Ventura Music Scene 10/15/25 – 10/28/25

Posted on October 12, 2025 by venturarocks

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

After a seven-year hiatus, the Frost and Fire Metal Fest returns to Ventura for two days at Bombay Bar and Grill on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26. Night Demon will headline on Friday, and Cirith Ungol on Saturday. While Cirth Ungol had “officially retired” in 2024, they continue to play a handful of exclusive shows, including this one in their hometown. Tickets can be purchased via FrostAndFireFest.com. Check out the Festival’s Facebook page (FrostAndFireMetalFest) for additional bands performing.

Ventura Music Festival (VMF) October Series falls over several days across a handful of venues. The Moaning Frogs play the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, October 16; Twanguero will be at the Museum of Ventura County on Friday, October 17; Branford Marsalis at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, October 18; and they’ll wrap up the series with Delirium Musicum at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 19. For details about each show and to purchase tickets, go to VenturaMusicFestival.org.

I posted an impromptu question on my Facebook page, “Curious…Do you consider DJs to be live music? (no judgement)” and with over 100 comments in one day, the overwhelming response was “No.” However, my takeaway is that while DJs may not be “live” music, spinning discs is entertainment, and if they’re talented and put in the work, it can be considered an art form. That being said, my article and postings on VenturaRocks.com only list live music.

Halloween is coming quick, so I suggest you go to VenturaRock’s full page calendar (click for a quick jump) and then search “Halloween.” To date, there are over 15 venues with live music. There are a couple of ticketed events: two at the Crowne Plaza, one featuring Rey Fresco and the other Shaky Feelin’, both through Eventbrite; and The Grape has Tony Ybarra’s Nylon Roses featuring classic rock, tickets through thegrapeventura.com.

Quick Notes: Braids and Dreads (Dan Grimm & JP Hesser) have secured a Friday evening residency for the time being at Gibsons on Fridays (6-8 pm); Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band featuring Michael Falcone play a special show at the Manhattan on Thursday, October 16; John Waite plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 18; there’s a free Ojai Pops Concert at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, October 19; Ska Daddyz play Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, October 20; Boilerman, Sharkhead & Static Voices play Gigi’s on Saturday, October 25; and Danny Carey of Tool returns to the Grape drumming for two gigs this month, Saturday, October 18 with Brian Charette B3 Funk Party, then the following Saturday, October 25, with the Doug Webb Group;

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 10/1/25 – 10/14/25

Posted on September 28, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
There are dozens of wineries and breweries around our county with tasting rooms where live music is an integral part of their business plan. My music scene article and music listings focus on the west side of our county, covering such places as Cantara Cellars in Camarillo, Leashless Brewing in Ventura, Strey Cellars in Oxnard, Wagon Wheel Brewing Co. in Oxnard, Four Brix in Ventura, Topa Topa Brewing (locations: Camarillo, Ventura and Ojai), and Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai. There’s also Onyx in Camarillo, Seaward Brewing and Rincon Brewing in Ventura, Ventura Coast Brewing Company in Ventura and Ojai Valley Brewing. Each place is unique, but what I notice that keeps me coming back is the staff and their sincere appreciation of your patronage. If you’ve never been to one before, I highly recommend you “spread the love” and visit several of these establishments over the next few months.
The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of October 11-12. They don’t check your ancestry at the gate, so non-Scottish folks are also welcome, though I understand that siding with a “clan” could be tricky. Participants in the Seaside Games travel from all the western states to take part, including the honored Clans Munro, Gunn and Innis Societies of North America. Competitions include bagpiping and drumming, drum majoring, heavy athletics (sanctioned by the Scottish American Athletic Association), and Highland dance. This year’s live music will be provided by The Dropkick Mickeys, Brick Top Blaggers, Tempest, and The Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh. The weekend is packed full of activities, fun for the whole family. For more information, go to SeasideHighlandGames.com.

Planning ahead for the holidays, tickets just went on sale for The Vandals Christmas show at the Majestic for Friday, December 19. This quirky punk band out of Orange County has a wicked sense of humor and couldn’t be comprised of nicer guys, including the main songwriter, Warren Fitzgerald. I was lucky enough to meet them backstage at the Santa Barbara Bowl when they opened for No Doubt many years ago. If you love corrupting the spirit of the season, then you’ll love such songs as “Oi to the World,” “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus,” and “Grandpa’s Last Xmas.” Also on the bill for this show will be Good Riddance and 84 Days.

Quick Notes: Ocie Elliott play the Libbey Bowl on Thursday, October 2; Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, Michael Scheniker Group, The Who) returns to The Grape on Saturday, October 4; Robin Trower plays a fully seated show at the Ventura Music Hall on Monday, October 6 and Purity Ring just released their fourth, self-titled album and will be touring in support of it, making a stop at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, October 13.

Ventura Music Scene 9/17/25 – 9/30/25

Posted on September 14, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The second half of September features several special events, including the Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Artwalk Ventura, and Oktoberfest.
I always found it interesting that venues started celebrating Oktoberfest in September, so I took some time to look it up, and it turns out Oktoberfest is a bit of a misnomer. The festival lasts 16 to 18 days, and an earlier start date was introduced to increase the chance of warm weather and because daylight lasts longer (source: Readers Digest). With that tidbit of information filed away, it’s good to know that several local breweries have special events lined up including Enegren Brewing Co. in Moorpark, who will celebrate the weekend of September 20-21 with live music from Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts, Hazelnuss Das Music, Der Matterhorns, and Sauer Sam and the Tablecloth Band! Poseidon Brewing Company in Ventura will host Linda’s Polka Party Band on Saturday, September 20; Pedals and Pints in Thousand Oaks will have Sauer Sam & the Tablecloth Band on Sunday, September 21; Bright Spark celebrates on Saturday with Whole Hog Band; and Madewest hosts The Driftless Revelers, a self-proclaimed freak-folk group touring with several stops in town (see listings). Chances are extremely high that all local breweries will have specials, games, and music that same weekend, so get out and enjoy some bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a stein or two of German beer!
Artwalk Ventura 2025 falls over the last weekend of the month, September 27 and 28, featuring more than 200 artists’ works at dozens of venues and lots of live music. Outside of strolling down Main Street downtown Ventura, I suggest visiting www.ArtWalkVentura.org and review the “Venues” page. I wish a list had been provided, but you’ll need to select the dropdown menu to see all the venues and then select each one for more information. With a little bit of intel, I did manage to find out there will be two stages downtown, one at California and Main, and the other next to the Mission, which is called the Albinger Stage. WAV will also host several live performances on both days. See listings below for details.
The 12th annual Banana Festival at the Port Hueneme will be held on Saturday, September 27. This family-friendly, free event offers ships & barges, yummy treats, and of course live music to keep things lively.

Quick Notes: Presale tickets are now available for the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk on Saturday, December 6 (www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com); Tickets are on sale for Kansas at the Majestic Ventura Theater for Wednesday, December 3; Modern Love, Bowie tribute band, plays Lester Family Cellars on Saturday, September 20; and The Kings of Queen will be the final Rock the Collection concert on Wednesday, September 24.

Ventura Music Scene 9/3/25 – 9/16/25

Posted on August 31, 2025 by venturarocks

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

With Labor Day behind us, the summer music season officially ends. Though fall doesn’t officially start until September 22, it’s still weird to see Halloween items popping up in stores already.

I don’t often look back on my column, but I would like to thank the Rubicon for including in their Ventura Live ’25 Festival a night for punk rockers. The emcee said the venue was trying to expand on its genres, and he wasn’t kidding. Along with the folk, Americana, Broadway and tributes to Van Morrison and Nat King Cole shows, was a night where they screened the documentary, Desolation Center, which in itself was pretty cool, but opening the evening were Mike Watt from Minutemen and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros. Drummer and bassist rocked the venue with high intensity and precision that left goosebumps on this fan’s arms. Wow!

The 2025 Ojai Fall Fest at St. Thomas Aquinas falls over the first weekend in September with live music all three days. On Friday the 5th, it’s 90s Babiez, The Breakfast Club, Maclovia and more. On Saturday the 6th, the bands include The Chillz, Old Man Group, King Bee, Moondawgs and Jacob & the Good Vibes. Then on Sunday, Brittney & the Bsides, The Renegades, Equipo Elite and Mariachi Los Arrieros. For all three days, admission is free!

Tickets just went on sale, and I’ve already secured mine for Glenn Tilbrook for his November 2 show at the Ventura Music Hall. Not only is this the amazing voice behind the band Squeeze, but it’s a fully seated show. Two wins! Though Tilbrook is touring with the band this year, he will be doing several solo, more intimate performances, such as the one coming to town. If you were a fan of ‘80s new wave music, then the tunes to jar your memory would be “Tempted,” “Pulling Muscles (From a Shell),” “Cool for Cats,” and my favorite, “Hot Coffee in Bed.”

Lost in Sound, showcasing local bands on Thursdays at Gibson’s Neighbor Bar, continues with Pondt, In Ivy, Kyler Joseph & Co. on September 4, and Varazuni, Darjeeling Photo Club, DreamHeroZero and Kilbron on September 11. Encourage local new music and get out there and support. There is a $10 cover for these shows.

Quick Notes: The final sold out Music Under the Stars with Classic Journey is Saturday, September 6; Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band and Phoenyx Big Band play a free show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 7; Bon Jovi tribute band, Wanted, plays the Rock the Collection series on Wednesday, September 10; Albert Lee plays the Grape on Friday, September 12; and Country is Dead, Country inspired Grateful Dead Favorites plays the Rubicon on Friday, September 12.

Ventura Music Photos August 2025

Posted on August 17, 2025 by venturarocks

Rubicon Theater – August 29, 2025
Stephen Perkins & Mike Watt (Screening of Desolation Center)
The Grape – August 15, 2025
Canned Heat

Music Under the Stars – August 9, 2025
Petty and the Heartshakers

Ventura County Fair – August 7, 2025
The White Buffalo

Ventura Music Scene 8/20/25 – 9/2/25

Posted on August 17, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Ventura has so many live music hotspots. We have concert halls such as the Majestic Ventura Theater and the Ventura Music Hall, there are bars with bands such as Bombay Bar and Grill, Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar and Winchesters (all just minutes of walking distance from each other downtown) and my favorite type of venue, the listening room where chitchat is frowned upon and the focus is on the artist and not on other attendees. The Grape comes very close, and depending on the performance, talking is kept to a minimum. However, I’m talking about places like Namba Performing Arts, and on a bigger scale, the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, and The Rubicon Theatre Company.

The Rubicon’s summer festival is currently underway, and I highly recommend checking out their lineup, which features 30 shows in 30 days, with most showcasing live musical performances ranging from Broadway stars to tribute bands and covering a wide range of genres. I snagged my ticket for Desolation Center, which includes a film screening of the documentary, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and wait for it, performances by Mike Watt (Minutemen, The Stooges) and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros). But I can understand if punk is not your cup of tea, so then you might consider Country is Dead (Classic country-inspired Grateful Dead favorites), Wild Night (a Van Morrison tribute), or The Folk Legacy Trio featuring lifetime Grammy winners. Visit RubiconTheatre.org for a full listing of shows and more information on how to buy tickets.

Another venue, which is also known mostly for its theater performances, is the High Street Arts Center. This month, they have several shows just like The Rubicon, but all of them are tribute bands. The final three this month feature homage to specific genres of music with The Laurel Canyon Band on August 29, The Yacht Groove on August 30, and The Surf City Allstars on August 31. Find out more at HighStreetArtsCenter.com.

Quick Notes: HR from Bad Brains, The Upbeat, Ska Ogs and more will hold a show at Mrs. Olson’s on Thursday, August 21; The Throw Down Cornhole Festival with number of bands (see listings) runs Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24 at the Ventura Fairgrounds; The Ojai Pops 2025 concert series kicks off Sunday, August 24, with a free concert at the Libbey Bowl; tickets are on sale now for Nathan McEuen w/ Alan Thornhill for September 26 at the Ojai Underground Exchange; Rock the Collection’s next show is Wednesday, August 27, featuring The Long Run, an Eagles tribute; and the Shores in Oxnard is holding their Summer Bash on Sunday August 31 with Rhythm 805 and Lil Big of Everything.

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

Ventura Music Scene 8/6/25 – 8/19/25

Posted on August 3, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The highly popular Rock the Collection summer concert series kicks off August 13 with The Yellow Brick Band (formerly known as Rocket Men, a tribute to Elton John). The family-friendly free concerts run on alternate Wednesdays. You’re encouraged to arrive early (after 11 am, day of the show), and you’re welcome to bring picnic low-backed chairs and blankets. Upcoming shows: The Long Run, tribute to the Eagles on August 27; Wanted, tribute to Bon Jovi on September 10; and Kings of Queen, tribute to Queen on September 24.

Congratulations to the Ventura Music Festival’s successful 30th summer season which wrapped up last week. You might want to secure tickets now for one of their October series concerts which feature the likes of The Moanin’ Frogs, an Evening with Branford Marsalis, Twanguero, and more. Go to VenturaMusicFesival.org for information on dates and tickets.

There are more congratulations to be had, this time for Poseidon Brewing who is celebrating their 11th anniversary with live music over the weekend of August 8-10 featuring the CocoKnots on Friday, Morrison Drive and Vanise Terry Band on Saturday, and Looking West Sunday afternoon.

The Grape has an excellent reputation for providing top-notch entertainment and if jazz is not your cup of tea, no worries, you can find blues, Americana and rock artists as well. Case in point, blues rock legend (performed at both Monterey and Woodstock in the ‘60s), Canned Heat will be there on Friday, August 15. While the band has endured several losses over the years, drummer, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra, is the “historian” and original member, along with New Orlean’s legend on harp, guitar and lead vocals, Dale Spalding, Rick Reed on bass (Paul Butterfield, John Mayall and Chicago Blues Reunion), and Jimmy Vivino best known as guitarist and arranger for Late Night with Conan O’Brien for over 28 years.

But if you do love jazz, and more specifically, a 16-member energetic jazz orchestra, then you won’t want to miss The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel on Saturday, August 9. Dresel, drummer/percussionist, is one of the busiest studio and live musicians having supported Maynard Ferguson, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band in the past. He also has many movie and television credits including Incredibles 2, The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Quick Notes: Winchester’s Bar and Grill opened escrow to sell to Ventiki Operations, Inc, word is they plan to continue the venue’s 28-year legacy with live music and more; tickets for the Aquabats! At the Majestic Ventura Theater went on sale via Ticketweb for Saturday, November 15; Órale 805 performs at First Thursdays Food Trucks at Plaza Park in Oxnard on August 7; and Shawn Jones, Shane Alexander and Paulo Coelho perform at Namba on Saturday, August 16.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 7/23/25 – 8/5/25

Posted on July 20, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
We’re quickly heading towards midsummer and with it the highlight of the season, the Ventura County Fair and specifically all the Grandstand Stage performances. On opening night, Wednesday, July 30, there will be a collective, hip hop/rap “Beach Block Party” featuring Tone Loc, Ying Yang Twins, Fat Joe and Pepa (of Salt-n-Pepa). I’m putting my money on “Wild Thing,” well maybe “Push It” as the collective post-concert earworm. Then on Thursday, July 31, it’s Diplo for a night of electronica; Friday, August 1, it’s Dirty Heads with reggae/rock; Saturday, August 2, Lee Brice, country; Sunday, August 3, La Maquinaria Norteña & La Séptima Banda ft. Mi Banda El Mexicano; Monday, August 4, Flo Rida Featuring Bubba Sparxxx, more rap; Tuesday, August 5 it’s Dylan Scott featuring Cheat Codes with modern country and the last night has more country with Scotty McCreery featuring Kruse Brothers. Don’t forget if you want to be up close to the stage, you’ll need to purchase VIP tickets. But for the rest of us, the shows are included in the price of admission to the fair. Another noteworthy tidbit, while most nights feature tribute bands on the Station Stage, The Outlaw Mariachi play August 4, Kruse Brothers August 5, and The White Buffalo will perform on Thursday, August 7

The week before the fair opens, Summer Dead Fest lands at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for four days and nights of jams. The poolside deck stage outside the Aqua Bar has free access to the bands, but if you want the Friday and Saturday night concerts which conclude a “Sunset Vibes Silent Disco” until 3 am, you’ll need tickets. For more data, go to VenturaGratefulDead.info.

The Ventura Music Festival has several more shows this week including Ventura’s own, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with Barrelhouse Wailers opening. Their July 25 show is sold out and the venue has been moved to the College’s Performing Arts Center.

Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe continues its summer series of Friday night concerts with Psychedelic Summer on July 26, and Stone Soul on August 2. Both nights are sold out. As mentioned in our last issue, all shows are sold out except August 23 with Conjunto Oye, who promise to deliver high-energy danceable Latin music with Cuban rhythms and Puerto Rican flair; so, you know, take the hint.

Quick Notes: The Psychedelic Furs play the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, July 23 and Billy Vera & the Beaters on Saturday, July 26; Shawn Jones plays Bombay’s on Thursday, July 24; reuniting, it’s Preachers and Pornstars for a date at Gigi’s on Friday, July 25; it’s Bee Gee Fever over at Camarillo Constitution Park on Saturday, July 26; and Swing Shift big band plays the Sportsman in Camarillo on Sunday, July 27.

Ventura Music Scene 7/9/25 – 7/22/25

Posted on July 6, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Over the next couple of weeks there will be plenty of live music events, some free, some family friendly, but all promise to be tons of fun. Let’s start with the Hueneme Beach Festival which falls over the weekend of July 12 and 13 at Hueneme Beach Park. No admission, but tickets can be purchased for the carnival rides and of course there will be plenty of food vendors and local artists’ displays along with live music. On Saturday there will be several local high school marching bands, InStone, Red Hot Cholo Peppers and Corazon de Mana. On Sunday, they’ll have a couple of tribute bands, Smooth Sounds of Santana and Kings of Queen, along with Banda La Veneosa and Halcones del Bajio.

The following week, starting midweek and running through Sunday, July 20, it’s Heritage Days in Old Towne Camarillo. Same deal: free admission, but you can purchase carnival ride tickets. The first few days offer up DJs, but on Friday you can catch John Surge and the Haymakers, and Just Dave Band. On Saturday it’s Hindsite, SkaDaddyz, D.on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers, Heavy Rotation and the Brandon Ragan Project. Then finally on Sunday, you can catch Full Clip, Alejandro Medina, Mariachi Los Toreros, and Maclovia.

D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers on Fat Tuesday 2025

Over at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Surfers Point Live, the Tequila & Taco Music Festival will be held over the weekend of July 19 and 20 with Lil’ Kim, the Queen Bee, headlining on Saturday. Also performing, Adelaide Pilar and La Marcha. On Sunday, it’s Vilma Diaz Y La Sonora and Smooth Sounds of Santana. Tickets available at TequilaAndTacoMusicFesival.com.

Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe kicks off this Summer’s series of Friday night concerts with 4 Lads from Liverpool on July 12, and Dark Desert Highway on July 19. Both nights are sold out. By the way, all shows are sold out except August 23 with Conjunto Oye, who promise to deliver high-energy danceable Latin music with Cuban rhythms and Puerto Rican flair.

Quick Notes: Ventura Music Festival’s Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert with Barrelhouse Wailers on Friday, July 25 is sold out plus the venue has changed to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center; The Boatyard Pub at the Ventura Harbor has wrapped up their remodeling upgrades and live music is back; Lowered Expectations will play the Downtown Ventura Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 10 (6-8 pm) at California and Main; this year’s Bowlvolution Tiki Summer Bowl Out at Harley’s Camarillo Bowling will be held on Saturday, July 12, with Stagger & Fall, The Afraid, Toledo Panic and The Disappointments playing in the bar;
and Plan B Winery has Déjà vu (acoustic) playing the music of Crosby,Stills, Nash & Young on Sunday, July 20.