> Sept. 1 — First 5 will present its 2010-2015 Strategic Draft Plan to the public at a community forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the Oxnard Public Library, 251 So. A St., Oxnard. "This is an opportunity to learn more about the future of F5VC, ask questions and share input," First 5 reported in a media release. First 5 provides community-based early learning, health and family support services to more than 25,000 children annually. It invests Prop. 10 tobacco tax dollars into locally designed resources for young children and families. An overview of the draft plan, supporting documents and an option to submit comments via e-mail are available by visiting www.first5ventura.org

> Sept. 1-12 — Address Unknown, Rubicon Theater Company, 1006 E Main St., Ventura. Ticket info: $39 to $59. 805.667-2900. www.rubicontheater.org

> Sept. 1-19 — Tea at Five, Rubicon Theater Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Ticket info: $39 to $59. 805.667-2900. www.rubicontheater.org

> Sept. 2 — "Family 1st Thursdays: Land & Sea," 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2, Santa Barbara Museum of Art. "Play with positive and negative space in punch dot patterns and soft repetitions in powdery graphite to create your own landscape and seascape." Free. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is at 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. $9 adults, $6 seniors & students with ID and children ages 6-17. Call 805.963.4364 or visit www.sbma.net

> Sept. 3 — Teatro de las Américas will present "Las fisgonas (The Scandalmongers)" through Sept. 11. Written by Costa Rican playwright Samuel Rovinski, and directed by Patricia Casiano, the comedy looks at the lives of neighbors who listen through doors and windows and how gossip can effect the entire neighborhood and society. The play will be performed on Sept. 3 at Saticoy Park, Sept. 4 at South Winds Park, Sept. 10 at Juan Soria School and Sept. 11 at Café on A. The play is presented by Teatro's Youth Theater. Donations at the door are requested. For more information, call 805.485.5445, ext. 2. AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 4 — The "Gala Dinner/Dance" to elect and crown the Queen of the Fiestas Patrias will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel, 2055 Harbor Blvd. Ventura. The event is presented by the Mexican Cultural Committee. For more information, call Victor Martinez at 805.947.9187 or send an e-mail to martinezcare@gmail.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 4 — Cultural Arts Dance Celebration presents Bulkaneros del Pacifico, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  The WAV, 175 S. Ventura Ave., Ventura. Ticket info: $15; children under 10 years old, free. 805.479.4000 or 1.800.350.7787. www.wavartists.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 4 — Sweet Tooth Tour, Ventura Visitors Center, 101 So. California St., Ventura. Ticket info: $25. 805.658.4726. www.cityofventura.net

> Sept. 4 — Nederlander presents The Smashing Pumpkins with special guest Bad City, 8 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $45. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 4-5 — Premier NationalsTM Hod Rod & Motorcycle Show, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,  Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $10 adult; $5 seniors, military, students; 12 & under, free.  805.985.5433. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 4-5 — Wine Cheese and Beer Festival, Andres Wine and Tapas Bar, Under the Big Tent on the Great Lawn, 1575 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. Ticket info: $40 (includes Valet Parking). 805.642.WINE. www.andreswineandtapas.com

> Sept. 4-5 — Ventura Nationals Car Show, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $10 adult; $5 seniors, military, students; 12 & under, free.  805.216.2421. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 — Ventura Raceway, 5 p.m., Pacific Arena, Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $18 adult; $15 seniors, military, students; 12 & under, free.  805.985.5433. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 5 — The 2010 De Colores Art Show & Festival begins at noon Sunday, Sept. 5 at the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 N. 10th St., Santa Paula. The event features more than 30 artists, arts, crafts and food booths, with performances by Conjunto Callejon, Mexaltitan, Conjunto Xi, Conjunto Hueypan, Mariachi Los Arrieros, Litmore and Orquesta Charangoa. The art exhibition is from Sept. 4 through Jan. 2. Amigos805.com is a a sponsor. For more information, call 805.525.8961 or visit www.decoloresartshow.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 5 — Sunday Brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Spark Woodfire Grill, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Suite 595, Simi Valley. Ticket Info: $19 adults, $9 children 6-12 years; children under 5, free. 805. 823.4756.
http://sparkwoodfiregrill.blogspot.com/2010/08/sunday-brunch...

> Sept. 5 — Sings Like Hell & the Vineyard Valley Theatre Company present Del Castillo Band, La Noche Brava, 8 p.m., La Cumbre Junior High School, 2255 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $20 general; $25 at the door. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 5 — Ray LaMontagne & David Gray, 6 p.m., Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $50.15 - $88.50. 1.800. 745.3000. www.sbbowl.com

> Sept. 8 — The official unveiling of "Bittersweet Harvest," an exhibition on the Bracero Program 1942-1964, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the John Spoor Broome Library at CSU Channel Islands. "We will share this celebration with former braceros and their families who have participated in the Bracero Project," the university reported in a media release. "The event is free and open to the public. Reception of food, refreshments, and music will follow. This event is made possible by generous funding from Pacific Oaks Federal Credit Union." The exhibition (Sept. 9-Oct. 31) is organized by the National Musuem of American History in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, with funding provided by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Amigos805 is one of the sponsors. For more information, call Pilar Pacheco at 805.437.8951 or visit http://www.csuci.edu/bracero AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 10 — Lobero Live presents Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey, 8 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: Section A, $59; Section B, $45. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 10 through Nov. 12 — "Lazos de Sangre / Bloodlines," the photographic world of TrujilloPaumier, begins with the opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, and the gallery talk scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C St., Oxnard. TrujilloPaumier, Joaquin Trujillo and Brian Paumier, share global, universal truths from California to Mexico to Asia about family, coming-of-age and home defining architecture, the gallery reported. Includes series: Los Niños, Familia y Amigos, La Quinceañera and a new large-format landscapes, One of a Kind. $3 suggested donations for the opening reception and gallery talk. Call 805.385.8157 / 8158 or visit www.carnegieam.org AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 11 & 12 — An arts festival with live music and authentic Mexican food will be presented Sept. 11 & 12 at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. The event is presented by the Mexican Cultural Committee. For more information, call Victor Martinez at 805.947.9187 or send an e-mail to martinezcare@gmail.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 11 — Rhythm On The Vine presents Boyz II Men a benefit concert for Shriners Hospitals for Children, 8 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: Section A, $130; Section B, $98. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 16 — "An Evening with Dolores Huerta," 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 at CSU Channel Islands, Malibu Hall 100. Dolores Huerta, former United Farm Workers vice president, who continues to work tirelessly developing leaders, advocating for working poor, women and children will speak about the Bracero Program, the university reported in a media release. The event is part of "Bittersweet Harvest," an exhibition on the Bracero Program 1942-1964. This event is made possible by generous funding from California Faculty Association and MEChA. The exhibition (through Oct. 31) is organized by the National Musuem of American History in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, with funding provided by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Amigos805 is one of the sponsors. For more information, call Pilar Pacheco at 805.437.8951 or visit http://www.csuci.edu/bracero AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 16 — Poetry Slam with HBO Def Poet and Chicano spoken word artist Paul Flores, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at CSU Channel Islands in the Student Union. Flores will perform and host a Poetry Slam event where CI students will perform their poetry, rap and stories. The event is part of the "Bittersweet Harvest," an exhibition on the Bracero Program 1942-1964. The exhibition (Sept. 9-Oct. 31) is organized by the National Musuem of American History in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, with funding provided by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Amigos805 is one of the sponsors. For more information, call Pilar Pacheco at 805.437.8951 or visit http://www.csuci.edu/bracero AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 16 — The Carnegie Art Museum CAM Book Club will meet to discuss "A Reliable Wife" by Robert Goolrick at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 So. C St., Oxnard. Call 805.385.8157 / 8158 or visit www.carnegieam.org

> Sept. 17 — Friends of Woni Kenya present  Multicultural Concert, 7 p.m., Marjorie Luke Theater, PO Box 21046 , Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $20 adults; $10 children. 805.884.4087. www.luketheater.org

> Sept. 17 — 40oz To Freedom in concert, 7 p.m., The Majestic Ventura Theater, 26 So. Chestnut St. Ventura. Ticket info: $24.30. 805.653.0721. www.venturatheater.net

> Sept. 17-19 — Fall Home & Garden Show, Friday noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ventura County Fairgrounds, Anacapa Hall and San Miguel Hall, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $5 adult; 12 & under, free.  805.641.1126. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 18 — Oxnard Family Circle will present a presentation on benefits for veterans by the Disabled American Veterans organization from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at 5000 So. C St., Oxnard. For more information, call 805.385.4180, ext. 220.

> Sept. 18 — Sings Like Hell presents Eliza Gilkyson Trio with Mike Hardwick and Cisco Ryder + Dala, 8 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $40. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 18 — The California Beer Festival, noon, Mission Park (across the street from San Buenaventura Mission), 211 E. Main St., Ventura. Ticket info: $40. www.CaliforniaBeerFestival.com

> Sept. 18 — Ratatat in concert, 8 p.m., The Majestic Ventura Theater, 26 So. Chestnut St. Ventura. Ticket info: $30.20. 805.653.0721. www.venturatheater.net

> Sept. 18-Jan. 2 — Stranger Than Fiction: Narrative in Works by Selected Contemporary Artist," Santa Barbara Museum of Art. "This exhibition features works by artists whose inspiration rises from both fiction and fact, and the surprising results of the conflation of the two. References to literature, history, allegory, and fantasy converge in these works, posing new fictions and realities, and challenging the fine line between the two. Archetypal American subjects dominate these works, which range in reference from colonial history, to religious iconography, to 1970s literature and comics, and to contemporary film and pop music. All appears to be fair game for these artists in their inventive, wry, poignant and thought provoking works. Artists include Eric Beltz, Dawn Clements, Erin Cosgrove, Noah Davis, Kerry James Marshall, Aaron Morse, Allison Schulnik, Jeni Spota, Devin Troy Strother, Frohawk Two Feathers, and Nicolau Vergueiro." The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is at1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11a.m to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. $9 adults, $6 seniors & students with ID and children ages 6-17. Call 805.963.4364 or visit www.sbma.net

> Sept. 18-Jan. 2 — "Chasing Moby-Dick: Selected Works by Tony de los Reyes," Santa Barbara Museum of Art. "Tony de los Reyes deftly merges iconic subject matter and historic aesthetic styles in his paintings, drawings and sculpture. For the past five years, his attention has been fixated on what is referred to as the Great American Novel—Herman Melville's Moby-Dick (1851). The style of these works, which are the focus of this exhibition, references Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, movements associated with rugged individualism and "pure" materiality. The depiction of various nautical imagery with various materials, including dark inks and bronze, alludes to the complex multiple perspectives in the narrative. Yet the most powerful effect of this work is its examination of Melville's epic as a mythic vision of America. The artist's distinctive comparisons of Ahab and the U.S. enhances the insatiable and potentially self-destructive nature of both." The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is at1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11a.m to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. $9 adults, $6 seniors & students with ID and children ages 6-17. Call 805.963.4364 or visit www.sbma.net

> Sept. 19 — Concert Tango, A Prima Tango Production, 7 p.m., Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $39. 805.495.7940. www.civicartsplaza.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 19 — Broadway Meets Hollywood -- In Concert With Special Guest Star Lorna Luft, 4 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $33, $43, $53, $63. 805.449.2387. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 19 — Benise in concert, 8 p.m., The Majestic Ventura Theater, 26 S. Chestnut St. Ventura. Ticket info: $47.15. 805.653.0721. www.venturatheater.net AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 19 — Phoenix with Special Guest, 7 p.m., Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $47.10 to $57.35. 1.800. 745.3000. www.sbbowl.com

> Sept. 19 — 2010 Bicentennial Latino Business and Community Council "Fiests Patrias Menudo Festival," 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. Event a fundraiser for scholarships. AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 20 — Furthur: Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, 8 p.m., Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $54.25 - $75.65. 1.800.745.3000. www.sbbowl.com

> Sept. 23 — POSTPONED — UCSB Arts & Lectures regrets to announce that the lecture event featuring journalist Bill Moyers, originally scheduled for Sept. 23 at The Granada in Santa Barbara, has been postponed by Mr. Moyers for personal reasons. The lecture will be rescheduled after January 2011. For more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805.893.3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu

> Sept.  23 — Willie Nelson & Family with Special Guest Ryan Bingham, 7 p.m., Santa Barbara Bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $60.40 to $91.55. 1.800.745.3000. www.sbbowl.com

> Sept. 24 — Dance, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Ventura County Fairgrounds, Lot C, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $40. 805.653.1418. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 24 — Jazz at the Lobero presents Charles Lloyd New Quartet, 8 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: Section A, $45; Section B, $35. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com

> Sept. 24 — Feld Entertainment presents "Disney Live! Mickey's Magic Show!," 3 and 6 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Master Magician Mickey Mouse and the always-dazzling Minnie join forces with professional illusionists for a magical production on stage, event organizers reported in a media release. "Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show" features grand illusions and favorite Disney characters, including Donald and Goofy; Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother; Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter; and beloved Disney princesses Jasmine, Belle and Snow White.  Ticket info: $20, $25, $35, $65, with $3 discount rate by using MOM code at tickemaster.com 805.449.2387. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 25 — Taekwondo Tournament, Ventura County Fairgrounds, Anacapa Hall, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. 805.647.5220. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 25 — Flamenco Arts Festival presents David Peña Dorantes in the U.S. Premiere of Open Piano with Toledo and Grilo, 7:30 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: Section A, $150; Section B, $75; Section C, $50; Section D, $40. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 25 — Cruisin Oldies Concerts Presents Hooked on Swing, 7:30 p.m., Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $39, $49. 805.495.7940. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 25 — Cold Steel Challenge 2010, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Channel Island Plaza and The San Nicholas Halls, Ventura County Fairgrounds, Anacapa Hall, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Waterfront. Ticket info: $5; 12 and under, free. 1.800.255.4716. www.venturacountyfair.org

> Sept. 26 — Flamenco Arts Festival presents Music of David Peña Dorantes Lecture and Demonstration, 4 p.m., Lobero Theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. 805.966.2441. www.lobero.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 26 — Flamenco Arts Festival presents Flamenco Para Los Niños Scholarship Program, 4 p.m., Santa Barbara Ballet Center, 1019 Chapala St., Santa Barbara. 805.967.4164 or flamencoarts@aol.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 26 — Flamenco Arts Festival presents Advanced Choreography with Joaquín Grilo, 11 a.m., Santa Barbara Ballet Center, 1019 Chapala St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $40 advanced classes; $10 limited number of tickets. 805.967.4164 or flamencoarts@aol.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 26 — Flamenco Arts Festival presents Advanced Choreography with Rosario Toledo, 12:45 p.m.,  Santa Barbara Ballet Center, 1019 Chapala St., Santa Barbara. Ticket info: $40 advanced classes; $10 limited number of tickets. 805.967.4164 or flamencoarts@aol.com AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 26 — Civic Arts Plaza Foundation presents An Evening with Kris Kristofferson, 7 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $30, $40, $50. 805.449.2387. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 26 — Musical Theatre Guild Broadway in Concert Series presents 70 GIRLS 70, 3 p.m., Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $30, $40, $50. 805.449.2387. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 28 - Living History Tour (in English and Spanish), 12 — 3 p.m., Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura. Reservations required. 805.658.4726. www.olivasadobe.org AMIGOS805 BEST BET

> Sept. 28 — Oct. 3, Theater League presents The Color Purple, various schedules, Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $49 - $64. 805.449.2387. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 30 — The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation presents 3 Blonde Moms, 7:30 p.m., Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Ticket info: $39. 805.495.7940. www.civicartsplaza.com

> Sept. 30 — Bellydance Superstars presents Bombay Bellywood, 8 p.m., Marjorie Luke Theater, P.O. Box 21046 , Santa Barbara. Ticket info: Section A: $43.50 adults; $37 students, seniors; Section B: $36.50 adults; $30.50  students, seniors. 805.884.4087. www.luketheater.org

> Sept. 30 — The documentary film: "Harvest of Loneliness: The Bracero Program," will be presented from 6 o 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 at CSU Channel Islands in the John Spoor Broome Library, Room 1320.
"We will screen the new documentary, Harvest of Loneliness: The Bracero Program, directed by Gilbert Gonzalez and Vivian Price," the university reported in a media release. "Hidden within the historical accounts of minorities, workers, and immigrants in American society is the story of the millions of Mexico’s men and women who experienced the temporary contract worker program known as the Bracero Program. Harvest centers on the voices of ex-braceros speaking of their experiences and addresses what to expect from a new temporary contract worker program. The film also focuses on the wives and families who were left behind as an untold number of villages were virtually emptied of men. There will be a Question & Answer with the filmmakers after the movie." The event is part of the "Bittersweet Harvest," an exhibition on the Bracero Program 1942-1964. The exhibition (Sept. 9-Oct. 31) is organized by the National Musuem of American History in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, with funding provided by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Amigos805 is one of the sponsors. For more information, call Pilar Pacheco at 805.437.8951 or visit http://www.csuci.edu/bracero AMIGOS805 BEST BET