Here are some great Orange County music events I found through luck, determination and knowing somebody. These are free unless otherwise noted.
Friday, Feb. 28:
Ron Kobayashi Trio at Bayside. Ron is there every Friday and he is fantastic. What you might not know is he has high quality jazz singers dropping in. But you won’t find that posted.
The Darden Sisters at Les Amis in Fullerton. The Dardens are a fetching blend Americana, bluegrass, vocal harmonies and some covers.
Natalie Mendoza at Downtown Disney. She is an awesome jazz and retro singer. Downtown Disney never posts their entertainment schedule and they seem fine with that.
Jazz singer Lola Kristine at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Both Lola and The Drake are great at maintaining their calendars. I recommend both!
Sweet Dreams Priscilla at Mother’s Tavern in Sunset Beach. They are a recent band with an fantastic, old timey sound. Check them out!
Almost Free: New Music Festival at Cal State Fullerton. Are you adventurous? Do you like the new classical music that started in the 1950’s?
Saturday, Feb. 29:
The Altar Billies at Chad’s Barbershop in Santa Ana. Excellent rockabilly trio.
She Sings, She Swings at Boathouse Collective. Gypsy jazz with an occasional mix of the Great American Songbook.
Beat Academy at Les Amis in Fullerton. The Beatles meets Brazilian jazz.
Ryan Christopher at 17th Street Grill in Tustin. Sinatra-style jazz singer.
South Coast Symphony in Laguna Niguel. Not free, but getting there and back is easy and it is more affordable than the Segerstrom events.
Sunday March 1:
Fullerton Friends of Music chamber series. This is the best deal of every month! Normally, you would pay at least $40 to see these ensembles in LA.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at The Bowers Museum. Music, dance, kids activities, etc. in the museum courtyard.
Jazz singer Elizabeth Lamers at The Cellar. Elizabeth Lamers specializes in the Great American Songbook. Backing her are a rotating list of extraordinary musicians. Truly, she makes for a great date night