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LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square

By Greer Wylder

July 24, 2026

LJ's Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a lively music scene to Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on weekends, with plans to add breakfast and lunch daily in the coming weeks.Black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson, LJ's is named for his mother, Linda Jean. The weekend brunch series, Soul to Sole, features a DJ spinning old-school music on Saturdays and live gospel and jazz on Sunday mornings that transition to reggae by evening. A full entertainment calendar is coming in August.Jackson developed the menu with chef…

Casa Romantica’s Summer Lineup Features Concerts, Movies and Family Fun

By Greer Wylder

July 12, 2026

With several events already sold out and summer in full swing, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is continuing its busy season with concerts, outdoor movies, family programs, workshops and cultural events throughout July and August.Set against the backdrop of its historic home and sweeping Pacific Ocean views, the San Clemente landmark is offering a variety of experiences for all ages.The summer concert series continues July 15 and 16 with the Blue Breeze Band performing Motown, R&B, soul, funk and blues in the courtyard. Reserved tables have sold out, but general admission tickets are still available.On July 17, the Coffee…

Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess

By Greer Wylder

July 06, 2026

I don't typically review children's books on Greer's OC, but when two beautifully written and illustrated books arrived recently, I couldn't resist sharing them. Better yet, I had the perfect test audience: my grandchildren.The first, Ocean Superheroes by Gabrielle Raymond McGee, takes kids on an underwater adventure while teaching them about the amazing creatures that help keep our oceans healthy. From tiny plankton to whales, the book introduces young readers to real-life ocean heroes and shows how even small actions can make a difference.My grandchildren were fascinated by the ocean facts and colorful illustrations, and I loved that they were…

Pageant of the Masters Returns to Laguna Beach With ‘The Greatest of All Time’

By Greer Wylder

July 05, 2026

Laguna Beach's Festival of Arts is bringing back one of the most unique theatrical experiences in the world this summer with the 2026 Pageant of the Masters production, "The Greatest of All Time."The show runs nightly from July 9 through Sept. 4, transforming famous works of art into living pictures, real people posed on stage to recreate masterpieces with remarkable precision. This year's theme digs into some of the most influential artists, artworks and creative achievements in history, and gives audiences a chance to think about the stories and innovation behind some of the world's greatest artistic accomplishments.The lineup includes…

Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season

By Greer Wylder

July 01, 2026

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…