Namba News
KPPQ’s Ventura Vibe! Checks In with NAMBA
KPPQ’s Ventura Vibe! checks in with NAMBA for an update on our downtown Ventura performing arts space and its continuing role in the local arts community.
Transatlantic Talent: Spanish guitarist Diego Garcia will bring his far-reaching influences to Ventura this weekend
VC Reporter profiles Spanish guitarist Diego García, aka Twanguero, and the far-reaching influences he brought to an intimate performance at NAMBA in Ventura.
VC Reporter: Local Musicians Rally in Support of NAMBA
VC Reporter looks at three Ventura-area musicians coming together in support of NAMBA and the intimate Downtown Ventura stage they have helped make part of the local arts community.
VC Reporter Goes Behind the Scenes with Ventura Improv Company
VC Reporter goes behind the scenes with Ventura Improv Company, exploring the craft of making comedy on the spot and its continuing home at NAMBA in downtown Ventura.
Bloomsday Brings Love, Memory and Joyce to Ventura
VC Reporter takes a closer look at Steven Dietz’s Bloomsday, a time-bending story of love, memory and second chances staged at NAMBA in downtown Ventura.
Scotland’s Skyrie Brings Celtic Music to the 805
VC Reporter spotlights Scotland’s Skyrie and the contemporary Celtic sound the trio brought to NAMBA, mixing Scottish and Irish traditions with a modern edge.
VC Reporter: Donna Lynn Caskey Celebrates Tiny Victories
VC Reporter profiles Ventura-area “Banjo Gal” Donna Lynn Caskey and Tiny Victories, her third album of original clawhammer banjo songs rooted in resilience, hope and old-time tradition.
Scottish Fish Brings Celtic Music to Ventura County
VC Reporter spotlights Boston Celtic quintet Scottish Fish and the lively blend of Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle music they brought to NAMBA in downtown Ventura.
VC Reporter: Ventura’s Whole Hog Goes All In at NAMBA
VC Reporter profiles Ventura bluegrass band Whole Hog and the spirited mix of bluegrass, Americana, Irish music and western swing they brought to the NAMBA stage.
NAMBA Makes Waves with the SPLASH Playwright’s Festival
VC Reporter explores NAMBA’s Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, which brings emerging artists, adventurous new theater and diverse stories from the Hollywood Fringe Festival to Ventura.
SPLASH Festival Brings Hollywood Fringe Standouts to Ventura
The Ventura Breeze spotlights NAMBA’s 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, bringing acclaimed Hollywood Fringe productions and adventurous new theater to Ventura.
Opera Meets Rock: Zeinapur Brings Cathedral Rock to NAMBA
VC Reporter profiles Zeinapur, the soprano-and-guitar duo blending opera and rock into their self-described “cathedral rock” sound for a performance at NAMBA in Ventura.
Kray Van Kirk Brings the Hero’s Journey to NAMBA
VC Reporter profiles singer-songwriter Kray Van Kirk, whose finger-style guitar, Celtic-rooted folk and modern mythology brought the hero’s journey to NAMBA in Ventura.
Three April Nights, Many Ways Into the Arts at NAMBA
The Ventura Breeze spotlighted a wide-ranging April at NAMBA, with folk, Celtic music, blues-rock, classes, workshops and community events sharing one downtown Ventura stage.
Hiroya Tsukamoto Finds a World of Sound in Six Strings
VC Reporter profiles Kyoto-born fingerstyle guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto, whose richly textured music blends Japanese influences, folk, jazz and storytelling on the NAMBA stage in Ventura.
Baila Nova Brings a Brazilian Vintage Revival to Ventura
VC Reporter spotlights Baila Nova and its Brazilian Vintage Revival, blending bossa nova, samba and Latin grooves for an intimate performance at NAMBA in Ventura.
Ventura Vibe! Talks NAMBA, Community and the Power of Performance
Ventura Vibe! host Nadine Piche talks with NAMBA Executive Director Tamara Varney about the collaborative performing arts space and its place in downtown Ventura’s creative community.
NAMBA’s SPLASH Festival Gives Emerging Playwrights the Stage
VC Reporter explores NAMBA’s Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival and its mission to bring emerging playwrights, culturally diverse voices and adventurous new theater to Ventura.
Italy’s Ensemble Sangineto Brings Old-World Folk Into the Present
VC Reporter profiles Italy’s Ensemble Sangineto, whose mix of Italian folk, Celtic traditions, Gregorian influences and unusual acoustic instruments came to NAMBA in Ventura.
Our History
Namba’s Origins date back to November 2013 when, under the direction of Pamela Pilkenton and Cathy Butter, ALOFT dancers performed “Clara Cries Nuts” in an art studio loft. Though the production was largely a success, at least one audience member, Julia Campbell-Namba, was underwhelmed by the venue and believed that these dancers could have a great influence on the community in a more accessible, professional theatre.
Julia and Pam began talks which led to the creation of Aloft Dancetheatre, Inc. a 501(c)3 corporation. Next they needed a venue. They spent the better part of a year searching for an appropriate space. Finally, and with generous funding provided by Julia and Ben Namba, a transformative renovation, from retail storefront to performing arts space, began at 47 South Oak Street in Ventura’s downtown historic cultural arts district.
Over the years, Namba has presented hundreds of events. This creative space has presented a diverse array of Music, Dance, Theater, Comedy, Civic and Community happenings.
Thousands of students and arts enthusiasts alike have passed through the doors to enjoy and participate in performances, classes or workshops. The history of NAMBA is filled not just with the hearts of performers, participants, staff and audience, but also with the generosity of NAMBA Patrons, Ben and Julia Campbell Namba.
Julia, significant supporter of Ventura’s Arts Scene and deeply committed to preserving Performing Arts in the community, remains a constant force of creative ingenuity within the NAMBA mission. The “Namba” name emblazoned on the studio space is one way Julia honors her husband, Ben, who now lives with Alzheimer Disease but has always shared her great appreciation for the arts.
Namba’s legacy is ~ and always will be ~ Ben’s legacy too.
On March 20, 2019, the NAMBA Board voted to have the 501c3 nonprofit corporation filed with California’s Secretary of State legal name change from ALOFT Dance to the “Namba Performing Arts Space.”
And so the History of NAMBA continues to shine with the sparkle of a dream that is to create a performing arts space filled with theater, music, dance, a thriving art community and education!
A Note on Health and Safety
The well-being of our patrons, artists, staff members and community is paramount. An inherent health risk exists in any public space where people are present. By attending Namba Performing Arts Space, you expressly agree to comply with any and all rules and safety guidelines put in place by the event organizers, and voluntarily assume all risks, waiving all claims and potential claims against the event organizers, and their affiliated companies relating to such risks. Questions or concerns? Contact Executive Director Tamara Varney via email. Updated August 1, 2024.