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Rubicon Theatre Company celebrates Black History Month

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith, starring singer and actress Miche Braden of the original Off-Broadway production (named one of the 10 Best Off-Broadway productions of the year by the N.Y. Daily Times).

The Devil’s Music: The Life And Blues Of Bessie Smith is conceived and directed by Joe Brancato of Penguin Rep, and written by Angelo Parra. Set in 1937 in Memphis, Bessie and her musicians have been turned away from performing at a “Whites-Only” theatre, then finding a hospitable gin joint where Bessie recounts her incredible journey from an impoverished childhood in Chattanooga, to her fortuitous rise as a show-stopping singer. Laughter, pathos and music all come together to deliver an electric, entertaining and surprisingly touching evening.

Bessie Smith would go on to inspire Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Tragically, Bessie’s career was cut short in a car crash when she was only 43. Her funeral was held in Philadelphia a week later, with over 7,000 mourners paying their respects. In this play the singer recounts her highs and lows in music and love with raucous humor and mirthful regret tinged with an unshakable foreboding.

Braden is joined by musicians Gerard Gibbs on Piano, Anthony Nelson Jr. on Sax and James Hankins on Bass. Gibbs also plays Pickle, who serves as narrator and guide at times, while coaxing Bessie to tell her story.

Bessie Smith opens in Ventura on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a post-show party with cast, crew and local VIPs at NOW Ventura. Low-priced previews are February 22-24. The show runs Wednesdays through Sundays through March 12. For tickets, go to www.rubicontheatre.org or call  667-2900.

 

Ventura County Fair wins top awards

Fair was honored at Convention & Trade Show. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

The Ventura County Fair was honored at the Western Fairs Association’s Convention & Trade Show, in which roughly 125 fairs from throughout the Western United States attend to gather new ideas, attend seminars and participate in the annual Achievement Awards.

The Achievement Awards recognize the very best efforts that a fair puts forth for its community. This year, Ventura County Fair received 10​ Achievement Awards recognizing everything from the Fair’s advertising to its Social Media Campaign.

“I am proud of our staff’s representation of our Fair and our community at the Western Fairs Association Achievement Awards.” said Barbara Quaid, CEO, Ventura County Fair. “Our awards speak to the quality of our overall marketing efforts and programs.”

At the WFA Achievement awards ceremony, Ventura County Fair collected a total of five 1st place, four 2nd place and one 3rd place awards. The First-Place Awards:

  • Newspaper Ad
  • Sponsorship collaboration
  • Interim Events
  • Guest Services
  • Television Advertisement Series

 

 

 

Racism Riles Residents: One OPINION  

A recent meeting was held at school district headquarters to discuss racism concerns.

by Sheli Ellsworth

Since the January 13 tweet by two Buena High School students containing altered images of themselves holding nooses around two black men, the community has erupted in protest. The school district is fielding phone calls, the students are facing discipline, and a group of local organizations have called for the district to take steps against racism and discrimination.

The group demands the district adopt three resolutions:  safe haven status for all students;  ethnic studies classes; adopting a program called restorative justice, in which people involved in a dispute talk about it. The group spoke at a meeting of the Ventura Unified School District board.

“Sending an apology letter isn’t enough anymore,” Ocil Herrejon, a youth organizer for CA– USE, the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy. “In the current political climate, we need to address these issues, make a safe haven for students of color on campus.”

Yes, school should be a safe place for all students. But is it possible that one incident isn’t a fair representation of Buena students or district policies?

In the seventh grade, my best friend, Dawn, and I were bored. It was the seventies, a decade— without cell phones, internet or satellite TV. But hey, we were capable of entertaining ourselves. We weren’t spoiled rich kids. We could sew, cook, and be creative—and stupid.

One winter day, we were discussing rumors that our single male history teacher was dating our single female PE teacher. Tame stuff by today’s standards, but I was a Perry Mason fan who understood extortion, my friend—a gifted writer. Together we were middle school morons who regaled ourselves by writing a blackmail letter. We exorcised our boredom by imagining our teachers’ faces when they found out that someone was on to their little tête-à-têtes. Would they be embarrassed? Would they pay for our silence? It was all in the wording: careful, adult-type wording.

Did we send the letter? Nope. And thank goodness there was no Twitter or Instagram.

Did we ever plan to extort money from our teachers? Nope.  But  Dawn and I became steeped in scandal. My mother found the letter. The torn, discarded pages were discovered by my mom who was certain that I was a budding sociopath—a criminal in the making—a peccant, penitentiary-worthy juvenile delinquent! She was prepared to call the police, the school and the district attorney.

How did I get off death row? A levelheaded, loving adult spoke up on my behalf. My grandmother talked my estrogen-challenged mother off the ledge. Grandma was a wise woman who knew that kids did stupid things— like writing blackmail letters and pretending to be white supremacist racists. (Isn’t it Dr. Phil who says, “never expect children to deal with adult issues?”) We now know that our brain is not mature until our mid-twenties, but my grandmother had figured it out long before neuroscience did.

I didn’t grow up to be an extortionist or even a criminal. My friend Dawn now owns an insurance agency, so I guess you could say that she is “still in the extortion biz.” Neither of us have ever been jailed or have ever made money illegally unless you count the money we found in change slots. Maybe doing stupid things is just a part of being a kid . . . maybe taking it down a notch is another way to approach the problem.

Sheli Ellsworth, a former school guidance counselor, has a master’s degree in psychology. Her latest book, Ex Parte: Episodes of existential fiction from BeachHouse Books has recently received a five-star review from Book Junkie Reviews.

Senior troupe show about avoiding senior scams Feb. 23

Troupe members of the “Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program” ham it up to help others learn how to protect themselves.

In collaboration with the Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council (VCAAPC), please join Cypress Place Senior Living for a fun, free and educational program on avoiding senior scams, so they’re able to know the difference between a scam compared to legitimate and reputable communities like these at Springfield Massachusetts continuing care retirement community Loomis Lakeside has senior apartments, assisted living, and nursing home level of care available.

The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program uses theater to dramatize senior scams. Members of the troupe, ages 60 – 97, write and perform skits based on their own personal experiences. It is a memorable way to equip those who are vulnerable with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.

Using popular songs like the Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, “Getting to Know You “, from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical “The King and I”, Abba’s “Money, Money, Money”, and the Supremes “Stop in the Name of Love”, the troupe brings theatricality, laughter and excitement to a commonly frightening and frustrating topic.

The program was founded in 1997 by director Adrienne Omansky who was a teacher of older adults and adults with disabilities. The Stop Senior Scams (SM) Acting Program has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly, according to Nancy Cole, an eldercare manager and board member of VCAAPC.

This not-to-be-missed program takes place on February 23 from 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Seating is limited so please call to reserve a seat. To RSVP, please call 765-1066.

Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

The Ventura County Adult Abuse Prevention Council is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to the prevention of elder and dependent adult abuse. To learn more about VCAAPC please visit their web site at http://vcaapc.org/.

 

Ventura Unified School District Female Student of the Year

Aaliyah is planning to become a doctor.

by Victoria Usher

Many people gathered together to help celebrate the 20th Annual Poinsettia Awards luncheon on Thursday, December 8 which is presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. It was a wonderful time for everyone involved that took place at the Marriott Ventura Beach. It was an event that gave deserving recognition to specific individuals and organizations that have made great accomplishments and contributions.

One of these deserving people is Aaliyah Staples-West, a senior at Buena High School in Ventura who won the award for Ventura Unified School District Female Student of the Year.

The principal of her high school nominated her for her accomplishments and when her name got called it was a complete surprise, a wonderful surprise! It’s wonderful to see someone be so determined and passionate about their education and about their future at such a young age.

When Aaliyah isn’t too busy being a hardworking student she is busy playing basketball. She is on the girls’ varsity basketball team and you can tell how passionate she is about her team and about the sport. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was in fourth grade, I love it,” says Aaliyah.

After she graduates from Buena High School, Aaliyah is planning to attend college where she will study biology and then go on to graduate school where she will then study to become a doctor.

San Diego State University and Point Loma are the two universities that Aaliyah is considering for college. The city of San Diego and either one of those universities would be extremely lucky to have someone as down to earth, smart and determined as Aaliyah Staples-West.

Hundreds attend “Chill with VPD” event

Local students loved meeting VPD police officers and K9’s at the second annual community event “Chill with VPD”. It was held on Saturday, Jan. 21  at the Pacific View Mall.  The Ventura Police Department, Ventura Police Community Foundation and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream sponsored the event.

The rain cooperated by stopping for one day as hundreds attended to learn more about the Ventura Police Department. They viewed a K9 demonstration, visited with the K9’s, SWAT team members  and much more.

New Regional Coordinator for School on Wheels

Angie Allmendinger has joined the team.

by Sinead Chilton-Marketing Director  School on Wheels, Inc.

School on Wheels is happy to announce that after a long search we have a new Regional Coordinator for Ventura County.  Angie Allmendinger has joined the team and will be working from our Resource Center in Ventura.  Before joining School on Wheels Angie earned her M.A. in American Studies in Germany and taught High School English is rural Japan.

School on Wheels is always looking for volunteers who want to make a positive difference in the life of a homeless student.  Please visit www.schoolonwheels.org for more information about how to apply to become a volunteer tutor and join their amazing Ventura Volunteers Team!

We are looking for volunteers as the list of homeless children that need our help is growing.  We are predicting that the number of families and children experiencing homelessness will increase significantly this year due to the lack of affordable housing, shelters closing and new government policies.

Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition

High school jazz musicians performed for the judges and audience.

On Jan. 22, in the Pavilion of the Pierpont Inn judges awarded cash prizes to outstanding Southern California’s best high school jazz musicians as the Ventura Music Festival (VMF) kicks off their new year.

This was 11th annual competition for students and was attended by over 100 who enjoyed some great jazz musicians and the rain.

Renowned musicians Bevan Manson, Eddie Arkin and Steve Marsh were the judges for the completion.

The 5 finalists that performed were Ben Farahi (guitar, 16 Hamilton Academy of Music Los Angeles), Jonah Goldstein (guitar, 16 Calabasas high School, Matthew Michalek (16, alto sax Thousand Oaks High School), Henry Urschel (also sax, 16 Dos Pueblos High School Santa Barbara) and Angelo Velasquez(drums, 18 Newbury Park High School). They were backed up by Bevan Manson on piano, Tom Etchart on bass and Charles Levin on drums.

All of the judges agreed that the students were all outstanding and how hard it was selecting the best but finally decided to award first place to drummer Angelo Velasquez who was the oldest of the students so we can expect several of them to be back next year.

They will be the performing for the public throughout the year, including on Feb. 21st when the VMF announces the 2017 July Festival program at City Hall. So be sure to attend to enjoy the music and be introduced to this year’s VMF.

 

Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington

The Tall Ships sail into Ventura and open for tours. Photo by john Ferritto

The Tall Ships, Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, commence their annual voyage along the California coast and sail into Ventura Harbor on Tuesday, January 25 and sails out early on Thursday, February 14. The historical vessels will dock in front of scenic Ventura Harbor Village.  Tall Ship schedule can change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.  Visitors are urged to please check VenturaHarborVillage.com prior to arrival.

Catch the mystical sight of the Tall Ships during the not-to-be missed grand arrival in the afternoon on January 25 as the crew may “man the yards” upon arrival as crew members stand on the tall masts.  A photographer’s delight, the ships depart for Battle Sails throughout their stay out of the Harbor.

Open to the public the Tall Ship Dockside Tours offer a living history experience.  Dockside tours focus on the authentic 18th century sailor’s view of traveling by tall ship, as well as a chance to meet the ship’s crew and learn what it took to adventure to new lands.

Looking for more adventure? Battle Sails, Adventure Sails, or Voyage of Explorers Sails complete with firing cannons and hoisting of the main sails are just the ticket!  Battle Sails feature a recreation of a naval skirmish with close quarters maneuvers and are available, as are Adventure Sails and Explorer Sails, out in the channel to experience life on the high seas.

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport recommends a $5 donation for Dockside Tours; additional donation amounts support educational programs.  For sailing ticket reservations call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org. Tickets are on sale now.

Hawaiian Chieftain was built in Hawaii in 1988 and originally designed for cargo trade among the Hawaiian Islands. Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, which was built in 1750s and was one of the first U.S. – flagged ships to explore the west coast of North America.

The Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington travel down the West Coast stopping in ports and harbors for historical and educational visits.  These ships host over 8,000 school children a year.  Educators should contact the Historical Seaport education office, 360-589-2299 to arrange dockside, or on-the-water programming while here in Ventura Harbor.

Share your Tall Ships photos @VenturaHarbor on Instagram! For more Tall Ship information visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or Facebook Ventura Harbor. Admission and parking free daily at Ventura Harbor Village.

For complete schedule, visithttp://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/#

Tickets are on sale.  For detailed information, call 800-200-5239.

Museum of Ventura County celebrates grand reopening

On Sunday, Jan. 8 the grand reopening of the Museum of Ventura County was held under sunny beautiful skies. While hundreds waited to enter they were welcomed by interim Executive Director Elena Brokaw, county Supervisor Steve Bennett and Susan Van Abel, Chair Board of Directors while being entertained by The Barrelhouse Wailers. Julie Tumamait offered a Chumash blessing, many Chumash artifacts are on display.

At the opening Ventura County  Supervisor Steve Bennett stated “This museum is a county jewel it is the custodian of this region’s rich and diverse history and the interpreter of its stories. I have been here for many of its groundbreaking exhibits and seen the power of storytelling first hand. The Vietnam exhibit last year brought veterans and families together in a powerful and important way.”

Elena Brokaw welcomed all with “We are honored that you are all here today, and excited to share with you the changes at the Museum of Ventura County – your museum, telling your stories. We have worked hard over the last four months to create a space that is immersive and engaging, and provides lots of different exhibit and interactive opportunities for all ages. This is our gift to you, and without further ado, let’s go in!”