Poway Chamber to host rebranded Poway Fall Festival
About 10,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Poway Fall Festival. (Courtesy of the Poway Chamber of Commerce) The newly rebranded Poway Fall Festival is set for Sunday, Oct. 2 on Midland Road. Formerly the Poway Americana Festival, the Poway Chamber of Commerce has taken all the activities, food, drink and music from their summer street fair and added fall touches, such as a pumpkin patch and a beer garden. The event, which is free to attend, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of vendors, crafters and local businesses will be in attendance. A kid’s zone will be available. Two attendees from a prior year’s event are shown. The Poway Fall Festival will feature a kid’s zone (Photo courtesy of the Poway Chamber of Commerce.) The Chamber is looking for area businesses, members and non-members alike, to sponsor the community festival, which in the past attracted roughly 10,000 attendees from Poway and surrounding areas. According to the Chamber, several sponsorship levels are available, from Event Sponsor at $500 to Title Sponsor at $3,000. All sponsorships include a complimentary vendor booth at the festival. To inquire about securing a sponsorship, contact Communications Manager Jessica Bello at jessica@poway.com. For more information about the Poway Fall Festival, go to poway.com/Poway-fall-festival/ or call the Chamber office at 858-748-0016. Or even better, reach out to me and let's connect at the festival!
Saddle Up Poway: Celebrating 50 Years of Rodeo Excitement!
Howdy, Poway pals and rodeo enthusiasts! Jerrod Waller here, your friendly neighborhood Realtor and lifelong Poway resident. I'm saddling up today to share some thrilling news about an event that's as ingrained in our town's history as the chaparral-covered hills that surround us – the Poway Rodeo. Now in its 50th year, this rip-roaring event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, and I can't wait to spill the beans on all the rootin' tootin' action! The 50th Poway Rodeo is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23, at the arena at 14336 Tierra Bonita Road in Poway. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer) Unbridled Tradition Meets Exciting New Twists The Poway Rodeo has been a staple in our community for half a century, and it's grown from a small, informal affair to a spectacular event that still pays homage to its cowboy and cowgirl roots. This year, as we mark the golden anniversary, you can expect a mix of traditional contests and some exciting newcomers to the arena. The rodeo will feature heart-pounding events like bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing – all the classics that get your adrenaline pumping. But what's really getting folks fired up is the breakaway roping competition. Picture this: riders throw a rope around a calf, and once it's caught, the rope "breaks away," stopping the clock. Some of these pros can do it in just a few seconds, making it the fastest sport on dirt. Yeehaw! Photo by James Fain/Courtesy Riata Ranch Trick Riding with Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls Hold onto your hats, folks, because we've got something special in store for you this year. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, a troupe of trick riders known to light up rodeos across the country, will be performing right here in Poway. Their daring stunts and mesmerizing routines will leave you breathless, and it's an absolute must-see. On Saturday, Sam’s Posse Round-up Rodeo will give those age 5 and up with intellectual and physical disabilities a chance to experience a modified rodeo. From left, volunteer Clayton Tellier, Jacob; Buck Burt, Sam’s Posse Founder; and volunteer Tom Drew at a previous Poway Rodeo. (Criselda Yee) Poway Rodeo: Giving Back and Building Bonds The Poway Rodeo isn't just about thrilling rodeo action – it's about community and compassion too. Over the years, this event has given back in more ways than one. From expanding our rodeo grounds to becoming a cherished tradition for families, it's evident that the Poway Rodeo brings us closer together. We also take pride in supporting our community. The all-volunteer Poway Rodeo has donated thousands of dollars to various organizations, touching the lives of those in need. Whether it's helping special needs children or contributing to childhood cancer research, we're committed to making a difference. When and Where to Catch the Action Now, let's talk logistics. The Poway Rodeo kicked off on Friday, September 22nd, at 7:30 p.m. The theme for Friday night is "Fiesta Night," celebrating the deep Spanish roots of rodeo. Then, on Saturday, September 23rd, we've got two performances lined up: one at 1 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Plus, an after-rodeo dance on both nights will keep the party going. For the early birds, don't miss the Slack on Friday at 10 a.m., where additional rodeo activities unfold in the same arena. And for our special rodeo stars aged 5 and up with intellectual and physical disabilities, the Sam's Posse Round-up Rodeo on Saturday at 10 a.m. offers a modified rodeo experience in a safe and inclusive environment. It's a day filled with joy and unforgettable memories. Poway Rodeo contests will include bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, breakaway roping and barrel racing. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer) Wrangling Tickets and More You're probably wondering how to lasso those coveted rodeo tickets. Well, partner, you'll want to head over to PowayRodeo.com to purchase yours online. There's general admission, preferred seating, and even VIP options that include food and beverages. And speaking of VIP, you must be 21 or older to attend the after-rodeo dance. If you want to show off your Poway Rodeo pride, don't forget to check out the special 50th-anniversary buckles available for purchase online. So, whether you're a seasoned rodeo aficionado or a newcomer to the cowboy way of life, the Poway Rodeo is where you want to be this weekend. It's a celebration of our rich Western heritage, a showcase of incredible talent, and a heartwarming testament to our close-knit community. So grab your boots, dust off your Stetson, and join me at the Poway Rodeo for an unforgettable 50th-anniversary extravaganza. Let's make memories that'll last a lifetime, right here in our beloved Poway! Giddy up! 🤠 For more information, trot on over to PowayRodeo.com. See you there, partners! Children will be able to participate in Poway Rodeo activities such as mutton busting. (Reed Settle/PRCA Photographer)
Poway Symphony Orchestra presents its 20th anniversary season
The Poway Symphony Orchestra will present a lineup of renowned symphonic works and major guest artists to celebrate its 20th anniversary performance season for 2023-24. Poway Symphony Orchestra will open its 20th season on Nov. 19 with performances at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. (Mike Chapin) The three concerts of the season will all be held at 4 p.m. Sundays at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts at Espola Road and Titan Way. The opening concert on Nov. 19 will feature Eugene Drucker, violinist and founding member of the world-famous Emerson String Quartet. He will perform “Concerto in G minor, No. 1” by Bruch, as well as Beethoven’s “Romance” in F Major, No. 2. The orchestra will also perform the “Overture to ‘Hansel and Gretel’” by Humperdinck and “Symphonic Dances, Opus 64” by Grieg. Violinist Eugene Drucker is a founding member of the Emerson String Quartet. (Courtesy Poway Symphony Orchestra) Tickets for the 20th anniversary season opener are on sale now at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts box office by calling 858-748-0505 or online at powaycenter.com. Over the past 20 years, the Poway Symphony has evolved into a full orchestra with roughly 65 musicians who play at a high level artistically, said Bo Matthys, president of the Poway Symphony Orchestra Foundation. “The musicians are very talented and eager to play,” Matthys said. “There’s something special about people playing in the orchestra, contributing musical talents and gifts to create a symphony masterpiece by the entire group. That’s what symphony means. Combining sounds from individuals into a complete whole that can transport listeners to someplace they can’t get somewhere else.” Matthys, a Poway resident of 45 years, recalls the founding of the orchestra in the summer of 2004 by Ulli Reiner. Reiner was a local violinist and music teacher who organized a music class taught through Poway Unified School District’s adult education program. A small group of about two dozen musicians signed up and participated in the first performance in spring 2005, Matthys said. The orchestra grew slowly but picked up speed in the past decade with the help of its experienced conductor and music director John LoPiccolo. Another milestone occurred in October 2015 when the orchestra formed a nonprofit to allow the musical group to fundraise to cover operating expenses, Matthys said. “That’s when some more intensive promotion started and the orchestra began to be better known and attract more musicians,” Matthys said. “Now we’re at a full orchestra, playing high-quality music and attracting musicians that are very talented.” Audiences have come to feel excitement about the music and appreciate having access to a symphony orchestra in a local venue, Matthys said. “Some very wise people have said classical music affects the soul of people,” he said. “That’s what many people appreciate when they come to a concert. They have lasting memories of the concert.” John LoPiccolo is the Poway Symphony Orchestra’s music director and conductor. (Stanley Fry) The first concert of the season has special significance for conductor LoPiccolo, who attended high school with the featured musician, Eugene Drucker. They both graduated from the High School of Music and Art in Harlem, New York in 1968, LoPiccolo said. LoPiccolo, who was studying to play the bassoon, sat next to Drucker in several classes. “I heard him play with the high school orchestra and I admired his brilliance,” LoPiccolo said. “It was fairly obvious even back then that he was an amazing guy.” LoPiccolo said they signed each others’ yearbooks and then parted ways as Drucker continued his education at The Juilliard School and LoPiccolo advanced to the music conservatory Mannes School of Music, both in New York. Over the years LoPiccolo listened to CDs of the Emerson String Quartet. “I basically followed his career and I admired him,” LoPiccolo said. When LoPiccolo discovered the Emerson String Quartet would be presenting its last concert on Oct. 24 in New York after 47 years of performing, he saw an opportunity for the two of them to make music together. “I wrote to Eugene and asked, ‘Does this mean you are free to do solo concerts?’” LoPiccolo said. “I asked, ‘Would you consider coming to play with the Poway Symphony?’ He said yes and it literally blew my mind. We discussed the dates and times and repertoire.” LoPiccolo said the orchestra has been playing quality music to appreciative audiences. The performers have received standing ovations at 27 concerts, including one standing ovation before intermission. They’ve also sold out several of their performances in the 800-seat theater, he said. “We’re all pulling together and making it happen,” LoPiccolo said. “The payoff is the concert. We want people there to celebrate with us. I’ve spent my life at this, and I believe in it with my whole guts. I can’t think of anything more important. Music is such a joy, a lifesaver for people. Music is everything.” Matthys attributes the Poway Symphony’s success to enthusiastic musicians, a highly qualified conductor and music director, and a motivated board of directors who want to support the organization through fundraising and by growing its recognition in the community. “All those things come together to make sure the orchestra is what it is now, which is performing at a high artistic level and gaining recognition in the music world in the North County inland area,” Matthys said. “Another goal is to have a cultural activity for the benefit of the community. Of course, we also have some satisfaction when we have a successful concert. The musicians, the conductor, everyone are happy when a concert is successfully presented.” The season will continue with a 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert on March 24, 2024 that includes two orchestral masterpieces. The orchestra will be showcased with “Scheherazade” by Rimsky-Korsakov, a musical adventure based on the tales of “The Arabian Nights.” Also on the program is “Sinfonia Sacra” by Panufnik. The work composed in 1963 begins with a solemn trumpet fanfare and contains meditative sections for the strings that develop into full orchestra crescendos. Pianist Ching-Ming Cheng is a professor at Cal State San Marcos. (KIMI/Courtesy Poway Symphony Orchestra) Then on May 26, 2024 the season will close with Classical Gems, including a “Piano Concerto in A minor” by Robert Schumann, featuring Ching-Ming Cheng as soloist. Cheng is a professor at California State University San Marcos and the chair of the university’s music department. The orchestra will round out the concert with the “Overture to ‘Marriage of Figaro’” by Mozart and “Variations on a Theme by Haydn” by Brahms. Tickets for the Nov. 19 performance cost $35 to $45 for general admission, $28 to $40 for seniors age 65 and up, $18 to $25 for students, and $15 for children 12 years old or younger. The box office is open from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and one hour before the concert. For more information about the Poway Symphony Orchestra, visit the powaysymphonyorchestra.org website. This article originally published here, by Julie Gallant for San Diego Union Tribune
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