For more than a century, Coronado has enticed and inspired visitors and locals alike with its temperate climate, sea-swept breezes and beautiful postcard setting cradled between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay - it's no wonder Coronado is often referred to as the "enchanted" island. Coronado continues to stir the imagination and satisfy the soul with a rich mix of arts and culture offerings for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

CURTAIN CALL

Coronado is home to two professional theaters offering entertaining shows year-round

• Lamb's Players Theatre produces timeless classics and lesser-known theatre gems on their resident stage on Orange Avenue. The award-winning ensemble's 2011 season includes the following shows: The Music Man, now through July 24; Trying, August 12 - September 25; Servant of Two Masters, October 7 - November 20; the popular Festival of Christmas, December 1-30, and An American Christmas dinner show at the Hotel del Coronado, December 11-24.
• Coronado Playhouse, San Diego's oldest community theater founded in 1946, produces classic and modern comedies, dramas, mysteries, musicals, an outdoor Shakespeare Festival and original works by local playwrights in an intimate 100-seat cabaret-style theatre overlooking picturesque Glorietta Bay. The 2011 season includes A Roman Holiday, now through August 7; A Midsummer Night's Dream, September 2-25 and the Tony Award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone, October 28 - December 4.

THE SILVER SCREEN

Film buffs can enjoy Hollywood blockbusters in the newly refurbished Art Deco-style movie house, the Village Theatre, located on Orange Avenue. Originally opened in 1947 and shuttered in 2000, the theater celebrated its grand re-opening in June 2011 after a $3 million renovation. Incorporating design concepts by the late, legendary theater designer Joseph Musil, known for his restoration of Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre, retro-modern design details include hand-painted murals by Disney muralist Bill Anderson, a towering illuminated "Village" sign and a classic sidewalk ticket booth.

The main theater seats 215 people, and two new screens were added, seating 45 people each. Bringing movie magic into the 21st century, the new Village Theatre also utilizes the latest 3-D technology.

MUSEUM/ART GALLERIES

Thought-provoking visual arts, including paintings, sculptures and interpretive works and displays, can be viewed at Coronado's premier history and art museum, plus a number of fine art galleries in the city.

• The Crown City's colorful and fascinating history comes alive at the Coronado Museum of History and Art on Orange Avenue, where visitors can explore the island's early days, including the prominent U.S. Navy presence and rich history of the Hotel del Coronado. Currently on display through September 2011 is the "Wings of Gold: Coronado and Naval Aviation" exhibition, celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation. The first flight of a Navy aircraft took place in 1911 in Coronado.
  The museum also offers fascinating walking tours, exploring Coronado's history, famous buildings, residents and gardens. Tickets prices are $10-$15, and reservations are required. Admission to the museum is free.
• Art & Frames by Wood Gallery on Orange Avenue features a variety of local, national and international artists, ranging from traditional to contemporary, who work in a wide a range of media including painting, sculpture, ceramics and glass. On July 1, the gallery launched an exhibition of Spanish seascape artist Navarro Montllor.
• The Tina Christiansen Art Gallery on Orange Avenue features artistic creations, including silk art scarves and wall hangings, by Tina Christiansen. The gallery also exhibits original paintings, giclee reproductions and fine art photographs by a group of artists called the "Coronado Colony" whose works can also be viewed online: www.sandiegoartists.net.
• The Dan McGeorge Gallery on Orange Avenue specializes in photographic arts, including breathtaking nature photos. Owner Dan McGeorge also teaches popular photography classes at the gallery.
• Austin's Gallery on C Avenue showcases paintings, prints, photos, handmade jewelry, ceramic art and other unique handmade items, as well as an interesting selection of books by local authors.
• The Coronado Ferry Landing along scenic San Diego Bay is home to the Stephen Clayton Galleries and Art for Wildlife which has a second location at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
• The Galleria on Orange Avenue features fine art, including framed oil and watercolor paintings, as well as bronze and marble sculptures. (619) 522-7933.

ART-IN-THE-PARK

On the first and third Sunday of every month, Spreckels Park, Coronado's large city park located in the center of the island (Orange Ave. and 6th St.), is transformed into an outdoor gallery featuring more than 50 artists selling their works. The aptly named Art-in-the-Park event showcases a dazzling array of artworks, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, handmade jewelry and more.

ART WALKS

Coronado weaves a rich tapestry of public art that can be found throughout the island.

• Visitors are in for an eye-opening treat when they take a self-guided Public Art Walking Tour of Coronado. Featuring 30 artworks, from murals, mosaics and photo montages to sculptures, fountains and architectural marvels, highlights include the playful "My Bike" sculpture in Tidelands Park, a "Sea Passage" fountain sculpture by artist James Hubbell ("San Diego's Gaudi") at the Glorietta Bay Promenade, the Wizard of Oz Glass Panels at the Coronado Public Library and a Solstice Clock on the Silver Strand
• Coronado Art Walk on September 17-18 at the Coronado Ferry Landing is the city's annual celebration of the arts, featuring exhibits of paintings, photography, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry and other mediums by over 100 artists. Admission is free and a complimentary shuttle transports guests along Orange Avenue, with a stop at the popular Art-in-the-Park in Spreckels Park.
• Third Friday at Coronado Plaza is a monthly art fair that takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the third Friday of every month at Coronado Plaza (1330 Orange Avenue). Artists from throughout San Diego display their works in the third floor executive suite and patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean; refreshments are also served. Guests enter through the Dan McGeorge Gallery.

FINE-TUNED

From sweet and soulful to grand and commanding, the sound of music fills the air in Coronado throughout the year.

• A beloved local tradition, the Promenade Concerts in the Park Series takes place at 6 p.m. every Sunday, May 29 through mid-September, in Spreckels Park. Visitors can enjoy cool live music while picnicking around the central gazebo; admission is free.
• Taking place from 2-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, May 28 through September 5, the Coronado Ferry Landing Summer Concert Series presents live music concerts on San Diego Bay. Featured local musicians include the Crown Island Jazz Band, Coronado Big Band and Teagan Taylor Trio.
• In September, Loews Coronado Bay Resort presents "Live From Loews," a new concert series that gives music fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite headliner artists by the country's best cover bands. The monthly series will feature a fun, eclectic mix of bands in a spectacular outdoor setting overlooking San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.
• Visitors can also enjoy live music at various venues around the island including the Babcock & Story bar in the Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Boathouse 1887, Candelas on the Bay, Costa Azul, McP's Irish Pub, Vigilucci's Ristorante and Wine Styles.

Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on dining in Coronado, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau's website, www.sandiego.org/coronado, download the free Coronado app at coronadotourismdistrict.org or call
(619) 236-1212.

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