VENTURA : City Is Alive With the Sound of Music

Ventura residents have had the opportunity to hear every kind of music from country to classical to salsa at the Ventura Music Celebration, which began Friday and ends Monday night.

The downtown festival features a lineup of more than 50 musical acts. Several children’s theater and dance groups also have performed.

Today’s lineup includes free performances by two jazz bands and a Brazilian band at Mission Park. Free performances by several country and bluegrass bands will be held at Plaza Park.

Classical music lovers may hear the Ventura County Master Chorale perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Buenaventura Mission. Admission is $8.

In addition, several music and theatrical performances for children will be held at The Livery, on Palm Street near Poli Street, beginning at 10 a.m.

A barn dance, featuring the Steve Hill Band, will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight in the old County of Ventura Warehouse at 42 N. Chestnut St.

The festival will close with a performance by zydeco band John Delafuse and the Eunice Playboys on Monday at 8 p.m. at Alexander’s, 1050 Schooner Drive. The show will cost $8.

For more information on these and other performances, call the Ventura special events office at 654-7850.