Offbeat Outings to Ojai
After 10 years at other area locations, the Ojai Mardi Gras celebration marks its 30th anniversary back at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club fittingly on Leap Day, February 29, as the venue hosted the first public event on Leap Day in 1992. This year’s Masquerade Ball carries the theme “Naughty Gras… Leap into your Fantasy,” featuring hundreds of costumed revelers dancing to the R&B, funk, Cajun, and Zydeco rhythms performed by The Ojai Mardi Gras Band, featuring a veritable Who’s Who of local luminaries, plus witnessing such annual traditions as the Coronation of the King & Queen, Tossing of the Beads, and a Costume Contest along with art installations and festive decorations by the Mardi Gras Art Fools directed by Lucy Roadarmel. Admission is $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Call (805) 646-7843 or visit www.ojaiconcertseries.com.
Ojai Valley Improv welcomes Ventura Improv Company in both ensembles’ first-ever improv comedy mash-up/meet-up. Expect wacky games, groan-inducing puns, sticky situations, musical mayhem, and much more when the two experienced companies compete against one another in a ComedySportz-style extravaganza where everything is made up on the spot via suggestions from the audience. All proceeds from the 7 pm show on Saturday, February 29, benefit The Ojai Art Center Theater Branch. Get the $10 tickets at the door or online at www.ojaiact.org/store/p192/improvshow.