Short List: June 2024

OJAI WINE FESTIVAL
June 15 | Ojai
From its humble beginning in 1987, the Ojai Wine Festival has grown into a leading regional event attracting close to 4,000 people from throughout the Central Coast and Southern California. The festival has played a role in introducing people to the bounty of Ojai, which has been named one of the top five “Food and Wine Havens in the West.” The Ojai Wine Festival has made its home at the beautiful Lake Casitas Recreation Area event site and falls on the third Saturday in June. With its ideal venue and extraordinary fan base, the Ojai Wine Festival has become a favorite affair for attending wineries and breweries. General admission includes unlimited tastes of wine and beer and an elegant crystal keepsake wine glass. As you enter the event, an exceptional collection of wineries awaits you. For beer lovers, our beer garden offers a fantastic variety of over 30 craft beers. Discover a superb selection of local restaurants and gourmet food trucks selling delicious culinary delights. Our silent auction has become a popular attraction featuring fine wines, private tasting parties, VIP winery tours, and other wine-related items. In addition, we have craft vendors, musical entertainment, and a lakeside dance floor. General Admission Non-Drink tickets are available for $25 for 13-20. Don’t miss out on all the fun at the Ojai Wine Festival! Voted as one of the Best Wine and Food Festivals in Ventura County! Festivities take place on Saturday, June 15, 12-4 p.m. For tickets, parking and more information, visit ojaiwinefestival.com.

SHE
Through June 16 | Oxnard
“SHE” is a compelling play that intertwines the lives of four women residing in the same historic Victorian house in San Francisco, each from a different decade. As their stories unfold, the play delves into their struggles with personal demons, relationship love, loss and abuse, self-discovery and the power of reflection. Don’t miss this premiere performance of a play written by Kimberly Demmary and directed by Jolyn Johnson. Currently, only cash-transaction ticket sales at the door. No bills over $20 accepted. The Elite Theatre Company, 2731 Victoria Avenue, Oxnard, www.theelite.org.

VENTURA LIVE: MUSIC, LAUGHTER, MAGIC
Through June 16 | Ventura
The Rubicon Theatre Company is set for an exciting summer with a series of events that bring the joy and excitement of live performance to the stage. Ventura Live features a wide variety of musical, theatrical, magical and comedic productions taking place every weekend through June 16. Hit songs by iconic women, Tony- and Emmy-winner Lillias White, concerts featuring bluegrass, country, folk and Motown, comedian Jerry Rocha and magician John Carney are just a few of the offerings the Rubicon will present. There’s something for everyone, and lots of it – get ready to embrace it all with Ventura Live! 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.

SPAMALOT
June 21 – July 21
Also known as “Monty Python’s Spamalot: A Musical (Lovingly) Ripped Off from the Motion Picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail” — a hilarious sendup of medieval times and Arthurian legend. Embark on a rollicking journey with this musical comedy that fuses uproarious humor with infectious toe-tapping tunes. Join King Arthur and his endearingly quirky knights as they set upon a quest for the Holy Grail. Filled with whimsical escapades and catchy melodies, this show will leave you laughing, singing and cheering along the way! Based on the hit 1975 comedy film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” with book and lyrics by Monty Python’s own Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. $20-$25. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.8797, ojaiact.org.

KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
June 21 – July 28
The famed outdoor theater festival is back for another exciting season celebrating the Bard! The Kingsman Shakespeare Company presents two works — one comedy, one tragedy — for audiences to enjoy this summer. First up is “Much Ado About Nothing,” where would-be lovers match wits and barbs while another couple’s romance is complicated by a malicious plot. Despite the deceit and misunderstandings, there’s plenty of humor here – and true love triumphs in the end. Love and longing also drive the plot of “Romeo and Juliet,” whose star-crossed lovers strive to be together despite the mutual enmity of their feuding families. All performances take place Friday-Sunday at 8 p.m. at Kingsmen Park on the campus of California Lutheran University. $15-$120. CLU, 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, www.kingsmenshakespeare.org.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
June 25-30 | Thousand Oaks
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. This critically acclaimed production follows Atticus Finch, a lawyer in 1930s Alabama, who defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of rape. Themes of race, justice and the loss of innocence are explored with intelligence and pathos in this riveting adaptation of a true American classic. Part of the Broadway in Thousand Oaks series. $45-$105. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

X GAMES VENTURA 2024
June 28-30 | Ventura
Three solid days of adventure, excitement and heart-thumping action. Yes, the X Games return to Ventura County Fairgrounds, with a bigger, better and more enticing production and a ton of new ways to experience the games. The best skateboarders, motocross riders and BMXers from across the globe will be in attendance, wowing the crowds as they compete for the top spots in their divisions. In addition, the music will play in a big way, with Wiz Khalifa, Kaskade and several other artists appearing on a brand-new stage. Don’t miss the action sports event of the year! Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, www.xgames.com/events/x-games-ventura-2024.

POP UP ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Through June 29 | Conejo Valley
As the name suggests, the festival will feature “pop-up” public performances and activities at a variety of locations throughout Thousand Oaks. The primary goal of the festival is to provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to actively participate in and enjoy the arts in unexpected and distinctive locations throughout the community. The festival will feature 10 free events starting at the end of May and lasting throughout the month of June. In partnership with local arts organizations, the festival will include local and regional artistic talent, in addition to nationally recognized performing artists. Changüí Majadero, Vonda Shepard and Scythian are just a few of the stellar acts to catch during this summer’s festival. All events are free. Bring your own chair and picnic. Dates, times and locations at bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/pop-up-arts-music-festival-2024.

CAMARILLO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June 29 – Aug. 10 | Camarillo
From the end of June until mid-August, Camarillo offers a series of live bands performing at Constitution Park. Umbrellas and canopies are not allowed, but not to worry — shows start at 7 p.m., well after the heat of the day has passed. You can bring chairs, blankets, a picnic and the whole family. What you don’t need to bring? Money…unless you choose to purchase dinner from one of the onsite food trucks. This year’s talent lineup includes Smith, Dark Desert Highway, Savor and 805 Social Club. Fun for the whole family, and a wonderful way to enjoy the balmy evenings of summer! Free. Constitution Park, 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo, www.pvrpd.org/summer-concert-series.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Through June 30 | Moorpark
After inheriting his grandfather’s Transylvania castle, Frederick Frankenstein finds himself following in his ancestor’s mad scientist footsteps. “It’s alive!” The comedy genius of Mel Brooks will have you in stitches with this electrifying adaptation of his monstrously funny film. Rated PG-13; adult humor and situations. $27-$30. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.

CHUCK GRAHAM: SCENES FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
Through Aug. 24 | Oxnard
Chuck Graham is a freelance writer and photographer in Carpinteria, California. He’s also been a beach lifeguard for over 20 years, works as a guide for Channel Islands Adventure Company leading kayak tours and backpacking trips at the Channel Islands National Park, and is the editor of DEEP Surf Magazine. This stunning collection of photographers provides an intimate glimpse of the Channel Islands, as seen through the lens of a true lover of nature. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805.984.6260, www.cimmvc.org.

GREENBELT: INTERPLAY AND IMAGINATION ON THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS
Through Sept. 8 | Santa Paula
In this first one-person show of paintings by Ojai author-turned-artist Christopher Noxon, “Greenbelt” showcases the vibrant visions of an artist processing the interplay of wildness, development, and agriculture. Inspired by Fauvist landscapes, Huichol yarn paintings, and activists working to protect open space, Noxon creates semi-abstract pictures of familiar scenes filtered through a phantasmagorical lens, focusing on the places where mountains and orchards share space with housing and highways. The exhibit includes more than 40 works created over the last three years using oil, acrylic, collage and ink, ranging in size and scope from sketchbook doodles to large canvases described by the LA Weekly as “riotously chromatic and time-and-space bending.” Also on exhibit will be “From Field to Frame: The PAC6 Show How It’s Done,” viewable through July 7. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554,
www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY REOPENING
Through May 2025 | Ventura
Come see the Museum of Ventura County’s brand new exhibits! “Masters from the Museum of Ventura County Collection” will include works by seven artists who have significantly shaped Ventura County’s art history and achieved international acclaim. Also newly opened is “InnoVision: Ventura County Artists to Watch,” an interactive exhibition that highlights the work of nine Ventura County artists. Through their innovative use of common materials, they create installations that reflect their personal visions and views of current issues such as the environment, immigration, identity, the housing shortage and changing land usage in Ventura County. While you’re checking out the new works, take time to view the museum’s permanent exhibits, including the George Stuart Historical Figures® Collection, works related to the Chumash and more. 100 East Main Street, Ventura, venturamuseum.org.

ON THE HORIZON

SURF RODEO
July 5-6 | Ventura
Started in 1997, Surf Rodeo is Ventura’s original music and surfing festival, featuring 30+ bands, a zany surf competition, our infamous bikini cowgirl and cowboy contests, corn hole tournament with over 32 teams, skateboard demos, VIP cabanas, over 70 vendors and tasty food trucks. Surf Rodeo prides itself on being a platform for world-renowned surfers, musicians and artists. We have something for everyone! Line dance to the best live music and enjoy the stunning view of the surf and Channel Islands in the background. Surf Rodeo is where the music meets the beach in beautiful Ventura. General admission tickets start at $45. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, surfrodeo.org.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
July 19-28 | Thousand Oaks
5-Star Theatricals, the resident theater company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, brings to the stage this beloved musical classic from Rodgers and Hammerstein. A young would-be nun arrives at the home of a widowed nobleman to serve as a governess for his several children. Their lives, romances, trials and tribulations are told through song and dance, with unforgettable favorites like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and the beautiful “Edelweiss.” Based on the true story of the Von Trapp family, who escaped Austria after its annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938. $50-$90. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.