Ventura Music Scene 3/22/23 – 4/4/23

Posted on March 21, 2023 by venturarocks

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

We have a couple of music festivals lined up over the next week or two taking us from one end of the spectrum to the other, specifically punk to country, and from one end of town to the other, meaning, Ventura to Simi Valley. First, it’s Punk in the Park on Saturday, May 25 with Pennywise, Suicidal Tendancies, Strung Out, Fear, manic Hispanic and more at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and then its Round Up Music Festival on Saturday, April 1, with Sawyer Brown, Aaron Goodvin, Justin Honsinger and more at Rancho Susana Park. Both of these are ticketed events.

I have more good news and more bad news: The good news, The Violent Femmes added a second performance of their 1983 debut album in its entirety at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, May 5; the bad news, it’s already sold out too.

Actor Danny Trejo launched a label a few years ago to help emerging artists, and now he has a compilation album dropping March 24, “Trejo’s Music Presents, Souldiez are Forever Volume I” with tracks from Cota & the Vibes, Pepe Marquez, Tarah New, Amoraa, Raquel and more…but hang on! Trejo’s Music Concert Series will make a stop at the Fillmore Towne Theater on Saturday, March 25 with live performances from those same artists and it’s hosted by Jimmy Reyes & Danny Trejo. Tickets available through Event Brite.

The official Libbey Bowl website hasn’t quite gotten around to posting upcoming events, but a couple of ticket outlets are already promoting and selling tickets for a number of them including: Beth Hart (solo) on May 6, Oingo Boingo (former members) on May 7, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on May 20, the rescheduled Judy Collins & Sophie B Hawkins on June 3, Missing Persons on June 3, Gin Blossoms on July 1, and Lyle Lovette on July 7. Beware: all ticket outlets do not charge the same, so shop around, I found tickets on Ticket Center, StubHub and Axs.

The Grape never disappoints. I’m loving the new venue location, its décor, full bar, staff, and stellar entertainment. If you haven’t yet done so, I highly recommend getting on their weekly email list where they highlight upcoming shows. Case in point, they wrote, “Ever heard of a working musician named Paul McCartney? Well, he won’t be able to make it, but this Wednesday (March 22) Denny Seiwell of Paul McCartney and Wings will be taking the stage with John Chiodini on guitar and Carey Frank on B3 Organ. I’m talking world class musicianship on out humble little stage in Ventura California. Life is good.”

Spring Winter Wine Walk & Vendor Fair is Saturday, April 1, downtown Ventura. The wine walk is a ticketed event, but everything else is free to take part of at this event.

Quick Notes: Reggae Thursday nights continue at Tony’s Pizzaria with Morie & the Heavy Hitters on March 23; Decent Criminal plays Gigi’s on Sunday, March 26 (tickets at TicketWeb); Alyse Korn and Robert Kyle CD release performance will be held at Beatrice Wood Center in Ojai on Sunday, March 26; Roman’s Weirdos, Birdbrain and Professional Americans play El Rey Cantina in Camarillo on Sunday, March 26; Cadillac Zack brings Canned Heat to Cantara Cellars on Friday, March 31; and Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts of the Alman Brothers Band) plays the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, April 2.

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 Photos – March 2023

Posted on March 19, 2023 by venturarocks

The Grape – March 18, 2023
Tom Scott featuring Grant Geissman, Mitch Forman, Chris Colangelo, Gary Novak (photo: Seth Brandes)

The Ojai Underground – March 18, 2023
Tara Jeffrey

Winchester’s Grill and Saloon – March 17, 2023
The Pipes

Ventura Music Scene 3/8/23 – 3/21/23

Posted on March 5, 2023 by venturarocks

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

If the recent English Beat show at the Ventura Music Hall got your motor running for more ska, then you’re in luck! The 805 Ska Festival will be held at Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts theater in Port Hueneme on March 18 with 8 Kalacas (Skacore from Orange County), Chencha Berrinches, Los Waraperos and more. This all ages show is $35 in advance (Eventbrite) or $40 at the door.

I have good news and bad news: The good news, The Violent Femmes will perform their 1983 debut album in its entirety at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, May 6; the bad news, it’s already sold out. BUT WAIT!!! A second show has been added for May 5.

There are a number of local artists holding CD/Album release parties including: Night Demon who will play a special show at Bombay’s on Thursday, March 16 with opening act Romper; Tommy Quayle will perform at Namba Performing Arts in support of his new release, Awakenings, on Saturday, March 18, and Karyn 805 will release her third recording, Gratitude, at Winchester’s on March 31. Meanwhile, Medicine Hat just released their new single, “She Comes and She Goes” and Anchor and Bear are back in the studio, so looking forward to new music from them.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Friday this year, most venues are offering up Irish music and Irish specials to entice you into their doors. If you’d like something a little tamer, but a feast for the senses, then consider Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk at Namba Arts Studio. Phil is a legend around these parts being a fiddle champ and having played with legends such as Bob Weir. Joining him will be Tom Corbett on mandolin and guitar, Bill Knopf on banjo, Rick Borella on bass and Bill flores on everything else including steel guitar, and accordion. The program will include several genres such as rock, blues, country, jazz pop, bluegrass and of course traditional Irish.

Mark your calendars now: Joe Nichols has been added to the bill for Boots & Brews on May 7th; Ventura Theater just added Angel for a show on April 26, Angel has been rockin’ since the mid 70s; the Ventura Spring Wine Walk and Street Fair falls on Saturday, April 1; tickets for the Canned Heat show at Cantara on March 31 can be secured by contacting Cadillac Zack at (323) 377-5291; and the Guitar and Whiskey Club will open for Quiet Riot at the world famous Whiskey A-Go-Go on Saturday, March 25.

Quick Notes: Cool Hand Ukes play Saturday mornings at Harbor Cove Café; pianist Natasha Kislenko and Friends perform at the Ojai Art Center on Sunday, March 12; Los Lobos plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 12; Tony’s Pizzaria is offering live music again with the Stoneflys on Thursday, March 16, and Old School on Sunday, March 19; and finally, Barrelhouse Wailers will get you dancing at the House of Dance on Sunday, March 19.

Ventura Music Scene 2/22/23 – 3/7/23

Posted on February 23, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Between local promoters and the Canyon Club, there are a lot of great shows coming to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. I don’t need to tell you that it’s pretty great to be able to take in a show locally as opposed to traveling to Agoura Hills, plus they have quite a mix of genres to choose from including Grupo Bronco on Friday, February 24; a Pink Floyd tribute band, Which One’s Pink on Saturday, February 25 (opening acts are Prima Donna Rising & Zack Kirkorkian); the Ventura Music Festival presents Mnozil Brass on Thursday, March 2; The 3 Divas: Pops, Kuh & Jaya on Saturday, March 4; and Los Lobos on Sunday March 12 with special guest Gaby Moreno.

Namba Arts welcomes Ventura City Blitz on Saturday, February 25 for an evening of live rock, and eclectic music from several local artists including Sean Alan, Aaron Burch, The Late Knights, Tyler Indigo and more, then the following weekend, it’s a night of reggae with Bombafiya and Singular Nature on Saturday, March 4 followed up with a Sunday show featuring cool improvisational music from Boom Duo.

The Museum of Ventura County will play host for another brilliant Camerata Pacifica show, Emi Ferguson and Ruckus Play Bach. With a slew of period instruments including theorbo, baroque guitar and bassoon, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, they’ll explore Johann Sebastian Bach’s genius from multiple angles, bringing to life the limitless colors and nuances of his music.

Punk in the Park is coming up fast with Pennywise, Suicidal Tendencies, the Bouncing Souls, Strung Out, Fear, Dwarves and more. There will be two stages (they say set times will not overlap) and the day includes 3 hours of unlimited beer tastings. The event falls on Saturday, March 25 with tickets on sale through the promoter’s website at PunkInThePark.com.

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale for Night Demon’s record release show at Bombay’s on March 16 with Romper opening; tickets are also on sale for Boots & Brews starring Chris Young on May 7th at Surfer’s Point Live; the reschedule Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore at the Ventura Music Hall is Thursday, February 23; it’s old school punk night with Roman’s Weirdos at Gigi’s on Saturday, February 25; Shawn Jones along with Sam Bolle play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 25; Margarita Villa will have music on Sunday, March 26 with CRV (acoustic); Swing Shift play the Sportsman in Camarillo on Sunday February 26; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links returns to the Grape for a date with Barrelhouse Wailers on Friday, March 3; and The White Buffalo returns to Ventura for a show at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, March 4;

Ventura Music Scene 2/8/23 – 2/21/23

Posted on February 9, 2023 by venturarocks

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

On Saturday, February 18, several venues will be participating in this year’s Country Bar Crawl. The festivities start at 4 pm (3:30 check-in) at Blue Agave on Santa Clara with Lousy Little Gods out of Huntington Beach, then the crawl moves to the second stop up on Main Street at the Star Lounge at 5 pm with Mike Scully and the Weary Travelers; then head down to the next block to the Twist on Main at 6 pm for Mark Masson (Shaky Feelin’); the crawl then moves down Main Street to Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 7 for Lacie Mae, and the final stop will be Limon y Sal rooftop bar for DJ Dusty Saddle. As far as I can tell, the $25 price of admission gets you your choice of colored cup (red you’re in a committed relationship; blue you’re single) and guarantees entry to each venue where you’ll be offered food and drink specials. For more information, go to CountryBarCrawl.com and specifically choose Ventura.

Noel Paul Stookey returns to Ventura for two dates at the Rubicon Theater on Saturday February 18 and a matinee performance on Sunday, February 19. Entitled, “Home Again: Noel Paul Stookey,” this five-time Grammy Award winning artist (Paul of Peter Paul and Mary), will share stories and perform standards as well as songs from his latest release, “Fazz: Now and Then.” Find out more and get your tickets before they sell out at RubiconTheatre.org.

Namba Arts listening room will host Poi Rogers featuring Carolyn Sills and Gerard Egan on Thursday, February 9, Mary Scholz on Friday, February 17, followed up with Modes of Jazz featuring Chuck Manning on sax, Lyman Mederios on bass, Theo Saunders on piano and Dean Thomas on drums on Saturday, February 18. Tickets for all three shows can be found at NambaArts.com.

Camerata Pacifica performs at the Museum of Ventura County on Sunday, February 12 performing Brahms (Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115), Schnittke (Prelude in Memoriam Dmitri Shostakovich) and Prokofiev (Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 80).

And just in case you’re in the dancing mood, there will be two nights dedicated to dance music with special themes at the Ventura Music Hall; first on Friday, February 10, it’s all Disco, then on Saturday, February 18, it’s New Wave music from the 80s. But if you’re all about live music, then the dance floor should also be hoppin’ with the English Beat on Friday, February 17.

Quick Notes: Set aside Saturday, June 3, for the Ojai Blues Fest at the Ojai Art Center, the first artist announcement has Shawn Jones performing; Perla Batalla has two dates at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts on Friday February 10 and Saturday, February 11; All Kinds Studios in Zander Alley on Main Street downtown Ventura has Drowse, Two Brothers, Ian Macphee, Lanayha, VTB on Saturday, February 18; It’s a great night of punk music at the Oceanview pavilion in Port Hueneme on Saturday, February 18 with Guttermouth, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Stalag 13, iDecline and Out of Trust; The House of Dance features the Phoenyx Big Band on Sunday afternoon, February 19; and finally it’s sure to be a hoot and a half celebrating Fat Tuesday with D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers at Rabalais’ in Santa Paula on February 21.

Ventura Music Scene 1/25/23 – 2/7/23

Posted on January 24, 2023 by venturarocks

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

As of press time, tickets were still available for the Perla Batalla’s second concert at the Beatice Wood Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 11 (Friday’s show sold out). You can expect selections from Perla’s original Mestiza song cycle, her one-woman Frida Kahlo show, the Great American Songbook Spanish language classics, new original work and several selections of Perla’s arrangements of Leonard Cohen songs. Ticket information can be found on the venue website at BeaticeWood.com.

Traveling through town on what they’re calling “Kick Up Your Boots” tour will be three solo female singer/songwriters, Thea, the Band (San Diego), Micah Justice (Inland Empire), and Katie Leigh (Ventura). They’ll make two stops locally, one at the Ojai Valley Brewing on Friday, January 27 and then again at Topa Topa Brewing on Colt Street here in Ventura on Saturday, January 28.

The Ojai Underground hosts the Refugees on Saturday, January 28 featuring a trio of artists including, Cindy Bullens who toured with Elton John and was nominated for two Grammy awards, Deborah Holland from Animal Logic (Stanley Clarke, Stewart Copeland), and Wendy Waldman co-writer of Vanessa Williams’ No. 1 hit, “Save the Best for Last.” You can get ticket information at OjaiUndergroundExchange.com.

Skull & Roses returns to Ventura in spring over the week of April 19 through 23 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with Phil Lesh & Friends playing the two final days. Other performers include Melvin Seals & JGB, Dark Star Orchestra, Oteil & Friends, Jerry’s Middle Finger, local favorites, Shaky Feelin’ and so much more! You can find everything you need from passes to lodging and camping information at the official website SkullAndRoses.com.

And in case you hadn’t heard, the Strawberry Festival returns this spring, May 20 – 21, in a new location at the Ventura Fairgrounds. Live music is a big part of this event and this year they will have three stages going all day both days including a battle of the bands contest. The official website hasn’t listed any bands yet, but I noticed that Stage #3 is presented by Rock City Studios out of Camarillo with this stage featuring students of all ages and skill levels. I love that!! You can keep in the know at CaStrawberryFestival.org.

Quick Notes: Lucas MacFadden, better known as Cut Chemist (former member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) plays the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, January 26; catch Dreamland, a celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford on Saturday, January 28 at the Grape; Raging Arb and Friends play the Garage on Saturday, January 28; Guy Martin plays The Twist on Saturday, January 28; The Refugees play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, January 28;
Cadillac Zack presents Chris Cain at Cantara Winery on Friday, February 3; French Blues singer/guitarist plays Namba on Saturday, February 4; Katie Skene Band plays the Deer Lodge, on Saturday, February 4; and tickets for Ugly Kid Joe on May 5 at the Ventura Theater have gone on sale.

Ventura Music Scene 1/11/23 – 1/24/23

Posted on January 11, 2023 by venturarocks

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

It’s business as usual now that the holidays are firmly behind us and people are getting out and about and taking in live music again. Of course, with all the lovely rain we’ve been receiving so far this winter, there could be cancellations for music held outdoors such as venues as Peirano’s or Ojai Valley Brewing. But for the most part, music is back to being played indoors again after the pandemic.

Congratulations to Michael Jay and the Mighty Cash Cats as they’ll be inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame. This relatively new organization’s mission is to recognize the many important talented music industry professionals from the legends, those behind the scenes, to the up-and-coming, who have helped shape the rich spectrum of California’s music legacy, and to educate the public about their accomplishments. The induction ceremony will be held January 28 in Temecula where other inductees include Gwen Stefani, Canned Heat, Jan & Dean, William Shatner, KOST 103.5 and more.

I’m happy to see that Hi Hat Entertainment is getting back in the game as they’ll be helping to produce upcoming shows at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The first one on the docket will feature the Delgado Brothers on Saturday, January 14 and then it’s Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps on February 11.

Ventura Music Hall continues to line up a number of diverse acts. This month’s shows include Zoso (ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute) to Steely Dead (think the Grateful Dead meets Steely Dan), to Cut Chemist (American DJ former member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli). Looking ahead to February, you might want to secure tickets to the BoDeans, Alborosie, Hirie, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (rescheduled), Fidlar, and Melvin Seals & JGB; but, my money’s on The English Beat whose biggest hits include “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save it for Later,” and “I Confess.” I’ve always been a big Dave Wakeling fan, I think the first time I met him was upstairs at Nicholby’s back in the day.

Quick Notes: The Rocketz, the Ripkats and Ghost Town Hangmen play the Sewer on Friday, January 13; Out of Trust record release party will be held at Casa Agria Specialty Ale in Oxnard on Saturday, January 14; Bluegrass favorites, the Storytellers play the Deer Lodge on Saturday, January 14; get your swing on with the Swing Shift Big Band on Sunday afternoon, January 15, at House of Dance in Ventura; French pop rock band, Phoenix, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, January 16; Sean Bonnette & Tim Kasher paly the Ojai Women’s Club on Thursday, January 19; and Barrelhouse Wailers celebrate 10-year anniversary at the Grape on Fri, January 20.

Ventura Music Scene 12/28/22 – 1/10/2023

Posted on December 28, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Happy New Year!!! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? May I suggest one you can add to your list? Why not make it a point to get out more often to support our local original artists this year? We have such an abundance of talent right here in the 805 spanning from Simi Valley all the up to Slo town (San Luis Obispo); and between Ventura and Santa Barbara it’s a rare week that goes by without a show featuring original music.

It’s a passion of mine to help get the word out on live music because it helps raise your spirits and it can put a smile on that mug of yours. Research as shown that listening to music releases dopamine which has a positive effect on your mood. It’s a tonic of sorts which can help relieve stress, and literally lift your spirits. And while I can’t say firsthand that it enhances intelligence (though it would be scary to see how dumb I’d be without it), research also suggests that it can increase your IQ along with lowering blood pressure and boosting your immune system.

And as you should know by now, my passion is all about original artists. Of course, I’m a fan of cover bands and artists, but I’m always thrilled when they’ll slip in an original tune they wrote. I know it can be disheartening to perform at a venue, play your heart out while the audience is busy talking or dancing or not paying attention at all. Most venues are designed for this, which is why I’m a fan of the smaller listening rooms such as Namba Arts or Ojai Underground; you’re there to listen to the performance.

One can forget what music does and the effects it can cause as we listen to it while driving, studying, working and relaxing. We can listen to it while soaking in a tub, or while eating dinner. It’s enmeshed in so much of our lives that we forget it takes talented individuals to create it for us. And now getting back to my original suggestion of supporting our local talent, let’s give back and show our love by attending their shows, buying their merch, leaving a large tip and paying to download their music. Trust me when I say, your validation and support encourages and makes them realize what a difference their contributions of original music makes on other’s lives.

And now onto New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring the best of cover bands to help bring in 2023. Most venues will have a party whether it be East Coast style (9 pm our time is when the proverbial ball drops on the East Coast), or they’ll go to at least midnight to bring in the official new year. Many request reservations and a lot will have cover charges for all the extras they’ll offer. There are a few parties being held at locations such as the Crowne Plaza, The Greek and the Moose Lodge where they’re not typical places you would go to listen to live music. I suggest you take a look at the listings. Here’s a link to the VenturaRocks Calendar page. Up top under search, type “NYE” to see all listings:

In closing, thanks for your continued support of the Ventura Breeze newspaper, and for reading all the way through this article so I can tell you just how much I love this community. We not only have the beach, the hillsides, downtown, the Harbor but interspersed all over, we have dozens of venues offering live music. While thinking of where I would like to retire someday, I realized after contemplating about it for a year, “Why would I ever leave?” Ventura Rocks!

Ventura Music Scene 12/14/22 – 12/27/22

Posted on December 11, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Happy Holidays to you and yours! I love the lights, the warm jackets and colorful scarves, family and friend get togethers and especially the music that goes with it all. Don’t forget to make your plans now for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Most venues will have a special party, but some will include tickets and reservations, so do your due diligence. I’ll have more specifics next time around, but you’re welcome to go to VenturaRocks.com website, and on the calendar page, search “NYE Party” to see what’s lined up so far.

It seems Ugly Sweater Parties won’t be going away anytime soon. I’m seeing a number of them lined up leading up to Christmas. Strey Cellars has one on Friday, December 16 with Holger’s Heroes, Naughty Pine in Westlake has Lynnzee Fraye on Friday, December 23 and the Raven Tavern has the Doc Rogers band also on Friday, December 23.

Other holiday themed events include Michael Falcone Christmas songs at the Manhattan in Camarillo on Thursday, December 15, Tilford Jackson’s Christmas Sing-a-Long will be held at the Grape in Ventura on Thursday, December 22, Paulie Cerra, a Blues Christmas on Friday, December 23 at Cantera Cellars, Smitty & Julija will sing carols at Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai on Friday, December 23, and Bella Lucarelli performs a Christmas special at the Twist on Main on Christmas Eve afternoon.

Ventura High School Winter concert series runs Wednesday and Thursday, December 14 – 15 with their Wind Ensemble I, Concert Band and Jazz performing on Wednesday, and the following evening it’s their Orchestra I, String Orchestra II Honors and Full Orchestra. Across town the Bulldogs at Buena High will also have their Winter Concert which will be held on Thursday, December 14 with music from their music ensembles along with some soloist performances. Show your love to one or both of these schools by showing up and supporting our younger musicians here in town.

And speaking of supporting local high school music departments, Namba will host “Rock ‘n’ Roll High” on Sunday, December 18 with Burch Studio presenting a showcase for middle school and high school kids. Since 2004, Rock and Roll High has been southern California’s premier teen band program. Students have gone on to perform at Coachella, Jimmy Kimmel, and many successful bands in the music industry. The founder of Rock and Roll High, Aaron Burch opened Burch Studio in Ventura where he teaches the course today.

And the only live music event I’ve found, year to year on Christmas day, features Saint Pierre who had done this previously at Amigos, but now will be performing along with Rebekah Scogin at Vaquero y Mar from 4 – 7 pm.

Quick Notes: Shawn Jones performs the Deer Lodge on Friday, December 16; Looking West plays the Downtown Stage at California and Main Streets on Saturday, December 17; The House of Dance will be hopping on Sunday, December 18 with Flattop Tom and His Jump Cats performing; Ben Garcia plays Surfer’s Point Café on Sunday, December 18; there’s a special show at All Kinds in Zander Alley on Monday, December 19 with the Addalemon and Halibut Head out of Sacramento performing along with Greater View and the Derivatives; and finally Denny Seiwell, founding member of Wings, returns to Ventura for a date at the Grape on Wednesday, December 21.

And finally, my condolences go out to Namba Arts as they mourn the passing of their founder, Julia Frances Campbell Namba earlier this month, as well as to the many fans of Mark Searcy, aka Hip E. Mark.

Ventura Music Photos – December 2022

Posted on December 3, 2022 by venturarocks

The Grape – December 2, 2022
Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links