Summer art hotter than ever

SUZIE HARRISON

Riding to and from the Coastline Pilot and many art events has become

somewhat Nordic, with the slalom-like skill required to make my way

through the massive crowds. It’s tricky but it adds a little extra

excitement at times. At least the goal is a good one, making my way

to the summer events throughout town.

SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL IS SIZZLING

Rebecca Meekma, Sawdust Art Festival media and community

relations’ manager, said it’s all good thus far at the Sawdust this

summer.

“We’re having a really great summer and the artists are really

happy,” Meekma said. “We’ve had nice crowds, the show looks great and

there’s a lot of happy Lagunans at the Sawdust Art Festival.”

She said people keep asking her what night do they get in free at

the Sawdust.

“Don’t forget ‘Local’s Night’ is 5 to 10 p.m. every Thursday,”

Meekma said. “Residents get in for free, there’s food and drink

specials and great music Thursday nights featuring local bands.”

Emilio Castillo is performing Aug. 5. I’m a big fan and I’m sure

he’ll be a super star one day. He certainly deserve it with his

talent.

The Sawdust’s special “Family Fun Day” on July 20 was a big hit.

“It was really nice featuring a lot of family friendly

entertainment and a lot of special art projects of all ages,” Meekma

said.

The next family day is Aug. 24. so mark your calendar. The event

is not free to locals but Meekma suggests that a good way to enjoy

all festivities this summer is to buy a season pass at $12.

“It’s a great way to use your pass,” Meekma said. “Plus all the

artists at the Sawdust are Laguna Beach residents -- so when you come

to the Sawdust you’re supporting the artists who are your friends and

neighbors.”

SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE MUSIC IN THE PARK

At last, it’s here -- a Laguna gem, a locals’ retreat, a time to

gather with friends and family to lounge, socialize and enjoy great

music.

It’s fun after a lazy Sunday morning and perhaps a leisurely time

at the beach, to gather a blanket, run to the market and fill a

picnic basket with food and beverage and head to Bluebird Park for a

Music in the Park concert.

I got my parents hooked when they came one summer to visit. They

usually prefer to vacation for a couple months in the winter to step

away from the cold. I often wave the concert in the park card to try

and lure them in for another visit.

This is the second exciting concert of the nine-week season and

“Jumpin’ Joz” will be playing swing music. Blues fill the park Aug. 8

with “Mojo Filter Blues.” Latin-rock music by “Savor” is on Aug. 15

and reggae by “Lion Heart” is featured Aug. 22.

The concerts are free and go from 5 to 7 p.m. Many people park

their blanket early to procure a good spot. It gets packed. Bring

blankets, beverages and a picnic basket. You’ll have to leave the

pets at home, they aren’t allowed in the park.

The concerts are at Bluebird Park at the corner of Bluebird Drive

and Cress St. For information call (949) 497-0722.

ARTISTS HELPING ARTISTS AT FOA

Every year the Festival of Arts “Tie One On” fundraiser is one of

my favorite events, and this year’s July 17 event was the best yet.

I’m most smitten with its comical opening. Auctioneer Mike Tauber

dresses in his cop uniform running around the festival blowing a

whistle at a “supposed tie theft.” After finally catching up to her

he finds out that she bought the great works of art for such an

incredible deal that he has to say, “that’s a crime.” Perhaps you had

to be there, but is was catchy enough to be snatched by others and

used throughout the day.

Crowds enjoyed the rap song written specifically for the event

with lyrics pertaining to the artists and their work. Laguna Tunes’

Pat Kollenda was the main rapper and was joined by board member John

Campbell. Watch out Eminem.

Longtime Laguna artist and philanthropist Anne England, who

created this event to help out artists in need, said they made

$13,948.

“It’s getting better known every year,” England said. “It’s a

place to get really special art at special prices not available any

other time.”

Cindy Perdue said Scott Moore’s piece fetched the most coin at

around $1,500.

Anne said another way to help support the Artists in Need Fund is

the Artist’s Choice program at the festival. Participating artists

pick out one of their pieces and have it displayed at their booth.

It’s marked with a star decal on the front.

“When it sells all of it goes to the artists fund,” England said.

“It’s another gift -- it’s artists helping artists in a really

wonderful way.”

She wanted me to remind everyone that purchasing one of these

works is 100% tax deductible -- so buy away.

LAGUNA’S TOULOUSE IN CONCERT TODAY

Genius guitarist Toulouse Engelhardt is on the loose again with a

solo concert on the Kenny Rankin show at the Coach House today. The

Laguna resident has joined forces with a new percussionist named Hani

Naser and the music is more incredible than before.

Naser has played with David Lindley for seven years as well as

stints with Jackson Browne, the Violent Femmes ... and the list goes

on. The Coach House is at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan

Capistrano. The concert is at 8 p.m. For information, call (949)

496-8930. To check out what’s happening in Toulouse’s world go online

to www.lostgrovearts.com.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

suzie.harrison@latimes.com.