Category: Entertainment

CSUCI’s ‘De Colores’ Winter Concert (Dec. 2, 4, ) celebrates the sounds of cultures around the world

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)’s winter concert— “De Colores, A Cultural Celebration of Choral Music”— will sweep the audience around the world with musical selections from Mexico to South Korea to East Africa to Great Britain and more.? 

?“I have had so much fun programming musical selections that reflect a wide range of cultures and their languages,” said the director of the Channel Islands University Chorus, KuanFen Liu, who holds a doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA). “We have had native speakers come in to teach us diction and pronunciation to make sure we are honoring the languages as best we can.”? 

Embrace The True Spirit & Sparkle of the Holiday Season With ‘Out of This World’ Seaside Experiences At Ventura Harbor Village

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit seaside at Ventura Harbor Village, located off California Highway 101, where friends and family from near and far, are invited to add sun and sparkle this season. Trade in snow for sand and snow boots for flip flops – it’s time to enjoy another iconic event lineup at this stunning destination situated along the waterfront in Ventura. The Harbor is truly a “must SEA” spot this time of year.

Ventura Harbor is mustering up more holiday magic than ever with ocean-inspired decorations in a color palette of twinkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues. On display for all to see are spiraling sea pearls, a scenic “SEAsons Greetings” photo op, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths, and other festive décor that reflects off the glistening marina waters. Seasonal décor can be enjoyed from now through the New Year!

Visitors are encouraged to take a seaside stroll to enjoy the lights and stop in for quality food on a cozy covered patio – a perfect way to entertain and spend quality time with loved ones. Following a relaxing meal, explore the Harbor Village for one-of-a-kind gifts. Ventura’s locally-owned shops and art galleries have everything from handmade treasures to fun stocking stuffers.

Museum of Ventura County — Fall Freebie Festivities!

For this reflective exhibit, MVC will partner with the RAD Foundation and the artist Julie Dahl-Nicolle to showcase 100 floral mixed media canvas paintings. This exhibit dives into the loss brought by COVID-19; of loved ones and what could have been. During the opening of the exhibit, guests can participate in hanging their clouties (piece of cloth tied to a tree branch)– an homage to the Irish Rag Tree tradition. Click here to learn more.

Santa Paula Art Museum — My Home/My Land Community Outreach Project

Produced in partnership with House Farm Workers! and funded by California Humanities

Art About Agriculture also offers a glimpse into My Home/My Land, a community outreach project presented by the Santa Paula Art Museum in partnership with local nonprofit House Farm Workers! and funded by a grant from California Humanities.

My Home/My Land invites our local farmworker community to contribute their voices and art to the Art About Agriculture exhibition. In recent months, SPAM educators hosted workshops at farmworker housing sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. Families shared their connections to the agricultural landscape through art projects designed to capture individual symbolism and meaning.

Island Packers Announces Holiday Cruises for 2022 Parade of Lights, Harbor Lights, Holiday Parties & Seasonal Whale Watching

Just in time for the holidays, Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, with daily departures to the Channel Islands from Ventura Harbor Village, will be offering seasonal cruises for family and friends, as well as group functions. Ventura Harbor Holiday Cruises and Whale Watching trips are splendid ways to celebrate the winter season. (Masks are optional). An array of holiday options include the following:

Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos returns to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Nov. 5

OPAC celebrates the return of its annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration which will be held this year on Saturday, November 5th from 4 to 10 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. Admission is free and open to the public. The event will once again recognize Araw Ng Mga Patay, a Filipino holiday during which people pay homage to their deceased family members and loved ones by visiting their burial sites and making offerings such as food, flowers and prayers.

Guests will enjoy:

Opening remarks from The Mexican Consulate and Oxnard’s Mayor

Aztec Blessing and Ceremonial Dance by Kalpulli Huitzilin Ihuan Xochitl

Displays by local artists Checkos, BlotCamp, Erendira, CreationsByLoops, Carlos Heredia, Veggiecide, Melina Dominguez, Ambzy

Free Dia de los Muertos printmaking by SketchCrow and OPAC’s Teen Art Program students 

Performances by Poets Jesus + Sarahi Noyola, Chinas Niñas, Chinas Oaxaqueñas, Ballet Folklorico Mestizo of Oxnard College, Los Chinelos, Grupo Folklorico Fusión Mexicano, Los Diablitos

Community altars

Music provided by Radio Lazer DJs and local musicians

Family-friendly activities including face painting, a storytime corner, arts & crafts, complimentary photo booth, etc

Food representing cultures that celebrate Dia de los Muertos, including Filipino, Mexican and more

Vendors specializing in artesanias, crafts, and more!

November @ SPAM: Art About Agriculture, Gorgeous Gourds, and More

The 14th Annual Art About Agriculture Exhibition

Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 4 PM to 6 PM

$5 SPAM Members • $10 Non-members

Art About Agriculture, the popular, group exhibition presented annually by the Ag Art Alliance, returns November 12, 2022, through March 5, 2023! Now in its fourteenth year, Art About Agriculture promotes awareness of agriculture by exploring its many facets through art—from workers to water, from machinery to fields, to the food that goes on our plates.

Museum of Ventura County — What’s New in November

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Joe Sohm, Thur., November 3rd from 6:30-8pm

Joe Sohm (“America’s Photo-Historian”) has been published more than 500,000 times in publications that include the National Geographic, Time, Newsweek, New York and L.A. Times, Washington Post and featured on CNN, ABC, PBS, and the History Channel. He served as President Clinton’s photographer for the D.N.C and his work is featured in Ronald Reagan’s book The Great Communicator. Join host Ivor Davis for a riveting discussion with Sohm about his work as one of the nation’s greatest political photographers of our time.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Saticoy event update

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to our Annual Fundraiser in Saticoy on October 16th. We are grateful for our speakers, who all brought an invaluable perspective and offered attendees a thorough look at the challenges and community efforts in Saticoy.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley — Our Biggest Gala Yet

Our success is only made possible by YOU. Because of your support, whether you donated, volunteered, attended, or spread the word about our 2022 Gala, we were able to host our most successful event ever. Together we raised $684,000 for our community’s youth! As you know, putting this event together is no small feat, and we’ve already begun planning next year’s… and we have a date! The 21st Annual Stand Up For Kids Gala will be held on
Saturday, September 9th 2023.

Cherie Nedderman Collection of California Art goes on display for the first time at CSUCI

The California art collection of beloved Camarillo nurse Cherie Nedderman will be on display for the first time beginning with a reception on Oct. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the John Spoor Broome Library Art Gallery at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI). 

“The Cherie Nedderman Collection of California Art at CSUCI: Impressions and Dialogues” consists of 20 paintings from a 58-piece collection of “en plein air” or “outdoor” paintings of Southern California done between 1890 and the late 1960s. The paintings, which covered the walls of Nedderman’s hillside Camarillo home, featured frame after frame of sycamore trees, tumbling waves and rolling green hills. 

A Spook-Tacular Lineup of Halloween Happenings At Ventura Harbor Village

Listen up, it’s not just hocus pocus! Ventura Harbor Village is getting into the spooky spirit by brewing up a variety of fall festivities for visitors this Halloween. There is no better place to be than seaside as it casts a magical spell.

This spook-tacular destination invites guests from near and far to stop in for some enchanting entertainment. The real treat is complimentary community events for costumed kids, pets and parents who wish to celebrate the season in costume.

Festively decorated with local pumpkins, skeletons, and a myriad of scenic marina photo ops, Ventura Harbor is pulling out all the stops for Halloween weekend, made possible by partner, Underwood Family Farms.

Santa Paula Art Museum — Introducing Jem and Gabriel, upcoming events

We’re delighted to introduce Jem Morris and Gabriel Islas as the newest additions to the Santa Paula Art Museum team! As Museum Educator, Jem Morris is leading SPAM’s ArtSPARK school tour program, monthly Free Family Days, our busy partnership with Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and much more.

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Chipping Starting Soon for Carp-Summerland Fire District, Commissioners Needed, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and More

A big thanks to the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District for offering free chipping service again, starting November 7th, 2022. This is a great way to increase the defensible space around your property and your neighbors.

They will be starting the chipping in Summerland, and working East through the District. Residents are free to put piles of brush (non-fibrous, chippable material) in an easily accessible area for our contractor to chip. You can keep the chips if you would like, or we will haul them away. Please specify in your email if you would like to keep the chips. d.fawcett@csfd.net

New Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room Opens Seaside In Ventura Harbor Village

Just in time for Fall, the new Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room in Ventura Harbor Village is giving wine lovers a reason to toast the coast. Owned and operated by the Conway family of Santa Barbara/Ventura County, this modern wine tasting room is sure to be a popular spot with 15 different wines of interesting and unusual blends of reds and whites, each produced in small batch production. Along with their friendly and knowledgeable tasting room hosts, daily tastings offer a selection of both Conway and Deep Sea wines offering something for all palates.  https://www.conwayfamilywines.com/Santa-Barbara-Tasting-Room/Ventura-Tasting-Room

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, along with the Conway siblings John, Tom, Gillian, and Sally, have created a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating in the picturesque Ventura Harbor setting. 

Santa Paula Art Museum — Weekend Sorted

Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1 PM and 2 PM
Included with regular museum admission
Free for SPAM members and students

Don’t miss this singular opportunity to experience Hiroko Yoshimoto’s New Works exhibition featuring Blue Marble Art Collective with Yoshimoto and W. Scott Miles as your gallery guides! On Saturday, October 8, the two Ventura artists will lead 45-minute tours of their shared exhibit at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Reservations are not required.

Museum of Ventura County — Hey pumpkin! Spice up your life at the Museum

MVC Insider is back with a new season covering everything Ventura County, including The St. Francis Dam Disaster, speakeasy owner Sally Stanford, our notorious three-headed goat, and so much more.

Tune in every Friday at 9am on Facebook to learn more about your county’s hidden histories and enduring legacies.

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 — 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.

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.

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.

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/

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.