At a free and public presentation held in the Ventura City Hall city council chambers on Feb.21, Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta revealed the lineup for the 23rd season of the Ventura Music Festival (VMF) to be held July 13-16 & 21-23. This year’s nine-concert festival theme is “An American Season” featuring great classical, jazz and genre-defying music performed by world-class artists. Concerts are held at the intimate 400-seat Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Rd in Ventura, unless noted otherwise. For tickets (on sale April 3) and for more information call 648.3146 or visit www.venturamusicfestival.org.
The musical performers:
John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
“American roots music at its finest”
Thursday, July 13 @7:30pm
The Festival opens under the stars at the historic Olivas Adobe with incomparable songwriting and harmony vocals by “the best string players in the world” and is joined by fellow music legends Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain and Patrick Sauber.
Roger Kellaway “A giant of jazz piano”
Friday, July 14 @8pm. This master pianist, who’s worked with Ellington and Joni Mitchell, is a protean composer and his Festival program includes an adaptation of the landmark multimedia portrait of democracy, Visions of America, featuring jazz singer-violinist Calabria Foti.
Anderson & Roe Piano Duo “The most dynamic piano duo of this generation”
Saturday, July 15 @8pm. Last year’s Festival sensation returns with another transcendental program featuring Beethoven, Leonard Bernstein, Paul Schoenfield’s “Boogie” and several surprises!
Nuvi Mehta & Friends “An evening of great American classical music”
Sunday, July 16 @7pm. VMF’s Artistic Director gathers his virtuosi friends for a memorable classical program of Barber, Copland and Ojai-based composer John Biggs who will celebrate his 85th birthday at the Festival.
Perla Batalla “In tribute to her great friend Leonard Cohen”
Friday, July 21 @8pm. This extraordinary Grammy©-nominated vocalist brings her singular style to the visionary music of legendary poet, songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen.
Simply Three “A fresh genesis for string playing”
Saturday, July 22 @8pm. This bass/cello/violin trio has reshaped chamber music, genre-hopping from Puccini, Gershwin and original works .
Michael Feinstein “Stories and Songs from the Great American Songbook”
Sunday, July 23 @7pm. This Grammy©-nominated singer, pianist and educator has become a PBS star with his Great American Songbook series, dazzling world stages as an unparalleled interpreter of American music – from saloon singers and Broadway hits to Berlin. Called a “national treasure,” Feinstein is an all-star force in American music today.
Festival Brass Quintet “Tea & Trumpets”
Fridays, July 14 & 21 3pm @ Pierpont Inn.Enjoy the legendary inn’s splendid four-course English tea with the quintet’s hallmark wit, humor and fanfare.
Special concerts:
Billy Valentine April 20 Ventura Music Festival Cabaret
At the Four Points by Sheraton for the legendary soul singer Billy Valentine, a benefit for the VMF Young Artists Fund. Purchase tickets now.
Angelo Velasquez 2017 VMF Student Jazz Competition winner May 12 . Rising Stars Concert
Experience outstanding young choral, classical and jazz performers at this free concert at First United Methodist Church.
Tickets on sale April 3 at 648-3146 or venturamusicfestival.org.
