Author: Lindsay Racen

Josh Turner Concert | Nokia Theatre

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Josh Turner
Josh Turner

“The life that I live and the experiences I have always affect what comes out of me creatively. I think that’s what makes music real,” said multi-platinum MCA recording artist Josh Turner. The artist is the best thing to hit the country scene since Johnny Cash. Who doesn’t love a wholesome country boy with a guitar? Alright, so we ain’t livin’ in the country here in OC but we still have to love a good ole’ time. Josh Turner graced the stage of Nokia Theatre in LA Live on Saturday, Feburary 28th, putting the “Southern” in Southern California.

Josh passed by on the way through his “Haywire” Tour, also the name of his latest released album. His current hit single “Why Don’t We Just Dance” has been #1 on the charts for the past three weeks. The song received roaring praise at the spirited concert and I admittedly melted looking at his handsome face and listening to his amazing voice. It was a girls night out for me and a friend and we couldn’t help but sway and swoon at the same time. The venue was comfortable and the atmosphere was electric as the audience stood up and grooved freely in the aisles. Fans from across So Cal ended up at Nokie that night, even a couple from San Diego danced in their seats to his songs.

Girls Night Out With Our Man Josh Turner

Girls Night Out With Our Man Josh Turner

The majority of the set list was made up of tracks from his latest album and for most attendees, it was the first time hearing the songs in a live show. A few old hits made the cut such as “Long Black Train,” and one of my favorites “Your Man.” His deep voice and soulful melodies are enough to sweep you right into the fields somewhere in rural South Carolina, where the singer was raised on the pure foundation of traditional country music.

His songs an lyrics undoubtedly reflect his upbringings that are rooted in religious values and have a commitment to our human capacity to love. The song “Me and God,” off his album Your Man, fuses these two beliefs into a musical masterpiece. The crowd could sense the peace that the song brought and could tell it was one of the final songs of the night as they softly sang along to the lyrics.

During a short break in his lineup, Josh Turner took the opportunity to speak to his fans about a scholarship program that he founded, the Josh Turner Fund for the Arts. This organization seeks to provide assistance to high school students who dream about pursuing a future in the field of Arts and Entertainment. The charity is not restricted to only singers and musicians, but also provides aid for those who simply want to be working professionals in the music industry.

The singer found inspiration for the scholarship program from his personal educational experience at an A-1 small town school and the enriching learning environment of Belmont University. For those interested in donating to the cause or purchasing supportive bracelets can visit the Josh Turner website for more information.

The Josh Turner concert at Nokia Theatre was a raving success and perfect representation of the talented singer’s abilities and inspiring demeanor. Everyone in attendance was truly blessed to be a part of the country music superstar’s thriving career, and we all knew that there are still great things to come.

Bon Jovi Concert | The Honda Center

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Bon-Jovi
Photo Cred: Kristin Blush

“Shot through the heart! And you’re to blame! You gave LOVE a bad name” Bon Jovi is the epitome of what pure and cassic rock-and-roll is. The band is the definition of the genre,with their music transcending generations. They are the songs that blared out of our Juke-Boxes, 2-track players, Walk Mans, Karaoke systems and Rock Band consuls. Throughout the years, the times have changed, the media has changed, but the incredible sound of Bon Jovi continues to rock the stage.

The Rock-And-Roll icons visited southern California February 26th and 27th, performing two incredible concerts for the OC folks at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Friday night’s lineup was a 19 song set with three encore songs to top off the evening. The nearly sold out audience was captivated the instant the band casually strolled onto the stage. Fans went wild and erupted in praise that came in steady waves throughout the performance. Jon Bon Jovi was as animated as he always has been on the platform that on occasion was as mobile as he was. The complex lighting intensified the spectacular performance with the perfect atmosphere for the set.

Bon-Jovi-Honda-Center

Live From The Honda Center in Anaheim

Flashbacks through the decades began with their 1988 hit song “Blood on Blood,” followed by their latest hit “We Weren’t Born to Follow,” from their 2009 album The Circle. It was the perfect mix to create an entertainment masterpiece. The screams softened to a hum midway through the show as the legendary singer and songwriter walked out onto the extended stage that sent him standing amongst the crowd. Bon Jovi played a cover of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” perfectly as the audience swayed along. The time line hovered in the early-to-mid 90’s and the set continued with “Bed of Roses” and “Something for the Pain.” The artists’ hearts and souls poured out as the audience reached towards some of the greatest legends of their times.

Bon Jovi ended the show lineup with the song “Love’s The Only Rule,” off The Circle. But that’s not all folks! It was almost humorously obvious that the band wasn’t done, especially since they had yet to play their most recognized song worldwide “Livin’ on a Prayer.” So after a very short teasing absence, the band waltzed back on the painted stage for an extended three-song set, taking the audience on one last ride from present day to classic 80’s with 1. “Thorn in My Side,” 2. “Wanted: Dead or Alive” and of course that much anticipated Karaoke, and often lush group classic, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

It is of course worth noting the fantastic support of the opening band for Bon Jovi on that Friday at the Honda Center. Dashboard Confessional hit the stage as the show opener. I have been a long time Dashboard fan, and I have seen the lead singer play an acoustic session at the House of Blues in San Diego at one point, but this time I was unable to arrive for the first song. I did however get there just in time to hear their near perfect cover of “Summer of ’69,” originally performed by Bryan Adams – one of my favorite songs of all time. From the limited number of tunes I was present for, my review of their set is that they were lively, talented and great compliments to the Bon Jovi “Rock Band enthusiasts” in the crowd.

BubbleMania Family Fun Night Comes to O.C.

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

They fly, they float and you can often see a rainbow in their transparent glistening liquid. What am I referring to? Well, bubbles of course! Snap, crackle and pop your way to exploring the magical world of bubbles! The city of Laguna Niguel invites you and your young ones to experience Bubble Mania at this month’s Family Fun Night! The show starts at 7 p.m. at Crown Valley Community Park View Room on Friday, February 19th.

This interactive show features a skilled Bubblologist who will create bubbles that spark the imagination. You and your young ones have the chance to see square bubbles, rainbow bubbles, triangle bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, and even bubbles bouncing on bubbles! The audience will have the ultimate experience with the chance to be inside a giant bubble! Imagine that!

Bubbles, being a phenomenon of nature, have always been around, but the sport of playing with bubbles didn’t really exist before soap. The history of these mystical spheres starts with the Pear Soap Company, in England. The company was responsible for the 19th century popularization of both soap and bubble blowing. There are many toys that exist now that create all shapes and sizes of bubbles, but when they began, they were largely limited to bubble pipes until the middle of the 20th century.

In the world of modern toys for kids of all ages, there are so many types of bubble makers to excite the youth of any age. There are automatic bubble machines dressed up as our favorite cartoon characters, dip bottles, and race cars that create a playful and creative atmosphere. We can even make our very own bubble makers from home. Grown-ups also have their place in the bubble world as more modern wedding ceremonies are replacing rice with delicate floating bubbles as they walk off into their new life together. This truly is a show for all ages!

The Crown Valley Community Park View Room is located at: 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Tickets are at the special pricing of only $3 to celebrate 20 years of Cityhood. Seats are available on first come, first serve basis. More information can be found on the city website at http://cityoflagunaniguel.org or call 949.425.5100.

Mest and Music Influence

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” – Victor Hugo. The lyrics and sounds of our favorite artists often provide a soundtrack to the stage we call life. We all travel through phases in time, applying various songs and sounds to the seemingly mundane and monumental moments we pass by. My taste is all together eclectic, just as most of us can attest to.

My personal progression is as followed: the golden days of the oldies – my dad driving me to school as a young one; the pop sensation of boy bands – middle school in the 90’s; the punk/emo breakthrough – the early teen years; the utter confusion of concerning release with dark heavy metal – turbulent adolescence; and the wholesome steel guitar of country stars of modern day – early 20’s. I can even throw in a handful of pop songs that I danced to during my many performances of my eighteen year career. Some may strike this combination as odd, but as I expand my vision of the world, I find a place for each of these stops along my continuing journey.

The strongest bond to these expressive melodies is to experience a live concert firsthand. I have seen my favorite punk band, MEST, four or five times now and each performance connects me even more intimately with their sound and lyrics. I have even seen artists of my parents’ generation with cover bands like The Fab Four, the pure and classic voice of Sting as The Police jammed in San Diego, and felt the pulse of dark drums and heavy base with In Flames in the edgy LA scene. Every single note and word somehow strikes a deep unspoken chord of self expression.

Musicians are pure artists that reach enthusiasts of every country and every culture. Music is what ties the world together and moves it to a single beat. Songs can represent generations, social movements and historical events. They can instantaneously transport us from one place or time to another as we remember the instance that first touched us with their sound. Lyrics alone are simple poems that are elevated to a panorama or atmosphere where we find our most personally hidden world. This sound garden can be shared with some of the most influential people in our lives or can connect us with a stranger halfway across the globe.

The power of Music is infinite and we have control of this universe at the touch of a button – PLAY. Just as it is up to us how to live our lives, it is our decision as to what line up we set for our show.

Rev-Up Your Romance With His and Her’s Valentine’s Hike

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

A bouquet of loving flowers is often the iconic token of Valentine’s Day Celebrations, connecting nature to the pure meaning of the word “Love.” This year, Orange County residents are invited to experience a new way to kick-start their romance with adventure. Connect with your partner by sharing a Valentine’s Day Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Sunday, February 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hikers will enjoy the beautiful vistas of Laguna Canyon as they search for early wildflowers blooming in the brush. The trail is a moderate 2-mile trip, with a 400 foot elevation gain over steep and rocky terrain. Couples and nature lovers alike will have the opportunity to learn about love in the wild with Orange County Interpretive Specialist Laura Cohen and volunteers from the Laguna Canyon Foundation.

For those seeking to experience the history of California firsthand, the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park provides this unique landscape to its visitors as it has existed for thousands of years. It is part of the Natural Community Conservation Planning program, which is intended to help care for rare and endangered species. Some of the wildlife benefiting from the program’s efforts includes the California Gnatcatcher, Orange-Throated Whiptail, Mule Deer, Long-tailed Weasel, Bobcat, Red-tailed Hawk and many more.

The slopes and hilltops are covered by the Coastal Sage Scrub that lay among patches of Native Valley Grassland and Maritime Chaparral. Hikers may stroll through the riparian habitats lined with the aromas given by Oak, Willow and Sycamore trees.

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is one of many recreation areas of the over 20,000 acres of the South Coast Wilderness Area. Additional parks to the land include the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Chrystal Cove State Park, and the City of Irvine Open Space. Trails throughout the lands provide a pleasure to exploring the natural habitat indigenous to Orange County.

To embark on the Valentine’s Day Hike please call 949-923-2235. Hikers will meet at the Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center located on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405. Reservations are required. For more information on the Nature Center and upcoming events please visit www.lagunacanyon.org. Parking fee is $3. The adventure costs a mere $5 but the experience with your loved one is priceless.

Tickets For “Romantic Affair” on Sale Now

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee,The more I have, for both are infinite.” These words were written in the greatest love story of all time – Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The story has been told in many forms, from music and lyrics to interpretive dances and theatrical productions. Art of all forms often compliment the written word and blend together in creating new expressions to classic tales. This Valentine’s Day, the Pacific Chorale comes to the Orange County Performing Arts Center to celebrate the heartfelt season of love with a “Romantic Affair.”

There will be two performances at the Samueli Theater on February 12th and 13th at 8 p.m. The multi-talented John Alexander Singers will be led by seasoned conductor, Robert Istad. The program combines the Renaissance madrigals by Monteverdi and Morley and the romantic text settings by Barber, Lauridsen, Poulenc and Whitacre. Words and musical notes collide in an explosion of emotion on the theater stage.

The performance will also be graced with the operatic selections by Bizet and Strauss with favorites from classic musicians James Taylor and the Beatles. Sounds from Broadway and jazz classics and the premiere of the winning work from Pacific Chorale’s Young Composers Competition will add an eclectic flair to the show.

The Pacific Chorale is an internationally recognized musical group that is known for its exceptional artistic expression that honors American programming and impactful education programs. Its inspiration has been fueled by an Old World art form that has been fused with California’s staple innovation and cultural independence.

There have been many listeners and music lovers who have praised the group’s many performances throughout its history. In October of 2008, Timothy Mangan, writer for the Orange County Register reviews the group as he describes, “The Pacific Chorale is a terrific group. John Alexander, for 36 years its leader, has turned it into a luxury model – super polished, richly blended, smooth riding. One hardly notices the road when enveloped by its sound. The sound is just there, seemingly exactly as it should be.” The sound simply exists in beauty, just as love does in friends and romantic partners.

So bring your loved one and begin your romantic weekend in style by joining this immensely talented group of musicians as they play songs that touch the heart. The performances are presented, in part, by season sponsors Phillip N. and Mary A Lyons.

For more information on the musical group or to purchase tickets please visit the Pacific Chorale website at http://www.pacificchorale.org. To take a peek at the show program visit the event website. Tickets range from $29 to $85. For more information on the OC Performing Arts Center and to learn about upcoming shows an events visit the venue’s website at http://www.ocpac.org.

Candid Comedian Bill Maher Preps for Irvine Improv Show

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

“Curious people are interesting people, I wonder why that is.” Bill Maher may be considered to be one of the world’s most interesting people and is ready to spark your curiosity. This lively comedian is coming to the Irvine Improv on Monday February 8th to share his witty humor with his O.C. fans.

Bill started his career as a stand-up comedian nearly three decades ago in 1979. He was born in the hustle and bustle of New York City, and was raised in nearby River Vale, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Cornell University and has now settled into the So-Cal scene in Los Angeles, the hub of some of the greatest worldwide entertainers.

Bill Maher is famous for pushing the political boundaries between reality and comedy. He first appeared on the hit show “Politically Incorrect” which ran for nearly a decade on Comedy Central. The comedian continued with his career staring for the last seven years on HBO’s hit show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” for which he has been honored for twenty-one Emmy nominations. His blunt yet charismatic honesty has carved out a reputation of creating big laughs in some of the most interesting political situations Americans commonly face on the public stage.

The comedian’s credentials cover a wide range of topics. From his political libertarian views to his frenzied opinions of organized religion, Bill Maher humor creates a light atmosphere around some of the unspoken and interesting world issues. His documentary entitled “Religulous,” directed by Larry Charles commonly known for his work on the hit comedy “Borat,” has ignited the film to become the 7th Highest Grossing Document in the history of film.

Bill Maher still performs at least fifty dates a year in Las Vegas and continues to sell out theaters across the country. Now it’s O.C.’s turn! From the glamour of LA to the relaxed style of OC, the comedian takes to the road continuing to grace the streets of Southern California. Join Bill at the Irvine Improv on Monday February 8th at 8pm. Click Here for more information or to buy tickets through the event website. You can also find out more about the comedian on his website at http://www.billmaher.com.

Give Blood, Save Haiti

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

Ready, Set, RED! The City of Aliso Viejo opens its heart in the month of February with a blood drive in partnership with this inspiring organization and with the help of its Child Care Amenities Group. The participating organizations invite the community to give the gift of life to those in need on Thursday February 4th from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Step by Step located at 10 Mareblu in Aliso Viejo.

The American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization since its founding in 1881. Its vision has always been to react with a helping hand to those affected by some of the world’s largest natural disasters and to improve the lives of those facing tremendous hardships and struggles. The residents of Southern California can do their part in helping to facilitate the vision of aid and support delivered by the organization.

The most recent disaster to hit the hearts of people around the world is most notably the 7.0 earthquake that shook the country of Haiti. The American Red Cross has responded in full force collecting donations and supplies to deliver to the families left with minimal amenities. Representatives will be on site for community members to discuss life saving solutions to the situation.

The drive in Aliso Viejo will support the organization’s efforts and supplies for all outlets in need. Local and global demands continue to direct the American Red Cross and every small step contributes to the growing strides that positively impact our world.

Kick off February as a month of Love by joining the city of Aliso Viejo, the Child Care Amenities Group and the American Red Cross in giving the gift of life to those in need. For more information please contact Lisa Simon at 949-360-7022.

Laguna Niguel Says “Happy Birthday” With Snow Day

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on News-n-Views

Winter memories are often filled with snow, sleds and hot cocoa, but not normally in Orange County. Laguna Niguel is one of the many cities built on community and family values. This year the city celebrates its 20th anniversary with a Snow Play Day on Saturday January 23rd at beautiful Chapparosa Park.

The history of Laguna Niguel is rooted in the early rancheros of California. Its name is of two origins, “Laguna,” which means lagoon, and the word “Nigueli,” which was the name of an Indian Village once grounded near Aliso Creek. It wasn’t until December 1, 1989, however that Laguna Niguel became the 29th city in Orange County.

The city layout is defined by over one-third of its land designated as open space. Its beauty can be seen in its natural features and is decorated by its official tree, the Jacaranda, and city flower, the Bougainvilla. These blossoms are just two small tokens that touch the hearts of the families who thrive in it.

This Saturday, Laguna Niguel celebrates its youth with its youth. 20 years is a true milestone and after all the hard work, it is finally time to play! The festivities start at 9 a.m. and will be enjoyed until noon. The crisp morning air will be complimented by cookies and hot cocoa for all ages with activities for children ages 2 to 12 and parents with a youthful soul. Snow runs will be open for intertubing and the crystal flakes of ice can be formed into any form the imagination desires.

Entry costs $10 per child. Parents wishing to ride with their children must pay entry fee. Activities will be cancelled if it rains on the day of the event. Parents should determine if activities are age appropriate for their children. For more information please call 949.425.5100.

Get those mittens and fluffy ear warmers ready because Orange Country soon will find snow in its forecast! Join Laguna Niguel in celebrating its 20th birthday!

The Future of Smart Energy Management Arrives with SilverSTAT 7 by SilverPAC, Fusing Together HVAC Control, Efficiency and Style

Posted on by Lindsay Racen

This article was published on Business Wire

The New SilverPAC Advanced Thermostat Provides Intelligent HVAC Control Coupled with a Smart Energy In-Home Display and 802.11 Wi-Fi. The SilverSTAT 7 Provides Solutions for Smart Climate, Smart Energy and Smart Living.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. –SilverPAC, a leading provider of innovative home entertainment solutions, announces the preview of their new SilverSTAT 7, advanced seven-day programmable thermostat. The company partnered with Windows Embedded to develop a truly innovative device that features a Smart Energy In-Home Display (IHD) to help monitor utility usage and expenses in style. SilverPAC has long been dedicated to the future of consumer electronics with its visionary universal remote controls and advanced digital picture frame. It continues to extend its reach by introducing the breakthrough SilverSTAT 7 with its commitment to smarter homes and smarter living.

The SilverPAC SilverSTAT 7 is embedded on Windows® CE 6.0 R3 and Intel® Atom™ platform and aims to replace standard household thermostats with an advanced home climate control system. The device is elegantly designed with its seven-inch touch screen display that is able to illustrate the distribution of household energy down to individual appliances.

With its IEEE 802.15.4 wireless interface, the SilverSTAT 7 will speak to the new smart meters that will have the ability to send information on real-time electricity and gas use in households directly to utility companies. This process eliminates the inconvenience of meter readings and the inefficiencies of controversial estimates.

SilverPAC seeks to provide an answer to this dilemma by helping to implement ‘demand response monitoring’ systems with its SilverSTAT 7. The concept involves encouraging reductions in peak energy demand by providing customers with an instantaneous view of their ongoing energy usage and utility pricing on their networked IHD. Energy and budget savings can be achieved by turning off or rescheduling the use of appliances for a more cost efficient time.

The device has an 802.11 Wi-Fi interface that allows it to successfully communicate with a home network and Internet services, a Z-Wave Home Automation interface and Zigbee protocol for lighting and appliance control. Zigbee is among the list of communication protocol the US Congress has recently approved for devices supporting new Smart Energy grid system.

In a press release from the US Department of Energy, Gary Locke, US Secretary of Commerce, said, “President Obama has made a smart electrical grid a key element of his plan to lower energy costs for consumers, achieve energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we took a significant step toward developing the open and transparent interoperability standards necessary to realize the Smart Grid vision.”

The SilverSTAT 7 is more than a seven-day programmable thermostat. It has the added benefit of useful smart gadgets to enhance the convenience of daily tasks with the attractive feature of streaming photos, music and content direct from Live.com and the PC. It even has the simplicity of time management with a calendar and scheduled alarm notices. Through Windows technology, users can control their digital universe with access to e-mail, stock prices, real-time weather forecasting, billing and price schedules for energy providers and more!

SilverPAC is energized with the opportunity to help consumers manage their green energy with the SilverSTAT 7 – Smart Climate, Smart Energy, and Smart Living!

The SilverPAC SilverSTAT 7 will be officially released in June 2010. 

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About SilverPAC, Inc.

SilverPAC is an international consumer electronics company that designs, develops and distributes innovative technologies and products to lead the next wave of digital convergence in the connected home. By embedding Microsoft’s innovative software technologies, SilverPAC creates state-of-the-art home automation, entertainment and smart energy control hardware products that are unlike anything currently available to OEM, retail and customer integrator markets today. Privately owned, SilverPAC was founded in 2008 by a team with decades of consumer electronics experience and the goal of putting consumers in control of the many devices and systems that are part of their daily lives. The company’s innovative products will begin shipping to the world’s largest online retailers in Q1 2010.