In The Arts

Latin jazz for Cinco de Mayo

Laguna Beach Live! is bringing Latin jazz to the Laguna Beach Playhouse for a special early Cinco de Mayo concert Wednesday.

Jose Rizo, KJazz radio host, is showing off his new nine-piece Latin band — Mongorama.

The concert starts at 8 p.m. For tickets, call (800) 595-4849.

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The Ebell Club of Laguna Beach, which raises funds for local nonprofits, is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Fundraiser on May 7 at Mozambique.

Guests can watch the Kentucky Derby live from the restaurant while taking part in the fundraiser, which includes a silent auction, no-host bar, southern fare and a hat contest.

Local establishments such as the Five Crowns, Ti Amo, Javier’s, La Casa de Camino and the Sawdust Art Festival are just a few of the names on the auction list.

The Ebell Club has helped with Laguna Beach Clean-Up Week, has raised funds for local flood relief and given scholarships to the high school.

All the proceeds from the event go to benefit charities in the area.

For more information, contact Sylvia Newtons-Robbins at (949) 500-2515 or visit ebelllagunabeach.org.

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Artist Eye Gallery celebrates 4 years

The Artist Eye Gallery is celebrating its fourth anniversary Thursday during Art Walk.

They also are announcing that for the month of May, they will be showcasing local artist Chuck Joseph. His painting “A Day in Laguna” will be on display in the front window. Besides paint, Joseph incorporates stainless steel, vintage posters and oils on canvas.

They are holding a reception for Joseph from 6 to 9 p.m. May 14.

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Foundation donates $111,000 locally

The Festival of Arts Foundation has awarded $111,000 in grants to Laguna Beach nonprofits.

The recipients include the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, the Community Art Project, Laguna Beach Live!, Laguna Beach High School, Laguna Beach College of Art & Design and the Laguna Playhouse.

“The Festival of Arts Foundation is dedicated to supporting the arts in the Laguna Beach community and continues to provide funding that promotes arts education and appreciation for all ages,” said Festival of Arts Foundation President Scott Moore in a statement.

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Laguna artist in State Capitol

Laguna Beach resident Douglas Miller has been chosen to represent the 35th senate district for the ninth annual California Contemporary Art Collection Exhibit. Sen. Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) selected Miller’s painting “Keyhole Arch” for the show.

Miller’s artwork, which showcases a famous vantage point in the city, will be on display in the State Capitol for about 18 months.

“Coastal Orange County is home to many great artists. It was not an easy choice, but in the end Mr. Miller’s submission won the day,” Harman said in a statement. “I felt it best represented the 35th Senate District.”

— Joanna Clay