What we’re about
Unplug. Unwind. Connect.
Rediscover the joy of real connection through shared experiences and authentic friendships.
So Cal Explorers Meetup is the antidote to a hyper-digital, disconnected world. We gather for fun, relaxed outings to explore the most iconic, historic, quirky, and lesser-known corners of Southern California—together. Whether it's a walking tour, hike, museum visit, or movie night, our adventures are all about learning, exploring, and enjoying each other's company.
We're not a dating group. We're not a networking group. We're simply a welcoming space for adults to connect, laugh, and build friendships—without pressure, expectations, or hidden agendas.
Our crew is mostly progressive, slightly irreverent 40- to 60-somethings with a love for counter-culture and curiosity. But all open-minded adults (18+) are welcome!
Join us for hiking, historic tours, movies, museum visits, kayaking, presentations, live music, good food, great conversation, and spontaneous fun.
So Cal Explorers is where awkward small talk turns into epic friendships. Come along—we’re saving you a seat.
Upcoming events
10
MUSIC IN THE ORCHARD - TRIBUTE TO HORACE SILVER
The Orchard, 2016 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach, CA, USDate: Date: Sunday, October 12, 2-5 pm
Venue: The Orchard
2016 Tustin Ave., Newport Beach 92660They will pass the hat for the musicians - Cash donations $20 suggested
Jazz concert The Orchard in Newport Beach featuring the music of composer, pianist and jazz legend Horace Silver. The band is led by bassist Luther Hughes, who led the Miles Davis concert at The Orchard last month. Music Promoter Dave Lumian opens his beatiful shaded backyard to the public and brings in top-shelf musical talent. The concert is free, but a $20 donation to the band is recommended.
"Song For My Father" https://youtu.be/CWeXOm49kE0?si=d710aDH0b9Oqezr7
"Sister Sadie" https://youtu.be/SmO2pM20MrU?si=tmqW6KHcSMFJzrck
“Jody Grind” https://youtu.be/cIrE6sZduWo?si=LbFyMVvoA5QoiyS7
“Nica’s Dream” https://youtu.be/cEFHBKLsbxc?si=GPEQVSwS72kDirKy
Beautiful outdoor park-like setting in a private residence in Newport Beach. Bring your own seat, picnic lunch, and beverages for a relaxing afternoon listening to this amazing band. It's best to get there 10 minutes early to get a space in the shade. FREE, but please bring cash. They will be passing the hat for donations for the band. It's a chill vibe and you are expected to bring a chill vibe with you.
Tribute to Horace Silver
Jeff Bunnell - Trumpet
Ralph Moore - Tenor Sax
Tom Ranier - Piano
Luther Hughes - Bass
Paul Kreibich - Drums18 attendees
DINNER AND STORYTELLING COMPETITION
Campus Jax, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach, CA, USEnjoy an evening of compelling stories shared by talented, vetted storytellers—each competing for your vote. You don’t need to tell a story to attend; simply come and be part of the audience and the experience.
Interested in telling your own story? Details are provided below.I haven’t been to Campus JAX yet, but I’ve heard great things from many people. According to their website, there’s a minimum purchase requirement of one entrée per person—or a $10 fee will be applied.
When: Wednesday, October 15 @ 6:30 pm (meet at 6:15 at the door)
Where: Campus Jax
3950 Campus Dr
Newport Beach, CACost: $16.50 online or $20 at the door + you must purchase an entree or be charged a $10 fee.
Buy Tickets Here
Purchase whatever kind of ticket you can online and the organizer said she'll arrange to have us all together at a table.I’m thrilled (and terrified) that I have been approved to share my story live on stage—can’t wait to connect through storytelling.
Think you've got a great story? Share it at JAX and take your shot at the $100 prize!
They're looking for true stories up to six minutes long. Send a five-line summary to dape317@gmail.com to throw your hat in the ring!
29 attendees
MOVIE: HERZOG'S "NOSFERATU THE VAMPYRE" (1979)
The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA, USCross-posted with LA & OC Weirdo Music & Art Forum
We've seen Murnau's original from 1922 and Eggers's Hollywood remake from this year. Now let's go see the best version, IMO, Werner Herzog's version starring the one-and-only Klaus Kinski as the vampire. Kinski portrays the vampire as a creepy AF, but also melancholic, pathetic and doomed creature.
Date: Thursday, October 16, 8:00 pm
Venue: Frida Cinema
305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422Dinner 6:30 TBD
Tickets: $13 https://thefridacinema.org/movies/nosferatu-the-vampyre/
Select October 16!Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 94% positive rating
Trailer here
Director: Werner Herzog Run Time: 107 min. Release Year: 1979 Language: German
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Isabelle Adjani, Klaus Kinski, Roland Topor, Walter Ladengast
Werner Herzog’s only horror film, Nosferatu The Vampyre, is finally coming to The Frida Cinema!
Jonathan Harker is sent away to Count Dracula's castle to sell him a house in Virna, where he lives. But Count Dracula is a vampire, an undead ghoul living off men's blood. Inspired by a photograph of Lucy Harker, Jonathan's wife, Dracula moves to Virna, bringing with him death and plague... An unusually contemplative version of Dracula, in which the vampire bears the cross of not being able to get old and die.
It is 1850 in the beautiful, perfectly-kept town of Wismar. Jonathan Harker (Bruno Ganz) is leaving on a long journey over the Carpathian Mountains to finalize real estate arrangements with a wealthy nobleman. His wife Lucy (Isabelle Adjani) begs him not to go and is troubled by a strong premonition of danger. Despite her warnings, Jonathan arrives four weeks later at a large, gloomy castle. Out of the mist appears a pale, wraith-like figure with deep-sunken eyes who identifies himself as Count Dracula (Klaus Kinski). The events that transpire slowly convince Harker that he is in the presence of a vampire. Even still, he doesn’t realize the magnitude of danger he, his wife and his town are about to experience.
A dreamlike homage to F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent classic, Nosferatu The Vampyre conjures a world where dread seeps into every frame—an atmosphere of fevered melancholy now revived in a new 4K restoration thanks to our friends at American Genre Film Archive!
4 attendees
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476
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