From a lively lecture on Polynesian ancestry to award-winning guitarists, performers and a tribute to Fred Astaire, Mission Viejo’s September cultural arts programs will certainly entertain countless people.
On Friday, Sept. 9, the public is invited to a colorful lecture on Maoritanga and Hawaiiana. Maoritanga is the native language which is related to Tahitian and Hawaiian. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the islands of New Zealand and Hawaii share a common Polynesian ancestry. In a dazzling illustrated presentation, Dr. Jenny Rose will explore some of the ancient legends, cultural customs and sacred sites of these two Pacific Rim regions.
This free program is at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
Then on Saturday, Sept. 10, composer/musician John Lorge will perform with the “Hornswoggle Choir” in a special 7 p.m. program at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Lorge, who has been principal horn of the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera since 1987, often composes for the San Diego Symphony and chamber ensembles across the nation. His movie credits include “Alien Resurrection”; “The Siege”; “The Negotiator”; “Collateral Damage”; and others.
The “Hornswoggle Choir” is made up of instrumentalists – including those from the South Coast Wind Symphony – who enjoy getting together to play the French horn and share their love of the instrument and its sounds with others. Tickets are $10 and available at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2459.
Lord of the Strings follows with a spectacular performance by Martin Taylor at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
Taylor, an award-winning guitarist, has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has led to recognition as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. Along with being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo show, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humor with a strong stage presence.
Tickets are $25 and are available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2442.
On Sunday, Sept. 18, Timeless Melodies presents Fred Astaire – from Vaudeville to Hollywood – at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
Astaire nearly single handedly changed the face of the movie musicals, starring in vaudeville acts at age 4 with his sister, Adelle, and dancing his way through the Broadway years. Guests will enjoy this historical, entertaining tribute to his life that features music of the great American songwriters. Tickets are $10 and are available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2538.
September ends with a premier performance in Lord of the Strings presents Max Weinberg with Bill Champlin, a former member of the band Chicago.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Entering what F. Scott Fitzgerald might term the third act of an already celebrated career, Weinberg presents the Max Weinberg Big Band. Building on his 17 years as the leader of what the Washington Post called “the best band in late night television,” the Max Weinberg Big Band is a bold, swinging aggregation that continues the traditions established by Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen and Maynard Ferguson.
Tickets, which range from $35 to $70, are available at www.lordofthestringsconcert.com.
For more information about any of the programs, call 949-470-8440.
