by Shirley Lorraine
It’s almost here! The 26th annual Ventura Music Festival has announced it’s 2020 line-up. And, as always, it looks to be spectacular.
A free preview event was held Sunday, February 16 at the Ventura County Museum for the “unveiling.” Susan Scott, Executive Director of the Festival, noted that this year promises “a wonderful mixed genre journey to take.”
Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta skillfully guided the audience into musical heaven with a beautiful and complex Bach violin solo. He then introduced the first Festival concert which will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday March 22.
Mnozil Brass (pronounced Naw-zil), a unique group of gifted musicians from Austria, will perform in Cirque style at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. Mnozil Brass is described as” European humor meets brass septet meets Monty Python” in a “concert with character.” The troupe will bring a lively mixture of folk, jazz, pop, classical and whimsy along with “moments of sheer silliness & some of the finest brass playing imaginable.” Tickets will go fast for this unique concert.
Then, for two weeks in July into August, the Festival will be in full swing. Leading the line-up will be Tea & Trumpets on Thursday, July 23 at 3 p.m. at the Pierpont Inn.
The weekend continues with concerts at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center. Friday evening at 8 p.m. audiences will delight in the stunning talents of Aubrey Logan, a trombonist and vocalist. She can frequently be seen playing with Post Modern Jukebox as well as presenting solo.
Saturday, July 25 at 8 features Time for Three, a contemporary string trio, who will present a blend of classical melody and pop culture.
Rounding out the first weekend, on Sunday, July 26 at 3 p.m. Andrea Roberto, classical guitarist, will dazzle audiences with his finger work. An award-winning musician, Roberto started learning guitar at age 4.
This year’s free concert in Mission Park will be held Thursday, July 30 at 5 p.m. An all-female group called Adaawe (ah-dah-way) brings music from Africa, Israel, Morocco, Kenya and more for an experience transcending barriers.
The final weekend will again be presented at Ventura College Performing Arts Center starting with Django Festival Allstars on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. Their unparalleled brand of gypsy jazz will be a delight.
Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m. multiple Grammy award winning saxophonist Tom Scott and the L.A. Express will take the stage.
The season will close with a performance by classical pianist Sean Chen on Sunday, August 2 at 3 p.m. Chen is a multiple major competition winner. He will be presenting works of Beethoven as part of worldwide celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
The season is not to be missed. Each year it features top talents in the entertainment world bringing world class music to Ventura County.
Tickets are available now at www.VenturaMusicFestival.org, (805) 648-3146, or at the Festival office at 472 E. Santa Clara St, downtown Ventura.
