Strawberry Festival gets in the swing with top entertainment

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the E Family featuring Sheila E are among the many musical acts playing at the 25th anniversary California Strawberry Festival, open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun., May 17 and 18 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard.

Two stages will continuously host a variety of performances throughout the weekend, including tribute bands. Concerts are included free with festival admission.

The schedule for May 17 is as follows.

•Festival Stage: 10:30 a.m. Relish (blues rock); noon, Big Adventure (progressive rock); 1:30 p.m. Michael John and The Bottom Line (guitar blues); 3:10 p.m. Caught Red Handed (country); 5 p.m. Light (Journey tribute).

•Dr. Kato Stage: 11 a.m. Bluz Boys (jump swing); 12:50 p.m. Raymond Michael's Tribute to Elvis; 2:45 p.m. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (swing band); 4:45 p.m. Blowin' Smoke with Larry "Fuzzy" Knight (big band blues).

Following is the line up for May 18.

•Festival Stage: 10:30 a.m. Uncle Monkey (beach band); noon, Jeanne Tatum & Co. (smooth rhythm & blues); 1:30 p.m. Savor (Santana tribute); 3:10 p.m. Skinny Little Twits (classic rock); 5 p.m. Acadiana with Teresa Russel (zydeco cajun).

•Dr. Kato Stage: 11 a.m. Lil' Elmo (50s, 60s show band); 12:50 p.m. Latin Rhythm Kings (featuring Cannibal and the Headhunters, Rudy and Steve Salas of Tierra); 2:45 p.m. Sheila E and the E Family featuring Pete Escovedo, Juan Escovedo and Peter Michael (pop, R&B, Latin jazz); 4:45 p.m. Queen Nation (Queen tribute).

Children have their own entertainment in Strawberryland For Kids at the "Jest in Time" tent theater with puppet shows, comedy, juggling, magic and more. Television character Strawberry Shortcake will make appearances.

The festival also includes food vendors, strawberry delights, fine arts & crafts vendors, rides, gooey contests, and more.

Admission ranges from $5 to $12 and proceeds benefit 20 Southland charities. Children four and under are free.

The "Strawberry Express" offers free park and ride shuttle service from several locations. On site parking is free.

For more information, call (888) 288-9242 or visit www. strawberry-fest.org.