February 4 – 9
Escape to Margaritaville | Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and many more. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” Don’t let the party start without you! For tickets and times, visit SCFTA.org
February 6
Kevin Kwan | Irvine Barclay Theatre
Internationally-acclaimed author Kevin Kwan, best known for his breakout debut novel, Crazy Rich Asians, is featured at The Barclay’s Fresh Take series. His book topped best seller lists worldwide, spawned two best-selling sequels and inspired a #1 movie. With humor and fascinating insight, Kwan discusses creativity, the cultural impact of his novels and how diversity in many industries must continue to expand. TheBarclay.org
February 12
The Science of Happiness | The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center
Discovery Cube Orange County invites its Innovators and guests to explore the benefits of happiness with radio host, Janeane Bernstein, Ed.D, who will facilitate an enlightening discussion with guest panelist Dr. Kim Perkins and Sarah Pressman, associate professor of Psychological Science at UCI. Delicious fare, beverages and interactive learning provided. Seating limited. RSVP by Feb. 5 to Sonya Azevedo at 714.913.5032 or SAzevedo@DiscoveryCube.org.
February 16
A Winter Musicale | St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach
The Winter Musicale is the primary fundraising event for the Baroque Music Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Elizabeth Blumenstock leads a Grand Tour of concertos for bassoon, recorder, oboe and strings by Telemann, Vivaldi and others in a featured performance, titled “Winds of the Western World.” Following the 5 p.m. performance, there is a catered dinner. RSVP by Feb. 7. BMF-CDM.org
February 16
“The World of Opera: Stories of Love” | Soka Performing Arts Center
The Parnassus Society presents “Stories of Love,” an evening of beautiful love stories told through some of the most beloved opera music of all time. Artists include mezzo-soprano Milena Kitic, soprano Julie Makerov, tenor Bruce Sledge and bass-baritone Aaron Pendleton. Young artists from OCSA perform and dancers from the Claudia de la Cruz Flamenco Dance Campany accompany the singers. 3 p.m. SOKA.edu
February 22
Fifth Annual Orange County Lantern Festival | Renée and Henry Concert Hall and Argyros Plaza
Pacific Symphony and South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School unite for the fifth year for the end-of-the-year Lunar New Year celebration. The festival, spread throughout the concert hall and the Argyros Plaza features pan-Asian culture, music and arts, including colorful performances with local music and dance groups. Event is free and open to the public, but available tickets are limited – first-come, first-served. Reserve tickets through PacificSymphony.org or Box Office at 714.755.5799. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
February 27
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall | Musco Center for the Arts
Herb Alpert, who turned Tijuana Brass into gold with “Lonely Bull,” and many more, and Lani Hall, who gave Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 its classic voice, perform selections from the Great American Songbook, as well as the Tijuana Brass and Brasil ’66 catalogues. The husband and wife team has 11 Grammy Awards between them. 7:30 p.m. MuscoCenter.org
February 28
“Chaplin’s Smile: A Musical Tribute to Charlie Chaplin”| Irvine Barclay Theatre
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents the music from Charlie Chaplin’s silent films, most of it composed by Chaplin himself. The program will juxtapose Chaplin’s love songs with those great composers he was influenced by, including Debussy, Stravinsky, Brahms and Gershwin. Screen clips of his films are accompanied by multi-Grammy Award-nominated violinist Philippe Quint. 8 p.m. PhilharmonicSociety.org
February 28 – March 1
Gem Faire | OC Fair & Event Center
The Gem Faire Costa Mesa is billed as one of the most comprehensive jewel and gem shows in the world. It features precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals, and more, based on the latest trends and innovative ideas and technologies. Top designers and collectors attend to purchase the newest and most unique gems and jewels. GemFaire.com