Concert Series

Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard will begin its seasonal Summer Concert Series on Friday with the big band strains of Swing Shift. The popular weekly series continues through Aug. 18, offering a variety of musical genres. Future performances include: Estrada Brothers (Latin jazz), June 23; Ulysses (New Orleans-style jazz), June 30; Hux Reid and his band (1920s-era big band music), July 7; Alley Cats (doo-wop), July 14; Psychedelic Summer (classic rock), July 21; Soul City Survivors (soul), July 28; Steve White and the Barstool Pigeons (R&B;), Aug. 4; the Barflys (‘70s retro), Aug. 11; Acadiana (Cajun-zydeco), Aug. 18.

* Swing Shift big band, Friday, 6-8 p.m., Heritage Square, 715 South A St., Oxnard. $2 plaza seating; lawn seating free. 483-7960.

History/Culture

The Tri-Counties African American Chamber of Commerce will commemorate an important date in African American history Saturday with its Juneteenth celebration in Oxnard. The holiday got its start June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas received news of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2 1/2 years after it was signed. The 10th annual event will offer cultural programs, arts and crafts vendors, food and live entertainment.

* Juneteenth celebration, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Free. 486-2424 or 486-3606.

Art Walk

Members of Ojai’s art community will take part in the Art Ojai . . . Summer Stroll on Saturday. Participating galleries, shops, restaurants and merchants will host a variety of displays. Free self-guided maps will be available at the Ojai Visitor Center, 150 W. Ojai Ave.

* Art Ojai . . .Summer Stroll, Saturday, noon to 9 p.m., downtown Ojai. 646-8126.

Youth Movement

A large cast of talent will be featured during the Festival of Dance 2000 performances this weekend at Ventura College. The fifth annual event, celebrating youth in the arts, will include special guest artists Helena Pokorny and Bretislav Weidlich in “Sleeping Beauty.” Also featured are students Jennifer Whalen and Jeffrey Williams, who recently won a Spotlight Award, a noted competition for Southern California high school musical and dance artists. The State Street Ballet Young Dancers, Pure Joy Moving Company and others will also perform.

* Festival of Dance 2000, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Ventura College Theater, Loma Vista Road between Ashwood Avenue and Day Road. Advance: $10 general, $8 seniors and ages 12 and under. At the door: $12. 985-3639.