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

Shakespeare in Love

Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, this play staged at Fullerton's Maverick Theater imagines a romance blossoming during the creation of the Bard's immortal "Romeo & Juliet" MORE

14 Sweet Ways To Spend Valentine's Day and Save Your Wallet

Valentine’s Day has been rumored to exist as far back as the 14th century (if not further), with potential roots in Christianity and a so-called “St. Valentine,” who as legend has it would secretly marry couples to spare husbands from having to go to war.

Later, the day became associated with symbols like Cupid, the Roman god of love, and modern iterations find it foremost to be a holiday in celebration of love.

Whether you’re in need of some self care, hosting a “Galentine’s Day” or just want to spend time this Valentine’s Day with your significant other, we have some special ideas to help you spread the love this Valentine’s Day that’ll be kind to your wallet, too.

Kodō Blends Old and New in its Latest Show

Kodō honors ancient and revered Japanese musical traditions, but the ensemble has barely been around long enough to stage a retrospective. The world’s pre-eminent taiko drumming troupe, presented by the Philharmonic Society at Segerstrom Concert Hall on Feb. 11, was formed in 1981. Its newest show, “Warabe,” combines some of its earliest work with newer material that showcases the power and virtuosity of its carefully chosen members.

“‘Warabe’ is the second half of our 40th anniversary concerts that premiered in 2021,” said Kodō’s production manager Yui Kamiya. “While the first production, ‘Tsuzumi’ focused on the drum aspect of our identity, ‘Warabe’ celebrates the sound, resonance and physicality synonymous with Kodō.” Its sonic palette and musical explorations are broader than usual, Kamiya explained.

Water, Water, Everywhere: The Roof Has Caved In at SCR's Production Center

A collapsed roof at SCR’s Santa Ana production facility soaks sets, costumes and more, posing a logistical nightmare, but the theater is confident it can weather the storm.

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.

Wildfire Relief Concert: 17th Street Band

Huntington Beach musicians will play a set of crowd-pleasing favorites at Newport Beach's Campus JAX Supper Club in order to raise funds for people who suffered losses in last month's fires MORE

Love Out Loud - Open Mic Readings

Laguna Beach Books teams up with Third Street Writers to present an eclectic lineup of stories, poems, and essays all dealing with matters of the heart - you can RSVP for a slot if you have one to share MORE

Happy Feet for Families

Give little kids a taste of moving their body to music at the San Clemente Library in this day of play set to loveable children's songs MORE

I <3 Horror Marathon

The Frida Cinema offers a darker way to celebrate the holiday of love with a marathon of four creepy and strange films that all deal with relationships MORE