Thousand Oaks Reads: One City One Book

Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb.

About the Book

When he is asked to authenticate a newly discovered piece from famed 20th-century composer Frederick Delaney, Bern Hendricks uncovers clues that indicate Delaney may have had help composing his most successful work, which makes him a target of a powerful organization who will stop at nothing to keep their secret hidden. 

Get a copy of the book!

About the Author

Brendan Slocumb was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and holds a degree in music education (with concentrations in violin and viola) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For more than twenty years he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with orchestras throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The Violin Conspiracy is his debut work as a novelist, followed by Symphony of Secrets. His third novel, The Dark Maestro, will be published in May 2025.

An Afternoon with Brendan Slocumb

Sunday, April 27, 2025 •2:00 PM

BAPAC Fred Kavli Theater

Join us for an inspiring conversation with bestselling author and musician Brendan Slocumb. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him discuss his journey from musician to novelist, the power of music in storytelling, and the inspirations behind his work.  

This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Have a question for Brendan Slocumb? Now’s your chance to ask!

Whether you're curious about his writing process or the inspiration behind Symphony of Secrets, submit your questions, and we’ll cover as many as time allows during the live event.

Submit a question

Save the date for engaging programs inspired by the book!

Little Phat Band: After-Hours Concert

Saturday, March 22, 2025 •7:00 PM

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Kick off this year’s One City, One Book with Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band, featuring nine of L.A.’s finest musicians. 

This ensemble delivers the dynamic energy of its internationally acclaimed counterpart, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Enjoy an after-hours concert at the library featuring a range of styles, from swing to funk to Latin to pop. 

This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served

Ventura College Jazz Band

Saturday, April 5, 2025 • 2:00 PM

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Join Fundi Legohn, Director of the Ventura College Jazz Band, and his students for a dynamic performance of classic jazz from different eras.

They’ll explore the musical styles and social influences of each period, while also adding modern day rhythmic twists to engage younger listeners. 

This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Cal Lutheran Jazz Combo  

Saturday, April 12 • 2:00 PM 

Grant R. Brimhall Library  

Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz with the Cal Lutheran Jazz Combo! This talented group of musicians from California Lutheran University will perform a mix of classic and contemporary jazz.

This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Cal Lutheran Faculty Discussion

Thursday, April 17 • 7:00 PM 

California Lutheran University  

Lundring Events Center 

Professors explore unique perspectives and offer thoughtful responses to the many themes and issues presented in “Symphony of Secrets” by Brendan Slocumb. 

This event is FREE. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Glass Music Sheet Pendants 

Friday, April 18 • 2:30pm – 4:00PM 

Newbury Park Library 

Friday, April 25 • 2:30pm – 4:00PM 

Grant R. Brimhall Library 

Adults are invited to join us at the Library to socialize and make a craft! Materials provided. Seating is limited. Registration required.

Los Robles Children's Choir

Saturday, April 19 • 2:00 PM 

Grant R. Brimhall Library 

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled Singalong, featuring live piano accompaniment and singers from Los Robles Children's Choir. Get ready for an afternoon of joyful singing for all ages! 

Spring Break Movie: Soul

Wednesday, April 23 • 1:00 PM  

Grant R. Brimhall Library 

Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.  

Rated PG, 1h 40m, Disney Pixar, 2020. 

Qello & Create: DIY Album Cover Art

Saturday, April 26 • 2:00pm – 4:00PM 

Newbury Park Library Art Gallery  

Express your creativity! We'll provide all the art supplies for you to collage a recycled CD and create a DIY custom album cover with your own Polaroid picture.

Stop by for a fun afternoon with light refreshments and live music streamed from Qello Concerts by Stingray!

Space is limited. Registration required. 

Story Slam

Friday, April 25, 2025 • 6:30 PM 

Grant R. Brimhall Library

Calling All Storytellers! Get ready for the Thousand Oaks Library Story Slam! Writers 18+ are invited to submit a story inspired by music, family history, discovery, or secrets — what tale will you tell? 

The top 8 storytellers will take the stage on Friday, April 25 for a live reading! Audience favorite will win a $50 gift card.

Submission guidelines:

Stories must be able to be read in under seven minutes and be between 1,000-2000 words.

Story content must be library appropriate.

Email to: info@tolibrary.org with the subject heading “Story Slam.”

Print: Submit entry in-person at the Information Desk

Entries must include your name and contact information.

Deadline: April 11, 2025.

Selected authors will be notified on April 18, 2025.

Have a question for Brendan Slocumb? Now’s your chance to ask!

Whether you're curious about his writing process or the inspiration behind Symphony of Secrets, submit your questions, and we’ll cover as many as time allows during the live event.

Submit a question