The Swap Meet will be hosting its first annual Pet Days during the weekend of October 11th and 12th, during National Pet Wellness Month.
Pet Days will be an outdoor expo taking place during the regular operation of the Swap Meet between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Several non-profit organizations will be present, including specialty rescue centers and other pet related groups offering information on pet wellness, spaying and neutering, training tips, animal welfare and other subjects presented by guest speakers and demonstrations throughout the event.
On September 27th, Eddie Wakes is back performing on the West Stage from 10 a.m. until 1. Eddie’s soulful sound was described by Academy-Award winning actor Morgan Freeman as a “New, evocative voice.” Also on Saturday, Norm Douglas, the Jazz Saxophonist is back with his soothing West Coast Jazz. If you missed either of these musicians earlier this month, now is the perfect time the check them out.
Sunday features the Puppets and Players Theatre adjacent to the West Stage. They are a perfect act for families with young children. They will be performing three shows of Scooter’s Circus Adventures at 10:30, 12, and 1:30. You’ll be amazed as you see the giant, handcrafted marionette theatre on the stage, and the impeccable detail and artistry in their marionettes.
Also on Sunday, Marston Smith – an electric cellist – will be performing all day long. Marston plays an electric 6 string cello mounted on a medieval chest plate. He has performed on The Tonight Show and in the Cirque du Soleil. He has also recorded with various artists such as KISS, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, and The Backstreet Boys. His credentials establish him as one of the best in his field – so this is one opportunity you can’t miss.
This week, Mark Wenzel will be performing throughout Saturday and Sunday. Mark is a mime and juggler, described as a maniacal mischief maker on the prowl. He is the official mime of the Los Angeles County Fair, and served as the mime for the World’s Fair in 1984 and 1986. Marks act is roaming, so he will be wandering the Market Place passing out coupons and passes for Pet Days. You can catch his acts from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
On Saturday the 20th, Darius Lux – a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer will be playing all day. He is a pop artist with his main influences being reggae and hip-hop. Sunday, Michael SG – a multitalented singer, guitarist, and saxophonist will be playing. He will be performing different songs, most of which are featured on his latest CD – “On The Road”
Guys and Gals, your full attention please.
Erin, and Janelle - two beautiful ladies and stud producer Devin Haman from the reality show “Sunset Tan” on E! are going to be at the Market Place this Sunday (as in, Today!) from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
They will be selling their new calendar, signing autographs, and taking pictures with the lucky fans that show up.
You won’t want to miss this. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Go to their website, www.sunsettan.com and see what you would be missing if you don’t come!
You can find them on Row E near the food court.
Let us know you are coming!
For the first weekend of shopping in September, four distinctly different artists will be performing at the Orange County Market Place. On Saturday, September 6th, Eddie Wakes and Dirk K will be entertaining guests. Dirk, a solo artist, will be entertaining guests all day performing Jazz Guitar. Eddie and his rich, melodic voice has drawn comparison to Marvin Gaye and Nat King Cole. He will be performing on the West Stage from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
On Sunday, September 7th, John Marshall and Duane Michaels will be performing all day. John and Duane are fiddlers that perform the Billy’s. On the West Stage, Desmond Bedlow will be bringing his one-man steel drum band to entertain guests. Born in Trinidad & Tobago, his 30 years experience will make you wish you had a Pina Colada in hand. He will be playing from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
The month of September features a diverse array of musical talent and entertainers. In keeping with the theme of the Orange County Market Place, there truly is something for everyone.
To set the pace, Desmond Bedlow, from Trinidad and Tobago, will be bringing his steel drum, performing in his one-man reggae band (September 7th). Pop artists such as John Stowers (September 14), Darius Lux (September 20) and Michael SG (September 21) will bring their upbeat rhythms and blended sounds to the stage throughout the month. All three of these artists have just recently released CDs.
Slowing things down a bit, all month long various Jazz and R&B artists will be taking the stage. Soulful singer Eddie Wakes (September 6 & 27) will be making two appearances in September, as will West Coast Jazz sensation Norm Douglas (September 13 & 27. Also making appearances will be Jazz guitarist Dirk K (September 6) and saxophonist Mickey Bridges (September 13). Finally, Marston Smith (September 28) will be bringing his electric cello to the stage. He has played on The Tonight Show and in the Cirque du Soleil.
Finally, what would the Orange County Market Place be without a few laughs thrown in here and there? From fiddles to funnies, there are a ton of different acts bringing their unique shows to the stage. Fiddlers John Marshall and Duane Michaels from Billy’s will be playing on September 7th. Also during the month, Vaudeville comedian Jeff Abbit (September 14) and Juggler / Mime Mark Wenzel (September 21) will be performing on the West Stage, delivering a barrel of laughs and fun for the entire family. At the end of the month, look forward to the Puppets and Players Theatre (September 28) bring their full-size marionette stage to the Market Place.
With September being such a unique month of entertainment, be sure to check back for the weekly in-depth previews to find out more about these great opportunities.
Karaoke Scene Magazine will be hosting the Creme de la Kids Karaoke Singing Competition this coming weekend at the Orange County Market Place.
This Saturday young singers 17 years old and younger will compete to be selected for the semi-finals on August 30. If they make it passed the semi-finals they will be attending the 2008 Karaoke Fest held at the Los Angeles County Fair on September 13.
Must be 17 years of age or younger. $5 entry fee. Sign ups 9 am to 10:30 am August, 16. Singing begins at 11 am at the Westside Stage. Six contestants will be selected from each qualifying round to compete in the semi finals on Saturday, August 30. More info call 714-826-2212 or visit www.karaokescene.com

Local BMX riders Rick Vigil, Corey Walters and Shaun Butler showed us their skills with an assortment of jumps.