Plan Ahead

* Vocalist--Grammy-winning jazz and pop vocalist Al Jarreau will sing Nov. 17 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Show time: 8 p.m. $30-$55. 449-2787.

* Classical--The Ventura Chamber Music Series will continue Nov. 18 with “Copland Centennial Recital” at the Ventura City Hall atrium, California and Poli streets. Musicians: Howard Colf, cello; Roberto Gomez, baritone; Michele Zukofsky, clarinet. Program: works by Aaron Copland, Nadia Boulanger and Leonard Bernstein. $10, $15. 643-1751.

* Song ‘n’ Dance--Cal Lutheran University’s American Musical Theatre Ensemble will stage “Audition Stories 2000” at the campus’ Preus-Brandt Forum. Show times: Nov. 19, 7 p.m.; Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Students will perform works from musicals such as “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Grease” and “My Fair Lady.” Free. 493-3151.

* Holiday Staple--The Ventura County Ballet Company, along with Ballet Ventura School, will stage “The Nutcracker” at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. The cast will include locally based amateur dancers and professional dancers. Show times: Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 19, 2 and 5 p.m. $10-$19. Family packet of four tickets, $45. 486-2424.