Podcast

OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

Who’s from Ojai?

HOST AND PRODUCER: Emily Praetorius

An in-depth look into the 77th Ojai Music Festival (June 8 – 11, 2023), curated by Music Director Rhiannon Giddens. Special guest Artistic and Executive Director Ara Guzelimian will give us some insights into the creation of this year’s festival programming and background on some of the pieces being played.

Music

TRACE

Who’s from Ojai?

COMPOSER/PRODUCER: Will Thomas

This album, a collaboration with cellist Helen Money, showcases Thomas’s exceptional production skills and his ability to create mesmerizing soundscapes that gradually unfold over the course of eleven immersive compositions. From the haunting atmospheres of “Someone Out There” and “Boulevard in Silence,” Thomas’s sonic craftsmanship takes listeners on a captivating journey reminiscent of abandoned industrial landscapes. Thomas’s sonic palette continues to impress with the ethereal combination of muted piano and poignant cello lines in tracks like “Half Asleep” and “Half Awake.” “Thieves” showcases Thomas’s versatility as he merges dynamic syncopation with distorted cello harmonics, resulting in a unique fusion of genres. Regardless of how you experience it, “Trace” solidifies Will Thomas’s role as a visionary producer and composer, leaving an indelible impression on the listener.

Video

REGENERATE OJAI

Who’s from Ojai?

FILMMAKERS: Josh and Rebecca Tickell

STARRING: Conner Jones, David White, Vera Long, Shannan Marie, Raven Marie, Peggy LaCerra, Andy Hernandez, Christine Sposato, Steve Sprinkel, and more

"Regenerate Ojai" is a 30-minute documentary film by Rebecca and Josh Tickell, presented by Big Picture Ranch and Environmental Working Group (EWG), and narrated by Academy Award Winner Laura Dern. The film exposes shocking truths about pesticide exposure in Ojai, California, including the fact that over 5.7 million pounds of toxic pesticides are sprayed annually next to residences, schools, and public areas, posing a significant health risk. People interviewed in the film recount their experiences after exposure, including pets dying, cancers, blindness, and birth defects. The film calls for a public pesticide notification system, farmers to switch to organic growing methods, and schools to buy directly from local and organic farmers to safeguard the health of students and staff.

Executive Produced by: Big Picture Ranch Environmental Working Group Transition to Organics Anna Oster Mark Sims Eliza & Bill Moses

Co-Produced by: Stacy Ruppel

Cinematographers: Chance Forman, Simon Balderas & Joaquim Pujol

Editors: Ryan A. Nichols, Anthony Ellison & Jeff Pinilla

Sound: Jason Martinez

AUSTRALIAN NATIVES X EMBERS ONLY

Who’s from Ojai?

FILMMAKER: Kate Pepper

STARRING: Cade Stephens and Jo O’Connell

A fun promo video for Australian Natives’ Spring Plant Sale May 6. Kate n’ Cade will be there, slinging sausages.

Cover: Anmol Arora from Unsplash