SPOTLIGHT

FIESTA LATINA

Just two days before Cinco de Mayo (May 5), Orange Coast College will

hold its Fiesta Latina -- the name of both a cultural festival and the

college’s 13-member dance troupe.

The troupe, led by OCC professor Jose Costas, will showcase dances

from Cuba, Columbia, Venezula, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil including

the bomba, cumbia and jarocho.

“When you learn about our dances, you learn something about who we

[Latinos} are,” Costas said in a press statement. “The Latino community

is a tapestry of culturally diverse people who share deep historical

roots.”

A free one-hour performance by the group will be given Thursday night.

On Friday, there will be performances for elementary and high school

students, along with a fair with local Latino vendors, artisans and

musicians.

FYI

When: 8 p.m. Thursday for the public, 10 a.m. and noon Friday for

elementary and high school students

Where: Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview

Road, Costa Mesa

Cost: Free

Call: (714) 432-5506, Ext. 4

Are you ready for Helen Reddy?

HELEN REDDY WITH THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY POPS

Pop sensation Helen Reddy will perform Friday and Saturday with the

Pacific Symphony Orchestra Pops. Reddy is best known for her many hits,

including “You and Me Against the World” and “I Am Woman.” She replaces

Vic Damone, who had to cancel his performance due to illness.

FYI

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive,

Costa Mesa

Cost: $23-72

Contact: (714) 755-5799

Planning Ahead

LA BAYADERE

The Paris Opera Ballet will perform “La Bayadere” at the Orange County

Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

Tuesday, May 8 through Sunday, May 13

PETER, PAUL & MARY

Memories of “Puff the Magic Dragon” will float through the air when

Peter, Paul & Mary perform with the Pacific Symphony Pops.

Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

85: The number of vendors at this week’s 12th Annual Southern

California Spring Garden Show.