IRVINE, Calif. (January 31, 2023): The City of Irvine is pleased to present Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro, a historical photography exhibition at the Great Park Gallery. An opening reception will be held Sunday, February 19, 1–3 p.m. A three-part live swing and jazz music series, Swingin’ in the Palm Court, will take place in February, March, and April; and the Orange County Archives Bazaar, Green is the New Orange: The Environment, Art, and Us, will take place Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The exhibition runs through Sunday, May 7.

Marine Corps Air Station El Toro opened in 1943 giving opportunities to young men and women who would come to call the base and surrounding areas home. While their days included the expected activities of life on a military base, their free time and recreational activities were fun and diverse.

Through a curated selection of photographs and in collaboration with OC Archives in Action, Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro will provide a glimpse into the recreational lives led by the men and women who served at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro throughout the '40s,'50s, and '60s.

Swingin' in the Palm Court Jazz Series

In support of Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro, the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex presents a three-part live swing and jazz music series, Swingin’ in the Palm Court. Inspired by the swing and jazz music that filled the banquet halls of early MCAS El Toro, this event echoes the recreational activities service men and women partook in while stationed here. Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating around the Gallery and Palm Court; no advance registration is needed for these free events.

Swingin’ in the Palm Court will take place on the following dates and times:

-Sunday, February 19, 1–3 p.m.

-Sunday, March 12, 1–3 p.m.

-Sunday, April 23, 1–3 p.m.

Orange County Archives Bazaar Green is the New Orange: The Environment, Art, and Us

Presented by OC Archives in Action, the Orange County Archives Bazaar: Green is the New Orange: The Environment, Art, and Us, brings together libraries, special collections, and cultural institutions. Showcasing materials from these collections, this event highlights the known and unknown stories of Orange County. In addition to institutional collection displays, the bazaar will feature discussions, presentations, and activities for all ages.

The Bazaar will take place Sunday, March 12, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. This event runs in support of the Great Park Gallery’s exhibition Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro and is held in collaboration with the Anaheim Public Library, CSUF Pollak Library, Heritage Museum of Orange County, and UCI Libraries. No advance registration is needed for this free event.

Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine. Great Park Gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays, noon–4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The opening reception, exhibition, discussion, and parking are free. For more information,visit yourgreatpark.org/arts or call 949-724-6247.

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 310,250 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.