The Ojai Post

Ojai, CA, September 17, 2008 – The Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation will host the Ventura Jazz Orchestra for a special outdoor performance “Autumn Shades of Swing” at Libbey Bowl in Ojai’s Libbey Park on October 11 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. This benefit concert supports the purchase of books and other materials for Ojai, Meiners Oaks, and Oak View libraries. You can dance the night away and help our local libraries at the same time.

The Ventura Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to recreating the music from the 1940s as closely as possible in sound, style, aesthetic, ambiance and showmanship. Playing classic favorites by Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller Band and others, as well as Latin favorites, the Ventura Jazz Orchestra takes its audience on a trip through time to the 1940s swing jazz era. Ted Richey, the band’s musical director grew up around musicians who played with these big names in the 40s. He shares a passion with the band’s founder, Dean Adams, for the music of this wonderful era. Richey, who fronts the band as the trumpet player, said, “This band is the dream and vision of Ojai’s Dean Adams, a great trombonist and lover of music from this era. Many bands play the music from the 1940s, but we put on a show, not just a concert. We take our audience back in time by replicating the music and the environment as closely as possible.”

The Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation provides support to Ojai, Meiners Oaks, and Oak View Libraries beyond their limited public funding. The swing concert will raise much needed funds for books and other materials for all of the Valley’s libraries. In the past, the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation have paid for homework centers at all three libraries; books, audiobooks, magazines, and other materials; laptop computers and flat screen monitors for Ojai Library's computer lab; Summer Reading Program reading incentives and children's programs at all three libraries; and improvements to Ojai Library's Secret Garden storytelling area.

Bring a picnic if you like and come out to Libbey Bowl on Saturday, October 11 at 7:00 pm to do the Book Boogie Woogie. Tickets are $15/adults, $10/students, $5/children under 12. Available at Ojai Valley Libraries.