FRIDAY: HOT TICKETSThe announcement that acclaimed storyteller...
FRIDAY: HOT TICKETS
The announcement that acclaimed storyteller Donald Davis would be appearing at the Performance Studio was greeted with so much interest--and hot ticket sales--that it wasn’t long before event producer Brian Bemel was looking for a roomier venue. With that welcome hitch attended to, the show is no longer listed as a “sell-out” and ducats are still available for an 8:15 p.m. performance in the Ventura City Hall foyer, 501 Poli St.
A former Methodist minister, Davis has earned heaps of praise for his funny, affecting stories mostly culled from childhood memories of growing up in the mountains of North Carolina. For the City Hall performance, Davis will spin yarns geared for an adult audience. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. Information: 654-6459. Davis will perform a family concert at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Grove School Pavilion, 220 W. Lomita Ave., Ojai. Tickets: $6, $5 children. Information: 646-8236.
GUITAR GUY
Guy Martin is one of those notable local guitar gods who has been influenced by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, but doesn’t play nearly enough. Usually once or twice a month is it for Martin and his tight two cohorts who constitute Rude Mood. They’ll be tearing it up next at Nicholby’s, 404 E. Main St., Ventura.
Martin & Rude Mood do mostly originals and a few covers, but the one worth showing up for is the set-ending rager, “Voodoo Child.” Jimi may be gone, but Guy is just fine. Opening will be Radio I-Ching, a quartet that plays “a quirky mix of funky-psychedelic-country-rhythm & blues.” What? No zydeco or polka? Tickets: $5. Information: 653-2320.
SATURDAY: CLASSICAL JAZZ
Veteran pianist Bob Andrews will head a talented ensemble that includes flutist Sam Most through a “Sunday Evening of Classical Jazz” at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. A familiar face to many in these parts, Andrews’ rhythm section will consist of Richie Surnock on acoustic bass and Ken Dixon on drums. As for Sam Most, who also sings and plays reeds, his resume of recording dates includes the likes of Stan Getz, Peggy Lee, Gerry Mulligan and other jazz greats.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and those in attendance can expect the graceful Andrews and his cohorts to interpret classics by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. The arts center is at 3050 Los Angeles Ave. Tickets: $15, $12 senior citizens, $8 children, 12 and under. Information: 581-9940 or 581-2714.
UP THE COAST
* The acclaimed Celtic group Altan will perform at 8 p.m. today at the UC Santa Barbara’s Campbell Hall. The Dublin-based quintet specializes in Gaelic melodies and lively reels and jigs that celebrate traditional Irish folklore. Tickets: $9-$16. Information: 893-3535.
* The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will present a performance by the Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists on Saturday, continuing its California Indian Artways series. Dressed in ornately decorated dance regalia, the troupe will perform works indigenous to Northern California tribes and discuss native traditions. Show time: 2 p.m. The performance is free with museum admission; $5, $4 senior citizens and teenagers, $3 ages 2-12. Information: 682-4711.
* The chamber music group Belle Epoque will present a concert of early 20th century French music at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Held in Lehmann Hall, the program will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc and more. The concert is free. Information: 969-4726.