered Collection
Laguna College of Art + Design will display a selection of their Permanent Collection for the first time on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in the LCAD Gallery.
Join LCAD in celebrating the Inaugural Permanent Collection Exhibition, a testament to the dedication and creativity of LCAD’s alumni.
This selection of the permanent collection showcases the diverse talents and perspectives of their budding artists and innovators. Each piece on display reflects their unique journeys, passions, and inspirations. This exhibition celebrates their growth and commitment to the arts and academia, from vibrant canvases to sculptures.
Annual Holiday New Coats for Kids Drive for the Fifth District runs through Dec. 18
Join Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley in her 15th Annual Holiday New Coats for Kids Drive for the Fifth District. The drive kicked off on Nov. 15 and continues through Monday, Dec. 18. The Supervisor seeks donations of new coats in kids and youth sizes to help children and teenagers across the Fifth District stay warm this winter.
Drop-off boxes in Laguna Beach include Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Boys & Girls Club, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street and Laguna Coast Regional Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road. A complete list of coat drive boxes in Orange County can be found here: d5.ocgov.com/holiday-new-coats-for-kids-drive.
December Art Start at Hotel Laguna
Come kick off the holiday season with wine, hors d’oeuvres and art at the Hotel Laguna on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. As a special holiday treat, Christmas carolers will be entertaining attendees with holiday songs. The featured artists this month are Suzanne Graham, Patsee Ober and Sue Thompson. A reception from 5 to 6 p.m will open the evening, followed by an exhibit showing from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit firstthursdaysartwalk.org.
Ring in the holidays with three free concerts
This holiday season brings a series of free concerts to fans of the Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands.
Both bands will rock the holidays on Dec. 1 for Hospitality Night, starting at 6 p.m. The Laguna Community Concert Band kicks things off with holiday classics, “Sleigh-Ride,” “Christmas on Broadway” and “Christmas Pop Sing-Along,” featuring vocalists Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene and Samantha Morrice. Next, the Laguna JaZz Band will play its holiday blend of jazz and pop standards, Latin, funk and salsa with featured vocalist Ginger Hatfield.
The two groups share the stage again on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m., for a holiday show at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theatre.
The concert features favorites such as “The Hanukkah Song,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a visit from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and a rousing sing-along finale. Vocalists include Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene, Samantha Morrice, Rob Harryman and Ginger Hatfield.
On Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., the Laguna Community JaZz Band returns to the Susi Q with holiday favorites such as “Santa Baby,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Now finishing its 23rd season, The Laguna Community Concert Band rehearses at the Laguna Beach High School band room on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. For the latest news about the concert and jazz bands and a calendar of concerts, or if you would like to play with the band, go to the website at www.lagunaconcertband.com.
Surfboard Menorah Chanukah celebration on Main Beach
Meet at the Main Beach cobblestones on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. for music and dancing with Israeli DJ Eldad, a variety of street performers, crafts for the kids, face painting, dreidel cookie decorating, latkes, chocolate gelt and lighting of the Laguna Beach surfboard menorah. Admission is free, and it’s fun for all ages.
The iconic Surfboard Menorah is constructed from surfboards donated by Chabad Laguna Beach friends and congregants. The Menorah was designed by Steve Sachse and Laguna Beach contractors Mike Tomkins and Tony Hempen, who generously volunteered their time to put it all together.
Calling all kids for a Chanukah Lego party
Chabad Laguna Beach is hosting a Chanukah Lego party on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m. The program is packed with Chanukah games, activities and crafts. There will be a dreidel game showdown, build your own light-up Leg Menorah, Chanukah superhero cards, donut decorating, Latke party and Menorah lighting. The cost is $8 per child. RSVP to [email protected]
For more details and Chanukah megasite, please visit www.chabadoflaguna.com. The Chabad is located at 30804 S. Coast Hwy., across from the Montage Resort.
Ceremony and vigil for Worlds Aids Day
The City of Laguna Beach and HIV Advisory Committee are sponsoring a coffee, greet and community sharing at Main Beach cobblestone area on Friday, Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. A vigil will follow at 4 p.m. Free HIV testing vouchers will be available courtesy of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.
Laguna Art Museum events
Movie-Made Los Angeles Lecture and Book Signing – Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.
Embark on a captivating exploration of the historic ties between Laguna and early Hollywood with renowned film professor and author John Trafton. Meet the author and have your copy of his latest masterpiece, Movie-Made Los Angeles, personally signed after the program. Uncover the cinematic origins of Los Angeles before the birth of the silver screen. Discover how Southern California’s artistic heritage laid the foundation for Hollywood’s rise. Prepare for an enthralling journey, delving into the first-ever film shot in California (right here in Laguna), the earliest incarnation of The Wizard of Oz (29 years before Judy Garland donned her ruby slippers) and World War I movies filmed in Orange County’s picturesque sycamore canyons.
Jean Stern Presents: Historic Artists of Northern California 1870-1920 – Dec. 10 at 10 a.m.
Art Historian and LAM Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern discusses Historic Artists of Northern California in an hour-long illustrated lecture that examines the principal painters and their influence on the art of Northern California between 1870 and 1920. The lecture will include, among others, Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), Thomas Hill (1829-1908), William Keith (1838-1911), Frank Mathews (1860-1945) and Lucia K. Mathews (1870-1955), Euphemia Charlton Fortune (1885-1969), John Gamble (1863-1957) and Armin C. Hansen (1886-1957). Along with several examples of their paintings, Stern will show archival photographs of each artist. The lecture comprises approximately 90 color slides and lasts about 45 minutes, with time for questions afterwards. John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers is the exclusive auctioneer/appraiser business for the 2023 Jean Stern Presents lectures. More information about LAM events can be found at www.lagunaartmuseum.org/events.
