FRIDAY: On the UpbeatImagine Mister Rogers with...

FRIDAY: On the Upbeat

Imagine Mister Rogers with a better beat, and you have Mr. Happy himself, Pato Banton, doing his uplifting, upbeat brand of reggae and ska at 8 p.m. at the Ventura Theatre.

Beginning his career as himself (Patrick Murray) in his hometown of Birmingham (England, not Alabama) by winning a local talent contest, Banton released his first album in 1987 and has been touring since.

“We want to see people have a good time,” Banton said. “We want them to go back to their rough life walking out of the show feeling elated. I try to stay happy all the time. When you spend most of your time uplifting other people, it tends to become part of you.” Opening the party will be the popular local dance band Papa-Nata. To find more about this $15 show, call 648-1888.

*

SATURDAY: Women’s Day

Women can learn about everything from the art of entrepreneurship to the art of sex at the Ventura County Regional Conference for Women at the Doubletree Hotel in Ventura.

Billed as a day to celebrate the “Art of Womanhood,” the annual conference features guest speaker U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Among the more than 20 workshops offered are those about starting one’s own business from home, parenting skills, overcoming fears of public speaking, and jump-starting a tired sex life.

Registration will be available at the door, but preregistration is suggested because some workshops could be filled by Saturday. Registration will be from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. The cost is $59 per person, $99 for two. For more information, call 644-9555.

SUNDAY: The Color Line

The Ojai Film Society will commence its fall season of cinematic offerings at the Ojai Playhouse with Richard Pearce’s poignant, upbeat “A Family Thing” (PG-13). Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones portray Arkansas-born half-brothers who grew up on opposite sides of the color line, discovering late in life that they are both sons of the same black mother. Duvall and Jones give strong performances here, but stealing several scenes from the screen veterans is Irma P. Hall, who portrays the brothers’ Aunt T.

Director Pearce will take part in a question-and-answer session following the screening. The screenings are held at 4:30 p.m. Sundays and tickets are $6.50, $4 for senior citizens and students. The venue is at 145 E. Ojai Ave.

The rest of the schedule looks like this:

* Sept. 15: “Antonia’s Line”

* Sept. 22: “Land and Freedom”

* Sept. 29. “Chung King Express”

* Oct. 6: “The Last Klezmer”

* Oct. 13: “Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud”

* Oct. 20: “Cold Comfort Farm”

* Oct. 27: “Lone Star”

* Nov. 3: “A Perfect Candidate”

* Nov. 10: “My Favorite Season”

* Nov. 17: “Lamerica”

*

UP THE COAST

* The Arthritis Foundation will host its 15th annual “Taste of the Town” on Sunday in the gardens of the Riviera Park Research and Communications Center, 2030 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara.

Held from noon to 3 p.m., the event will offer participants a chance to sample the gourmet preparations from more than 40 restaurants and chefs, plus sip wines from 20 vintners. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For more information, call 687-1592.

GLANCE AHEAD

* The 30th annual Ojai Valley Mexican Fiesta & Mariachi Music Festival will be Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Libbey Bowl. The event features an impressive lineup of 11 performance troupes, including Mariachi UCLA, Mariachi Los Coyotes and Mariachi Jalisco. There will also be traditional foods plus children’s activities. Tickets are $6, $5 for senior citizens and students, $2.50 for children 6-12, under 6 free; 50 cents less for advance purchases. For more information, call 646-2900.