BRIEFLY IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

New IMAX film to screen April 25

MacGillivray Freeman Films’ newest offering, “Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk 3D,” will be screened to the public as part of the Newport Beach Film Festival at 4, 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. April 25 at the Edwards Irvine Spectrum IMAX Theatre, 65 Fortune Drive.

Tickets are $11, and must be purchased online at www.newportbeachfilmfest.comor at the Fashion Island Edwards Island Cinemas.

On Earth Day, $1 for every ticket sold will be used to construct wells at African schools that are in need of fresh water; the donation will be matched by the Ryans Well Foundation.

The film is the company’s first 3D film, and is narrated by Robert Redford with music by the Dave Matthews Band.

The film is about water issues and water conservation, and follows Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Wade Davis on a trip down the Colorado River with their teenage daughters and Native America river guide Shana Watahomigie in order to call attention to the world’s growing shortage of fresh water.

To view the film’s trailer, visit www.grandcanyonadventure film.com.

Laguna Beach Library sponsors poetry contest

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Laguna Beach Library is sponsoring “Personal Writes,” its 10th-anniversary community-wide poetry writing contest. There are seven age categories for participants, ranging from pre-kindergarten through adult.

Up to three entries may be dropped off by April 30 in the poetry mailbox inside the library’s front door with an entry form attached to each poem. Form and contest guidelines are available at the library. Poems can also be submitted via e-mail to lagunalibrarypoetry@yahoo. com.

The winning poems will be published, and gift certificate prizes range from $25 to $100.

Friday nights heat up on the beach in May

The city will hold Sunset Serenades, free acoustic performances on Main Beach from 6:30 p.m. to sunset, four Friday nights in May.

On May 9, Evan Stone will perform jazz. On May 16, Jessica Haddy and Deborah Glass will perform romantic classical music. Bob Hawkins will play guitar May 23, and singer/songwriter Jason Feddy will perform May 30.

For more information, call (949) 497-0722.

Gallery plans reception for photographer

Whitney Gallery, 350 N. Coast Hwy., will host a reception and wine tasting for local photographic artist Beatrice Rosenbaum from 6 to 9 p.m. May 1 in conjunction with the exhibition of Rosenbaum’s new show, “Windows of Peace.”

The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

For more information, call (949) 497-4322, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.marcwhitney.com.

Laguna Hero Fest slated for May 29

The MY HERO Project will hold its Laguna Hero Fest ’08 at 7 p.m. May 29 at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road. Shaun MacGillivray will be honored for his film about Joey Masella.

To RSVP, e-mail [email protected].

Women artists offer their wares tomorrow

The Laguna Beach Woman’s Club will hold its seventh annual free Women in Arts Event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Laguna Beach Woman’s Club, 286 St. Ann’s Drive.

More than 20 local women artists selling a variety of artwork at great places.

The artists have also donated items for a silent auction, with proceeds going to the club’s refurbishment fund.

College seniors to show their work

Graduating fine arts seniors at Laguna College of Art & Design will present a one-night-only group exhibition of original artwork from 6 to 9 p.m. April 30 at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road.

Participating artists include Alexsandra Babic, Russell Becker, Ho Young Choi, Sarah Choi, Kyoung Chung, Nicholas Enevoldsen, Michael Harnish, Chris Hill, Robin Johnson, Phil Kim, Angela Kwac, Marie Kwon, Megan Martin, Andrea Moore, Francisca O’Toole, Jason Pierce, Colleen Police, Christian Ramirez and Beau Stanton.

For more information, visit www.lagunacollege.edu.

Free family concert April 23 at El Morro

Pacific Symphony’s Class Act will present a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday at El Morro Elementary for students and their families.

A Pacific Symphony five-piece brass ensemble, featuring El Morro teaching artist and trombonist Mike Hoffman, will include music, door prizes, a chance to meet and talk with each musician, and refreshments.