It’ll be the bee’s knees in August at the City of Santa Clarita’s Thursdays@Newhall series, presented by Valencia Auto Center, as Old Town Newhall takes on the feel of 1920s Hollywood. Thursdays@Newhall is an ongoing opportunity for residents of Santa Clarita to attend free shows, concerts and special events on Thursdays throughout the year.
Guys and dolls alike will want to head to JAM Sessions on Aug. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., for an evening of swing dancing. Grab your kicks and boogie the night away as the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association breaks down swing dance steps, pivots and turns for singles and couples of all ages. You’ll also enjoy dancing to live music from The Big Butter Jazz Band as they play New Orleans traditional jazz, which is full of beautiful melodies, infectious energy and smooth rhythms. JAM Sessions is hosted in conjunction with the Ford Theatre Foundation, bringing dance and original live performances to the Old Town Newhall Library, located at 24500 Main Street.
Also on Aug. 2, at The MAIN (24266 Main Street), 10 performers will take the stage for 10 minutes each and share their comedy, storytelling, short films and music at the monthly 10 by 10 show from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Performances this month include comedy by Cat Alvarado, Marty Ross and Maria Delgado; magic from Brian Hoffman, Doug Hoover and Liam Johnson; storytelling with Christine Blackburn; poetry from Mai Do; music by Burton Zimmer; and a screening of short film “Protectress.”
The Art Walk returns to Variety Night on Aug. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Entertainment district! As you stroll down Main Street, admire artwork on display while listening to live music, grab a bite to eat or sip a glass of wine from local establishments, and pop into one of the many shops to find that perfect something.
The same night, local musicians will take the stage for Note by Note, at The MAIN, from 7 to 9 p.m. Note by Note is a free musical showcase delighting audiences with a variety of genres. Bands, duos and soloists will perform a wide range of styles, including rock, folk, Celtic, Americana, blues, jazz, country, experimental, western and more! Featured performers in August include Carrie Wade, Joe Romersa, Abby Lyons and Michael Stanton. Artists interested in performing at Note by Note can learn more at ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/NotebyNote.
Walk the red carpet down Main Street as you step back in time to the Old Hollywood SENSES Block Party, on Aug. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. Take the spotlight yourself as paparazzi grab your picture at the photo booth, bring some clams so you can sip a drink from the on-street bar hosted by El Trocadero and marvel as Main Street transforms into Hollywoodland. Costumes are encouraged!
Starting Aug. 14, the art gallery at The MAIN will feature a collection of work by artist Lorelle Miller. Miller shares her visions of natural beauty and the intensity of the human experience through her paintings and sculpture. The community is invited to a free art reception on Aug. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m., at The MAIN. Guests will enjoy light snacks, music and a chance to meet the artist.
Thursdays@Newhall wraps up the month on Aug. 23, with the New Heights Artist Development Series focusing on taxes and the artist. Tax expert Scott Rubenstein will discuss how artists should properly navigate the tax system. New Heights is a series of FREE workshops, panel discussions and lectures. Learn more about the speaker series by visiting ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/NewHeights.
For more information about the city of Santa Clarita’s Thursdays@Newhall events, visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com or contact the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787.
