Each week, Arts Orange County and Culture OC deliver you this look at the stories and events happening in our arts and cultural community.

Bach meets Bluegrass: Tessa Lark & Michael Thurber

Grammy-nominated violinist Tessa Lark and virtuoso composer/bassist Michael Thurber make for an electric duo as they put classical and folk music into harmony at the Irvine Barclay Theatre MORE

There’s More to the Huntington Beach Dining Scene Than You Might Think

Known for its walkable downtown area and laid-back surfer vibes, Huntington Beach always has something going on. From high-impact events like the Fourth of July parade, summertime’s U.S. Open of Surfing and the Pacific Airshow in the fall, to concerts on the beach and the weekly street fair offering food items, artisanal gifts, farm-fresh produce, cut flowers, live music and more, there is always something exciting happening in the bustling beach town.

And while a couple of culinary venues stand out – the Hawaiian icon Duke’s nestled at the start of the pier, casual Mexican hot spot Sancho’s Tacos and chic seafood eatery Bluegold with Vietnamese restaurant LSXO hidden inside at the Pacific City shopping complex, for example – Surf City has been largely devoid of interesting cuisine. Until now, that is. These new places to dine and immersive experiences ensure that the dining scene in Huntington Beach is starting to flourish.

SCR at 60, Part 2: The Investment in New Plays Pays Off

This is PART 2 of a two-part series recognizing SCR’s 60th anniversary season, which continues through August.

By 1989, SCR had reached the goal that co-founder David Emmes had articulated 10 years earlier: to create a national profile for SCR based on new play development, specifically emerging playwrights.

The seeds planted in the 1970s had sprouted into sturdy strands.

But in the next decades, they were about to burst past the clouds.

From Teas to Brunches to Flamenco Shows, We Have Options for Mother's Day

We’re loving the longer days and balmy breezes this spring — it’s the perfect time to dine al fresco and celebrate Mom at a brunch hotspot. In addition to midday mimosas, there are also some eclectic offerings from a few new restaurants this year to shake up the selection.

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12 this year. Now, we know that’s still nine days away, but now is the time to make your reservations. To help you plan to honor the mothers in your life, here’s Culture OC’s handpicked roundup of dining selections, no matter how she likes to celebrate.

Each week, we recommend a variety of events and experiences from the listings at SparkOC.com, our free website for Orange County's arts and cultural community.

Spring Garden Art Faire

It will be even more soothing and inspiring than normal at Sherman Library and Gardens as local artists showcase their wares against a backdrop of blossoming plants and live harp music MORE

Opening Reception - "The Vietnam War Through the Art and Photography of Ed Bowen"

Guest speakers, music, and refreshments will be at-hand for this community celebration of the new exhibit at Heroes Hall Veterans Museum and Education Center in Costa Mesa MORE

Hands on Dance

Anaheim Ballet presents a free day of activities designed to give your child a taste of being a dancer, complete with costumes, lessons, and an exclusive performance by their ballet students MORE

The Never Too Late Show Starring Don Reed

A veteran of oft-unseen showbusiness jobs like voice acting and talk show audience warmup, Emmy-nominated actor Don Reed steps into the spotlight with a solo show at the Brea Curtis Theater sharing funny and inspiring anecdotes about showing perseverance over a long career MORE