TODAY: BLUES GUITARDallas-based guitarist Smokin’ Joe Kubek...

TODAY: BLUES GUITAR

Dallas-based guitarist Smokin’ Joe Kubek learned his licks back in the ‘70s from one of the great blues men, Freddie King. He’ll be demonstrating what he learned at a gig tonight at Joe Daddy’s in Ventura.

Smokin’ Joe on guitars and Bnois King on vocals and guitar make for a potent combination. The band is on one of those endless blues tours in support of their fourth album, “Cryin’ for the Moon.” Joe Daddy’s is at 211 E. Santa Clara St. Call 643-3264 to find out more about the 9 p.m., $10 show.

FRIDAY: BE HAPPY

With an eye toward Earth Day commemoration, the Conejo Valley Children’s Concert Series will continue with a trio of concerts performed by The Happy Crowd at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Described as the “Beatles of the young set,” the popular and wacky group specializes in upbeat music that touches on the environment, friendship and individuality, with plenty of humor. You’ll see a lot of goofy headgear as one member dons a new hat after each song. The hourlong concerts begin at 9:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Advance tickets for daytime shows are $6.50, and the evening, $8. Ducats are $1 more at the door. Group rates are available. For more information, call 493-4348.

SATURDAY: CLASSICAL CONCERT

They come from different parts of the world, but share the universal language of classical music.

Violinist Ashot Tigranyan studied at the Moscow Conservatory while pianist Jane Hesselgesser studied at Peabody Conservatory, but the two have concertized together for four years now. They will come to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., as part of the Bouquet Musique series.

Joined by the Classical Concerts Chamber Orchestra, the pair will feature music by Brahms, Mozart, Shostakovich and others in solo and double concerto works. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22. For more information, call 371-1652.

UP THE COAST

* The UC Santa Barbara Division of Dance will present three performances of its major concert Danscape ’96 on campus at Hatlen Theatre. Choreographed by advanced dance students, plus works by faculty members, the concerts will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12, $8 senior citizens, staff and students. Information: 893-3535.

* UC Santa Barbara’s University Artists Series Concert will continue at 8 p.m. Friday with faculty members Ronald Copes (violin) and Paul Berkowitz (piano) performing in Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall. The program will include Beethoven’s Sonata in E flat major, Op. 12, No. 3; Enescu’s rarely performed Sonata No. 3 in A minor, and more. Tickets: $10, $7 students. Information: 893-3230.

* With the arrival of spring comes the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s annual Wildflower Festival, held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Here you’ll find spring blooms galore, plus live entertainment, children’s activities, sale of plants and books, exhibitors and more. The museum is at 1212 Mission Canyon Road. Admission: $3, $2 senior citizens and students, under 5 free. Information: 682-4726.

* The Ensemble Theatre Company will open Friday with David Ives’ comedy, “All in the Timing,” a collection of six playlets performed at the Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St. Show times: 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through May 12. Tickets: $18-$23. Information: 962-8606.