saturday

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.

Something tells me that I’m about ten years older than the core audience of comedian and actor, Nick Swardson, but he definitely wins the award for the most references to flatulence in one interview. When Swardson comes to the Pechanga Theater this Saturday, the subject matter will be much of the same so his loyal fans should be satisfied with what they see.

This Veteran’s Day weekend, there is an exciting opportunity to not only honor our nation’s heroes, but be entertained in the process, when the contemporary rock musical Skytrooper comes to the Rancho California RV Resort in Aguanga. The songs for Skytrooper were written by Producer and Lead Vocalist, Bill Ellis; some written while he was serving in Vietnam as an infantryman with the 1st Air Cavalry Division during 1968-69.

Just as the Halloween festivities are winding down in the valley, the Old Town Temecula Community Theater prepares to celebrate the Latin American tradition of El Día de los Muertos, with their Latin American Sketches concert, presented by the California Chamber Orchestra. When Dana Zimbric, Chamber Artistic Director and Composer, discovered that their concert would be scheduled for November 1st, she knew it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate not only El Día de los Muertos (November 1) but also the Catholic traditions of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1 and 2).

Go Greek this weekend as the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church presents their annual Greek Festival in Old Town. Entertainment includes live Greek music from the bands 4 Greeks LA and Tatoolis and traditional folk dancers, including children, will be on hand to demonstrate their authentic and lively Greek choreography.

It may be just down the road, but Galway Downs Equestrian Center, located in wine country, seems like a world away with its beautiful scenery and rustic charm. Weekends this month, visitors to the Galway Downs October Equestrian Fest have the chance to celebrate the fall season with festive fun for the whole family.

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.

It’s “Grease” meets “Night of the Living Dead,” as the comedic, off-Broadway musical “Zombie Prom,” comes to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater this week, presented by the Fine Arts Network. Originally produced at the Red Barn Theatre in Key West, “Zombie Prom” premiered off-Broadway in 1996.

When speaking to contemporary jazz musician and composer Brian Culbertson about his two decades of performing professionally, he seems genuinely grateful for being able to sustain a successful career while still being true to himself as an artist. Twenty years and sixteen albums later, Culbertson’s music has run the gamut of genres from smooth jazz to R&B to funk, depending on the time in his career or the album being recorded.

Temecula high school girl turned successful recording artist, Xenia Martinez, now known simply as Xenia, is using her celebrity for a good cause this weekend, headlining an evening full of music, food, fun and entertainment, all to help support local foster parents and adoption families. Now in its second year, the Rose Again Foundation is a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster and orphaned children in our community.