Short List: May 2024

CHUCK GRAHAM: SCENES FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS
May 9 – 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 photographs 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.

ARCHANA
May 11 | Thousand Oaks
India Friends Association presents Archana , A Festivals of India, on Saturday, May 11, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Fred Kavli Theater. This showcase of Indian dance, music and drama highlights IFA-supported work to empower the underprivileged in India. All donations directly support this effort. For its 30th anniversary, Archana’s theme will be “Climate Crisis: Seeking Answers From Our Traditions.” Tea and snacks will be served at the Civic Arts Plaza Park following the show.

MOTHER’S DAY MARIACHI FESTIVAL
May 11 | Oxnard
Come celebrate Mother’s Day one day early, and uphold an annual Oxnard Tradition, when the city’s own Mother’s Day Mariachi Festival comes to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Live mariachi music and fun for the whole family! World-class performers will take the stage for a spectacular afternoon of marvelous mariachi that will have the crowd dancing in their seats. This year’s headliners will be Femenil Estrella de Mexico and Mariachi Jalisco ES Mexico, who will go “mano a mano” in a battle of the bands, mariachi style. The “social hour” begins in the OPAC Courtyard at 10 a.m., with live music from local cover band InStone. The festival concert starts at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Don’t miss out on this wonderful celebration of music, culture and, of course, Mother’s Day! Tickets $55-85 with applicable fees. Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/events/oxnard-annual-mothers-day-mariachi-festival-oxnard-may-2024/.

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
May 11 | Simi Valley
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation will host the 2024 Spotlight Awards Fundraiser and Gala to recognize outstanding achievement in the arts as well as posthumously honor Greg Stratton and Gary Thomas for their outstanding contributions to the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation and the Simi Valley community. The 2024 Spotlight Awards will feature a pre-show reception in the Downstage Theater with delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts catered by May’s Kitchen. Following the reception, the evening will continue with the awards ceremony recognizing outstanding artists and supporters intermixed with an evening of memorable Broadway music on the Main Stage. Silent auctions and live auctions at the event will also contribute to the fundraising effort for this special evening. Reserved seating for the Spotlight Awards is $100 per ticket and includes the pre-show reception and entertainment on the Main Stage. 3050 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley. To purchase tickets, call 805.583.7900 or visit www.simi-arts.org.

VENTURA LIVE: MUSIC, LAUGHTER, MAGIC
May 11-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.

MIREYA MAYOR: KING KONG IN MY POCKET
May 17 | Thousand Oaks
Join world-renowned scientist and National Geographic explorer Mireya Mayor on a wild and inspiring romp through her unconventional path to success. From her early days as an NFL cheerleader to near-death experiences in the Congo and discovering the world’s smallest primate in Madagascar, Mayor shares her incredible journey with us. Friday, May 17, at 8 p.m. $44.50-$54.50. Fred Kavli Theatre, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, 805.449.2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.

CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
May 18-19 | Oxnard
If you love strawberries, the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival is the place to be! Fifty food and drink vendors will be at the festival, many with strawberry-themed offerings. Festival goers can treat themselves to chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry-topped funnel cakes, strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos, deep-fried strawberries, berry kabobs, strawberry tacos and strawberry beer and smoothies. There is also strawberry-covered fried dough, strawberry kettle corn and strawberry lemonade. Build-your-own strawberry shortcake is back, too, for just $5. Festival general admission is $15. Active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10. Youth ages 5 to 12, $8. Children 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or upon entry to the festival. A limited amount of parking is available onsite for $20 per vehicle. Festival-goers are encouraged to use the free shuttles, which will run every 15 minutes to the festival from nearby locations in Oxnard and Ventura. Metrolink offers a $10 day pass, good for unlimited rides on the day of purchase, and up to three kids ages 17 and under ride free with each adult fare. The station is located next to the fairgrounds. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: A CONVERSATION WITH KATIE VAN HORNE
May 19 | Ventura
Katie Van Horne is a celebrated painter and printmaker of her native California landscape, the human form and animals. She is best known for painting portraits. Her gestural drawing style invites the viewer to see each contour line as they are applied to the paper as she continues to hone her drawing. The attentive viewer is rewarded with insight into the artist’s creative process. Van Horne uses the combined media of watercolor and pastel, but her love of the directness and myriad possibilities in illuminating both the figure and landscapes have led her to work in both simple, clean dry-point etchings and various dynamic abstract monotype printmaking techniques. She will discuss her life, art, inspiration and more during this Focus on the Masters installment of its renowned Artist Spotlight series. $20; $15 for seniors; free for FOTM members. AfterGLOW Fundraiser reception to follow; $30-$40. Sunday, May 19, 3-4:30 p.m. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 South Oak Street, Ventura, focusonthemasters.com.

SHE
May 24 – 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, relationships, love, loss, 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.

ART IN THE PARK
May 25-26 | Ojai
Art in the Park is an annual tradition started in 1977 by local artists at the Ojai Art Center to give artists a place to sell their work during Memorial Day weekend. Nestled amongst the oaks in beautiful Libbey Park, a natural setting is created to showcase the rich mixture of works in a variety of mediums. Art in the Park has enjoyed a long tradition of displaying quality art. The relaxed atmosphere and approachable artists draw crowds (between 3,000 and 5,000) from Ojai and neighboring communities. Free. Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, Ojai, www.ojaiartcenter.org/artinthepark.html.

THE DEVIL IN MY FRIEND
May 29 | Ventura
In the mold of best sellers like “The Stranger Beside Me” or Truman Capote’s classic “In Cold Blood” comes Ivor and Sally Davis’ “The Devil in My Friend: The Inside Story of a Malibu Murder.” Ivor Davis is joined at the Museum of Ventura County by Paul Bishop, one of the top interrogators of the Los Angeles Police Department. Get ready for a gripping tale as Davis shares the shocking revelation about a friend and neighbor who committed an unthinkable crime. Part of the museum’s popular “Ivor Davis: Up Close and Personal” series. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30-8 p.m. Refreshments (wine and beer bar) open at 6 p.m. Free for museum members, $10 for nonmembers in person; $5 for nonmembers via Zoom. 100 East Main Street, Ventura, venturamuseum.org/event/up-close-and-personal-on-the-devil-in-my-friend/.

POP UP ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 31 – 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. Changui Majadero, Vonda Shepard and the Lao Tizer Band 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.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
May 31 – 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.

GREENBELT: INTERPLAY AND IMAGINATION ON THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS
Opening May 11 | 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. Premiere party on Saturday, May 11, 4-6 p.m. Admission to the premiere is $5 for SPAM members and $10 for nonmembers. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, 805.525.5554, www.santapaulaartmuseum.org.

ON THE HORIZON

CASA PACIFICA WINE, FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL
June 2 | Camarillo
Join us for the ultimate wine, food and brew experience at the 2024 Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival! Get ready to indulge your taste buds with an array of delectable dishes, exquisite wines and refreshing brews. This exciting event will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the stunning California State University Channel Islands. Prepare to be amazed by the picturesque surroundings and the lively atmosphere that will make this day truly unforgettable. Discover a wide selection of wines from renowned wineries, carefully crafted brews from local breweries, and mouthwatering dishes prepared by talented chefs. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone. 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. Tickets start at $150. California State University, Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo, winefoodandbrewfestival.com.

OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 6-9 | Ojai
Join us for a curated journey, where music is the adventure, with the characteristic Ojai mix of new and old, familiar and unfamiliar, in the company of remarkable artists who bring vitality, freshness and a sense of discovery to all that they do. 2024 Music Director Mitsuko Uchida has developed a program featuring Vicente Alberola, Brentano String Quartet, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Ljubinka Kulisic and many more. Performances take place at Libbey Bowl on other venues across the Ojai Valley. For full schedule, ticketing options and more information,visit www.ojaifestival.org.