Pop MusicFor fans of acoustic music in...

Pop Music

For fans of acoustic music in general, Cajun music in particular and great fun and inspired musicianship above all, Beausoleil is a must-see. Michael Doucet, founder and leader of the Lafayette, La., band, is one of the world’s great folk fiddlers, and his fiery bark of a voice makes him a strong double threat. Add sharp accordion work and a pumping rhythm section that can hit with rock-band force, and you’ve got the ingredients for a preview of Mardi Gras.

Beausoleil is one band that won’t mind people eating while they play, because food and dancing are so integral to Cajun music in its native habitat. Maybe the Coach House will push aside some tables and clear a dance space; otherwise, you can bet there’ll be at least a few fans two-stepping in the aisles.

* Who: Beausoleil.

* When: 8 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

* Whereabouts: Take the San Diego (5) Freeway to Camino Capistrano and go left. The Coach House is in the Esplanade Plaza, on the right.

* Wherewithal: $15-$17.

* Where to call: (714) 496-8930.

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Art

Works by Po-Nong Liu, master teacher and practitioner of the Chinese style of painting known as fine line, are hanging alongside those of his students at this year’s “Autumn Harvest” Chinese painting exhibition at Huntington Beach Central Library Art Gallery. The exhibit began Tuesday but will have its opening reception this weekend.

After several years’ absence for a series of exhibitions in Taiwan, Po-Nong, who maintains a home in Irvine, led workshops this summer for members of the Ching-Chi Artist Guild, show sponsor.

* What: Chinese painting exhibition.

* When: Opening reception 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday. Exhibit runs through Sept. 28.

* Where: Huntington Beach Central Library Art Gallery, 7111 Talbert Ave.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Beach Boulevard; go south. Turn right onto Talbert Avenue.

* Wherewithal: Free.

* Where to call: (714) 857-0808.

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Music

Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow will be musically celebrated again when the Pacific Symphony closes its 10th annual summer season at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on Saturday with a Tchaikovsky program, including the famous “1812” Overture. Tchaikovsky came to hate this piece, a description of Napoleon’s invasion and retreat from Russia, considering it offensively loud and banal. But audiences love it, especially when there are real cannons and fireworks, as there will be on this occasion.

The orchestra will be led by Pascal Verrot, who also will conduct the “Little Russian” Symphony and the Violin Concerto, with Levon Ambartsumian as soloist. Verrot is music director of Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec. Ambartsumian, based in Moscow, is making his North American debut.

* What: Pacific Symphony’s “Tchaikovsky Spectacular.”

* When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

* Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, 8800 Irvine Center Drive.

* Whereabouts: Exit the San Diego (405) Freeway at Irvine Center Drive. Turn left at the end of the ramp if you’re coming from the south, right if you’re coming from the north.

* Wherewithal: $6.50-$51.

* Where to call: (714) 755-5799.

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Family Affair

The staff at Oak Canyon Nature Center is expecting a big rise in the critter count this weekend. On Sunday, the rugged 58-acre nature park’s usual population--including lizards, rabbits, squirrels, birds, coyotes and the occasional after-hours bobcat--will swell as hundreds of two-legged visitors turn out for the annual Children’s Discovery Faire. The free event includes performances, exhibits and hands-on activities.

* What: Children’s Discovery Faire.

* When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim.

* Whereabouts: Exit the Riverside (91) Freeway at Imperial Highway; go south. Turn left onto Nohl Ranch Road, then left onto Walnut Canyon Road.

* Wherewithal: Free.

* Where to call: (714) 998-8380.