A note from our CEO

Dear Friends,

As we enter Thanksgiving week, all of us at Ventura Music Festival are filled with gratitude. Because of you—our growing community of followers, audiences, ticket buyers, and donors—we achieved something extraordinary this year: tripling our concerts from 10 to 30 and bringing more music to more people in more ways than ever before. Your support is the engine behind every performance, every new partnership, and every moment of connection we create for our county.

In the coming weeks, we’ll unveil major new collaborations with local school districts designed to strengthen and expand music education across Ventura County. These partnerships will help us bring workshops, live performances, and culturally diverse music experiences directly into classrooms—ensuring that young people have access to creativity, inspiration, and the joy that only music can provide.

We’re also thrilled to be piloting a new partnership with Community Memorial Hospital, where VMF will help launch a series of music & mental health programsfor patients, families, and caregivers. These initiatives will use therapeutic music experiences to support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and bring moments of comfort and connection to those who need it most.

A big thank you to our own Dr. Richard Reisman and the wonderful staff at CMH for believing in us and helping us usher in this program. Sign up for more informationon this program.

As we grow our impact in classrooms, hospitals, and concert halls, your support truly makes a difference. This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help us reach our $10,000 Challenge match from an anonymous supporter—a gift that directly fuels these new education and wellness programs and ensures that VMF can continue serving our community with heart, purpose, and music for all.

Please support our friends: Ivor Davis at the Museum of Ventura County and the benefit for the Ojai Art Center…

Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal with Chris Carter

Wednesday, November 19

6:30 PM

Museum of Ventura County

100 E. Main Street, Ventura

Chris Carter, host of radio’s longest-running “Breakfast with the Beatles” show on KLOS-FM, will be appearing in person at the Museum of Ventura County on Wednesday, November 19, as the latest guest in the Museum’s “Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal With…” interview series. Chris, funny and informed, is one of the world’s experts on the Fab Four and has built an impressive career in films and music.

Amanda McBroom & Douglas Ladnier: Our Favorite Things

Friday, November 21

7:30 PM

Ojai Art Center Theater

113 S. Montgomery St, Ojai

Amanda McBroom and Douglas Ladnier join forces in a benefit for the Ojai Art Center. Amanda and Douglas treat us to an evening of their favorirte songs (many will be your favorites as well). Featuring songs fronm Broadway, movies and pop radio; some Beatles, some Neil Diamond and mahybe some McBroom!

Tickets start at $50 at OjaiAct.org