Community News

AOP Southeast Asia Day

Live performances of traditional music and dance, cultural craft demonstrations and displays will help transform the Aquarium of the Pacific into an exotic destination during its thirteenth annual Southeast Asia Day. During the festival children can participate in arts and crafts.

Through this unique celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Aquarium seeks to foster a stronger connection with the local Southeast Asian community. One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, Long Beach is home to the largest population of Cambodians outside of Southeast Asia. Southern California also has vibrant communities from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar. Visitors can experience the traditional dance and other cultural practices from these countries during the festival.

Southeast Asia Day is included with general admission and free for children under age three and Aquarium members. Info: (562) 590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/southeast_asia_day.

Lifetime Learning Center

The Long Beach City College Senior Studies Program on the Pacific Coast Campus is offering two new classes starting in October.

Are you paying too much each month for cable or satellite TV? Learn how to cut the cost by using streaming devices. Instructor Barb Cheshier will teach you how to set up the many devices available and how to operate the remote control. Watch what you want to watch anytime! The eight-week class starts Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 10:30 am to Noon for $45.

On Wednesdays starting Oct. 4 at 10:30 to noon, Dr. Maniya Saee is offering an Art History class on Influential Women of the Renaissance. Study the life and art of the women artists in Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries. The eight-week class is $45. Classes are held in the brand new state of art building QQ located off of Walnut Ave and Pacific Coast Hwy. Parking for the entire semester is only $5.

For more information contact Theresa Brunella at (562) 939-3047 or tbrunella@lbcc.edu.

Cabaret at LB Playhouse

On Oct. 14, the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre closes its 2017 season with the musical Cabaret. When Cabaret debuted in 1966, it was sexually provocative and edgy for the time.

By 1998, the bar had moved up what was considered provocative and edgy. The play was due for an update.

Although the story line of pre-Nazi Germany of the 1920s/30s with rampant decadence is unchanged, the seediness and desperation of the characters and the situation is darker in this telling.

For tickets, phone (562) 494-1014 or visit www.LBPlayhouse.org.

Books Galore Book Sale

Calling all book lovers and book worms on Friday Oct. 6, 1-4 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with special deals 2-3 p.m. Friends of Signal Hill Library offers 1,500 gently used books at the Signal Hill Library front patio (behind basketball courts), at 1780 E. Hill St., Signal Hill. Info: (562) 989-7323. Low prices offered on paperbacks ($.25) and DVDs ($1). Cash only.

Craft Fair

Come get your holiday shopping done or just treat yourself at the WE-U Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds will go to Lakewood’s Project Shepherd and the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House. For more information call (562) 867-9892.

It’s at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5730 South St., Lakewood.

Scarium

Discover the creatures lurking in the depths at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s eighteenth annual Scarium of the Pacific – a “spooktacular,” educational Halloween event for the whole family happening Oct. 14 and 15. Enjoy special Halloween programs, including the annual children’s costume contest, the creepy coloring contest, magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling and kooky crafts, and meet eerie animals in the Great Hall. Visit aquariumofpacific.org for more information.

Questing Heirs

Want to learn more about cemetery records? There will be a genealogy meeting on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. at 5918 E. Parkcrest St. The meeting is free and open to the public. Learn the tools for genealogical research from experienced genealogist experts. Visit www.qhgs.info or for more information contact Liz Stookesberry at (562) 760-3027.

Free Raise the Roof

Support local Habitat for Humanity’s work by attending a free concert on Sunday, Oct. 15, 3-5 p.m., featuring a wonderful array of talented vocalists and musicians playing a mix of pop, jazz and folk selections. Musical director Stan DeWitt will lead the talented ensemble including Shin Adachi, Lisa Bode-Heard, Peggy Duquesnel, Denean Dyson, Dewey Erney, Sara Hass, Lisa Jackert and Woven Image at Los Altos Methodist Church, 5950 E. Willow St. Doors open at 2:30 and seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/LBFaithCoalitionConcert.

Battle of the Bands

It’s a battle of two of the country’s premier classic-rock tribute bands when Fleetwood Mac tribute Mirage takes on Heart band Dog ‘n’ Butterfly in Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $20 seated and show/dinner packages are available for $54. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.gaslamptix.com or by phoning (562) 596-2718. The Gaslamp Restaurant is located at 6251 Pacific Coast Hwy. The show is appropriate for all ages and there is ample free parking available.