Radio Ojai

"Oh Muse" - SENGA'S Women of Troy

2012-04-15T23:48:52Z

"Oh Muse ..." sung by the Chorus - one of the songs composed specially for SENGA's Women of Troy by John Biggs

Photo (Courtesy of Dean Zatkowsky): Queen Hecuba (Adrian M. Bailey, center) pours rose petals on her grandson's grave in a final poignant scene, while the Chorus lament. At back from left, Maranda Mobley, Jennifer Enoch, Christina Colombo, Deina Bleu & Sierra Glenn

SENGA Classic Stage Company presents

"Women of Troy"

An update of Euripides' Greek classic

Adapted and directed by Francisca Beach

Music composed by John Biggs. Musical director, Jaye Hersh

All Troy burns. The wooden horse has carried death through its walls and laid waste to a once mighty people. The royal women of Troy, weeping for their dead husbands, fathers and children, are made concubines of the Greek victors. The fickle Gods and Goddesses vie with each other, toying with the lives of men and women. Played in the round, this timely and, at times, slyly humorous adaptation of Euripides’ play incorporates text from survivors of Hiroshima and the Holocaust in a study of the universal themes of war and the enduring capacity of women to survive and carry on in its devastating wake.

April 6 through April 29

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Sundays at 2 p.m.

Ojai Valley Grange, 381 Cruzero St., Ojai.

Tix $15, $12 (Seniors & Students)

(Group rates available)

Reservations: 805-646-4885

www.franciscabeach.com

Robert Steffen: Stand

2011-07-25T00:06:56Z

Nominated for Best Male Vocalist in the 2008 Orange County Music Awards, Robert Steffen's music is intimate, poly-rhythmic and melodically dynamic. A native of Orange, CA, he travelled through Europe at age 20 and moved to NYC at age 22 where for 10 years he was part of several award-winning avante garde music and theater productions, and also appeared in independent films. Robert now calls Santa Barbara home base. "Stand" is a demo from his forthcoming debut album, which will be recorded, mixed and mastered in Ojai. Robert will perform this Tuesday night, 7/26, at 8:00 p.m. at the Whisky in Hollywood (he is organizing a van for fans in Santa Barbara and Ventura who don't want to drive and promises to have you home by midnight). Also performing that night is Marc Orrell, formerly of The Dropkick Murphys.

Public Service Announcement: Jammin' at the Art Center Theater

2011-07-23T01:03:59Z

Folks are in for a hot time on warm summer evenings in Ojai this year with "Jammin' at the Art Center," an outdoor summer concert series featuring the best in an ecclectic mix of local music. It all started July 10th with Jimmy Calire and Milton Kelley on July 17th. This Sunday, July 24th, features Julie Christensen, and July 31st is Japanese Folk Guitarist Goh Kurosawa in a benefit performance for Japan. August 7th is the Restless Hillfillies, August 14th is the Ojai Mardis Gras Band, August 21st is the Household Gods and August 28th the series ends with Alan Thornhill. Tickets are $10 at the door (children under 12 are free). Barbecued tri-tip sandwiches, salads and fruit, as well as a no-host bar will be offered. Click here for more information.

Dan Grimm: Corvus Crow

2011-06-15T17:49:30Z

The Dan Grimm Band brings a unique Flip Floppytonk sound blending vintage guitar rock with California country, folk and progressive story telling. Hints of Tom Petty, Black Crowes and Blind Faith influences can be heard in the craft and love for live invention. The band features double lead guitars by world-class guitar players over tight rhythm, Rhodes keys and vocal harmonies. With original songs that stick in your head, smoke and honey vocals, and players forged onstage with the likes of Robben Ford, Dwight Yoakam, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Dave Mason, the Dan Grimm Band brings both history and invention to the stage.

"Corvus Crow" features B Willing James and Rick O'Shay from Shades of Day, along with Dan Grimm Band guitar player Ian Hutchinson.

The Dan Grimm Band is one of the many acts performing this Saturday in Ojai at the 2nd Annual Salute! Beer Festival. The festival is outdoors at Ojai Beverage Company, 2:00-6:00 p.m., at 655 E. Ojai Avenue, (805) 646-1700. Tickets to the festival include unlimited beer and food samples, souvenir 4-ounce tasting glass and live entertainment.

Public Service Announcement: The Wahya Consort

2011-06-08T21:18:04Z

The Wahya Consort makes their debut with a première of “Mingus and Beyond” on Sunday June 12, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ojai Arts Center located at 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai.

The Wahya Consort includes vocalist Ellen Johnson of Ojai, pianist Bevan Manson, percussionist Brad Dutz and bassist Rick Shaw performing original, creative and improvised music with elements of jazz, classical, and world music. The name “Wahya,” Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature through their musical compositions.

The Consort is supporting the Ojai Music Festival, occurring the same day, by providing a discount to their concert for people attending the June 12th performances of composer and conductor Maria Schneider’s 18-piece big band and the world premiere of “Winter Morning Walks” with soprano Dawn Upshaw. Single tickets for the Wahya Consort are $15.00 for regular admission and $7.00 with an Ojai Music Festival pass or students with a current ID. To reserve or purchase single tickets for the Wahya Consort performance call 805-272-8125 or visit www.jazzinojai.com. To purchase Ojai Music Festival passes and receive a discount on the Wahya Consort concert, go to www.OjaiFestival.org.

The Wahya Consort will be donating the proceeds of their performance to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Smitty and Julija: Shining Angel (Day of Music)

2011-06-05T17:05:24Z

Julija Zonic (pronounced Yooleeya) is a Croatian-born singer, songwriter and actress now living in Ojai. A professional entertainer since childhood, her rich, sweet vocals and dynamic range cut across all song styles to move audiences around the world.

Smitty West is an Ojai-based keyboardist, vocalist songwriter and film scorer. He is the 2009 MAVRIC award winner for song of the year, comedy, and was triple-nominated for song of the year, acoustic, foreign
language, and comedy. Smitty is well-known throughout Southern California for his versatility. Smitty is the founder of Ojai Songwriters Anonymous, and the producer of two full-length CDs, Smitty West "Your World" and Myridian "Prime Myridian. "

"Shining Angel" is a track off Smitty's CD "Your World." Smitty and Julija will perform together today, Sunday, June 5th, at Libbey Park during Ojai's Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Robbie Sheppard: Honeybee (Day of Music)

2011-06-05T16:49:06Z

Robbie Sheppard began singing at Ojai Valley School in the 50's. She became a songwriter when she started her family, and discovered her husband's abandoned guitar under the bed. "Honeybee" is from her CD called "Wild Strawberries."

Robbie will perform today, Sunday, June 5th, at Libbey Park during Ojai's Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

WORDSAUCE: Seventh Letter (Day of Music)

2011-06-04T18:07:08Z

WORDSAUCE is a hip hop band consisting of Ojai locals Richard Loughman and James Kaye Miller, the group MCs, and seven other members: Wesley Price-Bass, Billy G-Drums, Sam Franklin-Sax, Kevin Strong-Guitar, Shawn Warnke-Guitar, Eric Mattson-DJ, Raphael Forrest Mora-Keyboards.WORDSAUCE mixes jazz, funk, hip hop and rock elements with a touch of reggae to create a highly groove-able sound that is bound to make you dance. The group assembled in San Luis Obispo about a year ago and has been playing shows from Ojai to S.L.O. since then. WORDSAUCE has shows schedules this summer in San Jose, Nevada City, Ojai and San Luis Obispo, and possibly San Diego.

WORDSAUCE will perform tomorrow, Sunday, June 5th, at Libbey Park during Ojai's Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Julie Christensen: Something Pretty (Day of Music)

2011-06-03T18:15:41Z

Julie Christensen, a veteran of Leonard Cohen's bands of the 1988 and 1993 tours and 15-year resident of Ojai, has made four of her own well-regarded CDs of mostly original material in the interim, performing regularly with top musicians in Southern California. She's also been a voice-slinger for hire in the studio with the likes of Robben Ford, John Doe, Steve Wynn, and Exene Cervenka, as well as Van Dyke Parks.

Julie was a featured member of the Cohen song projects produced by Hal Willner. The "Came So Far for Beauty" concerts (on which the documentary ﬁlm "Leonard Cohen I'm Your Man" was partly based) had four installments over four years. In Dublin, Julie performed a ﬁery Joan of Arc with Lou Reed.

Featured here is her song "Something Pretty" from her album "Where the Fireworks Are," and album that chronicled a tour of Julie's emotional landscape during these difficult times of war and trouble. Julie's planning a more stripped-down acoustic project next, with Jeff Turmes (of Mavis Staples' band, and his own Americana/Blues albums) at the producer's helm.

Julie will perform this Sunday, June 5th, at Libbey Park during Ojai's Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

We Govern We: Fields (Day of Music)

2011-05-30T17:32:59Z

We Govern We touts an unconventional background; their members hail from places as far apart as Alexandroupolis, Greece, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and California via Prague and Athens. Anna Karakalou (lead vocals) and Panos Scourtis (lead guitar) cut their teeth in the music industry with various projects before finally finding themselves as fellow band members of internationally acclaimed alternative electronic rockers Sigmatropic, where they collaborated with Carla Torgerson of the Walkabouts, opened for acts like Moby, Sonic Youth and Nick Cave, and eventually felt ready to do their own thing. The road to the West Coast saw them shooting two music videos, getting offers from various record labels, and arriving to their current incarnation with John Boutin (drums) and Adrian Burke of Ojai (bass).

The featured song here is "Fields," from their debut album, "Reznor's Orchid." Pay attention, so you can say you knew of them before they hit it big. After all, if Daniel Ash (Bauhaus, Tones On Tail, Love & Rockets), who is guiding the production, thinks they are good enough it probably means you should, too.

We Govern We will perform live on Sunday, June 5^th at Libbey Park in Ojai during Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5^th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Listen to the band's 2009 Radio Ojai interview here.

The Household Gods: Dance (Day of Music)

2011-05-29T16:03:29Z

Twice voted Most Popular Band by the readership of the Ojai Valley News, The Household Gods (left to right: Charlie Bosson, Peter Bellwood, Jim Lashly and J.B. White) are dedicated to celebrating and reinventing popular songs. Their repertoire covers everyone from Stephen Foster to Bing Crosby to The Kinks to Prince -- with a healthy smattering of folksy originals. Here's a song that will make you want to (slow) "Dance":

The Household Gods will perform live on Sunday, June 5^th at Libbey Park in Ojai during Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5^th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Sunny Erickson: This Free (Day of Music)

2011-05-28T18:45:47Z

Sunny Erickson grew up in the Ojai area and has been a part of many music projects including Grain of Eight, Rooster Ra, Euphoria, Sugarcream, and Seraphim Rising. Sunny is currently working on his first solo release and honing his new project, known for now as The Sunny Erickson Band. Take a listen to "This Free," written and performed by Sunny Erickson (reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers). Sunny will perform live on Sunday, June 5^th at Libbey Park in Ojai during Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5^th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Jon Swift: Old Dark Road (Day of Music)

2011-05-20T20:36:53Z

With earthy vocals and guitar-based tunes interspersed with harmonica, piano, banjo, mandolin and strings, Jon Swift's homegrown indie-folk pays homage to his influences without pinning him to one genre. At times reminiscent of Townes Van Zandt or Will Oldham, Jon's pared down guitar and harmonica tracks have also drawn comparison to the songwriting of Bob Dylan. Jon's rich and thoughtful lyrics evoke the solitude and adventure of the American West as he explores in verse the frontiers of personal introspection, relationships and intimacy.

Catch Jon’s performance on Sunday, June 5^th at Libbey Park in Ojai during Day of Music.

Day of Music is a celebration of Ojai's artists and the community's dedicated efforts to build the new Libbey Bowl. It is a FREE one-day event in Libbey Park showcasing the arts of Ojai, from music and dance, to theater and storytelling. From morning ‘til night, the new Libbey Bowl stage, Libbey Park and downtown Ojai will come alive with entertainment, community booths, and activities for Ojai Valley residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrating the community's generous spirit during the Bowl's rebirth. This FREE one-day event happens Sunday, June 5^th from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Libbey Park.

Listen to Jon Swift's "Old Dark Road" here, and I promise you won't forget that old dark road, either:

Laurie Hope: My Old Man

2011-05-09T00:44:00Z

Laurie Hope is a psychotherapist living in Ojai who writes songs to keep from going crazy. Her CD entitled TALES OF THE INSECT WOMEN is a collection of songs about dancing centipedes, bikini waxes, Prozac, Lorena Bobbitt and more. This highly entertaining collection of original music exemplifies Hope’s motto: “Give me levity or give me death. No, wait… I didn’t mean that.” Her CD THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE is a collection of lovely acoustic melodies with heartfelt and meaningful lyrics. Eight Ojai female vocalists joined her on 16 tracks of original songs. Her website is www.laurie-hope.com. Her featured song is MY OLD MAN. That's her on vocals and slide guitar, and Tom Ball on blues harp. David West did the mixing. Laurie does not perform in public, but would love it if someone else performed her work.

Matt Zeltzer: Delilah

2011-04-13T01:33:00Z

"California songwriter Matt Zeltzer paints a desolate, yet love-torn America, just as much influenced by Cormac McCarthy and John Steinbeck as by Neil Young. Mediating a soul torn between fatalism and romance, he weaves folk, blues, and soul idioms, acknowledging his predecessors, while staring blindly into the future of American music. Zeltzer rarely finds room for the ornate in his writing, nor in his music, known for its simple, organic production, preferring to leave the cracks and inequalities exposed. Led by his torn, soulful voice, it is the intense energy, vibrancy, and unusual honesty that transform Zeltzer's music into profound and compelling art."

Zeltzer's "Delilah" was recorded in October of 2009 in the Chapel at Reed College. Don't listen to it unless you want to fall madly in love again! Catch one of his upcoming performances, 4/20 at The Village Jester in Ojai, and 4/28 at Zoey's in Ventura (opening for Emy Reynolds as a part of Ventura music week).

Cindy Kalmenson: Where's Your Hero Now?

2011-03-31T18:54:00Z

I've seen Cindy Kalmenson perform a couple of times at Ojai's Village Jester, and have always been struck by her intense vocals backed by the soothing riffs of her acoustic guitar. Though she sounds an awful lot like a folksy Sheryl Crow, make no mistake, she is one of a kind. She came out last Sunday to perform a set for OjaiAid. "Where's Your Hero Now?" - a track from her CD "I'm Not Leaving" - was one of the songs she sang, and it was more than fitting for the occasion. Cindy often hosts Girls With Guitars, something she's been doing since her days (and nights) in Nashville. The next GWG out west will be April 27th at 9:00 p.m. at the Village Jester with featured artist Kyler England. You can catch Cindy with her band the Lucky Ducks on April 1st at the Wrec Room in Ojai, and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Village Jester, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Her voice is one of many featured in the compilation CD for OjaiAid, available soon for a minimum $10 donation to Direct Relief International.

Bob Ballard: Reason To Live

2011-03-03T00:27:00Z

Bob Ballard hasn't had to go to great lengths to establish himself as a Radio Ojai favorite. A philanthropist by day, he has dedicated himself to the Hearts of Fire Project. By night, he is a prolific singer-songwriter. Recently, he wrote a new original song and collaborated on a video, "End of Fear", for the people of Egypt.

"Reason To Live" was recorded live at the Big Buddha Lounge in Oak View, where he will perform again this Saturday night, March 5th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Bob Ballard Music

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Mark Solomon: The Way It Was

2011-02-21T23:12:00Z

Radio Ojai sends condolences out to Mark Solomon of Ojai. He wrote this sweet song for his mother who passed recently.

The Ultra Violet: Doll Face

2011-01-17T23:05:00Z

The Eskimo Record Label has two artists playing at The Village Jester in downtown Ojai on Friday, January 28th. The Black Watch has released 16 CDs to considerable indie acclaim. Ojai band The Ultra Violet (lead singer Kesha Rose is pictured) has an EP coming this spring. Here is an alt-pop track from The Ultra Violet called "Doll Face." Does it remind you of The Sundays? More at www.myspace.com/theultravioletgroup & www.myspace.com/theblackwatch
And in case you didn't catch it, Radio Ojai got a mention this week in the VCReporter!

Aron Van Alstine: Here Comes a Train

2011-01-05T18:45:00Z

Local Aron Van Alstine will be performing at Zoey's on Friday, January 14th. From Zoey's: "Aron Van Alstine’s style of intellectual rock’n’roll stems from a diverse musical background. Raised studying classical and jazz piano in Minneapolis, he found solace in the reckless exuberance of grunge rock playing the electric guitar. After earning his degree in Madison, Wisconsin, he began a three-year tour of South America during which he played and sang his way from the mountains of Bolivia to the streets of Brazil. His travels led him to Ojai, California, where he’s been fortunate to work as a music instructor and gig with many of the finest groups in the area. With the release of his first solo album, “Here Comes a Train,” he’s stepping into the spotlight and showcasing his versatility as a musician." Buy tickets here . For more about Aron, visit his Web site . And listen to his title track right here on Radio Ojai.