Nordhoff dancers' concert May 3 and 4
Photo by Briana Beebe
Nordhoff High School Dancers rehearse for their spring concert.
The Nordhoff High School Dancers are excited to present "Phrases Rendered" spring concerts on May 3 at p.m.. and May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium. Many dance styles will be staged, including modern, contemporary, hip hop, dance theater and tap-dance selections. Dances are connected to themes from different common phrases such as “walking on eggshells” or “throw me a bone.”
'Great Art Theft' is returning to Ojai Art Center
Photo submitted
Bonnie Riege, left, and Gretchen Greenberg put the final touches on displays for The Great Art Theft.
Ever wish you could be involved in an art heist where you walk away with a beautiful piece of original art? You can feel like you have by participating May 5 in “The Great Art Theft 2019.” For the price of a ticket ($80), you can feel the rush as you await the chance to pick an outstanding piece of fine art right off the wall.
Fire dancers light up the Ojai Mardi Gras
The Ojai Mardi Gras featuring the Ojai Mardi Gras Band with burlesque performers and fire dancers will be held at the Acacia Manson, 205 S. Lomita Ave., April 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight for those 21 and over.
Come in costume or other adornment and join the fun. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit www.paypal.me/acaciamansion to buy tickets or buy them at Studio Sauvageau or Cardinali Bros. Music in Ojai.
Bring your ID and cash for food and drinks.(sorry no credit cards) Food truck arrives at 6 p.m.
Master kiln builder presents April 22
Photo submitted
Ken Yokota (center) is shown with with Ventura County Potters’ Guild members Dane Venaas and Stephen Mori.
The Ventura County Potters' Guild hosts master kiln builder Ken Yokota for its April 22 program at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating art at Ojai's Third Friday
Submitted photo
Gayle Minjarez’s hand-wrought bracelet with stones.
Ojai’s Third Friday, April 19, is everyone’s chance to chat with talented artists about their work and the techniques that excite them. The event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will include Ojai Valley Artists’ Gallery, Human Arts Gallery, and the Ojai Valley Museum as well as restaurants and shops in and around the Ojai Arcade.
This monthly free event features light refreshments and live music at many venues. OVA Gallery will highlight the work of fiber artist Borbala Arvai, painter Nancy Horwick and Jeweler Gayle Minjarez. Sus Corez will serenade with her mellow guitar.
Author to sign book inspired by dragonflies
Photo submitted
Wendy Knox
When creative advertising executive Wendi Knox was dealt a blow to her career and her confidence, the magical intervention of a swarm of red dragonflies lifted her up and offered a new perspective on life.
In “From Muck to Magic: An uplifting journey,” Knox shares her personal journey of rising up from the muck of self-doubt into the magic of self-love through colorful verse and whimsical yet profound paintings. Knox will be imparting her uplifting, inspiring story while signing books at The Porch Gallery, 310 E. Matilija St., Ojai, on April 28 from 3 to 5 pm. The gallery will feature her original paintings that illustrate the book.
Ojai Retreat hosts kirtan and talks
On April 21 at 6:30 p.m., there will be a “Kirtan Explosion” with world-famous kirtan singer and musician Vaiyasaki Das and Friends at The Ojai Retreat Center, 160 Besant Road. The cost is $10 at the door and proceeds will benefit The Ojai Retreat.
“Vaiyasaki Das’ kirtan music is imported from the spiritual world,” said Steven J. Rosen, yoga of kirtan. “His voice is a gift from the gods … He transports listeners to a divine realm, wherein every word is a song and every step is a dance.”
Spring musical will be on stage through April 14
Photo by Holly Roberts
Juniors and leads Sydney Roe (Marion the Librarian) and J.D. Kaser (Harold Hill) perform in Wednesday’s dress rehearsal for “The Music Man,” which opened April 11 and runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday through April 14 at 7 p.m. each day. Freshmen (Haleigh Tinker and Harrison Love, not pictured) share the lead roles on alternate show dates.
“The Music Man” opened Thursday at Ojai’s Villanova Preparatory School and continues April 12 to 14 at 7 p.m. each day at the school’s outdoor theater.
For the school’s spring musical, the actors transport the audience to small-town Iowa in early 20th century America.
Lola Haag to perform at Ojai Underground
Submitted photo
Lola Haag
Award-winning jazz singer Lola Haag returns to The Underground Exchange, 1016 W. Ojai Ave. on Friday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. with a new selection of some of her favorite jazz and blues songs.
Her quartet features Jimmy Calire on piano, Grandville "Danny" Young on bass and Larry Perpoli on drums.
‘The Miser' dances with sprightly wit
Photo by Stephen Adams
Harpagon played by Cecil Sutton in “The Miser.”
By Rita Moran, Theater critic
Wit and wisdom are fruitful partners in Moliere’s bounty of memorable plays. What they convey about life, as the French writer piercingly observed it, was true in the 17th century when he lived and has remained timely ever since.
Happily, The Ojai Art Center Theater’s sophisticated staff and bountifully skilled actors have quite a romp with the material they are bringing to colorful life through April 28.
Ojai artists pop-up shop set for April 14
Ojai artists pop-up shop held second Sundays, beginning April 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 509 Drown Ave., between Oak Street and Grand Avenue.
Custom-designed chiffon scarves, ceramics, pottery, fountains, stained glass, fine art paintings, handmade body butters, scented eye pillows and more. Meet the artists and buy direct from the loving hands that create art and designs.