Ventura Music Festival

Family accessible live music seems to be more and more difficult to find in smaller towns. There is one concert that happens every year as part of the Ventura Music Festival that takes place on the local college's baseball field. I really like that it's something that children of all ages can go to.

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Musicians Bring Classics from Vienna to Ventura

By Rebecca Wicks

Mar. 24, 2010; Ventura Breeze

Vienna may seemingly sit in the shadow of bigger European cities like Paris, London and Rome but when it comes to classical music it holds its rightful place near – if not at – the top. This year the Ventura Music Festival will celebrate music from the humble city of Vienna featuring famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Strauss.

Cheryl Heitmann, executive director for the festival calls the season’s lineup “incredible and amazing.”

“No one would be disappointed with any concert they chose,” insists Heitmann.

Heitmann believes music is a gift to any community calling it something “good for the soul, especially in these stressful times.”

The festival begins on April 29 with the annual Tea and Trumpets event where music goers are treated to a traditional English tea while being entertained by Festival Brass. The festival continues through May 8 with a concert by pianist Yeol Eum Son.

Two major highlights will include the Grammy-decorated Herbie Hancock who will perform on Ventura College’s athletic field and world-renown violinist Itzhak Perlman.

“Herbie Hancock is simply a legend,” said Heitmann. “The concert at the college is one of the most popular we have each year.”

Heitmann describes the outdoor concert event as family-friendly where even small children can attend.

Perlman, who will perform at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, the only concert taking place outside Ventura has stirred excitement in the classical community in Ventura.

“He’s hands-down the best violinist alive right now,” said Tiffany Cho, an amateur violinist in Ventura.

“He’s just who he is – the world’s leading violinist,” said Heitmann who notes the venue makes the performance even more special. “You’ll be able to see and hear him well which is sometimes difficult at his often large concerts.”

For one member of the Escher String Quartet it will be a homecoming of sorts. Originally from Thousand Oaks, cellist Andrew Janss is more than excited about the Viennese-themed event.

“When it comes to a Viennese program, your mind goes straight to Schubert,” said Janss whose group will also be playing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart on May 7 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura

The group is named for M.C. Escher the mathematically inspired artist famous for works such as graphically interlocking birds and hands.

“Escher believed art is a series of interconnected pieces,” said Janss. “It’s basically how a string quartet works, separate voices are not interesting, but together the interaction makes it interesting.”

The group, which came together at the Manhattan School of Music has been playing together for five years and has toured around the country and the world.

Janss and the Escher Group will likely draw a large crowd in Ventura with many members and followers of the New West Symphony, the Thousand Oaks-based group Janss started with in attendance.

“The Escher Group has a wonderful career,” said Heitmann. “We are more than excited to have them.”

Heitmann who has been the executive director of the Ventura Music Festival for four years expresses as much excitement if not more when talking about the group’s youth outreach programs.

“These days, there are so many budgets being cut especially arts programs,” said Heitmann. “Anything we can do to increase music’s presence we see as a win.”

The group’s programs reach elementary through high school students and include general exposure to instruments all the way through sponsored competitions.

Other groups performing at this year’s festival include Grammy-award winning guitarist Sharon Isbin, the Celefax Reed Quintet from the Netherlands and the Rising Stars who will perform with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

art dreams

I love that Spring seems to usher in traveling art exhibits in Southern California. I've done a pretty good circuit over the past month or so -- saw the Renoir sketches at the Getty -- also saw this and this.

I really enjoy (nerdy writer alert) reading the short texts that go along with each exhibit. They are so compact, yet relay so much. It got me thinking, what a very specific copywriting skill to have.

I would love that job. While I'm by no means an expert in art, I think it would be beyond interesting to listen to experts wax on about a painting and an artist and then take all that information and pack it into two or three really great sentences.

One my favorite Renoirs is pictured above right. I always thought this was such a sweet picture of a mother and child. When at LACMA I learned that it was his nanny and his boy. Renoir also painted her in the nude all. the. time. I know, it's art and he found inspiration where he found it. But still, I'm a wife after all.

Gabrielle (the nanny) is more than prominent in so many of his paintings. She's the one in the beautifully renown painting which graces the banners currently hanging in the streets of Los Angeles.

Do you think his wife rolled in her grave a little when they placed that painting on the cover of the Website and brochure, and then on the banners?

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side note: my article "Caught Mid-Stride in Life" appeared in the magazine Mommies Magazine if you want to check it out.

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poetry out loud

I feel as if the amount of literature and poetry knowledge the average American has these days is pretty slim. I'm no expert by any means, but I can spot a basic Twain, Shakespeare, Poe or Fitzgerald reference.

I used to live in an area called Poet's corner in the Bay Area. All the streets in the area were named for such famous folks as Byron, Chaucer, Longfellow, etc. After I explained this to people, I would still regularly have people say, "oh so Hawthorne was a poet then?"

Because of this, I feel like programs like Poetry Out Loud are great for school kids. I love seeing that at least some students will truly internalizing some of the many great works out there.

Who knew Ventura had a Fashion Week?

Here is an article I wrote for a local newspaper.

Venturans to strike a pose

By Rebecca Wicks

Jan. 27, 2010

Ventura Breeze

While some will flock to New York this February for world-renown Fashion Week, Ventura fashionistas can get a taste of high-style here in town at the fourth annual Fashion Week Ventura.

Starting on Jan. 29 with a sneak peak performance the week will culminate with a fashion show held at the Ventura Elks Lodge on Ash Street.

The show will feature local clothing designers, entertainment, models, stylists and makeup artists. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIDS Project Ventura County (APVC).

The event’s founder Erika Harding, owner of Architexture Salon in Ventura chose the charity after losing her brother to AIDS.

“It’s an especially important time now since so much funding has been cut for AIDS resources,” said Harding. “The money goes locally to help people here.”

Last year the event’s theme “Green peace” produced one-of-a-kind pieces such as dresses made from shower curtains and elaborate floral head pieces.

This year the theme is Angels and Saints/The Seven Deadly Sins. It promises dramatic fashion to fit its theme’s powerful subject matter.

According to Harding, those in attendance can expect flowing clothing and clean and soft makeup for the angels and a bit of a harder look for the saints.

“Expect a lot of white and green,” described Harding. “And, for the saints, a little more medieval – think Joan of Arc.”

The sins will provide a stark contrast to the angels and saints. Angel Jones, head volunteer coordinator for the event said makeup will range from the simple to the truly avant garde.

What started as a way to promote Harding’s salon and bring local fashion designers and artists together has morphed into the city’s biggest annual fashion event. Clothing designer Lindsay Miller who has participated in the event since its inception attributes a number of friendships to having been involved in Fashion Week Ventura.

“It’s a super fun event to be involved in,” said Miller whose signature style is recycling and reconstructing vintage clothing.

Miller, who will have six pieces in the show is a self-taught designer.

“My grandma was a really great seamstress,” said Miller who said she started designing clothes for fun and over time developed her skills.

In addition to the more than 20 models, the show will also include dance acts, elaborate props and lighting and local Derby Daryln girls on roller skates selling raffle tickets.

Jones who is also owner of the local costume shop Wenches and Warriors has described the event as “a mind-blowing two hours.”

Jones said she is excited and inspired by the ever-growing participation in the event.

“The amount of collaboration from talented local people is so great,” said Jones. “There is such a range of people – all ages and backgrounds – involved.”

In line with the theme, the organizing group has chosen a handful of local “angels and saints” who will also strut their stuff on the catwalk.

Those VIPs selected include Matt Cooper the founder of Food on Wheels; Mayor Bill Fulton; Gwendolyn Allen who is part of a local bicycle troop that rides for environmental awareness; Alec Loorz an El Camino High School freshman who started the environmental nonprofit Kids Vs. Global Warming; and Chris Velasco from the WAV Project.

According to Jones VIP models have been asked to come dressed “as they would when performing their local saintly duties.” They will also be adorned with halos and wings made by local artists such as Robert LaMarch.

Harding is creating a set of wings constructed almost entirely from hair.

“They are all from hair extension clients,” said Harding. “I’ve cut all different shades and lengths of hair to look like feathers.”

A sneak peak performance event will take place at 9:30 p.m. at Paddy’s on Jan. 29. A kick-off party will be hosted at Candlelight on Feb. 4.

Doors for the fashion show on Feb. 6 open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$35. Tickets and more information can be found at www.fashionweekventura.com.

skinny times

In my agency days, one of my favorite "jobs" was pouring over different shelter publications on my train ride to and from work.

It makes me sad to see how thin some of these pubs are right now.

So many magazines have gone by the wayside in the past year or so. I just hope some of my favorites can hold on until the economy recovers.

And yes, that's a peanut used for scale.

crappy, but oh so good

I'm just loving Julianne Moore's look in A Single Man. She looks like she just stepped out of Valley of the Dolls. I know this book is conventionally thought of as trash by most literary folks, but I have to admit I was glued to this book and could not put it down.

Because of this (and the 30 million+ copies sold of it) I think it's worth putting in my literary canon.

Venturans to Decide on Three Controversial Ballot Measures This November

By Rebecca Wicks

Sept. 23, 2009

Ventura Breeze

Three hotly debated issues will appear on this November’s ballot – a half-cent sales tax increase, a view resources measure and an initiative aimed at limiting large retailers. What Venturans will decide is anyone’s guess however, proponents and opponents have been vocal and emerged in large numbers.

Measure A – Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City

What it is: A temporary half-cent sales tax increase from 8.25 to 8.75 percent. The measure needs a simple majority to pass. It is estimated the increase will cost residents approximately $65-75 per year raising $8 million. The city plans to spend the money on public safety (40 percent); street repairs (35 percent); beaches (15 percent); the Wright Library (6 percent); and community partnerships (4 percent).

Supporter Stance: A number of high profile city leaders and groups have voiced support for Measure A among them Mayor Christy Weir and the police department union. Earlier this year the state announced it will take an additional $4 million from Ventura. Advocates for the measure say the money raised by Measure A would be money the state could not take and would be applied directly to city spending. The city has already cut $11 million in spending for this fiscal year and is concerned about being able to pay for vital services without additional monies raised.

Opposition Viewpoint: Many believe a tax hike in the current economy when many in the community are already struggling financially does not make sense. Others worry additional tax increases will deter spending harming local businesses.

Measure B – View Resources Board Initiative

What it is: Allows the process to preserve viewsheds by establishing a 23-member board appointed predominantly by VCORD whose job it will be to write a View Protection Ordinance (VPO). It also temporarily stops the approval of new developments over 26 feet high in specified areas until a VPO is approved either by the City Council or by voters.

Supporter Stance: Supporters want to ensure Venturan’s views to the hills are not obstructed by large buildings. In addition, backers of the measure worry about tall structures significantly shadowing smaller neighboring properties such as in the older Midtown area where homes are generally smaller in stature blocking sunlight needed for passive solar energy generation and conservation.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those who stand against Measure B claim they also cherish views in Ventura but feel the proposed initiative is not the best way to protect views. Naysayers are concerned that the board will be built in a biased fashion as the group’s members will be appointed by VCORD, the group who authored the measure. They also worry putting a stop to any new developments in Ventura sets a poor precedent and deters growth in the city.

Measure C: Limiting Large Retail

What it is: The measure prohibits new superstores larger than 90,000 square feet when more than three percent of the sales floor area offers non-taxable merchandise – essentially food. Wholesale clubs and stores selling primarily bulk merchandise and charging membership dues are exempt.

Supporter Stance: A yes on this measure essentially stops Wal-Mart from building a superstore on Victoria Avenue which some believe is best for Ventura. Those opposed to Wal-Mart believe it brings increased traffic both by patrons coming from outside the city as well as trucks delivering perishable goods, additional crime and ultimately less jobs because employees tend to commute. Supporters believe blocking a Walmart will in turn welcome retailers such as Best Buy or IKEA while still preserving the city’s unique character.

Opposition Viewpoint: Those against Measure C believe the initiative will not prevent Walmart, only a version of it. Those opposed point out that eliminating competition may increase grocery prices and point their fingers at grocery stores and their unions for trying to get rid of their competition. Still others believe by turning away Walmart Ventura only solidifies its image as a non-welcoming city for any new store or development setting an standard poised against economic growth

All three measures will be discussed at a forum held by the League of Women Voters, Ventura County on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Aimed at better informing the public on these issues the forum will be moderated by David Maron, a LXVVC Voter Services Director.

Each issue will be presented by both an individual in favor and against the measure.

Measure A, Temporary Sales Tax Increase for the City --

Pro: Christy Weir, Mayor and City Council Member

Con: Don Facciano, Ventura County Taxpayers Association

Measure B, View Resources Board Initiative –

Pro: Diane Underhill, Member of Ventura Citizens Organization for Responsible Development (VCORD)

Con: Rob Corley, Chair of the City’s View ProtectionTask Force

Measure C, Limit Large Retail Initiative –

Pro: Nan Waltman, Chair, Livable Ventura

Con: Alison Carlson, Concerned Citizen

The forum will take place at Anacapa Middle School, 100 S. Mills Road, near Telegraph Road. Parking is available on site, entry from Mills Road.