Blog

PERLA BATALLA “IN THE HOUSE OF COHEN” AND GRAMMY AWARD-NOMINATED MARIA MULDAUR
02.25.20
Soka Performing Arts Center presents two remarkable and Grammy Award-nominated chanteuses for one night of stellar singing on Saturday, February 29, at 8 p.m. Perla Batalla sings her program “In the House of Cohen” to celebrate the legendary songwriter Leonard Cohen and his work.
Rounding out the evening is the incomparable Maria Muldaur. Backed by her Red Hot Bluesiana Band, Muldaur will showcase the worldwide release of her newest CD “Don’t You Feel My Leg – The Naughty Bawdy Blues of Blue Barker.” Muldaur and the Band will also feature many of her chart-topping hits including, “Midnight at the Oasis.”
Tickets are on sale now and start at $25-$50. They are available for purchase online at performingartscenter@soka.edu, at the Box Office at 1 University Drive in Aliso Viejo or by calling 949. 490.4278.
Blog

“GEMfest” – A Day of Empowerment & Celebration For Middle School Girls
02.25.20
On Saturday, February 29, middle school girls in grades 6, 7, and 8 are invited to attend Sage Hill School’s third annual GEMfest event – a celebratory conference that aims to inspire young girls to “leap into their passions” and educate them (and their parents) about empowerment, self-esteem, and independence. The day features a series of conversations with this year’s special guests + keynote speakers and various interactive workshops that attendees can choose from.
The event will also include an all-new Marketplace area featuring local businesses and non-profit organizations that attendees can visit & shop, as well as a sit-down lunch with approachable high school mentors.
This year, GEMfest welcomes three inspirational women to join its lineup of featured guests, including entrepreneurs like Sophia Amoruso, founder of Girlboss Media and Nasty Gal Clothing and Gorjana Reidel, founder of gorjana Jewelry. Additionally, Kellee Kim, a contestant on CBS’s Survivor season 39 and advocate for empowerment will be delivering this year’s keynote speech to close the event.
Featured workshops, which attendees will have an opportunity to sign-up for in advance upon registering, are planned to include topics such as self-defense, careers in science, public speaking, goal setting, coding and an introduction to bullet journaling.
The event will kick off with an opening session on intention setting with two fireside chats with special guests Gorjana Reidel and Sophia Amoruso. Immediately following, attendees will have an opportunity to explore the Marketplace where they can shop and mingle with local businesses and non-profit organizations. During the next portion of the event, attendees will partake in a hands-on workshop (which are selected prior to the event upon registering) while parents and chaperones are invited to attend a special session led by experts on how to help students thrive physically, emotionally, and academically during this period of their lives.
During a lunch break, students will be able to converse with high school mentors just before the final afternoon session begins. This portion of GEMfest will feature a dance performance and message from keynote speaker, Kellee Kim. To conclude the event, the GEM team will share an inspirational message with attendees encourage them to live authentically and be the best versions of themselves.
GEMfest will take place on Sage Hill’s campus, located at 20402 Newport Coast Drive, on Saturday, February 29, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at gemfestoc.com. Space is limited, and two ticket options are available upon registration, including:
$17 tickets – for students, available online here
$27 tickets – for parents, available online here
Each student attendee will receive a swag bag filled with giveaways from participating sponsors including Tilly’s, B. Candy, Gloss Moderne, Gorjana Jewelry, Urban Decay Cosmetics, and Hu Kitchen. Parents and chaperones will also be given a gift bag with their own set of exclusive items. For more information, about this event, visit gemfestoc.com.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.20.25 – Burger Boss Introduces Halal Poultry, Salmon and Meal Deals
- 04.18.25 – Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
- 04.17.25 – Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
- 04.17.25 – Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
- 04.16.25 – VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
- 04.15.25 – Don’t Miss the First 3rd Thursday in CdM
- 04.13.25 – Bar Becky Hosts Bougie Easter Brunch in Long Beach
- 04.10.25 – Experience a Little Part of Cuba This Easter at Habana
- 04.09.25 – Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 04.08.25 – Final Days to Experience Bowers Museum’s Dazzling Titanium Garden
- 04.08.25 – Spring Fun in Full Bloom at 2ND & PCH
- 04.07.25 – NEP Café Redefines Modern Vietnamese Dining with a Bold New Chapter
- 04.04.25 – Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
- 04.04.25 – NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
- 04.04.25 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
- 04.04.25 – SAJJ Mediterranean Rolls Out New “Mediterranean Refresh” Menu in Irvine
- 04.01.25 – Gary Howard to Be Honored at Casa Youth Shelter’s 2025 Bootstrap Ball
- 03.31.25 – Free Outdoor Movies and More This Spring at Irvine Spectrum Center
- 03.31.25 – Puesto Welcomes Spring With Seasonal Dishes From Creative Chef Raul Casillas
- 03.30.25 – Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City
More Daily Doses
- 04.20.25 – The District at Tustin Legacy Hosts Earth Day Celebration
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.04.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
- 03.16.25 – Graze Craze Expands to Costa Mesa with Charcuterie Boards & Boxes
- 03.13.25 – Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt Unveils Flavor-Packed New Dinner Menu at SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar
- 03.11.25 – Spring at Irvine Barclay Theatre: A Season of Music, Dance, and Conversation