Short List: September 2024

GAIL PIDDUCK’S “82 + 10”
Opening Sept. 14 | Santa Paula

In 2023, longtime Santa Paula artist Gail Pidduck found herself with a childlike desire to “just make art.” Her adult sensibilities insisted on a focus. Pidduck compromised with the decision to use 8” x 8” panels as the constraint or structure for a series of paintings, while allowing herself to paint anything she wanted with no concern about subject matter. Thus, “8².” The “+ 10”? 8² + 10 = 74, Pidduck’s age when the exhibit hangs, and her goal to produce 74 new paintings from which to choose 40 to exhibit. In this all-new exhibition, you’ll see Pidduck’s visual journal, an unrestricted year in the life of the artist and the things that bring her joy. Join us for the premiere of Gail Pidduck’s “8² + 10” on Saturday, Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. Admission is $5 for SPAM members, and $10 for non-members. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. All of the artworks will be available for purchase. Also on exhibit will be “Douglas Shively and Friends” through Nov. 3. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

LAND + SKY ART PICNIC
Sept. 14 | Somis

Please join us for an afternoon family picnic on the sprawling lawn of of one of Ventura County’s most exclusive, historic ranches: The Lloyd-Butler Ranch. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Stumpery, Victorian Gardens, and view four art installations created exclusively for Studio Channel Islands’ Land + Sky Artist Invitational. Featured artists include ceramicist Marianne McGrath, mixed media artist Elizabeth Souza, composer Justin Messina and digital image creator Allanah Vokes. Justin Messina will be performing his original musical composition on a 168-year-old Estey Melodeon pump organ at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Land + Sky/Tierra y Cielo pairs agriculturally significant properties with contemporary artists to create immersive site-specific installations. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase on site, and boxed lunches from Urban Plates are available for pre-order. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2-6 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit studiochannelislands.org/upcoming-events/.

OXNARD JAZZ FESTIVAL
Sept. 14-15 | Oxnard

OJF is a cultural music celebration offering a diverse mix of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues, and R&B. This premier experience includes VIP seating in an incredible outdoor setting; complemented by scenic beaches, vendor booth shopping, cultural foods and many other inviting attractions which make the festival a top event and destination to close out the summer festival season. Even though the official title of the festival says “Jazz,” Oxnard Jazz Festival really includes all music with a soul. Spend some time at this festival nestled along Ventura County’s Gold Coast, and your soul will be singing too. This is a great place to catch emerging local talent, Grammy Award-winning talent and those that are in the twilight of their careers. This year’s lineup includes Sheila E, Loose Ends feat. Jane Eugene, Julian Vaughn, Louie Cruz Beltran and many more. General admission starts at $125. Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15; gates open at 10 a.m. ‘olołkoy Beach Park, 1601 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard, 805.253.3048, www.oxnardjazzfestival.com.

VENTURA ART AND CHALK FESTIVAL
Sept. 14-15 | Ventura

This event combines artists showing and selling their work, and street painters who create colorful chalk pastel murals on the harbor’s sidewalks. Admission is free.Join us for an amazing weekend (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) of chalk art, street painting, creative vendors, live entertainment and the beauty of the Ventura County coast. Admission and parking are complimentary. Vendors will showcase their work between Andria’s Seafood and Brophy Bros. Offerings include paintings, pottery, photography, metal work, jewelry and more. Additionally, the sidewalks along the water will be the canvas for street artists who will be creating colorful chalk pastel murals. The festival is a fundraiser for local charities hosted by Ventura Rotary Club. 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Harbor Village. For more event information, visit venturaartfestival.com.

PLAYWRIGHTS’ SPLASH FESTIVAL
Sept. 20-22 | Ventura

Namba’s annual Splash Festival brings the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival to Ventura County audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to see new and emerging playwrights, directors and actors and groundbreaking work in an intimate setting. Coming to Namba Performing Arts Space in September: “The Godmother” by Melina Falahani (Sept. 20), about the infamous drug lord Griselda Franco; “Mermaid” by Italome Ohikhuare (Sept. 21), about an American woman who discovers a link between her failing health and an ancient Nigerian goddess; and “Magic for Animals” by Liz Toonkel (Sept. 22), mixing humor, magic and activism. $20-$50. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak Street, Ventura, 805.628.9250, www.nambaarts.com.

ARTWALK VENTURA
Sept. 21-22 | Ventura

Artwalk Ventura is a fun, free, self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios and pop-up gallery locations in Ventura’s Westside Cultural District and Downtown. A signature event for Ventura for many years which brought in cultural tourists from all over, it is now being run by an all-volunteer group which has added new life to the event. There will be a wide variety of arts — including music, dance and performance art — and entertainment being celebrated along Ventura Avenue, Main Street in Downtown Ventura and even into midtown. New this year will be a community-created mandala, a film festival and roaming puppets. Come out and immerse yourself in art and community! For hours, venues and more information, visit www.artwalkventura.org.

THE GREAT ART THEFT
Sept. 22 | Ojai

At the Great Art Theft (where great art is a steal), local artists have donated paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and much more to be on display starting Aug 30. Come view the art, pick your favorite(s), and buy a ticket. For the mere price of $100, you can own an original piece of art donated by local artists. All the art is valued at much more than the price of a ticket. ​When you buy a ticket, your name is put in a basket and drawn one by one at the gala on Sunday, Sept. 22, 4-7 p.m. As your name is called, you choose your favorite piece. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

WORLD BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS SWAN LAKE
Sept. 25 | Thousand Oaks

Experience the legendary! “Swan Lake,” the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only by the World Ballet Company. See the iconic “Dance of the Little Swans,” count the 32 fouettés performed by the Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets and over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. The World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide. Driven by the belief that ballet is for everyone, performances appeal to newcomers and seasoned ballet goers alike. The company attracts many international artists and comprises renowned professional dancers representing over 10 countries. To date, World Ballet Company has traveled to more than 280 cities, reaching an audience of more than 250,000, many of whom are first-time attendees to a ballet. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission). Suitable for ages 5 and up. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. $51-$143. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

LEE ASHER
Sept. 26 | Ventura

A prominent figure in the animal rescue community — with a massive social media following of more than 12 million people across platforms — Lee Asher has used his influence to raise awareness about animal welfare and inspire countless individuals to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. His tireless dedication to rescuing dogs, cats, horses and other animals has earned him a reputation as a true champion for the voiceless. With his infectious energy, humor and powerful storytelling, Asher continues to touch hearts and change lives, both human and animal alike. During his live show, he takes his audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions as he recounts his struggles, failures, and ultimate triumphs in building the Asher House, one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States. Doors open at 7 p.m. This is a fully seated event. $47. 1888 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura, www.venturamusichall.com.

AFTER DARK AT STAGECOACH INN MUSEUM
Sept. 27 – Oct. 18 | Newbury Park

Bring a blanket or chair, your own food and beverage (or purchase drinks, on site, from Tarantula Hill Brewing Co.) and enjoy the spectacular live music outside! The After Dark concert series brings phenomenal artists from across the United States to to the lawn of the Stagecoach Inn Museum. Featured this year will be funk and folk from Dustbowl Revival (Sept. 27), soulful Sierra Green and the Giants (Oct. 4), Calling Cadence’s swampy blues rock (Oct. 11) and “bluegrass with a little punch” courtesy of Damn Tall Buildings (Oct. 18). All performances take place on Fridays at 7 p.m. $36.75 per show; bundle all four shows for $90. 51 South Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/afterdark.

CHINESE ACROBATS OF HEBEI
Sept. 28 | Oxnard

The Chinese Acrobats of Hebei are a multi-talented troupe that features such unique acts as Chinese poles, foot juggling, towering chair balance and more — all paired with unbelievable martial arts. A beautiful soundtrack drives each jaw-dropping act. This sets an exotic tone for the production. With stunning costumes and props that create a kaleidoscope of color, the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei create a definite “wow” factor for the audience. $49-$99. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/chinese-acrobats-of-hebei-oxnard-sept-2024/.

UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 28 – Oct. 31 | Moorpark

A beloved Ventura County tradition returns this month! Underwood’s Moorpark location is a cornucopia of fun, thanks to festive fall decorations, a wide variety of fresh produce in season (including some you can pick yourself), tractor rides, animal shows, a corn labyrinth, the famous pumpkin patch and more. There will be lots of photo opps, and every weekend will feature a special theme, complete with live music and entertainment. Whether you’re stocking up on veggies, looking for the perfect jack o’lantern or just want some good, old-fashioned family fun, Underwood is the place to be! $14 Monday-Friday; $22-$30 weekends. Children under 2 and parking are FREE. Seniors (65+), Military, Veterans and Emergency First Responders receive $2 admission discount daily (with valid ID). Must show ID at gate to receive discount if purchasing Military and Senior online tickets. 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest.

ONCE
Through Oct. 6 | Ventura

Tap your feet, raise your mug and fling the foam! Set in the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of a week, an unexpected friendship quickly evolves into a powerful but complicated love story. Winner of eight Tony Awards, the show features all of the magical songs from the critically acclaimed film which inspired it, including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly.” This achingly beautiful, joyously uplifting show strikes an unforgettable chord in audiences and speaks to the power of music to connect us all. $20-$69.50; $150 for the opening night gala on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

ON THE HORIZON

NEW WEST SYMPHONY: BRAHMS, MENDELSSOHN AND RAVEL
Oct. 5-6 | Camarillo, Thousand Oaks

The 19th century was an incredible period of folk influence on classical music masters. Brahms, Mendelssohn and Ravel transformed their fascination with local traditions into unrivaled masterpieces. Pacific Festival Ballet dancers enchant as featured soloists for Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. Los Angeles-based composer Derrick Skye energetically blends fun with global music influences for a world premiere work written for New West Symphony Concertmaster Alyssa Park. Mendelssohn’s radiant “Italian Symphony” concludes the festivities. $35-$125. Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. at the Fred Kavli Theatre of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. Sunday, Oct. 6, 3 p.m. at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center, 4235 Mar Vista Drive, Camarillo. Tickets and more information at newwestsymphony.org.