Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season

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.

What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza

VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza is celebrating its first anniversary with the debut of a new spring and summer menu featuring a collection of dishes, cocktails and desserts inspired by the restaurant's signature Chifa style.

Created by Kei Concepts and Chef Viet Nguyen, VOX Kitchen blends Cantonese influences with the bold flavors of Peru. Since opening at South Coast Plaza, the restaurant has become known for its creative approach to cross-cultural cuisine.

New menu additions include Corn Ribs topped with spicy mayo, crema, queso fresco and lemon pepper seasoning; a Hamachi Tostada with pico de gallo, sweet potato purée, avocado and yuzu kosho ponzu; and a Carne Asada Tostada layered with avocado mash, spicy mayo, queso fresco and pickled red onion. Guests will also find Carne Asada Fries and Scallops on the Half-Shell served with mango yuzu and citrus.

For dessert, the new Pistachio Mousse Cake combines wildberry, chocolate and roasted pistachio flavors.

The cocktail menu introduces several new seasonal offerings, including the Elote Fashioned made with rye whiskey, arugula amaro, toasted corn and chocolate bitters, and the Inspiración Paloma featuring tequila, stone fruit, salted plum and grapefruit. New alcohol-free options include the Garden Fizz with cucumber, lychee and yuzu, and the Lima Fresca with purple corn, pineapple and citrus.

Open daily from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit keiconcepts.info 

The new menu is now available at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza.

A Blissful Japanese Head Spa Experience at Invita Costa Mesa

A new wellness experience has arrived in Costa Mesa. Invita Head Spa recently opened its doors, and I had the opportunity to visit and experience a treatment firsthand.

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of scalp care, Invita is designed to promote healthy hair, a healthy scalp, and total relaxation. The treatments combine scalp analysis, therapeutic massage, cleansing, and nourishing hair care into one blissful experience. It's the perfect way to unwind, and I couldn't help but think it would also be a wonderful way to spend time with a friend.

One of the things I appreciated most was how personalized everything felt. My scalp was analyzed before the treatment so I could actually see its condition, I selected my own aromatherapy fragrance, and the team explained the process along the way. It felt thoughtful from beginning to end.

The spa itself is beautiful. Every detail has been carefully considered, creating a peaceful, spa-like atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.

Invita exclusively uses the complete Milbon professional haircare line, a premier Japanese salon-exclusive brand known for its innovative, science-based approach to scalp and hair health. Whether you're experiencing dryness, buildup, thinning hair, or simply want to give your scalp some extra attention, there's a treatment designed for your individual needs. They recommend starting with the Basic Head Spa treatment, which includes a comprehensive scalp analysis and helps determine the best treatment plan going forward.

If you'd like to enhance your visit, Invita also offers a variety of add-ons, including hair styling with or without hot tools, light therapy for hair loss, and a private VIP room for an even more elevated experience.

For those who plan to return, the annual membership is an excellent value. For $100 per year, members receive 10% off treatments for themselves and a friend, 20% off products, a complimentary birthday treatment, and invitations to exclusive member events.

I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and with my hair and scalp feeling exceptionally clean and healthy. Invita is a wonderful addition to Costa Mesa, and if you're looking for an hour to completely disconnect and recharge, I highly recommend treating yourself to the experience.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

3001 Harbor Blvd Ste D, Costa Mesa. +1949.805.0600