Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/18 – 5/31

Posted on May 17, 2022 by venturarocks

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

25 years in business is quite the milestone, so congratulations go out to the crew at Winchester’s Grill and Saloon in downtown Ventura! You’ll want to be on hand when they celebrate with live music in their covered parking lot on Saturday, May 21 from 1 to 8 pm featuring CRV, the Brandon Ragan Project and Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers. There will be drink specials, giveaways and as usual, no cover charge!

Heading to the other end of downtown Ventura on Main Street, you’ll find a special singer/songwriter dinner event when Peirano’s and Jodi Farrell team up on Thursday, May 26. Artists on the bill include Michael Henszey, Karyn 805, Dylan Brehm, Luke Hannington, Ella Robles, Aaron Burch, Oliva Mucha and Caroline Lloyd. Reservations are strongly encouraged via Peiranosmarket.com.

There are a couple of country music events coming up the next two weeks, first it’s the KHAY Fest with Josh Turner, Dylan Scott and Tenille Arts on Sunday, May 22 at the Ventura Fairgrounds and then on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, it’s the Gold Coast Country Music Festival with Richie McDonald (Lonestar), Heidi Newfield (Trick Pony), Heath Wright (Ricochet), Coffey Anderson, Wade Hayes, Jamie O’Neal and a whole bunch more; this one is being held at the Camarillo Airport. You can find more info at GCCFest.com.

Dreamland is back post pandemic featuring Kimberly Ford celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell. The seven-piece band will make a stop at the Grape here in Ventura for a special performance on Sunday, June 5. Modeled on Mitchell’s mid-1970’s band with Tom Scott and the L.A. Express, Dreamland features Lee Rollag, guitar and violin; Tom Buckner, saxophone; Tom Etchart, bass; Dave Hunt, drums; George Friedenthal, keyboards, piano and melodica; and Sven Holcomb, backup vocals, guitars and percussion.

Another special event at the Grape features NYChillharmonic. This 18-piece progressive-rock orchestra is a female fronted band where their music fuses multiple genres including rock, pop and jazz. Having played multiple jazz festivals including Montreal, Melbourne, Buenos Aires, and Tokyo to name a few, you won’t want to miss this two-time “Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award” winners when they play this intimate venue here in town on Friday, May 27.

Quick Notes: Tickets are already on sale for Billy Idol on August 25 for the Ventura Theater; the Happy Face Music Festival out in Simi Valley is worth the trip for Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs, Sam Morrow, Hardcastle and Kelly’s Lot on Saturday, May 28; Christine Law’s Star Goes Nova project releases a new CD on May 19; Stellar Ruins is holding an album release party on Saturday, May 28 at Sans Souci; and Moorpark’s High Street Arts Center’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music runs June 3 – July 3.

Just added (5/17) at the Ventura Theater, Glass Animals for Wednesday, May 25.

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 – May, 2022

Posted on May 14, 2022 by venturarocks

Majestic Ventura Theater – May 25, 2022
Glass Animals

Ventura Music Hall – May 11, 2022
X – (Photo credit: Jonathon McGee)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/4 – 5/17

Posted on May 4, 2022 by venturarocks

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

There are a number of special events lined up as the weather gets warmer and most of these events will be held outdoors including KHAY Fest on Sunday, May 22, at Surfer’s Point Live (Ventura Fairgrounds) with Josh Turner, Dylan Scott and Tenille Arts. You can find all the ticket information at on the CBFProductions.com website.

Winchesters Grill on Main Street in downtown Ventura is celebrating their 25th anniversary with an outdoor party featuring live music from CRV, Brandon Ragan Project and Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers. The fun starts at 1 pm and goes all day Saturday, May 21.

Ozomatli has been added to the Surf Rodeo music lineup along with Bob Log III, the Aquadolls, Sitting on Stacy, Hirie, Sik Sik Sicks, Death Lens, Badfish, Yachtley Crew, and more. It will be great to hit the sand once again for a weekend of great music, surf competitions, the cornhole tournament, and some serious people watching. Tickets are on sale for July 15 – 17 at SurfRodeo.org.

The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival has been rebranded as the Happy Face Music Festival and it still falls over the Memorial Day weekend on May 28. Headlining will be Mike Campbell the Dirty Knobs along with performances from Sam Morrow, Hardcastle and Kelly’s Lot. Get ticket information at HappyFaceMusicFest.com.

Tickets went on sale May 1st for the 27th season of the Ventura Music Festival which will run July 29 – 31 and August 5 -7. All the performances will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center except for the popular free concert at Mission Park on Wednesday, July 27. This year it will feature Adaawe, an all -female acoustic, vocal and drumming band performing a contemporary world-fusion mix which will be fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring blanket or low-chair for comfortable seating. You can find more information on all performances at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: A Bar Called Country has cancelled all live bands and opting once again for DJs; the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club’s 1st annual Harmonica Festival for May 15 has already sold out; Tony’s Pizzaria is firing up their Sunday Funday Beach Parties live music 3-6 and their reggae Thursdays start on Cinco de Mayo with Forbidden Fruit; Don Randi and Quest (Wrecking Crew) is back for repeat performance at the Grape, Saturday, May 7; Caffrodite monthly dinner & music features Déjà vu Too on Friday, May 13; X plays the Ventura Music Hall on May 11; and 311 plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, May 12.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I send out my sincerest condolences to the Ventura jazz community as we mourn the passing of local artist, Hans Ottsen. His grace, talent, and sweet soul will be forever missed.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 4/20/22 – 5/3/22

Posted on April 20, 2022 by venturarocks

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

The historic Olivas Adobe will once again host Music Under the Stars on Friday nights from July 9 – August 27. There are a number of tribute bands such as Savor, tribute to Santana on July 16, Dark Desert Highway, tribute to the Eagles on August 13 and 4 Lads from Liverpool, tribute to the Beatles on August 20. Tickets are only $20, and an extra $25 to reserve a table. Tickets go on sale May 2 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MUS.

Ojai Music Festival’s 2022 season has been announced and will run June 9 to June 12. For scheduled performances and ticket information, go to OjaiFestival.org.
Ventura Music Hall will be launching their Friday night Golden Hour series featuring mostly local tribute bands from May 13 through June 24. Lined up are Twisted Gypsy, Sgt. Pepper, Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Ridin’ the Storm Out and Doin’ Time.

There will be a Ukrainian Relief benefit brunch featuring live music by The Cover Girls & Friends, Breaking Bored, and Misunderstood at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Sunday, May 1. All proceeds going to the Ukrainian relief charity of your choice. For more information and to reserve your spot, call Rosa Carbajal at (805) 827-2306.

Salzer’s Records will host a Meet and Greet with Think: X on Saturday, April 23 featuring bandmates Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Scott Page (Pink Floyd), and Kenny Olson (Kid Rock) who will be stopping by on Record Store Day to promote Think: X, An Exploration of the Music of Pink Floyd. Think: X performs at Oceanview Production Studios in Port Hueneme later that evening.

Rock-n the Streets is free and happening on Saturday, April 23 at Casa Agria Specialty Ales located at 701 N. Del Norte Blvd in Oxnard with performances by Omega Nova, Stellar Ruins, NoSilence, Sunjelly, Crawdads and the Panes.

Just a few shows lining up at Libbey Bowl include the Musical Box performs Genesis on May 22, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt on July 8, Former members of Oingo Boing on July 16, ABC on July 17, the Zombies on July 22, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers on August 5, Mark Farner’s American Band acoustic show on August 6 and Michael Feinstein on August 27.

Quick Notes: The Twist on Main hosts Muse on Main: a benefit concert for Musicians on a Mission on Saturday, April 23 with Dr. T and the Blues Criminals; Tom Scott (the Blues Brothers, LA Express) plays the Grape on Friday, April 29; Kyle Smith is back in town with full band at the Six Chow House on Friday, April 29; Agent Orange plays Gigi’s on Friday, April 29; and new music out: Rain Perry’s a White Album, Shaky Feelin’ Brand New Day and Night Demon’s Year of the Demon (2020 singles compilation).

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 4/6/22 – 4/19/22

Posted on April 10, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Well, they pulled it off! The all-new Ventura Music Hall opened on time, March 22 with G. Love and the Juice and I couldn’t be more pleased. The room looks fantastic, the music doesn’t compete with bowling lanes anymore, there are two bars to serve (one just for beers) and the staff is super friendly. This concert hall took over the former Discovery venue at 1888 E. Thompson Blvd, and their calendar is filling fast. You should bookmark their website (VenturaMusicHall.com) so you won’t miss any upcoming shows and you can get tickets before they sell out. See listings below for the next two weeks’ worth of shows including Don Felder, formerly with the Eagles for a seated show on April 9.

Congratulations to Kathy Bailey, new owner of Surfers Point Café (formerly the Sandbox Coffeehouse at Thompson Blvd and Figueroa). They’ve been making some improvements and I’m happy to report live music will be booked on the weekends. On the books already, Ben Garcia on April 9 and 23, Gabby Montiel on April 16 and the CocoKnots on April 30.

Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme has a few shows lined up including Smooth Sounds of Santana (Santana tribute) on April 9 and Think: X, an exploration of the music of Pink Floyd on April 23. Think: X features Norwood Fisher from Fishbone, Scott Page and Roberta Freeman who both worked with Pink Floyd, Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, and more.

Quick Notes: Bad Religion plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, April 6; do note, all kinds of Deadheads will take over the Ventura Fairgrounds for the Skull & Roses festival April 7-10; the Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey of TOOL returns to the Grape for a show on Friday, April 8 (I understand they’re donating half their take to the Grape for future improvements on the club); Julie Christensen returns to town for a special night of music at the Ojai Underground on Friday, April 8; along with a couple of DJs, ADD will be playing the VIP Bunny Lounge during the Spring Wine Walk on Saturday, April 9; Ventura Music Festival presents Twanguero’s classical Spanish/Flamenco guitarist at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center April 9; Cadillac Zack presents the Jimmy Vivino Band at Cantara in Camarillo on Friday, April 15; Night Demon plays a gig at Casa Agria Specialty Ales on April 16; and one of the surviving remaining members of “the Wrecking Crew,” Don Randi and Quest, will play a special show at the Grape on Saturday, April 16.

Ventura Music Photos – April, 2022

Posted on April 8, 2022 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Hall – April 17, 2022
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives (Photo credit: Kelly Zirbes)

Tony’s Pizzeria – April 16, 2022
Caliente Band (Photo credit: Rodney Medina)

Ojai House Concert – April 16, 2022
Sonic Butterfly meets Star Goes Nova

The Grape – April 8, 2022
The Doug Webb Group:
Doug Webb- saxophone
Danny Carey- drums
Jamie Kime- guitar
Mitchel Forman- keys
Jimmy Earl- bass

Skull and Roses – April 8 – 10, 2022|
Photo Credit: John Murchison

Ventura Music Photos – March 2022

Posted on March 23, 2022 by venturarocks

Namba Performing Arts – March 26, 2022
Kelly’s Lot

The Garage – March 26, 2022
Cinnamon Whiskey (Photo credit: Cody Edgar)

Ventura Music Hall – March 22, 2022
G. Love and the Juice

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/23/22 – 4/5/22

Posted on March 23, 2022 by venturarocks

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

There are a couple of festivals landing at the Ventura Fairgrounds soon. The incredibly popular Skull & Roses will run April 7 – 10 with Phil Lesh & Friends, Dark Star Orchestra, Oteil & Friends, Melvin Seals, and more performing. I spent some time on the website trying to figure out all the different options from daily tickets, to camping and which bands play which days, and then…I gave up. But if you’re the forever Grateful Dead fan, then you won’t mind figuring it all at SkullAndRoses.com

But before the deadheads descend on our fine city, the punk rockers will have their day on Sunday, March 27 at the Punk in Drublic festival. Ventura’s date features performances from NOFX, Pennywise, Face to Face, TSOL, Lagwagon, Ill Repute and more. Per the easy-to-understand website, this event was created from the mind and livers of NOFX’s frontman, Fat Mike, and craft beer fanatic/festival promoter, Cameron Collins, and they’ll be traveling across the US and even making stops in Europe. Get ticket information at PunkInDrublicFest.com.

Madewest Brewing Company is celebrating their sixth anniversary on Saturday, March 26, with live music from Ghost and Ghouls, RJ Bloke and Milo Sledge at their brewery/taproom location at 1744 Donlon Street in Ventura.

Night Demon will be playing a hometown show to finally celebrate the release of their Year of the Demon album as well as their new beer, Beer of the Demon at Casa Agria Specialty Ales in Oxnard on Saturday, April 16. Tung will open.

The Ventura Music Festival added Twanguero for their 27th season; secure your tickets for the April 9 concert at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center through VenturaMusicFestival.org;

I’m looking forward to reporting on the grand opening of the Ventura Music Hall on my next column…but meantime, they are open for business! See listings below.

Quick Notes: Kelly’s Lot rescheduled show for Namba is on Saturday, March 26; The Ojai Underground has Lola Haag Jazz Quartet on March 26, Mike Mullins on April 1, and Phil Salazar & the Kin Folk on Saturday April 2; Tickets are on sale now through EventBrite for Buckcherry at the Oceanview Pavilion for June 4, they just released their 9th album, Hellbound; and congratulations to The Silver for taking 2nd place in Rock the Valley battle of the bands guaranteeing them a slot in the summer concerts in the park this year;

The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour welcomes Mary Z Wilson to the program with a segment featuring three songs of Mary’s choosing along with a little background and history on each act. The current show features Julie Christensen, Phil Salazar and the Tatters. The program airs on CAPS Media’s KPPQ-lp at 104.1 FM in Ventura, or online at CapsMedia.org/Radio and airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.
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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/9/22 – 3/22/22

Posted on March 10, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Ventura Music Hall is still on track for their first show on March 22 with G. Love & the Juice and what an incredible first band to have on their docket. You’ll want to bookmark their website (www.VenturaMusicHall.com), all the dates are listed with links to secure tickets, which I highly recommended you do, sooner than later, as dates are selling out even before they open their doors. They’re offering a variety of acts from up-and-coming indie artists to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers (Don Felder of the Eagles), and offering all types of genres from Soul to Country and most points in between.

There’s Bob Mould with a successful solo career after Husker Du in the 80s; it should be a house party with Thievery Corporation, electronic, music duo; Celtic punk rockers Flogging Molly will keep you on your toes; there’s Dave Mason who continues to tour with over 100 a shows a year (when there isn’t a pandemic), and who, for crying out loud, wrote “Feelin’ Alright” when he was in Traffic; there’s Country and Bluegrass artist Marty Stuart, who you may or may know toured with Johnny Cash’s road band many years ago, and that’s just a handful of the artists already lined up.

I got a tour of the venue last month, gone are the bowling lanes, and it’s all about bringing even more music to town as well having another outlet for our trove of local artists to play. The kitchen will offer food, there’s a full bar and the staff are super excited to be a part of our community…I have no doubt, they’re going to fit in just fine!

And then there’s yet another one of those not-to-be-missed shows at the Grape with the Jerry Vivino quartet on Saturday, March 12. You most likely know Vivino’s sax work as a member of the Conon O’Brien Show’s band, but he’s played with Springsteen, James Taylor, Donald Fagen, Branford Marsalis and others. On drums will be Bernie Dresel, multi-Grammy award winning artist who not only performed and recorded with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, but his work can be found on such soundtracks as Whiplash, Incredibles 2, Mission Impossible III, and the Bourne Supremacy.

Quick Notes: congratulations to Steve and Sally Williams on the release of their CD, Borrowed & Blues; Relm Wine & Beer Bistro is now called Onyx Bistro and they’ll continue to host singer/songwriters on Fridays and Saturdays; tickets are on sale now for 311’s May 12th date at the Ventura Theater; Aaron Orbit along with Rubberneck Lions and Carlism play The Six Chow House on Friday, March 11; RJ Mischo birthday bash will be held in the Blue Room upstairs next the Comedy Club in the Ventura Harbor on Friday, March 18; and Kyle returns to the Ventura Theatre for a show on Friday, March 18.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/23/22 – 3/8/22

Posted on February 21, 2022 by venturarocks

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

There have been a number of announcements for live music events as it appears we’re turning the corner on (knock on wood) this pandemic.

The Ojai Blues Fest at the Ojai Art Center was announced with that show being held on Saturday June 4 with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, Crooked Eye Tommy, Guy Martin, Chuck Strong & SRBQ, Sandy Haley, and Milo Sledge. Tickets will go for $30 a head and are available through EventBrite.com.

The Ventura Music Festival announced their lineup for their 27th festival for next summer starting Wednesday, July 27 with Adaawe and a free concert in the park. Neither their website, nor their poster indicates which park, but my money is on Mission Park downtown. Adaawe is seven women of the voice and drum performing global soul and African rhythm. Then there’s two weeks with shows Friday through Sunday, July 29 through August 7; all shows at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center. Go to VenturaMusicFestival.org for full lineup and ticket information.

JD Drury is starting to announce bands for next summer’s Surf Rodeo. As of yet, no major acts, but a lot of local area favorites will be on the bill including Raging Arb and the Redheads, Yachtley Crew, Highway Starr, Fortunate Youth and a lot more to cover the three days from July 15 – 17 at the Ventura Pier. To keep up with bands and to secure your tickets, go to SurfRodeo.org.

Two shows to entertain attending at Namba Performing Arts include Jazz Modes on February 25 featuring a four-piece jazz outfit with Robert Kyle, Bevan Manson, Sean Riddle and Dean Thomas, and then for something completely different the following evening, February 26, it’s Andre Thierry, award winning musician whose masterful accordion style playing is sure to get you on your feet and in the mood for Mardi Gras. Ticket information for both events can be found at NambaArts.com.

Ventura Music Hall is still on track for their first show on March 22 with G. Love & the Juice. More details coming next issue.

Quick Notes: live music returns to the Margarita Villa in the Ventura Harbor; Chuck Dennis presents jazz, funk and soul with Johnny Britt and special guest Isaiah Venegas at the Grape on Friday, February 25; Mike Watt and the Missingmen play Rock & Roll Pizza in Simi Valley on Friday, February 25; Strey Cellars celebrates their 8th anniversary on Sunday, February 27 with Vanise Terry Band; Kyle Smith is back in town with a date at Winchesters on Sunday, February 27; The Garage is throwing a Mardi Gras party on Saturday, March 5 with Barrelhouse Wailers; a Tribute to the Greats returns for an encore show at the Grape on Saturday, March 5; there’s a punk rock show at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center with Dr. Know, Pink Mist, Tung, and more on Friday, March 4; and Chick Singer Night returns to the Sound Palace with Jodi Farrell, Brittney Burchett, Mia Mormino, Tamara Sue and Meghan Monroe on Saturday, March 5.