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Gospel Voices of OC Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre

06.16.26

Gospel Voices of OC returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. for its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration, honoring the lives and legacies of African American artists and innovators.

Produced by Arts & Learning Conservatory Founder and CEO Debora Wondercheck M.S., ED, the multi-generational benefit concert marks the nation's 250th anniversary with a program rooted in themes of freedom, resilience and unity. Expect a vibrant mix of choral performances, dance, live band, spoken word, digital media and theatre.

Leading the production are Musical Director Jamond Dondrell McCoy and Production Manager Bruce Cecil. McCoy is a vocalist, educator and vocal director at the Orange County School of the Arts, and also teaches music at Cal Baptist University and Cypress College. Cecil brings 25 years of industry experience to the stage, with credits spanning Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Shakira, The Black Eyed Peas, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder and Beyonce.

Concert proceeds benefit the Arts & Learning Conservatory, a nonprofit bringing quality arts programming to youth across Southern California school districts at little or no cost, grounded in the values of accessibility, acceptance, confidence and creativity.

Gospel Voices of OC is appropriate for audiences of all ages. For tickets, visit thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646; for underwriting opportunities, visit artsandlearning.org or call (714) 728-7100. The Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, adjacent to UC Irvine.

Image Courtesy of Arts & Learning Conservatory
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Via Lido Plaza Unveils New Mural by Ellen Gladis

06.15.26

A beautiful new work of public art is taking shape at Via Lido Plaza in Newport Beach. Newport Beach muralist Ellen Gladis is putting the finishing touches on "The Sabot Regatta," an 8-foot-by-17-foot coastal-inspired mural located near the back of Via Lido Drugs at Balboa Boulevard and Finley Avenue.

The artwork is based on Gladis' original mural, "The Sabot Regatta," which she was commissioned to paint for the interior of Pavilions, formerly located at Via Lido Plaza. When the grocery store was remodeled in 1995, property owner Fritz Duda, who also served on the Vons Cos. board of directors, persuaded the chain to move away from its standard color palette and instead commission Gladis to create murals celebrating Newport Beach history and landmarks. She painted 12 canvas murals measuring 8 feet by 15 feet that remained on display until Pavilions closed in 2011.

"Over the years, I've created thousands of prints, custom murals, and commissioned works for both commercial and residential projects," said Gladis, who has lived in Newport Beach for more than 40 years. "My favorite paintings depict the beach, sunsets, life on Newport Harbor, and other picturesque coastal scenes."

To create "The Sabot Regatta" mural at Via Lido Plaza, Gladis used 50 colors of acrylic paint, along with white and three shades of blue exterior paint designed to withstand the coastal environment.

Gladis is also known for the murals inside the historic Lido Theater, where underwater scenes appear to glow in the dark when the house lights dim. Her work can also be seen at zpizza and at Cappy's Cafe.

“We’re excited about this addition to the center and to see locals and visitors already taking photos with the mural as a background,” said Fritz Duda, owner of Via Lido Plaza. “Summer regattas and Newport children sailing sabots are a time-honored tradition in Newport Beach.”

“The Sabot Regatta” can be custom ordered as a giclée print or a gallery wrapped canvas. For more information, contact Gladis through her website, ellenkgladis.com.

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