Donation will help bring music to Camarillo

Musical entertainment has been provided by the Camarillo Arts Council during the Summer Concert in the Park Series for almost 20 years. From June through early September, the all-volunteer members seek out and contract with various performers to perform at the stage at Constitution Park on Carmen, next to City Hall. Each year thousands of people bring their families and friends and enjoy the performers. I am proud to be on the board of the Arts Council. I love music and Camarillo.

The concerts have grown from a few lights and microphones with a small stage to concert presentations that rival some of the professional venues in L.A., Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Complete stage lighting, professional sound and spotlights are provided for some of the more famous artists such as the Gin Blossoms, Steve Tyrell, Bobby Caldwell, world class rockers and jazz artists such as the The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, Richard Elliot and Greg Karukis.

Each year the people of Camarillo receive a request for contributions in their water/refuse bill, usually in March and April. If each household contributed only $35, which is tax deductible, we could have a large amount of money to attract entertainers who you might think we could never get. We obtain a portion of our budget from donations from the audience at each show also.

Who do you want to see without having to drive to L.A. or Santa Barbara, bring your dinner, beverages of any kind and enjoy free parking? You could see LeAnn Rimes, Michael McDonald, Martina McBride, Michael Bubie, the Doobie Brothers- the list is virtually endless. How about Barry Manilow, Hall & Oates, Natalie Cole?

For the teenagers, maybe Fall Out Boy, Dashboard Confessional, Foo Fighters, the Goo Goo Dolls and solo artists can perform.

You and your neighbors can make these shows happen. We couldn't afford all the entertainers in one summer. Each year, we could afford one or two "big name" performers with the wonderful variety of local talent such as the Moorpark Symphony, Raymond Michael as Elvis, country, blues, rock 'n' roll and popular entertainers.

Next spring, please set aside $35 and mail it in the envelope with your water/refuse bill. For the price of one ticket, you will be helping the council provide you with world class entertainment in our beautiful city. Robert Capellini Camarillo