TODAY: From Clark’s PerspectiveInaugurating the “Perspectives” lecture...

TODAY: From Clark’s Perspective

Inaugurating the “Perspectives” lecture series, Marcia Clark will speak tonight at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks.

The lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson criminal trial will discuss “Gender and Justice” at 7:30 p.m. The lecture will benefit domestic abuse programs at Interface Children, Family Services.

Clark will share her story of why she became a lawyer and how she was treated differently than her male counterparts along the way.

The fund-raising series--scheduled to be held three times each year--features notable speakers discussing such topics as education, politics, arts and entertainment, and science.

The venue is at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Tickets: $20, $30; $100, includes a private reception attended by Clark. Tickets are available at the box office or at Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, call 644-9555.

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FRIDAY: Acoustic Rockers

After the weekend performance by Raging Arb and Dread Zeppelin, the decibel level at Nicholby’s in Ventura will decline somewhat--but the intensity won’t--as a couple of powerful acoustic bands, Pele Juju and local band Southern Cross, take the stage.

Pele Juju, the headliners, is made up of eight women out of Santa Cruz who fairly rage despite scant assistance from the Edison Co. Soaring harmonies and stellar musicianship create a powerful sound that has been perfected over the band’s 12-year existence. Pele Juju has a couple of CDs, which undoubtedly will be on sale at the gig.

Southern Cross will kick things off about 9:30 p.m. The venue is upstairs at 404 E. Main St. Tickets are $6. Call 653-2320 to find out more.

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SUNDAY: Chorale in Concert

Kicking off their new concert season and getting a head start on the holiday season, the Ventura County Master Chorale is offering Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” at 4 p.m. in the San Buenaventura Mission.

According to director Burns Taft, the performance of the Bach opus will represent the chorale’s Ventura County premiere, and it will be presented only once. The chorale will be joined by a chamber orchestra.

Single concert tickets are $15; five-concert series ducats can be had for $75. The mission is at 211 E. Main St. For more information, call 653-7282.

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GLANCE AHEAD

The Ventura County Chamber Orchestra will present its Fall Weekend Mini-Festival beginning Nov. 22. The three-day event will include two concerts at the San Buenaventura Mission and one performance at Ventura City Hall. Three different ensembles will perform programs, titled “Sounding Brass,” “Festival Trio” and “A Feast of Concerti.” Tickets: $18-$28. Call 648-3146.

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UP THE COAST

Actor Jeff Bridges will host a benefit screening of his Academy Award-nominated film “The Fabulous Baker Boys” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

The Santa Barbara resident will field questions from the audience during the event, which benefits the seismic renovation of the venue, California’s oldest continuously operating theater. Starring Jeff and Beau Bridges and Michelle Pfeiffer, the 1989 film garnered nominations for best actress and best cinematography, among others. Tickets: $20, $10 students. Patron: $100, $50. Call 963-0761