Project Playhouse Turns 20!

October 07, 2011

It’s hard to believe it’s already the 20th anniversary of Project Playhouse benefiting HomeAid OC, an organization dedicated to rebuilding lives by providing dignified housing to the homeless. Since debuting, it's raised $5.8 million, and provided 47 housing developments that serve victims of domestic violence, abused children and homeless families. Project Playhouse will kick off Saturday with an open house from noon to 6 p.m. It’s the only day you can go in to the incredible playhouses. Tickets cost $10 (donation) per person, no charge for children 3 and under. Following the grand opening Village tours will be available Fridays (noon to 4 p.m.) and Saturdays and Sundays (noon …

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Toasting American Ingenuity

October 06, 2011

The UC Irvine Diabetes Center held its annual fundraiser on September 22, 2011, at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach. The evening’s theme “Toasting American Ingenuity” celebrated advances in technology and medical science. Guests dined on regional American fare paired with craft beer and Paso Robles wines. The event drew 260 guests, featured silent auction and opportunity drawing, and raised approximately $385,000 for the Diabetes Center’s research initiatives. Under the leadership of Director Dr. Ping Wang, the UCI Diabetes Center offers patient care and conducts research on multiple fronts -- from regenerating pancreatic cells to applying information…

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Ceasefire on iTunes

October 04, 2011

One of our favorite local OC bands, Ceasefire has changed its name and making its mark. Formerly Stereofix, the band combines the elements of classic rock, electronic music and pure showmanship on stage to create an incredible experience for all their loyal fans. "This Love Will Tear Us Apart," their brand new single hit iTunes today. The song, which examines a relationship that eventually becomes destructive, was recorded in the studio alongside Paul Fox (Björk, 10,000 Maniacs, Phish) and Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, The Cure, U2). Check out the new single on ReverbNation and purchase the track on iTunes.  

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Best BBQ in OC!

October 04, 2011

Craving award-winning barbecue pulled pork and tasty baby back ribs? You’re in luck. The Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times just crowned Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill as the best barbecue in OC, and in SoCal respectively. Now Irvine Spectrum Center boasts a new Wood Ranch that’s the best-looking location we’ve ever been in. We love the contemporary interior, attention to detail and fantastic wood ceilings. It’s serving dinner this week after 4 p.m. and starting Monday, it will open for lunch and dinner daily, beginning at 11 a.m. At Wood Ranch, start with its famous slightly buttered…

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Happy Bday Segerstrom!

October 03, 2011

Many thanks to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for providing Orange County with a world-class performing arts center for a quarter of a century. Thanks to the Center, we have been fortunate enough to be introduced to international ballet and dance, Broadway shows, intimate jazz and cabaret performances, contemporary artists, renowned  orchestras performing classical music, family-friendly shows, and even free performances. The Center has also provided vital arts-in-education programs for students of all ages that not only enhance their studies but will enrich their lives. On Friday, in honor of the Center’s 25th anniversary, South Coast Plaza is opening a multi-faceted exhibit in the Jewel Court through Oct. 16.…

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