Ventura Music Scene 3/4/26 – 3/17/26

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Music scene artwork

When St. Patrick’s Day falls mid-week (Monday – Thursday), it’s a bit of a gamble on where to go to celebrate if you want live music. And whether you’re a true-blue Irish person honoring the patron saint of Ireland, or you just love wearing a kilt and drinking green beer there will be plenty to do. The Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade traditionally kicks off festivities the Saturday before (or on) St. Patrick’s day, so this year it rolls down Main Street (Lincoln to Fir) on March 14, four days before the official holiday. Some venues have parties on Saturday, others on Sunday and even a limited number of venues including the Boatyard Pub on St Patrick’s Day. But if you’ve never made it out for the parade, do yourself a favor and gather up friends and family and support this family-friendly event which begins at 10 am. This year’s theme is “Catch the Leprechaun Spirit” and honors former Ventura Mayor and four-term Councilmember, Brian Brennan as Grand Marshall.

Photo of Pam Baumgardner with bagpiperThe highly popular post-parade party at the Grape hosts the Two Trees Jazz Project on Saturday (2 pm). The punker crowd competes with the Grape with a show (same time) at Vaquero y Mar with Preachers & Pornstars, Yeah Right, All-a-Blue, SRA, Pito Paqueet and Ro Sham Bo. Then at 3 pm it’s the Pipes at Winchesters. Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if a band of bagpipers appear for short sets of Irish tunes throughout the area (including Dargan’s with their line around the block) from either the Gold Coast Bagpipes, A Pint of Irish, or the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes and Drums who will gladly pose for a selfie photo op with you.

The Ojai Libbey Bowl has updated their website promoting their music line up: the Psychedelic Furs on May 31, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers on June 18, Dawes & Friends on June 26, Grateful Shred on August 1, Gipsy Kings on August 12, Ani DiFranco (where has she been???) on Friday August 14, Cat Power on August 18, Kamasi Washington on September 12, and two shows with Big Thief on September 19 and 20 with the first night already sold out. Find out more at LibbeyBowl.org.

Quick Notes: the 311 show at the Ventura is Wednesday, March 4, is sold out; renowned cellist, Ian Maksin’s Songs of the Vagabond Cello performs at the Ojai Art Center on Saturday, March 7; Matterform plays at the Saloon’s Artist’s Brew on Wednesday, March 11; the Botanical Gardens hosts musical guests, A Pint of Irish on Sunday March 15 from 11 – 12:30 pm; the Monday Club dance party with Hot Roux is Monday, March 16, at the Masonic Center in Ventura; and Ozomatli was been added to the Ventura Music Hall line up for Saturday, March 21.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 2/18/26 – 3/3/26

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Music scene artwork

While celebrating Strey Cellars 12-year anniversary, Scott and Katie Ballew announced they’ve acquired Cantara Cellars/Flat Fish Brewing Co. and plan to build upon and brand it as their own moving forward as Camarillo Barrel Works and no worries, Strey Cellars will remain in Oxnard. Congratulations to Mike and Chris Brown on their retirement and a huge thank you for establishing Cantara Cellars so many years ago.

And speaking of rebranding, Fermentation House is ramping up on their acquisition of Four Brix in Ventura and continue their support of live music.

Hats off to Lucky Fool’s Pub in Moorpark for their professional promotion on their website and for booking more live music including Doc Rogers Band, 24 Strings, Teresa Russell, Strummed Down and Mack and D. I wish more venues did this.

The good folks at the Ventura Music Hall continue to book an eclectic mix of artists. The Sons of Legion show for February 21 is already sold out as are the two back-to-back nights for Thee Sinseers and the Altons on February 27 and 28. Recently added shows include Rich Kids on LSD and Good Riddance on April 11, Iam Tongi (Season 21 winner of American Idol) for April 17, and Collie Buddz for May 27.

photo of Baila Nova performance at Namba ArtsI am reminded once again after taking in the Baila Nova performance at Namba Arts how special listening rooms are. So, as a reminder, though wineries, breweries and smaller bars offer up live music, specifically our local solo and duo artists, there is nothing like paying the price of a ticket for a “listening room” experience where one is there to listen and not to socialize during performances. Namba Arts and The Ojai Underground are probably the best examples and neither charge exorbitant cover charges. I’ve seen frustrated artists who are playing to no one in a full room when at the end of a song, no one claps. It breaks my heart! The point? Attend a listening room performance and you’ll be grateful you did. Oh! And clap at the end of songs in bars.

Quick Notes: beginning Thursday, February 19, Winchesters will host weekly Ventura Dead Nights though May 31 featuring a rotating a cast of local musicians playing the jams of the Dead; weather permitting, Tony’s Pizzeria is ramping up their music schedule again; Chicago’s Bitchin’ Bajas play the Ojai Deer Lodge on Wednesday, February 18; Vaquero y Mar hosts the Neurotics, Spider Baby, SRA, Roshambo and Zippy Josh on Friday, February 20; Shawn Jones and Bernie Larsen team up for a show at the Ojai Underground on Friday, February 27; and the sold out Violent Femmes show at the Ventura Theater is Sunday, March 1.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 2/4/2026 – 2/17/2026

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
artwork

I’m sorry to have to squash the rumors, but Mark Hartley has no intention of reopening the Watermark anytime soon though painstaking efforts have been made to restore the woodwork and opulence of its former heyday. The venue will continue as a rental space for special events just in case you’re interested. The rumors started after the Hartleys hosted an invite-only party musicians’ reunion on Tuesday, January 27, where up to 17 local musicians performed upstairs and downstairs. Those performing included Todd Hannigan, Shawn Jones, Sam Bolle, Ed Berghoff, Guy Martin, Alvino Bennett, Nick St. Nicolas, Mario Calire, Lois Mahalia, Katie Skene, and so many more, all of whom donated their time to play. For me, the highlight of the evening was when the band jammed with Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf), and performed “Born to be Wild.”

Local musicians playing the Watermark
There are a couple of milestones to celebrate this month, including MadeWest Brewing’s 10th anniversary on Saturday, February 7, where live music will be provided by Big Tweed at their Donlon location in Ventura. Festivities include a beer release, food trucks, anniversary glasses and t-shirts for purchase while they last.

The following week, Strey Cellars celebrates their 12th year anniversary over the weekend of February 14 with 805 Social Club performing on Saturday, and Heathers on Fire on Sunday.

Superbowl Sunday, February 8, would be the reason why most venues have no live music. Subsequently, moving forward, more venues will have live music on Sundays with the football season be us.

Quick Notes:  Shawn Jones and Shane Alexander team up once again for a performance at Namba on Friday, February 6; Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth Wind and Fire lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Saturday, February 7; the Monday Club returns to the Masonic Center in Ventura with Hot Roux on February 9; ChopperFest returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds, Saturday, February 7, and as of press time, website still lives live bands as TBD; tickets are on sale now for Rich Kids on LSD and Good Riddance at the Ventura Music Hall on April 11; and as for the Ventura Theater, the Violent Femmes show is sold out for March 1, but tickets are currently still available for 311 for March 4, and Circle Jerks for May 22;

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

 

Ventura Music Scene 1/21/26 – 2/3/26

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
music scene artwork

The highly anticipated Delta by the Beach album release party will be held at the Grape on Wednesday, January 21. The blues band’s new album, “Cold Night Rainy Day,” features 12 new original songs. The evening will include a meet and greet, storytelling and a live performance with special guests including Carl Sonny Leyland, Fito Del La Parra, Jimmy Calire and more. But wait, that’s not all…the $10 admission includes a free raffle for band tee shirts, CDs, vinyl and more.

I See Hawks perform at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, January 31, promising an unforgettable evening of harmonies, storytelling and psychedelic twang. Formed in 1999, and with nine albums under their belt, the Hawks have topped the Freeform American Roots chart four times, hit the Americana and Euro Americana Top Ten, and shared stages with Lucinda Williams, Dave Alvin, Old 97’s, The Mavericks and more. Find out more at OjaiUnderground.com.

A big tip of the hat to the Ventura Music Hall for providing a place for deadheads to come together to celebrate the life of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, who died of lung cancer at the age of 78 on January 10. Ventura has always been a hotbed of Dead fans dating back decades, starting when the band played at the fairgrounds in 1982 (returning 87, 91, 92 & 95). Not all bands have such a community-based following, with so many bands paying tribute to their sound and continued tribute shows in high demand. The sold-out show included members of Cubensis, Jerry’s Middle Finger, The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’ and more. I suspect more tributes will follow.

Quick Notes: Brian Charette B3 Funk Party featuring Danny Carry of TOOL on drums returns to the Grape Friday, January 30; Winchesters hosts a double header with Cory B. Clay & the Twains at 3 pm followed by the Joe Marcinek Band at 7 with Katie Skene opening and sitting in with the band on Saturday, January 24; Vaquero y Mar hosts the Ventura Gypsy Jazz Jam on Wednesday, January 28; The English Beat plays the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, January 31; the Ventura County Concert Band plays a free concert of The Ventura High Auditorium on Sunday afternoon, February 1; the New West Symphony performs at the Performing Arts Center at Rancho Campana on Sunday, January 25, featuring the music of Rachmaninoff and Gershwin; tickets are on sale now for 311 at the Ventura Theater March 4; and Tommy Quayle performs Petty by the Campfire on Sunday, February 1, at Santa Paula’s Fermentation House; and speaking of which, Fermentation House acquired Anna’s Cider in Santa Paula awhile back and now it looks like they’re acquiring Four Brix in Ventura as well. Look for a possible name change in February.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 1/7/26 – 1/20/26

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
artwork

It’s a brand-new year and with it all the hopes and dreams for an even better future for all. I can’t help but look back at 2025 and take stock of accomplishments, goals met or missed and reminisce on the highs and lows. I found I did better with limited social media and divisive news stories. For me, time spent with good friends and live music has always been the antidote to stress in my life for as long as I can remember!

I may be preaching to the choir for a lot of Ventura Breeze readers about the benefits of taking in live music and dancing with whomever or even by yourself; but it never ceases to amaze me how many people I come across who never take in a concert, or frequent venues with live music, it’s truly shocking! If you happen to be one of those people who may be timid about dipping your toe in the proverbial music waters, I recommend a wine bar or local brewery where you can catch a singer/songwriter, it’s truly uplifting. And if you’re not ready for the “bar scene,” then try a dinner house such as Winchesters in Ventura or the Manhattan in Camarillo.

And, if you’re in the know about all the available live music, why not reach out and share the experience with someone who doesn’t know where to go or who to see. Not only will you help lift someone else’s spirits up, but you’re also bringing in more business for our local venues. We need to pack them because rent is high and musicians need to be paid! If we as paying customers don’t do our part, then there will be no live music or worse yet, venues will close their doors.

Ventura’s music scene continues to change. It’s not the same when I first started promoting live music on VenturaRocks.com back in 2009. Venues come and go, bands and artists are popular then they drop off the radar, venues are packed and then they’re not. But the bottom line is we only have a vibrant scene when people get out and support. Don’t forget, there are three elements to a music scene, the venues, the bands and us music lovers, together, we make Ventura Rock!

Quick Notes: Two tribute bands to check out at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, First Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo) on Saturday, January 10, and then Bee Gees Gold on Friday, January 16; you might want to snag tickets for Brian Charette B3 Funk Party featuring Danny Carey of Tool at the Grape for Friday, January 30 before they sell out; and finally Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar will be changing their name to KJ’s and promising live music Wednesday through Sunday.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 12/24/25 – 1/6/26

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
artwork for column

I want to wish Happy Holidays to one and all as we approach 2026. As you may or may not know, I started VenturaRocks.com in 2009 as a small way of helping when the economy took a hit and I wanted to inspire people to get out and spend money in venues who supported my favorite thing in the whole wide world, live music. A few years later in 2013 I was recruited by Sheldon Brown to write for the Ventura Breeze and with twelve years under my belt I haven’t missed a music scene deadline yet (knock on wood). So, to the community and to the Ventura Breeze, thanks for your continued support of live music!

Now on to New Year’s Eve festivities when most venues will be closing out 2025 in fine fashion. As you make your plans, I highly recommend calling the venue of your choice to find out if reservations are required, if there is a cover charge, and especially the hours they’ll be providing live music as some venues celebrate earlier with European New Year’s when the ball drops at 7 pm our time, or the East Coast timeline which is 9 pm as opposed to the most traditional time of midnight when it officially becomes 2026.

The Crowne Plaza has two parties in two different rooms, one with Mason’s Children, Katie Skene Band and Jax Plays Dead, and the other playing hit radio favorites with the Colette Lovejoy Band. Winchesters Grill & Saloon hosts Cory B. Clay & the Twains, Café Fiore has Heathers on Fire, The Garage with Operation 90s, Keynote has The Way, Gigi’s has Vault 13, the Shores with Ventu Park, Boatyard has Frank Barajas, Leashless with Jayden Secor, and it’s Nova Quartet at Twisted Oak in Camarillo. See listings for more or check out VenturaRocks.com as I add gigs almost daily.

If you’re not seeing one of your favorite venues then they may be offering up DJs such as Bombay’s, the Greek or the Ventura Music Hall who has Gimme Gimme Disco. And even comedy might be an option for you at the Rubicon or Strey Cellars. The bottom line is for you to call ahead and see what’s what.

By the way, a handful of venues will be closed as they are taking some well-deserved time off through the end of the year including The Grape, Four Brix and Cantara Cellars.

Quick Notes: The Ventura Music Hall calendar is filling up quickly with dates for 2026 including
Dave Wakeling’s English Beat on January 31, two nights for Thee Sinseers and The Altons, February 27 and 28, Silversun Pickups March 11, and Paul Thorn on April 10; Spider Baby, Neurotics, Boilerman will be playing a free show at Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar on Friday, January 2; and don’t forget to give your congratulations to Steve and Sally Williams who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary playing at Winchesters on Sunday, January 4.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 12/10/25 – 12/23/25

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Music scene artworkThe Rubicon logoHappy holidays one and all! There are several live music events to celebrate this special time of year with family and friends starting with The Rubicon Christmas Memories concert on Friday, December 12, featuring Rubicon students and alumni as well as Broadway celebrity guests David Burnham and Jennifer Leigh Warren. The following afternoon, on Saturday, December 13, it’s the Tiny Tots Concert where the kids can meet Santa, Rudolph and Frosty afterwards downstairs in the Rose Room (RubiconTheatre.org).

High Streets Art Center logoOver in Moorpark, the High Street Arts Center hosts Christmas Magic over the weekend of Friday December 12 through Sunday December 13 featuring teen and adult cast members from seasons past singing favorite holiday songs and telling the stories behind them. (HighStreetArtsCenter.com)

Vandals artworkIf you lean towards the punk end of the musical spectrum and embrace a wicked sense of humor, then you won’t want to miss The Vandal’s 30th Annual Christmas Formal at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, October 19, where I’m hoping to hear such underrated hits such as “Oi to the World, “ “My First Xmas (As a Woman),” and “Grandpa’s Last Christmas.”

Hot Roux’s Rock’n Holiday Show will be held at the Grape on Saturday afternoon (2 pm), December 20, featuring special guests, Katie Skene and Grammy-award winning guitarist, Albert Lee.

Ashford Gordon’s Christmas Show will be held on Sunday (4:30 -7:30), December 21, at Bombay Bar and Grill.

And the Spirit of Christmas Concert featuring the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra will be held on Sunday, December 21 at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. This one will include music from Frozen, Home Alone, The Polar Express and more (SimiValleyOrchestras.com).

Quick Notes:

Burch Studios is a Rock and Roll High Collective where budding musicians come together to form bands and write original songs as they develop their craft. Burch will then produce concerts where the artists have the chance to perform in front of an audience. The next one will be held at the Majestic Ventura Theatre on Friday, December 12. This is a great way to support and ensure our music scene never dies!

And finally, The Beat Farmers and their brand of “wreckless western” land at the Deer Lodge on Sunday, December 14 with John Surge and the Haymakers opening. If the Farmer’s ring a bell, then you’re most likely old enough to remember they were a big part of the 80’s roots/rock/Americana movement which included Los Lobos, The Blasters and Lone Justice back in the day.

The music scene column in the next issue of the Ventura Breeze will cover New Year’s Eve Parties, but if you want to plan ahead, then go to VenturaRocks.com/Weekly-Gigs.htm and search “NYE.”

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Music Scene 11/26/25 – 12/9/25

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Artwork

And just like that, the holiday season has begun! For me, it all starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving running into friends at several venues providing live music. This year, downtown Ventura will be the happening spot with DNA & Bloody Mary Morning at Tony’s Pizzeria, The Gamble at Winchesters, Kyle Brown at Gibson’s, Big Adventure at the Aqua Bar and Donna Greene at Café Fiore. Just a little down the road, midtown Ventura, the Guy Martin Band will be tearing it up at The Grape and if you find yourself in Ojai, then your best bet is the Deer Lodge where Redbone 2.0 carries on the 70s Native American rock band legacy (check for ticket availability).

Mandex logoAnd as for post-Thanksgiving plans, my money is on the Majestic Ventura Theater where Mandex will reunite for retro big-hair rock metal favorites along with Blackstar (Bowie covers) and A Rock Legend (Thin Lizzy covers). Don’t forget classic rockers Kansas will play there the following week on Wednesday, December 3.

click to buy ticketsThe social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk, is Saturday, December 6, with live music from Adelaide and the Pistol Blonde. I find snagging VIP tickets is the way to go, but if they’re all sold out, or you’re on a budget, then walking from venue to venue is a great way to bump into neighbors while checking out shops you may have overlooked in the past. The wine tasting event is a ticketed item but downtown will host a free holiday street fair which includes live music at the California and Main Street stage along with a traditional snowfall and other entertainment for the whole family. Find out more at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

The Grape hosts Staci Griesbach’s Jazz Trio as she celebrates HOLIDAZE, her latest EP featuring new fresh holiday originals along with beloved classics reimagined through a vibrant mix of swing, bossa, and blues that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas mood!

Doc the Halls advertisement This year Doc Ventura’s Doc the Halls will run two nights at Namba Arts Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Along with bluesman Doc Ventura and Delta by the Beach, there will be RJ Mischo, Debbie Davies, Fito de la Parro (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sickle, Donna Lynn Caskey and more. Advance tickets on sale at NambaArts.com.

Ventura Theater artworkAnd of course, nothing gets one into the holiday spirit faster than the Majestic Theater’s 13th Annual Holiday Sing-along which falls on Sunday, December 7. This family-friendly event is free with a new unwrapped toy. The toys will then be delivered “by sleigh” to Santa’s South California headquarters at Spark of Love. The venue will also collect canned goods for their holiday food drive as well.

Quick Notes: Blame my Youth & Spam play Gibson’s on Saturday, November 29; Kansas plays the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, December 3; hardcore, Desmadre, plays Mrs. Olson’s on Friday, December 5; and the New West Symphony’s Winter Dreams will be at the Performing Arts Center in Camarillo on Sunday, December 7.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Music Scene 11/12/25 – 11/25/25

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
music scene article artwork

When I think of Todd Rungren, I think hit radio and immediately get, ”Hello, It’s Me”, stuck in my head the rest of the day…and I don’t mind. Others popular songs he’s written include “Bang on the Drum All Day,” and “I Saw the Light.” The man is quite the gifted singer/songwriter and record producer, and he has a date at the Libbey Bowl where at last I checked, tickets were still available for Friday, November 21 via Ticketmaster.Photo of the Beat Farmers in concert.

The Beat Farmers play the Deer Lodge December 14 with John Surge and the Haymakers. Advance tickets are available at DeerLodgeOjai.com. They call themselves, “wreckless western” and you may recall the band was a big part of the 80s roots/rock/Americana movement which included Los Lobos, The Blasters, Lone Justic and Rank & File. They’ve reunited and have been playing special shows the past couple of years.

Three-time Grammy award-winning composer/producer/saxophonist, Tom Scott & the LA Express returns for a show at the Grape on Friday, November 21. Securing advance tickets is highly encouraged via TheGrapeVentura.com website. As an aside, Scott was a guest artist with such recording heavy hitters as Streisand, Quincy Jones, Thelonius Monk, Sinatra, Aretha and more.

sign stating Social Event of the Year

The social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk is coming up fast. Along with the ticketed wine walk where you can leisurely stroll all along downtown visiting all the participating wine tasting venues, there will also be a free holiday street fair along with live entertainment at the corner of California and Main downtown Ventura. Tickets for this year’s event for Saturday, December 6, are available at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a good night to get out and decompress with friends before confronting the family the next day. Choices include Guy Martin at the Grape, DNA and Bloody Mary Morning at Tony’s Pizzeria, TD Lind at the Ojai Valley Brewing and The Gamble at Winchesters. I’ll have more in the next issue.

Quick Notes: Winchester’s Grill weekend music hours now run an hour earlier, 2-5 pm; Heavy metal artists, Y&T, play the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, November 14; The always humorous ska punk band, The Aquabats, play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, November 14; Mistress of Reality, an all-female Black Sabbath tribute band, play Copper Blues on Saturday, November 15; The Vonettes return to Bombay’s for a date Saturday, November 15; Harley’s Camarillo Bowling has the Phester’s Blues Band on Saturday, November 15; and Duane Bartels has a Monday evening residency at Night Owl Ciderworks in downtown Ventura;

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 10/29/25 – 11/11/2025

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
column artwork
Get your costume together and map out your evening because Halloween is finally here! When it comes to parties, costumes, spooking lighting and of course a whole lot of live music, then downtown Ventura is the perfect place to hang because you can travel from venue to venue including Tony’s Pizzeria, Leashless, Winchesters, Café Fiore and the Crowne Plaza where they have two different events (one with Rey Fresco and the other with Shaky Feelin’). There’s also a Halloween pub crawl with venues offering DJs and other specials (Eventbrite).

artwork of carved pumkins

If you’re into punk, then Gigi’s with Preachers & Pornstars, All-a-Blur and Neurotics might be your jam. Or there’s Tony Ybarra’s Nylon Roses (GenX experience of classic hard rock) at the Grape, or Sick Boy (Social D covers) at Poseidon Brewing. There’s a whole lot going on. Keep in mind, some venues may have a cover charge, so be prepared and do your research before heading out.

artwork for Dia De Los Muertas

The next day downtown Ventura will host a special celebration of Dia De Los Muertos with two stages of performances and live mariachi bands. There will be street vendors, a lowrider car show, arts and crafts, community alters, face painting and more. This all-ages free event will run from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, November 1. By the by, there is a free bar/business crawl, find out more at DiaDeLosMuertosVentura.com.

Rubicon Theatre's Million Dollar Quartet photo

The Rubicon Theatre’s 2025/2026 season has opened with their first production, Million Dollar Quartet running now through November 9. I caught the show this past weekend and I can’t recommend it enough. The play is based on a true story that brought the names we all know and love together for one special jam at Sun Studios in Memphis. The top-notch performances cover tunes ingrained in our rock and roll psyche from legendary icons Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. If you’re a lover of 50’s rock and roll and enjoy straight up fun storytelling, then get your tickets now at RubiconTheatre.org.

Quick Notes: The Glenn Tilbrook show at the Ventura Music Hall for Sunday, November 2, has been cancelled; Mims will be at Gibson’s on Thursday, November 6 ($50 cover); Parrotheads unite for Jammy Buffet (picking up where Jimmy left off) at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, November 9; A fundraiser for Dalton Cruz will be held at Mrs. Olson’s on Sunday, November 9, featuring Bloody Mary Morning, Looking West, Eric Lemaire and more; The Aquabats land at the Majestic Saturday, November 15; tickets are on sale for local legends, Mandex and Blackstar at the Ventura Theater for Friday, November 28; and tickets on sale for the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk which falls on Saturday, December 6.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.