Non-government Events

Despite the constant message from Mission Viejo’s city hall, government is not the center of life. Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State.

“Preservation: New Sculptural and Mixed Media Works by Gerard Basil Stripling,” through Mon., Jan. 31, JoAnne Artman Gallery, 326 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 510-5481, http://www.joanneartmangallery.com

Exhibit of David Limrite's paintings, "Submarine Femme Fatales," Artist reception from 6 to 9 p.m., Jan. 6, JoAnne Artman Gallery, 326 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 510-5481, http://www.joanneartmangallery.com

Legal Open House on Starting Your Own Business, Tues., Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., American Advantage Law Group hosts a free open house every Tuesday for those wanting to start their own business. RSVP to attend, (949) 863-1888. American Advantage Legal Group 3848 Campus Dr. #206 Newport Beach, CA 92660, http://www.americanadvantagelawgroup.com.

“Peter and the Wolf,” Pacific Symphony at Orange County Performing Arts Center, Feb. 5, performances at 10 and 11:30 a.m., for families with children 5-11 years of age, $19-$36, Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 755-5799, http://www.pacificsymphony.org

Create a Fairy Garden, Feb. 12, 10 a.m., Cottage Home and Garden, 31720 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, (949) 493-3920, http://www.cottage-homeland-and-garden,com

Hershey Felder’s Great American Songbook, added performances on Feb. 14, 24 and 26, featured songwriters in this sing-along include Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, the Gershwins, Rogers and Hammerstein and more, Laguna Playhouse, Mouton Theater, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Hershey Felder: Mosier Chopin, Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, Laguna Playhouse, Mouton Theater, $30, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Beethoven’s Piano Concertos, Arnaldo Cohen, Feb. 3 through 5 in Segerstrom Concert Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 755-5799, http://www.pacificsymphony.org

Brooklyn Rider string quartet members will direct the ninth Laguna Beach Music Festival, which offers chamber music concerts as well as opportunities to mingle and talk about music. Feb. 7 through 13 at various venues in Laguna Beach, (949) 715-9713, lagunabeachmusicfestival.com

Whale Watching Cruises, daily throughout January and February, The Harbor Grill. Champagne breakfast every Sunday morning. In March, enjoy Mardi Gras flavors from 3/1 through 3/8, 34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, (949) 240-1416, http://www.harborgrill.com