Ojai Library to Celebrate 100th Birthday

The Ojai Library will celebrate 100 years of community service with a blues-dance bash Saturday at the oak tree-studded setting of Libbey Bowl.

The Birthday Blues Benefit Concert will feature the San Francisco-based Johnny Nocturne Band--a nine-piece ensemble specializing in a high-octane blend of blues, jazz, R&B; and swing.

A dance floor will be available for those so motivated.

Led by the powerful vocals of Brenda Boykin and a full horn section, the Rounder Records recording artists will perform from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

The centennial celebration will also include an intermission program entitled “Not Strictly Ballroom,” portraying the history of the library through a variety of dance forms. A team of dancers perform waltzes, the Charleston, Mambo, Lindy Hop and country and western styles. A children’s dance ensemble remembers Michael Jackson’s 1985 library visit with a Hip Hop routine.

Tickets are $10, $5 for kids 12 and under. Proceeds will go toward purchasing books for all three Ojai Valley Libraries. Libby Bowl is at Ojai Avenue and Signal Street, Ojai. For more information, call 646-1639.