2023 Free Summer Concerts in Orange County.

Click the link to a seven page chronological list of over three hundred free outdoor summer concerts.

Regards,

Tom Irwin

summer-concerts-2023-free-concerts-orange-county

Favorite Concerts by Artist

With almost 200 remaining free concerts be sure not to miss your favorite artist.  List makes it easy to decide which one to go to without missing your favorite band.

Click the link for a pdf file.  These are not all the concerts, just some of the more popular.  For a complete updated list check the preceding post with the link to all free concerts.

200 Remaining Select CONCERTS BY ARTIST pdf

SUMMER CONCERTS 2017

OVER 250 FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

This summer we’ve gone beyond OC to include nearby parts of Riverside County, San Bernardino County and of course La-La-Land with posts from La Verne, La Habra Heights, La Mirada and Claremont.
Click the link below to see, download, print and share this year’s eight page PDF Concert Schedule.
Enjoy!

Summer Concerts 2017 FINAL 6-21

 

 

 

NFL SUNDAY AFC & NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

January 2014 Playoffs have been the best.  This Sunday features the top four NFL teams vying to meet in Super Bowl XLVIII (48) on February 2, 2014.

FOOTBALL’S BEST QB’S FACE OFF

Arguably two of the game’s greatest quarterbacks will face off at 12 PM (PST) in Denver for the AFC title.  Peyton Manning broke NFL records this year and has the advantage of a better offense than New England and home field advantage.  But Tom Brady has the better record of 10-4 against Manning, the better coach (Bill Belichick) and in my opinion the psychological edge over Peyton.

Despite Manning’s comparable field generalship & experience as well having a stronger arm, Peyton has not fared as well at playoff time.  This is a double edged psychological advantage- Brady’s confidence to win when it counts in the big games and Manning’s self doubt based on experience.  That’s what makes this particular game so interesting.  PREDICTION: 34-31 BRONCOS.

The second game features the NFC’s two powerhouse teams in Seattle at 3:30 PM (PST).  Two exciting young quarterbacks who can run as well as throw face off in Seattle as the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49’ers.

Coln Kaepernick vs. Russel Wilson should be another faceoff of two of the most exciting QB’s leading two of the toughest defensive teams in the NFL.  Seattle’s got the home field advantage with the noisiest fans in football but the 49’ers are on a tear.  PREDICTION: SAN FRANCISCO.

I may join some friends at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Orange to watch the games.

Mark Irwin Defeats Jerret Jeter

Mark Irwin in red trunks vs. Jerret Jeter in black trunks

December 13, 2013, South Coast Martial Arts/Boxing Center, Costa Mesa.

Mark came away as the winner over Jerret Jeter of DG Boxing in Long Beach.  Mark trains at UFC Gym in Aliso Viejo.

These are action packed matches between guys who come into the ring in top physical condition and go at it full speed for three rounds.

The Southern California Association of Boxing pairs the contenders based on experience. It was Mark’s fourth amateur fight and his opponent’s ninth and they appeared evenly matched.  Jerret Jeter was tough inside and was able to land some hard combinations with both hands.  Midway through the first round Jeter threw a quick left that connected solidly to Mark’s jaw knocking him back on his heels.  Mark, however, trains with and trades punches with bigger and more experienced ranked sparing partners and was able to absorb Jeter’s punches in stride.

Mark’s style might be termed “relentless” giving neither fighter time to catch their breath.  It appeared that Mark displayed superior boxing skills, particularly with his combinations.  At times he was able to put his opponent on the defensive where Jeter would cover up while taking body and head shots.  Both boxers displayed talent and aggressiveness but in the end Mark showed a bit more movement and speed allowing him to land more punches.

Mark has studied Muay Thai and currently practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is an instructor teaching individual and group boxing lessons at UFC Gym, Aliso Viejo where he trains.  He is also a college student working toward a degree in kinesiology.

Below are some photos from this boxing match.  Click on the photos below to enlarge images.

NFL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Here’s the playoff schedule and my personal armchair expert picks for who will win in each of the playoff games and ultimately what teams will meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on February 2, 2014

The Wild-Card Round begins this weekend.

AFC

The first game will be Kansas City against Indianapolis.  This is a toss-up but regardless of the outcome don’t expect either of them to beat Tom Brady the following weekend in Foxborough.

I’m predicting Philip Rivers and the Chargers will beat the Bengals in Cincinnati but that Peyton Manning and the Broncos beat the Chargers in Denver the following week.  This makes for a terrific quarterback showdown on January 19, with Brady facing off against Manning for the AFC Championship.  Expect the Broncos to represent the AFC on Super Bowl Sunday.

NFC

Drew Brees and the Saints will beat the Eagles at home while Aaron Rogers and the Packers beat San Francisco at Green Bay.  The following week the Saints will be stopped in Seattle.  The Green Bay vs. Panthers is a tough call but the outcome won’t ultimately matter because neither the Panthers nor Green Bay can beat Seattle who will represent the NFC on Super Bowl Sunday.

SUPERBOWL

If the games unfold as predicted we’ll see the amazing Peyton Manning face off against Russell Wilson.  Peyton may be the best QB on the field on February 2, but the Seahawks will prove to be too much for the Broncos.  Super Bowl XLVIII winner: Seattle Seahawks.

POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE OUTCOMES

The playoffs this year have a very strong group of contenders any of which have the talent to roll through the playoffs and ultimately win the Super Bowl.

I’m an ex-fan of the unpredictable and unreliable San Diego Chargers but they do have the talent, momentum and fire power to forge through the playoffs unbeaten. The Saints, Eagles, 49’ers and Packers also have the potential to show up on Feb 2.  My wish, however, is for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to win Super Bowl XLVIII.

What’s your pick?

DAY OF THE DEAD OLVERA STREET NOV. 02

DAY OF THE DEAD NOV 2, 2013

If you haven’t been to Olvera Street’s Day of the Dead celebration in Los Angeles, check it out.

This Saturday is the finale of the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead that celebrates the remembrance of family and friends who have died.  It’s a colorful and festive event with music, dancers and sipping on margaritas in and outdoor café. 

MetroLink Train takes you from OC to Union Station in Los Angeles that’s across the street from the festivities.  China Town is a few blocks away if you are up for a double header.

$10 METROLINK WEEKEND PASS (Amtrak cost more)

The train leaves and returns from a dozen OC stops from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton and Buena Park.   http://www.metrolinktrains.com/schedules/line/name/Orange%20County/service_id/1152.html

Last year’s event was a lot of fun and I’m planning to go again this Saturday.  Photos & video from Day of the Dead 2012.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olvera-Street/122321044457734

PS-  The train pass is good for the weekend so you could travel to Cape Cod Village in Oceanside on Sunday!

Weekend Event South OC

Fri	10/11	8:30	Midnight   Whiskey Band	Cooks Corner   (biker bar)	Trabuco Can.
Sat	10/12	10:00-5:00	Silerado Country   Fair, cowboy attire	Silverado Fairgrounds	Silverado
Sat	10/12	8:30	Rocktangle (John   Townsend’s band)	Mugs Away (dive bar)	Laguna Niguel
Sun	10/13	8:00-3:00	Octoberwood, Woody   car show	Lantern Bay Park	Dana Point
Sun	10/13	10:00-5:00	Silerado Country Fair, cowboy attire	Silverado Fairgrounds	Silverado
Sun	10/13	4:00	Band on the Bayou,   CCR Tribute	Stillwater	Dana Point
Sun	10/13	4:30-8:30	Hollywood Blonde   & BBQ	Pierce Street Annex	Costa Mesa

Mark Irwin Decisions Peter Mostowa

Mark Irwin in red trunks

IRWIN OVER MOSTOWA IN 3 ROUND FIGHT

August 9, 2013 Costa Mesa, CA

Mark Irwin of UFC Gym in Aliso Viejo won a very hard fought three round decision over Peter Mostowa from Twelve Rounds Boxing last night at Ring Challenge #18 held at South Coast Martial Arts, Costa Mesa.

Round one was close with both fighters giving it all they had.  In the second round Mark began to dominate Mostowa and in round three Mark kept up the pressure causing Mostowa to take a standing eight count.  At the final bell it was a decision for Mark Irwin.

Tom & Mark Irwin

ONE HUNDRED SUMMER CONCERTS

2012 Beach Concert San Clemente

Time to grab your low-back beach chair, food & drink and head out to meet friends for some great summer concerts.

The link below is my list of concerts.  CLICK, SHARE and ENJOY!

SUMMER CONCERTS 2013 Central & South Orange County