About the Ojai World Music Festival

Our Mission

The OJAI WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL was created to

  • Showcase and present exceptional world music artists in the beautiful city of Ojai, California.
  • Help preserve and carry-on ancient musical traditions of the world.
  • Bring together people of all ages to share in the joy and magic that traditional and cultural music 
    of diverse societies have played for thousands of years.
Help support the Ojai World Music Festival!
 

-Presented by…

The Ojai World Music Festival is presented by Performances to Grow On, Artistic Directors Brian Bemel and John Zeretzke. Performances to Grow On is an Ojai-based 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation whose mission is to present audiences of all ages performances encompassing a variety of artistic and cultural traditions that are educational, imaginative and above all, engaging.

Brian BemelBrian Bemel

Brian Bemel is the founder and artistic director of Performances To Grow On, a non-profit organization dedicated to bring performances and arts workshops to schools and theaters, serving 175,000 people a year.

Brian has had a long career as a teacher for the Ventura Unified School District and as an arts education specialist for the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office. After retiring from the Ventura Unified School District, Brian has gone on to a full time career as the artistic director of Performances To Grow On, bringing many acclaimed performers to Ventura County from the fields of dance, theater, music, and storytelling. In addition to his school and family performance series and assembly roster, Performances To Grow On presents the annual Ojai Storytelling Festival, now in its 12th year, and Fresh Roasted Concerts, a world music series.

Mr. Bemel has served as a board member for the National Storytelling Festival, the Ventura County Arts Council and was an arts commissioner for the City of Ojai in 2004. Among his peers, he is considered an expert in family and educational programming and is frequently called on to participate on panels for educational presenters.

During his time at the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office, his arts education program won the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the State of California. Other awards include the Diversity Hero Award and in 2008, Brian was honored with the Celebrate Literacy Award from the International Reading Association.

 

 

 

John ZeretzkeJohn Zeretzke

John Zeretzke is an award-winning composer, musician and master Artist/Educator in schools across America. He composes for film, theater, ballet and modern dance and his World Music based scores have been performed around the world.

John performs for thousands of students every year in educational programs he has directed and developed for schools in California and across the nation.

John is Director and creator of the Goin’ South Band, Music of the Southern United States, and the Salaam Ensemble, Masters of Middle Eastern music. He has recorded with artists Michele Polnareff, Liana Foly, Angelique Kidjo and Kenny Loggins.

John was Music Director and soloist with the prestigious Aman Folk Ensemble in Los Angeles for over thirteen years and is a guest composer and musical artist at numerous Ronald McDonald and American Cancer Society Summer Camps for children with cancer in California and nationwide. 

Past awards include the Lester Horton Dance Award for outstanding achievement in music for dance in Los Angeles, California - 1998; Professional Artist Service Award for his work in arts education in the state of California.- 1999; first place in the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur International Composing Competition for Dance in Quebec, Canada - 2000; the highest Medal of Honor from the White Helmets of the United Nations for peace keeping in the world today in the Philippines with his new Flutes Across The World humanitarian and cultural outreach music program - 2009; and in 2010, John won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City Of Ojai, California, where he currently lives for his work in the arts and arts education.

-Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Libbey Bowl handicap accessible?

Yes.

What am I allowed to bring inside?

The following items are permitted to be brought into the Libbey Bowl:

  • Strollers
  • Blankets/sleeping bags/tarps
  • Umbrellas
  • Sun screen
  • Binoculars
  • Beach chairs with low backs
  • Coolers (per event)

What am I not allowed to bring inside?

  • Firearms
  • Alcohol/Drugs
  • Skateboards
  • Literature not previously approved
  • Fireworks
  • Laser pens
  • Air horns
  • High back lawn chairs
  • Any item deemed inappropriate by Libbey Bowl management.

In the event that items are revealed, the guest(s) will be permitted to return to their vehicle with the item or the item can be disposed. Libbey Bowl will not hold any personal belongings or items of any type. The Bowl has the sole right to determine the type of pre-event screening.

Do you supply listening devices to those who are hard of hearing?

Libbey Bowl has assisted listening devices available. Call (805) 646-8907 for information.

Is there an ATM onsite?

No. ATM services are available at several locations around town.

Can I bring cameras inside of the Bowl?

Use of video cameras is prohibited within the Libbey Bowl. During most events non-professional cameras with attached lenses are permitted. For some events including concerts, the camera policies are determined by the show or tour. Generally, cameras and recording devices are not permitted for these special events, but please call (805) 646-8907 with specific inquiries. Cameras with detachable lenses are (not) permitted at any time during special events.

When do the doors open prior to a performance?

Libbey Bowl gates open one hour before most events. Please see the schedule on the main page of our website for event times.

Can I leave the facility and re-enter?

Yes with a proper ticket stub or displayed pass.

Cancellations / Rescheduled Performances/Inclement Weather

Programs, dates and performance times are subject to change depending on the weather or artists' availability. In the event a performance is canceled or rescheduled ticket holders can get information via phone or our website. Performance information is also sent to all local media for publicity. Management shall be required to issue a refund provided that you are given the right, within twelve months of the date of the original event, to attend another scheduled performance of the same event or to exchange this ticket for a ticket comparable in price and location to another similar event as designated by management. 

What happens if the guest next to me is behaving in an inappropriate or disruptive manner?

The following behavior and activities are grounds for eviction from Libbey Bowl:

  • Public drunkenness
  • Use of illegal substances or drugs
  • Possession of illegal or unauthorized items inside Libbey Bowl
  • Use of profanity, unacceptable language or gestures of any type
  • Unacceptable or indecent dress
  • Failure to obey or follow the Libbey Bowl smoking policy
  • Entering/attempting to enter restricted areas (backstage or restrooms of the opposite sex)
  • Participating in a fight
  • Verbally abusing, threatening or intimidating other guests or facility employees
  • Throwing objects or projectiles.

Please alert an usher or security personnel in your immediate vicinity as soon as possible.

I need a place to stay for the night. Any recommendations?

For more information on visiting Ojai, incuding hotels, restaurants, transportaion and things to do, visit the Ojai Vistors' Bureau

What if I am separated from my child?

Lost children will be taken to the Libbey Bowl Ticket Office.

I lost my keys/wallet/cell phone? Who do I contact to see if they've been turned in?

Libbey Bowl provides lost and found services for patrons. Items are turned in to the office and can be claimed during business hours. Items will be disposed of if not claimed within one month.

Where do I park for Bowl events?

There is no designated Libbey Bowl parking facilities, except for handicapped guests.  Parking is available on city streets and in surrounding public parking facilities.  Please do no park on private property or block access to businesses and residences.

What if I want to have a picnic prior to a performance?

Picnic areas are available throughout Libbey Park and on the Bowl “green.”

Is public transportation available to the Bowl?

Gold Coast Transit serves the City of Ojai from Ventura and surrounding areas.  Further information and schedules are available on their website at www.goldcoasttransit.org.  Local transit is provide by the Ojai Trolley Service.  For further information and pickup/drop off locations visit their website at www.ojaitrolley.com.

Can I bring my pets?

No pets or animals are allowed in Libbey Bowl other than service animals such as seeing-eye pets under leash control of their owner.

Are there smoking areas at the Bowl?

In keeping with the City of Ojai ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places, Libbey Bowl is a smoke-free facility.  (Smoking will only be allowed in designated areas at least 100 feet outside Bowl gates where smoking receptacles are placed).

Is there a will-call policy?

Tickets may be picked up at the Box Office located adjacent to the Bowl entrance gate. A photo identification is required to pick up tickets.

Are kids required to buy tickets?

Yes, there is a special child ticket price.

I've lost my tickets, or they've been stolen? Can I still come to the show?

Lost tickets will not be replaced by Libbey Bowl without proof of purchase and seat location.   If tickets are stolen, guests should provide proof of purchase and a police report to the Libbey Bowl Box Office. New tickets will be printed.

Am I allowed to resell tickets?

On-site resale (scalping) of tickets for any event at Libbey Bowl is strictly prohibited