Ojai Community Chorus to perform May 18-19
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Director Connie Woodson and accompanist Chris Kimbler, going over a few notes for the concert.
The Ojai Community Chorus, directed by Connie Woodson, will present “Jazz a la Mode!” its annual spring concert, on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. The program will be held at the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road.
2019 Ojai Lavender Festival accepting art submissions for contest
The 2019 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Art Contest is accepting submissions.
Maximum two submissions of two-dimensional art up to 30 inches per piece (no fee, no commission).
Songs are among the books May 17
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Vivien Mason and Jimmy Calire will perform at the Ojai Library.
Ojai Library presents songs from The Great American Songbook, featuring vocalist Vivien Mason and pianist Jimmy Calire, on May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Ojai Library, 111 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. Calire played in a number of bands, including America, and Swing Shift, a big band. Mason sang her way around the world on cruise ships and has recorded two CDs, “Back to the Beginning” and “Gentle Rain.”
Featured Artist: Myra Toth
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Stunning ceramics by Myra Toth.
For the first time in nearly four decades, ceramic artist Myra Toth will open her self-designed studio to the public on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour. “I always draw inspiration from my involvement with nature and life on the planet,” she says. “I’m continuing to pursue the full spectrum of all the ceramic arts.” She taught art for 30 years at Ventura College, becoming the head of the art department. Now she teaches a summer workshop in luster glazes that draws students from all over the world.
'Must Ado About Nothing:' Love triumphs in OPAT production
Photo by Alexander Schottky
Michael Addison
Actors who would enjoy working on a rollicking Shakespeare comedy are encouraged to audition on May 25. Director Michael Addison of Ojai, renowned Shakespeare scholar, director and former artistic director of the California Shakespeare Festival, chose to do this play “for one simple reason: I love it! The wit in the play sparkles, the characters are complex, as is the play — it focuses on love and all its complications, but a terrifying dark element almost destroys the forces of life and love. Happily, love triumphs, villains flee, and we are left with joy and celebration. Who could ask for more?”
Prelude to Ojai Music Festival
The Agora Foundation will hold a free public presentation May 18 at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai. Several pieces up for discussion will be performed at the Ojai Music Festival June 6 to 9, featuring Music Director Barbara Hannigan.
The event will be from 6 to 7 p.m. with Q & A from 7 to 7:30 p.m. This event is for contemporary classical music lovers and those who want to better understand new music. The evening presenter will be Lance Brunner, professor of music at the University of Kentucky. He has put together a dynamic and inspiring collection of references and recordings for the free event. An RSVP is requested, so visit www.agorafoundation.org to reserve a seat.
Bill MacKay performs
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Bill MacKay will perform Thursday, May 16, at the Kim Maxwell Studio, 226 W. Ojai Ave., No. 102, Ojai. He will be performing songs from his second solo album on Drag City called “Fountain Fire.” The Chicago-based guitarist’s continued sonic journeys in conversation with himself follow a travel-worn map written in his own hand.
Garden Tour's 25th year to be celebrated
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Whimsy and beauty are featured on the Ojai Garden Tour on May 11.
Enjoy exploring beautiful backyard gardens as the Ojai Garden Tour celebrates its 25th anniversary Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a wonderful opportunity to take Mom (an early Mother’s Day treat) and see how other homeowners and landscapers have transformed their previously lawn-covered yards into beautiful, “sustainable” blooming masterpieces. Master Gardeners will also be stationed at the gardens to provide expert advice and to answer questions.
Chorus to serve up 'Jazz a la Mode'
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Community Chorus members (from left) Tracy Buckingham, Holly Irwin, Nancy Tabor, Kathy Thomas, and J.B. White discuss the details of a song in preparation for their upcoming concert performances.
The Ojai Community Chorus, directed by Connie Woodson, will present “Jazz a la Mode!” its annual spring concert, featuring a variety of jazz styles, on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, at 3 p.m. The program will be held at the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road.
Showcased will be hits ranging from the uptempo “Cow Cow Boogie” to the sultry “Fever,” with even a smattering of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Also included will be the mellow “Moonglow” and a stunning version of “The Sound of Silence.”
Student pair with mentors
The city of Ojai Arts Commission is offering five mentorships to students who will receive 50 hours of mentoring with professional working artists; a $500 scholarship on completion of the program; and a chance to showcase their work in August at City Hall where they will be honored alongside their mentors. Now in its sixth year, the mentor program is an experience that past student participants have described as “life-changing,” and “truly rewarding and enriching.”
There is no set schedule. Each student-mentor pair arranges their own timetable as is convenient to both. Apply at www.ojaiarts.org. The deadline for applications is May 20.
Rubicon Theatre's cast tells of crashing barriers
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Zilah Mendoza, Joanne Nguyen, Meredith Baxter, Jennifer Leigh Warren and Ulka Simone Mohanty star in the Rubicon Theatre Company’s world premiere production of “Women Beyond Borders,” directed by Jenny Sullivan and now playing at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura.
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
Little things mean a lot, especially when they’re fueled by bold and creative ideas. In Rubicon Theatre Company’s innovative “Women Beyond Borders,” on stage through June 2, a rotating cast of five women expresses a diverse flow of ideas inspired by regional artist and activist Lorraine Serena and her outreach to artists throughout the world.