CALENDAR

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The Manuscripts Book Discussion Group will meet at the Newport Beach Central Library from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. to discuss “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”, by Pulitzer prize-winning author Michael Chabon. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month and is open to the public. Admission is free. Call (949) 717-3800 or go to www.newportbeachlibrary.org.

POETRY READING

Alta Coffee House presents a night of “love poetry and word kisses” when Lee Mallory and Ricki Mandeville perform their poetry for Moon Tide Nights, a love-themed presentation. The evening begins at 8 p.m., and admission is free. Alta Coffee House is located at 506 31st St., Newport Beach. For information, call Lee Mallory at (714) 564-6526 or Alta Coffee House at (949) 675-0233.

THURSDAY

USC COACH IN TOWN

Steve Bisheff and Loel Schrader, authors of the book “Fight On! The Colorful Story of USC Football”, will be joined by former USC and NFL head coach John Robinson for a book signing and discussion session at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Fashion Island at 7 p.m. Adults and children are welcome. The bookstore is located at 401 Newport Center Dr., Suite A215, Newport Beach. Call (949) 718-0109 for more information.

FRIDAY

INAUGURAL CONCERT

The Orange County Performing Arts Center celebrates the opening of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and the Samueli Theater as well as the center’s 20th anniversary at 7 p.m. Evening will include a reception, dinner and program featuring tenor Placido Domingo. Center is at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Call (714) 556-2787 for tickets and more information.

KOSHER COOK-OFF DEADLINE

Food lovers and creative cooks are invited to submit their recipes for the first annual Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off. The Hilton Hotel in Costa Mesa will host the third semi-final event on December 14. The contest is open to anyone over the age of 18, and the grand prize package is valued at $20,000. Recipes must be submitted no later than September 15.

For contest details and to register, go to www.manischewitz.com.

FRIDAY TILL SUNDAY

OCC THEATRE

Orange Coast College will open its 22nd anniversary season this fall with the dark comedy “Dreaming of Norton.” The play follows two insurance claims adjusters on the heels of a Kansas hailstorm. Curtain time is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets are available for $6 by calling (714) 432-5640 ext. 1. Tickets are $7 at the door. Contact Jim Carnett at (714) 432-5725