Casa Romantica: Renaissance - A Community's Labor of Love

What does it take to keep a century-old cultural landmark thriving?

Discover how this historic gem is not just rebuilding, but reimagining its future. From innovative youth programs to world-class art exhibitions, Casa Romantica is proving that setbacks can lead to incredible comebacks.

Join Nick Pagliochini as he explores the financial challenges and community support behind Casa Romantica with executive directors Jacqui Groseth and Kylie Travis.

In this enlightening conversation, Jacqui and Kylie share:
• The progress of Casa Romantica's landslide repair
• Exciting summer programs, including a new creative camp for kids
• Upcoming events like the Kenton Nelson art exhibition
• Details about their annual "Toast to the Casa: Renaissance" fundraising gala

If you're passionate about historic preservation, community involvement, or nonprofit sustainability, this episode is for you! Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into local cultural institutions. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest uploads.

Support Casa Romantica:
https://www.casaromantica.org/
https://www.instagram.com/casaromanticasc/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFsaYDN1U65JwdVF0tw4BQ

Follow Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickpagliochini
https://www.instagram.com/thisweekendwithnick

This Weekend Ep. 23 – June 6, 2024

Time To Take A Pause: Summer Vacation is Here!

Nick will take a bit of a break from “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini” to spend the summer season focusing on his alt podcast, "In Conversation, With Nick Pagliochini." In this podcast, he brings viewers and listeners exclusive conversations with fascinating local figures - the folks behind many of the events and activities he’s highlighted on “This Weekend.”

Nick has a lot going on this summer!

• Vibrant LGBTQIA+ Pride celebrations in Los Angeles and San Diego

• The beloved San Diego County Fair & Out at the Fair

• VidCon: The ultimate gathering for online video creators and fans

• D23 in Anaheim: Disney's fan-favorite expo

• Midsummer Scream in Long Beach

This summer promises an eclectic mix of entertainment, from festivals and fairs to supernatural encounters.

Stay tuned for a season packed with diverse voices, local insights, and unforgettable experiences!

This Weekend Ep. 22 – May 31, 2024

Summer Nights & Pride Sights: Block Parties, Chili Cook-Offs, & the Magic of Movies!

Southern California packs a punch with diversity with so many colors of the rainbow. From LGBTQIA+ Pride in the heart of West Hollywood to catching a classic film under the stars at the Skirball Cultural Center. This episode is overflowing with possibilities! Film festivals to electric vehicle expos to new museum exhibitions to horror and anime conventions. Get ready to fill your weekend with excitement, culture, and maybe even a spirit or two - by the glass, or from beyond the grave. Tune in and let Nick be your guide to an unforgettable weekend adventure!

• West Hollywood Pride

• Outdoor Movies at the Skirball

• Stand Up for Pets at Annenberg Pet Space

• Opera Fest LA

• Mount Wilson Observatory Talks and Telescopes

• Off the 405 at the Getty

• Last Remaining Seats

• Mickalene Thomas: All About Love at The Broad

• Wine Tastings at Barnsdall Art Park

• Movies Under the Stars at One Colorado

• Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)

• Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

• Catalina Wine Mixer

• HB Concours d’Elegance

• Rock 'n' Roll Running Series San Diego

• San Bernardino County Fair

• Anime Riverside

• Monsterpalooza

• Electrify Expo Long Beach

• LA Wine Fest

• Angels Pride Night

• Ovation Hollywood Free Friday Movie Nights

• Grand Performances

• KCRW Summer Nights

• Venice Pride Block Party

• Downey Greek Food Festival

• Downey Greek Festival on Facebook

• Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off

• Reggae Festival at Bowers Museum

• Mount Rubidoux Cleanup

• Fontana Days Festival

In Conversation: Kim Kuzma – Part 2

Kim Kuzma, From Singer to Realtor

Join Nick Pagliochini in a heartfelt conversation with Kim Kuzma as she recounts her journey of perseverance and adaptability. From touring with eight suitcases to finding stability in Vallarta’s real estate market, Kim’s story is a testament to her resilience and determination.

Learn about the challenges Kim faced, the support she received, and the incredible success she achieved by balancing her dual careers. This episode is a celebration of Kim’s unwavering spirit and her ability to thrive in diverse fields.

Learn more about Kim Kuzma:

http://kimkuzma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KimKuzmaLive/

https://www.instagram.com/kim_kuzma/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kim-kuzma/40188353

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yf5FlbgOa1MgO30muLH6k

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nickpagliochini

https://www.instagram.com/thisweekendwithnick

In Conversation: Kim Kuzma – Part 1

How Kim Kuzma Found Home in the Heart of Vallarta

In this episode, Nick Pagliochini sits down with the incredible Kim Kuzma to explore her transformation from a shy child in Alberta, Canada to a celebrated performer in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Discover how moving nine times as a child and her passion for music shaped her into the artist she is today.

Kim shares her fascinating backstory, her experiences with the gay community, and how she found her true calling in music and real estate. Learn about her first album, her struggles and triumphs, and how she continues to inspire others with her resilience and talent.

Learn more about Kim Kuzma:

http://kimkuzma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KimKuzmaLive/

https://www.instagram.com/kim_kuzma/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kim-kuzma/40188353

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yf5FlbgOa1MgO30muLH6k

Follow us on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nickpagliochini

https://www.instagram.com/thisweekendwithnick

This Weekend Ep. 21 — May 23, 2024

Memorial Day: Arches, Art Walks, and Smokin’ BBQ!

Ready to mix some Victorian-era sideshow thrills with a dash of Mexican culture? This episode, Nick Pagliochini is breaking down the best events in Puerto Vallarta, including its vibrant art scene and bone-chilling history with pit stops at epic BBQ festivals and a Disney concert to make the animal kingdom proud at the Hollywood Bowl. Plus, ever thought about watching E.T. at a cemetery? Yeah, that’s happening too. Let's make this Memorial Day weekend one for the books!

• Topanga Days

• Topanga Days Tickets

• Disney's The Lion King 30th Anniversary: A Live-to-Film Concert Event

• E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with Drone Show

• Carnaval de la Lune

• Smorgasburg BBQ Invitational

• Long Beach BBQ Festival

• Long Beach BBQ Festival Tickets

• Taste of Brea

• Taste of Brea Tickets

• Scottish Fest

• Scottish Fest Tickets

• Michael Childers Presents The Day of the Locust 50th Anniversary

• Vallarta Ghostwalk

• Puerto Vallarta Art Walk

• Colectika

• Corsica

• Emotions by Corsica

• Browne Galeria

• Galeria Pajaro Rojo

• Vallarta Pride 2024

• La Catrina Cantina

• Kim Kuzma

• 2024 CONADE National Games Sailing

• Oficina de Proyectos Culturales X Anniversary

This Weekend Ep. 20 — May 16, 2024

Ever wondered what a life-sized Monopoly board in Santa Monica looks like? Or where you can feast on unlimited lobster while grooving to 70s hits? Tune in to find out as Nick Pagliochini takes you on a whirlwind tour of SoCal's most exciting events, from the colorful Long Beach Pride Festival to the artisan markets of Pasadena. Plus, Nick shares his sun-soaked adventures south of the border in Puerto Vallarta. Don't miss out on the fun!

• 41st annual Long Beach Pride festival

• Walk and Play LA - Children's Hospital Los Angeles

• 45th Venice Family Clinic Art Walk and Auction

• Bug Fair 2024 - Natural History Museum Los Angeles

• Pasadena Artazan and Contemporary Handicraft Market

• Curator Conversation - Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital

• 9th Annual Mainopoly: A Taste of Main Street in Santa Monica

• Crawfish Festival in Fountain Valley

• OC Greek Fest in Anaheim

• Party for the Planet at Santa Ana Zoo

• Tustin Lobster Fest

• 20th Anniversary Restaurant Week in Puerto Vallarta

• Demente - Mental Health Comedy in Puerto Vallarta

• Festival de Cine Consciente in Yelapa

• Puerto Vallarta Pride Pet Parade

• Beverly Hills Art Show

• 29th Annual Balboa Island Art Walk

• Anaheim Children's Festival

Halfway to Halloween: Epic Entertainment Group – Part 2

In Part 1, you learned about Steve Sheldon and Charity Hill, co-founders of Epic Entertainment Group. Their backgrounds. What lead them into the world of immersive entertainment. What it takes to get into this line of work. Our host, Nick Pagliochini, dives deeper into the depths of knowledge and experience with Steve and Charity - what's involved with EPIC events such as those they work so hard to develop and create. The things they have learned along the way. What the industry's future may look like, and how you too can get into the world of Halloween, Haunt, and Horror.

To learn more about Epic Entertainment Group, please visit: https://epicentertainmentgroup.com/

Halfway to Halloween: Epic Entertainment Group – Part 1

Our host, Nick Pagliochini, is a Halloween baby – if you weren’t already aware – so he is truly the “Pumpkin King” when it comes to Halloween, Haunt, and Horror-based Immersive experiences. Nick’s even been a scare actor at Knott’s Scary Farm and The Queen Mary. That said, to celebrate Halfway to Halloween, he sat down with the twisted minds behind Epic Entertainment Group - co-founders - Steve Sheldon and Charity Hill – to see what makes incredible immersive events masterminds like theirs tick. What is their backstory? What helps lead to good storytelling? Stick around and learn more about these two world-class creatives.

To learn more about Epic Entertainment Group, please visit: https://epicentertainmentgroup.com/

This Weekend Ep. 19 — May 9, 2024

Boo! It's Halfway to Halloween – Monsters, Mysteries, and Mother's Day!

Think Halloween is just for October? Think again! While it’s said by some, “Everyday is Halloween!” The end of April and beginning of May signals a change in the weather, and a time to prep for things that go bump in the night. It’s a spooktacular time to celebrate the halfway point to the return of Halloween! From the shadows of haunted mazes to the spectacles of ghostly parades and shows, find out how your favorite haunts are keeping the spirits alive long all throughout the year, and getting them prepped before the leaves fall. It's a hauntingly good time, no pumpkin spice required!

Halfway to Halloween

• Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park

• Knott's Scary Farm

• Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

• Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest

• SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream

• Midsummer Scream

• Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary

• Creep It Real OC

• CreepIE Con

Less-Spooky Events and Activites

• Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House

• Nick Offerman Whisky Odyssey - Lagavulin

• Best in Low Exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum

• Cruel World Festival

• Clockshop's Kite Festival

• Monterey Park Birthday Celebration - Play Days

• Unique LA Market

• Pan American Fiesta in Lakewood

• PALS ABA Grand Opening in Santa Ana

• Open Garden Day in Santa Ana

• South OC Microbrew & Seltzerfest

Mother’s Day

• Mother's Day Brunch at Plaza Inn, Disneyland

• Mother's Day Buffet at Storytellers Cafe, Disney's Grand Californian

• Mother's Day Champagne Brunch at Knott's Berry Farm

• Pomona Valley Mining Co. Mother's Day Brunch

• Mother's Day Art Fair at the Hollywood Farmers Market

• Mother's Day Experience at Anaheim Indoor Marketplace

• Mother's Day Celebration at Pretend City Children's Museum

• Mother's Day Cruise with Dana Wharf

• Mother's Day Remembrance Service at Hillside Memorial Park

• Mother's Day Rosary at Holy Cross Cemetery

Ar "Mondo" Hernandez | Luchador Brewing Co | Chino Hills, CA (BONUS - Short)

Your host for #InConversationWithNick, @NickPagliochini, gets in a few minutes with the man, the myth, the guac legend - @Ar "Mondo" Hernandez, fresh off his fourth Blue Ribbon win at the LA County Fair in Pomona, CA, to find out how the guactastic recipe came to be and how he has continued to improve upon this delectable treat with each competition - creating THEE BEST guacamole you can find and enjoy in Southern California. Nick caught up with Mondo at his second pop-up and partnership with Luchador Brewing Company in Chino Hills, CA - celebrating Cinco De Mayo as only a fiesta like this should be - with ice cold cervezas - on tap, Luchadors wrestling on TV, great music playing, lots of laughs, family and friends, and, of course, freshly made chips paired with Mondo's Award Winning Guac! To learn about Luchador Brewing Company, head to https://www.LuchadorBrew.com. And to learn more about delectable destinations and fantastic foodie finds, it's @ThisWeekendWithNick and @15MinuteFoodie on Instagram.

BT McNicholl - Part 2 | La Mirada Theatre | In Conversation (BONUS)

Your host for In Conversation With Nick Pagliochini, sits down with BT McNicholl, Producing Artistic Director at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, to get to know more about this stellar, award-winning regional theatre.

To learn more about the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, please visit: https://lamiradatheatre.com/

BT McNicholl - Part 1 | La Mirada Theatre | In Conversation (BONUS)

Your host for In Conversation With Nick Pagliochini, sits down with BT McNicholl, Producing Artistic Director at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, to get to know him better and his incredible background as well as personal and professional experience that he brings to this stellar, award-winning regional theatre.

To learn more about the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, please visit: https://lamiradatheatre.com/

This Weekend Ep. 18 — May 2, 2024

May the Festivities Be With You: Jokes, Jedis, and Joyous Fiestas!

Gear up for a rollercoaster of fun this weekend! Get swept away by the humor and hijinks of top comedians at Netflix’s Joke Fest, embrace your inner Jedi with galactic adventures on Star Wars Day, and dive into the lively spirit of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Discover incredible gardens, laugh along with legendary stand-ups, and experience the excitement of local and international festivities. There’s never a dull moment when you're along for the ride—so make sure you tune in for a weekend that promises non-stop entertainment and joy!

• Beach Life Festival

• South Coast Botanic Garden Events: Bloom and Soar Tropical Butterflies

• Netflix's Joke Fest

• Movies on Location: Star Wars Screening

• Los Angeles Zoo Dia de los Ninos/Children's Day

• Mount Wilson Observatory Talks and Telescopes

• LA County Fair

• Clay LA 2024

• Cinco Unchained

• Hogue OC Marathon Running Festival

• Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in San Clemente

• Fiesta in the Galaxy Far, Far Away

• IE Tequila Fest

• Joel McGee Disneyland Collection Auction

• Delicious Little Tokyo

• Museums of the Arroyo Day

• Barrio Hi Fi

• Jazz at LACMA

• La Habra Citrus Fair

• Orange May Parade

• Rancho Days Fiesta

• Soka Peace Festival

• Free Art Expos at Riverside Convention Center and Horror Art and Cosplay Expo

Brave Should Be Spelled with a W(e)– BONUS: “In Conversation, With Nick Pagliochini”

Guest: Jessica Patay

In part two of our conversation with guest Jessica Patay, co-founder of We Are Brave Together, the focus shifts to the organization's development and the personal journey of its members. Jessica shares her experiences in managing the daily challenges associated with her son Ryan’s Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly his never-ending hunger which necessitates a locked kitchen to control food access.

Jessica explains the origins of We Are Brave Together, which was founded in 2017. The organization has since grown to support nearly 2,600 mothers globally, proving the need for a strong support network for caregivers of children with various diagnoses.

The episode also previews a significant upcoming event for the community, the launch of the anthology "Becoming Brave Together." This book compiles 21 stories from different caregivers, aiming to validate and enrich the reader's understanding of the caregiving experience through a tapestry of personal narratives.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences, which Jessica identifies as crucial in providing support and strength to caregivers. This part of the podcast builds on themes from part one, diving deeper into the triumphs and challenges faced by those within the We Are Brave Together network.

This Weekend Ep. 17 — Apr. 25, 2024

Tinseltown Abounds: Egyptians, Streets, Tamales, and One Big Splash!

Get ready for a whirlwind of fun in this episode jam-packed with events to tickle your fancy. Foodies, rejoice! There's Pizza City Fest with its cheesy goodness, the 11th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival, and even a Walk with the Animals event to benefit pet adoption. Feeling artsy? Willy’s Chocolate Experience LA promises a world of pure imagination in a very, very different way, and Puppet Up!'s hilarious marionette shows are sure to leave you in stitches.

Looking for a cinematic adventure? The TCM Classic Films Tour on the Warner Bros. Studio lot takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood magic, and don't forget the Egyptian Theatre's historic charm. Music lovers have a treat with Deadmau5's electrifying performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and cinephiles can catch the entire season with Street Food Cinema's mouthwatering movie nights. And if you're feeling a Pixar punch, The Disneyland Resorts's Pixar Fest is the perfect dose of animation magic! So grab your friends and family, there's something for everyone in and around the Southland this weekend!

There is No “I” in Brave – BONUS: “In Conversation, With Nick Pagliochini”

Guest: Jessica Patay

In part one of this week's "In Conversation" interview, we sit down with Jessica Patay as she tells us about her upbringing and the profound experiences that inspired her to create the powerful non-profit We Are Brave Together. We Are Brave Together aims to support, empower, and provide resources for mothers who are caregivers to children with disabilities, diagnoses, or mental health struggles.

Jessica opens up about being raised in a large, blended family in Southern California. She recalls lively memories like being on the high school drill team and emphasizes how her tight-knit friend group provided invaluable stability and joy amid the chaotic family dynamics. Despite a non-traditional childhood, Jessica's strong bonds gave her a deep well of love and support. Those formative relationships cultivated Jessica's appreciation for community - something that became vital when her son Ryan was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome as an infant. Her experiences navigating Ryan's needs ultimately inspired her to found We Are Brave Together in 2017 to uplift and empower other caregiving moms.

Our candid discussion lays the groundwork for part two, where we'll explore Jessica's mission and the vital work of We Are Brave Together in more detail.

This Weekend Ep. 16 — Apr. 18, 2024

Fasten Your Bookmarks - It's a Lit, Grit and Puppet-Filled Ride

This jam-packed weekend is a literary lover's delight mixed with adrenaline-pumping motorsports and Earth Day eco-adventures. From the LA Times Festival of Books to the thunderous Acura Grand Prix races to the whimsical 10th annual Bob Baker Marionette celebration, there's something for every reader, rev-head and puppet fan!

• LA Times Festival of Books - Author panels, celeb guests

• Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach - Thunder Thursday kickoff, racing festivities

• 10th Annual Bob Baker Day - Marionette shows, games, pie fight

• Maurice Sendak exhibit at Skirball Cultural Center

• TCM Classic Film Fest - "Most Wanted" crime movies

• Natural History Museum Earth Day celebration

• LA Zoo "Wild for the Planet"

• Friends of LA River restoration projects

• Cyclovia car-free Venice Blvd

• Paleyfest TV panels

(Full show notes coming soon)

Let’s Raise a Challis, A la Mode – BONUS: “In Conversation, with Nick Pagliochini”

Featured Guest: Diane Challis Davy

Diane Challis Davy is a true Laguna Beach local. She graduated from Laguna Beach High School and studied set and costume design with a scholarship from the Festival of Arts in Laguna. Her love for art and performance led her to the Pageant of the Masters in 1980, where she started working in the costume department.

Davy’s talent and dedication were quickly recognized. She was promoted to Assistant Pageant Director and won the Art Star Artist of the Year Award in 2008. Today, she’s the Director of the Pageant of the Masters, breathing new life into this beloved Laguna Beach tradition year after year.

The Pageant of the Masters, presented by the Festival of Arts, is a unique event that brings famous paintings to life – no, literally, really…to life! Every year, the pageant features a new theme and showcases talented actors, artists, and technicians who recreate iconic artworks on stage. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Laguna Beach!

To learn more about the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, and to get tickets to this incredible and dynamic event, please visit, https://www.foapom.com/

This Weekend Ep. 15 — Apr. 11, 2024

Unleash Your Imagination! Stars, Science, and a Symphony of Bugs!

Southern California is turning up the volume this weekend! Calling all TV fanatics - PaleyFest LA brings your favorite stars to the Dolby Theatre for interviews and show discussions (think Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon!). Need a cinematic adventure? The Academy Museum's "In the Midnight Hour" series throws a cult classic film fest, featuring outrageous flicks like Rocky Horror.

Music lovers rejoice! Goldenvoice Presents April explodes with concerts across LA, with artists like Blur, Hatsune Miku, and Taking Back Sunday taking the stage. Craving something more intimate? Catch “Lemur Mom,” a hilarious one-woman show about raising a child with autism. And of course, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off this weekend! Weekend 1 is sold out, but snag passes for weekend 2 and experience the brand-new Quasar stage.

Last Call and Free 99 features a few unique twists. Imaginology at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, the Blacklight Bug Fest in Riverside, or if you prefer your garden related activities in the day light hours, check out Gardenfest in San Clemente. That’s just a few things to wet your whistle! Get out there this weekend, explore, and report back to Nick Pagliochini about it!