Notes from the Publisher

Chris Standring performing during the Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate series at Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California, on July 19

Every time I attend a concert at Festival of Arts, I feel enveloped by beauty and magic.

It was especially enchanting during my visit to the Laguna Beach, California, fine art show last month because I timed it on a day when my guests and I could partake in the Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate series and also stay for Pageant of the Masters.

It was our first experience in the remodeled venue where guitarist Chris Standring was performing with his band comprising Andre Berry on bass, Sergio Gonzalez on drums, and Hans Zermuehlen on keyboards. The architects of the award-winning renovation of the iconic outdoor exhibition space certainly had comfort and coolness in mind when they designed the corner layout of the concert area with canopies over the expanded seating areas and stage. Branches of large eucalyptus trees sway over the perimeter wall and fan the venue with extra shade. And, it was quite refreshing when splashes of ocean breezes helped cool down the air on that hot and humid Thursday. The entire concert area, which can now accommodate approximately 250 people, is concrete. Tiered general admission seating is carved into one side of its perimeter. Reserved seating sections are spread out on two levels and cost an additional $35 per person. We sat at a table on the main level, which is angled to the left side of the stage. The other option is a few steps down, directly in front of the stage, with tables and chairs set up on bright green artificial turf.

Concerts are free with Festival of Arts admission ($10 on weekdays, $15 on weekends, with special discounts for children, students and seniors aged 62-plus. Free admission is offered to Laguna Beach residents, children 5 years of age or under and military). Although there are food and beverage vendors onsite, as well as the new Terra Laguna Beach restaurant, picnicking with your own

basket of goodies is also allowed. We brought in some sandwiches and drinks in a small cooler. And, with our $20 Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate admission, we each received three XAN Confections chocolates and three glasses of wine. It was quite the divine alfresco dining experience, and music added the soul-stirring ingredient.

Standring’s signature retro-meets-modern-vibes sound, always a pleasure to listen to, was enhanced by the surrounding paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, glass, photography, watercolors and woodworks. Even the concert section has stunning Marlo Bartels-designed benches and a fountain sculpture. Each is made with various shaped azure and turquoise-hued mosaics, ceramics and tiles on the top, a black and white checkered base, and a bottom row lined in a black and brown pattern. (Check out his work at the Fred Stodder ceramics exhibit at Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California festival, or visit his website www.marlobartels.com.) narrator began guiding the audience through each piece of the When the concert, which started at 5:30 p.m., ended at 7:30 p.m., 90-minute theatrical performances where famous works of art we had nearly an hour to peruse more art exhibits before the curtains come alive onstage. of Pageant of the Masters rose at 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme, “UNDER THE SUN,” re-creates the early 20th

We arrived at the Irvine Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater behind century’s new generation of impressionists and plein air painters, the art show where the Pageant is performed, while the 26 musicians while honoring Laguna’s own and other artistic pioneers from around were warming up in the orchestra pit beneath the stage. Soon, the the world who left their studios, set up their easels outdoors and lights dimmed, the orchestra’s curtain closed, and the live became inspired by the natural beauty. This production––featuring intricate sets, makeup and costumes, sophisticated lighting and hundreds of volunteers––mystifies imagination in the magical way works are re-created with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. And, fun and surprises add to this 85th annual, wondrous, awe-inspiring experience. Although I’ve already checked off these items on my summer must-do list, I still feel a strong need to return a few more times before Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters end Sept. 1, to make this season truly extraordinary. Especially when I see Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo scheduled to perform on Aug. 2; Jeff Lorber Fusion on Aug. 4; and Lee Ritenour on Aug. 18, in addition to a variety of other bands listed on the Festival of Arts’ daily music schedule. Meanwhile, with a nod to a scene at this year’s Pageant, I can always dream of an Endless Summer! For more information on Festival of Arts and Pageant of the A cast member has her makeup touched up backstage for the Masters, located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, “Orange Crate Labels” set at Pageant of the Masters California, visit www.foapom.com or call 800-487-3378.