Noted photography scholar Beth Gates Warren will present a fascinating lecture on Julien Levy (1906–81), who is best remembered today as the art dealer who brought Surrealism to the United States. His eponymous New York City Gallery (1931–49) was generally regarded as the best place to view cutting-edge work by such artists as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Alberto Giacometti, Arshile Gorky, Frida Kahlo, and Man Ray.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College’s film and television program is celebrating the work of acclaimed director Tim Burton by hosting a retrospective of his work through the end of April.
The film and television program is partnering with the Friends of the AHC Library to host a screening of “Beetlejuice” on April 19 at 6 p.m., followed by a screening of “Big Fish” on April 26 at 6 p.m. Both movies will be shown in the screening room of the college’s Fine Arts Complex (Bldg. F, Room 257).
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Antonio Sánchez Birdman Live on Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. After the success of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, which won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, drummer/composer Antonio Sánchez performed his dramatic Grammy Award-winning score live around the world.
In his Santa Barbara debut, the acclaimed soloist will perform a rousing program ranging from W. A. Mozart to Florence Price SUMMARY UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Randall Goosby Sat, April 20 | 7 p.m. | Hahn Hall Acclaimed for…
Don’t miss the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fourteenth Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser this Saturday, April 20, 2024! In honor of the Museum’s Limoneira Building turning 100 this year, we’re going to party like it’s 1924! Join us inside the Museum for a Roaring ’20s evening of art, live music by Sophie Holt and Studio C, dancing, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a special painting demonstration, and more.
This free event is for all families, guardians, children, educators, and community members to join us for a day of activities, games, reading. Our special guest is children’s book author James Luna. James will be reading his The Runaway Piggy/El Cochinito Fugitivo book. The first 150 guests will receive a free copy of the book as well!
Don’t miss this celebration of California’s diverse flora! At 12 pm, Antonio Sanchez will deliver a lecture, “Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California Native Plant Foods into Your Life and the Future of Native Plant Agriculture.”
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Rhiannon Giddens on Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Singer and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens’ iconic brand of folk music spotlights people whose contributions to American musical history have been overlooked or erased, and advocates for a more accurate understanding of the country’s musical origins through art. A two-time Grammy Award winner, MacArthur fellow and composer, she was awarded the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her debut opera Omar. Her highly-anticipated new solo album, You’re the One, was released in August. For this show, Giddens will be joined by opening act Charly Lowry.
“As a business owner in Santa Paula, I understand firsthand the challenges small businesses face, especially when it comes to navigating complex regulations like ADA compliance,” said Mayor Leslie Cornejo. “Our city and partnering organizations are committed to standing alongside local businesses, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.”
“The Lompoc Valley Center was built to respond to the critical need to serve students in the Lompoc Valley, and 25 years later it continues that important mission,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G Walthers, Ph.D. “This celebration is an opportunity to honor the LVC’s past and look forward to its future.”
SANTA BARBARA – – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Kronos Quartet | Five Decades on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. For 50 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has challenged and reimagined what a string quartet can be, centering its work around the key issues of our time. Kronos has commissioned, performed and recorded works that engage with topics such as war and destruction, the climate crisis, social injustice and spirituality. Now, the multi-Grammy Award-winning quartet marks its anniversary with a program of new commissions, signature works from its vast repertoire and pieces from its Fifty for the Future project.
VENTURA — Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) will host its 2nd annual Plantopia “U-Pick Your Garden” fundraiser to celebrate Earth Day. The event, held on Saturday, April 27, will raise funds to support SEEAG’s agricultural education programs where students learn about the farm origins of their food, water resources, soil health, entomology and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
VENTURA COUNTY — TOArts and County of Ventura Arts and Culture proudly announce the inaugural ReFrame Ventura County (ReFrame VC) Arts Summit 2024; a first in the county event that centers arts and culture as creative and economic drivers for our region. Scheduled on April 27, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., ReFrame VC will inform, inspire, and empower attendees from across the creative and cultural arts.
Spring into action and mark your calendars for our workshops this month! From in-person workshops to webinars, we make it convenient for you to access the information you need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
SANTA PAULA — The City of Santa Paula will host a public celebration to thank Chevron for donating the historic former headquarters of Union Oil Company of California to the City at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at 1003 E. Main St., Santa Paula.
The City is celebrating the donation in conjunction with the 122nd anniversary of the City’s founding.
Union Oil Company of California was founded in a second floor office in 1890. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historical Landmark and Ventura County Historical Landmark. The building has also been home to the California Oil Museum. In 2023 the City held workshops to solicit community input for how the building will be used for the community’s benefit.
“We’re excited to welcome the community to our third annual OC Family Festival,” shared Dr. Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. “This yearly tradition invites friends of Oxnard College to visit our beautiful campus for a day of fun and to learn about our award-winning programs. We are also looking forward to helping attendees consider their plans for attending college.”
SANTA BARBARA — For women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, the world can be a lonely place. Only 30 percent of STEM professionals in this vital, high-paying field are women, and many report facing discrimination, unconscious bias and a general lack of role models and support.
A free, online summit organized by Santa Barbara-based leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. The virtual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders. The summit will be held online daily from April 29 to May 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com
Heralded as the voice of her generation, poet and activist Amanda Gorman empowers people across the globe with an undeniable message about the power of using your voice to make a difference. Gorman made history as the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States and is celebrated for her commitment to advocating for the environment, racial equality and gender justice.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Southeast Ventura County YMCA is hosting its 25th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, May 2 at CLU’s Gilbert Sports Center in Thousand Oaks. The breakfast brings the spiritual communities of all faiths together to celebrate fellowship and prayer. The theme this year is “Pray For Peace.”
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Center for Orthopedics presents a FREE Virtual Meet the Doctor event on Thursday, May 2, from 4 – 5 p.m., featuring orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rivka Ihejirika-Lomedico, who will provide valuable insights on optimizing bone health, focusing on osteoporosis and orthopedics.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor Village welcomes locals and visitors alike to partake in an array of events and activities set against the picturesque backdrop of the California coast. Along with a variety of dining options and great spring finds at coastal shops, Ventura Harbor Village has on the water rentals, wine tasting, pampering services, and more to explore on the waterfront.
In this acclaimed film which won top directing and acting prizes at the Venice Film Festival, writer-director Garrone presents a “reverse shot” of the immigration experience while unfurling an epic, cinematographically magnificent odyssey from West Africa to Italy. The story is told through the mind’s eye and experiences of two Senegalese teenagers living in Dakar who yearn for a brighter future in Europe. Yet between their dreams and reality lies a treacherous journey through a labyrinth of checkpoints, the scorched Saharan desert, a fetid North African prison and the vast waters of the Mediterranean where thousands have died packed inside vessels barely fit for passage.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in conversation with K. Corley Kenna on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Marine biologist, policy advisor and writer Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet. Her forthcoming book, What if We Get It Right? offers answers to the crucial question: What would the future look like if we forged ahead with all the solutions to actually address the climate crisis? With grace and humanity, Johnson encourages us to step away from hopelessness and envision possibility.
“Older adults are a vital part of our community, and it’s essential to provide them with the support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Renee Bell, Recreation Coordinator – Senior Services of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Through this Wellness Fair, we aim to connect seniors with resources that promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.”
“Building Safety Month is a critical platform for promoting measures to safeguard lives and property from preventable disasters caused by inadequate construction practices,” stated Jason De La Torre, one of the District Managers for the Building & Safety Division and current president of the International Code Council’s Ventura Region Chapter. “With a commitment to fostering a culture of safety across the construction industry, Ventura County is honored to join hands with the ICC to champion this vital cause.”
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced on April 9 that its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, a private nonprofit organization created by the State Legislature in 1988 to help provide housing that is sustainable and affordable for working families, homeless, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals.
The book is essential reading from an expert voice: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better.
A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrants.
OXNARD — Tickets on sale for Gipsy Kings Generation Tour at Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.
Tickets available here
Doors 6pm. Show 8:00pm.
$58 / $68 / $78 / $98 + applicable fees
Under 18 Must Be Accompanied by a Paying Adult.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Bruce Liu on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hahn Hall, Music Academy. Following his win at the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu experienced a star-is-born moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall in March of 2022. Summoned at the last moment to join the Philharmonia Orchestra for an all-Tchaikovsky program, Liu called for the notoriously difficult Concerto No. 2 as a substitute for the more commonly played Concerto No. 1. After an astounding performance and glowing reviews, Liu found himself shifted to an even higher level of demand.
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
Community Update
Uplift Central Coast is having a Community Update available in both English and Spanish on Zoom on May 17 at 12:00 pm!
During the session, Uplift Central Coast will cover:
Updates on ongoing community engagement efforts
Input and information learned from Roundtables and Listening Sessions across the region
Progress and plans on strategy Regional Plan Part II
Opportunities for discussion and input from community members
Register for the community update HERE!
VENTURA — Strawberry nachos, chocolate dipped strawberries and strawberry kabobs are just some of the tasty treats offered at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). The festival also features over 150 artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on three stages, carnival rides, a “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake and more.
THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution, a non-profit that provides micro loans for women in remote villages in Uganda, hosts a “A Woman’s Worth” celebration Sunday, May 19th from 3:00pm to 5:30pm in Thousand Oaks.
In a beautiful outdoor garden, guests will enjoy live entertainment with Ugandan dancers, African drumming, storytelling, and international foods and refreshments. Dedicated to empowering Ugandan women to reach higher, this exclusive fundraising event gives guests an immersive cultural experience while enabling brighter futures and stronger communities beyond our borders.
Tickets are $40 per person, or $30 each with a friend; available at www.greatercontribution.org/a-womans-worth
The Monk And The Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that weren’t enough change, the King announced shortly afterwards that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government: Democracy.
VENTURA — The Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL), a historic railway tracing back to 1887, is transforming to include a modern multi-use trail, enriching Ventura County’s transportation landscape and connecting communities in new ways.
Public meetings and workshops will be conducted throughout the project phases to ensure community involvement and gather valuable input. An in-person meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Jose Flores Community Center, Spanish interpretation will be offered.
“We are excited to witness the Santa Paula Branch Line’s transformation into a multi-use trail. This project clearly signifies our dedication to fostering community connections and strengthening partnerships with the agricultural sector, including the Farm Bureau and CoLAB,” said Ventura Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling. “It also fits well with our newly adopted active transportation plan, which focuses on projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other transportation methods for our community’s benefit.”
Artists today struggle with the question of what kind of art to make in light of contemporary issues. A century ago, artists faced similar questions. This exhibition looks at how artists negotiated the extraordinary changes and tragedies of the early 20th century: the mass casualties in the First World War, economic despair because of worldwide depressions, colonized people struggling for freedom, and the rise of communism, fascism, and totalitarian dictatorships.
VENTURA — In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Ventura County Planning Division, in collaboration with the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, is proud to host a Preservation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:15 pm. The event will take place at the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Justice in the Pacific Conference Room, located adjacent to the cafeteria.
VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department, in collaboration with Finney’s Crafthouse, is excited to announce the return of the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, supporting the inspiring athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The public is invited to join officers for this community event on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Finney’s Crafthouse, located at 494 E. Main Street in Downtown Ventura.
VENTURA — “Latina Characters & Women’s Voices” featuring local authors Cara Lopez Lee and Mona Alvarado Frazier to be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Timbre Books, 1910 E. Main St., Ventura.
