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Best of OC - Week of April 13

Star Wars Celebration 610
(Credit: Star Wars Celebration)

Orange County has a lot to look forward to this week. Star Wars fans from around the western United States will convene in Anaheim for Star Wars Celebration, a four-day fan extravaganza. Looking for a different type of thrill? Don't miss the return of the Toyota Grand Prix in Long Beach or the Balboa Village Fest celebrating an impressive yacht race, both this weekend. The weekedays are full of ample opportunities for culture including live music, a charity wine event, theatrical performances, and much more.

Monday, April 13
GarrisonKeillor_615x400
(Credit: SCFTA)

An Evening with Garrison Keillor
Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

Master storyteller Garrison Keillor, host of the popular NPR show Prairie Home Companion, will spend the evening sharing his personal side at the Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa this evening. The humorist will share hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon, and "late-life fatherhood" in front of a live audience. One night only. 8pm.

Tuesday, April 14
Segerstrom-Center-Christopher-Swan-as-Nathan-Detroit-and-the-cast-of-the-national-tour-of-GUYS-AND-DOLLS-Photo-by-Gary-Emord-Netzley_2
(credit: Gary Emord Netzley)

"Guys and Dolls"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

A limited engagement (through April 19) of 1950's Tony-Award Winning "Guys and Dolls" takes to the Orange County stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts this week. Gamblers, gangsters and sassy showgirls fill the stage with Christopher Swan, Lauren Weinberg, Matthew J. Taylor, and Kayleen Seidl in the lead roles. Be sure to head to the theater early for the chance to enjoy pre-show entertainment including photo opportunities, games, and interactive displays.

Wednesday, April 15
ChamberMusicSociety_615x400
(Credit: SCFTA)

Passionate Piano Quartets
Samueli Theater
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

The renowned Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns to Orange County for a remarkable program titled Passionate Piano Quartets. The works of Schumann, Brahms, and the rarely performed Mahler Piano Quartet, the composer's only surviving instrumental chamber work, will be performed by the Music Society before embarking on the rest of their North American tour. Tonight's performance at Samueli Theater is the quartet's sole West Coast appearance.

Thursday, April 16
Peter Neptune and Nancy Milby
(Credit: Uncorked)

SOCO Uncorked
SOCO Collection
3303 Hyland Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.southcoastcollection.com

Celebrate the first annual SOCO Uncorked tonight in the open air courtyard at the SOCO Collection in . Guests can enjoy live music while indulging in small bites and appetizers from the award-winning SOCO restaurants (including ST Patisserie, Bistro Papillote, Pueblo, Taco Maria, ARC, We Olive, The Cheese Shop, Portola Coffee, and more) and tasting hand-crafted wine from over 30 producers, expertly paired by LCA Wine's sommelier, Nancy Milby. Pre-tasting events are also available. The proceeds from the event benefit Project Hope Alliance, an organization committed to ending child homelessness in Orange County.

Friday, April 17
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
(credit: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach)

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
300 E Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90831
www.gplb.com

The 41st annual Toyota Grand Prix rolls back into Long Beach this weekend for its three-day event running this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In addition to the live racing action along the 1.97 mile, 11-turn circuit that rushes through the streets of downtown Long Beach, the event also includes a variety of food options, live entertainment, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.

Saturday, April 18
star-wars-celebration-costume-contest-2
(Credit: Star Wars Celebration)

Star Wars Celebration
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(888) 334-8719
www.starwarscelebration.com

For the ultimate Star Wars fan experience, head to Anaheim this weekend for Star Wars Celebration, dubbed Lucasfilm's love letter to fans. This four day event (April 16-19) is the first in the LA area since 2007, and comes on the cusp of the release of the newest Star Wars film release. Visitors can enjoy screenings, celebrity guests, autograph sessions, workshops, and sneak peeks of future Star Wars franchise developments.

Sunday, April 19
boats The 68th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race,
(Credit: Balboa Village Fest)

Balboa Village Fest
Balboa Blvd. and Palm St.
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 644-1023
www.balboavillage.com

The 68th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, 5th Annual Balboa Village Fest, and 2nd Annual Taste of Balboa all commence today in Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula. Celebrate the excitement with live music, art demonstrations, food tastings, boat tours, and hands-on activities for the whole family, just a small part of this free-entry event. Food and drink tickets are available for a nominal fee.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.
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