Ojai festival dedicated to the sounds of classic rock

The fourth annual Ojai Rock Fest '08, featuring Liverpool artist Jackie Lomax, the first musician to sign with Apple Records, is scheduled from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 12 at downtown Ojai's Libbey Bowl.

This event is a benefit for the Easter Seals TriCounties Aquatics Center and the Ojai Performing Arts Theater.

A vendor's faire will offer a variety of food, handmade goods, tie-dyes, clothing and jewelry for sale.

Ojai singer/songwriter Al Westcott, Janis Joplin impersonator Lori-An Ryan, and Doug Bounsall, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle player, are scheduled to perform during intermissions.

Attendees are encouraged to bring percussion instruments to participate in a drum circle led by "Papa" John Enriquez.

The music begins at noon with Hollywood Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute band, followed by funky jam aficionados Freshly Baked. Next up is The Mighty Cash Cats, a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter, and RetroTull of Orange County, a tribute to Jethro Tull.

Jackie Lomax and his band will provide a rare midday performance. Lomax has been called "one of the best white R&B/soul voices and songwriters to have come out of the '60s and '70s." George Harrison wrote the song "Sour Milk Sea" for the Liverpool rocker, and was the producer for Lomax's Apple Records release "Is This What You Want?"

The festival concludes with Led Zeppelin tribute band MissLed and Grateful Dead tribute band Cubensis.

All-day in-and-out access is permitted for ticket holders. Coolers, low-profile lawn chairs, blankets, and audio/ video recording equipment are permitted. No glass or outside alcohol is allowed.

All-day passes for adults are $20 in advance and available at Salzers Records in Ventura, Attitude Adjustment Shoppe and Local Hero Bookstore in Ojai, Infusion in Simi Valley, online at www.howardpresents.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Children 10 years old and under are free.

For more information, call (805) 640-9014 or visit the website above.