Ventura Music Festival Special Event with Linda Purl

The Ventura Music Festival announces an exciting new annual Cabaret program designed to feature an outstanding singer, honor an individual distinguished by his/her contributions to the arts and community, and benefit the VMF Young Artists Fund.

The 2016 honoree is Steven Z. Perren, Justice of the California Court of Appeal in the Second District. Calling him a “dedicated crusader,” the LA Times documented his efforts on behalf of young offenders, a commitment that was marked publicly in Ventura County by naming the (then new) Juvenile Justice Center after him.

Justice Perren is a strong supporter of the arts, especially area music groups, including VMF where he serves on the Board. He is also a gifted singer, appearing frequently with the Rubicon, Opera Santa Barbara and Cabrillo Music Theatre, among others.

VMF is launching the Cabaret with Linda Purl, the celebrated singer and actress. Television audiences know her from recent dramatic turns in True Blood and Homeland. In the theater, she’s had numerous roles on and off-Broadway and starred regionally in productions of the Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory,

Ensemble Theatre Company in Santa Barbara and Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre. As to her cabaret act, while Clive Davis called her mesmerizing, LA Weekly’s Tom Provenzano wrote: Purl is a sultry nightclub star with a show that combines intimate stories, humor and delicious song styling. To inaugurate the VMF Cabaret series,

Purl will bring her new Midnight Caravan salute to the great female singing stars of the ’40s and ’50s, from Ella Fitzgerald to Judy Garland to Rosemary Clooney.

Tribute sponsorship options are available ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and Tribute messages at $100.

Cabaret dinner reservation and sponsor information is available at www.venturamusicfestival/cabaret.php