Category: Entertainment

United Way of Ventura County — Thank you for making our 18th Annual Spirit Awards Gala a success!

We’re pleased to share with you our latest video highlighting our Community Impact programs.

Learn more about Women United, VITA, Stuff the Bus, United to End Homelessness VC, and Building Healthy Smiles initiatives and the outcomes we’ve accomplished together!

Please hit play to take a look!

Museum of Ventura County — Wrinkly is the Opposite of Irony and Other New Exhibit Particulars

Spin Cycle: Unfolding the
Science of Laundry

Everybody’s clothes get dirty, meaning we all must deal with the dreaded laundry. Through the years people have tried different ways to clean their clothes and now we have the science to explain why some of those methods actually work!

Using 19th and early 20th century laundry items from MVC’s historical collection, visitors will learn about the “how” and “who” behind everyone’s least favorite chore. Let’s explore how our everyday world works together.

This exhibit is made possible by the
?Ventura County Credit Union

Explore Lompoc — Discover The 5 Best Parks In Lompoc, Just In Time For Summer

LOMPOC — Parks in Lompoc offer a tranquil oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. With the destination’s gentle climate and breathtaking landscapes, the Lompoc Valley boasts a myriad of beautiful parks. Travelers can explore top parks where they can immerse themselves in the region’s natural wonders and find moments of tranquility.

Santa Paula Museum of Art — Inbox Art Exhibit: Bruce Everett’s ‘Shadow and Light’

On view now through July 9, 2023

Closing soon: “Shadow and Light” is a 30-year survey of Central Coast artist Bruce Everett’s magnificent landscapes in oil. Characterized by bold and often dark compositional forms, dramatic effects of light, and a sense of solitude, Everett’s paintings combine both smooth and expressive brushwork and include large studio pieces and small plein air scenes depicting locales from Los Angeles north to San Luis Obispo.

While we highly recommend experiencing Bruce’s art in person, we hope you enjoy this abbreviated look at Everett’s exhibit in your inbox!

Celebrate Safely and Enjoy the Spectacular Fireworks Show in Santa Paula this Fourth of July

SANTA PAULA — As residents begin to plan their Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Santa Paula reminds the community that all fireworks, including those commonly referred to as “safe and sane,” are illegal within the City. Santa Paulans are invited to celebrate in other ways and review the City’s municipal code pertaining to fireworks.

“While we have many reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks with family and friends, I strongly encourage my fellow Santa Paulans to avoid the use of illegal fireworks,” said Santa Paula Mayor Andy Sobel. “Fireworks can create unsafe and dangerous conditions for our entire community, and there are many other opportunities and ways to celebrate whether it be a family gathering or barbecue, outdoor activities such as biking or hiking, or attending the annual Rotary Club and City of Santa Paula fireworks display.”

UCSB — The Current — ‘UC Santa Barbara kicks off Commencement with College of Creative Studies ceremony’ and more news, events

The first of a series of events celebrating the campus’s newest crop of graduates shined a spotlight on CCS, the “graduate school for undergraduates.”

Museum of Ventura County — 150th Anniversary of Ventura County – Join the Celebrations!

For the next 150 days, join the County of Ventura and the Museum of Ventura County as we celebrate this unique region. Be part of a series of programs and celebrations that will help us discover who we really are and what makes us unique in all the world. Meet neighbors and community leaders who have helped shape the world we live in every day. 

Bilingual report — County of Ventura and Museum of Ventura County to host 150th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration

VENTURA — The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Museum of Ventura County, will host a family-friendly community event to mark the kick-off of 150 days of celebration in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Ventura County. The event will be held at the Museum of Ventura County in downtown Ventura and will feature museum exhibits, games, food trucks, and music.

UCSB — The Current — ‘First-generation graduate Anabel Rocha Ambrosio builds a better life with education as the foundation’ and more news, events

The Promise Scholar is graduating as a double major and is next set to join the university’s intensive Teacher Education Program on a full ride.

Ventura Harbor Village Presents Summer Outdoor Movie Nights Series

VENTURA — Just in time for summer, Ventura Harbor Village has recently announced the line-up for the 2023 Summer Outdoor Movie Nights, taking place on the last Saturday of each month: June 24, July 29, and August 26, 2023 at sunset on the Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to gather under the starry skies and enjoy a fantastic lineup of films against the picturesque backdrop at sunset at Ventura Harbor.  Parking and admission to the movie nights arecomplimentary.

UCSB Arts & Lectures announces its 2023-2024 season featuring more than 48 events

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), the Central Coast’s premier arts presenting organization, announces its 2023-2024 season of live events. Series subscriptions go on sale Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. Single tickets go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) offers a wide range of phenomenal cultural and artistic experiences in 2023-2024 – 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. The 2023-2024 season includes the U.S. premiere of a work co-commissioned by Arts & Lectures for the Danish String Quartet, along with West Coast and California premieres and multiple Santa Barbara debut performances. Additional events, including the Justice for All programming initiative, Thematic Learning Initiative and more, will be announced throughout the season.

The Collection at Riverpark — Rock The Collection is Back!

Come enjoy the sounds of summer and fall with a series of free, family-friendly concerts at The Collection at Riverpark. These live outdoor shows will be held on Wednesday nights and will feature everyone’s favorite rock and pop classics performed by popular tribute bands.

Save the dates for Rock The Collection:

Aug. 23 
Sept. 6 
Sept. 20
Oct. 4

Island Packers Announces Summer Schedule With Non-Landing Excursions & Summer Whale Watching

VENTURA — Coinciding with the busy summer season, Island Packers is expanding its non-landing schedule to include Summer Whale Watching excursions through mid September to view some truly extraordinary magnificent mammals.

Passengers on Summer Whale Watching trips, departing Ventura Harbor Village, have an excellent chance to view several whale species in the Santa Barbara Channel, who migrate here to feed on the abundant shoals of baitfish and krill. Summer species that can be seen include blue whales, fin whales, and humpbacks, as well as marine life such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions.

Take a Sweet Tooth Tour of Lompoc on California’s Central Coast This Summer & Savor Everything Sweet

No matter how, why, or where you choose to launch (or end) your very own Lompoc Sweet Tooth Tour, it helps to have a solid rundown of some sweet spots in and around Lompoc. 

That’s what we’re here for. Bon appétit and savor sweet!

June @ SPAM — Artist Talk with Andrea Vargas on June 10, Kids’ Art Fest on June 4, Art Camps and More!

SANTA PAULA — Take a tour of artist Andrea Vargas’ solo exhibition, “On the Ranch,” with Vargas as your guide! It’s a rare chance to meet the artist before she returns to Santa Fe for the summer. Andrea will explain the stories behind her all-new artworks and why she will always be drawn to the Santa Paula and Ventura County landscape. “On the Ranch” is on view now through September 10, 2023.

Wild Oaks Country Music Festival Debuts June 3 in Thousand Oaks

The First Annual Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).

Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Youth Circle: Sarah Rosalena and Porfirio Gutiérrez In Conversation on June 8

MCASB is honored to present a Poetry Night in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture as part of our First Thursday events. The Laureate Series features local poets Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, and special guest Solange Aguilar, hosted by Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).

MCASB tiene el honor de presentar una Noche de Poesía en colaboración con la Oficina de Arte y Cultura del Condado de Santa Bárbara como parte de nuestros eventos del Primer Jueves. La Laureate Series cuenta con poetas locales: Lee Herrick, Madeline Miller, y la invitada especial Solange Aguilar, presentada por Melinda Palacio (@poetpalacio).

UCSB — The Current — New grant funds are helping the Gevirtz School prepare teachers California sorely needs and more news, events

The Gevirtz School and the Santa Barbara County Education Office were awarded $950,000 to support up to 40 graduate students pursuing teaching credentials.

Exciting Times Ahead at Museum of Ventura County

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023
1:30PM—3:00PM
@ The Agriculture Museum
Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, led by John Laques.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Keep calm!’ The economy stays steady despite inflation and the impacts of remote work and more news, events

“Our economy is tough,” said Peter Rupert, a professor of economics and director of the Economic Forecast Project, which featured the Fed’s Christopher Waller and San Francisco chief economist Ted Egan during its 2023 South Coast Summit.

Family Service Agency Fundraiser Raises Record Funds

Over 200 guests of Family Service Agency attended Dreams in Bloom on Saturday May 13 at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club at Rockwood—where they turned  compassion into action.  The sold-out event raised a record $250,000 to benefit the children, families, and seniors served by FSA—which includes Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park.

“We are humbled and energized by the support of our community,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “This event is a great way to connect with our supporters and share our mutual passion for investing in the lives of the people we have the honor of serving.”

Juvenile criminal justice, immigration, and refuge — a powerful YA must-read for summer by Oxnard author Mona Alvarado Frazier

This summer, Oxnard local Mona Alvarado Frazier uses her thirty-year career of working with incarcerated youth to paint a powerful picture of the juvenile criminal justice system, the importance of education, and the challenges faced by low-income families.

Perfect for fans of Punching the Air and Allegedly, THE GARDEN OF SECOND CHANCES (June 6, SparkPress, STEP scholarship winner) follows 17-year-old undocumented mother Juana as she is wrongfully incarcerated. Navigating gangs and prison rules in a correctional facility almost drowns her in despair, anger and depression until she creates a prison garden where she finds the strength to advocate for herself and maintain her humanity.

Greetings from the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center

Have you visited the Santa Paula Art Museum’s Cole Creativity Center lately? There’s so much happening here this summer, from camps and classes to student exhibitions and Kids’ Art Fest. Check out our upcoming offerings below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this email for an exciting announcement!

Lompoc Announces Guide to 2023 Summer Events & Festivals

As a laid-back, bucolic, coastal paradise, Lompoc always offers visitors an amazing place to relax, discover, and indulge.

With summer just around the corner, Lompoc presents even more reasons to come, stay, play and explore.

For travelers spending their summer in many other parts of California, they might endure temperatures that approach –or even exceed–triple digits. But in Lompoc, average high temperatures register a picture-perfect 74 degrees in both July and August.

No matter what visitors choose to do in Lompoc this summer, they can enjoy the destination in cool comfort, likely with some soothing breezes. Travelers will be able to relax and chill—in more ways than one.

Below is a closer look at some of the many 2023 summer offerings Lompoc has to offer  https://explorelompoc.com/events/page/2/:

Museum of Ventura County — Ch-ch-ch-Changes Happening at MVC

Kid’s Drum Circle: Celebrating National Children’s Day

Sunday, June 4, 2023

1:30PM—3:00PM

@ The Agriculture Museum

Free Admission, Parental Supervision Required

Drum circles unite communities and can teach world traditions. Drum circles also enhance interpersonal skills, increase self-awareness, encourage self-control, reduce stress, and reduce anti-social behavior. Come play in the Kid’s Drum Circle, lead by John Laques.

UCSB — The Current — ‘Asian American studies launches interdisciplinary Ph.D. emphasis’ and more news, events

“Asian American Studies at UCSB is a leading department for the field, and we believe that formal recognition at the graduate level is essential,” said Lisa Sun-Hee Park, a professor and the new program’s graduate advisor.

Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival highlights local biologist, writer, and author

OUTHERN CALIFORNIA— Lift-Off’s Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival is proud to present the upcoming online screening of The Shoeshine Boy, a film that tells the inspiring story of a young boy who grew up in the streets of Guatemala and defied all odds to become a renowned biologist, writer, and author. Directed by Harold Bucaro and René Corado, this film is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Through May 15th, audiences can enjoy the raw talent of true indie filmmakers from the comfort of their own homes via Vimeo On-Demand.

Wildling Museum of Art and Nature debuts new long-term installation by artist Elizabeth Criss in Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery through Feb. 2024

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view May 2023 through February 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.  

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean. 

Teatro de las Américas — Clases de actuación bilingües para adultos

Impartidas por/Taught by:
James Donlon and Alina Cenal

Máximo de 10 estudiantes
10 Students Max.

8 Sesiones/Sessions 7pm – 9pm

Martes/Tuesdays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Jueves/Thursdays. May 30, June 6, 13

Costo/Fee: $75

Desarrolla habilidades en texto, movimiento, voz e improvisación que todo actor debe tener.
¡Sé una fuerza sobre el escenario!

Develop skills in text, movement, voice and improvisation every actor should know.
Be a force on stage!

Flee To The Sea For Waterfront Warmth This Spring & Experience A New Lineup of Events & Lively Nighttime Vibes At Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA, Calif. – Embodying an idyllic coastal setting, and bright sunshine days, Ventura Harbor Village is the place to be seaside this Spring.  Add to the mix a fresh lineup of new midweek/weekend events/entertainment, and the perfect getaway awaits. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/…

Music, Rides, Line Dancing, Food and Fun At 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days from June 15 through 25

The 67th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD) will feature 10 days of carnival rides, food, live entertainment and line dancing. Dates are June 15 through June 25 (dark June 19 and 20) at Conejo Creek Park South (23 Freeway/Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.

Kids Club Offers Free Summer Fun at The Collection

The Collection at Riverpark is offering free, family-friendly fun at the Kids Club, sponsored by Sunny Smiles Dentistry for Children and Young Adults. Kids Club events are open to all children and families. Don’t give the little ones a chance to say they’re bored this summer.

Kids Club will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the grass at Collection Park and take place on the following Wednesdays: July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug. 2 and Aug. 9. 

Bring the kids and a picnic blanket to the grass at Collection Park for a fun-filled morning of entertainment, crafts and fun surprises. Each Kids Club program is unique, so families should return throughout the summer to get the most out of each experience. 

Museum of Ventura County — Keep Calm and Garden On with MVC and more events

Chumash Plant Knowledge

Sunday, May 7, 2023

2:00PM—4:00PM

@ Museum of Ventura County

Free Admission, Registration Required

Dr. Jan Timbrook’s informative, illustrated talk, Chumash Ethnobotany: Life Before Costco, will provide a glimpse into the fascinating plant world of the Chumash, including the complex interrelationships between the first people of our region and the environment in which they lived. 

Announcing Auditions for Moorpark College’s Summer Theatre Production of the Award-Winning Musical ‘Cabaret’

Moorpark College is excited to announce auditions for its Summer Theatre Arts production of the classic musical “Cabaret.” Auditions will be May 8-10 in the Performing Arts Center on the Moorpark College campus. Dance auditions will be May 8, 3:30-6 p.m., and singing auditions will be May 9, 6-10 p.m. Final callbacks will be May 10, 6-10 p.m.

Anyone interested in auditioning should wear comfortable clothing, be prepared to sing 30 bars (1 minute) of a song from a theatrical musical, preferably by the composer/lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, and be ready to read from the script. An accompanist will be present for the audition.