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The shaping of our future is up for grabs

Activism is on the horizon and for many the shaping of our future is up for grabs. Our local community is joining millions around the world and marching for justice, equality, civil and environmental rights. On January 21 at 10am at Plaza Park activist are coming together in solidarity to make their voices heard.

Justice For All organizer Catherine Pulisic said, “The time for our community to become active in building an America that we are proud of, one which is inclusive of all, that embraces our differences yet focuses on our commonalities as human beings, is now! We need to start thinking of how decisions, policy and elected officials impact our people. We need to be open to loving more and fearing less”.

She, along with fellow organizer, Kathleen Shore, saw the need to provide a platform that allows communities and local organizations to work collectively as a whole rather than in silos, show support for vulnerable groups and mobilize people into action.

Kathleen understands the importance of equality firsthand. You see, Kathleen has been married to the same person three times. That may seem a little excessive to some, but until more recently there wasn’t a legal way for her and her wife to tie themselves into a family.

But now there is unrest and anxiety over what the future holds. “Our Justice For All March is meant to be an uplifting and peaceful demonstration of the power and trust we can have in each other to do the right thing,” said Catherine.

The Justice For All March will kick off with opening ceremonies. People will take to the streets and travel around downtown Ventura and march in unity and support for women, LGBTQIA, immigrants, disabled, the planet, the poor, refugees, African Americans, Hispanics, Muslims and uphold the dignity and rights of every person.

Following the march there will be a local group and nonprofit showcase, speakers, entertainment, live music, kids activities, food and more! For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/justiceforallventura/ or email [email protected].

 

 

Ventura Chamber will install new board on January 19

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Board Installation on Thursday, January 19 at The Pierpont Inn from 5:30-7:30pm. The 2017 Ventura Chamber Board will be installed, overview and highlights of the past year will be shared, and long-term Chamber members will be honored.

Networking, hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail will be featured. All Chamber members and their guests are invited to attend.

Tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members when reserved in advance. $5 extra at the door.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership based organization that advocates on behalf of the business community. With nearly 800 members, representing more than 27,000 employees locally, the Chamber engages on a variety of issues that help to drive a strong local economy as The Voice of Business.

Vol. 10, No. 8 – January 18 – January 31, 2017 – Ventura Music Scene

Second Hand Blues Band

Second hand blues and more…
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I’ve known Ashford Gordon and his music since back in the day when I was a DJ at KXBS radio here in Ventura in the 90’s, so I’ve been looking forward to his latest project the Second Hand Blues Band to make their debut and to release their self-titled CD this month.  I received an advance copy, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. They’ll be holding a CD release party at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, January 28 where the band will perform with Jade Hendrix on hand to warm up the room.

The Santa Barbara-based reggae-influenced alternative rock band, Iration, returns to the Ventura Theater on January 19 in support of their all acoustic album, Double Up. They’re calling it their “Lost & Found Winter Tour.”

50 Sticks of Dynamite are super jazzed to once again open for The Young Dubliners, this time at Discovery Ventura, on Friday, January 20.

After an earlier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar workshop, there will be a special intimate evening performance with guitar masters Ken Emerson and Jim Kimo West at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on January 21.  If you’re not familiar with slack key guitars, the instrument is one where you can play bass, chords and melody all at once.  “It’s the most interesting acoustic guitar music in the world,” according to West.

The 11th annual Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition will be held on Sunday, January 22 from 2-3:30 pm at the Pierpont Inn and it’s free to the public.  The Students selected to perform for the judges and audience will be backed up by Bevan Manson on Piano, Tom Etchart on bass and Charles Levin on drums.  Besides cash prizes, the winners will receive numerous opportunities to perform for the public throughout the year, including February 21st when the Ventura Music Festival announces the 2017 July Festival program at Ventura City Hall. Student Jazz winners will also perform during the Rising Stars Concert in May.

Watch for the return of Bullet Made Statues with all original members at Bombay’s on Sunday afternoon, January 29 featuring Wes Pagano (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Paul FitzGerald (bass), Mike Georgia (lead guitar), Tristan Hendy (keyboards), Rich Agren (drums), and Rene Ponce (percussion and backup vocals). Fitzgerald will be visiting from Spain, and Georgia will be coming down from San Francisco to make this happen. I understand other acts will be on the bill as well.

And finally, after winning the Southern California Blues Society Battle of the Blues Bands in November, The Shawn Jones Trio (Jones, Sam Bolle and Mario Calire) will head to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis which runs January 31 through February 4th. Our hearts are with you boys; good luck!

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.

Winter league flag football

Ventura’s growing youth sports league called FuturePro Flag Football is back again. Players of all kinds, including beginner, intermediate and advanced, boys and girls from kindergarten to 8th grade are welcome to join us again in our Winter season.

If you are curious about the game of football, then flag football is a safe, exciting and fun introduction to help your child get acquainted. Learn how to run plays, play as a team and make new friends. FuturePro Flag Football rules are no-contact and is the safest way to play football.

Games will again be played every Sunday at Saint Bonaventure High School football field with the first game played on February 12th and ending on April 9. The cost to play is $125 and includes a jersey. Sibling discounts are available. Interested players, coaches and volunteers are encouraged to register and/or contact us online.

Learn more about FuturePro Flag Football online: www.futureproflagfootball.com or call for more information 302-9809.

What health information should I bring with me on a visit to the emergency room?

What health information should I bring with me on a visit to the emergency room?

A visit to the ER can be especially stressful. It may go more smoothly if you can take along:

  • Your health insurance card or policy number
  • A list of your medications
  • A list of your health problems
  • The names and phone numbers of your doctor and one or two family members or friends.

Some people find it helpful to have this information with them at all times.

You may have to wait for a long time in the ER to see a doctor. Taking something to read and a sweater in case the room is cold can make the wait more comfortable.

16th annual Festival of Talent themed “Rock the World” Feb. 25

“I was impressed by the strong  and professional performances and looking forward to being part of the audience of the finalists in February. “
~ Bernie Goldstein, Photographer

Ventura Education Partnership is proud to announce the 16th annual Festival of Talent will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25. The theme for the event will be “Rock the World”.  “This year’s theme will celebrate our community’s diversity, as well as our strength and unity,” stated Festival director Brian McDonald, of the Rubicon Theatre. Auditions were held in the Ventura High School Auditorium on Friday, January 13.

Ventura Education Partnership produces the event in conjunction with Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura Kiwanis Club.

 

Ventura Choraliers

The Ventura Choraliers is a group of people who love to sing.  They rehearse every Tuesday 2:00 to 4:30 p.m at VACE  (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education) at 5200 Valentine Road, Ventura, Room 104. They would like to invite you to sing with them.  It’s great fun and very friendly. Choraliers perform at senior facilities as well as various women’s clubs, etc.  All of the songs are well known and easy to sing.   For more information call  Betty White, 323-5927.