CURTAIN UP: There will be plenty of...

CURTAIN UP: There will be plenty of firsts for the New West Symphony this weekend. The orchestra, formed via a merger of the Conejo and Ventura County symphonies, debuts Friday in Thousand Oaks, then travels Saturday to Oxnard (F1). . . . But that’s not the only first. The symphony’s debut piece is by Ventura composer John Biggs. Biggs, who will attend both concerts to hear his “Ballad of William Sycamore” performed, has traveled as far as Poland to hear one of his compositions recorded (F1B). . . . Tickets are available both nights.

HOT TIME: Tickets are also available for Bowlful of Blues, Ojai’s annual paean to American blues on Saturday, featuring Kenny Neal, Oscar Brown Jr., Rob Rio, Carl (Sonny) Leyland, Big Joe Duskin and Rosie Ledet & the Zydeco Playboys (F1B). . . . The high winds expected today should die down by late Friday, said the National Weather Service, although temperatures will be in the mid-80s Saturday afternoon, cooling to about 65 by evening.

A WAY OUT: Depression affects more than 17 million people in the United States yearly, experts say, but 80% can be helped. If you think you might be one of those millions, today’s the day to take action. . . . To find the nearest facility offering free depression screenings, call 1-800-262-4444. One of the day’s goals is to remind the public that depression “usually strikes people in the most productive phases of their lives,” said Cindy Keller of Pacific Shores Centers, which will offer screenings in Oxnard and Westlake Village.