Step Back in Time: Rat Pack Reborn Live at John D. Spreckels Center
2025-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Experience the golden age of swing and swagger as the Rat Pack Reborn brings classic hits to the John D. Spreckels Center on July 25, from 1 to 2 pm. This special performance promises an hour filled with the timeless music and charm of the legendary Rat Pack era, featuring the unforgettable songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more.
The Rat Pack Reborn ensemble, known for their smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, will transport audiences to the smoky lounges of the 1950s and ’60s. Expect to hear beloved standards and crowd favorites that defined an era.
The John D. Spreckels Center, a hub for community events and cultural experiences, provides the perfect backdrop for this nostalgic afternoon. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Rat Pack or discovering their music for the first time, this event offers a unique opportunity to relive the magic of classic crooners in an intimate setting.
Don’t miss your chance to swing, sway, and sing along to the sounds that shaped a generation. To register, please visit ca-coronado.civicrec.com, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center front desk.

Summer Festival Concert with The Ed Kornhauser Trio
2025-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Spend a summer afternoon wrapped in award-winning jazz when The Ed Kornhauser Trio takes the stage in the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room on Friday, July 25, at 1 pm. Led by San Diego piano virtuoso Ed Kornhauser—a four-time San Diego Music Award honoree, including “Best Jazz Album” for The Short Years and “Best Jazz” in 2022, 2023, and 2025—the trio delivers a compelling blend of lyrical grace and modern swing. Whether you’re new to jazz or a seasoned aficionado, you’ll enjoy a set featuring sparkling originals from Kornhauser’s celebrated recordings, inventive takes on classic standards, and the dynamic interplay that defines his work with top local talent.
Admission is free and seating is open, so arrive early, relax in the cool library vibe, and let The Ed Kornhauser Trio lift your afternoon with soul-stirring, toe-tapping melodies.

Concert in the Park: High Tide Society
2025-07-27 18:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Making their Coronado Concert in the Park debut is High Tide Society, formerly known as AM Gold, San Diego County’s premier yacht rock band for over a decade. This 8-10 piece band, with their blend of horns, guitars, keyboards, and harmonic vocals, combines soft rock, upbeat R&B, and disco dance hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. So don your captain’s hat and your ascot tie and get ready to dance the night away.
Website: High Tide Society
Pre-Show Special Appearance by Lamb’s Players
at 5:15pm:
The ’70s – The Golden Age of the Album!

A Wild Encounter in Coronado – Up Close with Exotic Animals
2025-07-30 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Wild creatures are coming to Coronado! Enter the mysterious world of the rainforest—without leaving town! On Wednesday, July 30 at noon, the Coronado Community Center’s Nautilus Room becomes the gateway to Wild Wonders, an unforgettable wildlife experience. Watch in awe as captivating creatures from South America emerge from the shadows—Think a slinking boa constrictor, a wide-eyed kinkajou, or even a curious armadillo. This free event invites animal lovers of all ages to meet these exotic animals up close, guided by the knowledge and passion of a seasoned animal biologist. Let your wild side roam!

Concert in the Park: Military Appreciation Concert: Sixwire & Guest Star
2025-08-03 18:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Military Appreciation Concert in the Park and Awards Ceremony will begin at 5 pm honoring local military members and their families.
The Coronado Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a very special Concert in the Park on Sunday, August 3 at Spreckels Park beginning at 5 pm honoring our local military members and their families. The evening promises an unforgettable blend of patriotic pride, heartfelt recognition, and outstanding musical entertainment—all free and open to the public.
This event offers a unique opportunity for Coronado residents and the local business community to come together in gratitude and support of the brave service members who protect our nation. Join us for a beautiful evening of community, connections, and celebration.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and be seated by 5 pm. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner for a meaningful and festive summer evening in Spreckels Park.
There is limited reserved parking for active-duty military members at the CUSD parking lots on Sixth and Seventh Streets.
Event Schedule
5:00 – 5:15 pm
The evening opens with the 1st Marine Division Band, performing the National Anthem and other selections, accompanied by the Coronado High School NJROTC Color Guard.
5:15 – 5:20 pm
Welcome remarks will be given by Chamber Board Member Mike Woiwode and Captain Loren Jacobi, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado.
5:20 – 5:45 pm
Presentation of Military and Community Awards:

CAPT Harry T. Jenkins Memorial Award
VADM James & Sybil Stockdale Community Service Award
VADM Edward H. Martin Distinguished Community Service Award, presented by the City of Coronado

5:45 – 6:00 pm
Announcements and acknowledgments of the generous sponsors who made this evening possible – Gail & Bob Bardin, Carol Sommer, Arlene Inch and the Auen Foundation.
6:00 – 7:45 pm
The concert begins with the acclaimed Nashville band Sixwire, joined by a very special surprise guest who will remain after the show for photos with attendees.

Sixwire
A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll. Sixwire is one of the busiest, hardest-working bands to come out of Nashville. In addition to performing their own spectacular shows featuring everything from their own hits to the best in pop, rock, classic rock, and even country, Sixwire regularly welcomes special celebrity guests to sit in with them. Sixwire members served as “house band” on USA Network’s “Nashville Star,” and continued their television work on FOX’s “Next Great American Band,” CMT’s “Next Superstar,” and ABC’s dramatic series “Nashville.”
The band also served as the first ever house band for the NFL Draft on ESPN, and most recently performed for the Las Vegas Raiders’ private event at this year’s Super Bowl.
And, Special Guest – To be Announced at Concert

Drive In Movie: Tangled
2025-08-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
“When the kingdom’s most wanted bandit is taken hostage by Rapunzel — a teen with 70 feet of golden hair who’s looking to escape the tower where she’s been locked away for years — the unlikely duo sets off on a hair-raising escapade.” *
Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Summers are for drive in movies! Design your own car, grab some snacks, and watch Tangled with your friends from the comfort of your own car.
* Summary from Disney Plus

Mad Science Show – Up Up and Away
2025-08-06 12:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready to defy gravity and explore the invisible forces all around us. Mad Science – Up Up and Away is a FREE interactive science show that will blow your mind as you discover the principles of air and pressure. From giant wind bags to vortex generators—and even a real hovercraft—you’ll see science come alive in the most amazing ways.
Join us Wednesday, August 6 at noon at the Coronado Community Center’s Nautilus Room. Open to all ages and completely free.

Summer Festival Concert with Glenn Kramer
2025-08-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Treat yourself to an afternoon of musical nostalgia and playful interaction when pianist Glenn Kramer brings his one-man show to the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room on Friday, August 8 at 1 pm. A mainstay of San Diego’s music scene since 2000, Glenn glides effortlessly through pop favorites, jazz gems, show-tune classics, and beloved standards from the Great American Songbook — often tossing in audience requests on the spot. Between dazzling arrangements and lively stories, he’ll invite listeners to join his signature “Name That Tune” and music – Bingo games, complete with lyric books and handheld rhythm instruments so everyone can play along. Whether you come to hum, test your trivia savvy, or simply relax to masterful piano, this free, one-hour concert promises smiles, surprises, and a melodic stroll down memory lane. Mark your calendar and let Glenn Kramer turn your Friday into a grand piano party!

Concert in the Park: Betamaxx
2025-08-10 18:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The ’80s Never Go Out of Style. Pac-Man, Thriller, the Berlin Wall, New Coke, The Breakfast Club, and the Cabbage Patch Doll — the 1980s were a time of political change, new technology, bad fashions, and some memorable pop music. Formed in 2009, BETAMAXX recreates and celebrates the sounds of that decade in a live musical experience.
BETAMAXX covers the whole range of ’80s music: the rock of Pat Benatar, the glossy pop of Journey, Michael Jackson’s funk, The Smiths’ jangle, and the new wave of Depeche Mode. BETAMAXX knows what people love because they loved it when it first hit the charts. The versatility and high level of musicianship within the band allows BETAMAXX to play it all.
Website: BETAMAXX

Sit a Spell and Play a Tune Piano Community Sing-along
2025-08-15 13:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
A Community Sing-Along will take place at 1 pm on Friday, August 15, at the Coronado Public Library where the Sit a Spell and Play a Tune piano is located next to the coffee cart. Sponsored by the Library and Cultural Arts Commission, this free event is for singers of all ages and abilities – no talent required.
Friday’s event will feature popular songs from multiple decades that everyone seems to know and love. Lyric sheets will be provided to all singers and wannabe singers, and in a twist from previous years, musicians are invited to bring along their own instruments. Whether guitarists, violinists, or even ukulele strummers (who made a welcomed surprise appearance last year), all are invited to join the jam.
LEARN MORE:
“Sit a Spell and Play a Tune” Piano Will Hit the Right Note at Community Sing-along

Summer Festival Concert: An Afternoon of Opera with Gabriella Rodmac
2025-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join the Library for an afternoon of opera as soprano Gabriella Rodmac takes the stage for “The Girl from the West.” She’ll be accompanied by Michele Scanlon in a performance featuring Spanish boleros, West Side Story highlights and some Italian favorites.
Doors open at 12:45.

About Gabriella Rodmac
Born in San Diego, California and raised also in Tijuana, Mexico. Gabriella began her musical journey at a very young age performing at school concerts and as a member of the local church choir. She studied classical singing at the Conservatorio de la OBC in Tijuana after which she enrolled as a Dramatic Arts major and music minor at Mesa College in San Diego. Gabriella continued her theatrical studies in Madrid, Spain at the Escuela Superior de Artes y Espectaculos. In 2010 Gabriella performed the role of Carmen in a production of Bizet’s opera at Festival De Opera en la Calle with Opera de Tijuana. She continued her collaboration with them until 2012 including the role of Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana. After obtaining her Bachelor’s in Classical Singing at Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado in Milan she went on to debut her first operatic role in a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Teatro Giuseppe Verdi in Busseto, Italy, where she went back to perform the role of Kate Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. She was Tosca in a concert form production of Puccini’s Opera at Teatro Gatto in Switzerland and reprised the role of Donna Elvira in a production of Don Giovanni in Varese, Italy. She was Maria in a Scuola Civica Claudio Abbado’s production of West Side Story and reprised the role in two other occasions in the city of Milan. She recently performed the roles of La Fata Turchina and La Volpe in a production of Natalia Valli’s Pinocchio and Serafina in Opera Italia’s production of Donizetti’s Il Campanello in Los Angeles. She currently trains and performs in Italy where she also resides. Gabriella is currently on her second consecutive season on the 2024-2025 Singer Roster at Teatro Lirico Sperimentale di Spoleto, one of Italy’s most important opera companies and an official member of the historical choir Corale Monzese in Italy. Gabriella is known for the warmth and roundness of her voice as well as for the extended range and versatility. Her recent collaboration with the city of Coronado brought about the sold out concert: Le Stagioni dell’Amore (The Season’s of Love). Gabriella has sung at numerous prestigious venues including but not limited to Vigorelli Stadium in Milan, Italy where she was invited to sing the US National Anthem in collaboration with the U.S Consulate of Milan, at the XXV Italian Super Bowl.

Coronado Community Center Celebrates 20 Years
2025-08-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Community Center is throwing a party—and you’re invited! Join us Sunday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as we celebrate two decades of community, connection, and countless memories at the Coronado Community Center.
Get ready to explore every corner of the building at 1845 Strand Way, where something exciting for all ages will be happening in almost every room. The fun begins at 11 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting. Enjoy hands-on crafts, carnival games, a cooking station, and interactive dance and fitness demos. Feeling adventurous? Test your skills at inflatable archery or on the climbing wall and try your luck at basketball free throws or corn hole.
Make a splash at the Aquatics Center, home to a massive inflatable obstacle course, water exercise classes, lap swim, family swim, and classic deck games.
The celebration doesn’t stop there: enjoy a treasure hunt, spin the prize wheel, get your face painted, and refuel with free pizza, drinks, and party cupcakes.
Admission is free, however space is limited. Pre-registration is required and includes general entry, goodie bag, and food. Please note additional sign-ups are required for select activities. Reserve your spot now and help us celebrate 20 amazing years of this lively, active community hub.

Concert in the Park: The Suenamis
2025-08-17 18:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Courtesy photo
One of our community’s newest local music groups will take the gazebo stage at Spreckels Park on August 17.
Imagine pumping quarters into the jukebox in a roadside diner along a dark highway, only to hear rock classics obscured by the clatter of dishes and the clang of the pinball machine under stark fluorescent lights. The antidote is hearing great tunes live, played and sung by a group that has the vibe just right — powerful vocals backed by the warmth and energy of a tight, soulful band.
The Suenamis have high energy and a rocking sound, featuring lead singer Sue Shirey. The versatile band also consists of: Robb Huff, Guitar and Vocals; Tricialynn Naval, Keys and Vocals; René Roques, Guitar; Phil Hammett, Bass; and Marty Bastuba on Drums.
The Suenamis

Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | CA
The largest summertime water event on San Diego Bay — the annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Dinner and Regatta — will be held on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, 2025. The events are hosted by Sharp HospiceCare, Coronado Yacht Club and Cortez Racing Association.
The event kicks off Friday evening, August 22, with a pre-race dinner and silent auction, followed by all-day festivities on Saturday, August 23, when guests will board yachts and cruise along the racecourse for a breathtaking view of the regatta and San Diego Bay.
All proceeds from the regatta support Sharp HospiceCare, an organization that provides comprehensive care and compassionate support for patients and their families struggling with a life-limiting illness.
The 2025 regatta beneficiary will be Sharp HospiceCare’s Homes for Hospice, which raises money to build and maintain residential hospice homes in San Diego County. The homes offer a unique environment for patients with a life-limiting illness, to meet their needs in a comfortable home setting.
Sharp HospiceCare has just completed the fundraising efforts for its fourth hospice home, Moore MountainView Hospice Home, which will open this summer in Poway. Sharp HospiceCare currently has three other homes in the neighborhoods of La Mesa, Del Cerro and Bonita. These homes were funded and are maintained entirely through philanthropic support from the community.
Pre-Race Event – Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, 5 p.m.
Hotel Del Coronado
Tickets: $350; includes full-course dinner, dancing and silent auction
Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.
The event is OUTSIDE on the Windsor Lawn.
Race and Spectator Yacht Seating – Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, 10:30 a.m.
Coronado Yacht Club, 1631 Strand Way, Coronado, CA 92118
Tickets: $200; includes yacht reservation, lunch, refreshments and post-race dinner party
The race portion of the event starts on Saturday at 12 p.m. at the east end of Harbor Island, winding around San Diego Bay and finishing near the Coronado Yacht Club.
For tickets to the pre-race event and spectator party, or to become an event sponsor, please call Bill Navrides at 619-740-4316. To learn more about the regatta or pay online visit https://grossmontfoundation.ejoinme.org/regatta2025
Racers can register sailboats to compete in the regatta by visiting http://www.cortezracing.com/.

Summer Festival Concert with the Rob Thorsen Trio
2025-08-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Step into a rich, resonant world of jazz when the Rob Thorsen Trio brings their signature blend of swing, soul, and sophistication to the Coronado Public Library’s Winn Room on Friday, August 22 at 1 p.m. Led by acclaimed bassist Rob Thorsen—a mainstay of the Southern California jazz scene and a passionate jazz educator—the trio features the expressive, rhythm-savvy drumming of Richard Sellers and the eloquent, genre-spanning pianism of Melonie Grinnell.
Admission is free, and seating is open— come early, settle in, and let the music carry you away. Whether jazz is your passion or a new discovery, this concert offers a welcoming space to unwind and experience something truly special.

Bassist Rob Thorsen maintains a diverse and busy schedule in Southern California as a performer, educator, clinician and composer. After playing classical guitar, flute, saxophones, tuba and electric bass as a youth, he found his true voice in the upright bass. He performs regularly as a leader, and with artists including the Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, Mike Wofford/ Holly Hofmann Quartet, Charles McPherson, Steph Johnson, Voices of Our City Choir and others.
He has released six recordings as a leader, the most recent “Bass is the Space – Solos and Duos” featured an array of jazz talents including Gilbert Castellanos, Marshall Hawkins, Joshua White in duo settings as well as solo performances of originals and more. Rob is also involved in several educational programs including the “World of Jazz” and is also an educator at the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory in addition to teaching privately.
Pianist Melonie Grinnell is active as an educator and performer, she began studying piano at an early age and has since been recognized not only for her versatile skills as a pianist, but also for her abilities as a vocalist, music educator, and musical director. Melonie received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from SDSU.
Melonie has been a music educator at the collegiate level for 24 years and is an Assistant Professor at Grossmont College where she serves as director of piano studies and the vocal jazz ensemble.
Additionally, she is on the faculty for the Francis Parker/KSDS 88.3 Summer Jazz Workshop where she teaches jazz piano and co-directs middle school to high school student ensembles.
Richard Sellers has been playing drums professionally for over thirty years. In that time, he has performed with countless groups and ensembles in a variety of styles, including straightahead jazz, avant-garde jazz, Brazilian, Latin, funk and hip-hop. Richard recorded with the Internationally acclaimed Mike Wofford/ Holly Hofmann quintet for their 2014 release “Turn Signal” which featured trumpeter Terrell Stafford.
Richard has become one of the premier drummers in Southern California, and finds himself sharing the stage with world class artists such as Hubert Laws, Terrell Stafford, Kenny Rankin, Kamau Kenyatta, Mike Wofford, Bob Magnusson, Marshall Hawkins, Clare Fischer, Andy Simpkins, and Jackie and Roy.

Concert in the Park: Mirage - Visions of Fleetwood Mac
2025-08-24 17:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Courtesy photo
Making a rare San Diego County appearance, Mirage is widely regarded as the #1 Fleetwood Mac tribute band in America. So authentic are their sounds and costumes, that you will swear you are attending a real Fleetwood Mac concert. Mirage is, in fact, the only Fleetwood Mac tribute band personally endorsed by the iconic Stevie Nicks herself. So jump into your time machine, as Mirage takes you back to the ’70s and ’80s for a concert you will not soon forget. Yes folks, the Mac is Back!
MIRAGETRIBUTE.com

Coronado Rotary Online Auction
2025-08-26 - 2025-09-08 | CA
Join the Rotary Club of Coronado in raising funds to eradicate polio internationally and combat mental health issues in Coronado. In addition to the club’s traditional cause of ending polio throughout the world, the club has chosen to support Safe Harbor Coronado as a vital resource locally to combat loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts. You can help!
There’s a limited-time opportunity to bid on unique experiences, sporting activities, and gorgeous art, thanks to the generosity of the City of Coronado, local businesses, and individuals in town and across the bridge.
Bid on items and win at the Community Auction
Through September 8 at 8 pm PT, visit CoronadoRotaryAuction.com to take advantage of amazing opportunities for recreation, fabulous dining, exclusive shopping and sports events (think Padres!) that can be found nowhere else. You can arrange for a family photo, take over a local restaurant, or have Santa visit your family for an hour on Christmas Eve!. This bidding opportunity is offered in conjunction with Coronado Rotary’s annual winetasting event to be held September 6. Winetasting tickets are sold out but everyone can still participate by bidding on these one-of-a-kind opportunities!
Bid Now

CIFF Monthly Classic Film: "Shakespeare in Love" (1998)
2025-08-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Village Theatre, 820 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Island Film Festival’s monthly classic film for August is 1998’s “Shakespeare in Love” starring Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton; and directed by John Madden.
Young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, “Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter,” before it’s even written. When a lovely noblewoman auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and his play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship progresses, Shakespeare’s comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
5 pm THEATER DOORS OPEN*
5:30 pm PRESENTATION STARTS
*One Adult beverage is offered.
Please plan to be seated by 5:20pm
Due to the high demand and frequent sellouts of the screenings, CIFF strongly recommends purchasing tickets online in advance. Please arrive early to secure your seat and indulge in refreshments before the show begins.

Avanti Flute Choir Summer Concert
2025-08-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Avanti Flute Choir will present a Summer Concert on Saturday, August 30 at 3 p.m. in the Winn Room at Coronado Public Library, featuring Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas, Pachelbel’s Canon in D, songs by Cyndi Lauper, the Monkees, and more.

Concert in the Park: Crown Town
2025-08-31 17:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Courtesy photo
Coronado’s own Matt Heinecke has been playing gigs in our town since he was a freshman at Coronado High School. His unique style of guitar draws on a wide range of influences, including folk, classical, rock, jazz, country and bluegrass.
Over a 20+ year career of professional performances the singer-songwriter has been featured everywhere from Coronado coffee shops to the studios of Los Angeles and Nashville. In addition to a full performance schedule, he is the band director of the Coronado Unified School District, preparing a new generation of artists for our stage and well beyond.
Crown Town

Autumn Concert Series: Jeremy Kurtz-Harris
2025-09-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 5, we will have Jeremy Kurtz-Harris on the double bass, performing classical works inspired by folk music, world music, and more.

Bassist Jeremy Kurtz-Harris has a diverse musical background that includes solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. He has been the Principal Bassist of the San Diego Symphony since 2004 and has also played Guest Principal Bass with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. During 2015-16, Kurtz-Harris was an acting member of the San Francisco Symphony, performing as Principal for most of the season. He has also played Associate Principal Bass in the summers with the Sun Valley Music Festival since 2010.
Kurtz-Harris is an avid proponent of the double bass as a solo instrument. He regularly performs solo recitals, has been featured as a soloist with numerous ensembles, and recorded an album, “Sonatas and Meditations” which featured his long-time collaborator, pianist Ines Irawati. He actively encourages composers to write both solo and chamber music for bass, and has commissioned and premiered multiple works for the instrument. As a chamber musician, he has performed at La Jolla Summerfest, Carnegie’s Weill Hall, and on San Diego’s “Art of Elan” chamber series.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and Rice University, Kurtz-Harris is a dedicated pedagogue. He has been the classical bass teacher at San Diego State University since 2006, and has taught master classes in the U.S., Mexico, and Australia. He has also served as a board member for the International Society of Bassists, which fosters interaction among bassists from many countries, backgrounds, and musical genres, and also opportunities for young bassists.
In addition to his double bass performing and teaching pursuits, Kurtz-Harris also enjoys experimenting with sound design, audio recording, composing, arranging, and playing drums.
He lives with his wife and two children in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego.

Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony + Young People’s Concert
2025-09-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra launches its 2025–26 season with a vibrant and heartwarming concert that celebrates the power of youth, artistry, and timeless musical brilliance.
Following the youth soloist showcase, which includes pieces from Grieg, Mendelssohn and Mozart, the orchestra will take audiences on a thrilling journey through Beethoven’s legendary Symphony No. 5 in C minor. With its unforgettable four-note motif and sweeping emotional arc, the Fifth Symphony stands as one of the most iconic works in the classical canon.

For the fifth consecutive season, Coronado’s own Philharmonia Orchestra is delighting concertgoers of all ages. The orchestra – led by Founder/Director Osvaldo Mendoza – is building on the momentum of their last four years. Their mission is to 1) provide at least four professional symphonic concerts a year, 2) sponsor free small venue community outreach concerts and 3) inspire and educate the youth in the fine arts.
The Coronado Philharmonia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose goal is to enrich the cultural life of our community by providing classical repertoire performed at a professional level.

Autumn Concert Series: Nico Hueso
2025-09-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 12, we will have Nico Hueso performing on the viola.

Nico received his Bachelor’s of Music in performance from Kennesaw State University while studying under Atlanta Symphony violist Cathy Lynn. Mr. Hueso has also studied with renowned performers Helen Kim, Juan Ramirez, Francisco Caban, David Grimal, Elias Goldstein, and Henry Hutchinson. Hueso has participated in several prestigious music festivals including the Pablo Casals Chamber Music Festival in Prades, France, the Festival International de Huapango in Panuco, Mexico, the Programa Musica de Camera para Niños, FOSJA in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the GMEA All College Orchestra 2011 as principal violist and soloist. Mr. Hueso has performed in master classes with the Ying Quartet, Eighth Blackbird, Pacifica Quartet, and Chilingirian Quartet, and he has been a finalist in the MTNA Chamber music competition. His extensive orchestral & chamber music experience includes performances at the Central Conservatory in Beijing, the People’s Theatre in Xi’an, and for the Confucius Institute of China, along with the Atlanta Virtuosi, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Camarada Chamber Ensemble, the Athenaeum, Opera Neo, performing recitals at UCSD alongside Doctoral candidates, members of the San Diego Symphony, California Ballet, along with principal players of the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Vienna State Opera, amongst many others.
In addition to classical viola, Hueso freelances and records in multiple genres as a violinist, guitarist, & electric bassist; he has been a guest soloist with the rock band Kansas in 2011 for their Symphony Tour, has performed with Placido Domingo, rock band Disturbed, members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitclán & Nuevo Tecalitclán, tribute groups commemorating artists such as Otis Redding, and has collaborated with a number of up-and-coming pop and country artists, lending his skills as both a composer and studio musician. In addition to keeping a rigorous teaching and freelancing schedule, Hueso enjoys arranging, improvising and performing chamber music with his colleagues from Atlanta, San Diego, and Puerto Rico Symphonies.

Pirates of the Sea with Richard Lederer
2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Union Tribune columnist and International Punster of the Year Richard Lederer will unlock a treasure chest of pirate jokes and riddles. Dr. Lederer will also reveal the origins of nautical words and phrases. Learn what happened when Bluebeard fell into the Red Sea, why pirates wear earrings, and more, as you laugh your way though Lederer’s musings.
Books will be available for sale after the show.

Fiesta de Coronado
2025-09-13 17:30 | Hansen Mansion, 711 A Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Rick and Katie Moore Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Fiesta de Coronado, will be held on Saturday, September 13 at the historic Hansen Mansion in Coronado. The event has raised over a million dollars during the prior nine events and numerous local causes have been beneficiaries of the fundraising.
This year’s beneficiary is the San Diego Rescue Mission whose mission is to help those experiencing homelessness. The proceeds will help the Mission to operate a new east county homeless shelter.
At check-in, you’ll hear the lovely singing voice of Ciera Fernandez as she helps to welcome guests to the Hansen Mansion. As in the past, there will be a lively cocktail hour with a hosted bar and passed appetizers. During happy hour guests will have a chance to bid on an extensive gallery of silent auction items. Executive Chef David Bland and his crew will provide a fantastic meal – from salad to dessert you will not be disappointed. As coffee and dessert are served, Donnie Dee, the executive director of SDRM, will update attendees on what’s going on at the Mission, followed by an exciting live auction with auctioneer Greg Wingard.
TICKETS
Serving San Diego county at multiple locations, we help restore the lives of people experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty or addiction through faith-based emergency services, residential rehabilitation, programs, children services, hunger relief, and community outreach.
~ The San Diego Rescue Mission ~
Don’t miss this unforgettable night at the historic Hansen Mansion in Coronado on Saturday, Sept. 13, 5:30 pm, 711 A Avenue.
Rick and Katie Moore Foundation
501 (c)(3) ID 20-1842588

Armchair Travel: Journey Through the Canadian Rockies
2025-09-17 18:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
September’s Armchair Travel will be held on Wednesday, September 17. Presented by Stan Thorne and Brenda Jones, the program will take you on a breathtaking journey through the Canadian Rockies aboard the luxurious and world-famous Rocky Mountaineer.
Sit back and enjoy a scenic excursion featuring towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and cascading waterfalls—all from the comfort of the John D. Spreckels Center. Learn about the region’s rich history, incredible wildlife, and the unforgettable experience of traveling by rail with world-class amenities. This is truly a “Bucket List” adventure you won’t want to miss.
Join us at the John D. Spreckels Center. 1019 Seventh Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Pricing varies based on residency and senior discount.
Register today at coronado.ca.us/civicrec or call 619-522-7343.

Autumn Concert Series: Lori Bell
2025-09-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 19, we will have Lori Bell on the flute. She will be playing From Bach to Bebop, including songs by Bach, Telemann, Piazolla, Debussy, Hoover, and more.

Acclaimed flutist and a three time Global Music Award recipient, Brooklyn native Lori Bell is a flutist and composer of admirable depth and broad musical sympathies. A resident of San Diego, she has contributed to the development of higher standards of performance while earning acclaim from both peers and critics for her artistry on stage and in recordings.
In 2016 Lori paid heartfelt tribute to her family and birthplace on her critically acclaimed album ‘Brooklyn Dreaming’ earning four star ratings from Jazz Journal UK, Jazz Times, the Los Angeles Times (four and a half stars) and Downbeat, which chose it as “Best Albums of 2016.” Huffington Post also chose ‘Brooklyn Dreaming’ for their “Best of Jazz 2016”. Bill Milkowski wrote in the March 2016 issue of Downbeat: “Bell flaunts prodigious chops on both C flute and alto flute, though her pen might be mightier than her sword. Her originals all reveal a wide harmonic palette, a sophisticated rhythmic sensibility and a refined sense of dynamics, along with an urge to swing.” Veteran jazz critic Scott Yanow chose it as one of his Top 25 Best jazz CD’s of 2016. It also won a Global Music Award for Outstanding Achievement for compositions and arrangements.
Her most recent album project released in 2024 is a tribute to the legendary saxophonist and composer, Joe Henderson. The Lori Bell Quartet – Recorda Me; Remembering Joe Henderson was selected at Jazz Congress in NYC for Jukebox Jury, received international press, and was selected Top 10 Jazz Critics Poll in Cadence Magazine, Top 10 Essential Releases by jazz critic Scott Yanow, and Best Jazz Albums of 2024 in All About Jazz.
Lori has toured in Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong. She has also performed in high profile ensemble settings at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, SOKA Performing Arts Center, The Wadsworth Theatre at UCLA, Birdland NYC, The Blue Note NYC, SFJAZZ in the Joe Henderson Lab, and most recently, on a project of jazz arrangements and classical compositions for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Library. She has performed three times at the Gala for the National Flute Association.
Equally fluent in both jazz and classical idioms, Lori is devoted to chamber music: the breadth of classical repertoire for flute and piano she has recorded and performed with her stellar musical partner, Diane Snodgrass, especially showing that commitment. The album ‘Night Soliloquy’ features 20th century French and American repertoire. “While there are many attractive features to Bell’s performances, the most important one is that she is a storyteller. This CD is highly recommended not only for the repertoire but for the captivating performances by Bell and Snodgrass.” ~ Flute Talk Magazine
“Lori Bell is a Pearl Artist, but I hadn’t heard of her before. She is a fantastic player and the run down to a low B in her own arrangement of the Boulanger will be a delight for any flutist to hear.” ~ American Record Guide
Lori has also performed with the International Orchestra, Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles including ‘Night People’ featuring music by composer Joe Garrison which she produced three albums with. In addition to her global renown as a performer and recording artist, Lori is a respected force in music education. She is currently on the faculty as an Instructor of Flute and studio artist teacher at San Diego State University and over the years, has privately taught hundreds of students of all ages in flute, piano (her secondary instrument), classical technique, jazz improvisation, theory, composition and arranging with a focus on artistry and imagery at her studio in San Diego.
Lori has taught master classes for the New York Flute Club, Columbia University, Mannes Music Conservatory NYC, The New School NYC, San Jose State University, Chico State, San Diego State University, UCLA, Utah State University, The National Flute Association 1989, 2003, 2016, University Wisconsin Green Bay, San Diego Flute Guild, in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Race the Rock
2025-09-20 | CA
Race the Rock is a two-person team scavenger hunt adventure around Coronado. At each stop, you’ll tackle fun challenges before hopping back on your bikes and cruising to the next location—island style.
Once you’ve completed the course, head to the after-party at Nicky Rotten’s to keep the fun going. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams.
Enjoy the most fun day in Coronado, while supporting an amazing cause – our local schools! RTR benefits Coronado Schools Foundation, Safe Harbor Coronado, and the Islander Sports Foundation.
Learn more here:
What You Need to Know about “Race the Rock,” Coronado’s Most Festive Fundraiser

Musical Storytime Takeover with Nightingale Music
2025-09-23 11:00 - 11:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special storytime takeover by Nightingale Music! We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle! We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long! Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and create a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Friday, September 23 at 11:00am.
Toddler storytime will resume as normal after this fun takeover.

Autumn Concert Series: Vania Pimentel
2025-09-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Library’s Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 5 to October 31. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 19, we will have Vania Pimentel on the piano.

Concert pianist Vania Pimentel, born and raised in Brazil, has been promoting Brazilian music in creative recital programs. She has a BA in Music and another BA in Philosophy from Brazil, KA graduate artist diploma from Germany, Masters in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and DMA from the University of Houston. Her doctoral dissertation was on Brazilian toccatas, and her CD “Brazilian Toccatas and Toccatinas” was praised by the Brazilian Academy of Music and newspaper critics in Rio de Janeiro in the year of 2000, five hundreds years of Brazil’s discovery by the Portuguese. Dr. Pimentel became a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and worked as an assistant teacher at the Moores School of Music and the Texas Music Festival. In Brazil, she had worked for 14 years as a piano professor in Curitiba, PR. Her first award at a piano competition was at the age of seven in Rio de Janeiro. Her top awards are from J. S. Bach International Piano Competition in Paris (1984), and Jaen Competition in Spain (1982).
Dr. Pimentel lived in Italy from 2005 until 2009, and performed at the series Pianomaster in Gravedonamon Lake Como, and chamber music at the Blaue Blumen concerts in Frankfurt. Afterwards, she lived in San Diego until 2022. She performed recitals at Palomar College, Fallbrook Library, Coronado Library, Encinitas Library, the Athenaeum, Carmel Valley Library, and chamber music in Temecula: Classics at the Merc. She performs frequently in Brazil, and has given masterclasses at many universities there. In 2020, she performed and taught at the 37th Music Workshop of Curitiba, in Paraná state. Last year she presented a solo recital during the Music Week of Lapinha, PR, and last April at the Chapel Santa Maria in Curitiba. Currently she lives in Miami.
