Community Day on Tuesday, May 27 Offers Free Admission for Locals to Explore the Ship’s Expansive Art and Museum Offerings.

Named the top Specialty Museum in Long Beach by TripAdvisor, the Queen Mary is a living testament to elegance, history, and artistry. Moored in Long Beach, this historic ocean liner offers guests an immersive experience where art, architecture, and the ship’s storied past come to life. With its newly restored art deco masterpiece, captivating exhibits, and curated art gallery, the Queen Mary remains a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural landscape. On Tuesday, May 27, from 10AM to 5PM, the ship will host a Queen Mary Community Day, offering free admission for visitors to experience The Queen Mary’s artistic and historical treasures up close.

“The Queen Mary has always stood as a marvel of design and engineering, but she’s also one of the most unique cultural and art destinations on the West Coast,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “The Community Day coming up in May is an opportunity for our neighbors to step aboard and truly explore the ship as a living museum; to see the art, the preservation efforts, and the exhibits that continue to tell her magnificent story.”

From bow to stern, the Queen Mary herself is an architectural time capsule. Her original decks, staterooms, and grand salons are adorned with rare woods, etched glass, and decorative metalwork that define the ship’s famed Art Deco style. One of the most treasured pieces is the recently restored “Unicorns in Battle,” a breathtaking 16-foot mural located in the Queen’s Salon. Originally created by Alfred J. Oakley and Gilbert Bayes, the carved gesso panel is the second-largest artwork aboard the ship and once served as the dramatic focal point above the 1st Class Main Lounge fireplace. Thanks to restoration supported by QMI Restore, the mural’s gilded silver and gold leaf detailing has been returned to its original brilliance. The ship also recently launched a Restoration & Preservation webpage, where the public can learn more about ongoing efforts to safeguard and showcase the Queen Mary’s historic assets.

Daily, guests are invited to chart their own course through the ship’s many exhibits via 20+ “Experience Points, now available in 5 different languages. These immersive experiences reveal the inner workings of the ship, from the wheel house to the propeller box, with stops at the Commodore’s office, the radio room, the engine room, and more. Using a mobile phone, guests can access experience points located throughout the ship to listen and learn more about key areas. A complimentary Experience Point postcard, featuring a map of all locations, is available at Passenger Information which is open daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Larger onboard exhibits include “Their Finest Hours: Winston Churchill and The Queen Mary,” and “The Cunard Story,” which explores the legacy of the legendary company behind more than 150 ocean liners spanning 175 years. 

New to the Queen Mary’s art offerings are three can’t-miss additions: newly installed museum placards, the Queen Mary Archives Museum, and the onboard Queen Mary Art Gallery. The museum placards, located throughout the ship, provide historical context and fascinating insights into select artworks and iconic spaces, enhancing the self-guided experience for visitors. The Archives Museum, accessible exclusively to guests who book the VIP tour, houses rarely seen furniture, artwork, and artifacts from the ship’s days of transatlantic luxury travel. Guests exploring the Queen Mary’s newly curated Art Gallery can view a variety of remarkable works that speak directly to the ship’s legacy including: Madonna of the Tall Ships by Kenneth Shoesmith and The Mills Circus by Dame Laura Knight. Madonna of the Tall Ships was one of several original works commissioned by Cunard to decorate the Queen Mary’s first-class public rooms, capturing the romance and grandeur of ocean travel. Knight’s vibrant The Mills Circus celebrates performance and theatricality, echoing the ship’s legacy as a lively social and cultural hub. Both works offer a glimpse into the artistry that once adorned Cunard’s most elegant spaces and now continue to inspire onboard.

To celebrate all of these offerings, visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to the Queen Mary on Tuesday, May 27 during the Queen Mary’s Community Day. From the grand design elements to newly curated exhibits, guests can experience firsthand why the Queen Mary continues to enchant and inspire nearly 90 years after her maiden voyage.

For more information, upcoming events, programming, and more visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Rubio’s is launching a new and improved mobile app on September 27. The new app better reflects the Rubio’s brand and Baja roots, with an emphasis on an improved guest ordering experience.

• Easier to earn and redeem rewards for free food, customize menu items and receive special challenges to earn points even faster.
• Faster reordering, and the ability to quickly add-to-bag and make salsa bar selections.

Plus, app users can participate in the “Back to Baja” Sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip to Cabo San Lucas. Rubio’s Rewards members earn an entry with every app order, through October, for a chance to win. The Grand Prize is a three night and four-day trip to Baja for two, including a Cabo San Lucas luxury resort, transportation to and from the airport and flights. Ten second place prizes include $100 Rubio’s gift cards, good for anything on the menu.

Credit: Rubio’s.

The Los Angeles Zoo comes to life in the evenings this summer starting Friday, July 7 with all-ages Zoo Friday Nights Presented by L.A. Care, where guests where can discover what their favorite animals get up to during the cooler twilight hours. Families can roam the entire zoo until 8 p.m., while enjoying music, a Family Dance Party by GEC Entertainment, games, interactive education stations, and more. Full bars (21+), food truck fare, and carousel rides are available for an additional fee. Each evening will feature a different band along with DJ Johnny Hawkes, who will be spinning genre-blending mashups from the past few decades. The first evening will feature nine-member Masanga Marimba Ensemble, who will be playing high-energy, family-oriented traditional and popular music from Africa and Latin America. Other performances in the series include all-female Pulp Vixen; ‘80s cover bands Flashback Heart Attack and Pop Gun Rerun; and Reggae, Soca, and Caribbean band Upstream, among others.

JULY 7

Music: Masanga Marimba Ensemble, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, After’s Ice Cream, Border Grill, Rice Balls of Fire

JULY 14

Music: Pulp Vixen, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Jay’z Tacos

JULY 21

Music: The All the Vibes Band, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, Kona Ice, Border Grill, Rice Balls of Fire

JULY 28

Music: Flashback Heart Attack, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, After’s Ice Cream, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Jay’z Tacos

AUGUST 4

Music: Pop Gun Rerun, DJ Johnny Hawkes 
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, Kona Ice, Border Grill

AUGUST 11

Music: Upstream, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, After’s Ice Cream, Jay’z Tacos, Rice Balls of Fire

AUGUST 18

Music: Shades of Blue, DJ Johnny Hawkes  
Food Trucks: Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Burnt to a Crisp Texas Smokehouse, Kona Ice, Jay’z Tacos

This seven-week series runs until Friday, Aug. 18 from 6–9 p.m. $25 per adult (18+); $20 per child (2-17); and $15 for GLAZA members. For more information on this nighttime series and to purchase tickets, visit https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoo-friday-nights/.  

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

2^ND & PCH is excited to announce PCH Raising Decibels, a live music concert series. The outdoor shopping center will host eight concerts under the stars on Thursday evenings 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The series features some of Southern California’s finest bands playing originals across a variety of genres, as well as several of the top local tribute bands covering timeless classics and generational hits from artists including Elton John, No Doubt, the Rolling Stones and more. Concerts are complimentary to the community and will be performed on Seaport Way. 

Southern California’s most versatile party band, The Hodads combine high energy music and celebrity impersonations while covering all of the iconic party hits from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Opening performance by Ernando and the Nandos from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. 

• July 20th: New Doubt, World’s Top Tribute to No Doubt

With a seal of approval from Gwen Stefani herself, the “World’s Best Tribute to No Doubt,” looks and sounds like the real deal, performing all of No Doubt’s chart-topping hits, as well as popular favorites by Sublime, Radiohead and other 90’s rock groups.

• July 27th: Tomorrows Bad Seeds 

Cultivated in the South Bay, Tomorrows Bad Seeds embodies the surf and street culture of Los Angeles, perfectly blending the sounds of hip hop, punk, reggae, rock and soul. 

• August 3rd: Blue Breeze Band

Providing audiences with the best of motown, R&B, soul, funk, jazz and blues, this 6 – 12 piece band is sure to pack the dance floor with their funky soul rhythms composed of amazing vocals, keyboards, drums, guitar and an extraordinary horn section. 

• August 10th: Rod the Mod, Never a Dull Moment Tribute Band

A rock band with a unique blend of raw energy and a lead singer that encapsulates the subtle nuances of Rod Stewart himself, Rod the Mod brings an exciting performance and genuine representation of Rod Stewart’s concerts. 

• October 5th: Start Me Up! (Rolling Stones Tribute Band)

Reputed as the most authentic recreation of the Rolling Stones, the sights, sounds and moves of Start Me Up! and Tina Turner impersonator bring a high energy show that will have the crowd dancing and singing along all night.

• October 12th: Kenny Metcalf as Elton The Early Years (Tribute Band) 

Kenny Metcalf recreates performances by lively and legendary, Elton John, with dazzling outfits, impressive vocals and a spectacular band that take the audience on a nostalgic adventure. 

• October 26th: Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars Tribute Band)

Specializing in a complete Bruno Mars concert production, this tribute band includes a high-stepping male vocalist and talented musicians, who together provide an exciting mix of the Funk and R&B sound of Bruno Mars with unmatched detail. 

Opening acts will be announced at a later date. Guests are encouraged to set up their chairs and blankets along Seaport Way as early as 11:00 am. A dancing area will be designated for guests ready to dance the night away! Complimentary face painting and airbrush tattoos will also be available, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This is a free family-friendly community event, no tickets required for attendance. Self-seating is available on a first come first served basis, space is limited. ADA accommodations are available. The center offers an array of restaurants, retailers and specialty services for the community to enjoy before, during or after concerts. 

For additional event information, including concert etiquette and a complete directory of tenants visit 2ndandpch.com or interact via Instagram or Facebook.

Credit: About 2^ND & PCH.

OH. MY. GAWD…THE FRIENDS^TM EXPERIENCE OPENS IN THE LONG BEACH AREA

After successful runs in more than 10 North American cities, the wildly popular The FRIENDS^TM Experience will open in the Long Beach area on Friday, June 23, 2023. Originally created for the show’s 25th anniversary, fans can celebrate their favorite friends and revisit some of the series’ most iconic moments with this interactive experience created by Original X Productions (OGX), Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Group. “The One Near Long Beach” will be located at 4661 Silva St. at Lakewood Center. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. PST exclusively at www.FriendsTheExperience.com/LongBeach.

Voted as one of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Best New Attractions and included in CNN’s 12 Best Immersive Experiences around the world, The FRIENDS^TM Experience features several nostalgia-packed rooms and activations including Monica’s kitchen and the iconic FRIENDS^TM fountain. The interactive space provides opportunities to explore the show’s history and re-create your favorite moments including posing in front of Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliner, and helping Ross with the famous sofa pivot. And of course, the space will feature a re-created Central Perk with the legendary orange couch. An onsite FRIENDS^TM retail store featuring exclusive products will also be open to both ticketed and non-ticketed guests.

“The FRIENDS^TM Experience invites fans to step inside the world of the iconic series, relive their favorite moments and celebrate the show unlike ever before,” said Stacy Moscatelli, Co-President and Chief Strategy Officer of OGX. “We are looking forward to bringing this one-of-a-kind experience to southern California.”

The FRIENDS^TM Experience: The One Near Long Beach will be open from June 23 through September 17. A full schedule of operating hours can be found at www.FriendsTheExperience/LongBeach. Timed entry tickets are available starting at $30 plus taxes and fees. Guided group tours are also available for groups 6 to 10 guests. These tours allow fans to visit the space in the morning before general ticket holders arrive as well as ensure maximum social distancing between groups for a more private experience.

To prepare for The FRIENDS^TM Experience’s 2023 tour stop in the Long Beach area, fans can watch Friends: The Reunion special and binge all 236 episodes of the original beloved series on HBO Max.

My friend and I had the opportunity to visit and we absolutely loved it! So much fun!

Self Disclosure: We had the opportunity to visit to facilitate this post. Information was provided.

FRIENDS and all related characters and elements © & ^TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s23) 

Join Dorothy, The Tinman, The Cowardly Lion, and The Scarecrow as they find courage, heart, and magic on the way to the Emerald City! Long Beach’s premier musical theater company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), will debut its production of The Wizard of Oz for select dates this July. The classic musical fantasy will have audiences enchanted as Broadway-caliber performers, special effects, and dazzling choreography bring the beloved story to life. MTW’s production of The Wizard of Oz will run on select dates, July 7 – July 23, 2023 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the CSU Long Beach campus. Tickets are available starting at $20 on musical.org.

DETAILS: 

Explore the true meaning of home with Musical Theatre West’s 2023 summer production. Based on the iconic 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz is a must-see show for Southern California families. Classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard” fill this outstanding score from the MGM film and will delight audiences of all ages. Ticket holders can expect to be spell-bounded by special effects, an adorable dog playing Toto, a youth ensemble, a live orchestra, choreography from accomplished choreographer Jimmy Locust, and much more. Experience the Broadway-caliber performance during one of the thirteen magic-filled performances throughout July, including a preview show on July 7, the official Ozian-inspired opening night on July 8, and a special ASL-interpreted performance on July 14. For more information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org/the-wizard-of-oz/

WHEN: 

• July 7, Friday: 8:00 pm (Preview Night)
• July 8, Saturday: 8:00 pm 
• July 9, Sunday: 1:00 pm
• July 13, Thursday: 7:30 pm
• July 14, Friday: 8:00 pm (ASL Night)
• July 15, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
• July 16, Sunday: 1:00 pm / 6:00 pm
• July 21, Friday: 8:00 pm 
• July 22, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
• July 23, Sunday: 1:00 pm

WHERE: 

• Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach 

6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815 

TICKETS: 

• Tickets are available now, $20 – $135
• Purchase online at musical.org or call 562-856-1999 
• $15 student rush tickets available at the door 1 hour prior to showtime, with ID

CAST:

• Leianna Weaver – Dorothy Gale
• Erik Scott Romney – The Scarecrow
• Michael James – The Tinman
• William Hartery – The Cowardly Lion
• Sarah Uriarte Berry – Glinda, the Good Witch
• Erica Hanrahan – The Wicked Witch of the West
• Jason Graae – The Wizard of Oz
• Dennis Holland – Uncle Henry
• Dekontee Tucrkile – Ensemble
• Brianna Liddi – Ensemble
• David Kirk Grant – Ensemble
• TJ Punchard – Ensemble
• Jacob Matthews – Ensemble
• Taleen Shrikian – Ensemble
• Erin Dubreuil – Ensemble
• Julia Doty – Ensemble
• Allen Lucky Weaver – Ensemble
• DarRand Hall – Ensemble
• Quintan Craig – Ensemble 
• Rachel Beard – Youth Ensemble
• James dela Cruz – Youth Ensemble
• Amelia Fischer – Youth Ensemble
• Savannah Fischer – Youth Ensemble
• Faith Graham – Youth Ensemble
• Chloe Alyssa Hanser – Youth Ensemble
• Becca Last – Youth Ensemble
• Catherine Last – Youth Ensemble
• Elizabeth Last – Youth Ensemble
• Maisie Magdalen Oliveros – Youth Ensemble
• Daniela Somers – Youth Ensemble

Credit: MUSICAL THEATRE WEST.

Crystal Cove Conservancy, the nonprofit public benefit organization partnered with Crystal Cove State Park, will continue the century-long tradition of art at Crystal Cove State Park with exciting summer art events beginning June 21. From painting a masterpiece on the beach to meeting local artists, art aficionados will have the chance to take part in the living history of art at Crystal Cove. 

Crystal Cove State Park has a rich art history spanning over 100 years. The tradition continues today, as artists trek down every year to paint the scenic cottages, iconic ocean-side bluffs, and relaxing sandy beaches, setting up their easels to paint en plein air— on site, in the open air.

The Conservancy’s popular Great Plein Air Art Experience classes will return to the Crystal Cove Historic District on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 13 through August 31. Participants will spend the day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas, as they paint the beloved seaside landscape. Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines, will be an artistic guide, taking participants through the process of creating a plein air painting from beginning to end. All supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 12 and the minimum age is 18. Pricing is $120 per workshop or $100 for Crystal Cove Conservancy members.

For those who are looking to be an art observer rather than a participant are invited to experience the new Meet the Artist events on June 21 and July 5 from 11:00AM – 2:00PM. Held on the deck of the Crystal Cove State Park Interpretive Store in the Historic District, attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Crystal Cove artists as they create a masterpiece right before their eyes. On June 21, Long Beach-based artist Anne Kupillas will demonstrate her impressive watercolor technique. Then, on July 5, Gobind Boyes will sweep attendees away with her beautiful seascape paintings. Each Meet the Artist event is open to the public and free to attend.

For more information about summer art events at Crystal Cove and to register for the Great Plein Air Art Experience, visit CrystalCove.org/Events. To learn more about the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District and the history of art at the Cove, join a free Historic District Walking Tour happening every fourth Saturday of the month. More information about upcoming Historic District Walking Tours can be found at CrystalCove.org.

Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy.