MARCH 23
LIBRARY LIVE: OMAR EL-AKKAD
The author will discuss his 2021 novel, “What Strange Paradise,” about a refugee boy and the girl who saves him, as well as his debut novel, “American War.” Also known for his reporting and non-fiction writing, El-Akkad won the National Newspaper Award for Investigative Journalism and has published stories in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde. Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949-548-2411, nbplf.foundation
MARCH 23
JOHN SOKOLOFF
Sokoloff, a pianist and composer, will play his compositions and more in a solo concert. Known for his lyrical songs inspired by everything from classical music to Russian folk songs to the blues, he was the composer for “The Bonnie Hunt Show” and has released five recordings with his band. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714-738-6595, themuck.org
MARCH 25
THE COOKERS
Seven experienced solo jazz musicians came together in 2007 to form a band. They’ll play music from their latest recording, “Look Out!” along with songs from their other five albums, including “Time and Time Again,” the 2014 iTunes Jazz CD of the Year. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
MARCH 25
LOS LOBOS
Formed in East L.A. nearly 50 years ago, Los Lobos quickly gained a following for its unique sound blending traditional Mexican folk music with rock, soul, R&B, and blues. Over a long career, the band has won four Grammy Awards, put out dozens of albums, notched a No. 1 hit with its version of “La Bamba,” and toured with Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and Neil Young. Musco Center for the Arts, One University Drive, Orange, 844-626-8726, muscocenter.org
MARCH 26
COLBURN ORCHESTRA
The Colburn Conservatory of Music’s flagship ensemble will perform under Emmy Award-winning guest conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya in this concert featuring pianist Tony Bai. The program will include “D’un Soir Triste” by French composer Lili Boulanger, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18, and “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949-480-4278, soka.edu/soka-performing-arts-center
MARCH 26
NOWRUZ: IRANIAN NEW YEAR
Led by conductor Carl St.Clair, the Pacific Symphony celebrates Nowruz, a festival in Iran that marks the advent of spring. Ticketholders can arrive early to watch performances by traditional dancers and check out a Haft-Sin display, presented at Nowruz. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-755-5788, pacificsymphony.org
