Calling All Artists and Whales!
As we roll well into 2024, I want to take the opportunity to thank Picket Fence Media and now Times Media Group for the opportunity to write my Dana Point ROCKS column for over five years now. I use this platform to share local art and music stories from my perspective as a musician, City of Dana Point Arts and Culture Ambassador, and former Arts and Culture Commissioner and music history nonprofit executive.
I’ve always contended that Dana Point’s music history and events stand alongside our town’s iconic surf history and proud identity as the “Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World,” as a binding thread in our cultural fabric. Our city officials, Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and citizens have heartily supported fantastic music and art programs here for many years. Personally, it’s an honor to help curate music stages and/or play my music for community events such as REDO Market, ArtFest, Festival of Whales and some outstanding Ocean Institute events.
A big Dana Point ROCKS shout-out to the Ohana Festival, which was named Pollstar Awards Music Festival of the Year. Congrats to the entire Ohana team, Doheny State Beach, and our community, too, for this very much-deserved global recognition!
Congratulations also to one of my mentors, Arts & Culture Ambassador Karin Schnell, on being named Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Thank you for all you do for our community and the guidance and encouragement you have given to me and so many others.
Catch the online performance of songs from my album El Viejothis Friday on the Four Muses show at the4muses.com
The iconic Festival of Whales returns next weekend on March 1-3, and I want to extend a warm welcome to Dana Point Sister Cities’ special guests from Sorrento, Italy. They’re sure to be delighted by signature events including the Magical Migration Parade, Doheny Whale Walk, Clam Chowder Cook-Off, and Whales, Tails & Ales Street Fair. I’m excited to be an Honorary Judge and Award Presenter for the Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash on Saturday morning March 3, and to play the Harbor Music Series with Matt Samia on Sunday, March 3, fromnoon to 2 p.m., near Coffee Importers. Matt Stephens, Mike O'Bryan and Corey Angeli will also perform. Don’t miss Art Walk, Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale, Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild, and the incredible Concert on the Water & BBQ starring Yachty by Nature and Jimmy’s Buffet! More info at festivalofwhales.com.
One of my mantras is “Dream big and do something about it,” and here are some cool opportunities to do so:
Dana Point Community Talent Showcase
The Dana Point Arts & Culture Ambassadors are looking for family-friendly dancers, singers, actors, poets, etc. Ages 10 to 110 can perform! For more info and to submit your audition video by Friday, March 8: bit.ly/DPTalentShowcase2024 or dptalentshowcase@gmail.com.
The Showcase will be Saturday, April 27, from 6-9 p.m., in the Porthole Theater at Dana Hills High School, and it is a fundraiser for the Arts & Culture Ambassadors’ upcoming production of "The Tempest," part of the upcoming “Shakesbeer in the Park Festival” in June.
REDO Market Young Artisans Stage
REDO Market is looking for local high school musicians (acoustic solo/duos) to perform in the REDO Young Artisan area on Sunday, April 28. More info: kurt.schroeder@icloud.co.
Congressional Art Contest
Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors the Congressional Art Competition to honor talented young artists from across the country. U.S. Representative Mike Levin encourages high school students in California’s 49th Congressional District (South OC, North SD) to submit their original artwork by March 22 for a chance to win cash prizes and have their art displayed in the Oceanside Museum of Art and the United States Capitol. More info: call 949.281.2449 or email CA49.ART@mail.house.gov.
Festival of Whales: Whale of a Kid’s Art Contest
This competition is hosted by the city and open to children up to 12 years of age. The theme is the magical migration of the California Gray Whale, so take a photo of your creative drawing or painting and email recreation@danapoint.org by March 3. The winning submission receives an ocean-themed gift basket and a whale-watching trip for a family of four.
Anthony Small is a City of Dana Point Arts and Culture Ambassador and local musician. Small and his family have lived in Dana Point for 25 years.