The Rubicon Harmonix and the Museum of Ventura County together will present a unique program, May 11, that honors the shared losses of our community from the Thomas Fire, through spoken word and song. The event will begin with a pre-concert wine reception at 5:15 pm and the 75-minute program will start at 6:00 p.m.
Harmonix, a six-member vocal troupe widely known for its appearances at community and Downtown Ventura events, will perform a program of monologues and vocal selections that touch upon the myriad of experiences and emotions shared by so many in the wake of the Thomas Fire. The program will be produced and directed by Rubicon Theatre Artistic Director Brian McDonald, with musical direction provided by Miriam Arichea.
The stories – compiled by local writers Ivor Davis and Michael Sigman, as well as by McDonald and Arichea – are drawn from poetry, social media posts and blogs written immediately after the fire, as well as interviews with Ventura residents.
Out of the Ashes is a collaboration between Rubicon Theatre and the Museum of Ventura County, which is undertaking an extensive project to create a multidimensional, multimedia series of presentations that capture the remarkable stories of the most devastating natural tragedy in county history.
The wine reception will continue after the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the persons whose stories were told. Information will also be available to individuals interested in contributing to the Museum’s own compilation of oral histories.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and proceeds will go toward the Museum’s Thomas Fire project. Tickets can be purchased at https://harmonixoutoftheashes.eventbrite.com.
The Museum of Ventura County presents Pedal Pushers! Bicycling in Ventura County, a new exhibit that showcases the bicycle as an object of design as well as personal expression. Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes to the opening reception at 6 p.m. on May 11 at 100 East Main St.
Shown in conjunction with the Amgen Tour of California, the exhibit will have photos and a racing bike from the Museum’s collection, other bikes and photos on loan from the public. From the convenient and useful city bike to the newest lightweight BMX racer and the tricked-out Lowrider tricycle, this exhibit has something for everyone.
The Pedal Pushers exhibit will be open May 11 through June 17. Admission is included in the Museum’s general admission.
The Museum of Ventura County is open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.
