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Plein Air Open Competition

1st Place – Natives on the Hill – Bonny Butler At Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory

Featuring works by Laura Jespersen, coordinator of Plein Air Ventura County

Many thanks to juror, Sharon Weaver, who chose our award winners and congratulations to these wonderful artists:

  • 1st Place – “Natives on the Hill” – Bonny Butler
  • 2nd Place – “Jays Grove” – Michelle Nosco
  • 3rd Place – “House at Ojai Valley” – Bebe Betker
  • HM – “Ojai Pink Moment” – Sylvia Oltion Shapiro
  • HM – “Sunrise Walk” – Patti Handfinger
  • HM – “California” – Cathy Winton

Exhibit Runs
Now thru February 25, 2023

The entrance to Studio 99 at the Bell Arts Factory is around the back of the building off of Wall St. Open hours: Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Ojai News & Events

Chamber On The Mountain, a chamber music concert series in Ojai , presents the GRAMMY®–nominated Neave Trio on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 3:00 pm in Logan House (located at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai). Tickets $30.00 at ChamberOnTheMountain.com. Audience members are invited to meet the artists at a lovely outdoor patio reception following the performance, with a special wine tasting by Stevenson Oaks Vineyard & Winery.

Since forming in 2010, Neave Trio – violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov, and pianist Eri Nakamura – has earned enormous praise for its engaging, cutting-edge performances, and has emerged as one of the finest young ensembles of its generation.

Neave Trio has performed at many esteemed concert series and at festivals worldwide, including Lincoln Center’s “Mostly Mozart Festival,” Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 92nd St. Y, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Norfolk and Norwich Chamber Music Series (United Kingdom), and the Samoylov and Rimsky Korsakow Museums’ Chamber Music Series in St. Petersburg (Russia).

Celebrating its Tenth Season, the chamber music series brings internationally recognized musicians to Happy Valley in Upper Ojai – home of the Besant Hill School, the Happy Valley Cultural Center, and the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. For more information visit www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com.

“Elemental” featuring the work of six Ojai artists (Ingrid Boulting, Carlos Grasso, Gretchen Greenberg, Susan Griffin, Thomas Hardcastle, and Mariana Peirano) will be on display the month of April at the Ojai Art Center.

The four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire have been interpreted in art, philosophy and science since ancient times presenting a wealth of inspiration as well as broad parameters for interpretation. See how six local artists interpret these elements…

Opening reception is Sunday April 16th from 3-5 PM.

A Patio Pop-Up Show of recent work will be featured Sat. & Sun., April 15 & 16, from 11AM – 4PM.

The Ojai Art Center is located at 113 So. Montgomery St. in downtown Ojai.

Fox Fine Jewelry presents Side by Side

Fox Fine Jewelry presents Side by Side, an art show with Thomas Hardcastle and Bobbi Balderman from April 20th to July 30th, with an Art Reception on April 22nd from 5 – 7 pm.

Thomas Hardcastle grew up in Ventura County, attending Villanova and later Ventura College, where he studied art. His artistic appetite whetted, at 23 he moved to the artist inspired community of Ojai. His love was art, but supported himself working as a hairdresser.
Show information: https://www.foxfinejewelry.com/pages/side-by-side
Fox Fine Jewelry 560 East Main Street

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The changes you’ve waited to see in your work situation might not be happening quite as quickly as you hoped. Although the pace is slow, it’s ongoing. Expect to hear news soon.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You should be feeling very proud of the fine effort you’ve made to get that important project done. Now take some time out to celebrate with family and friends. You’ve earned it.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re close to reaching your objectives. That’s the good news. But be careful: Your aspects show lots of potential distractions looming. Stay focused and keep your eyes fixed on your goals.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Be careful not to let that suspicious Cancerian mind create a problem where none exists. What you might believe is an act of betrayal could be nothing more than a misunderstanding.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your Lion’s heart overflows with self-confidence. All you need to do is tap into it, and you’ll be able to handle any change that must be made regarding that recent surprise development.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The need to watch what you say becomes increasingly crucial this week. Be as temperate as you can with your comments and avoid arguments for the sake of controversy.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A longtime family problem presents new demands. But this time, you won’t have to go it alone: Someone else is asking to help share your responsibilities. Let it happen.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A period of feeling vulnerable is about to give way to a stronger, more-self-confident aspect. Use this new strength to reaffirm promises you’ve made to others and yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A creative dilemma stalls your progress. Instead of letting it raise your ire, use the time to re-examine your aims and perhaps come up with a new target.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your nimble will might find a way for you to work out those newly emerged problems plaguing your new project. Stay with it. The results will be well worth your efforts.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You might feel overwhelmed with having to decide which new opportunity you should follow. Best advice: Check them all out and see which offers what you really want.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Continue to tread water before you even consider plunging into something that never seemed quite right. Some facts will emerge soon that can help you make a decision.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a natural-born peacemaker. You value truth and have little patience with those who lie to you for their own purposes.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Music Calendar

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Bar (Crowne Plaza Hotel)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 2/25: Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 2/26: Neave Piano Trio
Sat 3/4: Ash Grove Alumni

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 2/24: Mac and D
Sat 2/25: Billy Mac & Friends
Sun 2/26: Ken Devoe
Tues 2/28: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples

Café Fiore
66 S. California St., Ventura
Wed 2/22: Donna Greene
Fri 2/24: Instone
Sat 2/25: Heathers on Fire

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 2/24: Colette Lovejoy
Sat 2/25: Ray Jaurique
Fri 3/3: The Raw Honey Band
Sat 3/4: Whiskey Business

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 2/25: Roses Pawn Shop
Wed 3/1: Cass McCombs & Band
Sun 3/5: Ismay featuring Tim Bluhm & Little Wings

Downtown Ventura Stage
California and Main Street
Fri 2/24: Whole Hog

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Sun 2/26: Sloan & Dave
Fri 3/3: Ignition
Sun 3/5: Déjà vu Three

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Sat 2/25: Irie Nationz

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sat 2/25: Roman’s Weirdos, Black Adidas, The Indignants

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Fri Happy Hour: Fred Kaplan
Wed 2/22: Kent Rollins
Thurs 2/23: Yayennings Trio
Fri 2/24: D.on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers
Sat 2/25: Heart of Blues (2 pm); Barrelhouse Wailers (8 pm)
Wed 3/1: Jim Fox Trio
Thurs 3/2: SicNarf
Fri 3/3: Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links w/ Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 3/4: the Azar Lawrence Experience
Sun 3/5: Vantage Point feat. Simon Phillips & Jeff Babko

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 2/24: Reign
Sat 2/25: Old School

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 2/23: Mark Masson
Fri 2/24: Morie & the Heavy Hitters
Sat 2/25: Brian Detremont
Sun 2/26: Keyth G
Fri 3/3: Hefty Cheiftain
Sat 3/4: Carla Belotti
Sun 3/5: Kris Simeon

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sat 2/25: Lauren & Silas
Sat 3/4: Jon Ranger

Lucky Fools Pub
75 E. High St., Moorpark
Fri 2/24: Doc, Pete & Tiff

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 2/22: Eric Johnson
Sat 2/25: Thy Art is Murder
Sat 3/4: The White Buffalo

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 2/22: Robert Van
Fri 2/24: Tour Support
Sat 2/25: Jeanne Tatum Trio

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sun 2/26: CRV (acoustic)

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 2/25: Magnificent Bastards

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Sun 3/5: Emi Ferguson and Ruckus play Bach

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 2/24: The Listening Room Redux
Sat 2/25: Ventura City Blitz
Sat 3/4: Bombafiya, Singular Nature
Sun 3/5: Boom Duo
Ojai Underground
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Sat 2/25: Shawn Jones w/ Sam Bolle

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Sat 2/25: River Ripley

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 2/24: Raw Honey Band
Sat 2/25: Brenda Carsey

Orozco’s de Ventura
839 E. Front St., Ventura
Saturdays: V.I.P.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sat 2/25: Which One’s Pink
Thurs 3/2: Mnozil Brass
Sat 3/4: The 3 Divas: Pops, Kuh, Jaya

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Sat 2/25: Barrelhouse Wailers

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 2/24: Jayden Secor
Sat 2/25: Holgers Heros

Ric’s Restaurant Sports Lounge
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support w/ Kurt & Bob
Sun 2/26: Karyn 805

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 2/24: The Nuestro Band

The Sportsman
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Sun 2/26: Swing Shift

Strey Cellers
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sun 2/26: Barfly
Sat 3/4: 805 Social Club
Taqueria Jalisco
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Fridays: Jim Friery

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 3/1: Davey Miller Jazz

Topa Topa Brewing
341 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 2/22: Tom Collins

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sun 3/5: The Trivle Omdobble

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 2/24: Brobots
Sat 2/25: Steve and Sally Williams (2 pm); Acoustic DNA (8 pm)
Sun 2/26: Jetlemons (11 am); TD Lind (3 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 2/22: Hirie, Kbong & Johnny Cosmic, Vana Liya
Thurs 2/23: Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones
Fri 2/24: Fidlar
Sat 2/25: Melvin Seals & JGB
Wed 3/1: Walter Trout
Sat 3/4: Nick Colletti
Mon 3/6: Skeggs

The Vine (Sam’s Place)
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 2/24: Toni Jannotta Jazz
Fri 3/3: TD Lind & the Aviators

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 2/23: Big Adventure
Fri 2/24: Bobby Hart & Ralph Carter
Sat 2/25: Illunis
Sun 2/26: Ray Jaurique
Thurs 3/2: Karen Eden & Billy Mac
Fri 3/3: LA Jazz Connection w/ Davey Miller
Sat 3/4: Steve and Sally Williams
Sun 3/5: Medicine Hat

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Fri 2/24: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Between local promoters and the Canyon Club, there are a lot of great shows coming to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. I don’t need to tell you that it’s pretty great to be able to take in a show locally as opposed to traveling to Agoura Hills, plus they have quite a mix of genres to choose from including Grupo Bronco on Friday, February 24; a Pink Floyd tribute band, Which One’s Pink on Saturday, February 25 (opening acts are Prima Donna Rising & Zack Kirkorkian); the Ventura Music Festival presents Mnozil Brass on Thursday, March 2; The 3 Divas: Pops, Kuh & Jaya on Saturday, March 4; and Los Lobos on Sunday March 12 with special guest Gaby Moreno.

Namba Arts welcomes Ventura City Blitz on Saturday, February 25 for an evening of live rock, and eclectic music from several local artists including Sean Alan, Aaron Burch, The Late Knights, Tyler Indigo and more, then the following weekend, it’s a night of reggae with Bombafiya and Singular Nature on Saturday, March 4 followed up with a Sunday show featuring cool improvisational music from Boom Duo.

The Museum of Ventura County will play host for another brilliant Camerata Pacifica show, Emi Ferguson and Ruckus Play Bach. With a slew of period instruments including theorbo, baroque guitar and bassoon, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, they’ll explore Johann Sebastian Bach’s genius from multiple angles, bringing to life the limitless colors and nuances of his music.

Punk in the Park is coming up fast with Pennywise, Suicidal Tendencies, the Bouncing Souls, Strung Out, Fear, Dwarves and more. There will be two stages (they say set times will not overlap) and the day includes 3 hours of unlimited beer tastings. The event falls on Saturday, March 25 with tickets on sale through the promoter’s website at PunkInThePark.com.

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale for Night Demon’s record release show at Bombay’s on March 16 with Romper opening; tickets are also on sale for Boots & Brews starring Chris Young on May 7th at Surfer’s Point Live; the reschedule Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore at the Ventura Music Hall is Thursday, February 23; it’s old school punk night with Roman’s Weirdos at Gigi’s on Saturday, February 25; Shawn Jones along with Sam Bolle play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 25; Margarita Villa will have music on Sunday, March 26 with CRV (acoustic); Swing Shift play the Sportsman in Camarillo on Sunday February 26; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links returns to the Grape for a date with Barrelhouse Wailers on Friday, March 3; and The White Buffalo returns to Ventura for a show at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, March 4;

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 16, No. 11 – Feb 22 – Mar 7, 2023 – Community Events

Events by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura on the first and third Tuesday each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcomed to stop in to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tues., Wed., and Thurs. at 12:30. All levels of play and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.

Feb. 22: The Channel Islands Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (CICEGA) will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, 291 Anacapa Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. This month we will have a class on Blackwork embroidery. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.channelislandsega.org.

Feb. 22: The College Area Community Council will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The upcoming meeting will present an overview of the city’s new active transportation plan. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list, or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

Feb. 23: The Ventura County Library (VCL) is pleased to host, in celebration of Black History Month, an author talk and book signing with David Calloway to discuss If Someday Comes: A Slave’s Story of Freedom at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Following the presentation, Calloway will participate in a Q&A about his book. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and a book signing following the author’s talk.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Nancy Schram, Director, at (805) 677-7158 or [email protected].

Feb.23: Chabad of Ventura invites the community to join us for a unique and meaningful event, the Mega Challah Bake: Purim Edition, on Thursday,at 6 pm.

The event will bring together women of all ages and backgrounds to learn and experience the traditional Jewish bread, challah and pastry, hamentashen baking.

The event will be held at Poinsettia Pavilion, and registration is required. To register or for more information, please visit www.chabadventura.com/challah or contact Chabad of Ventura at [email protected], 8056587441.

Feb. 25: Rincon Point is renowned as the Queen of the Coast and one of the premier surfing spots in the world. That is only a fragment of its rich history. It was the site of a scandalous love-triangle murder in the 1870s, a rickety highway on stilts in the 1910s, and a raunchy honky-tonk in the 1920s. But that’s not all. Join us at the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday from 3-4:30 p.m. for a discussion with authors Stephen Bates and Vincent Burns. Their book, Rincon Point, uncovers the history of this famous and storied surf spot.

Mar. 1: Beach City Neighbors and Newcomers (BCNN) – Women’s social organization serving women in Oxnard, Ventura, and Port Hueneme. Wednesday from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. at the Ventura Yacht Club, 1755 Spinnaker Dr. The speaker, Kellie Tyndall, is a Senior Victim Advocate at the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and a member of Ventura FAST (Financial Abuse Specialist Team). For more information, visit www.bcnnwomensclub.org.

Mar. 5: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.
Sunday, 2-4 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Live Music on stage. Jamming in the Canada Room. Free Admission. Free Parking
Open to the Public. For more information, call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA.

Mar. 5: Open house tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will take place on Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. Admission is free. Please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org. The museum is located at the corner of Ventura’s Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood).

Mar. 18: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale at the Vons at Telegraph, and Victoria 6040 Telegraph Rd. from 10- 3 p.m. Quality used books at bargain prices. Large selection of CDs and DVD’s. Contact: Mary Olson (805) 223-1187.

Mar. 25: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)

Online and Live at our temporary site Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117 Ventura (805) 289-3960. Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email, the Internet, social media brokers such as Facebook, LinkedIn,

Google, and Yahoo. Events begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. All CIPCUG events may be attended online. Due to limited space, live attendance is reserved for members. Details for connecting to online events are emailed before the event. To receive connection

instructions, please sign up on our website at: <ahref=http://www.cipcug.org>cipcug club website</a>.

April 12: The Ondulando Fire Wise Community will hold their first community-wide meeting from 6 – 7 pm at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road. Doors open at 5:30. All residents of Ondulando are invited to come and learn about the benefits of a Fire-Wise Community: How to harden your home against wildfires, how our neighborhood can be more fire resilient, and how the cost of home insurance can be reduced for Fire Wise Communities.

The program provides resources to help homeowners learn how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together to take action now to prevent losses.” (VRFSC, Feb 2023). For more information search Firewise USA.