THOUSAND OAKS : Musical Labor Day Set Under the Stars

A blanket to spread on the grass, pasta salad and the strings of a Gershwin tune under the oaks and stars.

Those are part of the Labor Day offerings at the Conejo Recreation and Parks District’s final Concert in the Park for the 1995 summer season.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 4, Elmer Ramsey will conduct the Conejo Pops Orchestra with guest vocal soloist Lynn Youngren at the Conejo Community Park at Dover and Hendrix avenues in Thousand Oaks. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.

“It’s a natural amphitheater,” said Steven Wiley, who coordinates the concerts for the district. “We have a stage we bring in, along with a professional sound company.”

The Westlake Hyatt will sell food and soft drinks, but patrons are on their own for blankets, lawn chairs and any alcoholic beverages.

“You can buy burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad or quesadillas,” Wiley said. “They also have cappuccino. It’s very elegant.”

The program opens with the “Star-Spangled Banner” and includes selections from “My Fair Lady,” marches by John Philip Sousa, “Summertime” by George Gershwin, a polka by Johann Strauss and “Portrait of T.O.,” an original score by Ramsey.

Wiley said the district can afford to stage quality performances, including Shakespeare, bluegrass, blues and gospel, because of community donations.

“There is a need for the musical and theater arts that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” Wiley said. “And we have wonderful sponsors that buy into that concept, allowing us to bring in national as well as local talent.”

For more information, call 499-4355 or 495-2163.