Things to Do
Washington Square Arts & Culture Report prepared by Connie Hamilton of Com-Link
GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS
The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art http://www.bowers.org/
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 567-3600
The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana will allow Santa Ana residents to visit the museum on the First Sunday and Third Tuesday of every month between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. free of charge. Santa Ana residents will need to show a Driver's License or any picture I.D. with any correspondence that has their name and Santa Ana address on it. (Note - free admission applies to only permanent exhibits and NOT to special visiting exhibits); also check website for Bowers Events - festivals, programs
Note: Target Special - On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Bowers can enjoy free access to the museum, Kidseum, and all activities all day, thanks to the Target Corporation. Target Free First Sundays are very popular and to prevent overcrowding, visitors may have to wait outside for admission. The Cultural Festival begins at noon and activities will run until 4:00PM
Museum hours: Tues-Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Current exhibitions:
Where Masks Still Dance: New Guinea ● Spirits and Headhunters- Art of the Pacific Islands ● Ancient Arts of China; A 5000 Year Legacy ● California Legacies: Missions and Ranchos (1768-1848) ●Classic California: Recently Conserved Paintings from the Permanent Collection, ● First Californians ● Vision of the Shaman, Song of the Priest ● Masters of Adornment: The Miao People of China
The Bowers Kidseum http://www.bowers.org/kidseum.php/
Features: Hands on activities at Kidseum for children: International Dress up; Tribal Instruments; Ethnic Masks; Language Exploration; pre-school classes
Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm; Sat. - Sun. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ages 3 and up $6:00 (free with current Bowers Museum ticket stub)
Heritage Museum of Orange County (Formerly Centennial Heritage Museum); http://www.heritagemuseumoc.org/
3101 W. Harvard St (near Fairview), Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 850-9452
Features: The Centennial Heritage Museum is pleased to offer free admission to Santa Ana residents on the first Sunday of each month.
Upcoming:
Victorian Tea Society Presents: A Chocolate Indulgence Tea Saturday, May 22, 2010
Centennial Heritage Museum is a cultural and natural history center located on approximately 11 acres surrounding the beautiful 1898 Kellogg House. It includes an historic plaza complete with a number of structures from the 1890s, a working blacksmith shop, and extensive orchards and gardens. A Victorian gazebo and a formal rose garden highlight the plaza area. A nature park covers several acres of the property and includes Santa Ana’s only freshwater marsh as well as the highest point of land in the city.
Kellogg House Tours: Friday: 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.* $5; Seniors/Children $4.00
Other times are available by appointment only for groups of 10 or more. Also offering school field trips, and Scout/youth programs
Delhi Center http://www.delhicenter.com/
505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 481-9600
Features: Plaza de Arte is Delhi Center’s cultural arts initiative. It is a gathering place that celebrates Mexican folk art, music and cultural traditions. Delhi Center is very proud of this facet of its work with the community, both locally and binationally. Award winning folk art, musical concerts, dance and cultural events are year round activities within Plaza de Arte.
Taco Bell Discovery Science Center & 3D Laser Theater http://www.discoverycube.org/
2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 542-2823 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily
FREE ADMISSION for Santa Ana residents 1st Monday of month, Parking $3
$12.95 Adults, $9.95 for Seniors (55+) & Kids 3 to 17
Upcoming:
Bubblefest XIV March 27 - April 11, 2010 Pi Day Sunday March 14, 2010 Also: Secrets of Circles Ongoing: Science of Hockey, “Dinoquest” (40 interactive dinosaur exhibits); Boeing Delta III Rocket with 25K thrust engine; Underwater Themed Kidstation for 0-5 yrs. Try the 100 Hands-On Science Exhibits, including “The Quake Zone”
CA State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center http://www.grandcentralartcenter.com/
125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 567-7233
Features: Student Films http://www.ratpoweredfilmsredux.com/
California State University, Fullerton Grand Central Art Center is dedicated to the investigation and promotion of
contemporary art and visual culture regionally, nationally, and internationally through unique collaborations
between artists, students, and the community.
Santa Ana Artist Village
Features: First Saturdays --Entertainment & Open Galleries
Santiago Street Loft Artwalk – http://www.santiagoartdistrict.com./
Every third Saturday of the month, Santiago Street Lofts hosts their monthly Art Walk at the Santiago Art District. Live music and DJS set the laid-back vibe as artists and homeowners open their galleries to the public. Fine wines, cheeses and other delicious refreshments are available in most galleries. Galleries open at 7pm and usually run until 10pm. Ample Free Parking located across the street at the Santa Ana Train Depo on the corner of Santa Ana Boulevard and Santiago Street.
Historic Santa Ana:
Dr. Willela Howe-Waffle House & Medical Museum http://www.santaanahistory.com/
Offices: Santa Ana Historic Preservation Society & Orange County Historical Society
120 W. Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 547-9645
Features: $5 Tour Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum ($4.00 seniors).
Walking Tour: Downtown Architectural walking tours are available on the first Saturday of each month, but
only by advanced reservation; tour price $8; this is a 1-1/2-2 hrs walking tour beginning at 2:30 pm.
New Book! Railroads and Depots of Orange County from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Rail series by local author, as well as long-time SAHPS member & volunteer, Rob Richardson. In over 200 vintage photographs, Richardson shares the history of railroads in Orange County
The Old Orange County Courthouse
www.ocparks.com/oldcourthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 973-6605 (Built in 1901)
Tours of the Old Courthouse for adult and school groups are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Self-guided tours are also available. To arrange a tour of the Old Courthouse, please call (714) 973-6610. Tours are free of charge.
Orange County Center for Contemporary Art http://www.occca.org/
117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 667-1517
Gallery Hours: Thurs & Sun: Noon-5:00 p.m. Fri & Sat: Noon - 9:00 p.m. Mon-Weds. By Apt.
No Entrance Fee
Upcoming Exhibitions:
The Beauty Mark, the art and music of Joy Shannon
March 4th - 27th, 2010
Also: After Hours and the Inexpressible,
This year, OCCCA is entering its 30th year and to celebrate this historic event we are devoting two months October and November 2010 to showcase and reunite our past and present members. We invite you the OCCCA alumni to participate
MUSIC & DANCE
Pacific Chorale http://www.pacificchorale.org/
3621 S. Harbor Blvd., Ste. 220, Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 662-2345
Upcoming: Rachmaninov by Candlelight
Sunday, May 23, 2010, 5:30 pm
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
John Alexander, conducting, Soloists Lori Loftus, organ • Mindy Ball, harp
Tickets $19- $140
Pacific Symphony http://www.pacificsymphony.org/
3631 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 755-5788
Classical concerts:
◍ Fantastique! February 25, 2010 - February 27, 2010 ◍ A Salute to John Williams March 11, 2010 - March 13, 2010
◍Classical Idol March 14, 2010 ◍ Gershwin & All That Jazz March 18, 2010 - March 20, 2010
◍ Gershwin's Piano Concerto March 21, 2010
Also : Pops Concerts and Family Concerts throughout the year- call for more information
Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles http://www.pacificsymphony.org/
3631 S. Harbor Blvd, #100, Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 755-5799
Venue: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Provides the highest level of performance opportunities available to young instrumentalists between the ages of 11 and 21 from throughout Orange County. It is one of the primary education programs of Pacific Symphony. Includes Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble and Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings.
The Wooden Floor (previously St. Joseph Ballet) http://www.saintjosephballet.org/
1810 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706, Phone: 714-541-8314 ext. 10, Fax: 714-541-2150
Saint Joseph Ballet has announced that the organization has officially changed its name to The Wooden Floor, with the tagline, "From here you can step anywhere." The mission of the 26-year-old organization remains: To empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to strengthen self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic and family programs.
Features: The Wooden Floor 27th Annual Concert
Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine
June 3-5, 2010
Tickets on sale April 5th!
THEATER
OC Pavilion & Ambrosia Restaurant http://www.ocpavilion.com/
801 N. Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 550-0880
Ongoing: Friday Night Jazz – Every Friday at 8:00 pm at the Vault
Features: ◍ DIVAS OF COUNTRY MUSIC March 13 ◍ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST March 19 & 21 ◍ SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER March 20 ◍ UNION OF SAINTS WITH REBECCA HAWKINS PROJECT March 27
YOST THEATER http://www.yosttheater.com/
307 N. Spurgeon (714) 558-8181 For information, please e-mail nuestropueblo@yahoo.com
The Yost Theater of Downtown Santa Ana is a historic Mexican vaudeville theater built in 1912 that was renovated and re-launched at the music and arts festival SoundDowntown. Yost Theater first opened in 1913 - originally known as the "Clunes" it later changed its name to Yost when Ed Yost purchased the theater.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Santa Ana College -www.sac.edu 1530 W. 17 TH St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Features: Actors Showcase, March 10
Tessman Planetarium
530 W. 17th St., Bldg. M-10, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (714) 564-6356 Shows presented on selected
days - reservations necessary - Mon- Fri.
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park and Crean Family Farm - www.santaanazoo.org
1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701
FREE ADMISSION for Santa Ana residents - 2nd Tuesday of month
General Information: Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for children 3 to 12 years of age and senior citizens; and FREE to children under 3, people with disabilities and members of the Zoo.
Santa Ana ZOO Celebrates 58 Years!
On Saturday, March 6th & Sunday, March 7th, the Santa Ana Zoo, home of the 50 monkeys, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, is excited to celebrate its 58th birthday. The activities will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm, and the event is FREE with the price of admission for general public and FREE for Members.
Count down! The long-awaited Tierra de las Pampas exhibit's grand opening is April 17, 2010, 11 am- 2pm!
Broadway on Tour Children’s Theater http://www.broadwayontour.org/
Ebell Theater, 625 French St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 542-6939
Features:
The Little Mermaid May 1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 - 2010 (Auditions for Little Mermaid will be March 15, 2010)
Be sure to check the various websites for additional exhibits and shows.
The OC Pavilion
The OC Pavilion is a vision of Michael "37 Stories" Harrah and opened in July 2005 at 801 North Main Street in the former Bank of America building. If everything in the July 10th OC Register article is true, it's a major asset to the downtown area and to our neighborhood. Harrah spent $21 million intalling a plush, state of the art concert facility and an Ambrosia restaurant on the 2nd floor and The Vault, a VIP lounge in the old BofA vault. Most of the acts seem to be "tribute" bands. The OC Pavilion website lists coming attractions and ticket information. Tickets are sold through Vendini, accessed through the OCPavilion event calendar.
Go see a movie, Take one of your neighbors or their kids with you. Our convenient, never-crowded local theater has a new lease on life after being run down by Captain Blood. The owner is Jeff Stedman's Picture Show Entertainment. Here's an article about his Colorado theater. The films are a little stale but hey, what do ya want for a buck? (Admission $1.00 on Tuesdays, $1.75 other days) ? Showtimes 714 836-7469. If you haven't been there, the theaters are accessible from the rear entrance of Main Place (facing the 5 Fwy) The box office is up the escalator to the right and the theaters are one more escalator up. Showtimes here or here.
With 107 screens within six miles of Washington Square there's no excuse not to find something good to watch. Rent a DVD if you don't want to drive. The good news is that Video Sky at 417 W. 17th Street changed ownership and was cleaned up and smells better, no change that, it smells worse and they have fewer new movies. Netfiix is a good option. DVD rentals at Videosky are $1.50.
Attend a Santa Ana City Council Meeting. You've seen them on Channel 3 if you have cable, now see them in person! Check up on your elected councilperson to make sure she's representing our neighborhood well. Or go to a Com-Link meeting on the 4th Thursday of every month in the Community Room of the Police Station at 6:30PM. It's a forum to exchange information between Santa Ana's diverse neighborhoods. Hint: there's often free food before the meeting! If you click on the link above you'll find your webmaster and newsletter author in the center of the photo at the top of the Com-Link page.
Take a look at the City of Santa Ana Community Calendar for a list of meetings and events elsewhere in the city.
OC Weekly's Calendar, The Register's Calendar, The LA Times Guide
Read a blog about our fair city and environs. The Orange Juice Blog but remember to take everything you read with a grain of salt as it's opinions and conjecture with only a little objectivity. They also have a (slightly) less political blog, New Santa Ana. That said, there's often local news and event coverage posted that is not available elsewhere. Others: Liberal OC and Red County and Santiago Street Lofts
There are always fine art events and performances going on at Santa Ana College. Here's the Spring 2008 Calendar. Don't forget that the largest planetarium in Orange County is right next door. The Tessman Planetarium on campus has interesting shows open to the public for only $3.00. The schedule isn't published but is available by phone 714 564-6356 Tuesday and Thursday between 10 & 1 or leave a message and they'll call you back.
Make sure to check the WSNA Santa Ana College page for more events and use your VIP card for free admission.
Want to have your event posted here? Have you been to a fun event you'd like to share with your neighbors? Send the information, links and dates to webmaster@washington-square.org to get the word out. Of course we reserve the right to choose what's appropriate for this site.
News and Activity Information