Free and Cheap in Orange County

Colombian singer Carlos Daniels, joined by a live mariachi band, steps onstage at House of Blues Anaheim to pay homage to one of his idols, Juan Gabriel. Daniels' latest album "Te Sigo Amando" was rec... [more+]

Colombian singer Carlos Daniels, joined by a live mariachi band, steps onstage at House of Blues Anaheim to pay homage to one of his idols, Juan Gabriel. Daniels' latest album "Te Sigo Amando" was recorded live during one of his tribute concerts to the iconic Mexican singer-songwriter. Now, he's touring behind the release, delivering a reverent performance in honor of "El Divo De Juarez," whose 2016 passing shocked Latin music lovers around the world. Expect an evening filled with such mega-hits as "Querida," "Abrázame Muy Fuerte" and "Hasta Que Te Conocí." [less-]

Comedian Alfred Robles is a quickly rising star in the stand-up world. Offering up politically incorrect one-liners on the Latino experience and just about every other topic under the sun, Robles grab... [more+]

Comedian Alfred Robles is a quickly rising star in the stand-up world. Offering up politically incorrect one-liners on the Latino experience and just about every other topic under the sun, Robles grabbed the attention of comedian Gabriel Iglesias. The stand-up star invited Robles to tour with him in 2010, and has continued to champion Robles ever since, inviting him to perform on the "#FluffyBreaksEven World Tour" and to appear on the hit TV show "Stand-Up Revolution" and in "The Fluffy Movie". Come find out why Iglesias is such a fan as Alfred Robles hits the stage at the Brea Improv. [less-]

Part black, part Asian, Mal Hall hails from San Diego and calls L.A. home, so he's got a lot of perspectives to draw from. He's been approved by tough college audiences across the country, opened for ... [more+]

Part black, part Asian, Mal Hall hails from San Diego and calls L.A. home, so he's got a lot of perspectives to draw from. He's been approved by tough college audiences across the country, opened for national headliners, and is now stepping into the spotlight as a headline act himself. He's gained a reputation for his easy-going conversational style and keen observations, and you can observe him in action when he takes the stage at the Brea Improv. [less-]

Jumping Jack Flash takes advantage of the shared history of the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart for their latest high-energy tribute show at House of Blues Anaheim, featuring favorites from both Britis... [more+]

Jumping Jack Flash takes advantage of the shared history of the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart for their latest high-energy tribute show at House of Blues Anaheim, featuring favorites from both British rock legends. With moves like Jagger, the acclaimed tribute band known as JJF has been duplicating the lead singer's struts, Keith's guitar licks and the Rolling Stones' signature sound for years in a live concert experience that reproduces classics from the original group's massive hit catalog. For this special show, they'll be joined by Angelo Marrero as Rod Stewart -- who just happened to have his guitarist Ron Wood hired away by the Stones back in the day. Each act will do a set of smash singles, then they'll come together for a blockbuster finale. [less-]

The Molly Ringwalds are coming to the House of Blues Anaheim to prove beyond a (blue eye) shadow of a doubt that they can deliver one of the world's greatest '80s tribute experiences. This high-kickin... [more+]

The Molly Ringwalds are coming to the House of Blues Anaheim to prove beyond a (blue eye) shadow of a doubt that they can deliver one of the world's greatest '80s tribute experiences. This high-kicking quintet from Sheffield, England recalls the good ol' days when MTV actually played music videos, and you'll hear them run through all the genres that made those days so radical. Their "Back to the '80s" concert will feature songs from the likes of Van Halen, Bon Jovi, INXS, The Cure, Madonna, George Michael and many more. [less-]

Chris Porter, who rocked season four of NBC's hit show "Last Comic Standing" and took third place, has been bringing his slightly skewed perspective to the stand-up stage since he was 23, and has sinc... [more+]

Chris Porter, who rocked season four of NBC's hit show "Last Comic Standing" and took third place, has been bringing his slightly skewed perspective to the stand-up stage since he was 23, and has since scored his own Comedy Central special, along with appearances on "Live at Gotham" and radio's "The Bob & Tom Show". A Kansas City native, Porter's glad to share his extensive knowledge about the unique culture of the American Midwest, and does so proudly without puppets or catchphrases. [less-]

Join Alonzo Bodden for an evening of, as he puts it, "cynically good-natured" stand-up comedy. The New York native was the champion of the third season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", and he's also sh... [more+]

Join Alonzo Bodden for an evening of, as he puts it, "cynically good-natured" stand-up comedy. The New York native was the champion of the third season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", and he's also showcased his brand of sharp observational stand-up on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Tonight Show", "Comedy Central Presents" and tons of other TV shows. He's appeared in a number of feature films, including "Bringing Down the House", "The Girl Next Door" and "Scary Movie 4", and had a recurring role on TV's "Californication". Now you can see him live on stage at Brea Improv. [less-]

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But a regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the ladies ha... [more+]

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But a regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the ladies have abdicated their throne and now the drag kings reign supreme. "'Staches, Not Lashes" features a stellar cast of swaggering, masculine dudes who you'd never guess are actually women. This monthly cabaret is hosted by male-impersonator Landon Cider, with guests including Havok Von Doom, Ivory Onyx and Phantom. [less-]

Andrew Santino is most recognizable for his work as an actor, which has included starring roles "Mixology" and "Sin City Saints", along with appearances in favorites such as "This Is Us", "The League"... [more+]

Andrew Santino is most recognizable for his work as an actor, which has included starring roles "Mixology" and "Sin City Saints", along with appearances in favorites such as "This Is Us", "The League" and "The Office", among others. But his first love is still stand-up comedy, which has taken him everywhere from "Conan" to SXSW to Montreal's "Just For Laughs". He's a rising star in both the comedy and acting worlds, and you can see him perform at the Irvine Spectrum Center. [less-]

From makeup to music to the perfect cake, "Quinceañera" Magazine has all your birthday bash needs covered with this year's Quinceañera Expo. Pomona Fairplex will be filled with vendors showing off t... [more+]

From makeup to music to the perfect cake, "Quinceañera" Magazine has all your birthday bash needs covered with this year's Quinceañera Expo. Pomona Fairplex will be filled with vendors showing off the latest trends in glamorous gowns, cover-ready hairstyles and jaw-dropping decorations. You can peruse tuxedos for the "chambelanes" and see the latest in tricked-out limos and party busses, ensuring the entire "corte de honor" will arrive in style. Meet with photographers, choreographers and caterers who'll help the birthday girl create the 15th birthday celebration of her dreams. There's plenty to see for Sweet Sixteen celebrants, brides-to-be and prom preppers, too. [less-]

Experience the next crop of Major League Soccer stars at an LA Galaxy II game. Playing in the fan-friendly confines of StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium, LA Galaxy II matches offer an intimate sett... [more+]

Experience the next crop of Major League Soccer stars at an LA Galaxy II game. Playing in the fan-friendly confines of StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium, LA Galaxy II matches offer an intimate setting for professional soccer in Southern California. Your ticket includes free on-site parking, plus there are discounted concessions options and a host of exciting promotional nights and giveaways. Galaxy II have been one of the most successful teams in the United Soccer League, having made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons. [less-]

A host of authors, activists and sustainable business owners are set to appear and inspire at the 7th annual Los Angeles Green Festival Expo, which celebrates and promotes sustainability. Along with i... [more+]

A host of authors, activists and sustainable business owners are set to appear and inspire at the 7th annual Los Angeles Green Festival Expo, which celebrates and promotes sustainability. Along with inspiring keynote speakers, the weekend-long festival features kids' activities, hands-on workshops, a yoga pavilion and a huge marketplace filled with all kinds of environmentally friendly products. See live cooking demonstrations and then head to the food court -- which features diverse vegan and vegetarian cuisine -- to grab a bite to eat. You'll head home from the Magic Box at The Reef with tons of ideas for living a more eco-friendly life. [less-]

The most thankless job in theater takes center stage in Theresa Rebeck's bitingly funny play about a Hollywood action star who attempts to become a serious actor by starring in a Franz Kafka play on B... [more+]

The most thankless job in theater takes center stage in Theresa Rebeck's bitingly funny play about a Hollywood action star who attempts to become a serious actor by starring in a Franz Kafka play on Broadway, only to be further tested by an understudy with a huge chip on his shoulder who's also got a complicated romantic past with the stage manager. Pulitzer Prize-nominee Rebeck, the creator and producer of the NBC show "Smash", and one of the most produced female playwrights in America, wrote this off-Broadway hit that looks at all the genius, bitterness and ridiculousness underscoring a life in showbiz. The Modjeska Playhouse brings this Lake Forest premiere to Orange County. [less-]

Catch United Soccer League action when Orange County SC takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at Orange County Great Park. With Dutch attacker Jerry van Ewijk and midfielder Duke Lacroix leading the w... [more+]

Catch United Soccer League action when Orange County SC takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at Orange County Great Park. With Dutch attacker Jerry van Ewijk and midfielder Duke Lacroix leading the way on offense, O.C. is going for its third straight play-off run. Come cheer them on to victory when they host Western Conference foes the Whitecaps. In addition to all the on-field excitement, you can enjoy the beer garden, kids zone and food vendors. VIP ticket holders can beat lines with their own entry gate, plus they have access to a special hospitality area. [less-]

The Orange County SC is out to lasso the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, the pride of South Texas, in this key Western Conference match-up at the Great Park in Irvine. With Dutch attacker Jerry van Ewijk ... [more+]

The Orange County SC is out to lasso the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, the pride of South Texas, in this key Western Conference match-up at the Great Park in Irvine. With Dutch attacker Jerry van Ewijk and midfielder Duke Lacroix heading up the offense, O.C. is going for its third straight play-off run. In addition to all the on-field excitement, you can enjoy the beer garden, kids zone and food vendors. VIP ticket holders can beat the lines with their own entry gate, and score access to a special hospitality area. [less-]

The Disney Channel's original movie event "High School Musical" was so successful it received its own stage adaptation, and now the Wildcats are coming to Huntington Beach High School. Performed by an... [more+]

The Disney Channel's original movie event "High School Musical" was so successful it received its own stage adaptation, and now the Wildcats are coming to Huntington Beach High School. Performed by an all-youth cast, the musical updates the timeless love story "Romeo and Juliet" to a modern day high school romance. Singing and dancing to classics like "You Are the Music in Me" and "Bop to the Top," these lovable youths deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Although Troy plays ball and Gabriella sticks to the books, they find common ground -- and romance -- auditioning for the school musical, but will the couple's alliance allow them to "Stick to the Status Quo?" [less-]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of... [more+]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern California, and enjoy a whale-watching trip where each voyage is a unique experience with views of a variety of marine life. During grey whale migration season, cruises regularly run into 5 or more whales on a trip. You might also see dolphins (including megapods of 500 or more), a sea lion colony, finback whales, minke whales and humpback whales. The ship features a large upstairs sun deck, a snack bar with food and beverages available for purchase, wraparound outdoor seating and indoor seating with large windows. [less-]

For the eighth year in a row, you can groove to straight-ahead jazz with a laid-back vibe on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. The Rose Garden and Seaview Terrace at Orange County's Newport Beac... [more+]

For the eighth year in a row, you can groove to straight-ahead jazz with a laid-back vibe on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. The Rose Garden and Seaview Terrace at Orange County's Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa provide the perfect outdoor oceanside backdrops for this collection of top artists, who'll all be playing two one-hour sets, separated by a half-hour intermission. Among the artists this year are the Ken Peplowski Quartet with Sue Raney, Carl Saunders Sextet, The Jazz Cruise All-Stars with Jeff Hamilton, Byron Stripling-Bobby Floyd Quartet, Barbara Morrison and the 17 piece Tom Kubis Big Band. [less-]

One of the most amazing sights in nature is that of majestic whales swimming and playing on the ocean's surface, leaping out of the water and slapping their mighty tales. On this 2.5-hour cruise off t... [more+]

One of the most amazing sights in nature is that of majestic whales swimming and playing on the ocean's surface, leaping out of the water and slapping their mighty tales. On this 2.5-hour cruise off the shores of Newport Beach, you may see giant blue whales during the summer and fall months or the annual grey whale migration that brings tens of thousands of grey whales along the coast during the winter and spring months. Huge pods of several species of dolphin are very common, as are the resident sea lions. You might also catch glimpses of seals, killer whales, sharks and many other marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every cruise has many opportunities to observe these fascinating creatures. An added plus is the picturesque coastal backdrops of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach. [less-]

You may actually see some leapin' lizards when this outdoor production of "Annie" comes to Peppertree Park in Old Town Tustin. Now celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Broadway debut, the musical s... [more+]

You may actually see some leapin' lizards when this outdoor production of "Annie" comes to Peppertree Park in Old Town Tustin. Now celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Broadway debut, the musical sensation that started out life as a comic strip and then grew into a huge hit on stage and on the big screen shows no sign of outgrowing its iconic red dress and curls. The beloved story of a plucky young Depression-era orphan who never gives up her dreams of finding a family, "Annie" brings back all the great characters you know and love, including the adorable scamp herself, the lovable Daddy Warbucks, his faithful assistant Grace, the crotchety Miss Hannigan -- and of course, her dog Sandy. Featuring unforgettable songs like "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You" and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," this production represents Broadway in the Park's 17th annual show under the stars. Get your tickets early with this special Goldstar pre-sale. [less-]