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The Ventura Music Festival: High-Caliber Performances on California Shores

Program Number: 18704RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/3/2013 - 5/6/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Ventura, California
Price starting at: $595.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Music Festivals
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

The Ventura Music Festival attracts world-renowned classical and jazz musicians to this charming and historic California town. Enjoy world-class musical performers in intimate venues as part of the Ventura Music Festival. Attend three performances by titans of the world of music: two evening concerts and a magical Sunday afternoon listening to music from the big band era. Enjoy intimate Q&A session with the festival’s distinguished artistic director, Nuvi Mehta, while also exploring the art and architecture of this classic California beach community.




Highlights

• Enjoy intimate Q&A session with the festival’s distinguished artistic director, Nuvi Mehta.
• Learn about the history of Ventura and its downtown sites, which serve as venues for the Ventura Music Festival performances.
• Take in a visual arts exhibition featuring works by local artists.



Activity Particulars

Walking a few blocks on paved sidewalks and lawn, getting on and off a bus.




Date Specific Information

5-3-2013

Featured performers include: piano jazz prodigy Eldar Djangirov; the 2012 Gold Medal Winner of the Christopher Parkening International Guitar Competition, Petrit Ceku; the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra performs with Dennis Mackrel, Conductor and Guest Vocalist, Carmen Bradford.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Ventura

A classic California beach community with surfers, art galleries, white-sand beaches and warm breezes, Ventura is situated between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara near the region's museums, historic missions and coastal wonders.
Accommodations
Ventura's only beachfront property, with balconied rooms and ocean views, steps away from the historic downtown and pier.
Meals and Lodgings
   Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
  Ventura, California 3 nights
 Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Delight in the year-round sunshine of Ventura, California with its miles of clean, uncrowded beaches, spectacular mountainous back country, and the magnificent Channel Islands National Park on the horizon. At the center of it all, right at the water's edge, stands the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. All of its guest rooms feature magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountainous curves of the California coastline. It is ideally situated within walking distance of historic downtown Ventura where you will find the San Buenaventura Mission, museums, antique stores, a wide variety of restaurants, bookstores, cafes, clothing shops, and art galleries.
  Contact info: 450 E. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001 USA
phone: 805-648-2100
web: www.cpventura.com
  Room amenities: All rooms are equipped with Crowne Plaza "Sleep Advantage" bedding; coffee maker; iron/board; hair dryer; high-speed Internet access; 27" TVs; ocean-view balconies; in-room movies. All rooms are non-smoking.
  Facility amenities: The ocean-front Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is a 12-story tower with balcony rooms, all with ocean views. There's a great walking path next to the hotel which stretches for miles up and down the coast. Guests enjoy a host of amenities including convenient parking; restaurants with outdoor patio dining; lobby lounge with ocean-front patio seating; room service; heated ocean-front swimming pool; exercise room; and laundry & dry cleaning with same-day service as well as a coin-op laundry. Wi-Fi Access: Road Scholar participants receive complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access as part of their package. The coverage includes all hotel guest rooms and public areas. Although there is no charge for this service, a password is required. This may be obtained from the front desk staff.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Based upon availability Call Laura Moran at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel at (805) 652-5142 to make a reservation for additional nights before or after the program and to inquire about rates.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Based upon availability Call Laura Moran at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel at (805) 652-5142 to make a reservation for additional nights before or after the program and to inquire about rates.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program registration takes place in the hotel lobby area from 3:30-4:30PM. After the program orientation and an early dinner, the group departs the hotel at 6:30PM for an evening concert. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach that night.
  End of Program:
Please make your travel arrangements so you can join us for the final activity which will end about 10:30AM. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. On the enclosed Participant Information Form, please indicate to us the name of your roommate/traveling companion. Also let us know if you are traveling with other individuals and wish to be assigned a room near them. Photo ID
  Parking availability:
Complimentary parking is available in the lot adjacent to the hotel, but the parking pass needs to be validated by the front desk staff.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Ventura, California
  Nearest city or town:  Santa Barbara
  Nearest highway: Highway 101 passes through Ventura
  Nearest airport:  Los Angeles Int'l Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Ventura, California
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Santa Barbara/ SBA to Ventura

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Road Runner Shuttle
phone: 800-247-7919
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75 per person one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

40-45 min from Santa Barbara Airport to the Crowne Plaza-Ventura Beach 
 

Distance:

 

38 miles from Santa Barbara Airport to the Crowne Plaza-Ventura Beach
   

Call for current rates as prices are subject to change without notice. Advance reservations are required. Website: www.rrshuttle.com Roadrunner Shuttle local phone: 805-389-8196 Santa Barbara Airport website: www.flysba.com
 

Los Angeles/LAX to Ventura

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
SuperShuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$76 p/p one-way; $9 each additional passenger
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hr 20 min, depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

71 miles from LAX to Crowne Plaza Ventura Hotel
   

SuperShuttle is a primary shuttle service for LAX and operates continuously at the airport. Call for current rates and to arrange pick-up time. Price is subject to change. Advance reservations are required. Website: www.supershuttle.com On Arrival at LAX: Claim your luggage, proceed outside & look for the shared ride van sign on the inside curb just outside of Baggage Claim. ALTERNATE VAN SERVICE: Prime Time Shuttle. For info and reservations, call 800-733-8267; www.primetimeshuttle.com
 

Los Angeles (LAX) to Ventura

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Ventura Co. Airporter Shuttle
phone: 805-650-6600
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35 P/P to drop-off point in Ventura; then taxi to Crowne Plaza @ $15
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hr 15 min to drop-off point + taxi ride (additional 20-25 min for wait time and ride) 
 

Distance:

 

67 miles from LAX to Holiday Inn Express at Ventura Harbor
   

VCA Shuttle offers 8 daily trips to/from LAX and Ventura at a great price p/p. However, it drops off passengers at the Holiday Inn Express at Ventura Harbor, 3.5 miles from Crowne Plaza Hotel. From the drop-off point you need to call a taxi to get a ride to the Crowne Plaza. Call Yellow Taxi Cab at 805-659-6900 at $15 per ride. Advance reservations are required. For pickup times and current fare, call VCA Shuttle or visit their website at www.venturashuttle.com
 

Ventura/ Amtrak Station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 805-659-6900

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Minimum fare of $10 per ride one-way will be charged
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Under 2 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Amtrak Station is 0.2 miles from hotel
   

Amtrak (1-800-872-7245) provides transportation service to Ventura via the Pacific Surfliner route. The covered Amtrak platform is located outside Seaside Park (Ventura County Fairgrounds) at 20 W. Harbor Blvd. near Figueroa St. You may walk 4 blocks from the station to the hotel, or call a taxi. Amtrak website: www.amtrak.com
 
Driving Directions
  Northbound Highway 101 Going North on Hwy 101, take the California St. exit. Turn left onto California St. at the top of the exit ramp. Turn right onto Harbor Blvd. then left into the hotel parking lot.
  Southbound Highway 101 to Crowne Plaza Ventura Hotel Going South on Hwy 101, take the Ventura Ave. exit. Turn right on Thompson Blvd. and continue for approximately 4 blocks to California St. Turn right on California St. and go over the freeway to Harbor Blvd. The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach hotel will be directly ahead. Turn right onto Harbor Blvd. then immediately left into the hotel parking lot.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Evening Performance
(Friday, May 3)

Note: Field trips require one to easily get on/off a bus and walk 1-2 blocks on paved sidewalks to concert venues. On walking field trips and during free time, walk from hotel to downtown destinations on paved sidewalks at a distance of 4-7 blocks one-way.
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel after 4:00pm

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.

ORIENTATION: Begins before dinner. We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel

Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.

 Evening: VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE

Featured Performer: ELDAR DJANGIROV

The Festival opens Friday with piano jazz prodigy Eldar Djangirov. Born on January 28, 1987, Eldar came to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union when he was ten. When Djangirov (pronounced john-'gear-ov) was signed to Sony Classical at the age of 17, the young pianist from Kansas City was already well known for his prodigious pyrotechnics and precocious knowledge of the bebop tradition. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for his album "Re-imagination." Eldar has appeared at numerous major jazz festivals including the Tokyo Jazz Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Vienna Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival and San Francisco Jazz Festival, and has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He has performed at venues ranging from the Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall and has played at the most notable jazz venues across the world.

“Eldar’s keyboard technique can be blisteringly electric one moment, tender and thoughtful the next … boundless range and talent.” - San Francisco Chronicle
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introductory lectures/Evening Performance
(Saturday, May 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: CROSSING POINTS: Getting to know each other

CLASS: A Conversation with Nuvi Mehta, Artistic Director, Ventura Music Festival

 Lunch: Lunch at hotel
 Afternoon: CLASS: History of Ventura and Downtown Historic Sites
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE

Featured Performer: PETRIT CEKU

2012 Gold Medal Winner of the Christopher Parkening International Guitar Competition

Program to include works by Manuel de Falla, William Walton, Manuel Ponce, Giulio Regondi, and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco

“Born in Kosovo in 1985, Petrit Ceku has established himself as one of the leading classical guitarists of the younger generation. Along the way he has won a slew of competitions, including the Andres Segovia Competition, the International Anna Amalia Guitar Competition, the Emilio Pujol Guitar Competition, and the Michele Pittaluga Guitar Competition.” – Nuvi Mehta, VMF Artistic Director

What’s the Score? Pre-Show Talk with Nuvi Mehta at 7:15 pm
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Afternoon Big Band Concert
(Sunday, May 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: CLASS: Q & A Session with performance artist will be arranged if their travel schedule permits.

Otherwise another activity will be scheduled.

 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel
 Afternoon: VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL JAZZ CONCERT

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra with Dennis Mackrel, Conductor and featuring Guest Vocalist, Carmen Bradford

This afternoon concert at the Majestic Ventura Theater will have seats for young and old and a dance floor, too. Listen from your seat, bop ‘til you drop, or sip wine at the bar to the strains of the orchestra that made the big band era so big. 30’s and 40’s attire encouraged!

“Through its school and workshops in Kansas, young players have been trained in the style of the swing era down to the last comma, often playing alongside the musicians who played with Basie. For those who may think a swing era hit like “April in Paris” or Basie’s own “One o’clock Jump” are a bit sophisticated or buttoned down, wait till the new Basie Band lets loose with vocalist Carmen Bradford!” – Nuvi Mehta, VMF Artistic Director

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: Evening Performance
   
Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Independent Departures
(Monday, May 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: CLASS: Take in a visual arts exhibition featuring works by local artists.

HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed our Ventura Music Festival program and will join us for other rewarding adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Ventura, California Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau
101 S. California St.

Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 648-2075 or (800) 333-2989

Ventura offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as beach walks, biking and hiking trails, bird watching, camping, golf, sport fishing, water activities and whale watching. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is situated next to the beach and an oceanside boardwalk that stretches for many miles. Some trail heads are within walking distance of the hotel. For additional information, visit www.ventura-usa.com

  Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 653-5469

One of the museum's permanent exhibits explores the community's past from the Chumash era through the 21st century. It consists of a fascinating collection of artifacts and displays focusing on Native Americans, Spanish and Mexican pioneers, and European and Yankee settlers. Especially notable are the George Stuart Historical figures, which are intricately carved figures from history that are dressed in elaborate period costume. For additional information, visit www.venturamuseum.org

  Mission San Buenaventura
211 East Main St.

Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 643-4318

Mission San Buenaventura was founded in 1782. It is the ninth of California's 21 missions and the last to be established by Father Serra. Visitors will discover a small museum with mission artifacts such as Chumash basketry, a quiet courtyard, and 250 year-old paintings of the Stations of the Cross. For additional information, visit www.mission.net/california/ventura

  Channel Islands National Park
Five of the eight Channel Islands make up the National Park which is home to more than 2000 species of plants and animals - 145 of which are unique to the islands. Anacapa Island is just 14 miles from Ventura Harbor and is accessible for day trips and overnight camping. The Channel Islands National Park was established by Congress in 1980. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/chis/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


History of Jazz


Author: Ted Gioia


Description: Ted Gioia's History of Jazz has been universally hailed as a classic--acclaimed by jazz critics and fans around the world. Now Gioia brings his magnificent work completely up-to-date, drawing on the latest research and revisiting virtually every aspect of the music, past and present. Gioia tells the story of jazz as it had never been told before, in a book that brilliantly portrays the legendary jazz players, the breakthrough styles, and the world in which it evolved. Here are the giants of jazz and the great moments of jazz history--Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington at the Cotton Club, cool jazz greats such as Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, and Lester Young, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie's advocacy of modern jazz in the 1940s, Miles Davis's 1955 performance at the Newport Jazz Festival, Ornette Coleman's experiments with atonality, Pat Metheny's visionary extension of jazz-rock fusion, the contemporary sounds of Wynton Marsalis, and the post-modernists of the current day. As he traces the spread of this protean form, Gioia provides much insight into the social context in which the music was born.



The World of Count Basie


Author: Stanley Dance


Description: The late Count Basie is one of the jazz immortals. The master of swing, whose beat was the subtlest and supplest of all the bandleaders, Basie featured some of the great soloists in jazz history while he sat unobtrusively at the piano, keeping time with his unmatched rhythm section, showing off the surging power of his brass players, and commenting wittily with a single chord or phrase. A man and musician of reserve and modesty, Basie nonetheless will always be a landmark for his won achievements and for the jazz musicians who passed through his band. With a rich flow of anecdote, opinion, and biographical informationand with striking photographsthis history both documents and assesses the legacy of Basie for American music.





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