M-U-S-I-C-A-L C-O-M-E-D-Y … Del Mar Drama’s Production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”Can you spell “musical comedy?” April marks the first time since 2018 that Del Mar Drama has produced a musical. And, for a three-weekend run, audiences can laugh and spell during the Broadway musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” scheduled April 12-13, 18-20 and 26-27 in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre on the Heritage Campus. Rated PG-13 for mature content, all performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The Tony Award-winning musical follows six quirky adolescent contestants and three moderators at a spelling bee in the regionally ambiguous Putnam County. As the bee progresses, audience members will learn about the characters’ lives and backstories through songs and montages during this coming-of-age story with as much heart as humor. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” isn’t a typical musical as the line between audience and performers is frequently crossed, putting patrons’ spelling skills to the test against key characters’ abilities and making each performance unique. Online ticket sales (delmardrama.ludus.com/) begin Friday, March 29, with day-of-show ticket purchases available with the Box Office opening one hour prior to each performance. The April 12 opening features a cash bar and post-production reception. Additionally, April 18 (Thursday) is Student Night when any local student with a valid student I.D. can attend the performance for free, along with a post-production reception in the lobby.• Weekends, April 12-13, 18-20 and 26-27, 7:30 p.m., Del Mar Drama production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”• Location: Sue Sellors Finley Theatre, Fine Arts Center, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID.• Online ticket sales begin Friday, March 29, at delmardrama.ludus.com/.• For more information, contact Del Mar Drama at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu.

Mariachi Del Mar Recital at Del Mar CollegeJoin the Del Mar College Music Department and its ensemble Mariachi Del Mar for a captivating evening of various Mexican tunes on Monday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Wolfe Recital Hall on the Heritage Campus. The recital features a combination of traditional trrancheras, polkas, sones and boleros that capture the enriching and beautiful heritage of Mexican music.• Monday, April 29, 7:30 p.m., Mariachi Del Mar Performance.• Location: Wolfe Recital Hall, Fine Arts Center Music Building, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact DMC Music faculty member Luz Valdez at lvaldez54@delmar.edu or the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1214.

Del Mar College Percussion Ensemble Presents a Spring ConcertThe Del Mar College Percussion Ensemble presents their spring concert under the direction of Dr. Neil Sisauyhoat. A highly entertaining concert, the ensemble’s performance features traditional music from Brazil as well as works by James Campbell and Emmanuel Séjourné, among others. And, you might even recognize some fun music from classic video games! The free concert will also highlight the talent of some of the finest local high school percussionists performing in the Corpus Christi All-Star Percussion Ensemble, along with special guests!• Wednesday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., Percussion Concert.• Location: Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact DMC Music faculty member Dr. Neil Sisauyhoat at nsisauyhoat@delmar.edu or 361-698-1623.

Opening Reception for Del Mar College Continuing Education Photography Show “Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography”They have a passion for photography, and the images they capture tell the story from their own unique visual perspectives. In fact, they’re “fully focused.” This spring, the Del Mar College Continuing Education Department’s Digital Photography class included 12 students whose work will go on display for a three-week show titled Fully Focused: An Exhibition of Digital Photography. Featuring over 60 photographs, the exhibit will open with a free reception form 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, in the lobby of the DMC Center for Economic Development. The reception features light refreshments, along with the opportunity to view and purchase some of the best work produced by the Spring 2024 Digital Photography class. Ranging from landscapes to still life to nature, the free show will remain on display through May 23 with Center hours scheduled 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays. Learn more about Del Mar College Continuing Education courses and programs at www.delmar.edu/ce.· Thursday, May 2, 6 to 8 p.m., Fully Focused Opening Reception.· Through May 23, Exhibit Viewing, Center hours scheduled 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. until noon on Fridays.· Location: Lobby, Del Mar College Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples (78411), get online directions and map.· Cost: free.· For more information, contact DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu.

Buccaneer Days Music Festival in Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance HallAmerican Classic Tours & Music Festivals offers exemplary music festivals for elementary, middle and high school music groups across the state. And, as part of Buccaneer Days or Buc Days 2024, the company is holding their Buccaneer Classic Festival at Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance Hall, a venue is known for its outstanding acoustics and reputation for hosting live music performance events on the Heritage Campus. Festival performances are scheduled Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. The company began producing music festivals in 1989 and continues to offer the highest quality of music festivals featuring quality adjudication and beautiful awards. This year’s Buccaneer Days Festival features middle through high school concert band, string orchestra and jazz band participants from Texas and Oklahoma. Performances are free and open to the public.• Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Buccaneer Days Music Festival.• Location: Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at music@delmar.edu or 361-698-1214.

Buccaneer Days Music Festival in Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance HallAmerican Classic Tours & Music Festivals offers exemplary music festivals for elementary, middle and high school music groups across the state. And, as part of Buccaneer Days or Buc Days 2024, the company is holding their Buccaneer Classic Festival at Del Mar College’s Richardson Performance Hall, a venue is known for its outstanding acoustics and reputation for hosting live music performance events on the Heritage Campus. Festival performances are scheduled Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. The company began producing music festivals in 1989 and continues to offer the highest quality of music festivals featuring quality adjudication and beautiful awards. This year’s Buccaneer Days Festival features middle through high school concert band, string orchestra and jazz band participants from Texas and Oklahoma. Performances are free and open to the public.• Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Buccaneer Days Music Festival.• Location: Richardson Performance Hall, Del Mar College Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map.• Cost: free.• For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at music@delmar.edu or 361-698-1214.