Capistrano Arts Series Needs Funds : Finances: The administrator of the regional library’s multicultural program says it’s $20,000 short for next year.

When withdrawal of county funding threatened to end the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library’s Multicultural Performing and Visual Arts Series in midseason, supporters rallied enough cash donations to save the popular program. Now the season is ending, and library administrator Jose Aponte says that if the series is to continue next year “once again we are faced with having to raise $20,000 to $25,000 to replace what we lost when county library budgets were cut.”

So far, a direct-mail campaign has netted $6,215. “Most of that is in $10 and $25 contributions,” says Aponte, “which tells me the community really wants to keep the show going.”

This season, the series--which has included performances by bluesman John Hammond and other folk, jazz and classical musicians from around the world--was given $10,000 in matching funds by local philanthropist Frances Bass-Dudley. “The outlook for getting her support once again is hopeful,” Aponte says. “But she is a civic-minded individual who believes that, in order to have a sense of value, people have to reciprocate. None of what we already have raised will count toward the matching fund if she decides to back us for next year.”

The season ends Oct. 29 with a performance by Bateke Bateke, an African jazz band. Tonight, Huayucaltia, an Andean folk and jazz group, will play.

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Next season’s tentative lineup includes Tarika Sammy, a musician from Madagascar; Cephas and Wiggins, a southeastern U.S. blues duo; Correo Aereo, a jazz group from Venezuela and Argentina; Native American singer and flutist Robert Tree Cody; Celtic fiddler Kevin Burke, and the Battlefield Band from Scotland. The San Francisco Mime Troupe also may perform. Admission to the shows, held in the library courtyard, is in the $5 range.

Aponte hopes to include readings and visual arts displays, which don’t usually generate significant ticket sales and have to be underwritten by additional funding.

“I really want the series to continue, but the most important goal is education,” he says. “By bringing all these artists from various cultures to perform and celebrate life, we are helping to mend our lost sense of community. That’s the most valuable thing that takes place here.”

* Huayucaltia plays Latin jazz and Andean folk music tonight at 7 and 9 at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. $4. (714) 493-1752.