The Music Brought Us Together

The Laguna Playhouse is featuring a play about the history of American folk music. Actually, this play is more of a musical journey that uses song to tell the story of the “real” American “man” over four decades (30’s to 60’s). Writer/Director James O’Neil uses an average man, Lonesome (played by Justin Flagg), and his muse (played by Jennifer Leigh Warren) to guide us on this musical journey. With a richly talented cast of singers, musicians and actors, you are literally transported back in time with each song. Featuring some of the all-time favorites songs that have become part of the fabric of American life like including ‘This Land is Your Land,’, ‘Hallelujah, I’m a Bum,’, ‘Goodnight, Irene,’, ‘Puff, The Magic Dragon,’, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine.’

Lonesome and his Muse don’t allow the audience to sit as silent observers, instead they invite us to join in with the singing and remembering. I found myself tapping my toe and singing along with nearly everyone in the audience. It’s hard to sit there and not be moved by the plight of what the music expresses. The feeling of struggle, hardship, hope and heart that comes through from these classic folk tunes is palpable. Following history from the dust bowl depression of the 30’s through the fight for unionization to the anti- Vietnam War movement, I was reminded of how far we’ve have come, and yet, and still how much furtherfar we still have we can to go. I suppose that is the power of music, it can tap into a social consciousness that is looking for a voice and a platform of expression. The cast of musicians and actors are unbelievably talented, recreating greats like Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio and many more.

Even though it is only a light brushing on the surface of American folk history, ‘Lonesome Traveler’ is a show that has heart. It reminds us of a common background and plight for equality…and that music is the place that brings us all together.

 ‘This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie

Lonesome Traveler
Now thru February 5th, 2012
For Tickets click HERE


Also join the cast at ‘Folk Music and Fun’ at the Marine Room
Monday, January 30th
5pm to 7pm
$30 (a fundraiser supporting The Laguna Playhouse)
For Tickets click HERE






By Anne-Marie S.

The Cottage Gallery

When Nancy Stubbs moved to California in 1984, she found herself driving down highway 133, which was surrounded by canyon walls, and as she traveled further into town, those walls spilled open to reveal a spectacular view of Main Beach. In that moment, she fell in love with Laguna Beach and this became the town where she wanted to end up one day. Twenty-five years later she followed that dream and opened, The Cottage Gallery.

The Cottage Gallery is the only gallery in Laguna Beach to occupy a historic home. You feel the inviting spirit that only a “home” can invoke, as you enter the gallery doors. Nancy’s vision for The Cottage was to create a space that was artist centric, a gallery thats mission is to propel the artist, whether beginner or seasoned, to greater heights. She made it her goal to find artists that were passionate about their work and focused on that passion above anything else. Nancy is familiar with having passion for one’s art; as she herself is an artist…a painter. Her entire career was spent in the IT field working in offices, yet at her core she was always an artist. She was always painting and studying her art form and in her retirement she decided to follow those artistic leanings and open The Cottage Gallery.

In the few short years The Cottage Gallery has been open, they’ve filled the 1,000 sq. ft. space with a variety of work, with nearly 20 artists in rotation. The art works adorn the walls and take up residence in every corner and yet, as you move between the rooms they don’t feel overcrowded… rather it’s a peaceful and relaxed experience. A full scope of mediums can be found including sculptures, paintings and mixed media, that appeals to the novice collector, as well as the art enthusiast. In fact, famed water colorist Bill Hudson is the gallery’s resident artist. You can find him at work in the gallery on many days.

It was clear on my visit to The Cottage Gallery that Nancy has taken the time to find art that is compelling and thoughtful. She has created a space that is welcoming to anyone that walks through the doors and has given artists a place they can call home in this historic 1930s bungalow, now known as The Cottage Gallery.

The Cottage Gallery 

1524 South Coast Hwy.

  *across the street from Surf & Sand Resort

949.497.8932

Open Wednesday – Sunday, Noon to 5pm or by appointment

By Anne-Marie S.

French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar

One of the things I truly love about Laguna Beach is that you can take a culinary tour around the world without leaving the city limits. From the Mexican Riviera at Las Brisas  to the shores of Italy at Romeo Cucina to the delicacies of French cuisine you’ll find at French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar, you are sure to enjoy your epicurean adventure.

On a crisp night, my husband and I settled into a warm booth in the dimly-lit dining room of French 75. We had gone to Paris 10 years ago and hadn’t had any French food of note since our trip there, so we were excited for the opportunity to dine at French 75. As we always do, we started with a cocktail. I chose the Chanel Champagne cocktail and he the French 75 Champagne cocktail. They were exactly what we needed after a stressful and busy day of work, children and other family obligations.

Along with our cocktails, we enjoyed the sautéed Foie Gras. Now, you might be shaking in your boots right now at the mention of Foie Gras, but let me tell you that this was one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten! It is served with a strawberry wine poached pear, brioche crostini and an aged balsamic reduction. Each bite practically melted in our mouths and we found ourselves fighting over the last bite.

For our meals, I decided on the Holiday Prix Fixe menu, choosing a Roquette Fig Salad, Pan Roasted Scallops and Flourless Chocolate Cake. My husband chose the Pear Salad and the Oven-Roasted New Zealand Rack of Lamb. Every bite transported us back to our week in Paris. We reminisced about our favorite sites and our best meals while there.

Pan Roasted Scallops: Bacon Potato Risotto, Garlic Emulsion, Lobster Sauce

I was afraid that the bacon may overwhelm the scallops, but it didn’t and had just the right touch of flavor. The lobster sauce was rich and complemented the scallops and risotto nicely.

Like always, I was only able to sneak a bite or two of my husband’s meal and from those, I could tell that the lamb was fabulous! It was flavorful with that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes lamb delicious.  The Rosemary Garlic Dijon flavors of the crust came thru with every bite. The lamb was served with pomme gratin, Mediterranean grilled vegetables and Bordelaise Sauce.

When having a meal with me, you should know I always order dessert and luckily, the Holiday Prix Fixe menu came with one, a decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake. This time I was the one who didn’t share with others.

There are no plot twists when it comes to French 75; it is simply a direct story line that ends with delicious French perfection. We enjoyed our time reminiscing about Paris all while feasting on the phenomenal creations of Chef Gregory Moro.

French 75 Bistro & Champagne Bar 

1464 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949-494-8444


Mon - Sun, 4:30pm to 11:00pm


Happy Hour
Nightly from 4:30 to 6:30
Half-priced champagne cocktail
Half-priced wine by the glass
$6.00 well drinks and well cocktails
Small plates menu available

By Anne-Marie S.

Sawdust Winter Fantasy 2011

The Sawdust Winter Fantasy is in full swing! It’s the perfect weekend outing that the entire family can enjoy. With over 170 artisans who create and showcase original works of art, you are sure to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. The Winter Fantasy has become an annual tradition for my family with my kids eagerly anticipating the trip to this cheerful wonderland.

If you have been to Sawdust’s summer festival you will notice that as soon as you walk into the Winter Fantasy things look a little different. The center of the festival grounds is transformed into a Winter Wonderland called Towne Square. Here you’ll find Santa’s Sleigh, a life-size playhouse, a reindeer barn, Santa’s house (complete with Santa!), decorated community trees and even falling snow. My husband and I look forward to the great photo ops in Towne Square perfect for our holiday cards.

Snow flurries at the Winter Fantasy

My kids enjoy all of the special holiday-themed activities at the Ceramic Center and Children’s Art Spot. This year they chose to make air-dry clay ornaments.

Mary Marquez, an artist and exhibitor at the festival, helped my girls make their ornaments at the Children’s Art Spot. She was extremely helpful and explained each step of the process for making the ornaments. Even my 2-year old was able to make ornaments with her help. I just love the small community feel this places offers.

Another highlight for the kids was getting balloon animals made by Balloon Diva, April Strong.

We stopped by a must see at Sawdust, Patti’s People. The kids got a real kick out of seeing all their favorite cartoon characters and super heroes made into clay ornaments. Patti makes custom ornaments for you that make the perfect gift!

We wandered over at Brett Keast’s booth after listening to live music at the Main Entertainment Deck. There we found a variety of island-inspired artwork.

These holiday stockings are made from leftover materials from Brett’s
swimwear collection, Tidepool Swimwear.

After enjoying hot cocoa and a visit with Santa we headed home with our hearts full of holiday cheer. Thank you Sawdust for getting us in the spirit and for all of the great family memories!

Be sure to visit the Sawdust Winter Fantasy 

Open weekends only: November 19 & 20, 25-27; December 3 & 4, 9-11, 2011
10am to 6pm

$6 Adult one-day; $5 Senior one-day (65+); $3 Children (6-12); FREE Children (5 & under); $9 Season pass

Information Line: (949) 494-3030

note: this is an outdoor festival.

By Anne-Marie S.