Category: Entertainment

United Way of Ventura County — Compassion + Results

Dear Friends,

Fall is officially here and it’s hard to believe that 2023 is just around the corner. As we celebrate 77 years of Uniting Ventura County, I am so proud of how your local United Way has responded throughout these challenging times, but our support is only possible because of the continued generosity of our community. It’s your generosity that powers the programs serving those in need and changing lives. Lives like John, a U.S. Air Force veteran. Please read his testimonial.

“With only social security, and no family to fall back on, I began a search for a place I could settle down in. The money I had on hand didn’t last long and then the pandemic hit. At this point, I didn’t have a place to call home and I started living in my car. I connected with United Way and they gave me a sense of hope in the real possibility of finding somewhere to live. They helped me find a place in a senior living apartment complex. They also helped with furniture, bedding, dishes, and utensils. The compassion and care they showed gave me confidence that things would work out. I feel fortunate because of their efforts.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — October @ SPAM: Spooky Figure Drawing, Dia de los Muertos, and More!

Free Family Day

Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 12 PM to 3 PM
Free for all ages

October promises to be scary fun at the Santa Paula Art Museum! First up: Free Family Day on Sunday, October 2. Longtime Santa Paula art teacher and crafting queen Mariann Romero will be leading the activities inside SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center. Create fun, fall-themed crafts, including pinecone wall hangings and scarecrow bookmarks. Admission is free, all are welcome, and all materials are provided.

Bilingual report — Celebrate Oxnard’s Diversity at Free Multicultural Festival on Oct. 1

Join the community in celebrating Oxnard’s cultural diversity at the 25th Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plaza Park (500 S. C St.).  The event is free and open to the public.

The Multicultural Festival features a variety of fun, educational activities, entertainment and exhibits for all ages. Activities include:

Musical performances by Caliente805 Band, Kaylanie Barrera, DJG-Cut (A Female Vibe), and more! 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Selects New Arts and Culture Manager

The County of Ventura’s Executive Office has selected David Yoshitomi as the new Arts and Culture Manager to lead countywide arts, culture, and economic vitality efforts.

“Arts and culture are a fundamental thread of our community’s fabric and contribute greatly to our economic vibrancy and quality of life,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “We are thrilled that David will help lead the County in this area. Our Board created this new position in May this year, and I deeply appreciate Supervisor Carmen Ramirez’s dedication to building support for arts and cultural efforts in Ventura County, making it possible to create this position.”

“We are grateful to welcome David Yoshitomi to the County as his 15-year track record of cultivating community connections around arts and culture will contribute greatly to preserving and promoting the rich culture, traditions, and community bonds that bring our local economy to life,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson.

Guest contribution — Take The Ultimate Fall Trip To Lompoc On Scenic California Highway 1

With cooler temperatures on the way, fall is the ideal season for a road trip to Lompoc! Sip award-winning wines from Sta. Rita Valley wineries, warm up with a pumpkin latte in one of our cozy coffee shops, take a lazy drive on our scenic country roads or relax at Jalama beach, catch a rocket launch from Vandenberg SFB, and stay at one of our comfy hotels!

Whether you visit for a week or a weekend, the comfortable weather conditions clear the way for outdoor activities like these: 

Jest Improv’s Diversity Scholarship now available

Jest Improv, a local LGBTQIA+ (and ally) comedy improv school, that meets out of the Diversity Collective in Ventura, has announced its Jest Improv’s Diversity Scholarship now available.

We want to do our part in reaching out to our community to help give financial assistance to those who want to pursue their comedy aspirations but don’t normally get the chance to.

If you have wanted to try comedy but feel that opportunity has been out of reach, we encourage you to apply.   

Click the link down below to apply now!

Ventura County Arts Council — La Colonia Youth Mural Program and Future Leaders of America Unveil Mental Health Awareness Mural, Employee Art Show Winners, Free Online Trainings

La Colonia Youth Mural Program and Future Leaders of America Unveil Mental Health Awareness Mural

The Mental Health Awareness Mural of Oxnard is a new public art installation designed and created by local youth from community-based programs. Read more

Big things are coming to The Collection this fall

Summer may be coming to an end, but The Collection at RiverPark is keeping the fun going right into fall. In the coming months, The Collection at RiverPark is offering tons of excitement for visitors with two free concerts, several grand openings, a 5K walk and more. 

“Fall is full of big plans here at The Collection,” said Marketing Director Jill Almonia. “In addition to all of the amazing shopping, dining and entertainment experiences we offer year-round, we’ve got lots of excellent events coming up this season — plus several incredible new businesses getting ready to open their doors.”

The Collection’s popular concert series, Rock the Collection, continues this fall with two more free events for all ages. On Sept. 28, The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band, will get everyone singing along to classic favorites. And on Oct. 19, Bruno and the Hooligans, a Bruno Mars tribute band, will be playing crowd pleasers all evening. Grab some lawn chairs and takeout, and head over to the grass at Collection Park to join the party. The music starts at 6:30 p.m.

Museum of Ventura County — Fresh new offerings coming right up!

The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair

Monday, September 5th from 11am-2pm

The 8th Annual Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair was a major (and sizzling hot) success with over a thousand attendees. Thank you for coming to your Museum to celebrate our agricultural heritage, our community, and this important holiday for all. We hope to see you next year.

Port of Hueneme DOCK TALK – Banana Festival is coming (Sept. 24)!

IT’S GONNA BE BANANAS ON SEPTEMBER 24, 10am-6pm!
Get ready for the tastes and sounds of Ports near and far. We’ve also added an Oldies By the Sea Car Show as you enter on Market Street. Keep an eye on performer lineup and other announcements through the Banana Festival website and social media. 
Follow the Port Banana Festival social media:
Instagram | Facebook

Santa Paula Art Museum — September @ SPAM: John Galan’s “Remedios,” Free Family Day, and More!

John Galan’s Remedios (Remedies)

Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 Members • $10 Non-members

Meet artist John Galan at the premiere of his solo exhibition, Remedios (Remedies), on Saturday, September 17. With artworks rich in symbolism and vibrant hues inspired by his Mexican heritage, Galan’s exhibit is an honest exploration of the connections between health, healing, nature, and tradition. Remedios will be on view September 17, 2022, to January 8, 2023.

10th Annual Heroes of Hospice of Santa Barbara on Sept. 22 Honors Local Heroes

After two years of virtual events, Hospice of Santa Barbara’s (HSB) Heroes of Hospice (HOH) is back in person and will be honoring local heroes on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s Plaza del Sol.

HSB’s Heroes of Hospice Luncheon honors the people and organizations that bring compassion and care, at all levels, to those in need in and near the Santa Barbara community. Throughout these past two years, the demand for HSB’s services has been growing. Fundraisers like HOH allow the organization to reach our community members struggling with grief or life-threatening illness, free of charge.

This year, Heroes of Hospice What Matters Most will be honoring Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics with the MEDICAL HERO AWARD, Santa Barbara High School with the PARTNERSHIP HERO AWARD and Hospice of Santa Barbara Bereavement Staff with the STAFF HERO AWARD. The event will include a welcome reception, silent auction, lunch and the award presentation.

Bilingual report — Metrolink Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Labor Day

As Metrolink’s Summer of Adventure winds down, travelers looking for deals can take advantage of the $10 Holiday Pass this Labor Day. Metrolink encourages everyone to take the train during the long holiday weekend to avoid traffic congestion, save on high gas prices, and to help the Southern California environment. 

The $10 Holiday Pass provides unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink train system on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. More information can be found here. 

On Saturday and Sunday of the holiday weekend, riders can also save with Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Day Pass that provides unlimited rides throughout the system on the day of purchase. As always, kids 17 and under ride free on weekends with a paying adult. More information about the Weekend Day Pass can be found here.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Online Auction Closes Saturday, Aug. 27!

Our Online Fine Art Auction Fundraiser Closes Saturday, August 27, at 4 PM PDT

SPAM’S Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser ends this weekend! The auction will close one item every minute starting at 4:00 PM PDT on Saturday, August 27.

Not sure where you’ll be when the auction closes? You can place an absentee max bid now! Simply enter the highest value you would wish to bid on an item and click “Place Bid.” Bidsquare will bid incrementally on your behalf according to our preset bid increments until your max bid has been surpassed.

Redesigned cocktail bar Oak & Iron brings ‘liquid hospitality’ to Thousand Oaks

Stepping into a cocktail bar can be an intimidating experience for many people. Not so at Oak & Iron, a craft cocktail lounge in Thousand Oaks that prides itself on making high-end cocktails accessible and fun, said Director of Operations Oliver Clowes

The bar recently reopened after being forced to suspend on-site services during the pandemic and has since undergone a major redesign, including an updated floor plan, furniture, and décor. Now, Oak & Iron is back with a whole new look – and mission, Clowes said.

“We’re looking at how to produce liquid hospitality,” he said. “We look for the best spirit we can possibly put in our recipes, the best ingredients, the most creative combinations, all served with a smile. We want people to feel this is a place they can come and enjoy a great cocktail, but it doesn’t feel too pompous.”

Museum of Ventura County — You’re invited: Go wild for a new multimedia exhibit!

Join us at the Museum of Ventura County for the…
Going Wild Opening Reception
on Saturday, August 27th from 3-5pm

Through prose and painting, we invite you to expand your relationship with nature through new perspectives. On-site and virtually.

Museum of Ventura County — One weekend, two much fun

One weekend, two events for adults and kids alike!

National Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 20th from 12-2pm at the Agriculture Museum

and

“Arty’s Amazing Accordion” by Amada Irma Pérez
Book Release Party
Sunday, August 21st from 2-4pm at the Museum of Ventura County

Santa Paula Art Museum — Bidding Has Begun!

Bid online now through Saturday, August 27, during the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Fine Art Auction Fundraiser. You could take home art by some of Ventura County’s leading historical and contemporary artists. (Check out the first 10 lots below!) All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center Announces 2022 Medici Award Honoree

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) has announced Rachel Resnik Miles as the recipient of the 2022 Medici Award, the highest recognition presented by SCIART. Each year SCIART’s board of directors selects an honoree whose support has been exceptional and transformative for the organization. This year’s award will be presented as part of the annual Art à la Mode gala, Oct. 8, at the Los Posas Country Club, Camarillo. Art à la Mode celebrates the creative community of Studio Channel Islands and those who champion the arts in our county. Sponsorship opportunities, program tributes and ticket information are available at https://studiochannelislands.org/gala/

Santa Paula Art Museum — Art Auction Preview This Saturday, Aug. 13, other upcoming events

The Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

Preview Reception at SPAM’s Cole Creativity Center:

Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

Free admission

Online bidding opens Saturday, August 13, and closes Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 4 PM PDT

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s Twelfth Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser starts Saturday, August 13! We’re kicking it off with a special, in-person preview reception at the Museum on Saturday, August 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

All bidding will take place online on Bidsquare.com. Bidding opens Saturday, August 13, and closes Saturday, August 27, at 4:00 p.m. PDT. This year’s auction includes artworks by Jessie Arms Botke, Cornelis Botke, Douglas Shively, Manuel Valencia, Linda Brown, Lynn Hanson, Debra Holladay, Norman Kirk, George Lockwood, Lisa Skyheart Marshall, Gina Niebergall, Susan Petty, Gail Pidduck, Dan Schultz, Jules Smith, and Andrea Vargas. All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum. Preregister to bid on Bidsquare today!

Teatro de las Americas — ¡Roma al final de la vía en YouTube!

Es un gran gusto compartir el video de nuestro montaje de Roma al final de la vida. Gracias a su autor, Daniel Serrano, por permitirnos publicar esta documentación.

It is a pleasure to share with you the video of Roma at the End of the Line at Teatro de las Américas. Thanks to the author of the play, Daniel Serrano for letting us make this video available to the public.

¡Disfrútenlo!

Enjoy!

Port of Hueneme Announces Return of Much-Anticipated Banana Festival

It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.

Port of Hueneme — DOCK TALK – Port News and Events – You’re Invited!

We now have a 24/7 Hotline for the Community! We are open to your comments and feedback at all times of day and night.

We will listen to this hotline’s voice messages box during our regular business hours. We look forward to hearing from you.

Feel free to call us at (805) 986-1148.

Salute Summer With Ventura Harbor Village’s News Seaside Movie Nights In August 20222 Showcase Seas-Themed Flicks By Disney & Pixar

Seaside Movie Nights, new to the Ventura Harbor Village’s waterfront scene this summer, bring visitors from near and far to experience the magic of cinema under the stars. Each movie night will feature Disney and Pixar’s award-winning sea-themed films visitors can watch on a big inflatable screen along the waterfront in Ventura.

Grab blankets and chairs and celebrate the endless, summertime fun by the sea with the new outdoor Seaside Movie Nights on Saturday, August 20th and Saturday, August 27th at 7:45 PM at Ventura Harbor Village lawn! 

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for music, stunning sunsets, and a variety of options for food, drinks, and sweets at Ventura Harbor Village restaurants and eateries. Warm clothes and outdoor movie essentials available at Ventura Harbor Village retailers including Barefoot Boutique, Casa de Regalos, Anja’s Boutique, and Ventura Swimwear – or cozy up with socks from Lost in Socks. Throughout summer, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy live steel drums and DJs performing on weekends through Labor Day on Ventura Harbor Village’s promenade.

Ventura County Arts Council — We Need Your Help! Tell the City of Ventura that you support our new arts center!

We need you, our local arts and culture community, to express your support to the City of Ventura for Haven Ventura to be awarded a Cannabis Business Permit. If awarded the permit, Haven will donate the adjoining suite next door to its proposed retail cannabis establishment in perpetuity, and pay for all renovations to the proposed arts center.

Community support is essential! Tell the City of Ventura how valuable an arts center will be!

This arts center will be administered by Ventura County Arts Council for the benefit of our whole community. It will be a vibrant space for artists, arts organizations and residents to collaborate and enjoy exhibitions, workshops and events!

Museum of Ventura County — We’re going to have so much fun

Get ready to embark on your LEGO® journey as we defend the Wookies on Kashyyyk, repair the Rebel shield generator on Hoth, and rescue Baby Yoda from Moff Gideon. Come explore a galaxy far, far away with the help of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Click here to RSVP.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Please RSVP by July 15 for ArtWalk at the Ranch on July 24

Sunday, July 24, 2022

2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free admission

Our friends at Cummings Ranch are hosting an ArtWalk at the Ranch to support local artists and the Santa Paula Art Museum! 

On Sunday, July 24, stroll through the ranch’s stunning Zen garden as you browse and shop creations from a dozen local artist vendors. Enjoy the ranch views, light refreshments, and live music by Grammy award-winner Billy Vera and his band Billy Vera & The Beaters.

Admission to the event is free and includes two free drink tickets. The venue is a private garden and space is limited, so we request that attendees RSVP by July 15. We further ask that only adults attend.

Please RSVP to Cummings Ranch:

debraleecummings@gmail.com

Artist vendors include: Alden, Heidi Bradbury, Julieanne Case, Stephen Cummings, Janice Dickenson, Nate Pidduck, Anette Power, Katrin Rush, Paul Starbard, Teresa St. Clare, Pam Strautman, and Debbie Zimmeran.

DOCK TALK: Banana Festival coming in Sept – and more!

Port Achieves Highest Scores for Green Marine Certification – This month, the Port of Hueneme earned a certification from Green Marine—the leading international  environmental certification program for the maritime transportation industry — that demonstrates a tradition of leading the way towards becoming a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable port. READ MORE

Museum of Ventura County — We deeply appreciate you

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.
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Santa Paula Art Museum — July @ SPAM: Hiroko Yoshimoto, ArtWalk at the Ranch and more events

Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members

Meet artists Hiroko Yoshimoto, Katherine Chang Liu, W. Scott Miles, and Tori Tasch at the Santa Paula Art Museum for the premiere of their new exhibition! Yoshimoto’s newest works represent the Ventura artist’s continued work on her long-running Biodiversity series, as well as her recent embrace of silverpoint medium. Works by Blue Marble Art Collective (Yoshimoto, Liu, Miles, and Tasch) are also featured, including the group’s large-scale installation, Impending Storms.

The premiere reception will include a special musical performance by Karen Pecht. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations are not required.

Summer Is Calling: Find Your Seaside At Ventura Harbor Village, Where Sun, Sand And Sea Meet To Create A Perfect Coastal Getaway

The chemistry of sun, sand and sea converge for “Find Your Seaside” – this year’s summer theme at Ventura Harbor Village.  From summer music series to magical moments on the water, new photo opps and tasty summer themed treats, this postcard-perfect destination makes for an ideal midweek or weekend daycation or getaway. What’s more, admission and parking are complimentary all summer long!   Situated on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” escape is worth the drive. 

On tap for summer by the sea is a new pop-up photo experience awaiting guests to shoot and post designed by California artist Alexis Andra, and celebration of the “805” for KHAY’s 100.7 FM 805 Day on August 5, 2022 at tthe seashore. See more below as Ventura Harbor Village shares a Top 2022 Summer Bucket List picks that will give sun-seekers from near and far something to “wave” about. See you seaside!

This Week at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Artist Talk | Lum Art Magazine Conversations | DJ Javier & Ryan P. Cruz

Thursday, June 23 | 5:30-6:30 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo
 

Join us for a FREE talk with artist DJ Javier and writer Ryan P. Cruz, as they discuss breaking through the noise in visual art and journalism, respectively, and the cultural contexts that have informed their work. Two Santa Barbara natives, both under 31, Javier and Cruz are part of the new crop of creatives that are helping to shape contemporary culture in the area.   

This talk is inspired by the feature “Ba’hala ‘na: DJ Javier” published in the latest Lum Art Magazine, and written by Cruz, Lum Arts Writing Fellow.

Debra Herrick, Lum Editor-in-Chief, will moderate.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presents variety of events on June 16, 23, 24 and through Aug. 21

PRIDE! Date Night
Thursday, June 16, 6:00-8:00 PM
MCASB, 653 Paseo Nuevo

Join us for a date night for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in honor of pride month! Grab someone special and head downtown for a night out featuring art, drinks, and special discounts to Downtown Santa Barbara restaurants and bars. Enjoy a drink with us, make your own pride flag, and more! A walkthrough of the current exhibition will take place at 7 PM led by Alexandra Terry, Chief Curator.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Learn From the Masters

Lessons from the Masters (Ages 16+) [ONLINE]

Tuesday, June 14, 21, 28, 2022, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM

$50 for three sessions

Online-only

What makes a masterpiece? How do historic artists continue to inflluence contemporary art, and what makes their art so timeless? Join veteran landscape painter Sharon Weaver online to learn the secrets of some of her favorite landscape masters, including Jessie Arms Botke, Marion Kavanagh Wachtel, and Edgar Payne.

Take to The Great Outdoors & Discover Amazing Summer Events & Activities As Part Of ‘A Space To Explore’ Summer Getaway To Lompoc

With Summer just around the corner, Explore Lompoc invites visitors to explore the great outdoors as part of a “Space to Explore” Summary Getaway  and reveals the destination’s top amazing and events and activities perfect for the budget-conscious traveler.  www.ExploreLompoc.com

Plan your trip to Lompoc and Book Your Hotel for your next visit!

10th Annual Ventura County Farm Day Seeks Sponsors

VENTURA — The 10th annual Ventura Farm Day, set for Saturday, November 5, is seeking sponsors. During Farm Day, more than 14 Ventura County farms and agricultural businesses open their doors and invite the public to learn how their food is…

UCSB Arts & Lectures announces its 2022-2023 season featuring more than 45 events

UCSB Arts & Lectures, the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, proudly announces its 2022-2023 season, featuring more than 45 engaging new events. Included are 12 Santa Barbara debuts, three new series and four commissioned performances.

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2022-2023 – from fascinating talks by today’s thought leaders to command performances by some of the world’s premier dance companies, actors and musicians – at venues from UCSB to downtown Santa Barbara and beyond. Additional events, including performances, films and public lectures, will be announced throughout the season. In particular, look for another exciting season of Speaking with Pico and more thought leaders in the Race to Justice series.

Museum of Ventura County — Your donation to MVC makes a real difference

he Museum of Ventura County and the Agriculture Museum are poised to move into a new era of exhibits, programs, and education, and we need your support to do so.

As a community, we are in an exciting time, a time when coming together in-person safely is happening again. In the coming weeks and months, your Museums in Ventura and Santa Paula will be presenting compelling new programming and events.
We are proud of the recent impact made during closures and limited openings, and excited about where we are headed, with your help:
?
Admission is now FREE at both locations and will continue to be, with your support
Increased focus on enrichment activities for children and families
New exhibits in every gallery at the Ventura location, beginning in May/June
MVC Education Programs now present education tours in-person or virtually
The MVC 3rd campus – venturamuseum.org – will continue to offer new content regularly, including videos, articles, blogs, puzzles, and over a thousand new digitized photos in 2022
Thank you for your support of MVC throughout these trying times. We are counting on you as we enter this next exciting chapter in the life of our region’s pre-eminent cultural institution. It is only through your sustaining generosity that we can continue to provide the relevant, stimulating, thought-provoking, inspiring, and compelling programming that nourishes this community.

Museum of Ventura County — We are deeply grateful for you

The Museum deeply appreciates these thoughtful gifts of tribute
that sustain the legacy of the Museum’s mission.

The following individuals have chosen to celebrate the legacy of friends and family members through a gift of remembrance or honor in their name to
the Museum of Ventura County.