Buena Vista Orchestra Live in Costa Mesa

For one night only, the Buena Vista Orchestra performs Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos, born in 1951, is a Cuban trombonist, composer, arranger and musical director best known as the original orchestra leader, composer and trombonist of the Buena Vista Social Club. His career has also included long stints with acclaimed ensembles Estrellas de Areito and Afro-Cuban Allstars. His story and music are central to the 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary Buena Vista Social Club.

Ramos recorded with Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban Allstars, as well as on solo albums from Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González and Omara Portuondo. He was González’s musical director and has toured extensively since 1997 with multiple Buena Vista projects. From 2014 to 2016, Ramos was a prominent member and musical director of Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, which brought the group’s music back into the international spotlight during the successful Adiós Tour.

In 2024, Ramos led the Buena Vista Orchestra in a new stage production that showcased the group’s greatest hits and rare cuts. The ensemble toured the United States for three months, performing for thousands of fans and releasing USA Tour 2024 – 12 Live Recordings on SSK Records, the first time in decades the music was available on CD and vinyl.

The 2025 international tour features Ramos with original Buena Vista members Luis “Betun” Mariano Valiente Marin on congas and bongos and Fabián Garcia on bass, along with a powerhouse lineup of Cuban musicians.

To date, the Buena Vista Social Club and related projects have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, making it the best-selling Cuban music project in history. One critic called Buena Vista “world music’s equivalent of The Dark Side of the Moon.”

Buena Vista Orchestra 2025 Ensemble
Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos – Trombone, Vocals
Lorena Ramos Diaz – Trombone, Vocals
Geidy Chapman – Vocals
Yuri Tejada Rodriguez – Vocals
Amaury Tamayo – Trumpet, Vocals
Andy Abad Acosta – Piano
Fabián Garcia – Bass
Antonio Rubio Borayo – Timbal, Percussion
Luis “Betun” Mariano Valiente Marin – Congas, Bongo
Maikel Ochoa – Tres

Tickets start at $44.07.
More information and tickets here.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

Award-Winning Chef Ralph Estrada Joins IL Girasole in Costa Mesa

Award-winning Chef Ralph Estrada has joined Orange County’s destination for modern Italian cuisine, IL Girasole, bringing more than 20 years of culinary experience and a decade of leadership to the restaurant. Chef Estrada has partnered with restaurateur Antonio Bevacqua to help shape one of Orange County’s defining modern Italian kitchens.

IL Girasole, located within SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, is known for its disciplined execution, deep understanding of global flavors, and commitment to sustainability. 

Chef Estrada’s approach blends technical mastery with a genuine respect for ingredients and people. His background includes key roles at acclaimed restaurants such as Knife Pleat, Angler (Saison Hospitality Group), and Meteora, where he cultivated his passion for biodiversity and sustainability.

From the beginning of his career, working with the Charlie Palmer Group, Patina Group, and Rick Bayless, Chef Estrada became passionate about creating dining experiences that engage the senses. Throughout his career, he has prioritized organic, seasonal produce, sustainable seafood, and ethically sourced meats, while building relationships with local farmers and purveyors. 

His kitchen philosophy is rooted in reducing waste, composting, and fostering a culture of excellence through mentorship and collaboration. Trained in both classic and contemporary techniques, Chef Estrada draws inspiration from French, Italian, Latin, and Asian cuisines. His menus reflect the seasons while maintaining a precise, elevated style.

“I am inspired by the united vision that Chef Estrada and I share as we strive to create a dining experience that is rich with character, charm and unwavering quality that stands out in the restaurant world.” – Antonio Bevacqua, Owner, IL Girasole

“It’s an exciting opportunity to work alongside a chef and entrepreneur like Antonio whose values around food and sustainability closely align with my own. As we continue to pursue excellence, I’m looking forward to bringing thoughtfully crafted Italian flavors and time-honored techniques to your next dining experience. Salute!” – Chef Ralph Estrada, IL Girasole

IL Girasole is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Happy Hour specials, seasonal offerings, and unique tasting menus are available daily, with Industry Nights held every Monday. Reservations available on Open Table.

IL Girasole is located at 3321 Hyland Ave., Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Follow on Instagram @ilgirasole_oc 

Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim

Stone Groove Stillhouse, known as the world’s first and only audio stillhouse, has officially opened at the historic MAKE Building in Anaheim.

The innovative concept fuses music and spirits through a patent-pending Musically Mastered™ process, which uses sonic energy from different music genres to influence how spirits interact with wood, ultimately shaping their flavor.

From Jazz Fusion American Single Malt to Classic Rock Rye Whiskey, each spirit reflects its musical roots.

“Stone Groove showcases our passion for music, spirits, cocktails, and food in a first-of-its-kind distillery pub and restaurant,” said Jeff Duggan, who co-owns Stone Groove with his wife, Christa.

The name is a nod to a 1970s slang term for a transcendent experience, echoing the couple’s musical roots and analog-first philosophy—right down to the reel-to-reel system spinning curated tracks at the bar.

Jeff and Christa Duggan are known for shaking things up. In 2011, they launched Portola Coffee Roasters, earning national accolades for elevating Orange County’s coffee scene. Their concept Theorem introduced innovations like barrel-aged coffee Old Fashioneds and nitrogen-chilled affogatos.

That same spirit drives Stone Groove Stillhouse—a destination where music meets craft distilling.

The lineup of spirits includes:

— Jazz Fusion Single Malt Whiskey
— Classic Rock Rye Whiskey
— Country Bourbon Whiskey
— Blues Bourbon Whiskey
— Ultra-Premium Vodka
— Beethoven Moonlight Sonata Single Malt (coming soon)
— Hip Hop Rye Whiskey (coming soon)
— Black Heart Gin with Bilberry Fruit (coming soon)

Bottled expressions are available to-go, with non-alcoholic versions on the way.

Bar Director Matt Fitzgerald leads the cocktail program. A London native, Fitzgerald started at The Savoy Hotel’s American Bar and went on to head award-winning programs in Sydney, New York, the Cayman Islands, and London. At Stone Groove, he aims to craft a world-class cocktail list worthy of global acclaim.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Jessica Luevano brings her bold, globally inspired comfort food. The Le Cordon Bleu alum honed her skills at Club 33 and in kitchens from L.A. to Hong Kong. Her menus balance creative flair and purpose, designed to enhance—not overpower—the music and spirits.

Stone Groove Stillhouse is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight at the MAKE Building in Anaheim.