Lilacs reach their peaks of bloom and fragrance based on weather conditions. And since weather conditions vary, scheduling annual lilac festivals can be tricky. But this year, Gary Parton and his Idyllwild Garden Club associates are celebrating. The hundreds of lilac varietals at Parton’s Alpenglow Gardens on Fern Valley Road will be at their peak…

Gracious, garrulous and generously talented, Llew Matthews, longtime Nancy Wilson music director, brings his brand of smooth and cool to the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series. New York City-born Matthews does it all — pianist, arranger, singer and conductor. He also tells good stories about his musical evolution from ukulele player at four to French horn…