The Al Freeman Events Newsletter    
 
June/July 2008
Last Update July 3
Next issue July 10

Start off the long July 4th Weekend with Riviera Magazine
at Blanca on the Waterfront in Newport Beach 

Click Here for Directions to Blanca

Click Here for Information on the Arthritis Foundation

Click Here for some more local Fourth of July events

Announcements / Updates

Please add afreeman@bestOCevents.com to your email address book - that way our newsletter will always get through to ya’!!    As the spam filters continue to tighten email delivery, it is more of a challenge to get the emails through.  So now every issue of our newsletter (or a link) will be on the same web page,  at www.bestOCevents.com/newsletter    If you save and bookmark this website, you can get the latest issue at any time.  We will continue to send the regular emails as a reminder……   

Also, after many requests by our readers and others, we have begun to accept (tasteful) banner and rotation advertising.  This is your chance to promote your Restaurant, Product or Service to 21,249 active readers, mostly professional singles ages 21-49 in the Newport/Irvine/OC area.  Please   to see a Fact Sheet or call us at (949) 222-2232 for further information……  please support our sponsors !!  And welcome to our newest Advertisers – Code Pink Boot Camp, Blanca Restaurant in Newport Beach, and American Yacht Charters !!

For those new to the newsletter, we make changes to this website and add events throughout the month, almost every day.  You can check back to this site anytime to see the latest !!

We hosted a terrific Party at Dale Williams' Waterfront Mansion in Newport Beach on May 10.....  300+ beautiful people, $MM++ yachts, just a gorgeous place.....   Click Here for the tres' cool party website, and Click Here for a writeup and some exciting pictures .....   

The American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” in Newport Beach raised an impressive $223,000, well over their goal of $175K…. due to all the wonderful folks hereabouts !!  See the tally and make that final contribution until August 30 at www.events.cancer.org/rflnewportbeachca

Blanca Restaurant and Lounge has opened in Newport Beach on the Lido Isle Waterfront and it is a tres' chic place, completely redecorated and right on the water, Spanish Italian Coastal Cuisine ..... in the brick area off Via Lido.  More info below…..  

Lots of Restaurants and Clubs opening and closing 'round here, and we get all the inside dope.... Click Here to go the Openings and Closings section....

For the latest information Click Here for our Checkpoints page, listing the Sobriety Checkpoint action we know about.  Don't drink and drive .....

Summer is here, soooo many events this weekend....  let's get out and do it !!  Take time to watch the Sunset, the best event around......

To all........ let us know about charity and other fun events by emailing the details to events@bestOCevents.com or calling us at (949) 222-2232..... 

We regularly send out an email newsletter listing local charity and social events that appeal to the active Orange County Newport/Irvine community.  We try to find something for everyone, with an emphasis on opportunities to meet other quality local people.  We look for interesting and worthwhile events that are not commonly known, or have some special appeal.  If you have good friends that might be interested, please pass this email along to them.  You can sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page .....

         ~~~~  Index ~~~~  click the links below to go to:

• This Month's Events - The hottest events for the next few weeks, by date
• Newsletter Partners - Friends of the Newsletter 
• The Hot Spots  - Where the cool crowd goes in the OC
• Openings and Closings - New and closing Restaurants, Clubs, shops  
• This n' That, Helpful Information  -  Miscellaneous tidbits and things we hear about
• Subscription and Contact Information  -  Get ahold of us
• Comments ?? -  We love hearing from ya'.... air it out email at comments@bestOCevents.com
   

June 5-22 – The Off Center Indie Band series continues at the OC Performing Arts Center Samueli Theater with Groovaloo on June 5-22…. excellent, especially in such an intimate venue.  More info on this and other great concerts and abstract theater at www.ocpac.org/offcenter   

June 13 – Let’s do the Time Warp, yeeeeaaahhhh….. OK, so it’s been a few years, but the cult film Rocky Horror Picture Show still has legs (and rice and other assorted sight gags).  Relive the raw campiness  at the Balboa Pavilion (itself a legend), just a block from the Balboa Theater where this celluloid jewel was shown at Midnight from 1975 until 1992.  In the spirit of the film and its fabled history, The Rocky Horror Picture Show - A Time Warp Party, will reflect the adventurous nature of the film as well as the new spirit of our times.  Midnight Insanity, the original cast from the 1988 performances of the midnight showing at the Balboa Theater, will be special guests in full character performing skits, interacting with guests, taking photos and teaching the Time Warp dance.  The Balboa Pavilion grand ballroom will be transformed into an exotic replication of the show’s set.  Food, drink and rockin’ dancing in a club style atmosphere.  Time Warp specialty drinks served in test tubes.  Party guests will dine on the haute cuisine of the movie house.  Your donation of $150 gets you in the party and includes your food and drinks for the evening.  Funds raised by this event will support the re-opening of the beloved Balboa Theater as a multi-use performing arts and film center.  Info and more at www.thebalboatheater.org/rocky.php          Click Here for an excellent article from the Orange County Register.  And bring back a little fun.... 

.... Let's do the Time Warp, yeeaaahhhh !!!!

June 13 – Be careful out there….  Sobriety Checkpoint in Costa Mesa on 19th by Pomona Avenue.  For the latest information Click Here for our Checkpoints page, listing the Checkpoint action we know about.  Don't drink and drive .....

June 14 – World famous good guy Jason Hartman is organizing a No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association.  $40 Buy-in gets you $2,000 in chips and the chance to wheel and deal through the field of players.  Lots of prizes, free food and drinks, and a chance to meet new friends and support a great cause.  Seating is limited, checkin 6pm, so please RSVP at www.JasonHartman.com  or call (714) 820-4200 to be entered in the tournament. 555 Anton Suite 150, by South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.  All proceeds go to the charity, website www.lls.org

June 14 –  DJ extraordinaire  Paul Okenfold spins with unique style on the Queen Mary tonight, info and tix  www.groovetickets.com/bz_art_new.asp?DID=1591

June 14 – Our friends at OC Weekly Magazine celebrate the publication of their vaunted Summer Guide ’08 with a fete at the newly renamed Kona Lounge in Huntington Beach, heretofore Sam's Seafood on PCH.  $5 at the door for the Surfrider Foundation gets you in, openn bar and a few nibbly delights.  This will be good, a prelude to their summer Decadence party.  DJ dancing to Peter G, Hawaiian dancers too…  VIP private party 6-10pm, open to the public 10pm-close.  They only come out at night, get your yaya Hula on …..   www.ocweekly.com

June 14 – Let it be known that sweet April Sampson hits the big 4-Oh with a party on The Endeavor, filling Newport Harbor with raucous fun.  Send her an email at AprilSampson1@aol.com with the RSVP info, and hit the Harbor Saturday night…..  8pm-midnite, boat leaves at 9 sharp.

June 14-15 - The 30^th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl is one of the brightest and most entertaining events hereabouts.  Top name acts like Al Jarreau, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, Sonicbloom etc with celebrities current and past and people watching galore entertain fans of all ages.  For more info go to their website www.playboy.com/arts-entertainment/features/jazzfest2008/   (hey, no lookin’ at the pictures !!) 

June 14-15 - Huntington Beach Chili at the Beach in downtown HB celebrates Fathers Day and the Bohemian lifestyle all at once !!  A Chili Cookoff, business  expo, entertainment,  lots of special deals for deor old Dad, info at www.hbdowntown.com

June 14-15 - The San Diego Gaslamp District.....  is hot with activities and events every night of the week.  Taste of Gaslamp June 14-15, info at www.gaslamp.org  Oh, and they have this little U.S. Open Golf Tournament down there this weekend, too, replete with every kind of party and celebrity you could possibly imagine.  We don’t get Majors in SoCal too often…. info www.torreypines.com/torrey-pines-us-open-2008.as 

June 17 – Support Orange County Coastkeeper at the new Bluewater Grill at The District in Tustin for a Wine and Dine event.  Enjoy Bluewater’s
tantalizing specialty hors d’oeuvres, along with featured wines and select beers.  6-8pm, $40 pp, and all proceeds will support Coastkeeper’s Garden project.  With your help, Coastkeeper will continue their mission to protect and preserve our marine habitats and watersheds.  Info on the charity is at www.coastkeeper.org and Bluewater Grill is at www.bluewatergrill.com/locations/tustin

June 18 – Under the light of the full moon, an eclectic group of locals get together for some Full Moon Drumming and Dance Circle at Aliso Beach in Aliso Viejo.   Delightfully unstructured, it's a full-on Zen happening.  In the bright moonlight, hot pulsating rhythms......  the heat of the bonfire in the cool crisp air.  Bring a drum if you have one, some wood, dance moves and your own seating.....  just listen and you'll find it.  Go to the south end around the construction - it's intimate and tucked away and out of earshot of the buzzkills on the hill.  For more info contact Billy Fried billyfried@cox.net drumhead and organizer extraordinaire……

Second Harvest Food Bank Summer Solstice:  A Festival of Fine Food & Wine
Thursday, June 19  6-9 pm    South Coast Plaza - Crate and Barrel Wing (old Crystal Court), Costa Mesa

This is great ......  The 16th Annual South Coast Plaza Summer Food and Wine Festival will host 1,500 guests, including restaurant patrons, business professionals, community leaders and food and wine enthusiasts, to enjoy an exciting array of culinary specialties from South Coast Plaza restaurants. Guests will also enjoy premium wines, microbrews and live music by a top local band. This culinary festival features more than 32 of South Coast Plaza’s finest restaurants, and 30 of California’s most distinguished wineries, gourmet coffee purveyors and bottled water distributors will also participate in one of South Coast Plaza’s most popular events. Your entrance fee includes all food, wine, events, etc......  

Second Harvest Food Bank solicits and collects commodities and then distributes them to non-profit agencies which feed the needy. To alleviate hunger, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County develops programs to increase awareness of the hunger problem and provides an opportunity for volunteerism and community involvement. Since 1983, the Food Bank has provided more than 200 million pounds of donated and surplus food to local charities.  The Food Bank currently serves more than 375 member charities that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused women and children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Food sources include local grocery stores and supermarket chains, food manufacturers and distributors, the government, restaurants, trade shows, gleaning efforts, food drives and private individuals.

The admission fee is $45 in advance, $55 at the door and includes lavish food sampling, wine tasting, beverages, deserts and live entertainment. Listen & dance to a great local band. This is a hugely popular & fun event – and it benefits a very good cause.  Attire: After-work & dressy-casual.  Better to arrive early rather than “fashionably late”.  For information and reservations call 714.435.2171 or visit the website at www.feedoc.org  and  here’s the website with a list of the restaurants and more info  www.southcoastplaza.com/summerfoodandwine

THE SPECIAL HOT DEAL:   As in the past. we have arranged to get a break on the admission fee, at the "group" rate of only $40 a person.  Please send your checks payable to "Second Harvest Food Bank" and the full names of your guests to Alan Freeman, 2 Summerset, Irvine, CA 92603.  We gotta have the money in by Tuesday night 6/17 so make sure your check(s) for $40 get to me by then, or else call me and I can take a credit card over the phone (949) 222-2232.  I will send back an email to you when I receive your check.   Last year we had 91 people in our group .... this year even more !!  

For those unfamiliar with the area, the address is 3333 Bear Street,  and here's a map and driving directions:
http://home.digitalcity.com/orangecounty/dining/venuemap.adp?vid=168480  

June 20 - Be careful out there….  Sobriety Checkpoint in Newport Beach on Superior Avenue between Placentia and Hospital Road.  For the latest information Click Here for our Checkpoints page, listing the Checkpoint action we know about.  Don't drink and drive .....

June 21-22 – Leanin’ a little green, are ye ??  Clog on over to Irvine Meadows for the 33^rd Annual Great American Irish Fair & Music Festival, the largest festival of its kind in Southern California .  Sixteen entertainment areas and over 2000 performers at the Irish Fair will present a variety of Irish music, song and dance that will appeal to the tastes of all ages.  The fair offers two large music stages, each having seating for 1000 concert spectators (no extra charge for the concerts)  plus a number of smaller stages throughout the grounds. Just about everything Irish can be found here, including Irish dance performances featuring the Cloggers and the Dancers. Also this year, find Sheep Herding demonstrations, TARA Village, stepping into Irelands ancient past, the Scottish Game, cabor tossing, an Irish Dog Show, and the largest Irish Import Market Place in the west. They even have Leprechaun Village, a wonderland for the wee ones.  All the info on their site at www.irishfair.org

June 21-22 – OC Beauty and Fitness Expo at the Newport Dunes in the Back Bay, Newport Beach.  Geared toward the ladies….. Lots of exhibitors, freebies and giveaways. Classes and Seminars all day from 10am-7pm both days.  Admission $8 online, $10 at the door.  Get more info and tickets at www.oc-expo.com

June 22^nd  – 11^th Annual “Ride the Coast” Motorcycle ride, Chili Cookoff and Concert benefit Boys & Girls Club in Santa Ana and Orange.  800+ motorcycles, food galore and a great live concert to help disadvantaged kids.  For more info email renee@boysandgirlsclub.com or call (714) 565-1098 or website www.ridethecoast.com/ 

June 22  – I know we have a few 12-steppers out there, and here’s something for ya’…  the Freedom Festival “Power of Recovery” in Long Beach at P.O.A. Park on Sunday, June 22 -   Clean and sober all the way……  good music by a host of local bands …..  info and tix at www.anonymousone.com/FF/freedomhome.htm 

June 23-27 --   Newport Beach Irrelevant Week honoring the last pick in the NFL Draft, David Vobora from the University of Idaho.  32 years ago Paul Salata and a few NB pranksters got together and started this event, which features a full week of silly-but-fun activities.  Many current and former NFL players  will be on hand for the Lowesman (!!!) Trophy presentation Wednesday, June 25.  It's all in good fun and benefits the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation.  Call (949) 263-0727 for info or the website www.irrelevantweek.com

Party with a Purpose! - Newport Jr. Chamber Jaycee’s Monthly Mixer
Thursday, June 26 - 6:30 pm    Classic Q, Newport Beach

This group has many, many activities and is very worthwhile.  The Jaycees (Junior Chamber) are the premier leadership training organization for young people in the world. The Newport Beach Jaycees serve members from all over Orange County, and offer a gateway into the community for young professionals with opportunities to volunteer, get active or socialize.  Membership is limited to those between the ages of 21-40, but all are welcome to the mixers.  The Jaycees offer leadership training through developing and participating in community service, business, internationalism, and individual development projects. They have monthly networking social mixers and plenty of other social events too!  Visit www.newportjaycees.org to find out the events offered to members and guests this coming month.   Their new President Robert Periera invites you to come join this fine organization !!

The Newport Jaycees host a social mixer on the 4th or 5th Friday of every month. Come join 50-75 fun people ages 21-40 for food and libations. Hors d'oeuvres are provided, bar is no-host.  RSVP's not required but it would be appreciated.  NBJC mixer entry fee is free for members and $10 for guests (payable at the door).   For more information and to RSVP visit their website www.newportjaycees.org  The Classic Q is an upscale Billiard Hall and sports bar, lots of TV’s, great food….. on MacArthur by John Wayne, website www.theclassicq.com

13^th Annual Taste of Anaheim
Thursday, June 26   5:30-10:30pm   The Grove Theater, Anaheim (by Angels Stadium)

This is an outstanding deal, and a chance to sample the cuisine of 30-some restaurants and assorted wineries and breweries….. all for a special price !!  And enjoy the entertaining sounds of a variety of musical acts.  $35 pp includes all the food and beverage samplings you can hold, plus the opportunity to mingle with 50 some business exhibits and lots of good local folks.   

It’s at the Grove Theater, an outstanding venue on Katella near the Angels Stadium and the Honda Center.  It will be packed.  Go to their website www.tasteofanaheim.com/ for all the info, lineup, restaurants, etc. or call (714) 758-0222.   Tix are $35 in advance on the website and $40 at the door (if available).  Here’s the website for the Grove with a map and other info www.thegroveofanaheim.com/   See you there !!!

June 27-29 – 34^th Annual formerly Estero Beach now Papas & Beer Mexican International V-ball Tourney gets it on in Rosarita Beach.  Details supplied by our good friend Dave Munoz:  “Come to the biggest beach volleyball tournament and beach party on the planet!!  Open alcohol on the beach!!  Scantily clad beach volleyball babes and beach volleyball dudes everywhere!!  Cheap food and drinks!!  All your favorite cervesas served on the sand!!  Party and play volleyball with your friends and AVP pros!!  Everything is within very short walking distance!!  You'll forget you're in  Mexico because nearly everyone at this tournament is from SoCal!!”  No ambiguity about this one, it will rock !!!  Info at www.esterobeach.com  or contact Dave at davemunozhb@gmail.com 

June 28 – Mah mann Snoop Dogg brings his special edge to the Verizon Amphitheatre along with 311 and Fiction Plane.  Tickets and all the info at www.livenation.com or Ticketmaster 

Saturday, June 29 - This will be a hit ... the Scarface Party at Valentina's Restaurant in Mission Viejo.  I love the tag line ...... it's all about MONEY, POWER and RESPECT !!!!  Expect this to be an amazing experience, think Tony Montana, Al Pacino, Bugsy Siegel, The Godfather, Good Fellas, & Casino meets Orange County!  God Brothers Productions, Inc will be transforming Valentina’s Ristorante Italiano & Supper Club into a Art deco scene out of the movie, complete with Mob Style Bosses, Flapper Girls, Beautiful Women, Cigar Girls, Vegas Style Gaming complete with Blackjack Tables, Craps, Roulette, Cards, Celebrities, Fast Cars, Tommy Guns, Prohibition Gin, Cigar Bar & Cigar Girls, Special Appearances & Performances, Live Ragtime Band & Music & Even a lil Cocaine – Drink Cocaine, energy drink.. that is.  Yep, this will be a hoot !!!  8pm-2am, all the information at  www.scarfaceparty.com  Valentina's is owned by our good friend Domenico, website www.valentinaristorante.com

June 29  – Irvine Lake Blues Festival parks it for Sunday fun in the great outdoors.  Listen to the likes of Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Eric Sardinas, Walter Trout, Savage City  and a host of others…. bikers and Buds galore !!  10am-6pm, tix are $30 presale, info at www.irvinelake.net

July 1 – Today is the day that the New Cell Phone Laws go into effect here in CA, no more juggling the cell phone amongst all the other distractions.  Phones against the ear are a no-no from now on: you need a headset or Bluetooth device or hands free in the car.  And yes, the PD’s will ticket you as a primary offense if they catch ya’,  so be safe and smart and lay into the proper gear.  Here’s an outfit I’ve used and recommend www.cellphoneshop.net

July 3 – First Thursday Art Walk in Laguna Beach, stroll around and soak up some culture, find that ideal piece…..many of the galleries set forth refreshments….. information at www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com    And after the Artwalk….. Mozambique is just down the street at 1470 S. PCH, website www.mozambiqueoc.com

Fourth of July events…..

 >>>   Huntington Beach 4^th of July Parade – this is the biggest 4^th of July parade west of the Mississippi River , right here in our backyard.  Zillions of people come for this – get there early or ride your bike in.  Starts at 10am at the foot of Main Street and heads north.   350 entries, 4 mile parade route, 250,000 parade-goers, 2 1/2-hour duration.  Home town fun,  So. Cal style……  lots of other events in HB on the 3^rd and 4^th, big doings and outdoor fairs…….   website with info www.hb4thofjuly.org    

>>>  The Newport Peninsula and all over downtown Huntington Beach have numerous house parties scattered all over……  here’s an article I wrote last year for Pub Club:

Fantastic Fourth of July in Orange County

Plenty to see and do here in the OC on 4th of July, as this Summer  Holiday draws crowds from all over the Southwest to party in our Shangri-La by the Sea.    We start off bright and early @ 10am on the 4^th with the home town Parade in Huntington Beach .  With 250,000 in attendance, it’s the largest 4^th of July Parade west of the Mississippi River .  Everything imaginable, from Shriner's to war vets to bands to clowns, 350 entries…..  and watching the viewing public is a sight itself!!  Home town fun, OC style…. Getting in and out to view can be a struggle - think about bringing a bike, it’s the way to travel.  After the parade ends at 12:30 take in the action on downtown Main Street in HB, get some chow and watch the city come alive.   The bars downtown are packed, especially Sharkeez and Hurricanes.  Also, the Pier Plaza Expo at the foot of the HB Pier is worth taking in, featuring entertainment and street vendors all day into the evening.  Many private parties abound in the local area, just cruise around and you’ll spot them, always under the watchful, wary eyes of the local PD lest things get a little too rowdy.  The day settles into night with a huge fireworks display at dusk, over the water, just an epic presentation with hundreds of boats and 100,000 viewing on the shore.  More info on the days festivities in Huntington Beach at www.hb4thofjuly.org

But the real party action is in Newport Beach and the beautiful Newport Bay.  For years the city has closed the Newport Peninsula to control the hundreds of parties that spring up on this festive day.  Every block in every location has what seems like an endless series of booze, beautiful tanned bodies, cutting edge music and raucous fun !!  You’ll see live bands, kegs stacked high, lots of tanned bods, and more action than you can absorb…. all within a block or two of the expansive Newport Beach coastline.   The parties start mid morning, rage high all day and reach their zenith around dusk, when partigoers search out the many fireworks displays in the local area.  The bars at both piers are packed all day, especially Mutt Lynch’s, Sharkeez NB, The District and farther down the Baja Cantina.  Don’t think of drinking on the street, the PD has the streets blocked and they are very watchful.  All throughout the NB Harbor, boat parties are full throttle, hopping from place to place and sometimes developing impromptu side-tie parties in open water areas.  At dusk many people steam over by boat and by car to Newport Dunes to watch outrageously colorful fireworks and continue the party into the gentle night.  As with the Huntington Beach events, getting in and out of Newport is a challenge, better to bring a bike or be ready to hoof it on and off the Peninsula .

>>>  Here is your own personal fireworks display  www.maylin.net/Fireworks.html   Try it, click on the link…..

>>>  Fireworks all over – the Dunes in NB Back Bay is outrageously colorful, especially if you can snag a ride on the boats in the basin.  It’s their 50th anniversary this year and it will be the biggest and best in all of So. Cal !!  The Newport Dunes has events all day, info www.newportdunes.com  Here’s a list of the major fireworks displays all over California http://cityguide.aol.com/orangecounty/fireworks-4th-july  The best local fireworks are in HB, at the Newport Beach Dunes, overlooking Dana Point Harbor and at Emerald Cove in Laguna.  Also in Irvine at the stadium.  

>>>  Here's a complete local listing of fireworks displays and other Fourth of July events from the OC Register  www.ocregister.com/ocregister/entertainment/article_2081073.php

>>>  Email your postings for July 4^th activities to events@bestOCevents.com and I’ll put them up on the website for all…

July 5-22  --  The Newport Beach Breakers are a professional Tennis Team in Newport Beach, top end Tennis players on the circuit coming to town.  They will play a 14 match season July 3-23 with the seven home dates at a Tennis Stadium constructed on the lot of the Newport Beach Country Club.   See the likes of Lindsey Davenport and bad boy John McEnroe.  All the info is on the team website at www.newportbeachbreakers.com   For more information call 1-877-NB-TENNIS or contact Jessica Roswell at the Newport Beach Breakers office: (714) 352-6501  email jroswell@nbbreakers.com 

July 11 – August 3 – The Orange County Fair rolls into town, and the lineup of Artists is spectacular  this year !!!  Check out all the deets and get your tickets, now on sale, at the excellent website www.ocfair.com/2008

The 29^th  Annual Mooning of the Amtrak
Saturday,  July 12^th  all day 'til 2am  -- Mugs Away Saloon, Laguna Niguel

If you want something a little off-beat, here's the ticket......  this information is (shamelessly) passed along from our friends at OC Weekly Magazine.....

Twenty-nine years ago, a fellow named K.T. was celebrating his birthday at Mugs Away Saloon, which back then was a little beer bar tucked in an industrial area surrounded by Nellie Gail Ranch in what is now Laguna Niguel. Suddenly, K.T. announced he’d buy drinks for anyone who’d join him in walking out to the nearby railroad tracks and mooning the approaching train. The next year, 50 people took K.T. up on his offer. The third year, there were 300. It’s now an annual event featuring more than 5,000 mooners garnering local and international media coverage and marking the busiest day in SoCal for financially troubled Amtrak.

Whatever Mugs Away’s official position on mooning day, the event has grown from a one-beer jaunt to the tracks to moon one passing train to an all-day mooning of Amtrak’s 12 northbound and 12 southbound trains rolling past the bar that day. Besides longtime regulars with names like Paint Store, Mole Man, Tug Boat and the man who started it all, K.T., the event draws participants from nearly every state and countries as far away as Japan. There are families of first-, second- and third-generation mooners, including a grandmother-daughter-granddaughter team that flips their skirts every year.

"A lot of trains now stop and moon back," the owner John Kunik said. "I’m a big supporter of Amtrak. We’re trying to help the administration cover costs and help find Amtrak $200 million by selling out seats that day".

Support Amtrak (!!!!) at Mugs Away Saloon,  27324 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, (949) 582-9716.  Here a very clever website and more info www.moonamtrak.org

Fashion Island Summer Concerts
Starting July 16  - Wednesdays at 7pm  ---  Bloomingdale Courtyard, Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Summer's here and the time is right........  for the fabulous outdoor concerts at Fashion Island !!!!  A great mix of people attend these popular summer events, held in the big courtyard outside of Bloomingdale's.   Whether you’re a jazz, big band, country, or rock n’ roll fan, each week of entertainment is sure to provide enjoyable music in a beautiful outdoor setting.  One of the top five NB events of the year.  Concerts are complimentary.   Here's the concert lineup:

The concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and seating is available on a first come first serve basis.  VIP up front seating is available at $20 per person from the FI concierge desk, but no martini/wine bar in the VIP section this year.  Lots of mingling happens hereabouts in the Café R&D, and French 75 and Flemings and Roy’s afterwards.     Please call (949) 721-2000 if you have any questions or visit their website at www.shopfashionisland.com/CenterEvents.aspx 

Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day 
Wednesday,  July 16^th  -- Del Mar Racetrack, North San Diego County

I’m telling ya’,  if you can find a way to sneak out for a day, this is one of the premiere fun events in Southern California, "where the Turf meets the Surf" in Del Mar.  This is a gorgeous spot, full on view of the ocean from the track, and all of the beautiful people come out for Opening Day.  Parties in all of the clubhouse suites, and private parties galore all around the track.  Whether you are a horse junkie or just out for the atmosphere, it's a very fun event.  Check out Pub Club's coverage of Del Mar opening day  www.pubclub.com/sandiego/delmar.htm

Post time is 2pm, and parties go on into the wee hours.  Check out the Del Mar square after the race.  You can drive, take the Amtrak train (station within walking distance) or car pool - many people from Orange County head down there.  Here's the website for track info:  www.dmtc.com

July 18-27  – Honda US Open of Surfing (I guess everything has a sponsor title these days) Beach Games at the Huntington Beach Pier and environs.   California's quintessential action sport and lifestyle festival showcases the US Open of Surfing (the world's largest professional surf competition), skateboarding, BMX, FMX and beach volleyball competitions along with live music amid America's largest ocean-front exposition. Attendance is expected to exceed 2007's record of 400,000 spectators.  Wax your boards !!!  Hang ten (or how many ever you can muster)…..  info at www.usopenofsurfing.com/site6.aspx

Ambrosia First Annual Wine Fest, presented by the Newport Beach Bacchus Society – Benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Saturday, July 19   Wine Tasting 3:00-6:00pm, Dinner following       Ambrosia Restaurant & OC Pavilion, downtown Santa Ana

Set your sights on this stellar fundraising event, and experience the pleasures of food and wine in this gorgeous facility.  Ambrosia is  acclaimed as the most beautiful Restaurant in all of Orange County,  painstakingly assembled by Mike Harrah and Bill Medley to remind one of the grand Salons of old.  Rich fabrics, artwork, and exquisite detail make this venue a delight to all the senses, and hearkens back to the day of truly fine dining.  And the attached OC Pavilion is an intimate 450 seat Performing Arts Center, with excellent sight lines and nary a poor seat in the house. 

Over 50 award winning Wineries will participate in this event, including Silverstone, Chalk Hill, Freemark Abbey, Clos Du Bois and dozens of others.  Join us in the exclusive Vault VIP Lounge for the Champagne tastings offered by Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and many other premium brands.  This is a great opportunity to stock your wine cellar because all of the wines featured at the event will be available to purchase at very special prices.  The event will culminate with both Live and Silent Auctions of a variety of gifts, and a Raffle featuring amazing Grand Prizes.  Following the event, Ambrosia Restaurant will be serving a five course wine pairing dinner in collaboration with the esteemed Flora Springs Winery. This is an evening of indulgence you won’t want to miss!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $550 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.  More information on the good work they do is at www.lls.org   The Bacchus Society is a social group of Young Professionals that love food and wine.  Membership in the Bacchus Society is free -- all they ask is that you promise to donate some time to charity efforts.  Invite a friend to join, and sign up and RSVP for the event at www.bacchussociety.org 

General Admission is $ 50, VIP admission including the Vault VIP Champagne Room is $60, and both include appetizers and many different types of wine.  The 5 course Wine Dinner with Flora Springs is $150, and includes VIP admission to all the events.    Please purchase your tickets by calling 714-550-0880 for now -  they will be available online soon.  For additional information about this wonderful venue and the 5-Star Ambrosia Restaurant, visit www.ocpavillion.com  

"Con el vino y la esperanza, cualquier cosa es posible."  With wine and hope, anything is possible !!

July 22 -- The Magic of Mobility -- Free Wheelchair Mission is hosting a fantastic night of fine buffet dining, music, auction and inspiration at The Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa - all to raise $1.2 million to send desperately needed wheelchairs throughout the world.   This is a very interesting and worthwhile organization, and the story on their website about their genesis is well worth the read.   Tix are $150.  Think about that, how much difference it could make in someone’s life….. and how lucky we really are.  Tickets, info on the event and the organization is at www.freewheelchairmission.org/   The Turnip Rose is a very nice facility right at 19^th and Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa, website www.turniprose.com/GrandNewportPlaza.htm

An Evening of Hope – benefit High Hopes charity for Head Injuries  
Sunday evening,  July 27^th  -- Hyatt Regency Amphitheatre, Newport Beach

Join us at the Eleventh Annual "An Evening of Hope" on July 27^th  at the Hyatt Regency NB featuring the best of smooth jazz with Eric Marienthal & Friends in Concert.  Guest artists such as Patti Austin, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, David Pack (from Ambrosia), Debby Boone and many others have joined Eric on stage in the past for this event.  Last year they raised over $100,000, and over $700,000 since starting the yearly concert series. 

High Hopes was the first private non-profit organization formed in the country to exclusively serve the needs of the head injured and their families. Since their inception in 1975, High Hopes has been recognized as a pioneer in the development and facilitation of community-based services. This year over 400,000 people will survive a head injury with some degree of impairment. Traumatic head injuries (a blow to the head resulting in coma or loss of consciousness) are the leading cause of death and disability in people under the age of 35. This "Silent Epidemic" leaves 50,000 to 90,000 people needing programs like High Hopes. Through innovative program services, High Hopes continues to provide excellent services with superior results at the lowest cost in the country.

General admission tickets are $50 per person.   VIP tickets are $125 which includes dinner, drinks and up-front seats.  There will be a no-host bar, hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet coffee bar and a tempting silent auction.  For ticket information please call High Hopes at 949-733-0044. Information on High Hopes is at www.highhopes.ws/   

The Wave 94.7 -  Smooth Jazz Summer Jazz Concert Series
Friday Nights   June 6 - October 3 -- Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Amphitheatre, Newport Beach

Held in the beautiful outdoor amphitheatre behind the Hyatt Regency NB, this concert series is a terrific way to spend a summer evening watching the sunset and world-class Jazz performers.  With such outstanding acts as David Benoit, Hiroshima, Earl Klugh, Peter White, Jeff Kashiwa, The Rippingtons and many others, this is always a great Friday evening event.  For a special treat, they have a package that includes dinner there at the restaurant and up-front seating for the music.  This year’s series will consist of 18 concerts on consecutive Friday evenings from June 6 through October 3.  For ticket info call (949) 729-1234 or go the website www.summerjazzseries.com

Movies on the Beach.....  Snuggle up to your honey on the beach at sunset.....  Every Friday and Saturday night from May thru the summer, the 100-acre Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort offers a series of free films shown on the sand beginning at dusk on a 9-by-12-foot screen. Campfires will be available for people to roast marshmallows and s'mores.  No admission fee,  parking is $10.  (949) 729-DUNE or www.Newportdunes.com

All Summer long  --  Many of our fair cities here in the OC sponsor Summer Concerts in the beautiful parks and settings that we enjoy.  From Buena Park to SJC and many points in between, these are a wonderful summer evening respite.  Check out a summary list of all of them at www.orangecounty.net/html/events_concerts.html

Cancun Rental – a Truly Unique and Memorable Vacation !!

Party Planning and Events.......  is what Diamond Productions specializes in.  From an intimate dinner to a catered outdoor event for 1,000 people, we are your full service event consultants.  And for your special party, we have arrangements with many of the local venues and restaurants to provide first-class service and special pricing for your event.  Please call us at (949) 222-2232 and let's talk about your next affair.  Call us for your Holiday bookings…..

New Horizon Tours -  Travel Trips  Our good friend Marc Forman runs New Horizon Tours,  a fun tour company that takes (mostly) singles all over to Cabo, Greece, Costa Rica, river rafting, local ski trips, and many other destinations.  Winter ski trips include "wet bus" excursions to Mammoth Mountain.  They do a lot of trips with people from Sports Club/LA – Orange County.  He's a good dude, been doing this for years, and his trips are top notch.  I went on the trip to Cabo last Memorial day......  very fun !!!!  Here is his website www.newhorizontours.com/