Homegrown Singer Back for Two Shows

Taking a break from her studies at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, singer-songwriter Samantha Smith returns to her native Orange County this week to showcase her newest songs.

Tonight, she sings from 8 to 11 at the at Newport Pier, and Friday she opens for surf-guitar legend and former Newport Beach resident Dick Dale at the in San Juan Capistrano.

“I’m really excited to be on the bill with Dick Dale,” Smith said. “Not only is he an incredible performer, but most of my own fans have listened to his music for decades, so it’s going to be a really fun night for everyone.”

Smith, a 19-year-old Newport Beach native, began building her following at Newport Elementary School, where she regularly performed for charity and community events as she developed her professional career.

Along with her folk and jazz music, Smith has been involved with organizations such as Newport Beach Sister City, Newport Beach Rotary and the Roosters Foundation. She also worked as choir director for Newport Elementary’s afterschool program, which led her to found a nonprofit children’s choir, the Young Singers of Orange County, as a senior in high school. Smith continues to oversee the organization from a distance and works closely with student volunteer instructors she trained to continue the program.

The Blue Beet show is free. Tickets for the Coach House are $25 by calling 949-413-3914 or 949-463-6691, or visiting the Coach House website.

For more info, message Smith through Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamanthaSmithMusic or Reverbnation at http://www.reverbnation.com/samanthasmithmusic or email Peter Smith at peter@avalon-wine.com.

• Blue Beet, 107 21st Place (McFadden Wharf area), Newport Beach. No cover charge.

• Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Tickets available by calling 949-413-3914.