Improv at OYES June 29
Improv Comedy Show, hosted by John Medeiros and Ojai Improv will be held Saturday, June 29, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio, 907 El Centro St., Ojai.
Tickets are $10 at the door and ($9 online plus fees).
Featured artist Douglas Lochner
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“Impact,” abstract stainless and mild steel sculpture
“Public art is how I give back,” says Douglas Lochner. “I try to make the things I come in contact with better.” The playground in Libbey Park is one of several local examples of the artist’s innovative work. He created its lizard, ladybug and tower. He also recently completed the forged-metal gates at the Ojai Valley Museum.
'Mamma Mia!' is a real hit at Ojai Art Center Theater
Photo by Stephen Adams
Asunta Fleming, as Donna Sheridan, mesmerizes on stage.
Ojai Art Center Theater production of the ABBA musical “Mamma Mia!” through July 14 in the Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and $15 for those 25 and younger. 805-640-8797, or www.OjaiACT.org.
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
“Mamma Mia!" Ojai Art Center Theater’s staging of the zesty, nonstop musical, offers dynamic leads who can belt out songs, move like acrobats and stand out as distinctive characters, most important in a show that balances a bit of plot with a lot of song and dance.
Fregoso wins music festival golden cup
Photo submitted by Julia Green
Piano student Cynthia Fregoso
Cynthia Fregoso, piano student of Julia Green in Ojai, recently earned her first gold cup from the prestigious music festival, The National Federation of Music Clubs, California Festival. It was held in Ventura and requires performing three consecutive years of superior ratings before nationally recognized adjudicators.
Meet Ojai debutante
Photo by Nick Boswell
Las Madrinas debutante Clover Estelle Griffin of Ojai.
In the midst of springtime celebrations and graduations, Las Madrinas announced the 26 families and their daughters who will be honored for their service to the Southern California community and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at the Las Madrinas Ball on Dec. 21.
Tribute to Johnny Cash in Thousand Oaks on July 21
Image submitted
Shawn Barker
Shawn Barker will bring The Man in Black: Tribute to Johnny Cash to the Scherr Forum on July 21 at 7 p.m. Cash lived in Casitas Springs in the 1960s.
Ojai Presbyterian Church pipe organ concert June 29
The community is invited to a free pipe organ concert on the newly refurbished 1930 Casavant organ at the Ojai Presbyterian church on Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m.
Ojai Pops will ring in summer June 16
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Ojai Pops Orchestra musician Juan Rivera
The Ojai Pops Orchestra will be returning to The Libbey Bowl in Ojai on Sunday, June 16, at 4:30 p.m. This year, the orchestra will hold a series of three concerts The other two will be Aug. 18 at 4:30 p.m. and Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Featured Artist Hallie Katz
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Jewelry by Hallie Katz: Orthoceras fossil pin/pendant, sterling silver, 2 ¾-by-1 ¾ inches
“I’m totally satisfied when I’m making art that can be worn and that says something about the individual who is wearing it,” says Hallie Katz, who owns and operates Ojai’s HumanArts Gallery with her husband, Stan. “I knew that I was going to make jewelry since I was inspired by a teacher as a 16-year-old in high school.”
'Mamma Mia!' draws big talent
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Asunta Fleming
Adanna Moriarty, Special to the Ojai Valley News
Ojai is a small town with an enormous assortment of talent. This summer’s Ojai Art Center Theater production of “Mamma Mia!” showcases just what this valley has to offer, opening this weekend and running Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 14. One of these talents is Asunta Fleming who takes the lead as Donna Sheridan. An accomplished actress, Asunta has worked on the Travel Channel, for Disney, and everything in between. From opera to musical theater, Fleming has spent the majority of her life on stage.
Poppies celebrates Third Friday
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Jon Paquet
Celebrate Third Friday in Ojai with Poppies Art and Gifts on June 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai.
Ojai’s popular singer Jon Paquet will perform, accompanied by master guitarist Martin Young.
For more information, call the shop at 805-798-0033. Poppies Art and Gifts is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.