Topanga Days – Ozomatli & Jefferson Starship To Headline Over Memorial Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of Topanga Days

Topanga Days is back, and being a four-year Topanga resident, I look forward to this event every year. I can’t think of a better way to spend Memorial Day weekend. In its 44th year, this three-day family-friendly festival and fundraiser continues to draw a diverse group of people with its eclectic mix of musical acts, as well as activities that are fun for all ages. You’ll experience the work of local artists while feasting on delicious food from local vendors, including BBQ, Pizza, Mexican, Thai and Vegan. There will also be beer, wine and  the popular sangria bar.

According to the press release, this year’s musical lineup features the enduring 70’s psychedelic rock band Jefferson Starship on Saturday, May 27th at 5:30 pm and L.A’s legendary Ozomatli on Sunday, May 28th at 5:30 pm. Ozomatli is named for the Aztec god of dance, fire and music. The group was formed in L.A. in 1995. Their politically charged lyrics advocating social justice are delivered with their signature fusion of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap and more.

The festival  will also have over 25 musical acts including: The Brothers Gage, Deb Ryder, Few Miles South, Greenhorn Brothers, Hard Shine Blues Band, Kummerspeck, No Small Children, Raised on T.V., Solution, The Blue Dolphins, Venice and Whiskey Sunday.

For those of you who love parades, you do not want to miss the outrageous and whacky Memorial Day parade which has a stream of floats, cars, horses, dogs, kids, fire trucks and more. This year’s Grand Marshal is actress Wendy Malick, best known for her starring roles in Hot Cleveland and Just Shoot Me.  Ms Malick will lead the parade of dancing, prancing and singing in tribute to those in the armed forces who gave their lives for their country. The parade ends at the entrance of Topanga Community Center where the festival continues with a flag raising ceremony honoring members of the military. Local teen powerhouse Gabbi Beauvals will sing the National Anthem.

Topanga Days Festival Prices are: Single Day Pass: Adults $15 for TCC members/$25 for non-members; Seniors (65+) $15 and Kids (ages 6-12) $15 (Except Saturday-$5 for member kids) Kids Ages 5 & under: Free. Military with ID $15 (Except Monday- free)

A 3 Day Pass is $40 for Adults that are TCC members/$60 non members; Kids (6-12) $30 for TCC members/$40 non-members.  The event is located on the grounds of the Topanga Community Center at 14409 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga CA 90290. For inquires please email: events@TopangaCommunityClub.com or call 310-455-1980. For more information and tickets, please visit

Parking is available on the street with free shuttle service. Limited handicapped parking is provided on the Community House Ground.

Joan Alperin

About Joan Alperin

Joan was born in Brooklyn and spent many years working as an actress in New York City. Even though she traveled extensively, Joan couldn't imagine living anywhere else.. Well one day, she met someone at a party who regaled her with stories about living in L. A. specifically Topanga Canyon. A few weeks later she found herself on an airplane bound for Los Angeles. Joan immediately fell in love with the town and has been living here for the last twenty years and yes, she even made it to Topanga Canyon, where she now resides, surrounded by nature, deer, owls and all kinds of extraordinary alien creatures.. Joan continued acting, but for the last several years (besides reviewing plays and film) she has been writing screenplays. Joan was married to a filmmaker who created the cult classic films, (way before she knew him) Faces of Death. As a result of his huge following, they created a funny movie review show entitled Two Jews on Film, where Joan and her husband, John would review movies and rate them with bagels You can see their reviews by going to youtube.com/twojewsonfilm. Although it's now only one Jew - Joan is occasionally joined by her beautiful Pekingnese and Japanese Chin.
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