Archives for June 2018

Summer Reading from Arbordale Publishing

Back by popular demand, Arbordale Publishing has a new summer reading program for families. For 2018, they handpicked 10 books that showcase animals found in your backyard and others that might require a trip to see. Either way, learning about nature is always fun. Go from the screen to outside for a scavenger hunt, start your own kids’ book club, or learn about seashells even if you can’t get to the beach!
Looking for book giveaways? Follow us on Facebook (Arbordale Kids), or Twitter (@ArbordaleKids), as we will be hosting giveaways throughout the summer for Summer Reading participants! #ArbordaleLovesSummer
Credit: Arbordale Publishing. 

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood Continues to Spellbind Guests with Exciting Wand Magic Experiences, Wizarding Apparel and New Menu Options

From the moment guests enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood, they are transported to Hogsmeade village, which this summer will introduce new wand magic experiences, authentic costume replicas, lunchtime menu items and the popular return of “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle.”

 With a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at dazzling wand magic locations. This summer’s installation of two additional spells ups the tally to 15 thrilling wand magic experiences to practice. The Incendio fire-making spell will conjure flames of varying size based on skill level, and the Alohomora spell will unlock a series of intricate locks that may reveal the fiery breath of a creature hidden behind a secret door.

 Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including:

o   Ploughman’s Lunch, featuring an imported selection of ham, salami, country paté, English cheese, homemade pickles and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard

o   Cheese Toastie with Chicken, featuring grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side egg served with a fresh salad or potato wedges

o   Sunday Roast Sandwich served on a freshly baked baguette filled with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles served with fresh salad or potato wedges

  Guests can channel their inner wizards at Gladrags Wizardwear with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. The billowing house robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and accompanying house uniforms, including hand-loomed cardigans from Scotland, scarves and ties are available for purchase.  New to Gladrags Wizardwear this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe, as well as a replica of Hermonione’s dress worn at the Yule Ball as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Other wizard attire includes a replica of the cardigan worn by Neville Longbottom in the Battle of Hogwarts scene in the film series finale. Select attire is available in a variety of sizes from toddler to adult.

  Just like the talking mirror in the Harry Potter films, Madam Malkin’s Talking Mirror makes quite a reflective entrance this summer, located in the corridor between Dervish and Banges™ and Gladrags Wizardwear. Speaking with an English accent, the Talking Mirror will entertain guests with a variety of complimentary remarks.

 “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns for a limited time only, beginning Sunday, June 24.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy® award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

  Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

   From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

  The architecturally stunning land also includes the captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts. A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with such retail venues as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear, Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmeade™ Station.

Additional information on Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit:

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”.  Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™.” and the “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction.  The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such authentic thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.”  Opening June 15, 2018, Universal Studios Hollywood will welcome debut The DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”  The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

About Warner Bros. Entertainment: Warner Bros. Entertainment is a global leader in all forms of entertainment and their related businesses across all current and emerging media and platforms.  A Time Warner Company, the fully integrated, broad-based studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, video games, product, and brand licensing, international cinemas and broadcasting.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)

PBS KIDS KICKS OFF A SUMMER OF ADVENTURE

As children head out of school, PBS KIDS aims to address the summer learning gap by encouraging kids, parents and educators to engage in adventures to make the season one of creativity, learning and fun. Fans of PBS KIDS will get a chance to see new episodes beginning June 6 through August 24, including READY JET GO!, the first-ever WILD KRATTS marathon and new specials from NATURE CAT and SPLASH AND BUBBLES, exploring themes such as the natural world and ocean animals’ migratory patterns. New episodes will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) and will be available on pbskids.org, the free PBS KIDS Video App and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream.

Local PBS stations across the country will bring educational resources and events to their communities through PBS KIDS partnerships with Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, First Book and Reading is Fundamental (RIF). “PBS KIDS at the Alamo” screening events will be available throughout the summer, with 100 percent of the optional, donation-based ticket prices ($1-$5) going to local PBS stations to support PBS KIDS’ educational mission. PBS KIDS’ partnerships with First Book and RIF aim to foster important literacy skills during the summer through activities and resources.

“Children’s learning can decline by as much one month’s worth of school-year learning over the course of summer break.* To help bridge that gap, we want to engage kids with subjects they’re curious to learn more about,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Every year, local PBS stations bring summer learning opportunities to communities across the country through resources, events and more for the whole family.”

PBS is also celebrating reading this summer with the new eight-part series, THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, and hosting “PBS KIDS Read” to complement the annual summer learning initiative for children ages 2-8 and their families. “PBS KIDS Read” will encourage reading and related activities through a variety of resources for kids and parents available on PBS Parents, including book lists, tips for new readers and other literacy resources. PBS Teacherline will offer several courses for early childhood educators who teach young readers. New digital games from WILD KRATTS, NATURE CAT and READY JET GO! will also be available. Kids can also download the SPLASH AND BUBBLES Ocean Adventure app, where they can join the Reeftown Rangers on an underwater journey to discover the amazing animals and plants that live in the ocean.

 

Asteroid Belt Space Race!/Sydney 2

Airs and streams June 27

“Asteroid Belt Space Race”

The kids join Celery in a space race between them, Uncle Zucchini, and Auntie Eggplant and Zerk. The course is all the way around the Asteroid Belt.

“Sydney 2”

Sydney decides that Jet’s robot, Jet 2, is lonely. She decides to design and build a robot companion for him and names it “Sydney 2.”

Earth, Wind and Flyer/Mini-Golf at the DSA

Airs and streams July 4

“Earth, Wind, and Flyer”

Jet is fascinated by the effects of wind on his saucer. He and the kids study how wind works, ending with Sean going on a wild saucer ride.

“Mini-Golf at the DSA”

Jet is fascinated by Earthie golf, and Sean and Sydney try to teach him the rules. When the DSA builds a new mini-golf course, the kids team up against the grownups, and Jet gets to apply his new knowledge of force.

Water, Water Everywhere/Commander Cressida Story Contest

Airs and streams July 11

“Water, Water Everywhere”

Jet takes the kids on a saucer tour all around the Earth to discover all the ways that water can be found. They visit Antarctica to look at the ice, and then compare that extreme to the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa.

“Commander Cressida Story Contest”

Sydney wants to enter a Commander Cressida story contest, but can’t think of a good enough story. The other kids help, and they come up with a story about lassoing a comet to bring water to Venus, and then Mars.

Try and Try Again/Racing on Sunshine

Airs and streams July 18

“Try and Try Again”

Jet’s robot Jet 2 needs new wheels if he’s going to be able to rove over the surface of Mars. Jet and the kids try a bunch of different wheels, without success. In the end, they borrow the wheels from Mitchell’s scooter, so Jet 2 can successfully navigate on Mars.

“Racing on Sunshine”

The kids enter their karts in the big kid-kart derby, but this year they all have to design solar- powered karts. Jet learns how solar panels work, and how batteries save up the energy so you can race even when clouds cover the sun.

You Can Call Me Albedo/The Tide Is High

Airs and streams July 25

“You Can Call Me Albedo”

It’s evening at the cul-de-sac and the kids are looking at two asteroids through Sean’s telescope – one is light-colored and one is dark. Meanwhile, Mitchell’s dog Cody seems to have run away because he doesn’t like the black sweater Mitchell put on him. The kids learn about how, just like asteroids, some things are easier to see in the dark than others – a white card is easier to see than Cody’s black sweater, for example. This amount of brightness is called “albedo.”

“The Tide Is High”

The kids go to their local beach to surf, but notice that the beach looks completely different from the last time they stood there. There’s a lot more sand and the ocean is far away! They decide to be detectives and study what has happened, and learn that the difference is caused by the tides – the rising and falling of the ocean.

WILD KRATTS

WILD KRATTS marathon will kick off on Friday, June 15 (check local listings),and will include the new episodes listed below. On the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and livestream, the marathon kicks off at 6:00 a.m. and goes for a full 24 hours. The two services will be counter-programmed with different episodes.

Choose Your Swordfish

Airs and streams Friday, June 29

Aviva challenges Martin and Chris to a fencing duel and tells them to choose their swords. The bros can’t decide, so she tells them if they pick their favorite billfish – swordfish, marlin or sailfish – she’ll make them a Creature Power Suit. So they head out on a mission to explore the mysterious world of billfish.

NATURE CAT

 “Nature Cat: The Return of Bad Dog Bart”

Airs and streams Monday, July 16

While playing everyone’s favorite game, Hal’s Hole Hootenanny, Hal accidentally digs up what turns out to be Bad Dog Bart’s second buried treasure map! And this is the one that leads to Bad Dog Bart’s stolen loot of cat toys. This brings back some emotional memories for Nature Cat of a very special family cat toy stolen by Bad Dog Bart, and his sister Gwendolyn going off to get it back. Nature Cat has not seen Gwendolyn since! Mustering all the courage he can, and with help from Squeeks, Daisy and Hal, Nature Cat sets off on a dizzying epic adventure following the map to find the treasure. Little do they know that Bad Dog Bart himself will be joining the race along with a rough and tumble pirate named One-Eared Winnie! Arrrghhhhh!!!

SPLASH AND BUBBLES

“Splash and Bubbles: Pole-to-Pole”

Airs and streams August 6

Narwhals and penguins and humpbacks, oh my! The Reeftown Rangers set off on a migratory adventure from the Antarctic to the Arctic in this SPLASH AND BUBBLES event.

Brookings Institute; Summer learning loss, what is it, and what can we do about it?; 2017

Credit:

About PBS KIDS

PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to more than 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere. For more information on PBS KIDS content and initiatives supporting school readiness and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

About Wind Dancer
In addition to READY JET GO!, Wind Dancer Films is the creator and producer of such family television series Home Improvement along with box office successes such as What Women Want and Bernie. The company, headed by partners Dete Meserve, David McFadzean and Matt Williams, is also currently in production on What Men Want for Paramount Pictures, the feature film Good Sam, the animated preschool project Not a Box, and the stop-motion series entitled Storywoodswww.winddancer.com

About Kratt Brothers Company

Kratt Brothers Company, founded in 1993, has created and produced more than 220 episodes of television, including award-winning series: KRATTS’ CREATURES, ZOBOOMAFOO, Kratt Brothers: Be the Creature and WILD KRATTS. Through its full service animation studio, Kratt Brothers Company is currently in production on its fifth season of the Emmy-nominated hit, WILD KRATTS.www.krattbrothers.com

About Spiffy Pictures

Spiffy Pictures, founded in 2003 by David and Adam Rudman, is a creative development and production company specializing in family entertainment. The Emmy Award-winning creative team has created, produced, written and directed live-action and animated projects for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, Comedy Central, Sesame Street and Warner Brothers. Their projects include creating and producing the Emmy- and Prix Jeunesse-nominated Jack’s Big Music Show for Nick Jr, the Emmy-nominated Bunnytown for Disney and Nick Jr.’s Parent’s Choice Award-winning Curious Buddies brand of home videos. Spiffy Pictures recently produced a puppet adaptation of Scooby Doo for Warner Brothers, titled Scooby-Doo! Adventures, The Mystery Map. Visit us at www.spiffypictures.com.

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world-famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix), Dot. (Sprout/Hulu), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Word Party (Netflix), Doozers (Hulu/ Sprout), and the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid (PBS), Dinosaur Train (PBS), and Pajanimals (Sprout). Television productions include Fraggle RockThe Storyteller and the sci-fi cult series Farscape. Features include Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well as The Dark CrystalLabyrinthMirrorMask, and Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow. The Company is currently in production on the upcoming Netflix original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Projects in development include the highly anticipated filmFraggle Rock.

http://www.henson.com

www.facebook.com/hensoncompany

www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

4 Tips for the Perfect Kid’s Party

Organizing a party for your children is not the easiest task in the world. Although you are in charge of every single detail, you also need to consider your kid’s preferences when it comes to the theme or the food they are going to eat. It is no secret that kid’s parties can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if you’re not used to having a little kindergarten in your living room. That is why you need to be prepared in advance, at least mentally. You should expect mess, lots of noise and maybe even a few arguments. However, seeing your kids happy is definitely worth it. There are quite a few steps that you should follow when organizing a party, but it is only to ensure that it turns out well. Here are a few tips that will hopefully give you some peace of mind.

Have a Simple Menu

A small meal is a great option for a kid’s party. You should steer clear of sophisticated foods. Kids love little snacks such as sandwiches or pizza. Moreover, these foods can be transformed into the perfect party treat with the help of a cookie cutter. You will definitely make a great impression with your heart-shaped pizza or star-shaped snacks. When it comes to the cake, a simple one will do. If you’re not a great cook, muffins or cupcakes are just as delicious. The only thing to keep in mind is possible allergies.

Pick a Theme

Having a theme helps you find the right decorations for the venue, and maybe even find suitable entertainment options. Party themes vary from garden parties to mermaid shows. Kids tend to be influenced by either their favorite cartoon characters or a certain movie they have seen. Since a kid’s party is not a competition, it would be a smart idea to try to avoid parties that someone in the class already did. The most popular themes include Pirates, Princesses, Superheroes, but these can depend on your kid’s age. Think of some original party games as well, as these will help keep the children entertained and will pass the time.

Let the Fun Begin

Parties should a fun time, not a factor that generates stress. Everyone knows that kids can be messy, but that should not worry you. Let them have a good time and don’t stress too much about the outcome. You can take care of that later. Though, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of cleaning you need to do, you can always count on professionals at mytechnicare.com for a helping hand. They will help you deep clean the carpets or even sofas. Let kids run around, play with toys, make up their own games without worrying about stains, crumbs or messy floors.

Party Bags

Although not everyone loves the idea of party bags, this is a nice gesture. Remember that this is not a gift, but a thank you for attendance and present. A good way of keeping costs down is by setting a small budget. Buy items in bulk and divide them between a few bags. A couple of wrapped chocolates or a little keychain work well for this. Look for some inspiration online if you have no idea where to start.

Organizing a kid’s party can be stressful and a bit costly at times. That is why you should opt for simple foods and decorations that can be easily reused later on.

THE KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY BOOK: Games! Puzzles! Mazes! And More!

The Kid’s Awesome Activity Book is a parent’s best friend, guaranteed to entertain your backseat travelers during those endless summer road trips. Readers can create their own comic strips, write a hit song for the hedgehog hoedown, decode pirate word scrambles, and help a little leprechaun find his pot of gold. All they need is a pencil and their imagination!

I really recommend this one for Summer reading fun! This one is a great book to have in the house when you hear those words…”I’m bored…..”

Brimming with bats, hungry unicorns, alien dance parties, monster finger puppets, and SO much more, THE KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY BOOK: GAMES! PUZZLES! MAZES! AND MORE! (June 12, 2018; Workman; $14.95; By Mike Lowery) is perfect fuel for endless hours of creativity on and off the page. Created by Mike Lowery, the mastermind behind the wildly successful KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY CALENDAR and DOODLE ADVENTURES® series, THE KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY BOOK is the boredom-buster guaranteed to infuse those endless summer road trips with imaginative landscapes filled with monster hair salons, circus acts, enchanted forests, and more. With just a pencil and their imagination, readers can decode pirate word scrambles, create their own comic strips, write a hit song for the hedgehog hoedown, and help a little leprechaun find his pot of gold. With more than 400 stickers drawn in Lowery’s iconic style and a pullout poster just waiting to be colored, THE KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY BOOK offers takeaway items that burgeoning artists can use to decorate their space outside the confines of the book. Featuring nearly 100 wacky prompts, games, and crafts, there’s only one cardinal rule that young artists have to follow: Have fun!

About the Author:

Mike Lowery is the creator of The Kid’s Awesome Activity Calendar and the Doodle Adventures® series. His latest book, Random Illustrated Facts, collects weird bits of news and knowledge. Mike draws in his sketchbooks and posts on Instagram daily at @mikelowerystudio. He lives with his wife and children in Atlanta, Georgia.

THE KID’S AWESOME ACTIVITY BOOK By Mike Lowery $14.95 | June 12, 2018 | 122 pages | Ages 8-12| ISBN 9780761187189

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book to feature. I only feature books that I highly recommend! Images were also provided. 

Emerson, June 21st Pet of the Week

We wish we could have even a fraction of Emerson’s attitude! Despite a gimpy hind leg, this adorable 5-year-old Maltese mix loves life! The lame leg could be a result of an injury, and it needs to be either reset or amputated. Our shelter vet said that she’d reset his leg if someone would step up to foster him for a while or, better yet, adopt him. Wouldn’t you love an outcome like that! Meet Emerson on the shelter side of the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A607649.

(The usual suspects contributed to this rescue)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Dana Point Harbor’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

Experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display during the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Dana Point Harbor. Display begins at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 and will light up the harbor with fantastic views from Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries within the harbor. Visitors can listen to the City of Dana Point’s specially curated Spotify playlist and enjoy patriotic music accompanying the display.

Free shuttles will be available 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; shuttle services will suspend from 9 p.m. until the end of display.

Dana Point Trolley will drop off and pick up at stops #5 and #6 on July 4th in the Harbor from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the Harbor shuttle will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Streets within Dana Point Harbor will have restricted left hand turn lanes and cars will be detoured to go right only (Dana Point Harbor Drive, Puerto Place & Island Way). Cove Road will be closed during the fireworks and re-opened after the fireworks.

Celebrate summertime holidays at Dana Point Harbor and experience the ultimate seaside adventure all summer long. For more information visit www.DanaPointHarbor.com.

Credit: Dana Point Harbor.

MAINLY MOZART FESTIVAL RACES TO A CONCLUSION WITH CONCERTS ON JUNE 21, 22, 23, and 24

The month-long Mainly Mozart Festival concludes for a final week of performances. The 30th Annual Mainly Mozart Festival, led by Music Director Michael Francis, continues its six-year exploration of Mozart’s life with Year Three – Brave New World: From Rebel to Entrepreneur. In his early 20s, and longer Europe’s “golden child”, financial need forced Mozart to become a musical entrepreneur, dedicating himself to the business of music. Some of Mozart’s greatest works of this period will be featured in Festival programming, along with boundary-breaking works by other composers.
FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA SERIES: Thursday, June 21 – 7:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. Overture presentation, free to ticket holders / Tickets $15-$88
THE BALBOA THEATRE 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Michael Francis, conductor; James Ehnes, violin; James Ollarsaba, baritone
Sibelius                                  Suite for Violin & Strings, Op. 117
Prokofiev                             Violin Concerto NO. 2 in G minor, Op. 63
Mozart                                  Thamos, King of Egypt, Incidental Music, K. 345
Sibleius’s gem begins the concert deep in nature. Sibelius evokes spring and summer in this brief reverie for strings and violin.
Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, debuted Madrid, Spain, December, 1, 1935, and is one of his most conventional pieces of music. Prokofiev wrote it while touring Europe yet this violin concerto is full of melodies indicative of Russian folk tunes.
Mozart composed the incidental music to Thamos, King of Egyptbetween 1773 and 1780. It’s Kochel number is K345/336a. The play premiered in 1774 but it appears as if only two of the choruses were completed at that time. The plot of the play is somewhat intriguing but the conclusion is laughable. We can only theorize about the status of this music had the play been moderately successful. This performance represents the West Coast Premiere of Thamos.
SPOTLIGHT CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Friday, June 22 – 7:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. Wine Reception / Post-concert Talk-Back with artists / Tickets $58
AUDITORIUM AT TSRI 10620 John J. Hopkins Dr. San Diego, CA 92121
Members of the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra:
Juliana Athayde, violin; Jun Iwasaki, violin; Mark Holloway, viola; Rainer Eudeikis, cello; JuFang Liu, bass; Boris Allakverdyan, clarinet; Whitney Crockett, bassoon; Andrew Bain, Horn.
Schubert Octet in F Major, D. 803
This is the largest of Schubert’s chamber music compositions. The instrumentation follows that of Beethoven’s Septet with the exception of an extra violin. The piece runs about 50 minutes.
CONCLUSION OF THE JOAN AND IRWIN JACOBS FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA SERIES: Saturday, June 23 – 7:30 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. Overture presentation, free to ticket holders / Tickets $15-$88
THE BALBOA THEATRE 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Michael Francis, conductor; Dejan Lazić, piano
Mozart                                Symphony No. 32 in G Major, K. 318
Haydn                                 Piano Concerto in D Major, Hob. XVIII: 11
Mozart arr. Lazić                ENCORE: Rondo Concertante, WORLD PREMIERE
Mendelssohn                      Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56, Scottish
SPOTLIGHT CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Sunday, June 24 – 2:30 p.m. / Tickets $28
SCHULMAN AUDITORIUM, Carlsbad Dove Library
James Ehnes, violin; Orion Weiss, piano
Beethoven                          Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Opus 12
Poulenc                               Sonata for Violin & Piano
Beethoven                          Violin Sonata in E flat Major, Op. 18
SPOTLIGHT CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: Sunday, June 24 – 6:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. Wine Reception / Tickets $78
RANCHO SANTA FE GARDEN CLUB, 17025 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067
James Ehnes, violin; Orion Weiss, piano
Beethoven                          Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Opus 12
Poulenc                               Sonata for Violin & Piano
Beethoven                          Violin Sonata in E flat Major, Op. 18
Our Mission: Invigorating the cultural life of the San Diego/Tijuana community by connecting to the truth and beauty of Mozart via world-class music-making. www.mainlymozart.org
Credit: Mainly Mozart.
Funding for Mainly Mozart is provided in part by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture; the County of San Diego; the National Endowment for the Arts; and contributions from local individuals, corporations, and foundations.