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A Preview of Local Happenings

73RD OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 6-9 | Ojai
The Ojai Music Festival returns this year with a spotlight on Barbara Hannigan as conductor, singer and mentor; the debut of ensemble LUDWIG and members of Hannigan’s Equilibrium mentoring initiative; and pianist Stephen Gosling and pianist/conductor Edo Frenkel as well as the return of JACK Quartet and conductor/percussionist Steven Schick. Highlights of the festival will include a fully staged production of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress, chamber works by John Zorn with Stephen Gosling and the JACK Quartet and much more during the four-day event. Events are ticketed individually. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.ojaifestival.org.

CIRCUS VARGAS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
June 13-17 | Camarillo
Circus Vargas’ 50th anniversary extravaganza is an homage to the golden era of circus in America. Hop aboard the spectacular circus steam engine and ride the railways back in time to relive the nostalgia of yesteryear, marvel at the sights and sounds emanating from the big top and answer the hypnotic call of the calliope, the sawdust and the sequins as clowns, acrobats and performers light up the stage. Tickets: $15-72. Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. For more information, visit www.circusvargas.com.

AN EVENING OF COMEDY WITH LOUIE ANDERSON
June 14 | Thousand Oaks
Three-time Emmy Award® winner Louie Anderson is one of the country’s most recognized comics, named by Comedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time.” Over the course of his three-decade long career, he has become a best-selling author and star of his own standup specials and sitcoms while continuing to tour the country performing to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. $49. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Scherr Forum, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.civicartsplaza.com.

MAMA MIA!
June 14 – July 14 | Ojai
Love the musical stylings of ABBA? Then you’re going to love this! Jam packed with energy and sheer fun, this singing and dancing tribute brings to life the timeless songs of the worldwide phenomenon. Singing is strongly encouraged at this performance directed by Tracey Williams Sutton. The tale unwinds as Sophie, a spirited bride, seeks to learn the identity of her father by inviting three men to her wedding. Tickets: $10-30. Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. For more information, visit www.ojaiact.org.

POP-UP ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 14-15, 21-23 and 28-29 | Thousand Oaks
This three-weekend festival will feature “pop-up” public performances and activities at a variety of locations throughout the city. These sites will include small neighborhood parks, historical sites and the Lakes. On the inaugural night, June 14, the Versa-Style Dance Company from Los Angeles will perform at Oakbrook Park. On June 21, Sir, Please will perform at Thousand Oaks Community Park, and the series will conclude with a performance by the New West Symphony and the Leah Zeger Quintet at Northwood Park. For a full schedule of events and locations, visit www.civicartsplaza.com/popup.

CASA VALENTINA
June 21 – July 28 | Santa Paula
In 1962, when most people went to the Catskill Mountains to escape the summer heat, others sought to escape something else entirely. An unassuming bungalow became a paradise for men to spend their weekends discreetly and safely inhabiting their true selves. Based on actual events, this delightfully insightful and hilariously entertaining tale by Harvey Fierstein offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of unforgettable characters as they search for acceptance and happiness. Tickets $18-24. Santa Paula Theatre Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. For more information including show times, visit www.santapaulatheatercenter.org.

HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL
June 22-23 | Fillmore
Celebrate all things “bee” at the festival dedicated to the hard-working insect and its honey. The two-day event will feature live music, a petting zoo, agricultural exhibits and train rides to a honey farm for tours. Central Park, 250 Central Ave., Fillmore. For more information, call 805.524.2546 or visit www.californiahoneyharvestfestival.com.

23RD ANNUAL KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
June 28 – Aug. 4 | Thousand Oaks
The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival returns for its 23rd season. Directed by Kevin P. Kern and running through the weekend of July 14, The Merry Wives of Windsor centers on the exploits of Sir John Falstaff, who comically attempts to seduce the wives of two wealthy men. Richard III, directed by Michael J. Arndt, runs weekends beginning July 19 and tells the story of the fall of the titular ruler. General admission: $20-25. California Lutheran University, Kingsmen Park, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information, visit www.kingsmenshakespeare.org.

CAMARILLO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June 29 | Camarillo
Presented by Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District and the City of Camarillo, this summer concert series features an eclectic mix of four bands over the summer months alongside food trucks and vendors. Kicking off the series are the reggae/calypso beats of Upstream on June 29 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Constitution Park at the corner of Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.pvrpd.org.

4TH OF JULY PARADE AND STREET FAIR 
July 4 | Downtown Ventura 
A full day of fun is slated for July 4 in celebration of our nation’s birthday with food, entertainment, a pushem-pullem parade (starting at 9:30 a.m. at Cemetery Park) and more than 200 artisans selling their goods on Main Street between Fir and the San Buenaventura Mission. This year’s theme is “We have liftoff!” in honor of the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo Program. The Rotary Club of Ventura offers a fireworks show at Ventura College in the evening. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/676/Street-Fair

ON THE HORIZON
VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 11-21 | Ventura
Now in its 25th year, the VMF celebrates its Silver Anniversary with an impressive lineup of performers, including Lithuania’s “rock stars of chamber music” NICO, gullah outfit Ranky Tanky, Anderson and Roe piano duo, Tea and Trumpets and so much more. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.venturamusicfestival.org.