Courtesy photo Lipizzaner stallions

[ movie screenings ] 1. Ojai Film Society's new series is shining a light on notable music makers, starting with the Rolling Stones

The Ojai Film Society promises cinematic sound in triplicate this month: "Music, Music, Music," a series of documentaries featuring a disparate bunch of tune makers.

The real treat, however, might be getting to know the people and stories behind the music: an aging but vibrant legendary band of 60-year-old rockers, a forgotten Cuban foursome likened to the Beatles, 80-year-olds who sing the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated," and a songwriter who humbles Ojai's Perla Batalla and U2's Bono.

Meet, or get reintroduced to, the Rolling Stones, Los Zafiros, the Young@Heart Chorus and Leonard Cohen.

The series, an OFS fundraiser, will feature the following screenings at 4:30 p.m. Sundays:

"Shine a Light," Sunday. "We cannot set Mick Jagger on fire!" director Martin Scorsese says in this 2008 film that follows the rockers during a concert two years ago in New York City. He was referring to the lighting arrangements, but Jagger et al., of course, are still on fire.

"Los Zafiros: Music from the Edge of Time," July 13. Los Zafiros (The Sapphires) was a popular Cuban combo in the 1960s and '70s that sang a mix of doo-wop, salsa, soul and Afro-Cuban music. The film's creator, Lorenzo DeStefano, who will participate in a Q-and-A session after the film, said, "As I researched this story of the Beatles of 1960s postrevolutionary Cuba, my appreciation deepened for the Cuban spirit in all its incarnations."

"Young@Heart," July 20: "Rock 'n' roll will never die" was the slogan for this film that follows a group of singing senior citizens from Massachusetts who prepare for a concert.

"Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," July 27: Ojai singers Batalla and Julie Christensen, who toured with Cohen as backup singers and perform in the film as part of a tribute concert, will participate in a postscreening Q-and-A. The documentary also includes interviews with and performances of Cohen songs.

Screenings will take place at the Ojai Theatre, 145 E. Ojai Ave. Tickets to each show cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For information, call 646-8946 or visit http://www.filmsociety.ojai.net.

[ historical broadcast ]

2. Good night again, Gracie

In 1940, Gracie Allen ran for president — on the Surprise Party ticket. The "campaign" was part of a radio gag with her broadcast partner, hubby George Burns. So it's appropriate that in this presidential-picking year, the historical Dudley House in Ventura, which will be open Friday for Independence Day and Sunday for its monthly open house, will feature a 1940 Burns and Allen broadcast, along with Louis Armstrong recordings, as part of its Historic Recording Series. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Ashwood Avenue and Loma Vista Road. Free. 644-3286.

[ model behavior ]

3. Bottled-up boats

The ship is in — but how did it get there? Find out how to put a boat into a bottle during model shipbuilding classes at the Ventura County Maritime Museum. "Master modeler" Bob Little will teach two classes, each lasting two Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and July 12, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 19 and 26, 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. Each two-class session costs $59. 654-6459.

[ suPEr stallions ]

4. Horse power

Stumble over the name "Lipizzaner" if you will, but watch these magnificent horses and you'll see that they are exemplars of equestrian grace and elegance. The "world-famous" Lipizzaner stallions and their riders will perform in Ventura at 7:30 p.m. July 10. The 38th anniversary edition of the show includes quadrilles (military drills set to music), dressage and Airs Above the Ground (a series of leaping maneuvers). Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd. $20.50-$22.50. 800-882-8258 or http://www.tickets.com.

[ harbor workout ]

5. Seaside sprint

Get those limbs moving at the third annual Ventura Harbor Lights Summer Sprint Series. The six-week family fitness program, to take place Wednesday evenings through Aug. 13, will feature a variety of athletic events each week: a 5K run, a 1K kids' run, an aquathon (swimming and running) and an easy stroll. Post-exercise activities include live entertainment, a kids' zone, and a health expo with information, vendors and giveaways. Registration ranges from $25 for one evening to $100 for the series, with discounts for children and seniors. Proceeds benefit youth sports teams. http://www.nstepevents.com.