Posted on by James Kampas

Koroneburg Renaissance Festival

June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.
June 1, 2025 - Koroneburg Renaissance Festival.

We had a fun time yesterday at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival in Eastvale, CA, about 80 miles from Palm Springs. Unlike most tent-filled faires, Koroneburg is Southern California’s only permanently built Renaissance village. Visitors can wander past real half-timbered houses, a working blacksmith shop, and a stone-front tavern that feels straight out of 16th-century Germany. Costumed characters roam the streets, interactive shows pop up at every turn, and the whole place feels like stepping into a storybook. We sipped cold ale, munched on sausages, and soaked up the festive atmosphere like merry revelers of old.

Click here to watch a video of the Imperial Knights being introduced before the joust.

Posted on by James Kampas

Hockey at Acrisure Arena

April 30, 2023 – An amped up crowd as the Firebirds enter the arena.

We caught Game 3 of the Pacific Division semifinals between the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Colorado Eagles at the brand-new Acrisure Arena. In a nail-biting playoff showdown, the Firebirds fought hard but ultimately fell in overtime to the visiting Eagles. It was our first visit to Acrisure Arena—and it didn’t disappoint. With seating for around 11,000, this impressive venue is a welcome addition to the Coachella Valley’s entertainment scene. Home to the Firebirds and host to major concerts and events, it’s quickly becoming a local favorite.

Posted on by James Kampas

McCormick’s Exotic Car Auction

  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC Roadster that once belonged to late "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1956 Jaguar XK 140 MC Roadster that once belonged to late “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1965 Arntz Cobra.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1965 Arntz Cobra.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1935 Packard 1201 Eight.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1935 Packard 1201 Eight.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1948 Lincoln Continental.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1948 Lincoln Continental.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1941 Plymouth P12 Woody Wagon.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1941 Plymouth P12 Woody Wagon.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1955 Mercury Montclair.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1955 Mercury Montclair.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1948 customized Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1948 customized Chevrolet Sedan Delivery.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1934 Mercedes 500K Roadster replica.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1934 Mercedes 500K Roadster replica.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe.
  • Nov. 19, 2021 - 1931 Ford Model A Roadster.
    Nov. 19, 2021 – 1931 Ford Model A Roadster.

We visited the 2021 McCormick’s Palm Springs Exotic Car Auction today, one of Southern California’s most respected classic car events, just to admire the stunning lineup of over 500 vintage and exotic vehicles on display. From elegant Packards and sleek ’50s cruisers to rumbling muscle cars and rare replicas, the show was a vibrant celebration of automotive history—set against the dramatic desert mountains. Family-owned and based in Palm Springs, McCormick’s hosts two major auctions each year, welcoming both the public and dealers to experience a unique blend of car culture and timeless style.

Posted on by James Kampas

Lyric Opera Stars Shine!

Sept. 10, 2011 - Renee Fleming sings "Jewel Song" from Gounod’s Faust.
Sept. 10, 2011 – Renee Fleming sings “Jewel Song” from Gounod’s Faust.

The Stars of Lyric Opera concert last night was a memorable evening, marking the start of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s upcoming 57th season. Held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the free outdoor event attracted a full-capacity crowd, all eager to experience a night of operatic brilliance under the stars. Renée Fleming, newly appointed as Lyric’s creative consultant, served as both headliner and host. The evening featured a stellar lineup of performers, including Matthew Polenzani, James Morris, Susanna Phillips, and Jamie Barton. The Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the baton of French conductor Emmanuel Villaume, provided the musical accompaniment for the evening.