Category: Cultural

July 14 — Bilingual report — Museum of Ventura County to present ‘Threading Together: Weaving Our Indigenous Heritage’

VENTURA — Experience the artistry of Zapotec weaving firsthand in a dynamic showcase and demonstration presented in collaboration with MICOP.

The artist in charge of these weaving workshops is Eduardo Jiménez. Jiménez is from Teotitlán del Valle, a town of 5,000 inhabitants, twenty miles from the city of Oaxaca, famous for its ancestral weavings. Jiménez’s style of weaving is extremely popular in Teotitlán del Valle and is one that uses the pedal loom, which was incorporated by the Spanish kingdom during the conquest of the Americas to speed up its process.

July 14 — ‘California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland’ to open at California Nature Art Museum in Solvang

From butterflies to bullfrogs to bobcats, Oak Woodland habitats support thousands of animal species all over California. Inhabitants might find shelter in the open grasslands between trees, scattered shrubs, fallen logs, streams, and tree canopies. The wonders of this important habitat – its creatures, colors, and lines of the land – all inspire Julia Laraway’s collection of fabric collages and quilts featuring flora and fauna of the coastal oak woodland.

July 15 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘RUN LOLA RUN’

Lola (Franka Potente) answers a call from her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtru), a small-time courier for a big-time gangster. He has a problem: His boss is coming to pick up 100,000 Deutsche Marks in twenty minutes, and he doesn’t have the money. With Manni’s life on the line, Lola runs through the streets of Berlin to reach him and somehow pick up 100,000 marks along the way, making split-second decisions and encountering acquaintances, family, and strangers. As the clock ticks down, the tinies choices become life-altering (or life-ending), and the fine line between fate and fortune begins to blur.

July 20 — MVC’s Members-Only Artists and Amplifiers Fête

VENTURA — In honor of our 2024 Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship for the Visual Arts award winners (view awardees HERE) , this garden fête and award ceremony will feature live music, specialty mocktails, a silent auction, remarks from MVC’s Chief Curator, private after-hours tours of the galleries, and a chance to meet the artists of InnoVision, MVC’s newest exhibition. 

Registration is free and open to MVC members and invited guests only. This is an all-ages event. Membership will be confirmed for all registrations. To purchase or renew your MVC membership, please visit: www.venturamuseum.org/membership. Dress to impress!

MVC Members Register Here

Made Possible in part by Aera Energy

July 20 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to present ‘Sangre de Nopal’

You are invited to the opening celebration of the exhibition Sangre de Nopal/Blood of the Nopal: Tanya Aguiñiga & Porfirio Gutiérrez en Conversación/In Conversation. New commissions and existing work from fiber artists Tanya Aguiñiga and Porfirio Gutiérrez will be featured alongside Oaxacan textiles from the Fowler collection.

In the spirit of Guelaguetza, the Zapotec word for offering or reciprocity, the evening celebration will include an Indigenous welcome, live performance by Filarmónica Maqueos Music, and exhibition preview.

July 20 — Voices of Hope Gala to raise support for children’s camp and mentoring program

“Our Gala’s theme is centered around Hope and the funds we raise will provide support to victims of trauma to help end cycles of abuse and introduce hope into their lives with resources, programs and community” said Vanessa Melendrez Jimenez, Executive Development Officer of Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.

July 23 — Bilingual report — Scoop up Safety: Join Ventura Police for ‘Cones with a Cop’ at Coastal Cone

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites the community to enjoy ice cream, shakes, floats, and friendly conversation at ‘Cones with a Cop.’ This sweet summertime event will be hosted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.…

July 25 — Allan Hancock College to debut new piano during ‘Midday Mini-Concert’

ANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is inviting community members to see and hear the newest addition to the college’s Boyd Concert Hall: a world-class concert piano.

The instrument, a Steinway Model D concert piano, is the overwhelming choice of the world’s greatest pianists and will make its debut during a Festival Mozaic Midday Mini-Concert at Boyd Hall in the college’s Fine Arts Complex (bldg. F) on July 25 from 12-1 p.m.

July 25 — Grammy Award-winning composer and musician Ted Nash in collaboration with SBCC’s Summer Jazz program to perform at SBMA

Enjoy jazz composed and performed by students in SBCC’s Summer Jazz program in a collaborative workshop with Grammy Award-winning composer and musician Ted Nash.

Inspired by works in the current exhibition A Legacy of Giving: The Lady Leslie and Lord Paul Ridley-Tree Collection and Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree’s love of music and support of education.

July 28 — A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival Premiere Charity Event in Ventura County

CAMARILLO — The Meadowlark Service League is hosting A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival this year on Sunday, July 28, from Noon – 4:30 pm, at the Camarillo Ranch.  Exhibitor & Vendor spaces are already filling up for the region’s longest-running Wine, Food, and Brew Festival. 

Through July 28 — CLU’s Kingsmen Shakespeare Company performs ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

THOUSAND OAKS — It’s “The Season of Love” this summer as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company performs two of William Shakespeare’s most beloved plays: “Romeo and Juliet” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” The comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” kicks off the 27th Annual Shakespeare Festival with performances through July 7; “Romeo and Juliet” follows from July 12–28. All performances are at 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

This is the first time since 2012 that the nonprofit, professional theatre company of California Lutheran University has produced these two plays.

Aug. 2, 3, 4 — Ventura Music Festival announces upcoming events including performance by Perla Batalla (Aug. 2)

Perla Batalla

Friday, August 2, 2024
7:00 PM
Ventura College PAC

A festival favorite returns! Singer-songwriter Perla Batalla earns critical acclaim for her distinctive voice, emotional honesty, and culture-merging compositions.

Aug. 3 — Bilingual report — Allan Hancock College to host one-day fire camp for women

Women who sign up for this event will have the opportunity to work with staff from Hancock’s fire technology program and the college’s state-certified Fire Academy. Several female Hancock College Fire Academy graduates, who are now professional firefighters, will be on hand to share their knowledge and experience. Participants will take part in various team-building exercises and hands-on training with the techniques and equipment used by firefighters.  

Through Aug. 3 — Music Academy of the West Kicks Off 2024 Summer Music Festival

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 77th season, inspires artists and concert-goers alike with the 2024 Summer Music Festival themed “The Magic of Music.” The Festival showcases talented young musicians and outstanding teaching and guest artists in a wide array of one-of-a-kind performances, chamber concerts, public masterclasses, and competitions.

Aug. 5 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘Evil Does Not Exist’

In the rural alpine hamlet of Mizubiki, not far from Tokyo, Takumi and his daughter, Hana, lead a modest life gathering water, wood, and wild wasabi for the local udon restaurant. Increasingly, the townsfolk become aware of a talent agency’s plan to build an opulent glamping site nearby, offering city residents a comfortable “escape” to the snowy wilderness. When two company representatives arrive and ask for local guidance, Takumi becomes conflicted in his involvement, as it becomes clear that the project will have a pernicious impact on the community.

Aug. 8 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present docent recruitment reception

If you have a passion for art and are interested in serving the community, the SBMA Docent Program is a rewarding and supportive environment to learn and have fun. Volunteer docents engage with visitors of all ages through guided tours to make works of art accessible to everyone. An art background is not required.

Aug. 10 — California Nature Art Museum in Solvang to free End-of-Summer Family Day

SOLVANG — The California Nature Art Museum (calnatureartmuseum.org) in Solvang will hold its annual free-admission, End-of-Summer Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. This event invites visitors to bring the whole family and enjoy free admission to the Museum and participate in a variety of art-and-nature inspired activities. 

Aug. 16 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mamma Mia! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with the smash hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 16 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy pre-screening festivities with KLITE’s Catherine Remak, enter to win raffle prizes, and more. Costumes are encouraged.

Aug. 17 — Bilingual report — Join SBCC’s School of Extended Learning for an OPEN HOUSE!

SANTA BARBARA — Join SBCC’s School of Extended Learning for an OPEN HOUSE! from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at SBCC Extended Learning Wake Campus at 300 N. Turnpike Road, Santa Barbara.

Get help with registration while enjoying free giveaways, food, face painting and more! 

The event is free and open to all.

Aug. 19 — Oxnard Film Society to present ‘Green Border’

In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so-called “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa are lured by government propaganda promising easy passage to the European Union. Unable to cross into Europe and unable to turn back, they find themselves trapped in a rapidly escalating geopolitical stand-off. An unflinching depiction of the migrant crisis captured in stark black-and-white, this riveting film explores the intractable issue from multiple perspectives: a Syrian family fleeing ISIS caught between cruel border guards in both countries; young guards instructed to brutalize and reject the migrants; and activists who aid the refugees at great personal risk.

Aug. 21 — CSUCI’s ‘AI Basecamp’ to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on education and regional workforce

“We’re calling it a base camp (as opposed to a summit) because as far as AI has come in such a brief period of time, it still feels like a moment where we’re just beginning,” said Assistant Vice President of Digital Learning Lorna Gonzalez. “An event like this is meant to bring our community together to hear about what’s happening regionally and to have a shared experience about something that has been highly disruptive and will continue to be.”

Through Aug. 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present Sun, Surf and Cinema, FREE Summer Films at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the FREE outdoor summer film series, Sun, Surf and Cinema, seven classic flicks celebrating the thrills and delights of beach and ocean life, Friday evenings under the stars through Fri. Aug 23 at 8:30 p.m. at the County Courthouse Sunken Garden. This year’s totally tubular lineup includes: Jaws, Point Break, 50 First Dates, Blue Crush, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Mamma Mia! and Crazy Rich Asians. Bring breathable blankets, low chairs, a picnic and your friends!

Aug. 23 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program concludes with the 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 pm.  Arrive early for pre-screening festivities, giveaways and a playlist curated by DJ Darla Bea.

Aug. 25 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art Presents A Day of Music in the Galleries

Featured musicians Jessica Guideri (violin), concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony, and Amy Tatum, principal flute for the Santa Barbara Symphony, will play a combination of solo pieces and duets. Each piece will be roughly 20 minutes in length, each responding to a different work in the exhibition. Performances are at 1 pm, 1:15 pm, 1:45 pm, and 2:15 pm.

Through Aug. 25 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art Presents Made by Hand/Born Digital

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s (SBMA) exhibition Made by Hand/Born Digital features 12 artworks and 9 artistswho use brushes, AI, paint, 3D printers, scissors, magazines printed on paper, digital looms, potter’s wheels, Photoshop and Apple Photo. By continuing to craft ceramics, paintings, and textiles by hand and also using the latest digital tools, many of the artists in the exhibition blur a distinction between the handmade and digital.

Aug. 31 — Chubby Checker and the Wildcats are Twisting for Good at the Lobero Theatre

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this Grammy Award-winning American icon at a price everyone can afford,” said Earl Minnis of Earl Minnis Presents who is producing the event. “We decided to take a different approach with this event and allow ticket purchasers the opportunity to purchase an affordable ticket with the option of making a larger contribution.” Donations are tax-deductible.

Sept. 2 — Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum to present 9th Annual Labor Day Tractor Fair

The fair offers a fresh perspective on bridging farming’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and interactive activities. It aims to unite our community, promote sustainable farming practices, and inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in agriculture.

Sept. 4 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Chapter of SCORE Announces Bilingual In-Person Workshops for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

The first workshop, entitled “Digital Marketing Guide: What, When and How to Post Content” will be held on September 4 at the Oxnard Public Library, Meeting Room B at 10:00AM. The workshop will be presented by Luisa Arzate who has more than 15 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. In addition to owning and operating her own local business, Luisa is a Marketing Business Advisor with the Economic Development Collaborative.

Sept. 4 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present NO-COST Partner Event: Digital Marketing Guide: What, When and How to Post Content

Join SCORE Ventura County and the City of Oxnard!

Wednesday, September 4 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am at the Oxnard Public Library

251 South A Street., Meeting Room B, Oxnard, CA

Many small businesses need help with marketing. They often need help with what, how and when to post. While they understand the importance of marketing and promotion for their business, they are still determining how to implement it daily. This workshop offers practical and straightforward solutions to address these issues.

Presented in English With Simultaneous Interpretation in Spanish …

Sept. 4 — Santa Barbara City College hosts Blue Economy Symposium to foster sustainable ocean careers and Santa Barbara Ocean Collective

The event — the first of its kind in Santa Barbara — is designed to foster greater awareness and engagement with the Blue Economy, a vital sector that encompasses sustainable fishing, aquaculture, coastal conservation, renewable ocean energy and blue tech. The symposium will also mark the launch of the Santa Barbara Ocean Collective, a unique partnership between SBCC, the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB), SBCC Foundation, the City of Santa Barbara and the Economic Development Collaborative. This collaboration aims to build robust ocean career pathways and support the necessary infrastructure for sustainable ocean industries on the SBCC campus.

Through Sept. 8 — Santa Paula Art Museum presents Christopher Noxon’s ‘Greenbelt: Interplay and Imagination on the Edge of Wildness’

Born in Los Angeles to a family of filmmakers and writers, Christopher Noxon began his career as a journalist and illustrator. His writing and illustrations have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, New York Times Magazine, and several of his own books.

In 2020, Noxon moved out of L.A. to Ojai. He also became steward to a large collection of paintings and drawings by his late grandmother, Betty Lane (1907-1996). Looking to Betty’s art and the work of other artists, including Huichol yarn paintings and Fauve painters like Henri Matisse, Noxon taught himself to paint.

Sept. 12 — Museum of Ventura County — Journey Back in Time and Savor a Taste of History

This evening of refined taste and unexpected histories will lead guests on a journey back in time to the early mid-century. This decadent evening will begin with a cocktail hour featuring classic specialty drinks, a red carpet, keepsake polaroids, and live jazz music. Guests will enjoy a live cooking demonstration by Chef Adam Hart of Oxnard College and an artifact gallery with objects from MVC’s historic collection. The open-air dinner will transport diners to an elegant mid-century supper club, with each dish paired with wine chosen by local restaurateurs. Entertainment will continue in the form of a jazz quartet and an oral history of Olivas Adobe’s historic caretaker Iva Reeder performed by MVC’s Executive Director Elena Brokaw.

Sept. 13 — Bilingual report — Community invited to celebrate Ventura River Trail Improvements Project completion

VENTURA — The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community bike ride on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., as the City of Ventura celebrates the completion of the Ventura River Trail Improvements Project.

The upgrades, funded by a nearly $5 million Caltrans Clean California grant, include new pavement, wayfinding signage, improved accessibility, solar lighting, urban greening, and a new public art mural. These enhancements revitalize 1.8 miles of the highly used trail connecting Ventura to Ojai.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable, vibrant community,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “By enhancing Ventura’s active transportation with improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and incorporating public art, we’re not just beautifying our city—we’re fostering a healthier, more connected, and environmentally conscious Ventura.”

Sept. 14 — Bilingual report — Santa Paula Fiesta de Mariachi

SANTA PAULA — The Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department is happy to announce the much-anticipated return of the 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner, a captivating evening of cultural celebration, live music, and dining. Hosted by the City of Santa Paula Parks & Recreation Department, this event promises a memorable experience for all attendees, young and old.

The 11th Annual Mariachi Dinner is an opportunity for the community to come together and revel in the joy of shared moments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Mariachi Quinto Sol, an exceptional Mariachi band, while savoring delicious traditional cuisine.

Sept. 14 — Allan Hancock College’s industrial technology program hosing annual All Ford Car Show

“This event is a great opportunity to come together and give back to our community and we look forward to hosting it every year,” said Jay McCord, a Model A Ford Club member and car show chairman. “Many of the students that received past scholarships now have successful careers in their industry.” 

Sept. 14-15 — Ventura County Art Events, Inc. & Rotary Club of Ventura Present The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival 2024

VENTURA — The Ventura Art & Chalk Festival, a signature event in Ventura County, returns this September with more than 50 talented chalk artists and craftsmen transforming Ventura Harbor Village with vibrant color along the waterfront. Scheduled for September 14-15 from 10 AM to 5 PM, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration of art, community, and philanthropy.

Sept. 14 — IchigoCon Expands to Camarillo in Second Year

OXNARD — OPAC (Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation) is delighted to bring IchigoCon 2024 to Camarillo, CA on Saturday, September 14 from 11 am to 10 pm. It’s Ventura County’s only convention that combines together the worlds of gaming through a Smash Bros Tournament and anime! IchigoCon is a fan favorite event where gaming and anime enthusiasts of all ages can come together, reveling in the fandom of these captivating worlds. It all takes place at Studio Channel Islands Arts Center where every inch of the campus will be activated with 50+ anime-themed vendors and artists, activities, and entertainment.

Sept. 16 — Oxnard Film Society to present screening of ‘Crossing’

From acclaimed director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced), CROSSING is a moving and tender tale of identity, acceptance and unlikely connection that transcends borders and generations. Lia, a retired school teacher living in Georgia, hears from a young neighbor Achi that her long lost niece Tekla, a transgender woman, has crossed the border into Turkey. Hoping to bring Tekla home after a period of estrangement, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi to find her. Exploring the hidden depths of the city, they cross paths with a transgender lawyer called Evrim, who helps them in their search. Humanistic and compassionate, Akin’s third feature is a heartfelt portrayal of overcoming the degrees of separation that divide us.

Sept. 18 — Bilingual report — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) announces Pismo Terrace Grand Opening!

Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units are designated for No Place Like Home households. 

Sept. 19 — Museum of Ventura County to present Members-Only Private Reception for The Curse of the Vampire

The Curse of the Vampire: Tales from the Book of Nosferatu is a collaboration between the Museum of Ventura County and three regional artists. It will showcase a new curation of George Stuart Historical Figures® in dialogue with comic book- and cartoon-inspired artworks by Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. Registration is open to MVC Members only.

Sept. 23 — Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A with CSUCI’s Professor Dr. José M. Alamillo

Dr. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!

Sept. 24 — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College announces grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat

MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is excited to invite the community to attend its grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat, a state-of-the-art exhibit that promises a safe and enriching habitat for its beloved tigers, Neil and Karma, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Teaching Zoo located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.

Sept. 27 — Meet and Greet event to be held for Thousand Oaks City Council Candidate Connie ‘Tie’ Gutierrez

THOUSAND OAKS — A Meet and Greet event for Thousand Oaks District 5 City Council Candidate Connie ‘Tie’ Gutierrez will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at Dover Hendrix Park, Picnic Table 2, Thousand Oaks.

Through Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — Mexican Consulate in Oxnard/Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) presenting ‘LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE: The Photography of Bob DeBris — a Celebration of Mexican Wrestling’

OXNARD — In coordination with The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is pleased to announce its next visual arts exhibition, LUCHA LIBRE SIEMPRE, curated by Rafael Perea de la Cabada. This solo exhibition features work shot in the early 90’s, and continues to the present day, photographed throughout Southern California by photographer Bob DeBris. The show includes images of some of the greatest Mexican wrestling icons of the 1980’s and 90’s. The work also includes profiles of the new crop of luchadores both male and female in the Lucha Libre scene.

Sept. 27 — Bilingual report — 2024 Fall Prevention Forum to be held at CLU

VENTURA —The annual Fall Prevention Forum – co-hosted by the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition and the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging – will return on Friday, September 27 at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

The 2024 forum – “All Aboard the Fall Prevention Train” – will be held at CLU’s Gilbert Sports & Fitness Center (130 Overton Court).

The event is free to attend, but participants are urged to pre-register by filling out the registration form at www.vcaaa.org/falls, or by calling the VCAAA at 805-477-7300. The 2023 Fall Prevention Forum had a near-overflow crowd at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.