The American Association of University Women Morro Bay Branch’s next meeting is Saturday May 10, beginning at 10 a.m. at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 545 Shasta, Morro Bay. They will celebrate the Installation of Officers for the 2025-2026 year with a potluck luncheon and discussing of the April Garden Tour outcome.
They welcome anyone to attend meetings who is interested in the AAUW mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. For membership information please contact Nancy Johnson at: Nanj93442@yahoo.com.
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Reprise Foundation for the Arts holds their second annual free community event and fundraiser “Making Arts Happen” Saturday May 10 at The Benedict in Morro Bay. Enjoy brief performances in this variety show style celebration of local singers, musicians, and performers, many of whom are Reprise scholarship recipients. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with a silent auction; last bid is at 3 p.m. All funds raised go toward Reprise scholarship programs. Bring the whole family.
Every penny raised at this event goes directly to scholarships and keeps the event free to the public.
Reprise Foundation’s mission statement is simple: “Making music, art, and community.” Founded in the fall of 2023, Reprise established itself on the belief that the arts are basic human rights that should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, means, geographic location, age, or other barriers. They have already awarded $3,200 in local scholarships this year.
For further information about the scholarship programs, go to reprisefoundation.org.
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Kid C.A.T. invites the community to an extraordinary evening of connection, healing, and hope at “SLO Connected: Creating Awareness Together.” On May 10 at Private Residence in San Luis Obispo (address provided with ticket) Attire is dressy casual and evening coat is recommended.
Kid (Creating Awareness Together) C.A.T. empowers incarcerated youth to become agents of positive change through comprehensive personal development programs. Our innovative approach focuses on emotional intelligence, accountability, and community reconnection.
The event includes:
• Exclusive artwork gallery featuring pieces created by incarcerated artists
• Inspiring stories from Kid C.A.T. Alumni speakers
• Immersive “Highway 1” community connection experience
• Collaborative community building circle
Tickets are limited. Each ticket represents an opportunity to challenge perceptions, support rehabilitation, and create meaningful pathways for community reintegration.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at thekidcat.org/sloconnected
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“Anyone Can Learn to Oil Paint” is a 12-week oil painting series at Art Center Morro Bay.
Have you always wanted to try oil painting? Instructor Anita Hampton believes anyone can paint and is ready to prove it. In two 4-week sessions are still available. Classes are on Thursdays, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Art Center Morro Bay at 835 Main St., Morro Bay. Session 2: May 29-June 19. Session 3: June 26 – July 17. Cost is $145/month; see website for discounts. Sign up for the whole series or one 4-week session at a time. For more information, call (805) 772-2504 or go to bit.ly/3EdQ1o9.
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The 3rd Annual Faerie Festival at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd Sunday, takes place on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 11.
This free family event has become a beloved local tradition, drawing thousands with its mix of:
• Live music and storytelling
• Nature-inspired activities and crafts across the Children’s Garden
• Character visits (Tinker Bell included!)
• Artists’ Marketplace with local makers + Five Cities Orchid Society
• Costumes are encouraged!
There is a ticketed Brunch at 9 a.m. ($60 for members and $75 for non-members) and the free general festival is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Parking for both events is, cash only. For more information, go to slobg.org/faerie-festival-2025/.
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Cellist Tyler J. Borden and pianist Mari Kawamura will present a free concert of works by composer Morton Feldman, a major figure in 20th-century classical music, at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 11, in Davidson Music Center, Room 218. The program will start with a brief selection of Feldman’s early works and then culminate with his 80-minute “Patterns in a Chromatic Field,” known for long durations and unpredictable repetition.
Cal Poly Music Department Offers Numerous Free Spring Student Recitals
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The San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre is thrilled to present I Hate Hamlet, Paul Rudnick’s witty and ghost-filled comedy, opening Friday, May 2 and running through Sunday, May 18. This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud play brings together Shakespeare, stage fright, swordfighting—and the ghost of a legendary actor. When hotshot television star Andrew Rally relocates to New York to play the title role in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, he finds himself out of his depth. He’s renting a gothic apartment once occupied by John Barrymore, the greatest Hamlet of all time—and his ghost still haunts the place. What follows is a clash of worlds and egos as Rally contends with his insecurities, a Hollywood offer too good to refuse, and the ghostly Barrymore’s flamboyant coaching. Directed by R. Michael Gros, this production delivers a mix of highbrow drama and outrageous comedy, perfect for both Shakespeare aficionados and theatre newcomers alike. The cast includes Billy Breed and Ben Abbott, bringing Rudnick’s sharp dialogue and heartfelt moments to life on the SLO REP stage. “I Hate Hamlet is a love letter to the theatre wrapped in a smart, hilarious script,” says Kevin Harris, Managing Artistic Director of SLO REP. “It’s about artistic integrity, taking risks, and believing in yourself—even when a ghost is telling you what to do.” Performances will be held at the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, located at 888 Morro Street. Tickets are available now at www.slorep.org. range from $20-$44
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Join the Central Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA) On Memorial Day weekend and check out the Fremont Theater for a transformational evening celebrating national parks and all public lands. Director Brendan Hall present the award-winning feature documentary “Out There: A National Parks Story,” following a 10,000-mile road trip through the U.S. national parks with his childhood friend to tell stories of the incredible people they meet along the way. The film’s music composer Elizabeth P.W. and musician Dylan McKinstry will perform music from the film. This is an evening of wonder, learning, and community as they raise awareness about the parks in SLO County — state, city, county, and privately managed parks and open spaces. Discover activities, career opportunities, and ways to engage with our parks. The film screens from Fm 6-7:15 p.m. and a Q&A
7:30- 8pm: with Film Director, Brendan Hall and local Park representatives it from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $27.78 including fees and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/431Aosh.
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Morro Coast Audubon Society’s May Zoom Community Program is Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. The topic is Illegal Wildlife Trafficking. Did you know illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking globally? Did you know that, in the mid 1990s, a legislative study was conducted in California and, at that time, illegal wildlife trade in California was second only to the drug trade? IWT is one of the world’s largest criminal activities.
The meeting is presented by:
• Nancy Foley, California Fish and Wildlife law enforcement chief (retired), Morro Coast Audubon Society vice president
• Nate Smith, California Fish and Wildlife department assistant chief
• Ed Newcomer, Jr., J.D., senior special agent USFWS (retired)
The link for the event can be found at morrocoastaudubon.org/. All MCAS Zoom Community Programs are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No signup/registration required to attend.
Send questions Wendy McKeown, community programs chair at CommPrograms@morrocoastaudubon.org.
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Cruise Control Contemporary Gallery presents “Home Body,” a solo exhibition of new paintings by Carpinteria based artist Kim Satomi Hoppe running through early June. Through vivid color and playful imagery, “Home Body” reflects on what it means to create — or long for — a sense of home. And at a time in California when an ability to have a home is being challenged. Hoppe’s paintings are filled with fruits, flowers, and objects that feel both intimate and universal, drawing from personal history while inviting viewers into a shared emotional space of beauty and care.
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Upcoming free youth programs in May at the Morro Bay Library – 625 Harbor St, (805) 772-6394.
• Sensory Playtime – Saturday, May 10, 10 – 11 a.m.
Let your little ones lead the way in this open-ended playtime! Babies and toddlers can use their five senses to explore our play stations. Parents & caregivers: we also have early literacy tips for you! For ages 0-5.
• Games Under the Sea – Wednesday, May 14, 3 – 5 p.m.
Win small prizes playing loteria del mar, learn about seashore creatures with a matching game, choose an adorable or fearsome sea creature to color, and more. Watch live video of otters getting fed at 3:30.
• Games on the Patio – Wednesday, May 21, 3 – 5 p.m.
Play giant Jenga, jumbo Connect Four, ring toss and cornhole on our patio!
• Nintendo Switch – Wednesday, May 28, 3 – 5 p.m.
Master your gaming skills and make new friends with our Nintendo Switch! We will provide one Switch for up to four players at a time – feel free to bring your own too. Games include Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Just Dance.
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Kidical Mass takes place May 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Mitchell Park, 1400 Osos St. in SLO. Often called the family bike happening, Kidical Mass is a venue for parents and children to learn how to ride safely. If you have ever wanted to ride your bike in a parade with kids of all ages, this is the perfect chance to make it happen. No matter your age, the ride is a blast for everyone! Ride will be less than a mile and end at the Bike Valet at Farmer’s Market. For more information, go to https://bikeslocounty.org/event/kidical-mass.
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Lily Henley will play at the Historic Octagon Barn Center at 7 p.m. (old time jam at 6) on Monday, May 19 for an evening of ancient Sephardic music the award-winning multi-instrumentalist. Advance tickets are $25/$20 and $30/$25 at the door subject to availability. They can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com.
Henley blends American and Celtic folk traditions with ancient Sephardic ballads. Known for her expressive songwriting, gifted fiddling, and bell-like vocals, her music encompasses her Sephardic lineage and a broad expanse of influences from across the folk world.
Henley tours as a duo with her husband, Duncan Wickel (fiddle, cello, bouzouki, guitar, voice) and sometimes as a trio (with bass). Henley is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright award and was an Artist-in-Residence at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Caramoor American Roots Festival, the Denver Botanical Gardens Summer Series, and the New York Sephardic Music Festival. For the past year she has toured as a frontwoman with mystic-folk band Rising Appalachia and has collaborated with John Doyle, Brittany Haas, David Krakauer, Rushad Eggleston, The Duhks, and many more.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with an old-time jam, and the concert beginning at 7. Seating is first come, first served.
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