THURS., APRIL 28

Ventura Music Festival

With the theme "Music in Motion" the Ventura Music Festival will be presented today through Sun., May 8 in historic and architecturally unique venues throughout the city of Ventura, featuring 12 concerts. For a complete schedule and ticket information, call (805) 648-3146

Rose Society Speaker

Lisa Burton will discuss "The Garden as a Healing Place" as guest speaker at the Ventura County Rose Society’s meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Cowan Conference Center, 550 Airport Way, Camarillo. Doors open 6:30 p.m. to prepare little rose show entries and to visit with consulting rosarians. All members and guests encouraged to bring and display their roses. Raffle, lending library, refreshments; visitors are welcome. (818) 993-6622

Simi Valley AARP

The Simi Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons No. 3605 will meet at 1 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Robert Cuillard, special events sales manager of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, will speak on the history of the library, upcoming special exhibits and the status of Air Force One. (805) 527-8304

Calabasas Chamber

Calabasas Chamber of Commerce hosts the Golden Lasso Employee Appreciation Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Calabasas Inn, 23500 Park Sorrento, Calabasas. Andrew Graham, founder of Affirmative Color, will discuss how to uplift your world through color. $25 to $30. RSVP to: (818) 222-5680

‘Music Man’ at OPHS

Oak Park High School presents "The Music Man" at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sat., April 30 at the school, 899 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park. $10-$15. (818) 735-3300

FRI., APRIL 29

Western Magic at CVD

It’s a night of Western magic, dancing and musical fun at Conejo Valley Days with children’s magician Dan Ray, Spirit Cloggers, traditional Western singer Nancy Lee and dancers Country in Motion, plus Chaz Marquette will be performing his comedy juggling near the stage. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Carnival site is just east of the 23 Freeway at Janss Road, follow the parking signs.

Camarillo Celtic Fair

Camarillo Celtic Fair is today and tomorrow at Constitution Park next to Camarillo City Hall and features food, drink, vendors, games and kids’ activities, entertainment including bagpipers, Irish dancers. Call for event times and entertainment lineup (805) 236-7422

Storytelling Festival

The Village of Tales Storytelling Festival is from today through May 1 at Libbey Bowl and at the Ojai Arts Center in Ojai and will feature award-winning storytellers from across the country offering tales of suspense, humor, adventure. Passes are $80 adults, $145 families; individual events $8-$14. (805) 646-8907

AHS Murder Mystery

Agoura High School’s Performing Arts Department presents student- written and directed murder mystery play and dinner tonight and tomorrow. Doors open at 6 p.m. Enjoy a meal and participate in solving the "crime." $12 for students tonight in show geared to them and teachers; $20 general public tomorrow night on campus at 28545 Driver Ave., Agoura Hills. Pre-order tickets (818) 706-1972

SAT., APRIL 30

Oak Park Garden Party

Oak Park Community Garden celebrates its one-year anniversary with a Spring Fling from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on northwest corner of Sunnycrest and Kanan Road. The fundraiser includes a silent auction and sale of unique plants. (818) 889-3518

Newcomers Host Sale

Agoura Newcomers hosts garage sale to support the group’s programs from 8 a.m. to noon at 29630 Ridgeway Drive, Agoura Hills. Call Judy for directions (818) 706-6041

Youth Career Fair

Youth Employment Service Summer Job and Career Fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley, 2850 Lemon Drive, open to youth ages 16 to 22, assisting them in linking up with businesses seeking summer help. Free. (805) 522-4473

Symphony to Perform

The San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra will present a concert at 8 p.m. at the Pierce College Performing Arts Theatre. The "Double Trouble" program will feature Poulenc’s "Concerto for Two Pianos" and other works. At 7:30 p.m. there will be an introduction to the performance and soloists. $12 to $20. (818) 347-4807

Royal High’s Jazz Fest

Royal High School Band Department hosts annual Royal Jazz Festival beginning 8 a.m. in the multi-purpose room and gym at 1402 Royal Ave., Simi Valley. About 30 bands and combos will compete. Special performances by CSUN Latin Jazz Band and Lane 29 Orchestra prior to the awards presentation. Food, raffle. Continuous music through the day and evening. $5. (805) 306-4799

Square Dance in T.O.

Thousand Oaks PI-R Squares will host a plus level square dance from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Goebel Senior Center, 1385 Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. $6. (805) 492-1442

‘Moonlight & Music’

Work Training Programs, Inc. hosts "Moonlight & Music" jazz event at 6 p.m. at Los Posas Country Club, Camarillo featuring jazz singer Carol Chapman plus dinner, silent auction, dancing and live music/entertainment. Proceeds support programs to help individuals with disabilities or disadvantages to live and work as productive members of their community. $80 per person/$150 couple. (805) 966-3310, ext. 11 Elaine Mah

WHS Dance Team

Westlake High School Dance Team presents "Danceworks 2005" showcasing dance routines from Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and other area high schools, in the gym at Colina Middle School, Thousand Oaks. $5 to $10. For event time e-mail <Bob-Scott@usa.net>

Fishing Derby in Simi

The 30th annual Huck Finn Fishin’ Derby begins when Rancho Simi Community Park opens at 6 a.m. Event is open to boys and girls age 15 and under who will win a variety of prizes. Fishing from the banks of the park’s lake, early birds get the best spots. (805) 584-4453

Calabasas Arts Festival

The eighth annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival will be presented from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow at 23975 Park Sorrento, adjacent to The Commons at Calabasas. (818) 878-4225, ext. 270

SUN., MAY 1

‘Love Letters’

Bill Fagerbakke and Catherine McClennahan will perform a staged production of A.R. Gurney’s play "Love Letters" at 1:30 p.m. at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Benefit for Children’s Corner Play Center, a local preschool. $100 per person, $175 per couple for catered lunch, dance performance, fashion show and play or $75/$125 for dance, fashion and play. Doors open 11 a.m. for lunch. (310) 455-1421

Festival Just for Kids

The Day of the Child Festival (a national holiday in Mexico) will feature a wide array of crafts, dance and music workshops for kids and their parents from 2 to 5 p.m. at Heritage Square, 730 South "B" St., Oxnard in a celebration of Mexican traditions. Free. (805) 487-7831

See Model Ships

Ventura County Maritime Museum, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., on Fisherman’s Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard: Exhibit opens today, dozens of ship models from historic sailing ships to modern-day warships and workboats. For young adults there’ll be a one-on-one ship model-building program all day Saturdays and Sundays through June 1 (must purchase beginner’s model in museum store). Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission free. (805) 984-6260

MON., MAY 2

A Look at Antiques

Conejo Valley Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, meets at noon at Marie Callender’s, 20 W. Cochran, Simi Valley. The program is "Antiques and Treasures" and members will bring and share family antiques and treasures. Non-members may bring an antique and join them and learn about the club’s activities and programs. (805) 532-1148

TUES., MAY 3

Birds in the Garden

Jennie Ayers of Wild Birds Unlimited will discuss the different types of wild birds in backyard gardens and show various birdhouse dwellings at the 9:30 a.m. meeting of the Westlake Village Garden Club at Westlake Village City Hall, 31200 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. (805) 496-9509

CVUSD Rally

Dr. Robert Fraisse, superintendent of the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), will be guest speaker at the "Rally to Support Our Children’s Public Education" event at 6:30 p.m. in the CVUSD boardroom, 1400 Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Parents, teachers, support staff and administrators are welcome to attend.

WED., MAY 4

A Talk for Movie Fans

Sharon Waxman, who’s covered Hollywood for the New York Times and the Washington Post, will discuss "Rebels on the Backlot," her book about the breakout films of six young 1990s directors, at 7 p.m. at the New JCC at Milken, 22620 Vanowen St., West Hills. Free with pre-registration (818) 464-3281

Ice Cream Social

Conejo Valley Mothers of Multiples hosts its annual ice cream social and election at 7:30 p.m. at Horizon View Club, 15 Van Dyke St., Thousand Oaks. They are an educational, social and support group for parents of and those expecting multiples. (805) 484-8821

Meet the Author

National bestselling author Denise Hamilton will be featured at "Meet the Author" presentation from noon to 1 p.m. at Westlake Village Library, 31220 Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. This top mystery writer has penned "The Jasmine Trade" and "Last Lullaby." Register to attend at (818) 865-9230

THURS., MAY 5

GOP Women Meet

Westlake Village Republican Women Federated hosts a "Cinco de Mayo" luncheon at noon (social hour 11:30 a.m.) at Chateau Pleasance, the Lake Sherwood estate of Ed and Lynn Hogan in Thousand Oaks. Donna Larkin of Westlake Village will speak on "Identity Theft." $35. (805) 494-4407

Cloggers Teach All

Conejo Valley Cloggers teach all ages, all levels, at 6:45 p.m. Thursdays at Old Meadows Park, 1600 Marview Drive, Thousand Oaks. $3 to $5. (805) 527-6185

For African Violet Fans

Thousand Oaks African Violet Society meets 7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 667 Camino Dos Rios, Thousand Oaks. Culture class and program on different aspects of growing African violets. Visitors and their plants are welcome to attend. (805) 581-0014

Watercolor Society

California Gold Coast Watercolor Society presents 15th annual Membership Show today through May 30 at Thousand Oaks Community Gallery, 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park. Reception and awards from 2 to 4 p.m. Sun., May 15. Gallery open 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Show features watercolor and aqua-media paintings. (805) 484-7594

Woodworkers Meet

Conejo Valley Woodworkers’ Association meets 7 p.m. at Redwood Middle School, 233 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks and the meeting will feature demonstrations of various sharpening techniques for common hand tools. (805) 492-2968

FRI., MAY 6

For Active Adults

Ventura Chapter of Over the Hill Gang International invites active people ages 50 and over to get acquainted at their 7 p.m. meeting at a member’s home in Camarillo. Club activities include skiing, hiking, biking, dinners and cultural events. Guests may attend free. For location (805) 495-8107 Tom

Chamber Breakfast

Thousand Oaks-Westlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts Networking Breakfast of Champions from 7 to 9 a.m. at Los Robles Greens Banquet Center, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks featuring "Leap Frog" networking game and buffet breakfast. $25. (805) 370-0035

SAT., MAY 7

Arts & Crafts Fair

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District will present its 30th annual Spring Arts & Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. More than 80 vendors will display and sell their wares, all hand-crafted. Children’s activities, music, dance demonstrations. (805) 584-4400

Simi Plant Sale

Busy Hands Garden Club’s annual plant sale is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley. Many different varieties suited to the local area will be for sale at affordable prices. (805) 522-2897

Anime Film at Library

City of Calabasas Library, 23975 Park Sorrento, Calabasas presents at 2 p.m. the sequel to a popular anime/manga movie that they screened previously. Under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Free admission and refreshments to be served. (818) 225-7616

SUN., MAY 8

Chicago Blues at Park

National Park Service presents the Melvin Eddy Blues Band performing traditional Chicago blues at 2 p.m. at Peter Strauss Ranch, 30000 Mulholland Hwy., Agoura. Free. (805) 370-2301

Melodies in Motion

Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park hosts Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival at 2 p.m. featuring actress Dawnn Lewis in a Mother’s Day musical cabaret celebration, "Melodies in Motion." Vocalists include Carla Renata of "The Lion King" with other special guests. Music will be country, jazz and rhythm and blues. $25-$35. (818) 347-9938

Mom’s Day Breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 127 will host its 42nd annual Mother’s Day Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Malibou Lake Lodge, 29033 Lake Vista Drive, Agoura. "All you can eat menu" is $3 to $5. Door prizes awarded. (805) 496-0138

MON., MAY 9

Conejo Orchid Society

Conejo Orchid Society meets at 7:30 p.m. at Westlake Village Town Hall, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. Paul Isly of Rainforest Fauna will be the guest speaker.

TUES., MAY 10

V.C. Writers’ Club

Ventura County Writers’ Club meets 7 p.m. at Borders Books, 125 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Jeanne Martin, PhD, an expert in Egyptian and Greco-Roman myths and James Bonnet, actor and author, are the evening’s guest speakers. Free. (805) 496-6204

THURS., MAY 12

Business Expo

Thousand Oaks-Westlake Village Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Expo and Trade Show from 5 to 8 p.m. in Garden Terrace of Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, with the theme "Viva Las Vegas." More than 70 exhibitors, raffle prizes, restaurant food samples. Free. (805) 370-0035

FRI., MAY 13

Cowboy Poetry Fest

Conejo Valley Players Theatre, Inc. hosts seventh annual Conejo Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Festival at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow at 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Pre-shows from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m., receptions with performers 10 p.m. each night. $25. (805) 495-3715

SUN., MAY 15

‘Pirates of Penzance’

The Oaks Chamber Singers featuring lyric coloratura soprano Bonnie Bowden will present "an excursion into musical satire and hyperbole" when they perform Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta "The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty" at 7:30 p.m. in the Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. $17 to $20. (805) 449-2787

Fiddle Contest & More

The 45th annual Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Paramount Ranch on Cornell Road in Agoura. Family-oriented event is staged on outdoor film sets and mountain locations and features instrumental and singing contests, dancing, all genres of folk music, bluegrass, cowboy and children’s tunes, kids’ crafts activities, folk arts booths, park service exhibits and much more. $5 to $10. (818) 382-4819