In The Arts

Saxophonist Woodard to perform

The Jazz Wednesdays Summer Series will present Rickey Woodard and his quintet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hotel Laguna, 425 S. Coast Hwy.

The show is sponsored by Laguna Beach Live.

Born in Nashville, Woodard has also performed with jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Wilson and others, according to a press statement from Laguna Beach Life.

Admission is $10. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. For reservations, visit https://www.lagunabeachlive.org or call (949) 715-9713.

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Belly dancers at Fete de la Musique

JJ & The Habibis, a local belly dancing troupe led by Jheri St. James, will perform during the Fete de la Musique from 3:55 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday at 265 Ocean Ave.

The troupe is one of a number of musical acts and other performers who will perform throughout downtown Laguna Beach for the event sponsored by the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Assn. in conjunction with World Music Day.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. with opening and closing ceremonies at Main Beach cobblestones.

Also, St. James is teaching belly dancing classes that will begin July 5 for intermediate students and July 7 for beginners, offered through the city’s Recreation Department at the Community Center. For more information, e-mail jherico@cox.net.

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Classes in self-expression offered

Ellie Freedman will teach a six-session workshop in SoulCollage, an art process that teaches students to express themselves and create cards. The classes will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays beginning July 16 and ending Aug. 20.

The classes are offered through the Laguna Beach Recreation Department. To register, visit https://www.lagunabeachcity.net or call (949) 497-0716.

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College benefit nets $125,000 from art lovers

Collector’s Choice, Laguna College of Art & Design’s annual fundraiser, garnered more than $125,000. The sold-out event on June 4 was attended by more than 420 people, according to college spokeswoman Jennifer Daniels.

Local artists donated 137 pieces for auction valued at more than $250,000.

“The support this community can provide is wonderful, from the artists and collectors who donate original artwork, to those who attend and acquire new treasurers and enjoy a great gathering of friends,” said college President Dennis Power.

—Cindy Frazier