Blog
THE Light After the WAr author at LAGUNA BEACH BOOKS
02.05.20
Indie book store, Laguna Beach Books welcomes Anita Abriel, author of The Light After The War on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. Inspired by an incredible true story of two Jewish friends who survived the Holocaust, this sweeping novel of love and friendship spans World War II from Budapest to Austria and the postwar years from Naples to Caracas, perfect for fans of The GermanGirl and We Were the Lucky Ones.
Anita Abriel was born in Sydney, Australia. She received a BA in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing from Bard College and attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing program. She lives in California with her family and is the author of which was inspired by her mother’s story of survival during WWII.
RSVP at LagunaBeachBooks.com. FREE PARKING (subject to availability). Light snacks and complimentary beverages will be served. The book may be purchased in advance at Laguna Beach Books or online at LagunaBeachBooks.com.
Blog
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXVII at Queen Mary
02.03.20
The Queen Mary welcomes back the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXVII on February 15-16. Experience Scottish culture through an array of authentic activities including Highland Games and competitions, traditional dance, cuisine, whisky tastings, bagpiping, live entertainment, and activities for the entire family — all in honor of the Queen Mary’s Scottish ancestry.
Guests can witness professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing and Highland athletics. This year’s Highland Games welcome the all-new North American Lightweight Women’s Championship. On Sunday, February 16, the top lightweight women in the United States will be competing in all nine Scottish heavy events to crown the 2020 Champion. This year’s roster includes several current World Record holders, so spectators may even be able to witness these talented women break more records during ScotsFestival.
Returning to the Queen Mary for the second year, the North American Professional Male Championship will also be a can’t-miss happening of the weekend. New to the competition schedule in 2020 is the Stones of Strength series, and fan favorites such as the Caber Toss, Throwing the Weight, the Hammer Throw, Putting the Shot, and Sheaf Toss competitions are returning.
The Address to The Haggis kicks off ScotsFestival each day at 11 a.m. on the Sterling Stage, with a reading of Robbie Burns’ poem in ode to the Haggis. The ceremony concludes with a Haggis tasting and whisky samples. At 12 p.m. daily, gather for the stunning Grand Parade of Clans and Bands featuring a new route and lineup.
ScotsFestival pours the flavors of Scotland through whisky tastings every half hour beginning daily at 10:30 a.m. Located in the Royal Salon aboard the ship, Greyfriar’s Pub offers authentic food, a full bar, and an atmosphere plucked straight from the backstreets of Edinburgh. Greyfriar’s Pub will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, February 14, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.
On Saturday, February 15, continue the fun into the wee hours of the night with the Gaelic tradition of the Cèilidh. Grab a pint and enjoy games, live music, food, drinks, and dancing at this party located in Greyfriar’s Pub in the Royal Salon. Tickets to the Cèilidh are included with VIP ScotsFestival admission and are available to GA ticket holders for purchase for $10 online, $12 at the door, and the party is open to all ages. Complete ScotsFestival weekend aboard the ship with the Kirkin, an authentic Scottish non-denominational mass with live piano music and singing Sunday morning, February 16 starting 9:15 a.m.
Festival-goers can try their hand in axe throwing, archery, and Scottish dancing classes from Royal Scottish Dance Companies, and enjoy live music throughout each day. The wee laddies and lassies can participate in Queen Mary’s knighting and coronation ceremonies after completing the assigned quests or take part in mini Highland Games with youth competitions in caber toss, archery, potato sack races and tug o’ war.
Tickets to the Queen Mary’s 27th annual ScotsFestival and International Highland Games are on sale now and start at $25 online for adults (ages 12+) and $15 online for children (ages 4-11) for one day general admission. Children under the age of 4 do not require a ticket. VIP tickets start at $45 online for adults, $35 online for children and grant VIP entry, access to shaded VIP lounge and bar, ScotsFestival t-shirt, and access to Cèilidh. Upgrades, ticket add-ons and hotel packages are available. Visit queenmary.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.30.24 – Vibrant Celebrations of AAPI Heritage Month at Segerstrom Center
- 04.29.24 – Beloved Stand-Up Comedian Brian Regan Returns to Costa Mesa
- 04.29.24 – Barry’s: Newport Beach’s Premier HIIT Fitness Studio at Fashion Island
- 04.29.24 – Enjoy Warm Summer Nights During Evenings at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- 04.26.24 – ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ Reimagined: A Family Adventure at Segerstrom, April 27-28
- 04.26.24 – Spectrum Silent Disco is Back
- 04.25.24 – Grow With Us, Partner with Us
- 04.24.24 – Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert Comes To Segerstrom Center for the Arts!
- 04.23.24 – Kishi Bashi Returns: Captivating Performance at Musco Center, April 27th
- 04.23.24 – EverSpring Modern Chinese Grand Opening!
- 04.22.24 – To Mom, with Love from Z SUPPLY
- 04.22.24 – Laguna Art Museum Showcases ‘Reflections of Resilience’
- 04.22.24 – Goodwill of Orange County Opens New Irvine Donation Site
- 04.19.24 – Capture Unforgettable Moments at K PhotoLaVie
- 04.19.24 – Experience the Enchantment of Coppélia: A Romantic Comedy Ballet!
- 04.17.24 – River Jetty Restaurant Group Launches Exclusive Cabernet from Paso Robles
- 04.15.24 – OCSA Foundation Gala 2024: New York State of Mind
- 04.14.24 – Hilton Anaheim’s MIX Restaurant Welcomes New Spring Menu
- 04.14.24 – Wetzel’s Pretzels Revives ‘90s Flavors with New Orange Dream Drink
- 04.12.24 – Dover Quartet & Leif Ove Andsnes: A Stellar Night at SOKA
More Daily Doses
- 04.30.24 – Discover Summer Bliss at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Greater Palm Springs
- 04.30.24 – New Brands: Roark, Olukai, Amour Vert Join Irvine Spectrum!
- 04.29.24 – White Elephant in Anaheim: Blending Tradition and Innovation in Thai Cuisine
- 04.26.24 – The 31st Annual Floral Park Home & Garden Tour
- 04.23.24 – SoCal’s Premier Garden Show at South Coast Plaza
- 04.22.24 – Colorful Kids Fun at The Flower Fields
- 04.17.24 – Tickets Available Now: Dionne Warwick Soka Season Opener!
- 04.17.24 – Exciting Seating Options at 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar
- 04.15.24 – Showtime Hits Costa Mesa: BEETLEJUICE, The Broadway Musical Spectacle!
- 04.14.24 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten
- 04.12.24 – Free Family Earth Day Celebration at the District at Tustin Legacy!
- 04.09.24 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point - April 19-20
- 04.09.24 – Segerstrom Center Unveils Exciting 2024-25 Broadway Lineup!
- 04.08.24 – Maizano: Costa Mesa’s New Lunch & Dinner Hotspot Celebrates Mexican Cuisine
- 04.04.24 – Spring Cocktail Tour at The District - April 2024
- 04.03.24 – 10th Anniversary Napa in Newport: A Decade of Wine, Philanthropy, and Hope
- 04.01.24 – U-Pick and Savor: Strawberry Season at The Ecology Center
- 03.27.24 – Easter Brunch Favorites: Beaches, Elegance & Family Fun
- 03.14.24 – Patina Restaurant Group To Debut Tiendita by Chef Carlos Gaytán
- 03.04.24 – Dizzy Bird: Lebanese Rotisserie Chicken Perfection