Old Towne Talent Articles

Eye of the 'Tiger'

100 - Nov / Dec 20

In his profile on Amazon.com, Clyde San Juan is described as an “author and illustrator, backpacker on crooked trails, amateur photographer and, more recently, creativity encourager.” He is and has been all of those. And more. “Currently, I’m an author and teacher,” says San Juan,... Read More →

In his profile on Amazon.com, Clyde San Juan...

Donnie DeWees

98 - Mar / Apr 20

Not everyone can say they’ve gone from building sandcastles to designing more than two dozen projects for Disney theme parks in Anaheim and Shanghai. But Donnie DeWees sure can. The owner of an architectural design firm in Orange that bears his name, DeWees first became... Read More →

Not everyone can say they’ve gone from building...

Gary Turner

97 - Jan / Feb 20

Gary Turner may not have a household name, but if you grew up in the mid-1970s or later and were a bicycle motocross enthusiast, his work was legendary. That’s because he developed and built a lighter yet more durable BMX bike frame than was readily... Read More →

Gary Turner may not have a household name,...

Bella Donna's Sweets

96 - Nov / Dec 19

Visit Donna and Dave Mastren at their Fullerton home, and it’s probably best to check your diet at the front door. From there, it’s easy to catch the smell of fresh-baked pies or cookies coming from the kitchen. And it’s not just a few pies... Read More →

Visit Donna and Dave Mastren at their Fullerton...

Kim Le

95 - Sep / Oct 19

“I worked here for 15 years before taking over the conservatory,” says Kim Le. “As office manager, I learned the back end, and as a teacher, I learned the front end. But it’s completely different being the owner.” - - - - Kim Le, Director... Read More →

“I worked here for 15 years before taking...

Chris Higgins

88 - Jul / Aug 18

When Chris Higgins was a student at Orange High School, some guys asked him to be in their rock band. He told them he didn’t play any instruments. “They said, ‘That’s OK, we don’t really know how to play anything either. We’re just going to... Read More →

When Chris Higgins was a student at Orange...

Lee Rocker

87 - May / Jun 18

Stray Cats’ Lee Rocker rolls out solo and reunion shows in SoCal Lee Rocker has rocked a lot of towns in his day. The double bass player for the Stray Cats–the rockabilly band he formed in the late 1970s with guitarist Brian Setzer and drummer... Read More →

Stray Cats’ Lee Rocker rolls out solo and...

Celebrating "Stranger Things"

with Ross & Matt Duffer

83 - Sep/Oct 17

If you bump into Matt and Ross Duffer when they’re back in town for Chapman Celebrates on November 3-4, 2017 at the Musco Center for the Arts, ask them about “I Saved Superman.” The 15-minute film, which doesn’t appear on their IMDB profiles, stars Tara... Read More →

If you bump into Matt and Ross Duffer...

Banding Together

with the Wimberley Bluegrass Band

82 - Jul/Aug 17

Mark, Danielle, Michael and James Wimberley, from left, spent a lot of time in Old Towne’s Plaza Park growing up. “It was always a really cool place to hang out,” says Michael. “It was kind of like our Mayberry.” - - - - The family... Read More →

Mark, Danielle, Michael and James Wimberley, from left,...

Dr. William Heide

Transcended by Music

78 - Nov / Dec 16

As St. John’s Minister of Worship & Music, Dr. William Heide oversees all facets of the church’s music ministry, including the concert series that includes Christmas performances. Dr. William Heide Experience a worship service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and you’re likely to find yourself... Read More →

As St. John’s Minister of Worship & Music,...