Let’s see how far we’ve come!
Since 2023, we have expanded to year-round programming and grown our community of supporters by 6,431, allowing us to welcome thousands of residents and visitors with accessible, subsidized ticket pricing. Just as important, we significantly increased free music education and songwriting opportunities for students in public schools.
At the Ventura Music Festival, we believe that music belongs to everyone.
This year, we performed in parks, museums, schools, hospitals, concert halls, senior centers, and neighborhoods across Ventura County — reaching thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds with live music that uplifts, inspires, and connects. And now, as the year comes to a close, we ask you to help keep this music playing.
Your support today fuels the music tomorrow. Year-end gifts are fully tax-deductible and make an immediate impact across the programs that define our mission. Every dollar you give ensures that the Ventura Music Festival continues to reach more people, in more places, in more ways — especially those who need it most.
Your gift fuels:
Free outdoor concerts that bring joy to families across Ventura
Music & mental wellness programs supporting new mothers, youth, and those in recovery
Classroom partnerships and artist visits in Ventura County schools
Subsidized ticket pricing for World-class performances that celebrate culture, tradition, and diversity
These programs only thrive because people like you believe in them. Your generosity keeps music alive in our community — not just on stage, but in classrooms, parks, clinics, living rooms, and hearts.
With gratitude and joy,
The Ventura Music Festival Team, and the many musicians, students, and community members you support!
View Program Books
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[PAST EVENT] Soñando California ft. Twanguero
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
7:00pm - Ojai UndergroundBack for one (more) night only… Latin Grammy winner Diego García ‘Twanguero’ will take us on one more journey, from intimate solo Spanish guitar to high-octane trio grooves and closing with a special appearance from Soñando California, his new multicultural collective with guest female singer-songwriters. A vibrant night where tradition meets modern edge, and California shines once again as the ultimate cultural crossroads.
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[PAST EVENT] The Chris O'Leary Band
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
7:00om - Ojai UndergroundFrom our friends at Ojai Underground, and sponsored by the Ventura Music Festival, join us for THE CHRIS O'LEARY BAND on Oct. 16 in Ojai! A devastatingly soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master, and superlative songwriter, Chris O'Leary is among the blues and roots world's most talented unsung heroes.
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[PAST EVENT] Mozart & The Mind
Sunday, October 12, 2025
3:00pm - Ojai UndergroundA Classical Edge Concert with VMF’s own Nuvi Mehta and renowned pianist and composer Greg Anderson featuring the music of Mozart and discussing our physical reactions to music, societal reflections, and the tracing of music through history.
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[PAST EVENT] The Moanin’ Frogs
Thursday, October 16, 2025
7:00pm - Ventura Music HallTHEY’RE BACK! Get ready for another high-energy, genre-bending performance with The Moanin’ Frogs! This dynamic saxophone sextet delivers a thrilling mix of jazz, classical, ragtime, and pop with virtuosic flair and infectious enthusiasm. Don’t miss a night of electrifying music that will have you cheering for more!
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[PAST EVENT] Twanguero
Friday, October 17, 2025
7:00pm - The Museum of Ventura CountyA Latin Grammy-winner, Twanguero brings his signature fusion of Spanish folk, Latin rhythms, surf, cumbia, and rockabilly, with a special preview of Soñando California, his new multicultural collective with guest female singer-songwriters. A night where tradition meets modern edge, and California shines as the ultimate cultural crossroads.
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[PAST EVENT] Branford Marsalis
Saturday, October 18, 2025
7:00pm at The Majestic Ventura TheaterExperience the brilliance of Branford Marsalis, one of the most innovative and influential saxophonists of our time. A master of jazz, classical, and beyond, Marsalis brings his signature virtuosity and dynamic sound to the stage. Don’t miss this electrifying performance from a true jazz legend and his world-class ensemble!
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[PAST EVENT] Delirium Musicum
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00pm - Rancho Campana PACFeel the electrifying energy of Delirium Musicum, the boundary-pushing chamber ensemble known for its bold, dynamic performances. Led by violinist Etienne Gara, this virtuosic group brings classical music to life with passion and precision. Don’t miss a night of exhilarating artistry that redefines the concert experience!
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[PAST EVENT] Ray Ushikubo / Chi-Jo Lee
Thursday, July 24, 2025
7:00pm at The Performing Arts Center at Ventura CollegeJoin us for two performances in one fabulous evening with Rising Stars from the renowned Colburn School in Los Angeles. Pianists Ray Ushikubo and Chi-Jo Lee will each perform one 45-minute set for one unforgettable night of music.
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[PAST EVENT] Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Friday, July 25, 2025
6:00pm - VENUE UPDATE: The Performing Arts Center at Ventura CollegeGet ready for a high-energy night with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! Known for their signature blend of swing, jazz, and jump blues, this powerhouse band brings infectious rhythms and unstoppable groove to the stage. Opening act: The Barrelhouse Wailers! This one is a can’t miss!
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[PAST EVENT] Joshua Redman Quartet
Saturday, July 26, 2025
7:00pm - The Performing Arts Center at Ventura CollegeJoin us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman and his all-star band. A multiple Grammy nominee and one of the most celebrated jazz artists of his generation, Redman has collaborated with legends like Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, and Christian McBride.
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[PAST EVENT] Gershwin: Classical Edge Concert
Sunday, July 27, 2025
11:00am at the Performing Arts Center, Ventura CollegeVMF’s Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta and acclaimed pianist/composer Greg Anderson in a special program exploring the life, times, and unforgettable music of legendary American composer George Gershwin - don’t miss this unique blend of storytelling and performance!
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[PAST EVENT] Beijing Guitar Duo
Sunday, July 27, 2025
2:00pm at The Performing Arts Center at Ventura CollegeThe Beijing Guitar Duo, hailed by Classical Guitar Magazine for their "star potential," have captivated global audiences with their artistry. Debuting at Carnegie Hall in 2010, Meng Su and Yameng Wang have performed worldwide and earned accolades including a Latin-GRAMMY nomination.
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[PAST EVENT] Songcraft Summer Camp
July 14-18, 10am-4pm Daily
Ojai Underground ExchangeThis five-day immersive summer camp introduces students to the world of the music business. Students will collaborate, create original music, explore recording techniques, build stage presence, and leave with real-world tools to share their voice with the world in a live performance. Scholarships Available!
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PAST EVENT: Abigail Cartright
Friday, March 14, 2025
7:00pm at Ojai Underground ExchangeCommunity Collaboration - Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Abigail Cartright will be presenting a one-person retrospective of her richly textured songwriting career. Live tickets are $25, and live-streaming for $10, at ojaiundergroundexchange.com
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PAST EVENT: Bob Eubanks' Backstage with The Beatles
Saturday, March 22, 2025
5:00pm at Ventura Crowne PlazaOur 30th season kicks off with an unforgettable night featuring Bob Eubanks’ Beatles tribute show, sharing rare stories and photos while tribute band Ticket to Ride performs live. An optional gala and award show follows, where Eubanks will chat with friend, author Ivor Davis. Join us for music & more!
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PAST EVENT: Free Spring Festival
Saturday, May 3, 2025
12-9pm in Downtown VenturaA free downtown music party! Featuring music from The Barrelhouse Wailers, The Blue Mountain Tribe, The Beatles tribute band Ticket To Ride, and more! We hope you joined us for food, music, vendors and more to help us celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Ventura Music Festival!
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PAST EVENT: Donny Most & Band
Friday, May 9, 2025
7:00pm at the Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachStep back in time with Donny Most & His Band for an unforgettable evening of swing, jazz, and 17-piece big band classics! Best known as Ralph Malph from Happy Days, Donny channels the golden era of music with his smooth vocals and timeless charm.
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PAST EVENT: Fred's Americana Band
Saturday, June 7, 2025
The Museum of Ventura CountyCommunity Collaboration - Photographs are one of the many tools that help us understand the past, capturing faces, places, and moments frozen in time. But do they always tell the full story? Gallery opening with music from VMF and Fred’s Americana Band. More: venturamuseum.org
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PAST EVENT: Pete Droge
Saturday, June 14, 2025
7:00pm at Ojai Underground ExchangeCommunity Collaboration - Ventura Music Festival and Ojai Underground Exchange are proud to present a rare and intimate evening with Pete Droge, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for his warm vocals, sly wit, and cinematic storytelling. Tickets online at: ojaiunderground.com
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PAST EVENT: Ottmar Liebert
Friday, June 27, 2025
7:00pm at The Majestic Ventura TheaterExperience the magic of five-time GRAMMY nominee Ottmar Liebert live in concert! Blending elegance, passion, and global rhythms with his signature Nouveau Flamenco sound, he’ll be joined on stage by his long-time bassist Jon Gagan for an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music.
