by: Jessi Hafer

There are lots of great events to check out this weekend!

Theatre Ventoux opens the play Childe Byron on Friday, November 16. Performances are held at the beautifully remodeled Severance Building in the Tower District (Floradora and Wishon) on Fridays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm through December 9. The play explores the complexities of a father-daughter relationship between Romantic poet Lord Byron and mathematician Ada Lovelace (one of the founders of computing), whose relationship was never allowed to develop. Director Lisa Mercier-Taber said she was “very drawn to the challenge of portraying these people as honestly as possible.” Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. For more information, visit theatreventoux.net.

Armen Nalbandian is releasing his highly anticipated CDs at a CD release party held at the Fresno Art Museum on Saturday, November 17. You can pick up either (or both!) his beautifully experimental solo CD (Young Kings Get Their Heads Cut Off - see our November issue for the review!) or the new Armen Nalbandian Trio recording (Manchester Born), featuring Nalbandian with drummer Brian Hamada and bassist Kevin Hill. Tickets for the CD release party are $7, with a reception at 6pm and the performance at 7pm. I've had the privilege of listening to both CDs already, and they're both fantastic!

Patrick Contreras and the American Gypsy Experience is presenting their final 2007 performance on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 7pm at the Fresno City College Theater. Ticket's are $15 general admission and $10 for students, available at the Fresno City Box Office. If you didn't catch Contreras' fantastic performances at the Tower Theatre, Arte Americas, or the Warnor Theater, this is your last chance this year to see that you've been missing! Eva Scow, local gospel singer Valerie Salcedo, The Super Lucky Catz, Selin, and Samba Dancers will also be featured.

The Fresno Philharmonic is presenting Mozart's Amazing Voyage on Sunday, November 18 at 2:30 pm at the Saroyan Theatre Downtown. This family matinee program presents the story of Mozart's son as he learns about the life and music of his father. This award-winning production is a great introduction to those new to Mozart (kids and grown-ups alike), and it is sure to enchant Mozart enthusiasts too! Tickets are just $10-$15. The Fresno Philharmonic has been having a great season, so now's the perfect time to experience the quality and momentum of this magnetic orchestra.