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Gabriele Bitter knows firsthand the emotional power of art. Though mainly a contemporary abstract artist, Bitter also finds herself pursuing the medium of traditional printmaking, depending on her mood. Temecula residents have a chance to view and even purchase selections of both mediums at an exhibition all this month at the Gallery at the Merc in Old Town.

In musical theater, there are a small handful of cities that have the honor of hosting the upper echelon of Broadway-caliber talent; New York, Los Angeles, London… Temecula? Well, we do now. On Monday, September 22nd, the popular monthly series Cabaret at the Merc presents an evening with one of the biggest names in theater, renowned Broadway composer, Stephen Schwartz.

When award-winning Opera Soprano Natalie Mann takes the stage in Old Town this weekend, she shares not only beautiful music but a full narrative about the circle of one woman’s life. Accompanied by pianist Ed Yarnelle, Mann will get the chance to show an audience what a full musical education can produce.

When Cabaret at the Merc Producers, J. Scott Lapp and Jordan Beck, were planning their first Summer Series, they wanted to end their hugely popular season with something extra special. After exploring the work of numerous contemporary artists, Beck and Lapp chose Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum recording artist, John Mayer.

Inspired by the whimsical work of Spanish artist Antoni Gaudi, Temecula resident Troi O’Rourke opened Barcelona Mosaics, where she creates extravagant works of art from previously ordinary objects.

When the Louise Farrenc Piano Quintet first played at the Merc earlier this year, their performance included several works by the Nineteenth Century French composer and pianist of the same name. When they return to Old Town this Sunday, they will expand their repertoire with pieces by a variety of composers.

It may still be a secret to some, but Cabaret at the Merc still manages to pack the house with eager musical theater enthusiasts every month. For the August 31st installment, Cabaret at the Merc presents the music of songwriting duo, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

When classical guitarist, Michael Nigro, discovered he loved playing music at the age of twelve, he pursued the career that every classical musician aspires to; he rocked out. “In my teen years, I became involved in punk rock music and even played in a few bands,” Nigro said during a recent interview.

For the August 17th Classics at the Merc show, the Temecula branch of the MTAC will showcase some of the finest musicians and instructors the valley has to offer; incorporating numerous musical styles and instruments.

Grab your toughest pair of cowboy boots because you’re going to be doing some serious toe-tapping, as the bimonthly music series, Country Live! at the Merc, continues in Old Town on August 16th.