Angelenos, we are super lucky to have two observatories and the magnificent Mount Wilson Observatory, is sometimes overlooked.  Their new “Afternoons in the Dome” is enchanting. On the west side of the SF Valley, “Concerts at Warner Park” in Woodland Hills is waiting for you.  West of the 405 you’ve got the Skirball’s “Sunset Concerts,” and the new California Plaza offers “Grand Performances.” The Gentle Barn is celebrating a special birthday. This week’s podcast is fascinating – it’s all about a revolutionary way to eat. And congrats to the “head tomato” on her latest novel, “Can You Hear Us Now?”

Through September. Grand Performances

“Grand Performances” is returning to the newly and beautifully renovated California Plaza for its 35th year. Yay! They’ve been dubbed a “a grand gift to the public” by LA Magazine.  The high quality music under the stars is always FREE, Tomatoes!

Not only do they present fantastic music, but also dance and theatre all in the heart of DTLA nestled under the spectacular Downtown skyline.  Their mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.  I’d call that fantastic, Tomatoes.

Chakras and Food: A Revolutionary Approach to Eating

Tomatoes, are you familiar with the Chakra System? Perhaps you’ve heard the term and know a little bit about these energy centers. Listen in to this lively interview with Cyndi Dale, one of the authors of the new book, “Chakras Food and You,” a revolutionary approach that customizes health assessments based on the chakras. Spoiler alert, it’s ok to eat that chocolate cookie! Listen in here.

Aug 1 & Sept 5. Concerts in the Dome

Above the clouds on Angeles Crest Highway sits the Mount Wilson Observatory with one of the two largest telescopes in the world. And the Mount Wilson Observatory is returning with in- person “Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome.” With Classical on August 1 and Jazz on September 5th. Seating is limited and they sell out fast so don’t hesitate to get a reservation for this marvelous treat, Tomatoes What a treat, Tomatoes!

The August Program will Feature Two Schubert Masterpiecesplus, a World Premiere by French Composer Éric Tanguy under the artistic direction of Cécilia Tsan. The esteemed performers for the August concert include Elissa Johnston, soprano, Ambroise Aubrun and Henry Gronnier, violins, Alma Fernandez, viola, and Cécilia Tsan, cello.  The amazing Lounge Art Ensemble is led by Weather Report drummer extraordinaire Perter Erskine with a jazz trio featuring saxophonist Bob Sheppard and bassist Darek Oles is up for The September Program of jazz standards.

Both programs in August and September are performed by incredible musicians in a modern-day time temple of science overlooking Pasadena. Now that is impressive and exciting Tomatoes. Again, get your tickets before they sell out!

We’re excited for Cheryl Benton’s latest novel, “Can You Hear Us Now?” that continues the story of Suzy, Madge, and Trish from “Can You See Us Now?” and their abiding friendship. GET THE BOOK.

August Sunset Concerts at the Skirball

The Skirball has a one-of-a-kind hillside setting that is to die for.  What a great atmosphere for a Tomato to enjoy the Skirball’s “Sunset Concerts” and celebrate LA’s resilience and the joy of live music again from established and new artists from LA and beyond. Throughout the night, delicious food and drinks will be available. Sounds yummy!

You might take advantage and arrive early to visit the museum’s galleries and choose just  the right seat for the concert under the beautiful stars , The concerts are free but the parking is $20, unless you book and purchase ahead of time and then it’s only $10. Whatever your cost, it is truly a small price to pay for such a wonderful event.  And don’t forget to sing and dance along, Ladies!

Till Sept 5.  Concerts at Warner Park

I thought it was time to mention The Valley Cultural Foundation and the great work they do.   Since 1975, they have provided diverse programs and events in the arts that bring together talent, community and business throughout the San Fernando Valley and they’re free. One of those programs is “Concerts at Warner Park” on Sunday evenings in Woodland Hills and they are a blast, Tomatoes!

Concerts at Warner Park make for an easy, relaxing and entertaining summer evening for the community.  Popular food trucks and booths will be on hand to delight your taste buds and enhance your concert experience under the stars. It’s hard to believe summer is going so fast! Might want to hit one of these concerts soon Tomatoes. The Valley Cultural Foundation has over 45 years of experience bringing entertainment to the people of San Fernando Valley. They love all the wonderful talent they have seen over their long exemplary history.  They are deserving of any donation you can provide so they can keep doing what we do.

Sunday July 25. John Lewis Birthday

Not only has the Los Angeles Gentle Barn opened its doors again, it’s also having a 1-year birthday party for a the precious resident, John Lewis. He’s like a giant puppy dog but…he is a cow who came to Gentle Barn as a one-week-old very sick orphan. He’s had a very rough start in life but now he is a star so think about attending the John Lewis 1 Year Birthday Party, Tomatoes.

You can sing John Happy Birthday and give him and his friends cake. He so deserves to celebrate his first year in life.  He walks on a leash, comes when we call him, lays on dog beds, plays with toys, is best friends with an Australian Shepherd named Sky and is full of life and love. John Lewis has already become an amazing ambassador hugging and healing people during sessions.  John Lewis practices what The Gentle Barn is all about, Tomatoes: Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other and our planet.  Bravo John!