Greer's OC

We’re thrilled that the first Off Center Festival kicks-off Friday through January 21 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Nine days of contemporary theater, music, hip-hop, poetry, dance and performance art will be filling the stages and arts plaza at OC’s world class venue. The festival brings non-traditional performances and experiences and tickets are affordable—multi packages tickets prices cost $10; single tickets cost $20.

The series opens with Chautuaqua! at Samueli Theater on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Gustavo Arellano; Saturday at 2 p.m. with Erwin Chemerinsky and 7:30 p.m. with Jim Washburn; and Sunday at 3 p.m. with Shelley Hoss. In case you’re not familiar with Chautauqua! it was inspired by the Chautauqua Circuit, a popular traveling lecture series circa 1874 to the Great Depression. The informative lectures blend song and dance, jokes and more.

The complete schedule includes Lord Huron with The Union Line at Founders Hall on Friday, at 10 p.m.; doors open at 8 p.m.

Reggie Watts with BLOK at Founders Hall, on Saturday at 10 p.m.; opening act BLOK at 9 p.m.; Reggie Watts at 10 p.m.

The Car Plays at Arts Plaza on Saturday, Jan. 14, 15, 20 and 21 at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m.

ReEntry at Founders Hall on Jan. 18 to 20 at 8 p.m.

The Word Begins at Nicholas Studio at South Coast Repertory at 655 Town Center Drive, Jan. 19 to 21 at 8 p.m.

Ten Tiny Dances at Samueli Theater Jan. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Mexican Institute of Sound with Nancy Sanchez at Founders Hall Jan. 21 at 10 p.m.; doors open at 8 p.m.

Starving Artists Lounge at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge Jan. 13 to 15 and 18 and 21. Box office opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets are available at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, call 714.556.2787, or www.SCFTA.org.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is at 600 and 615 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

It's Lush Time!

British based Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics just opened its first Orange County store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Vegetarians, vegans, and those who stay away from preservatives and packaging can find cruelty-free skincare and hair care products with cheeky names like, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, Karma Soap, Lust Soap, and Friends With Benefits Massage Bar. The famed Gorilla Perfume line is also available in nearly twenty scents including  Olive Branch, Silk Underwear, Yuzu & Coco, and Rose Jam Perfume. Founded by Mark and Simon Constantine, the Gorilla Perfume collection focuses on quality perfumery rather than marketing. Each scents was inspired by art, music; their emotions, friends and stories.

Celebrate its grand opening party on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1 to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy free treatments, refreshments and a gift with purchase of $65 or more.  Be one of the first 100 guests to RSVP, and arrive will receive a free 100 ml shower gel.  RSVP at fashionisland@lush.com. For more information, call 949.640.5657 or visit lush.ca/shop.