PR from The Montessori School of Ojai…

On the heels of Gov. Jerry Brown’s announcement of mandatory water regulations due to California’s historic drought, a local school announces the Ojai Watershed will be the inspiration for their upcoming musical.

The Montessori School of Ojai will perform WILD WATER, an original all-school musical about the Ojai Watershed written for the students by Rebecca Comerford Tryon, local parent and founder of the Ojai Youth Opera. The one-night performance will be on May 6th at 6pm at Matilija Auditorium (703 El Paseo Rd, Ojai). Admission is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to benefit the Montessori School of Ojai’s music department. The WILD WATER production is made possible by a grant from the Gould Family Foundation.

The Ojai and Ventura communities are invited to celebrate our native water source with this unique and resonant musical, performed by students in Pre-K through Middle School. Notable roles include the personification of the river, local orange and avocado farmers, as well as Tongva and Chumash elders, with younger children portraying natural elements like storm clouds, raindrops and spring breezes. The importance of conservation efforts is explored through songs like “Track a Raindrop,” “Turn Off the Tap,” “Grandmother Oak,” and the title song, “Wild Water.”

“A holistic music education in which science and conservation can be explored through performance art is another way for our students to better understand their world and become better stewards of it. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to explore this very timely topic with help of the Gould Family Foundation,” says Rebecca Comerford Tryon, Music Specialist at the Montessori School of Ojai.

About The Montessori School of Ojai

The Montessori School of Ojai philosophy is drawn from the vision of Maria Montessori, who believed that the environment which encourages the fullest development of student potential is one that affords the opportunity to explore intellectual as well as creative abilities. We believe in working together in a spirit of cooperation, seeking to cultivate and express that which is excellent in each child. Intellectual curiosity and a spirit of inquiry are the activating factors in the educational process. Participation in school community builds caring and responsible individuals, promoting lives of integrity, awareness, and purpose. Our school embraces the belief that life can be lived in its fullest sense through lifelong efforts toward personal development and growth.

Korean-born prodigy and winner of the 2012 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, who goes by the single name, Ji, will be the featured artist at Chamber On The Mountain’s upcoming concert, Sunday, May 17, at Logan House. The performance begins at 3:00 p.m., and a meet-the-artist reception will immediately follow.

Ji began playing the piano at the age of five. At nine, his family relocated to New York, where he studied at the Music Preparatory Division of the Mannes College and later at The Juilliard School’s Pre-College. At ten, he was the youngest pianist to win the New York Philharmonic’s Young Artists Competition.

Dedicated to making classical music accessible to young people, Ji has created “Stop & Listen” outdoor guerrilla performances, bringing classical music to the busy streets of Seoul. Ji will follow his Sunday performance with a visit to the students at Besant Hill School.

The performance begins at 3:00 p.m. at Logan House, an intimate venue adjacent to the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd., Ojai, CA 93023. Reservations are $25 for general admission and $15 for students. Recent concerts have sold out, so early reservations are encouraged. Please visit www.chamberonthemountain.com/reservations.html.

City of Peace Proclamation with Anahata Pomeroy, Lisa Berman, Dianne McCourtney, Brian Berman and Julie Heyman (L to Right) Photo by Les Dublin

Ojai was recognized as an official International City of Peace, at the Ojai City Council Meeting, April 14, 2015. Mayor Lara read the proclamation and presented it to Brian Berman and Julie Heyman, on behalf of the peace team members who worked towards this initiative: David Baker, Brian Berman, Lisa Berman, Julie Heyman, Dianne McCourtney, Rakesh Menon, Kathy Nolan, Anahata Pomeroy and Marilyn Salas.

Brian Berman with Ojai City of Peace Proclamation Document - Les Dublin Photographer

“We see receiving our status as an ICP for Ojai as just the beginning. We will be exploring and developing opportunities that encourage individuals and groups in finding creative ways of fostering peace through initiatives, programs and events,” said Berman.

The ICP initiative envisions a world where cities are dedicated to embracing a quality of life that brings universal values of peace, prosperity and safety to the daily lives of their citizens. Cities around the world are adopting this model, concentrating on their local peace building activities and connecting through Partnerships for Peace, which is the United Nations theme for International Day of Peace, September 21, 2015.

The team’s vision for Ojai is a community that fosters a culture of peace within our families, schools, businesses, government, and all aspects of community life. Calling themselves “The Peace Pod,” they are dedicated to serving the emergence of personal, ecological, and universal wellbeing. Their goal is to inspire educational programs and services designed to empower individuals and the community in establishing an inclusive, sustainable, and enduring culture of peace. The whole community will benefit by connecting with, knowing, and respecting its neighbors of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. Their vision is holistic, serving to nurture a society that embraces love and peace in body, mind and spirit, in which the whole community will benefit.

The group developed a Facebook page for posting peace events and programs for building a culture of peace here in the Ojai Valley. See: Ojai Peace Events Network  For more information about ICP visit:International Cities Of Peace.org

Receiving the official proclamation from Ojai Mayor Lara - Photo by Les Dublin

(VENTURA, CA) – Mighty Cash Cats, the highly-acclaimed Johnny Cash tribute band recently back from a European tour with stops in Dublin, Paris, and London, celebrate the release of their new album “The Ballad of Johnny & June” with a CD Release Party at Amigo’s Surf Cantina, 546 E. Main St., Sunday, April 26. Showtime is 6 p.m. No cover. Info: (805) 874-2232 or http://amigosventura.com/#!.

The Ballad of Johnny & June – culled from band namesake Johnny Cash and June Carter – utilizes the sparse instrumentation of Sun Records, but with updated vocal, guitar, bass, and drum sounds. Jimmy Calire, keyboardist for iconic group America, makes a guest appearance on the album.  The Ballad of Johnny & June combines the MCC’s signature Americana sound with country music, rockabilly, rock n roll, and the blues. The duet title track, written by front person Michael J Smith, “pays homage to Johnny and June, Sam Phillips and Sun Records, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Carter Family, and Cash’s band, The Tennessee Three,” states Smith, whose co-front-person in the band is Leticia Blumette (lead-background vocals/bass). Michael and Leticia sing several duets on the album, including “Long-Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man”, the Tim Hardin classic, “If I Were A Carpenter”, and Bob Dylan’s folk ode, “It Ain’t Me Babe”. Oliver Thin (guitars, backing vocals) and Larry Anderson (drums) round out the band.

  What The Media is Saying About the Mighty Cash Cats

“Thanks to Michael J Smith and the Mighty Cash Cats for their wonderful presentation of Johnny Cash’s music”.

Robert Hilburn/LOS ANGELES TIMES

“Mighty Cash Cats front-man Michael J Smith leads the performance. It is impossible not to be drawn to the bass texture of his voice…his physical (and) aural resemblance to Johnny Cash is practically eerie. Leticia Blumette steals the stage with her energy, covering songs by June Carter”.                             MUSIC CONNECTION

“If you never had a chance to see Johnny Cash and June Carter perform, cheer up – Michael and Leticia are filling the void.”

Will Phoenix/EXAMINER

Mighty Cash Cats Promo CDs and Interviews On Request.
www.mightycashcats.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mighty-Cash-Cats/167989539906794?fref=ts 

Ojai’s reputation as an artists’ haven can be fully experienced at the Ojai Art Center’s 2^nd annual art raffle. This year, “The Great Art Theft, Where Fine Art is a Steal,” will be Sunday, April 26 from 1-4 p.m.

The Ojai Art Center, the oldest, continually-operating art center in the state of California, asked every artist they could think of — including artists from several art groups such as the Ojai Studio Artists and the Art Detour — to donate art pieces. The response was great.

The goal was to fill the gallery and showcases with beautiful art from local artists, art that would appeal to anyone viewing it. The intent was to offer this art at a reasonable price. Something everyone could afford.

At the Great Art Theft, for the price of $75, you can own one of these pieces of art – valued at much, much more than $75. Tickets are on sale at the Art Center, Tuesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. The ticket puts your name in a drawing. The names are picked one at a time. As your name is called, you choose your favorite piece.

The art is currently on display at the Ojai Art Center located at 113 S. Montgomery St. in downtown Ojai. The party starts at 1 p.m., the drawing at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information visit ojaiartcenter.org or call 805-646-0117.

(Oxnard, CA) – The Producers of the Legendary California Beer Festival are proud to bring back The 2nd Annual Hamburger & Hops Music Festival, taking place Saturday, May 2nd at beautiful shopping/dining mecca The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Court, in Oxnard. Gates open at 11 a.m., with the Festival lasting until 5:30 p.m. General Admission tickets are $10. (includes entry into the Festival with access to great live entertainment! Food and Craft Beer  available for purchase. “Hops” tickets are $25. (includes Admission, (1) Souvenir Beer Glass and (1) 12-ounce Ice Cold Craft Beer (must be 21 years of age or older to purchase Hops ticket). “VIP Lounge” tickets are $50. (includes Admission, access to VIP Lounge, (1) burger from Burt’s Bad @ss Burgers, (1) Souvenir Beer Glass and (5) 4-ounce samples of Craft Beer (must be 21 years of age or older). The VIP lounge is an exclusive area​, with additional beer vendors and live music. It’s like having a ticket to two festival​s! Kids 12 and under are free. Info: (805) 628-9588 or http://www.hamburgerandhops.com/index.php.

This family-friendly event will showcase the best Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, & Fusion Burgers along with the tastiest Hops from local Craft Breweries. The day will also be filled with great live music, featuring Reggae, Funk and Top 40, all while you indulge on mouthwatering “Hamburgers and Hops”.

Among the Food Vendors: Burt’s Chicken Fingers & Garlic Fries; Burt’s Bad @ass Burgers; Baby’s Bad@ss Burgers (as seen on hit ABC-TV show, ‘Shark Tank’); Burt’s Deep-Fried Pretzels; Jalapeno Bacon Burger; Busy Bee Cafe; Tacos de Mexico; and Scratch Food Truck. Hops Vendors include: Island Brewing Company; Burt’s Honey Wheat Beer; Surf Brewery; Mike’s Hard Lemonade Company; Wolf Creek Brewing Company; Angel City Brewery; Einstock; Rincon Brewery; Palm Breeze; Poseidon Brewing Company; and The Bloody Cure.

Live entertainment to be provided in the VIP Lounge by L.A. reggae/rock band Kalyde, whose vocalist, Naia Kete, was previously featured on top-rated NBC-TV show, “The Voice.”  The Main Stage features music by the Road Brothers (11:30 am-12:15 pm); Midnight Band (12:15 pm-1:30 pm); Upstream (2:00 pm-3:30 pm); and popular Ventura band, The Bomb, headlining from 4:00 pm-5:15pm.

Rooms available at Marriott Ventura Beach and Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort.
For event or vendor info please email Tammy@CaliforniaBeerFestival.com or call (805) 628-9588.                             

http://www.hamburgerandhops.com/index.php

Contributors: Myrna Cambianica and Letitia Grimes

Do we realize how much influence images can have? Since the invention of photography, images have changed opinions, revealed truths and highlighted both the best and worst parts of humanity. The adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed by just a single still image.

This year the Photography Branch of the Ojai Art Center is calling for artists to submit photographic images for its upcoming 2015 exhibit, “What Does Peace Look Like?” This is a themed-juried exhibit that will run from June 6 through July 8, 2015 at the Ojai Art Center.  Stretching across a broad spectrum, many things relate to peace, for example, mothers embracing their children, reflections on the serenity of nature, and powerful protest marches, just to name a few.

The exhibit will include student photographers this year with the opening of a special division for grades 7 through 12. There are many talented young photographers and this is a great opportunity for them to show their work. Student entries will also be juried and should follow the parameters of the Call for Artists form.

Cindy Pitou Burton and Brian Berman will be this year’s distinguished judges. Both are Ojai Studio Artists, Burton with a career based in photography and Berman with a dual emphasis on sculpture and peace building.

Cindy Pitou Burton

Pitou Burton studied photography at the International Center for Photography, the School of Visual Arts in New York City and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. She began her career in New York as a photojournalist for The New York Times, and then photographed for television at CBS, NBC and PBS, for many national magazines and for corporate clients such as Pfizer and Revlon. She has covered celebrity events in New York City, Connecticut and California.

Upon moving to the West Coast she explored alternative photographic processes, creating limited edition fine art prints. Her innovative techniques include large transfers of Polaroid prints onto watercolor paper, as well as digitalizing and manipulating her black and white images. Photographed on a light box, her prints of flowers create an x-ray effect.  Recently she has added photographs of her travels to Mexico, Ecuador, Paris, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Pitou Burton has exhibited her work in galleries in New York City, Los Angeles and Ojai and is represented by Getty Images in Seattle. Her life and photographic career were recently documented and archived by Focus on the Masters. She is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers and the Ojai Studio Artists. To see her work go to: pitouburton.com

Brian Berman Portrait by Photographer David Baker

Berman has focused his entire adult life on peace building. In the ‘70s, Berman was a yoga and meditation teacher for the Integral Yoga Institute, with his emphasis: “Peace is An Inside Job.” In the ‘80s, he was a citizen diplomat connecting westerners with people in the Soviet Union. He discovered his joy and love of stone sculpting in the ‘90s and “Art for Peace” became the theme of his work. Following 9/11, Berman started a group using listening skills as tools for conflict resolution. In 2002, he was invited by the director of The Compassionate Listening Project to travel to Germany and work with groups of Jews and Germans on healing the emotional wounds resulting from World War II and the Holocaust.

Berman’s life changed profoundly when he and his wife Lisa stepped through the Peace Portal at Ojai’s Meditation Mount in 2011. They moved to Ojai where he continued his peace work, leading groups, and creating public artwork for peace as an alternative to war memorials. His present focus is “Holos4Peace,” a symbol he has designed and sculpted to be, in his words, a “Symbol of One Humanity.”

Together with other peace activists, Berman worked to have Ojai proclaimed as an International City of Peace in the spring of 2015. He is a peace ambassador to the Ojai Art Center, supporting “Art for Peace.” To see his work go to: bermansculpture.com, bermanhealingarts.com and .holos4peace.com

For full information and Call for Artists entry forms please visit: ojaiacphoto.org

Friday May 1 at 3:00

Improve your health the ‘Lazy’ way with Lazy Loser.

Marie Bean is the Australian author of two very successful books on health and fitness- Lazy Runner and Lazy Loser.

Marie busts all the common myths on diets, exercise and fitness by showing how you can eat all foods, move the way you like and never have to diet again. If you are worried about your weight, fitness or health come along and hear Marie speak on ways to incorporate good eating and exercise into your daily routine without the stress of counting calories or dieting.

In this ‘First Saturday Talk’ Ian James will examine, in as straightforward a way that such a question will allow, the efficacy or paucity of putting our hands together in the ritual of petitioning prayer.

All religious/spiritual text encourage and sometimes demand we go into our rooms, or find a quiet place and pray. Although this is a subject we are advised to forgo in company it is one at the cultural heart of where we have come from and to where we may go in the future. Given that we are in the midst of a drought that we may well have had a hand in creating, it is beholden upon us to consider our children’s and grandchildren’s future when we hand them our cultural habits as being true and real.