Subscribe for a FREE Daily Dose of greer's OC
FacebookTwitterRSSYouTubeFollow Me on Pinterest

Blog



Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season

07.01.26

Pacific Symphony has announced its 2026-27 Pops Series, featuring a lineup packed with Broadway stars, holiday favorites, iconic film music and internationally acclaimed performers. Curated by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the season includes performances by Idina Menzel, Cody Fry and Pink Martini, along with original productions celebrating James Bond films, sci-fi movie music and a concert presentation of Chicago. 

The season opens Nov. 6 and 7 with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel, best known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked and voicing Elsa in Frozen. Holiday favorite Cody Fry returns Dec. 18 and 19 for his orchestral Christmas performances after multiple sold-out appearances with the symphony. 

Pink Martini All-Stars takes the stage Feb. 19 and 20 with Thomas Lauderdale joined by Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod for an evening blending pop, swing and international music influences. March 12 and 13 brings “Clouds in My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon,” celebrating the legendary singer-songwriters with symphonic arrangements of their classic hits. 

“The Music of Bond, James Bond” arrives April 16 and 17 at Segerstrom Hall with iconic themes from the famous spy franchise and a pre-concert casino experience. On May 7 and 8, “Sci-Fi Showdown: A Galactic Journey” will feature music inspired by beloved science fiction films and television series. The season concludes June 4 and 5 with “Chicago: The Musical – In Concert,” bringing the Broadway favorite to life with full orchestra. 

“All performances are designed to create experiences audiences cannot stream or replicate anywhere else in Orange County,” Lopez-Yañez said in the announcement. 

Concerts take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall unless otherwise noted. Pops subscriptions are available now, including seven-concert and customizable four-concert packages. 

For more information, visit Pacific Symphony.

Pin It

Blog



Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition

06.29.26

Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach has once again been recognized by Wine Spectator, earning the publication's 2026 Best of Award of Excellence for the 10th consecutive year.

Co-owned by hockey legend Teemu Selänne and businessman Kevin Pratt, the restaurant is known for its extensive wine program, which includes a 3,000-bottle cellar and more than 400 wine selections from leading wine regions around the world.

The wine program is led by Advanced Sommelier and Wine Director Vito Pasquale and is particularly strong in California and French wines. Guests will also find an extensive by-the-glass program, rare bottlings and highly allocated wines, including grand cru Burgundies and large-format selections.

The award recognizes restaurants with wine lists that complement their menus while offering depth and variety for wine enthusiasts. This year, 1,830 restaurants worldwide received the Best of Award of Excellence distinction from Wine Spectator.

At Selanne Steak Tavern, the wine program is paired with Executive Chef Vincent Terusa's contemporary steakhouse menu, which includes signature dishes such as the 38-ounce Lord Stanley Wagyu Tomahawk and seasonal seafood offerings.

The restaurant recently expanded its culinary program with the introduction of VIII by Selanne, an intimate tasting experience offered Friday and Saturday evenings. Limited to 20 guests per seating, the eight-course menu features seasonal California ingredients paired with wines and cocktails selected by Terusa and Pasquale. The experience also incorporates handcrafted ceramics created by Laguna Beach artist Kyle Caris.

Wine Spectator's complete list of 2026 Restaurant Award winners will appear in its Aug. 31 issue and is available online.

1464 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. 949.715.9881.

Pin It

 1 2 3 >  Last ›

Follow Greer on Pinterest

Subscribe to Greer's OC

from the blog

More Daily Doses