By the Sea Productions presents “Fireflies” Feb 21 – Mar 9, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. at 545 Shasta Ave. Morro Bay.
Retired schoolteacher Eleanor Bannister lives a quiet life alone in tiny Groverdell, Texas, set in her routines and secure in her position as the town’s most respected woman until a hole in her roof draws the attention of Abel Brown, a smooth-talking drifter intent on renovating Eleanor’s house, and possibly her life. Can the unexpected sparks of late-life romance be trusted, or is there truth in the gossip that Abel isn’t all that he seems to be? Either way, the whole town is talking.
The show is directed by Anita Schwaber. Reserve tickets at bytheseaproductions.org or call 805-776-3287.
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The Cal Poly University Art Gallery presents the work of James Edmondson in his show, “In the Garage, I Feel Safe. No One Cares About My Ways,” from Friday, through February 28.
James Edmondson is a type designer based in Oakland, California. In 2015, he started OH no Type Co., an independent font foundry that creates bespoke and retail typefaces. With a background in lettering, and a deep appreciation for lively typefaces that are uniquely beautiful, and fun to read, Edmondson’s goal has always been to create quality work that highlights underappreciated genres. He respects history without reinventing the wheel—organic over geometric, lively over perfect, and good spacing above all else.
Edmondson grew up in Arroyo Grande and studied graphic design at California College of the Arts. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Art Type Media program in the Netherlands. In 2018, Edmondson co-founded Future Fonts, a platform for distributing fonts in-progress.
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On Friday, February 21, join the History Center of SLO County for the next free Carnegie Chat, “Abalone Divers of the Central Coast” with Steve Rebuck.
From native peoples millennia ago to the modern era, divers on the Central Coast have pursued these mollusks for their meat and shells. This form of fishing has played a vital role in the development of our region, and Steve will share the stories of the industry and the individuals who did this challenging, fascinating work.
It takes place at 5:30 p.m. in-person, 696 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo and online, preregistration required at www.historycenterslo.org.
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Mix it up at So Drag Brunch at Libertine, 1234 Broad Street San Luis Obispo, and experience the glitter, grit, and grace of drag like never before on Feb. 16 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sensational queens – Nala and Juicy CW – will be your hosts and guarantee to captivate you with their electrifying performances, glamour, and charisma. Expect high-energy numbers, stunning costumes, and plenty of laughter.
What makes this That’s So Drag Brunch so special? Video and audio will be recorded throughout the show for the purposes of creating a short documentary film. Food and drinks available throughout the show including bottomless mimosas, breakfast burritos, and frozen espresso martinis.
This event sells out every time, reserve your spot now! It is an 18 and over show. Tickets are $21.13 and are available at my805tix.com.
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The Winter “Sounds of Groove” Jazz Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, in the Performing Arts Center. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will sing “My Funny Valentine” by Richard Rodgers, Rube Bloom’s “Give Me the Simple Life,” and Stevie Wonder’s “As.” The Jazz Combos will play jazz standards and original student arrangements, and the University Jazz Band will perform arrangements by Michael Mossman, Ellen Rowe and others. Tickets ($17 and $22 general, $12 students and Jazz Federation members) are available at Pacslo.org.
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Art Center Morro Bay presents One Gallery -Two Shows: Estuary and Marsh and Aquarius 2025 with Featured Artist Richard Rowe February 20 – March 31.
The Estuary and Marsh exhibit celebrates the Morro Bay National Estuary Program’s 30th anniversary. Artists living along the coast are invited to explore the rich, dynamic theme of “Estuary and Marsh.” These vital ecosystems, where land meets water, teem with life, contrast, and transformation. This theme encourages artists to capture the delicate balance between the stillness and movement, resilience and fragility found in these landscapes. Whether focusing on the intricate wildlife, the ever-shifting light, or the interplay between human presence and nature, artists are challenged to reflect the unique beauty, moods, and rhythms of estuaries and marshlands—spaces that are both tranquil and full of life.
The Aquarius 2025 California Exhibition is a premiere juried show presented by Central Coast Watercolor Society.
Richard has made pottery since 1972. He studied ceramics at Cal State Fullerton under Jerry Rothman and graduated with degrees in art and history in 1976. For the next 50 years he has sold his pottery at galleries and art festivals throughout the southwestern U.S. His limited editions and one-of-a-kind pieces are in private collections all over the world. For more, information call (805) 772-2504 or go to www.artcentermorrobay.org.
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Celebrate the music of soul music legend Sam Cooke on Sunday March 2. at Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre (CCAT)! We’ll cover his hits (You Send Me, Cupid, Bring It On Home to Me, Another Saturday Night) and deep cuts from his extensive discography.
The performers include Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Mike Berman, Jesse Loren Strickman, Emily Zuzik, Justin Christian, Sebastian Luna, Jason Luckett, and Adrian Bourgeois.
The concert is produced by Songwriters at Play, husband-wife team Steve Key and Bonnie Nelson-Key. Their tributes at CCAT have included the music of Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Carole King, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan. find out more about Songwriters at Play at songwritersatplay.com.
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The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery at Cuesta College presents “Before
These Witnesses,” a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Daisy Patton. The exhibition is on display through March 14, offering audiences an evocative exploration of various mediums with themes of memory, identity, and storytelling.
The exhibit delves into the complex traditions and symbols associated with love, weddings, and marriage. Patton utilizes diverse media — including photography, painting, embroidery, and sculpture — to explore the aesthetic, political, and social aspects of weddings.
The exhibition raises important questions about inclusivity and the narratives surrounding love and commitment by examining how these rituals have been documented and remembered across cultures and throughout recent history. Patton’s colorful and highly detailed works highlight traditional wedding practices while challenging them. Her intricate use of paint, cloth, and craft, coupled with the inclusion of imagery featuring both straight and queer couples, prompts viewers to reflect on the cultural values embedded in the heart of these celebrations of love and commitment.
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San Luis Obispo Music Festival: Winter 2025 takes place Feb. 19 – 22. Festival Mozaic’s Music Director Scott Yoo is joined by cellist Bion Tsang and pianist Adam Neiman for a series of Notable Encounters and performances throughout SLO County featuring music by Beethoven, Grieg, and Ravel. Plus join us for an intimate piano recital by world-renowned pianist and Festival Mozaic’s special guest artist Hélène Grimaud. Additional free master classes and community events are also still to be announced. For a list of performances and to purchase tickets, go to festivalmozaic.org/winter2025.
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