Central Coast Pride 2023 presents Pridefest on Sat., June 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Laguna Lake Park at 504 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo. Come out for a day of family-friendly celebration of Pride, with music, food, art, vendors, resources, and community. All are welcome. Attendance is free. Friday, June 2 kicks off Pride weekend with “Burly-Drag,” a combined Burlesque and Drag show at the Fremont Theatre. Come feel the vapors as a variety of attractive and talented folks help destroy societal expectations around bodies. There’s no shaming at our Pride!
On Saturday, June 3, Pride return sto last year’s venue, Laguna Lake Park, to pull out all the stops for Pridefest! The lovely views of the sun shining on the water through the eucalyptus trees are matched with endless opportunities to support local queer artists of all kinds, from purchasing their wares to cheering them on when they take the stage.
The grand finale is a real doozy–going back to Mission Plaza for the first time in years for the popular Pride in the Plaza event featuring none other than The Family Stone as the headlining performance. This boundary-breaking funk rock band from the 70s not only brought some of the greatest hits of the era, such as “Dance to the Music” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” but was also notable for the social commentary of their songs, and for being a racially integrated group of men and women at a time when that was particularly rare – all of us are “Everyday People.”
For a full event list and descriptions, as well as opportunities to volunteer, go to slopride.com.
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Art Center Morro Bay presents “Rock, Paper, Print” and “Abstraction” June 29 through August 7 with an opening reception on July 9 from 2-4 p.m. Rock, Paper, Print is an exhibition of artwork featuring members of the Central Coast Printmakers, a group of around thirty artists who share the love of printmaking.
In this exhibit of individually hand-made prints, there will be a wide variety of styles and printmaking techniques. Printmakers use many different surfaces such as wood, metal, linoleum and plastic, and methods like carving blocks, etching with acid, and painting materials to print, using a large assortment of papers to achieve these images.
“Abstraction” is in the Virginia Russell gallery. Abstract by definition is having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial representation or narrative content. Enter the realm of self-expression and a departure from reality where every brushstroke is a form of abstraction, displaying a variety of expressive expanses. Here, sharp edges, solid colors, geometric compositions and brushed, poured or spray-painted surfaces abound.
These two shows will be on display from June 29 through August 7, 2023. Rock, Paper, Print will be on display in the main gallery, concurrent with Abstraction and the glass artworks by featured artist Carolyn Niblick
For more information contact: Morro Bay Art Center (805) 772-2504or go to 805-772-2504 or www.artcentermorrobay.org. Image Fishin’ Wishin’ © Courtesy Tricia Reichert
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Co-Dependents Anonymous Meetings take place Saturdays, 1-2:15 p.m. at 1069 Main St., Cambria. Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step recovery program for anyone who desires to have healthy and loving relationships with themselves and others. Meeting is hybrid (both in person and on Zoom). For information, call 805-900-5237. (805) 927-1654. Attendance is free.
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The following are free events brought to you by the Los Osos Library 2075 Palisades Ave, 805-528-1862. All library programs will be following current California and County of San Luis Obispo health guidelines.
• Display Case: Dena Gershon, textile art.
• E-Device Class – Wednesdays, 9:15-10 a.m. (class cancelled 6/21 and 6/28). Bring your electronic device in and Diana will do her best to answer any questions you have.
• Paws to Read – Wednesdays, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Come and read your favorite book to Berkeley! She’s at the Los Osos Library on Wednesday afternoons. School Age.
• Storytime – Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Stories, dance, and music for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Stay Young with Qi Gong! – Fridays, 9-10 a.m. (rain cancels). The basics of qi gong are not difficult to learn and practice and are particularly beneficial for older adults.
• Beginner Coding – Friday, June 2, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Hands on coding fun for kids! Come tinker with Cubetto robots, a Let’s Go Code set and a Robot Mouse. For ages 3+.
• Cartoon Club – Friday, June 9, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Zap! Pow! Learn how to create characters, draw backgrounds, build a story and more during a fun comics-filled afternoon! Paper, pens and pencils provided – you bring the inspiration. For ages 8-18.
• SLO Symphony Petting Zoo – Saturday, June 10, 11-12 p.m. Symphony Zookeepers will introduce you to all of the well-loved and well-used instruments in our collection, and help you figure out how to make some noise! Ages 3+
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party! -Saturday, June 10, 12-2 p.m. Get signed up for summer reading and enjoy some big lawn games like cornhole, connect four and more! All ages.
• Book Discussion – Thursday, June 15, 5:30-6:45 p.m. We will be discussing “Plainsong” by Kent Haruf. No need to sign up ahead of time. Just show up! Call the library for details.
• Poetry Night – Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Join the library on Zoom for a night of poetry celebrating “Art & Appetite.” Poets Lisa Allen Ortiz and Lance Lee present their original works, followed by an open mic. Poetry Night will be hosted via Zoom on June 14 from 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM, Pacific Daylight Time. Registration is required for attendance. Zoom links will be sent via email on the week prior to the event.
• HexBugs – Friday, June 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Create mazes for these motorized bugs, race them and more! All ages welcome.
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The “Coastal Perspectives” photography show is showcased at The Gallery in the Cambria Center for the Arts, running until July 2.
This exhibit offers a diverse collection of artworks that demonstrate the remarkable possibilities achievable with a camera and different image surfaces. Spanning from captivating black and white prints on paper to vibrant color-saturated prints on wood and metal, and even dynamic images displayed on television screens, each entry exemplifies the skillful mastery of photography techniques.
Visitors can experience this captivating exhibition from Friday to Sunday, between 12-4 p.m. Admission is free, offering an accessible opportunity for art enthusiasts and the public alike to immerse themselves in the world of photography.
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The San Luis Obispo Greek Festival returns to San Luis Obispo with its 14th annual event on June 3 and 4, at the Madonna Expo Center, 100 Madonna Rd. The festival hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free!
The Greek Festival is is hosted by the parishioners of Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, located in San Luis Obispo. The family-friendly weekend features Greek dance performances, authentic Greek cuisine, homemade pastries, live traditional music, and dancing, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, as well as shopping and cultural exhibits.
Festival guests will witness a variety of traditional Greek dances performed by youth and adult groups. Cal Poly dancers have their own competitive Greek dance group, Oi Foitites, that performs at the festival. Other traditional Greek dancers, who come from outside the parish, will also participate in the dance performances. After learning a few steps from the free dance lessons provided by these groups, you’ll be dancing along with them and doing traditional Greek dances like the Syrto!
The Greek Festival is a fundraiser for Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church. An important aspect is that a portion of the funds raised goes back into the community to the outreach programs that Saint Andrew’s supports. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Noor Foundation and the SLO Food Bank. Saint Andrew also supports 40 Prado Homeless Services Center, Kids ‘n Cancer, and Prison Fellowship. So, attendance supports far beyond the festival itself!
For more information, go to www.greekfestivalslo.com.
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Art Center Morro Bay presents a 2-day workshop: Stencil Workshop 101 – June 10 and 17 from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at 835 Main St., Morro Bay. This beginning stencil workshop incorporates stenciling, painting, and drawing. Students will learn how to modify an image to a stencil form and how art can be created by using inexpensive materials. Students will need to bring a simple sketch or an image to the class. Materials provided by the instructor are paint, paper, brushes, rollers, and sponges. Participants should be between 14-18 years old.
Instructor Cynthia Kevorkian was a professional graphic artist and currently she paints and exhibits her work in various locations. She has worked with teens throughout her life and enjoys their unique and creative ideas. The cost is $40. For a list of supplies or more information go to artcentermorrobay.org or call them at 805-772-2504.
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Morro Bay White Caps Community Band Concert on Sat., June 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Embarcadero South T-Pier by the Great American Fish Company in Morro Bay. Under the direction of Keith Waibel, the Morro Bay White Caps Community Band will perform a variety of music including pops, classical, and jazz selections. 916-337-9046. Free; donations accepted.
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The following are free events brought to you by Morro Bay Library at 625 Harbor St. They can be reached at (805) 772-6394.
• Cartoon Club – Wednesday, June 7, 3-5 p.m. Learn how to create characters, draw backgrounds, build a story and more during a fun comics-filled afternoon. Paper, pens and pencils provided – you bring the inspiration. For ages 8-18.
• Hexbugs – Wednesday, June 14, 3-5 p.m. Create mazes for these motorized bugs, race them and more! All ages welcome.
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Art Party – Saturday, June 17, 11-2 p.m. Sign up for summer reading and get creative with button making, paper flowers, chalk art, coloring and more. Bring your imagination! All other supplies provided – prizes included. For kids, adults and everyone in-between.
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The 38th annual Jazz Piano Showcase takes place Sat., June 10, 7:30-9:45 p.m. at the Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo. Presented by the SLO County Jazz Federation, the concert features pianists Jim Barnett, Mark Bocchicchio, George Garcia, Bob Harway, Marshall Otwell, and Paul Rinzler accompanied by Dylan Johnson on bass and Darrell Voss on drums. Tickets range in price from $10 to $30 and are available at my805tix.com.
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Clinton Davis will play a show in the Milking Parlor at the Historic Octagon Barn Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music beginning at 7. Seating is first come, first served. Davis is an old-time folk musician currently based in San Diego, California. A fifth-generation Kentuckian, Davis grew up in rural Carroll County. His repertoire spans fiddle and banjo music native to his family home, the exuberant ragtime piano and guitar of early 20th-century New Orleans, and ballad songs and dance music of the Southwest.
Tickets are $20 advance / $25 door (subject to availability). Purchase at eventbrite.com. Event contact phone number: 805-235-2874.
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