Category: Entertainment

Through Oct. 17 — Moorpark College Theatre Arts Brings ‘Nell Gwynn’ From Over the Pond to a Parking Garage

The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department is proud to present live theatre with “Nell Gwynn,” a comedy that chronicles the true story of the play’s namesake, a prostitute turned orange-seller who becomes the mistress of King Charles II in 17th century London. The play runs Oct. 7 – 17, with matinee, evening and live streaming performances.

After much discussion and adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines, the department received approval to perform the play in a parking garage on the Moorpark College campus, creating an indoor-outdoor theatre.

“This decision to perform in a parking garage was not easy, and it has presented many challenges. But with those challenges have come unexpected triumphs,” said Suzanne Fagan, who teaches in Moorpark College’s Theatre Arts Department and directs the show. “Though we are not performing it in a traditional theatre, the play,

Oct. 20 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Curator-led Walkthrough of SBMA exhibition ‘In the Meanwhile’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present the Curator-led Walkthrough of SBMA exhibition “In the Meanwhile” at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Exhibition curator and ArtCenter College of Design Senior Curator Julie Joyce focuses on the multiplicity of histories and stories to be captured in works by Nigel Cooke, Noah Davis, Vernon Fisher, Charles Garabedian, Tom Knechtel, Jeni Spota, and others.

Oct. 22 — Ventura County Arts Council Invitation to In-Person Awards Ceremony

About the Show Theme
Value can be an estimate of the monetary worth of something or the relative degree of lightness or darkness of a particular color. Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. “Value” is an opportunity for artists to consider these questions: What do you value? How do you consider value in creating your pieces? Do you have artwork that explores tonal range?

Oct. 23 — OPAC to present ‘Trunk or Treat’

Join OPAC + Viejitos Car Club for our 2021 TRUNK-OR-TREAT event!

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021
5 to 7 pm
@ Oxnard Performing Arts Center

The event will take place in the “Youth Center Parking Lot” (the small parking lot at the corner of Hobson Way + 7th Street).

Oct. 23, 24 — Revival of KISMET Musical Includes Diverse and Culturally Authentic Cast from Both Coasts

 Kismet musical is quickly approaching and will have a “three performances” run at the Granada Theatre on Saturday, October 23, at 2:30 and 7:30 pm and on Sunday, October 24, at 2:30 pm.  Casting Director Peter Van Dam and associate Afsheen Misaghi assembled a diverse cast from both coasts. Having a talented and culturally appropriate cast was a top priority and selected with purpose. Director Lonny Price says, “This production provides the perfect opportunity to contemporize and authentically represent KISMET. I am so happy to say, I think this may be the most authentic cast to play this show, ever!” Cultural consultant Naila Al-Atrash (Professor of Arabic Theater and Film, NYU) helped ensure accurate representation of the Middle Eastern inspired world.

Through Oct. 23 — SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery to present group exhibition ‘Planet Earth’

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College is pleased to present “Planet Earth,” a group exhibition by three artists — Sarah Rosalena Brady, Mark Churchill and Vanessa Wallace-Gonzales — who integrate different concepts of land in their work. The word “land” can have many implications. As a noun, it can refer to territory, soil, rural areas, real estate, as well as nations, provinces and kingdoms. As a verb, it can mean to alight, dock, moor or touch down as well as to bring on, settle, acquire or inflict. Of course, the antonym of land is sea, and the title of the show is inspired by our planet’s serendipitous combination of both these elements along with atmosphere, air and sky. As we desperately search and yearn for solutions to the ongoing climate crisis, the fear and uncertainty created leads us to look both inward and outward for answers. And as we look to other places within our current reach such as the moon or Mars for resolutions it is important to remember and embrace the absolute habitat we already have at hand as a lesson to our past and inevitable futures. All three artists in Planet Earth explore these themes in their work in unique and compelling ways.

Oct. 24 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Día de los Muertos Art Activities & Student and Community Altar Display

For the 32nd year, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art honors the Mexican tradition of remembering the dead with a display of altars created by students in SBMA’s outreach programs and community groups. Día de los Muertos inspired art activities for all ages will be offered on the Front Terrace. Community altars also on display on Saturday, October 23 (with Museum admission).

Oct. 27 — The Collection at RiverPark to host Trick or Treat Event

The Collection at RiverPark invites Super Heroes, Witches, Ghosts and Goblins to collect sweet treats!

Princesses, pirates and pumpkins, gather around! All are invited to stop in for a spell and enjoy fang-tastic treats at The Collection at RiverPark’s annual trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 — UCSB Arts & Lectures — Vijay Gupta in Conversation with Pico Iyer — ‘The Healing Power of Music’

Join UCSB Arts & Lectures as they present Vijay Gupta in Conversation with Pico Iyer The Healing Power of Music on Thursday, October 28th at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.

The recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, Vjiay Gupta is a celebrated violinist, speaker and citizen artist devoted to creating spaces of wholeness through music. He is the founder of Street Symphony, an L.A.-based nonprofit that brings music to homeless and incarcerated communities, and co-founder of the Skid Row Arts Alliance. Gupta has performed as a recitalist, soloist, chamber and orchestral musician for over 20 years, and his TED Talk, “Music is Medicine, Music is Sanity,” has garnered millions of views.

Oct. 29 through 31 — Ventura Harbor Village Casts A Magical Spell On A Line Up Of SPOOKtacular Seaside Halloween Events

Witches, warlocks and skeletons…Oh my! Halloween festivities return to Ventura Harbor Village, and this year’s line-up of events will definitely not disappoint. The spook-tacular seaside destination invites visitors from near and far to stop in for a spell as it hosts free community events for costumed kids, pets and parents who wish to kick off the spooky season in style.

Festively decorated with vibrant pumpkins, bales of hay, cornstalks and a myriad of photo ops and scenic marina backdrops, Ventura Harbor is pulling out all the stops for Halloween weekend, made possible by community partner, Underwood

Family Farms. Find the full lineup of fall fun: venturaharborvillage.com/events/ Plus, here’s a closer look at what’s brewing up by the beach in Ventura Harbor Village later this month:

Oct. 30-31 — ‘Boo at the Zoo’ Offers No Tricks, Just Treats

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College turns wildly spooktacular on Oct. 30 and 31 for “Boo at the Zoo,” the annual Halloween-themed event that features animal shows, costume parades, prizes and treats for kids.

For the family-fun event, the Zoo will be draped in decorations, and people of all ages can closely view the more than 100 animals cared for at the Zoo. Each child wearing a costume will receive a zoo-themed bingo card upon entry. Each square of the card represents a trick-or-treat station where the child can receive candy or a treat.

“Our guests look forward to our family-friendly Halloween event each year, and we have the best one around!” said Zoo Operations Assistant Kris Romero. “We have more and more local families discovering this gem of a Zoo in their own backyard, and we have new animals and new animal habitats for the community to discover.”

Nov. 2 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present reading and book signing by Author Mary Tonetti Dorra’s ‘Two Lives on Four Continents: A Double Memoir’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present reading and book signing by Author Mary Tonetti Dorra’s “Two Lives on Four Continents: A Double Memoir” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2. 

During this intimate reading and book signing, author Mary Tonetti Dorra shares her personal experience and gives a reading from her upcoming book Two Lives on Four Continents: A Double Memoir. This work tells the story of how Mary and her husband Henri Dorra, two people from different worlds, found each other and created a unified life. Against the sweeping history of the 20th century, readers will travel from Alexandria, Egypt to Washington DC, and from Fort Worth Texas to Central and South America and Italy as they follow the exciting lives of Mary and Henri Dorra.

Nov. 3 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents ‘Warrior Women,’ a film screening and conversation featuring Madonna Thunder Hawk and Marcella Gilbert

UCSB Arts & Lectures is pleased to present Warrior Women, featuring Madonna Thunder Hawk and Marcella Gilbert on Wednesday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific at Campbell Hall. Warrior Women chronicles the lifelong work of Madonna Thunder Hawk – a leader in the American Indian Movement – and Marcella Gilbert, a Lakota mother and daughter whose fight for Indigenous rights began in the late 1960s and continues to this day. Through their story, the award-winning documentary explores what it means to balance a movement with motherhood and how activist legacies are passed from generation to generation. The hour-long film will be followed by a moderated conversation with Madonna Thunder Hawk, Marcella Gilbert and director/producer Dr. Elizabeth Castle.

Nov. 4 — La LoCA Milonga, featuring El Cachivache Venturino, Achi Deuz, Adriano DeVita, Pacha Mendes in Santa Barbara

El Cachivache defines itself as Tango Punk playing at the fringe of traditional tango and yet, in their new voice and sound one can hear the unmistakable sound of true tango, Buenos Aires Tango. Made up of four musicians, they encourage everybody, tangueros or not, to get on the dance floor and feel what it is like to move “al compas de un tango” (to the tango beat). Alejandra Folguera added with a smile, “ These guys are The Real Thing. Come to the milonga, it’s a lot cheaper and easier than going to Buenos Aires.” Watch them on YouTube with young tango dancers in sneakers. Guaranteed grins galore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG-yPVwjCwM. Delicious. 

Nov. 5 — Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with OPAC!

This year, we’ll also be acknowledging Araw ng mga Patay, the Filipino Dia de Muertos.

ARTISTS
Oxnard Art Studio · John del Rosario · Christina Hartman · SketchCrow · Bioket · Blotcampa · Abigail Mildbrandt · Creations by Cat · NPC Art Store · Art By Ambzy

SPECIAL GUESTS
Trendi Eats · Mexican Consulate of Oxnard · TessiEats
Adam Lopez, Community Relations Commissioner for City of Oxnard

PERFORMANCES
Kalpulli Huitzilin Ihuan Xochitl (Aztec Ceremony + Dancing)
Ballet Folklorico Mestizo of Oxnard College
 Grupo Folklórico Fusión Mexicana
Poets Jesus and Sarahi Noyola, Angelina Leaños · Korpsx

Nov. 6 — Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation Proudly Hosts the 24th Annual Military Ball to Honor Local Veterans and Active Duty Service Members

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is pleased to announce the 24th Annual Military Ball to honor local veterans and active duty service members. The ball will be held Saturday, November 6th from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event will feature special guest speaker Francis Gary Powers Jr, an author, historian and lecturer. 

The Military Ball is a formal event where attendees can connect and celebrate during a lively evening complete with an evening of live music, cocktail hour, silent auction, gourmet three-course dinner and dancing. Guests will also have a chance to shop in PCVF’s GI Bag pop-up shop. GI Bags are individually crafted handbags and totes from donated upcycled military uniforms. 

Nov. 7 — Enjoy the release of a new documentary short film & support the Wildling Museum’s 2021 Virtual Fundraiser

On Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 4 – 5 p.m., the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature will host its 2021 Virtual Fundraiser. Attendees are invited to raise a glass to virtually toast the Wildling, enjoy live and silent auction opportunities, and celebrate the premiere of a brand-new short documentary film highlighting local valley oak tree habitats, produced by Goodeye Films. Live guests will round out this unique experience that attendees can enjoy from the comfort of home. Most importantly, attendees can help the Wildling Museum raise funds that will be doubled by Wildling Museum board member Kate Godfrey, up to $10,000!

Nov. 10 — OC LIVE to present Comedy Night Live on Campus!

It’s time to love life and laugh again! Join OC LIVE’s popular annual comedy showcase with Jason Love (America’s Got Talent, Sirius XM) and an all-star cast of stand-up comedians. It’s always a good time when Jason brings Hollywood to Oxnard!

This year’s amazing and hilarious cast includes Sean Hamrin (It’s Complicated), Danny Jolles (My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Samantha Hale (Laughs on Fox, iHeart Radio) and Omar Covarrubias (House of Blues, Hermosa Comedy & Magic). 

Nov. 11 — Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presents Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters

Join us for a conversation featuring artist Rosha Yaghmai to learn more about her current exhibition Rosha Yaghmai: Drifters at MCASB. Alongside Alexandra Terry, Chief Curator, Yaghmai will share the process of preparing for this exhibition while providing a deeper dive into her artistic practice.

This event is free for everyone. Register now to book your tickets early!

Nov. 12, 13, 14 — You’re invited to saddle up, “shop ‘til you drop” and enjoy fun for the whole family at the 37th Annual Vaquero Gala, Show and Sale to benefit the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House (SYVHM) is thrilled to announce the return of the Santa Ynez Valley’s most popular fall event celebrating Western lifestyle and horsemanship in the community – the 37th Annual Vaquero Gala, Show and Sale, on November, 12, 13 and 14. The 3-day fundraising event, honoring the unique culture and equine skills of the California “Vaquero” (cowboy), takes place at SYVHM, located at 3596 Sagunto Street in Santa Ynez, California. 

Nov. 13 — Join the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum for a Pig Roast and Barn Dance at the Pork Palace with live country-swing music by Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band

Put on your dancing boots!  The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House (SYVHM) is excited to announce a new addition to the Vaquero Gala, Show and Sale event lineup –  a Pig Roast and Barn Dance with live country-swing music by Monte Mills & the Lucky Horseshoe Band! The festivities take place on Saturday, November 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the famed Pork Palace, home of “Heritage Pork.” Single tickets are $65 and family tickets are $125. They may be purchased in advance at the Vaquero Show, online at santaynezmuseum.org or at the door. 

Nov. 13 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum Sponsors ‘In Gratitude’ Food Drive in Celebration of its 30th Anniversary

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is happy to announce its Friends of the Harbor “In Gratitude” Food Drive on behalf of Food Share Ventura County. The food drive will take place on Saturday, November 13, from 10 am to 4 p.m. at the Museum which is located at 3900 Bluefin Circle in Oxnard.

Adri Howe, Executive Director of the Museum, had this to say when asked about the food drive, “The Museum has spent the last 30 years as part of a wonderful local community and we are so grateful for its support. We couldn’t think of a better way to show our gratitude than to host a food drive for our friends and neighbors who need assistance during these still very challenging times. Our community has always been and continues to be a source of support for us, and we are eager to give back in any way we can.”

Nov. 13 — Variety of events set for Santa Paula Art Museum

Gallery Talk: The PAC6 Painters

Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM

On Saturday, October 30, all six of the PAC6 Painters will gather at the Museum to mark the final week of their exhibit, Vistas, Varmints and Vagabonds, with a group gallery talk. The six artists will sit down to reflect on their exhibit as only they can with tales about their recent, “wild” adventures and the inside scoop on where they’re headed to next. The gallery talk will be included with the cost of regular museum admission. Reservations are not required.

Nov. 26 — George Lopez to perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

Comedian George Lopez to perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

Click here for tickets

George Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy, and late-night television.

Lopez can be seen in his Netflix original comedy special We’ll Do It For Half which premiered globally over the summer. Lopez has also toured nationwide for his stand-up comedy The Wall World. He also completed his tour for The Comedy Get Down, along with Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer. The comedians also debuted their BET scripted comedy series based on the tour.

Nov. 27 — Tierra & Malo to perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

Tierra & Malo to perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

Click here for tickets

Your tickets from the previously scheduled event will be honored on this date.

Tierra was named “Best R&B Vocal Group” by four leading magazines, including Billboard. They started their career in East Los Angeles with a blend of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and salsa. The result was a Latin R&B rhythm which produce classics like “Together,” “Gonna Find Her,” “Memories” and “Zoot Suit Boogie.” Founded in 1972, the band has performed internationally and continues to perform with their unique smooth and soulful sounds. Throughout Tierra’s history, Rudy Salas has been, and continues to be, the leader of the band.

Dec. 2 — SBMA to present ‘Power and Metals: Regalia of the Moche of Ancient Perú’

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present “Power and Metals: Regalia of the Moche of Ancient Perú” — Art Matters Lecture with Alicia Boswell, Assistant Professor, History of Art and Architecture, UCSB at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Dec. 4 — Studio Channel Islands Hosts Annual Holiday Art Market

Studio Channel Islands, located at 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday fair and festival, 11 a.m., Dec. 4, featuring distinctive artwork for gift-giving created by SCIART artists-in-residence and member artists, live music, free activities for kids, food trucks and more. Visitors can browse through 40 professional artist studios and additional vendors, meeting the artists and watching them at work creating paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, jewelry, weaving, fabric arts and more. Admission is free and there is ample free parking. 

The shopping continues noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 5, throughout Studio Channel Islands’ 40 artist studios offering unique gifts and one-of-a-kind artwork. 

Dec. 11 — Channel Islands Maritime Museum to Host Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast Event

Channel Islands Maritime Museum will once again be hosting the Holiday Lighting of the Tall Ship Mast in the Museum’s outdoor courtyard. The event will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Local music group the CocoKnots will be on hand to perform their live music with a tropical flair. There will also be a public sing-along to holiday favorites. At 6:30 pm Santa Claus will arrive to flip the switch to light up the iconic tall ship mast. Following the lighting ceremony, Santa will be on hand to meet and greet children until 7:00 pm. This is a free community event open to all.

Dec. 11, 12 — Santa Barbara Festival Ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to Arlington Theatre Dec. 11-12

 The Santa Barbara Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker, at The Arlington Theatre for three dazzling live performances Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12.

“After a year’s hiatus, we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 46th anniversary with a brilliant ensemble and world-renowned guest artists from Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said Valerie Huston, SBFB Resident Choreographer and Interim Executive Director. “We adapted during the pandemic with zoom classes and parking lot practices which kept us on pointe to deliver our most spectacular showcase ever.”

Dec. 12 — Holidays In The Village, A European Marketplace

Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace will celebrate the warmth and joy of the holiday season with lots of food, music, kid fun, and artisan and craft vendors–all with a European flair. The marketplace is Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village.

Dec. 12 — Get Your Picture Taken With Kris Kringle at Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace

Holidays in the Village, A European Marketplace, celebrating the warmth and joy of the holiday season, is offering visitors the opportunity to have their photos taken with Kris Kringle and even with a sweet-natured Grinch. The cost is $5 for a 5″ x 7″ photo to take home or to download.  The Marketplace is Sunday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road (adjacent to Stonehaus) in Westlake Village. Admission and parking are free. It is being hosted by the two Rotary Clubs of Westlake Village.

Dec. 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures to present My Bluegrass Heart: Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Bryan Sutton

Join UCSB Arts & Lectures as they present My Bluegrass Heart: Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Bryan Sutton, featuring music from Béla Fleck’s new album My Bluegrass Heart on Wednesday, December 15th at 8:00 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre.

Dec. 15 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents My Bluegrass Heart featuring Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Bryan Sutton

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents American Supergroup My Bluegrass Heart: Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Bryan Sutton, featuring music from Béla Fleck’s new album My Bluegrass Heart on Wednesday, December 15th at 8:00 p.m. Pacific at Arlington Theatre. The performance is part of the 2021-2022 CREATING HOPE programming initiative.

Dec. 17 — Museum of Ventura County to present Las Posadas in Santa Paula

historic downtown Santa Paula with Rev. Maddie Sifantus, who will begin with a convocation. The procession will be led by Javier Gómez and Lorenzo Lencho Moraza with traditional Las Posadas music provided by Inlakech Cultural Arts Center and De Colores Music youth groups. Mayor Rev. Jenny Crosswhite of First Christian Church, Elvia Hernandez of Esperanza/Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and Pastor Lupita Alonso of El Buen Pastor Church will participate.

Through Dec. 18 — Ventura Harbor VIllage Puts Visitors In The Holiday Spirit With Joyous TIDE-INGS Seaside Celebrations

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Ventura Harbor Village, located off of Highway 101, invites visitors to celebrate joyous TIDEings with friends and family in true nautical style.  Holiday goers from near and far can embrace the sights, sounds, and smells that are unique to the seaside destination.

Putting you in the holiday spirit – Ventura Harbor Village is creating a spectacular backdrop with ocean-inspired seasonal decorations in a color palette of sparkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues Thanksgiving through New Year’s, and is showcasing festive spiraling sea pearls, whimsical holiday trees, vibrant wreaths and other glistening décor that reflects off the marina waters as part of the “SEAsons Greetings” holiday display.

Dec. 19 — José Feliciano ‘Celebrating the Holidays’ concert to be held at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center

Tickets are now on sale for the José Felliciano “Celebrating the Holidays” concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. …José Feliciano is recognized as the first Latin Artist to effectively cross over into the English music market, opening the doors for other artists who now play an important role in the American music industry.

Through Dec. 23— America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Sparks Seasonal Cheer with ‘Wild Lights & Disco Nights’

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College lights up the holiday season with its first-ever “Wild Lights & Disco Nights.” The Zoo will be decked out for the holidays with a canopy of lights on Ira the Lion’s den, a sparkling disco ball forest and thematic evenings where guests can wear “groovy” garb from the 1970s or other themed attire. This festive evening event for the whole family runs Nov. 24-28 (closed Thanksgiving Day) and select dates through December. 

For the first time in its 50-year history, the Zoo will be open to the public at night. “This will be visitors’ first opportunity to see animals in the dark, and for them to see you,” said Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator. “It’s a festive event that is also educational. Will you look into the green eyes of a tiger? Does Ira the Lion sleep at night or play?” Attendees can bop to ‘80s dance music and holiday tunes in the Zoo’s “Artic Vibes” area that features an interactive light wall that responds to the music’s beat and dancers’ moves.

Through Dec. 26 — Island Packers Kicks Off The Holidays With Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights (Dec. 18, 19), Ventura Harbor Light Cruses (Dec. 8 through 23), Whale Watching and other events

This holiday season, Island Packers in Ventura Harbor Village, located off of California’s Highway 101, will be offering seasonal cruises for family and friends. Ventura Harbor Holiday Cruises and Whale Watching trips are splendid ways to celebrate the winter season. (Masks required indoors on the vessels) Options include:

Dec. 31 — Tickets on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert at Oxnard Performing Arts Center

Tickets are now on sale for the WAR New Year’s Eve concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31 at the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard.

Click here for tickets.

Hosted by Steve Perez of KRUZ 103.3, with an opening set by Dr. T and The Blues Criminals, doors open at 6 p.m.

Multi-platinum selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for over four decades before millions across the globe. The long list of hits includes “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “The Cisco Kid,” and many more.

Through Jan. 2 — Snow N Glow Festival features Over a Million Holiday Lights, Snow Tubing, Igloos at the Ventura County Fairgrounds

Santa and his team of elves are prepping Surfer’s Point LIVE for this winter’s Snow N Glow Holiday Festival coming Nov. 26 through Jan. 2 to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The festival, brought to you by CBF Productions, with a bit of help from Santa…and a weather machine, will be bringing snow to the beachside community of Ventura. Trade-in your flip-flops and board shorts for some snow boots and mittens as Jack Frost lets the snowfall onto Surfer’s Point Live.  As the sun goes down, Rudolph’s bright red nose will lead your way through the snow as you take a stroll among the million sparkling lights of this festive winter wonderland. 

Museum of Ventura County — We can use your help as we move into 2021!

We are asking for your support. Whatever you can give at this time will ensure that this regional history and art institution will be able to continue to fulfill its ongoing mission of preserving and protecting our history.

As we move through these uncertain times, keeping our community connected is more important than ever.

If you can, please give generously and consider becoming a monthly donor today, so we can build the best tomorrow – together. 

New Exhibit — ‘Silver Linings’ Coming to Santa Paula Art Museum on Feb. 6

Light has long been an object of fascination for award-winning local artist Anette Power, informing both how and what she paints. There is, after all, light that can be seen and painted, and then there’s the joy and lightness of feeling that can only be conveyed through an artist’s choice of subject matter. In “Silver Linings: Journey of Light,” Power’s upcoming solo exhibition of 35 oil paintings at the Santa Paula Art Museum, the artist hopes that her art will inspire viewers to consider the bright spots in their own lives.

Happy Holidays from MVC + Snow in Ventura + Story Time at the Museum

We wouldn’t put it past 2020 to give the central coast a snowstorm. Several Museum staff members have “Snow on the Beach” on their 2020 bingo cards. If you think that’s unlikely, you might be surprised to know that Ventura County’s coastal areas have seen snow several times in recent history.

The winter of 1948-1949 was a cold one and by January 8, 1949 the County suffered over $1 million in crop losses. There was a cold snap the first week of January that split the bark of citrus trees in Wheeler Canyon.

Ventura County Arts Council — Call to Artists: Ventura County Artist Showcase

You are invited to submit proposals for our ongoing Artist Showcase in the storefront windows at Victoria Ave. and Moon Dr. in Ventura. Each of four storefront windows will be dedicated to a unified installation created by a single artist or created as a collaborative project by more than one artist.

2020 was a year of challenge, grief, longing, questioning, reflection and, hopefully, insight. To kick off the new year, we are looking for artwork that represents your experience of this time. Selected artists will conceive of each window as a diorama, a space in which an installation of accumulation, sculptural pieces, work in any medium uses the three-dimensional space dynamically.

Bilingual commentary — Cultural Influences in a Country’s Music—Part 1

Classical music composers throughout history have taken cues from their own cultural roots. They wove the fabric of their ancient and folk heritages into their music to produce masterful works that resonate with listeners. The composers were influenced by music that stirred their spirits by dint of its power. These compositions are melded together by forces that we dare not try to understand. As we listen to them, we discern the echoes of something that accompanied our ancestors as they danced, prayed, or celebrated. Our DNA is imprinted onto the soul of these classic works.