ThisWeekInSoCal.com

Born in Nizhny-Novgorod, Russia, pianist Svetlana Smolina has performed with orchestras and in recitals worldwide. Some recent notable solo appearances with orchestras include Mariinsky Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic at Avery Fischer Hall, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Orchestra National de France, Odessa and Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, with iPalpiti in Walt Disney Concert Hall, and numerous others.

Persian classical music vocalist Homayoun Shajarian performs at Royce Hall accompanied by the Hesar Ensemble. A group of the most dexterous Iranian musicians, in recent years the main focus of the ensemble has been on polyphonic music and Iranian forms, while also maintaining a rapport with international music.

Korean pianist Joyce Yang offers Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, one of the repertoire’s most powerful, most demanding and most popular works. Rossini’s “Semiramide” is seldom performed in full, but the overture and arias have received constant acclaim. “The Miraculous Mandarin” is Bartok at his most colorful and dramatic.

Headlining more than 60 shows are Wrath of McGrath, Skelipin, The Mulligans, Anita and the Yanks, Twilight Lords, Black Top Blaggers and The Black Rose Band. Also appearing are Chris Colt, The Green Ashes, Knockabouts, Emerald Society and 42nd Highlanders. Dance groups performing include the McCartan Irish Dancers, Royal Scottish Dancers and fair favorites the Cripple Creek Cloggers, who’s exciting dance numbers have long been crowd favorites.