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Ben Bliss and Christopher Allen Bring an Evening of Song to Musco Center

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By Greer Wylder
October 04, 2026

Musco Center welcomes acclaimed tenor Ben Bliss to the stage on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m., joined by pianist and conductor Christopher Allen for what promises to be an intimate and unforgettable evening of music.Bliss has built a reputation as one of opera's most compelling voices, performing on stages such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera and the Opéra national de Paris, where he has made two debuts. The National Review has called him a "truly exceptional tenor," and Opera Warhorses praised his "purity of tone, vocal control and artistic sensitivity." His list of honors includes the…

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Microbiome Scientist, AI Author Headline Library Lectures

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By Greer Wylder
October 04, 2026

The Library Foundation of Newport Beach starts its 2026-2027 Spotlight on Science series, which is free to attend, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. in the new Witte Hall.The first speaker is Rob Knight, a professor of pediatrics, bioengineering, computer science and engineering, and data science at UC San Diego. His lecture is titled "The Invisible Universe Within: How Microbes Shape Health, Disease, and the Environment."Knight is the founding director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at UC San Diego and a leading voice in microbiome science worldwide. He has written more than 1,000 scientific papers and the books…

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Where to Eat Around the Newport Beach Film Festival

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By Greer Wylder
October 01, 2026

Film lovers, mark your calendars for Oct. 15-22, when the 27th annual Newport Beach Film Festival returns to Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Starlight Triangle Cinemas will screen feature films, documentaries, animated shorts, action sports films and international entries throughout the festival.Round up your friends and book a brunch, lunch or dinner reservation at one of Triangle Square's popular restaurants before or after a screening. Options include elevated Southern comfort food at the recently opened LJ's Lounge, Tulum-inspired fare at Casa de Onda, traditional tapas at Cafe Sevilla and casual steakhouse favorites at Westwood Coast.Sushi fans can make a night…

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Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Opens New Laguna Beach Home

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By Greer Wylder
September 28, 2026

Visit Laguna Beach is celebrating the opening of the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC), one of the world's most respected surfing museums, in its new home in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. Located just 200 yards from the shoreline at Main Beach, the center honors Laguna Beach's place as one of California's earliest surf towns while preserving the stories, craftsmanship and culture that shaped the sport around the world.SHACC was founded by legendary surfer, explorer and Laguna Beach native Dick Metz, and its move from San Clemente to downtown Laguna Beach marks a new chapter for the institution.…

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Levain Bakery Brings Peanut Butter Cookie to Fashion Island

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By Greer Wylder
September 28, 2026

The cookie peanut butter fans have asked for by name is back, and this year it's coming to Orange County for the first time. Levain Bakery's limited-edition Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie returns for three days only, Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4. Now in its second year, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Weekend arrives at Levain Fashion Island, giving Orange County cookie lovers their first chance to try it at their neighborhood bakery.When Levain introduced the cookie last year, the response was overwhelming. This year, the bakery is bringing it back to all of its locations, along with…

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