Ojai prepares to have its own Day
by Jody James

Whatever your tastes in entertainment, Ojai Day 2002 will have something for everyone. With five stages of music and dance, festival-goers can sample everything from Celtic songs to modern jazz, ballet folklórico, cutting-edge rock and roll and more.
The Ojai Avenue Stage, sponsored by American Music and Mhotion, Inc, will feature a diverse lineup, beginning with Irene Bedard and Deni performing electronic rift-driven rock at 10:15 a.m. At 11:20, Green Man will bring techno-Celtic music to the stage.
Then the Flying Calamaries present their eclectic mix of blues and Mardi Gras sounds starting at 12:20. At 1 p.m. enjoy the acoustic pop rock of Frankie Fuchs. Next up at 1:15 will be a martial arts demonstration by students from the Ojai TaeKwonDo Academy. At 1:30 the fiddle-and-dance band Celtic Spring performs. At 2:30 American roots music will be on tap with the Tatters. Last up, at 3:35 p.m. is the well-known band, Caught Red Handed, with its country western music.
On the North Signal Street Stage, sponsored by Adelphia and Calypso's, the day will kick off with the G.N.K. Modern Jazz Trio at 10:15. The folk rock band, Left of Memphis, is up next at 11:10. Then at 12:05, Flambeau takes to the stage with their infectious sounds of swamp rock and roll. Local favorite Jonathan McEuen performs his signature "blue Afro grass" at 2:05, and the afternoon closes with Spiritspace taking to the stage at 3:35 with modern instrumental dance music.
The Fountain Stage at the entrance to Libbey Park will be sponsored by Mid-State Bank and Stir Crazy. At 10:15 the Lana Flora Dance Troupe will lead off the day. At 10:50, Pol Stafford's Living Aikido will demonstrate techniques of nonviolent resistance. Up next at 11:30 will be Dapple Grey performing their Irish folk music. At 12:30, Susan Sheller brings folk rock to the stage. At 1:30 Ballet Folklorico Generation 2000 performs traditional Mexican folk dances. The Cabana Boyz take over at 2:30 with their original blend of Latin, tropical, jazz and more, and at 3:30, Seabury Gould and Aaron Plunkett will close out the day with traditional Irish songs and eclectic folk music.
Meanwhile, at the Ojai Bazaar, the Gazebo, sponsored by Century 21 and Ojai's business center, Mail Boxes, Etc., will feature belly dancer Paulina from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., followed at 12:15 p.m. by Basilon 'd Babylon a great musical group, Selby will end the day with a belly dance show from 3:15 to 3:45. In between these sets, Morocho, an Andean group will perform haunting folk melodies. While all this entertainment is happening in the Ojai Bazaar area you can also enjoy henna tattoos, tarot card readings with Jan Sanchez, color readings, and the Ojai Gypsy Tea Company. And finally, at 4:30 at the mandala in the intersection of Ojai Avenue and Signal Street, the Xipe Totec Aztec Dance Troupe will showcase traditional dances as a finale to the day's entertainment.
The Children's Stage in Libbey Park, sponsored by the Ojai Valley Bank, will offer a variety of performances and demonstrations, including the music of Susan Sheller and Seabury Gould, along with Jeff King, ongoing Hoola Hoop competitions, a wildlife safari, and the Topa Topa Playhouse.
The Teen Stage at Ventura Street and Ojai Avenue, sponsored by Ojai Sports, will feature the D.J. Divas, The Veir Fusion Project, Arts Vocal Workshop performances, a fitness competition, a pingpong tournament, the Nordhoff Cheerleaders, the Ojai Twirlers and a swing dance demonstration with Lance Bury and his dancers. Don't miss this year's BMX show going throughout the day in the Teen Area. If you're feeling energetic, try the rock climb or the dunk tank.
Other activities around downtown, sponsored by the Ojai Valley News, Ojai Stitchworks, The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Coldwell Banker and Advanced Home Business Systems, will include free hay rides with Dwayne Bower and the music of Craig Smith, Bill Fox's pumpkin carving, a new Fun Zone full of bounces, rock climbs and more, tennis demonstrations with the Weil Tennis Academy, and the Ojai Recreation Department will offer a tennis carnival in the morning. At 11 a.m. there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Arcade Plaza.
Along with all the entertainment and recreational activities, Ojai Day will feature a wide variety of artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, along with a number of information booths for nonprofit groups and ,of course, plenty of food and drink. Ojai Day takes place Oct. 19 in the heart of downtown Ojai from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All activities are free to the public.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

Back to the news