Arts and Music

East County News Service

March 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – Bright Star, a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40, takes stage at Lamplighters Theatre.  The play opens April 18 and runs through May 19.

Bright Star is inspired by a real event and featuring the Tony and Grammy-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. When Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of a southern literary journal, meets Billy Cane, a soldier just home from World War II, they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

With its San Diego premiere at The Old Globe Theatre in 2014, Bright Star is written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The musical is inspired by their Grammy-winning collaboration on the 2013 bluegrass album Love Has Come for You and in turn, the true folk story of the Iron Mountain Baby.

DIRECTOR: Teri Brown

MUSIC DIRECTORS: Robert Johnson & Jerrica Stone

CHOREOGRAPHER: Sharla Mandere

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Abby Lacey

PRODUCERS: Cydney King & Nancy Roger

CAST: Anthony Donovan, Don Evans, Michael Harrison, Josalyn Johnson, Mitch Krassin, Marcy Ledvinka, Nikki Lyn Maas, Christopher T. Miller, Keri Miller, Lee Price, Hannah Roskelley, Matt Sayre, Odie Taylor and Car Thometz

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 18 through May 18, 2025:

Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Matinee Saturday April 26 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS: General admission: $30.00 Students/Seniors/Military: $27.00 (group rates available)

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT by calling the box office at 619-303-5092 and leaving a detailed message, or by emailing boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com.

Bright Star contains adult situations and language.  This production is best suited for those over the age of 14 and is presented by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

More information: https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/

Prepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes.
 

Photos by Heather Longfellow

March 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera that was created by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Directed and Choreographed by Melissa Glasgow, with Musical Direction by Patrick Marion, this is one show at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre you won’t want to miss. 

If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows Frederic, a loveable pirate’s apprentice, who is head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley. Frederic is due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, but there’s a twist. He was born on February 29, which means he’s technically still a youngster. Torn between his love for Mabel and his dedicated sense of duty, Frederic must find a way to navigate a series of hilarious hurdles. 
 

If you enjoy musicals or comedies, then this show is for you. Most of the story is told through songs, and the singing was fantastic. All of the singers have beautiful voices, many of the performances were either memorable or funny, and all of them had me tapping my foot and humming along. 
 

Frederic the Pirate Apprentice (Drew Low) was a perfect protagonist. The character was endearing and quite memorable. Low brought the perfect energy to this character, and had me rooting for Frederic the entire time. Low also has a fantastic singing voice.

Mabel (Izabella “Izzy” Newman) was just as charming and memorable. Newman’s stage presence was strong, and easily has one of the most memorable singing voices. The chemistry between Frederic and Mabel was outstanding. 

Rounding out the cast, you have Major-General Stanley (Kaylee Kloberdanz), The Pirate King (Cameron Avendano), Lieutenant Samual (Iker Leal Chavez), Sergeant of Police (Ryan Robbins), and Ruth the Pirate Maid (Erica Rose). All of them were standouts in their own right, and each of them brought something special to the show. 

My favorite character was definitely The Pirate King. Avendano has excellent stage presence, which made his character entertaining. Avendano also has a great singing voice. 
 

The actors who played the rest of Major-General Stanley’s daughters, the rest of the pirates, and the rest of the officers were great supporting characters. 

The set was memorable, and a big part of the show in its own way. It had two looks, since the show was split into two acts. The first set was a collection of objects that had a pirate aesthetic, and the second set had fancy pillars. The staff who put the set together did an excellent job. 

The costuming was excellent. All of the costumes definitely felt fitting for the overall tone and story of the show. The staff who created the costumes did an amazing job. 

The music was easily the best part of the show, and everyone did a great job with it. The cast had great musical direction, and as mentioned earlier, everyone has great singing voices. 
 

A quick shoutout to everyone involved with the show. There’s a lot that goes into productions like this, and it’s nice that playbills were handed out that have everyone’s names and crew positions listed inside. 

If you haven’t had the chance to see the show yet, you can still see it at 7:30 p.m.on March 27, March 28, and March 29, as well as at 2:00 p.m. on March 29. 

Tickets are $18.00 for the general public, $14.00 for educators, seniors, and military members, and $10.00 for students and GCCCD employees.

Click here to buy tickets:

https://gcccd.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=35 

The Performing and Visual Arts Center (PVAC) is in Building 22, at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020. 

Coming Soon: You can check out “Twelfth Night,” at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theater, later this year, in May. 

East County News Service

March 20, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5^th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6^th at 1:30 p.m.  Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon.  All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course French-themed meal.  

East County News Service

March 17, 2025 (San Diego) - You’re invited to a concert by the San Diego Concert Band presenting music of John Williams on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave. in San Diego.  Nick Grant will be featured on the theme from “Schindler’s List,” a film based on Oskar Schindler, the German who saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust.

Violinist Nick Grant won a position with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra at age 17. After graduating from San Diego High School, he won a full scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Winner of the Julia Klumpkey Memorial Competition in San Francisco, he also took first prize twice in the Musical Merit Foundation as well as first prize in the Arizona National String Competition.

He has been a featured soloist for tours of Japan, Europe and the U.S. and is noted for his performances of the Bach, Ysaye and Paganini violin cycles.

Grant is the longest serving principal player in the San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s 115-year history. He began playing piano at age 4 and violin at 8.  He performs on an 1850 Joseph Rocca violin.

For tickets, click here.

By Branda Gorgies, with updates by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

Updated March 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city street festivals.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS AND MAJOR CONCERT VENUES

The Magnolia is in the heart of downtown El Cajon. The city spent more than $8 million to renovate it, adding state-of-the-art sound,lighting and projection systems , extra-wide rows, views from all seats, plus a VIP lounge and bars. The venue seats about 1,200 people. The venue offers events including singers, bands, comedians and other well-known entertainers.

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, is host to ballet, plays, comedy and music. The center currently has events lined up for their 2023-2024 season. The events go up until March, with at least one being held every month. Their next event is in November featuring Sue Palmer and her motel swing orchestra.

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre   is an outdoor amphitheatre at San Diego State University built in 1939 and originally called the Greek  Theatre. President John F. Kennedy once delivered a commencement speech there. These days, the amphitheatre hosts concerts featuring popular bands and singers.

California Center for the Arts Escondido includes both a theater and large concert hall with excellent acoustics, providing a variety of performances ranging from concerts to community festivals such as Dia de Los Muertos and a Winter Wonderland event. There is also a museum at the center.

Poway Center for the Performing Arts has concerts from pop to classical, plus musicals, art shows and more live entertainment options.

Viejas Arena at SDSU has more than 12,000 seats and has held headliner concerts with music stars such as Madonna, Metallica, and Foo Fighters in the past. The arena at San Diego State University is also home to Aztecs basketball games and other events.

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel offers live music beside the mineral pool, at the Desert Hideaweay bar, as well as concerts at the Old Bathhouse. While there you can soak away your cares or stay for the weekend at the recently remodeled hotel.

Also see our Casinos and Tribal Resorts section for additional concert venues on Native American tribal lands locally.

CASINOS AND TRIBAL RESORTS

Golden Acorn Casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo. The Golden Acorn Casino,located just off I-8 in Campo, is owned by the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Entertainment options include live bands and DJs,  mainly on Saturday nights.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center.  Harrah's is located in the newly named “Funner” community, owned by the Rincon band of the Luiseño nation.. The resort offers live entertainment, often including celebrities, as well as activities ranging from golf to a swim-up bar.

Jamul Casino Resort, 14145 Campo Rd., Jamul. The Jamul Casino Resort has added a high-rise hotel opening in May. Currently there are several entertainment venues ranging from the Jive Lounge to a rooftop venue, with options that will be expanding when the new facility opens.

 Pala Casino Resort, 11154 State Route 76.  Pala offers live indoor and outdoor entertainment, with large concert venues often feature well-known entertainers, as well as bar/lounge musical performers.

Casino Pauma, 777 Reservation Road, Pauma Valley.  Casino Pauma offers music in its Red Parrot Lounge, including live bands and DJs.

Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon. The Sycuan Casino in El Cajon has three venues for live music. The venues include the Live and Up Close Theatre; Heritage Event Center; the Retreat Pool and Cabanas. The Live and Up Close Theatre and Heritage Event Center hold regular concerts with a diverse set of artists. Although the Retreat Pool and Cabanas don’t have as many shows lined up, there are still a few to look out for.

Valley View Casino and Hotel,  16300 Nyemii Pass Rd, Valley Center.  Owned by the San Pasqual band of Mission Indians, Valley View Casino has live entertainment at its Main Stage Bar.

Viejas Casino Resort. 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine. All Viejas events are 21+, including the concerts. The casino has an outdoor venue called The Park, and there are also performances held in the Lobby Bar and the Oak Ballroom. Although currently closed due to remodeling, the website does state that the V Lounge has "local live entertainment."

COLLEGES

Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College

Both schools have a venue for live music from their orchestras, chorales, ensembles, etc. Grossmont has the Performing and Visual Arts Center as well as the Stagehouse Theatre. Cuyamaca has the Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre. Cuyamaca has a larger range in the dates of their events, but both venues hold plenty of events for you to enjoy. Find tickets to events at both campuses here.

SDSU

San Diego State University has four venues you can head to for a musical experience. The Cal Coast Amphitheatre has multiple events coming up soon, with notable artists such as Kim Petras, The National, Ivan Cornejo and more. The Viejas Arena is a stadium for basketball and concerts. It has nearly 13,000 seats available. Major artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Pierce the Veil, and more, are scheduled to perform in the arena. The Smith Recital Hall has less of a major stadium vibe, but still has plenty of performances for you. The hall has many divisions of the SDSU school of music and dance performing soon.

BARS

Bancroft Bar, 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley

The Bancroft Bar, located in Spring Valley, offers a multitude of performing artists. It’s a 21+ establishment that stays open far past midnight. They have events lined up everyday this October and at least one per week in the following months. The bar itself offers 13 different items on its tap list as of now for you to enjoy.

Camel's Bar and Grill, 100330 Friars Road, San Diego

With pool tournaments, dart machines, cornhole and other games, Camel's is a hub for locals in Grantville. The spot also offers live music several nights a week. According to Camel's website, a Blue's Berry Jam hosted by John Frazier is held from 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday night, there's dance and hip-hop from 9 p.m. until close on Fridays and a live band every Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Every second Sunday is a Blues Jam with John January. Camel's hours are11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday; 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Deano’s Pub, 5286 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa

Deano’s Pub has live music performances every Friday and Saturday. All events are free, with no cover charges guaranteed on the pub’s website. The pub also holds karaoke, open mic nights, football watch parties, bingo, trivia, and pool and shuffleboard games. You could also do a little shopping and dining before visiting the pub as it’s located in the Baltimore West shopping center.

Don's Cocktail Lounge, 13321 Business Highway 8, El Cajon

Along with live music and live performances, Don's  Cocktail Lounge on Business Highway 8 offers a wide variety of beer, cocktails and some  food along with sports, billiards, bar games, and karaoke. The venue is open 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Eastbound Bar & Grill, 10053 Maine Ave., Lakeside

The bar and grill has “Live Music Saturdays” from 9pm to 1 am. The events offer DJs, live bands, and karaoke, which is the third Saturday of the month according to the website. The bar holds events for every day of the week except Thursday and Friday. On Mondays, they have football nights, and the bar celebrates taco Tuesday with special deals. Wednesday nights are reserved for family-friendly bingo and trivia takes Sunday night.

Flame Bar & Grill, 3773 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon

The bar hosts live music from Middle Eastern artists throughout the month. These events tend to be on a Thursday or Saturday, with some held on a Friday night. Some of these events also have belly dancers to perform. All events are 21+ and some of them are free but some of them will come with a ticket price. They post all planned events on their facebook and list a phone number on each post for more information or to RSVP.

Full Circle Saloon, 8528 Magnolia Ave., #105, Santee

Full Circle Saloon has a full calendar of events held at the bar. The bar advertises “pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, full bar, sports, strong drinks and smiling faces,” along with their live music on the website.

Hearth House, 5505 Jackson Drive, La Mesa

The neighborhood gathering spot in a strip mall near Parkway Drive offers cocktails and pub grub with arcade games, shuffleboard and pool. The venue known for its horseshoe-shaped bar has live music from 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday night. Outside food is allowed and there is outdoor seating. The bar, which first opened in 1985, recently changed hands, with new ownership that also run Eastbound in Lakeside and The Hills also in La Mesa.

The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego

The Jazz Lounge is self-described as a “live and virtual platform for creative artists” on their Facebook Profile. The lounge hosts a variety of artists and live streams all the performances on Facebook. All ticket sales can be accessed through their website.

O'Sullivan's Irish Pub Escondido, 118 E Grand Ave., Escondido

O’Sullivan’s has live music several nights a week, including the weekend. Venue owner Dennis J. O'Sullivan is a strong supporter of the San Diego Humane Society and the pub patio is “dog friendly.” Hours are noon until 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; noon until 10 p.m., Thursday; noon until midnight Friday; 11 a.m. until midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday

Pal Joey's Cocktail Lounge , 5147 Waring Road, San Diego

Pal Joey's offers live music several nights a week as well as karaoke with DJs The bar in Allied Gardens also hosts an annual car show in its strip mall parking lot called "Eye Candy" that benefits Friends of Braille Institute. (The 2025 event is set for Sunday, May 18). Known for a top collection of bourbons, Pal Joey's is one of the region's oldest bars, around since 1969. Its hours are 6 a,m. until 2 a.m. every day of the week.

Poway's Irish Pub, 13314 Poway Road, Poway

Poway’s Irish Pub has live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. The venue formerly known as Patrick’s Irish Pub, serves traditional Irish food and has billiards tables. Hours are 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. until midnight Sunday

Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main St., Ramona. This site is a former theater that is now an all-ages venue with live music. Bands that have played there include Stevie Ray Visited (Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band) and  Boys of Summer (Eagles tribute band) as well as live original acts like The Lowdown Drifters, The Young Dubliners and guitar guru Gary Hoey. Tickets and a virtual tour are available on their website.  The venue also serves drinks.

The Renegade, 14335 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

The Renegade is the go-to bar for country music and l\ine dancing. The bar has a food truck, nicknamed the “Chuck Wagon,” that offers burgers and snacks for your late night fun. Their live country music is held on Friday and Saturday nights with a $5 cover charge.

BREWERIES

While breweries don’t hold live music events often, there are several around East County that perform live music and hold other events.

BNS Brewery,  10960 Wheatlands Ave., Santee

BNS  has live music on Friday and Saturday, line dancing and even comedy nights on occasion. The brewery/distillery is open noon until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon until 6 p.m. Sunday; noon. until 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and noon until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Burning Beard Brewing Co., 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon

Burning Beard offers craft beers as well as burgers, plus live bands on some Saturday nights.

Helix Brewing Co., 8100 Commercial Drive, La Mesa

Helix started as a home brewery that expanded to a public craft brewery in 2015. Next door is its Sourworx sour beer facility.. Helix Brewing offers live music on Friday starting at 4 p.m.; and on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Sunday; 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sourworx closes a half hour before Helix. Here is their calendar of events.

Mike Hess Brewing Co., 1347 Tavern Road,  Alpine

Hess offers live music, trivia contests, and cornhole competitions. You can savor beers, hard ciders, and wine, plus order up foods including pizzas, burgers and salads. Dining options include indoors or a patio with firepit--and the patio is dog friendly.

CITY AND COUNTY FESTIVITIES

East County’s four cities (El Cajon,  La Mesa,  Lemon Grove and Santee) each put on outdoor concert series each summer. Downtown El Cajon, the city’s merchants’ association, has concerts with live band on Friday nights from spring through October, as well as a DJ at Wednesday night classic cruise car shows. 

The cities also sponsor a variety of other events with live music,  from  La Mesa’s Oktoberfest to Lemon Grove’s concerts in the park to El Cajon’s American on Main festival and Santee’s Summer Concerts, as well as holiday festivities such as Santee Salutes on July 4^th ,  El Cajon’s HauntFest on Main, Lemon Grove’s Holiday Bonfire, and La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village. There’s also an Oktoberfest hosted by the German-American Society in El Cajon with a band flown in from Germany each year.

The County of San Diego hosts events in county parks, such as outdoor movie nights and holiday events. You can find these at the County’s Parks and Recreation site.

East County Magazine's "Destination East County" column lists top festivals and events each month, including city and county festivals, small town parades and fairs, events sponsored by merchants' groups, nonprofit events, and many more.

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The County of San Diego also hosts events in county parks, such as outdoor movie nights and holiday events. You can find these at the County’s Parks and Recreation site.
 

LIBRARIES

San Diego County Libraries

Public libraries have various events and programs to cater to the community. The San Diego County Libraries have a search option for the events held at the library, which range from afterschool programs for children, book discussions, storytimes, English Language Learning, to music. You can filter through these events to look for music specifically. There’s also filter options for library location, so you can choose whichever library is more convenient for you. Many of these events are tailored for both children and adults, and some even have musical lessons with different artists.

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Julian Station, 4470 Julian Rd at Highway 78., Julian

Julian Station has wine tasting from several local wineries each week, as well as tastings of beer and hard cider, plus an authentic Mexican food restaurant. The venue hosts live music from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in a family-friendly event area with a covered back patio. In inclement weather, music is played inside. The patio and Julian Station’s outdoor game area offer sweeping views of the Volcan Mountain Open Space Preserve. Julian Station also has unique shops and boutiques, local art and gifts and antiques for sale.

Ramona Ranch Winery, 23578 Highway 78, Ramona

The Ramona Ranch Winery has various local artists perform every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. with wine offerings during the concerts. The winery also holds Saturday afternoon “Yappy Hours” with drink specials and dog treats. Upcoming events are shared via Instagram and Facebook page.

San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room, 8374 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

San Pasqual Winery's Tasting Room in La Mesa's downtown village has easy-listening live music in its barrel room on occasion, including inviting bands from La Mesa's Farmer's Market after the market ends on Friday evenings. You can also savor award-winning wines by winemaker Linda McWilliams while enjoying the music. Check their website for the calendar.

Wine Works, 8167 Center St.,La Mesa

 Wine Works offers live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The venue also has a variety of other events besides live music, including “Sip & Script” and Trivia Thursdays. Wine Works is owned by San Pasqual Winery. Food vendors are present during live performances, which are hosted in the tasting room, barrel room and patio, where you could also hold a private event.  Food vendors are available during live performances.

Find more East County wineries at the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association and  the Wineries of Highway 94   as well as the San Diego Vintners’ Association.

RESTAURANTS

The Barn Dining & Dancing, 344 Main St., Ramona

The Barn, a bar with dancing and steakhouse dining, has all-ages dancing (with lessons offered) and live music, from rock to country to jazz, during the week and on weekends. The venue also offers catering. Hours of operation are 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday; and 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Casino Inn Bar & Grill, 1155 Alpine Blvd, Alpine

The Casino Innpse:preserve;" id="docs-internal-guid-651b4bd2-7fff-66b3-c151-8e60f222a495">The downtown restaurant keeps visitors updated on all kinds of events on their calendar. They commonly have live music being played in their outdoor dining area. The restaurant is a nice spot for a night out as they have a quality buffet menu, a wonderful ambiance and music to go along with it.

Grand Ole BBQ, 15505 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

This BBQ spot has live music hosted every weekend afternoon. This rustic restaurant serves up Texas-style BBQ along with their musical performances. They also have a catering service under the name “Grand Ole BBQ y Asado.” The shows are all kid-friendly and the restaurant has a large outdoor dining area.

Hacienda Casa Blanca, 700 N Johnson Ave Suite A, El Cajon

Hacienda is a family favorite Mexican restaurant. The restaurant posts a list of upcoming live music events for the month on their website. All events start at 5:30 pm and they’re all held on Tuesday to Thursday.

Hooley’s Public House

Hooley’s offers great Irish cuisine at two different locations in East County. The website has two different links for the La Mesa events and the Rancho San Diego events. Not only can you visit Hooley’s for the Irish Pub atmosphere and the live music, you can also reserve a private event or party to be held at one of the locations.

Pine Valley House, 28841 Old Hwy 80, Pine Valley

The Pine Valley House has a lot to offer to the community. From a “steakhouse, saloon, coffee bar, special events to gym & yoga classes,” as listed on their Facebook, this location is quite versatile. Each event and concert is announced on their Facebook profile. The community center has a variety of events, ranging from live music to dungeons and dragons.

Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, 7777 University Ave, La Mesa

The Riviera has a set list of live music performed every Friday and Saturday, with the exception of a couple events being on different days. On the first Friday of the month, Amanda Portela performs, and on the fourth Saturday, Konrad Malinowski performs. Their website also puts up the genre the artists perform.

Steele 94, 12891 Campo Rd, Spring Valley

The Steele 94 restaurant hosts live music every Friday and Saturday. Although they don’t list the events or bands performing, more information is offered by calling (619)669-1979.

THEATERS

C. Hook Theatre of La Mesa features high school/young adult performers with family-friendly programs.  They perform at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center’s theatre  at 6845 University Avenue., San Diego.

Grossmont College Stagecoach Theatre, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, San Diego, offers plays ranging from Shakespearean dramas to modern musicals. For tickets, visit the box office site.

Lamplighter’s Community Theatre.   ,5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa  is now in its 85^th season.  The community theatre perform a variety of plays,  from comedies to dramas throughout the year.

MoxieTheatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego features plays by women playwrights in productions that have  G.R.I.T. – Guts, Resilience, independence, and Tenacity explore the depth of the human spirit and the expanses of the universe.

Julian Theater Company holds a multitude of events all over Julian. These events are commonly held at Julian Town Hall or Julian High School Theater. They’ve currently announced the 2023/2024 season shows, all available to view on the East County Performing Arts Association website. You can purchase tickets for both individual shows and for the entire season.

Off Broadway Live, 99490Cuyamaca St., #100 in Santee offers two main music events; their “ENCORE Supper Club” and “DECADES: Flashback.” The ENCORE Supper Club offers “dinner, drinks, dessert and a live band show unlike anything else.” The shows occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. DECADES: Flashback takes you through the historical development of music, fashion and culture. The shows occur the same days as the ENCORE Supper Club.

Scripps Ranch Theatre, located on the campus of Alliant University at 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego, has been offering live theatrical productions since 1978.

Young Actors Theatre produces musical productions showcasing talented youthful actors at theatres across San Diego County, including locations in East County.

DANCE

Mounerath Powell Dance (formerly Visionary Dance Theatre), 8677 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Driven by the Vision of Artistic Director Spencer John Powell, VDT strives to enrich the community and its own company members through the shared experience of dance, theatre, and art. Included in this Vision is the belief that dance is for everyone. VDT brings together dancers & performers of all skill levels to create an environment of shared passion, growth, and opportunity for all of its members. Their students perform modern dance and musical theatre productions.

CHURCHES

Manzanita Concerts, 4880 Zion Ave., San Diego

Manzanita concerts are held in the Mission Trails Church. All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and are directed toward the performing artists. Although halfway through the 2023 fall season, there are two upcoming concerts; one in November featuring Clinton Davis, an “old time music master,” and one in December featuring MohaviSoul, performing “bluegrass originals and classics.

COFFEE HOUSES WITH LIVE MUSIC

Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa

Brew Coffee Spot is a sweet place with pastries and coffee. Every Friday night, the cafe hosts a different event. They’ll rotate through music, open mics, and comedy nights. Each upcoming event is posted on their site with the feature artist(s), the time and date, and the genre of music. They also offer a small description of the artist themself.

Public Square Coffee House, 8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

The Public Square Coffee House is located in La Mesa and is quite popular among younger adults and teenagers. They have a “Public Square After Hours” for all the concerts and open mics held. The upcoming concerts are posted on both their website and Instagram account. 

Spacebar Cafe, 7454 University Ave. A, La Mesa

The Spacebar Cafe is an internet cafe known for its atmosphere and good food. They have a variety of events lined up until February, many of which are live music events. The cafe is big on jazz, but also has local musical talent and open mic music nights.

The Well Cafe, 1945 Alpine Blvd. #2110, Alpine

The Well Cafe is a small cafe in Alpine. They have pastries and sweets to pair with your cup of coffee. All their live events are posted on their Facebook page. In the past, they’ve had rock painting with live music and on their third anniversary they held a celebration with a raffle and live music.

East County News Service

Photos by Ken Jacques

March 13, 2025 (Scripps Ranch) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its Season 45 with Mary’s Wedding, written by Stephen Massicotte. Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds, the production runs April 4th - 27th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a preview performance on Friday, April 4th with a Press Opening on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. 

Synopsis: Mary and Charlie meet in a deserted barn and begin a whirlwind romance. But World War I is looming, and the lovers must part as Charlie joins the war effort and Mary is left alone with her dreams. This deeply romantic dream-play is an exquisitely personal examination of the cost of war. The talented cast includes Dennis O’Connor and Lilliana Talwatte.

Director Kate Rose Reynolds  shared, “I have had a decade-long love affair with Mary’s Wedding, ever since I was lucky enough to perform in it in upstate New York. The show is a powerful, poignant balancing act - deeply romantic without veering into melodrama, heart-wrenching while still feeling hopeful, highly theatrical without seeming contrived. Even the writing reflects this dichotomous nature; Massicotte transports us with rich, poetic narration, and then grounds us with charming, everyday dialogue.”

She adds, “It’s a rare gem of a play that feels both familiar and entirely fresh and inventive, that can speak to us of love and war (two tales as old as time) and yet leave us in suspense, waiting for the next moment. The dream play structure, with its nonlinear storytelling and charged surreality, deepens the already profound emotional resonances. This highly theatrical framework allows all of the artists involved to shine - it’s a tour de force not just for the actors, but for each member of our incredible design team as well. I am thrilled to invite audience members to dream this dream with us.”

East County News Service

March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Ram, a grassroots, nonprofit community radio station serving Borrego Springs is now online and can be heard here.

Thew station features music from all genres, largely contributed by community members, as well as potential coverage of live local events such as community gatherings, concerts and school events, local businesses, and emergency communications.  The station also aspires to offer bilingual programming.

Volunteers are welcome, including volunteer DJs, as well as donors and underwriters of equipment. 

For more information, contact Mike Rue at (760)765-5518 or email TheRamRadio@gmail.com.

You can also visit their website.

East County News Service

March 2, 2025 (Julian) -- Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a  21-stringed West African harp.  This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.

Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800-year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. 

Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
 

East County News Service

February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino.  He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.