PICTURED: SHEN YUN WORLD TOUR 2022; May 24-25; Thousand Oaks
SHANA MABARI: OCEANS
Through May 23 | Ojai
In 2020, Los Angeles-based contemporary Light and Space artist Shana Mabari became the first artist-in-residence on a maritime mission led by the non-profit Sea Shepherd Global, the world’s leading direct-action ocean conservation organization. For five days, Mabari sailed their vessel M/Y Bob Barker off the west coast of Africa, a clandestine operation part of Sea Shepherd Global’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the waters of Benin. It resulted in the arrest of a trawler illegally fishing in protected waters just outside an important ecological reserve. Work inspired by this journey comprises her upcoming solo exhibition “Oceans.” Porch Gallery, 310 East Matilija Street, Ojai, 805.620.7589, porchgalleryojai.com.
<EM>U PLURIBUS UNUM: OUT OF MANY, ONE</EM>
Through May 28 | Camarillo
Many voices. Many faces. Many stories. One community. One country. One world. One humanity. This exhibition explores our differences and our commonalities. Through Richard Barnett’s large oil paintings of crowds depicting up to 500 people in one work to Daggi Wallace’s small intimate pastel portraits and Kerstin Zilm’s prose and collected voices, the viewer is invited to contemplate their own place among each other and in this world. All three artists embody our differences with their mediums, styles and techniques yet speak to the common ground we all share, our emotions of fear and anger, joy and love, frustration and rage. The audience has a chance to add their own voice here by helping to write a community poem or creating a protest slogan for what matters most to them. 2222 East Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, 805.383.1368, studiochannelislands.org.
INSIDE OUTSIDE: OBJECTS OF MY ATTENTION
Through June 29 | Ojai
Caroline Allen presents work made during the pandemic that took her attention away from the news, the isolation and loneliness during the shutdowns. Sheltering in place meant painting the inside of her house, her garden and driveway, and later the deserted campgrounds of Lake Casitas and Ojai Land Conservancy Meadows. “I grew so comfortable in these natural sanctuaries, they became second homes . . . I was painting inside outside.” See this colorful works at Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.646.0117, www.ojaiartcenter.org.
GEOMORPHIC: A LIVING EARTH
Through Sept. 11 | Santa Paula
Having found her true voice in abstract art, Ventura artist Kay Zetlmaier presents her newest works in oil and cold wax, inspired by the natural world and humanity’s place in it. Also on display through July 10 is an exhibition featuring three decades of work from two artists: Lynn Hanson, whose connection to the natural world informs all of her work, and her partner, John Robertson, a self-taught artist. Gallery tour on Saturday, May 28, 2-4 p.m. The museum is open Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.
THE ROOMMATE
May 20 – June 26 | Santa Paula
The Odd Couple meets Breaking Bad meets Thelma and Louise in this wickedly funny dark comedy by Jen Silverman. With a recent divorce and her son living across the country, 50-something Midwesterner Sharon posts a listing for a roommate to fill the empty space of her Iowa home. Enter Brooklyn native Robyn, a fascinating woman who needs a place to hide and the chance to start over. When Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, she taps into a deep-seated desire to abandon her comfort zone and live a life of danger and adventure. The Roommate cleverly navigates the rocky roads of change when you re-route your life and hilariously examines what happens when the wheels come off. $22-$24. 125 South Seventh Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.4645, www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.
PLEIN AIR PAINTING WITH MARGARET GARCIA
May 21 | Santa Cruz Island
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind day trip to Santa Cruz Island to paint with acclaimed artist Margaret Garcia and naturalist Cliff Rodrigues! We will provide a box lunch from Peirano’s for attendees. All participants should bring their water bottles and art supplies. Participants are welcome to create with oil paints, watercolors, ink, pencils or take photographs. This event is limited to 30 adult attendees. $125 for members, $175 for nonmembers. Presented by the Museum of Ventura County; for more information, visit venturamuseum.org/event/plein-air-painting-at-santa-cruz-island-with-margaret-garcia/.
THE SEA PRINCESS
May 21 | Thousand Oaks
From beautiful princess to mermaid, follow Ondine beneath the waves into a world of beauty, intrigue and danger. Can the underwater army free her or will the spell keep the Princess at the bottom of the sea forever? A Pacific Festival Ballet original ballet by composer, Eric Allaman and artistic director Kim Maselli. Two performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $33-$53. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
KHAY FEST
May 22 | Ventura
Surfer’s Point Live is back at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with an exciting kickoff to the late spring/early summer festival season! Country fans won’t want to miss KHAY Fest, a day to celebrate good friends, cold beer and great country music. Starring Josh Turner, Dylan Scott and introducing Tenille Arts. Grab your best dancing boots, don your cowboy hats and get ready for a great time! Presented by 100.7 KHAY, Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Barbara and CBF Productions. Doors open at 10 a.m. Tickets $49-$899. Parking: $20-$40. Surfer’s Point Live at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.surferspointlive.com.
LANDMARK STRING QUARTET
May 22 | Ojai
The Ojai Art Center will host the next installment of its famed concert series with a chamber music performance by the immensely talented Landmark String Quartet. Formerly known as the Sincopa String Quartet, this group of talented musicians includes Mark Bassett (cello), Steve Chiu (erhu), Mina Hong (violin), and Jennifer Wu (violin). Together they will bring to life Mozart’s String Quartet KV 458 in B-flat major and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F minor. Sunday, May 22, at 3 p.m. $20. Ojai Art Center, 113 South Montgomery Street, Ojai, 805.640.1158, www.ojaiartcenter.org.
SHEN YUN WORLD TOUR 2022
May 24-25 | Thousand Oaks
Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and heroic tales. Come be inspired and amazed by this artistic journey through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty, purity and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and entertained. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted. Performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 25, at 2 p.m.and 7:30 p.m. $80-$165. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
NYCHILLHARMONIC
May 27 | Ventura
The NYChillharmonic is a female-fronted, Brooklyn-based, 18-piece, progressive-rock orchestra. The music fuses multiple genres including rock, pop and jazz, which ultimately creates an ensemble sound that acknowledges the tradition of jazz as much as it sonically embraces experimental textures, arrangements, and harmonies. A veteran of the Montreal Jazz Festival and similarly prestigious musical events, the orchestra makes a special appearance at Ventura’s own house of jazz and spirits, The Grape. 8-11 p.m.; $20-$30. 2733 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.212.6130, www.thegrapeventura.com.
VENTURA BEACH CLEANUP
May 28 | Ventura
Bring your sun hats, water bottles and closed-toed shoes to help Surfrider and the city of Ventura keep the beach clean. Buckets, grabbers and gloves will be provided. Volunteer waivers need to be signed in advance. Please check in on the Promenade at California Street next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel; look for the blue Surfrider tent. Cleanup lasts from 9 a.m. to about 11 a.m. Details and waivers are online at ventura.surfrider.org/beach-cleanups/. Email beachcleanups@ventura.surfrider.org with any questions.
ART IN THE PARK
May 28-29 | Ojai
The 45th Annual Art in the Park return’s to Ojai’s beautiful Libbey Park over Memorial Day Weekend! The annual tradition started in 1977 to give local artists a place to sell their work. Nestled amongst the oaks, the natural setting is a fine setting to showcase the rich mixture of art in a variety of media. Presented by the Ojai Art Center, the oldest nonprofit art center in California, it draws art lovers from near and far who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists. Arts and crafts for kids, live music from Dive Bar Messiahs, classes for adults, food vendors and more. Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, www.ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.
ON THE HORIZON
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
June 3 – July 3 | Moorpark
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Every Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain Von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire Von Trapp family must make a moral decision. $23-$25. High Street Arts Center, 45 East High Street, Moorpark, 805.529.8700, highstreetartscenter.com.
CASA PACIFICA ANGELS WINE, FOOD AND BREW FESTIVAL
June 5 | Camarillo
The Festival will once again offer an unbeatable array of exhibitors presenting delicious food samples from restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops, to the palate-pleasing tastes of fine wines, smooth brews, spirits, and specialty beverages from throughout the region and California. A large online silent auction offers guests and people not able to attend the chance to bid on must-have baskets and experiences. The “Best in Fest” brewery competition winner will show off their winning creation, and the Yummie Top Chef competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Live entertainment throughout the day on the main stage will keep the festival-goers dancing all afternoon. $125. California State University, Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
June 8-26 | Ventura
It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new tunes that are a wild mix of raucous, rowdy, and mournful. At home on the keyboard is Thomas “Fats” Waller – the big-hearted, bigger-than-life impresario and international jazz pianist who helped create and define American swing. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical tribute to Waller’s passion for pleasure and play. Previews June 8-10. $39.60-$79.50. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 East Main Street, Ventura, 805.667.2900, www.rubicontheatre.org.
