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

A Conversation with Anne Lamott

The celebrated novelist, essayist, and inductee into the California Hall of Fame comes to the Irvine Barclay Theatre for an in-depth conversation exploring the things she's learned about life and the written word MORE

‘Music of The March’ Performance Celebrates Motown and the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Debora Wondercheck’s mother grew up in Chicago in a predominantly white suburb during the Jim Crow era. Lola King had a strong dream as a child to play string instruments, but was denied the opportunity.

She vowed her kids would never have the same experience. She gave birth to seven children, and Debora was her youngest. The young musician became a cellist, and founded the Arts and Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer.

Wondercheck leads the all-female African American production team in ALC’s latest signature performance, “Music of the March,” this Saturday at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The two-hour dramatic musical celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Motown Sound.

Events Keep History Alive at Heritage Museum

Unique events at Santa Ana’s Heritage Museum of Orange County help fundraise and raise awareness for the nonprofit.

Can ‘Change the Game’ Be a Game-Changer?

Could the activities of a college debate team, the music of a garage rock band, and the theories espoused in a late ’60s book by a Brazilian educator possibly have anything in common?

Before you answer that, you’ll have to consider the background, career and ideals of Jon Bruschke, who last year combined his passion for coaching students in the art of debating with his lifelong love of classic and punk rock and his interest in the writings of Paulo Friere.

The result was the original musical “Change the Game,” with a book by Bruschke and music and lyrics by Bruschke, Andrew Howat and Tyrone Stokes.

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.

Valor & Virtue: Jewish American Medial of Honor Recipients

The Heroes Hall Veterans Museum and Education Center in Costa Mesa pays special tribute to the military service of 18 Jewish Americans who, from the Civil War to the present, have achieved the highest honor our Armed Forces bestow MORE

Farmers Market & Crafts

Handmade crafts and locally grown and baked foods available on Saturday at Mission Viejo's free weekly popup at North Paseo MORE

OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival

The nationally-recognized performing arts academy in Santa Ana invites local families to play, experience art-making, and enjoy live performances from their students in this free festival which includes a sensory-friendly hour MORE

Improv Drop-In Class

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at the challenge of improvisational acting, this weekly open class is free to observe and just $10 to step in, no matter your experience level MORE