The Month Ahead

If you like to plan ahead, this monthly feature will be your guide and calendar. Just snip it out of the paper and attach it to the fridge.

To contribute suggestions for next month’s calendar, send a letter by June 21 to the Month Ahead, Los Angeles Times, 93 S. Chestnut St., Ventura 93001.

For information, call 653-7570.

Poetic Cowboys

Saturday, June 3

Conejo Players Theater presents the third annual Day of Cowboy Poetry and Western Music at 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Shows begin at 3 and 8 p.m., and a barbecue begins at 6 p.m. The event is a fund-raiser for expansion and renovation of the theater. Most performers are working cowboys or ranch managers. Tickets or information: 495-6510.

Festivals of the Arts

June 3, 4

Ventura County Potters Club holds its annual Pottery Sale and Show from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days in Libbey Park, Signal Street and Ojai Avenue, downtown Ojai. Nearly three dozen potters will have their ceramic art and functional wares on display. The show coincides with the Ojai Music Festival and Art Show, which features a number of concerts in Libbey Park Bowl. Tickets or information on either event: 278-6335 or 646-2094.

Walk the Walk

June 3, 4

The Conejo Valley Art Museum presents the 13th annual ArtWalk from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the east parking lot of The Oaks mall, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. It is a two-day juried fine arts and crafts exhibition. There will be live entertainment all weekend, a children’s art booth and food for sale. The event is also a fund-raiser for the museum’s building fund. The ArtWalk is presented with the assistance of Conejo Recreation and Park District. Admission and parking are free. Information: 492-8778.

Benefit Jazz Concert

Sunday, June 4

Cal Lutheran University’s radio station KCLU will host a benefit jazz concert at 5:30 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. The concert features a picnic and preconcert jazz entertainment in the plaza’s terrace with the Agoura High School Jazz Band and the Gregg Swillers Quartet. The concert itself features the Frank Capp Juggernaut Jazz Big Band and blues singer Barbara Morrison. Admission prices range from $26 to $32 and can be purchased at 493-3900 or 583-8700. The concert is a benefit for KCLU. Information: 493-3900.

Evening of Artistry

Tuesday, June 6

Focus on the Masters’ Tuesday Talk Series presents an evening with artist Michael Dvortcsak from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Dvortcsak has bachelor of arts and master of fine arts degrees from UC Santa Barbara. His paintings are realistic yet dreamlike, using landscapes, human figure and thematic elements. Admission is $8. Information: 649-9366.

Painting Demonstration

Wednesday, June 7

The Westlake Village Art Guild hosts a dinner and demonstration with artist Neil Boyle beginning with a social hour at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 6:45 and the demonstration at 8 at Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Boyle is famous for his paintings of Wild West characters, and he also taught at the California Art Institute in Thousand Oaks. Dinner and demonstration are $24; demonstration only is $3. Reservations or information: 373-2123.

Get Lost

June 8-30

Pacific Earth Resources presents the return of the Amazing Maize Maze on June 8, with two new and completely different mazes scheduled over a six-month period. The maze features interactive games based on this year’s theme, the Aztec calendar. A second maze will be grown and built in late September to ensure a longer season. Tickets are $10 general, $7 children. To reach the maze, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, get off the Ventura Freeway at Las Posas Road and drive south four miles. Information: 495-LOST (495-5678).

Some Summer Sun

Friday, June 9

The Ventura Family YMCA hosts a Summer Celebration Backyard Barbecue with a live band from 6 to 8 p.m. at the YMCA, 3760 Telegraph Road. Hear the music of Bud Bierhaus and Friends along with a Santa Maria-style barbecue with tri-tip, beans, salad, bread and drinks. Adult tickets are $6, kids are $4. Mail checks made out to the Ventura Family YMCA to the Y. Confirmation slips will be mailed back. Tickets or information: 642-2131.

Cancer Forum

Saturday, June 10

The American Cancer Society hosts the second annual Prostate Cancer Forum from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 855 South F St., Oxnard. Guest speakers will include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, dietitian and prostate cancer survivor. The program includes a question-and-answer period and buffet luncheon. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, examinations, diagnosis, genetics, demographics, curative techniques and preventive programs. Free. Reservations are recommended. Reservations or information: 486-6477.

Voices

Sunday, June 11

The Ventura Master Chorale presents its Bon Voyage Concert at 7 p.m. at San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E. Main St., Ventura. The final concert of the season features music from the golden age of the English madrigal. Notable composers who worked in the madrigal form are Nicholas Yonge and William Byrd. Tickets are $15 for regular seating, $18 for preferred seating. Information: 653-7282.

Great Duck Race

Sunday, June 11

The second annual Great Conejo Duck Race begins at 1:30 p.m. with festivities starting at 11 a.m. at the landing at Westlake Lake off Lindero Canyon Road. This is a fund-raiser for Many Mansions and the Otto Stoll Children’s Fund, both of which are dedicated to providing low-cost housing and services to people in need. The festivities include face painting, food booths, wine tasting, balloons, a deejay, moon bounce and art show featuring local artists. Entry forms are available at Trader Joe’s Westlake, Los Robles Bank, California Oaks Bank or the Conejo Valley Our Times / L.A. Times office. $5 to sponsor a rubber duck or $25 for a six-quack. Information: 373-0745.

Mystery Writer Speaks

Tuesday, June 13

The Ventura County Writers Club presents private investigator and mystery writer Joyce Spizer, who will speak about marketing and promotion at 7:30 p.m. at Borders Books, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Spizer is the author of “Power Marketing Your Novel,” “The Cop Was White as Snow” and “I’m Okay, You’re Dead.” Free. Information: 579-9414.

Car Classic

Sunday, June 18

The 12th annual Father’s Day Car Classic runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cal Lutheran University’s Kingsmen Park, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. The show is a fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the scholarship fund for the CLU Community Leaders Organization. The theme is “Hats Off to Convertibles.” Exhibits include antique motorcycles, booths displaying automotive items, antique bands, merry-go-round organs and craft items. There also will be food and music. Awards will be given in Concours, Driver’s Choice and People’s Choice divisions. Information: 495-7037 or 497-1955.

Interactive Dining

Thursday, June 22

Dakota’s Mesquite BBQ & Steak House hosts the Gypsy Players presentation of “The Hollywood Caper” at 7 p.m. at 2525 Stow St., Simi Valley. Dress is casual; guests are welcome to come in 1930s- and ‘40s-style costumes. Ticket price of $29.95 includes dinner, the show and gratuity. Reservations are required. The show is geared toward a mature audience and may not be suitable for children. Reservations or information: 522-0449.

Hike Into the Sun

Friday, June 23

The Conejo Recreation and Park District holds a Sunset Poetry Hike from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail beginning at the Arts Council Center, 482 Greenmeadow Ave., Thousand Oaks. Naturalist and poet John Gorham will tour a half-mile evening stroll through the oaks while reading poetry. All ages are welcome; strollers are OK. Cost is $5 per family. Information: 495-2163.

Festival of Motorcycles

June 24, 25

Outlaw Vintage Short Track Motorcycle Races begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Ventura Raceway, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. The 13th annual Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show and Exchange runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. General admission to the race is $15, free for children under 12. General admission to the show and exchange is $5, free for children 12 and under. To reserve a vendor space or information: 650-6777.

‘Falsettos’

Sunday, June 25

The Conejo Players Theater presents the musical “Falsettos” at 2:30 p.m. at the theater, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. The musical, set in 1979-81, deals with life and love and growing up together. Tickets are $7. Reservations or information: 495-3715.

Festival of Music

Wednesday, June 28

Vans presents the Warped Tour 2000 with doors opening at noon and the show starting at 1 p.m. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. The show features Green Day, NOFX, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, MXPX, Long Beach DUB All Stars and more than 20 other bands. Featured events include the Modart Traveling Art Contest, Tiki Tent, Dave “The Bullet” Smith, the Toledo Show and the Freak Show featuring skateboarder Steve Caballero. Tickets are $25. Tickets: 583-8700. Information: (323) 851-7441.

Star-Crossed Kickoff

Friday, June 30

Cal Lutheran University kicks off the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival with a presentation of “Romeo and Juliet” at 8 p.m. at CLU, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and pre-show entertainment that includes musicians, dancers, jugglers and sword-fighting demonstrations. Festival seating is free for those who bring blankets and chairs. Limited reserved seating is $10. Tickets or information: 493-3455.

Compiled by ALEX FIELD / Los Angeles Times