friday

One of the most vivid memories I have of my childhood is the old Sparkletts Water Show at Sea World in the eighties. There was just something about those lights changing color to different types of music that just blew my young mind. Now the kiddos in Temecula can have the same psychedelically awesome musical experience with Snowbell Rockin’ Nights at City Hall, Thursdays through Sundays in Old Town.

The musical series, Cabaret at the Merc, is decking halls of the popular Old Town venue for their very special Holiday Edition and Co-Producer Jordan Beck is thrilled to have the chance to celebrate the season. “A holiday-themed show is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time but this is the first time we’ve had the chance because our usual last-Sunday-of-the-month schedule always lands us after Christmas,” Beck said.

The holiday season is in full swing and two of Temecula’s most popular twinkling traditions light up the city with yuletide cheer this week, with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Duck Pond on Thursday and Santa’s Electric Light Parade through Old Town on Friday night. “Temecula is growing into a big city but we still cherish the home town events that make Temecula special, especially during the holidays,” Dawn Adamiak, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Temecula said.

Finish up those Thanksgiving leftovers because the Christmas season is upon us and the Inland Valley Classical Ballet Theatre has the perfect way to ring in the most wonderful time of the year; bringing their production of “The Nutcracker” to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

orn and raised in China, but a resident of the U.S. since 1983, the work of Choreographer and Artistic Director Lily Cai gives new meaning to the old adage “the best of both worlds.” Founded in 1988, the Lily Cai Dance Company blends the beauty and tradition of Cai’s Chinese upbringing with the freedom of expression used in contemporary American styles. Since their inception, the company has been showered with recognition and awards, including the Isadora Duncan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography.

Comedian Vince Morris has an intrapersonal struggle. Regardless of his insecurities, Morris has never doubted his choice of profession. Morris seems to be doing alright for himself, having not only headlined at comedy clubs all over the country but he can also boast numerous television appearances including BET’s Comic View, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and his own half-hour special on Comedy Central.

First published by Random House in 1992, the Junie B. Jones children’s book series illustrates the challenges faced when navigating the harrowing halls of elementary school. A new musical brings author Barbara Park’s beloved characters to life in “Junie B. Jones: The Musical,” at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

It’s hard to frequent any establishment in the Temecula area without seeing the rock band, Crimson Crow, perform at least once because these guys are never hurting for a gig.

It’s hard to think about the iconic music of the 1980’s without remembering the award-winning Mtv music video for The Cars’ number one single, “You Might Think,” where a cartoonish representation of lead singer Ric Ocasek appears to model Susan Gallagher as a submarine, a robot monster and even King Kong. The image may seem silly now, but the music of The Cars helped shaped not only the sound of their own decade but has also inspired musicians ever since.

In the heart of Temecula’s wine country, Galway Downs is a hidden gem; a venue renowned by elite equestrian competitors throughout the world but virtually unknown to many living in the community it calls home. On October 30th through November 2nd, the breathtaking grounds are not only playing host to some of the most famous riders in equestrian sports, but also providing their neighbors with a perfect way to become acquainted with the center while having a great time with family and friends.