Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/25/20 – 4/7/20

Posted on March 23, 2020 by venturarocks

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

We find ourselves in uncharted territory as the Covid-19 pandemic hits home. Many venues initially didn’t take Governor Newsom’s Stay-Home Order too seriously, but once the Ventura County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Levin, issued our own local emergency order, each venue, one by one, closed their doors and posted on social media they would not be open for business until allowed to do so; and as much as we all would like to think live music is an essential service, alas, by definition, it brings people together in too close proximity to remain safe.

This extraordinary event is disrupting our normal routine and we’re scrambling to figure out how best to endure and stay safe.

Forever the optimist, I still feel for our community; I feel for the musicians who lost all their gigs; I feel for Sheldon Brown, publisher of the Ventura Breeze, as his advertisers have fallen short of covering the cost of production, yet he’s doing everything he can to keep the Breeze alive; I feel for all the small business owners forced to close their doors (hopefully just temporarily); I feel for the grocery workers who have to constantly restock (and deal with cranky customers) as certain people feel compelled to overbuy; I feel for first responders forever on standby, ready to serve; I feel for parents with children unexpectedly at home due to school closures; and I feel for those scared and worried about this pandemic because that is in their nature to do so. The only comfort and advice I can offer is to ask those who are in anguish to take a step back, and really try to realize worrying doesn’t help anyone (especially you and your family), it only adds to the problem. If you can get to that point, then figure out what you can do to better the situation; seriously, do something, anything!

During this time of social distancing, I’ve seen so many resourceful and creative solutions for remaining connected especially using social media, but I’ll be honest, Facebook can be potentially soul damaging when people constantly vent angry political-blaming posts, but I want you to remember that you have the power to “hide” those posts, even “unfollow” and “delete” friends and in extreme situations, “block” individuals who chronically share mind-numbing snarky remarks, false information and diatribe. What’s left are pictures of pets, children running amok, creative suggestions to try at home, groups forming to support each other (one is a bartering group here in Ventura) and of course all our beautiful musicians providing live online concerts using social media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, even Cadenza.tv).

I was concerned for a day, maybe two, on how to move forward with supporting Ventura’s music scene on my website VenturaRocks.com, but once I saw musicians and singer/songwriters inviting fans to view their home concerts, I knew I could help promote and list those events instead of venue calendars. And because I’m also a website designer, I created a page where you can view that video after the performance is over on the VenturaRocks Artist page. And just so you know, many of the performers also provide a way to make a donation, a tip jar if you will, so you can help these artists who lost all their gigs for the time being.

I’ll be honest (with a Cheshire smile), it’s a little mini vacation for me not having to research where all the live music is and compiling a calendar (both for the Breeze and VenturaRocks.com). Here’s a little insight on where I get my information: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, messenger, text messages, phone calls and venue websites, not to mention the occasional flyer I’ll spot walking around town. What makes it even more challenging is the fact that people will not always list an event in a timely manner, so I have to research several times a week instead of only once, and even then, I can miss a gig by someone who posted the morning of the show. So yeah, I’m decompressing and enjoying cleaning out the junk drawer(s), and spending time with my senior pups.

Gratefully, the Stay Home Order allows us to go to the grocery store and pharmacy, even to a restaurant for take-out or drive-thru, which brings up another point. While we are at home, we can still support local restaurants who are providing delivery services, many of them without delivery fees. For a list of FAQs on what is allowed, go to vcemergency.com/staywellvc.

As I follow the guidelines of social distancing, I’m loving my community uplifting each other and voicing words of support as I walk my senior dogs down at Pierpont Beach, albeit, at least from a distance of six feet or more. I’m seeing people out enjoying the fresh air, walking their own dogs, biking, jogging and letting their kids out for some much-needed space, which after all, Ventura’s space is one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Please keep in mind, we will get through this quicker if we all adhere to the guidelines here and now.

#TogetherAtHome #StayVenturaStrong #StirCrazy #SupportYourLocalMusican #TheVenturaBreezeRocks #WeCanDoThis #VenturaWillRockAgain

Finally, my sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Jim Salzer as the community grieves at his passing. He was an icon here in town and his impact on the music scene as a concert promoter and record and video store owner will be felt for a very long time.

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. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 3/11 – 3/24

Posted on March 11, 2020 by venturarocks

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

Coronavirus Closures and Postpones are possible starting this week. Please double check with venue before venturing out.

(The first paragraph here is inserted as they missed the deadline for print publication)

There will be a fundraiser for local musician Robert Ramirez (Medicine Hat) on Saturday, March 13, from 4 – 9 pm at Bombay’s to help Robert with his finances while recuperating after braking his clavicle as a result of a bike accident. Bands on the bill include Raging Arb and the Redheads, Honeyowl, Guy Martin, Matt Armor, Frank Barajas, Spencer Barantz and more. Donations accepted at the door and part of the bar’s proceeds as well. Get out and support!!

If you can not make fundraiser, here is a link to help support: Fundraiser for Robert

It’s not always easy to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day when it falls mid-week as it does this year on a Tuesday, so a lot of the celebrations will take place the weekend before with hardcore Irish venues such as Dargan’s celebrating full throttle on Tuesday anyways. You can expect the obligatory bagpipers and Claddagh Irish dancers throughout the day; I also hear the Ventura City Fire Pipes and Drums will be making their rounds including at stop at Made West Brewing.

Surge Du Monde plays the Red Cove on Saturday, March 14. The band’s genre is “Deep Groove – Old Country – Folk Core” with Austin Wrinkle on drums and percussion (nominated two years for World Percussionist of the Year, Drum! Magazine Drummies Awards), Orest Balaban who toured with the Eels back in the day and Eric Warner who recorded with Jon Swift. Casual Business also plays. The following weekend, Saturday, March 21, Blues Bullet will be joined by Whiskey Dick (Texas), James Hunnicutt (Washington) and the Hajj (Cypress Island).

There will be a hardcore night of ~~Psychobilly/Rawkabilly/Ska with Los Pistoleros out of Reno, Mama’s Hot Sauce out of Palmdale along with~~ locals Double Wide at the Garage on Saturday, March 14.

The Majestic Ventura Theater has a number of concerts over the next couple of weeks including Fitz and the Tantrums on Friday, March 13, the Growlers on Wednesday, March 18, Yachtley Crew on Friday, March 20, and then a tribute to Bob Marley with One Drop Redemption, BombaFiya and After the Smoke on Saturday, March 21.

See Ventura Theater website for cancellations/postponements.

Quick Notes: VenturaRocks.com celebrates its 11th anniversary this month serving Ventura’s music community; Buffalo Trance plays the Saloon on Saturday, March 14 (print version incorrectly has 13th); Social Distortion tribute band, Sick Boy, returns to the Sewer with the Hell Toupees on Friday, March 13; ~~you can dance all night to tech music at the Ventura Beach Club with Club805 on Friday, March 13~~; mPhaka will be the Winery of Ventura’s band both for their ~~float during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade~~ and then again that evening at their venue on Market Street; ~~the Channel Cities Jazz Club presents the Barrelhouse Wailers at the House of Dance on Sunday, March 15; Karyn805 releases her second CD at Winchesters on Friday, March 20;~~ and the Copa Cubana will feature a night of salsa dancing and more when Cuban born Fermin Siforntes Quartet plays on Friday, March 20

So far, no events locally have been cancelled or postposed due to the Coronavirus. I’ve seen concerned raised on social media regarding the Skull & Roses event at the Ventura Fairgrounds over the weekend of April 2 where over a dozen bands play celebrating the music and community of the Grateful Dead. So far everything is a go, but keep your often-washed fingers crossed!

Many events have been cancelled/postponed due to Covid-19, including postponement of Skull & Roses.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/26 – 3/10

Posted on February 24, 2020 by venturarocks

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

The Ventura Music Festival announced their 2020 lineup recently. Most of the events will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center (VCPAC); but the ever-popular Tea & Trumpets will once again be held at the Pierpont Inn on July 23, and their annual free event will be held at Mission park on July 30 featuring Adaawe, seven women of the voice and drum featuring music from West African roots with Gospel harmonies and American funk. The other performances at VCPAC including Aubrey Logan, an American pop and jazz singer and trombone soloist; Time for Three; Andrea Roberto, Django Festival Allstars, Tom Scott & LA Express and Sean Chen. Tickets go on sale April 13 at www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Meanwhile, the Ventura Music Festival has a special event on March 22 featuring seven gifted musicians from Austria called Mnozil Brass, noted as “the Monty Python of the musical world.” This concert will be held at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo.

Formerly known as Champagne on Main, the Spring Wine Walk & Street Fair will be here before you know it. The street fair is always open and free to the public, but to be a part of the wine walk you will need to buy tickets. The event falls on Saturday, March 28. Get your tickets at www.SpringWineWalk.com.

Quick Notes: enjoy some pub rock with Sock Monkey at Red Cove, on Thursday, February 27; Grady’s Records has an in store performance on Friday, February 28, with Eugene Chadbourne and Daniel Masiel; the Vonettes with the Swizzlers play an early show (6 pm) at Bombay’s on Friday, February 28; Solvang’s La Grimas plays a punk show with Up Your Gut and Defeating the Purpose at the Garage on Friday, February 28; Concrete Jungle Brewing is hosting an “Into the Wild” art show on Saturday, February 29, with Omega Nova playing; you can catch Cinnamon Whiskey at Duke’s at the beach on Saturday, February 29; the Midtones play Peirano’s on Saturday, February 29; Caffrodite Community Collective has a songwriter’s showcase on Sunday, March 1 with Liz Nash, Kathy Kamath, Don Horn and others; check out Sunday Funday, March 1, at Four Brix Winery featuring Mark Masson; Rachel Flowers returns to Ventura for a jazz show at the Winery Ventura on Sunday afternoon, March 1; Los Cool Arrows plays the Ventura Theater on Saturday, March 7; and finally, Second Sunday Supper on March 8 has Shaky Feelin’ at Plan B Winery.

The Jazz community lost a good one this past month when Ken Winters passed away. A former jazz writer and a World War II veteran, he was a gem and a gentleman and I always enjoyed hearing his tales of the many jazz shows he had seen over the years.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/12 – 2/25

Posted on February 9, 2020 by venturarocks

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

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room, and then move on. Yes, another venue has closed its doors. What’s worse, it’s a Main Street venue, this time Oak and Main. Was it due to mismanagement? Bad service? Poor advertising? It’s easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, but instead, let’s all just vow to support your favorite venues making up Ventura’s music scene. Rent is incredibly high, and the bands deserve to be paid well, so understand that us music lovers are the ones who truly give it the blood to keep it going.

Here now, your Valentine’s musical choices for February 14: there will be a Punk Rock Prom party (all ages) at Bike Ventura on the Avenue with Rafa Rose, Martini Drive and Without Words; Colette Lovejoy plays Café Fiore; serious dancing will be going on at Copa Cubana with House Arrest; there’s a 20’s theme party at Four Brix Winery with Ginger & the Hoosier Daddies; Benjamin Buttner plays jazz & blues at La Cosecha Modern Concina in the Crown Plaza Hotel; Limon y Sal offers up Mariachi Aguilas de Oxnard dinner shows; there’s a “Rock into my Heart” party at the Sewer with Spacedragon and the Mystos; in Ojai, a special evening of live music with Jade Hendrix at Topa Mountain Winery; in Oxnard, jazz with Toni Jannotta at 1901 Speakeasy in Oxnard; and finally, not only can you celebrate Valentine’s Day with Shawn Jones at Grapes and Hops, but it’s a Marti Gras birthday celebration for owner Tammy White as well.

Get your cowboy boots out because Saturday, February 15 will be the 4th annual Country Music Crawl in downtown Ventura featuring six bands and six venues where at the start you pick the color cup to represent whether your single (blue) or in a committed relationship (red). I’m thinking we should always have that option in all bars don’t you think? In any case, here’s the line up starting at Blue Agave at 4 pm with Lacie Mae; Ted Z & the Wranglers at Star Lounge at 5; then over to Grapes and Hops for Blind Innocense at 6; up to Limon y Sal for Paige Peel at 7; Mike Scully plays Winchesters at 8 pm; then wrapping up the crawl at the Sewer for Rob Leines at 9 pm by which time I’m sure it will be an actual crawl. Get your tickets at CountryBarCrawl.com.

Pulse Drumming will hold a special drum clinic at the Winery Ventura Sunday afternoon, February 23, with Fausto Cuevas (toured with Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Santana, and now with Jennifer Lopez). Following the clinic will be a live performance starting at 2:30.

Quick Notes: now that football season is over, the Boatyard Pub is back to live music every night of the week; there’s a free Chamber Music Concert at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 15; Namba has Licity’s Love Fest at Namba Saturday, February 15 and then Dan Rosenboom’s Jazz Fusion on Sunday, February 16; Dark Star Orchestra plays the Ventura Theater Thursday, February 20; and the 6th annual Johnny Cash birthday bash at Bombay’s will be Saturday, February 22 with the Mighty Cash Cats and Silver Threads.

And finally, there will be a fundraiser on Saturday, February 22, for an all-inclusive playground in Arroyo Verde Park at the Garage with over ten bands supporting this effort including the Robot Uprising, Fuse, Day Drunk, One Minute Run, Malice Thoughts and Plot.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/19/20 – 2/11/20

Posted on January 26, 2020 by venturarocks

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

I’m a big fan of shaking it up and seeing new things tried out in our little town, and case in point, you can spend your lunchtime at the EP Foster Library in the Topping Room on Friday, January 31, while listening to Opera Santa Barbara, and it’s absolutely free!

Oak and Main’s social media post invites you to celebrate One Love in honor of Bob Marley’s birthday on Thursday, February 6, when they will host a Bob Marley Day with Kaya Now (Marley tribute band) and LayLow.

I spoke with Josh McNutt of Squashed Grapes to get an update on the new jazz club to be simply named, The Grape, and he told me while they have had several setbacks, they continue to overcome all the barriers they’ve come across and hope to be open early Summer. Meanwhile you can catch some great jazz at the Winery Ventura several nights a week located at 4746 Market Street.

Quick Notes: now that Monday Night Football is over for the season, Boatyard Pub welcomes back Milo Sledge with his Monday night residency; it’s good to see Jade Hendrix playing more shows, she’ll be at Topa Topa Brewing on Thompson, Wednesday, January 29; the band, Nein Lives, will debut during open mic night on Thursday, January 30 at Keynote Lounge; find out what the Namba performing arts space is all about during their open house on Thursday, January 30 (4 pm); there should be a packed house for the return of Porcelain Hill at the Sewer on Friday, January 31; you won’t want to miss Jen Staves & the Bluzfish at the Winery Ventura on Friday, January 31 (they’re also celebrating Nee Sackey’s birthday); the Vinyl Gypsies play classic rock on Saturday afternoon at Cantina 31 starting at 2 pm on Saturday, February 1; proving rock is not dead, Ninefinger returns to town with a gig at Red Cove on Saturday, February 1; Concrete Jungle Brewing has a hardcore show on Monday, February 3, kicking off at 5:30 with Born from Pain, Slowbleed and several other bands; in support of their newest release, Widow’s Weeds, the Silversun Pickups play the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, February 4; the Mentors with Social Conflict play the Garage, on Friday, February 7; Caught Red Handed plays Cantara Cellars on Saturday, February 8; and Anchor & Bear duo play Peirano’s on Saturday, February 8.

Don’t forget to check out my little local radio show which actually has the potential for a worldwide audience as it’s not only in Ventura at 104.1 FM, but on the internet at CapsMedia.org/radio. The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airs Tuesdays at 5 with rebroadcasts on Friday at 5 and Sundays at noon and features mostly local music out of the 805. Do you have music you’d like to submit? Drop me an email.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/15/20 – 1/28/20

Posted on January 15, 2020 by venturarocks

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

Congratulations to Made West Brewing as they celebrate their four-year anniversary this month, and you know there is no better way to pack the house (other than with their excellent suds) than with live music. On Saturday, January 25, from 11 am to 9 pm they’ll have Sam Kulchin, Brother Earl, Lauren Hall, Peter Blackwelder and Ben Schneid (formerly of Foxtraxx); then on Sunday, January 26, 1 pm to 7 pm, it’s Fire Mist, Milo Sledge Trio and Jade Hendrix.

The Winery Ventura is bringing Blues promoter out of LA, Cadillac Zack, with their first show on Friday, January 17, featuring blues guitar legend, Chris Cain.

50 Sticks of Dynamite is back with new music and a gig at Bombay’s; be sure to get in early to catch their sets from 6-9 pm on Saturday, January 18.

Namba welcomes new executive director, Lorenzo Destefano; Lorenzo is the founder of the Ventura Film Society. There will be an open house meet and greet on Thursday, January 30 from 4-7 pm when you can learn more about Lorenzo’s vision for Namba. Meanwhile this month there are a couple of interesting shows to check out including Dirty Cello out of San Francisco with their blues/bluegrass unique blend of American music on Saturday, January 18; a Celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford falls on the following Saturday, January 25. Oh! And what sounds like lots of fun will be a “Grease! Sing-along” on Friday, January 24.

Quick Notes: Golden China’s open mic has moved to the Hong Kong Inn on Tuesdays 6-10 pm (drums and backline provided); Discovery has the English Beat Friday, January 17, and Ozomatli on Saturday, January 18; Leashless Brewing hosts a Singer/Songwriter showcase on Sunday, January 19; there will be a memorial fundraiser for Kanyon Morales on Sunday, January 19, at Oak and Main with the Question, Rising Son, After the Smoke, True Zion, the Ghetto Lions and more; Paradise Pantry’s debut Cabaret Series with Chris Pierce on Sunday, January 19, has sold out; Isla Vista Jazz Trio plays Grapes and Hops on Friday, January 24;
Club Fall takes over the Ventura Beach Club with dark electronic music on Friday, January 24;
get your punk rock fill with Agent Orange at Discovery on Saturday, January 25; and there will be live music at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Sunday afternoon, January 26, with Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps.

Two final notes of interest: first, Motown Live at the Rubicon was simply fabulous, now I’m looking forward to the Platters performing this June! And just so you know, there is not a bad seat in the house. And finally, a big congratulations to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on their 3000th show this month! They continue to make Ventura proud!!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/1/20 – 1/14/20

Posted on January 1, 2020 by venturarocks

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

Happy New Year my friend! We are back to business as usual and as always already looking forward to a year filled with music which science has proven increases happiness and reduces stress as well as depression. Now the type of music that soothes the average soul is totally subjective. As for me? I love punk to jazz and “most” points in between.

That being said, I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for musicals from Broadway plays to small-town theater. Here in Ventura we are so lucky to have the Rubicon which always offers stellar productions. This month and for three days only, the Rubicon will play host for a special event, “Forever Motown” with favorite hit songs from Motown Legends. The production not only features nine singers and a five-piece band, but includes special guests Glenn Leonard from the Temptations and G.C. Cameron, original lead singer of the Spinners. While the production is in town for only three days, there will be two shows on Friday, January 10 (2 and 8 pm), three shows on Saturday, January 11 (2, 5:30 and 8 pm), and two final shows on Sunday, January 12 (2 and 7 pm). Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

Discovery Ventura has a number of shows lined up later in the month including Dave Wakeling and the English Beat on Friday, January 17, Ozomatli’s 25^th year celebration on Saturday, January 18 (Ozomatli presents Ozokids earlier that afternoon), Agent Orange on Saturday, January 25 and the Spazmatics on Friday, January 31. It’s always more affordable to get your tickets in advance at DiscoveryVentura.com.

Surf Rodeo tickets are already on sale with big news that they’ve expanded to three days! Dates run July 17, 18 and 19 with prices going up as you get nearer the event. Find out more at SurfRodeo.org.

Quick Notes: the 12^th Night Masquerade Ball at 1901 Speakeasy with Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer and Mama Pat Russell on Saturday, January 4; brand new at the Saloon, it’s DJ Cid Hernandez and the Disco Soul Club every Friday at 9 pm; Pennywise and the Adolescents play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, January 11 and the Winery of Ventura plays host for a Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research benefit on Saturday, January 11, featuring Joe La Barbera and Coda.

Along with reading my music scene article here in the Ventura Breeze, I’d like to invite you to check out a few of my other projects I either produce myself or give a platform to such as the VenturaRockSpot which highlights a band or artist every month, you can find that on my main outlet for supporting our music scene which is VenturaRocks.com and you can listen in for original music from artists out of the 805 on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ out of CAPS Media at 104.1 FM.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 12/18 – 12/31

Posted on December 18, 2019 by venturarocks

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

It’s the final weeks of the year with a handful of holiday shows and a whole lot of New Year’s Eve parties, so let’s get right to it.

On Thursday, December 19, Buena High School hosts their 7th annual Not-So-Silent-Night benefit concert in the Library Media Center. The following day, Friday, December 20, the Ventura Theater presents their 8th annual Holiday Sing-along featuring Disney hits and holidays tunes with the price of admission a new unwrapped child’s toy or pet supplies.

Topa Mountain Winery has three events lined up starting on Friday evening at 7 pm with an Ojai holiday concert featuring Smitty & Julia and Friends; then they’re back to their regularly scheduled afternoon live music 3-5 on Saturday with Patricia Avis Family Christmas and Sunday featuring the Hopeful Quartet Holiday Jazz ensemble.

Along with the final weeks of the musical “Forever Plaid” Plaid Tidings” at the Rubicon, there will be a Tiny Tots Holiday Concert featuring the Broadway Juniors on Saturday, December 21, at 10 am.

While we’re still on the subject of Christmas and music, I’d like to give one final plug for “the Local Love Project Holiday Album, The Spirit of Giving” which features over a dozen artists out of the 805 including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Charles Law and Jagged, Towse, Boom Duo and more. The proceeds from the sales stay in the community going to the Local Love Project which helps those who have been affected by a disaster here in the 805. It’s available at CD Baby, Amazon, and locally at most every record store in town. It is the perfect stocking stuffer!

Now on to New Year’s Eve parties starting with live music: FIDO plays until 9 pm with an east coast style NYE party at Leashless Brewing; the Brandon Ragan Project will keep you dancing at the Copa Cubana in the Ventura Harbor; it’s 80’s Invasion at the Crown Plaza at the top of the harbor overlooking the ocean and our fair city; the Shores in Oxnard has Teresa Russell & Friends; Grapes and Hops has the Diane Miller Band; the Self Righteous Brothers play Café Fiore; it’s an all-white party (meaning wear white) at Cantina 31 with Instone; Blues Bullet will keep it lively at Winchesters; it’s classic rock with Arockalypse Now at the Star Lounge; Yachtley Crew with their yacht rock will keep it festive at Discovery while Mandex will keep you rockin’ at Oak and Main downtown.

Venues with DJs and full party plans include Bombay’s, Paddy’s, El Rey Cantina, the Tavern, the Garage, the Keynote Lounge and Sans Souci. There will be cover charges most everywhere and some will sell out, so I highly recommend calling and making reservations now, and don’t forget to arrange for a safe ride home!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 12/4 – 12/17

Posted on December 1, 2019 by venturarocks

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

There is plenty going on in Ventura to get you into the spirit of the holidays starting with the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk on Saturday, December 7 downtown Ventura with a man-made snowfall and live music from the Adelaide Band, Upstream and Bruno and the Hooligans. If it’s not already sold out, get your tickets at www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

There will be a “Winter Wonder Rock Variety Show” at the Garage on Friday, December 6, with Slanted Land, the Volt per Octaves and Hard Six, then the following night a “Hawaiian Holiday” party with How to Live with Robots, Pink Droid and Identity Crisis.

Namba will be hosting, “Doc the Halls” on Saturday, December 7, with the 805 Gospel Allstars, Doc Ventura, Marley Rae Lovelace, Tamara Sue, the Ghetto Lions and special guest RJ Mischo; tickets are $15 the day of the event.

Jodi Farrell’s music studio student 25th Annual Holiday Concert will be held at the Ventura Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church on Saturday, December 7. The guest band will feature Ron Barnett, Jim Rankin, Brad Strickland, Ray Dean Mize and Manon Franklin.

The 19th Annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive concert will be held at the Ventura Beach Club this year on Sunday, December 8 from 1 – 8 pm featuring Crooked Eye Tommy, Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Jim Guston & Truth Jones, Johnny & the Love Handles and more. There’s a $25 cover and they’re also asking for a new unwrapped toy.

There will be an afternoon a holiday popup market at Topa Mountain Winery for their “Shop, Sip & Be Merry” event. Providing the music will be the Brambles, and the Dales on Saturday, December 14 from 1-6 pm.

Quick Notes: enjoy Brazilian Jazz with Teka & New Bossa featuring Kevin Winard, Randy Tico and Doug Webb on Thursday, December 5, at the Winery Ventura; Oak and Main has Hed PE, Bazerk and United Rage on Friday, December 6; Chopperfest returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 8, and along with all the hot rides will be live music from the Zepp Heads, Jan Michael and the Vincents, Twisted Gypsy; featuring music out of the 60s Laurel Canyon scene will be California Dreams at Plan B Wine Cellars on Sunday afternoon, December 8; We were Giants (Idaho) and Next Door to Heaven (Russia) play The Garage on Thursday, December 12; there will be a special Listening Room Holiday Jam at Leashless on Sunday, December 15 at 3 pm; the Christmas musical, “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” opens December 11 for a couple of weeks at the Rubicon Theater; the Ripkatz return to Sans Souci on Friday, December 13; and the Barrelhouse Wailers CD release party will be at the Winery Ventura on Friday, December 13.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/20 – 12/3

Posted on November 17, 2019 by venturarocks

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

Congratulations to Tommy and Paddy Marsh as they will be traveling to Memphis to compete in the Solo Duo category at the International Blues Challenge in January. To help with the cost of the trip, there will be a special evening of Blues at Oak and Main on Sunday, November 24. All the money raised will not only help Crooked Eye Tommy but Jim Gustin & Truth Jones who will compete in the band category. Both are scheduled to perform along with special guests sitting in such as Teresa Russell, Laurie Morvan, Mark Sells, Kelly Zirbes & Perry Robertson, Ray Jaurique, Brigitte Purdy Rios, Toni Dodd and if that weren’t enough, I get to help emcee the event, so you better be there!

Remember the good folks from Green Art People? Well they’ve put together a family Thanksgiving reunion on the eve of Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27 from 6 – 9 pm at Bombay’s with VC/DC (Grateful Dead covers), and a performance of Alice’s Restaurant by Hip E. Mark and the Group “W” Bench. All are invited!

You now can enjoy live music along with the delicious food at Peirano’s on Main Street. The artists are being booked by Steve and Polly Hoganson (Zoey’s, Topa Mountain Music Fest, Ones to Watch Productions). On the books for upcoming gigs are The Swilly’s, Jodi Farrell Brent Franklin and Danny McGaw (see calendar listings).

Quick Notes: The Aquabats play at Discovery on Friday, November 22; The White Buffalo returns to the Ventura Theater on Friday, November 22; Elwood who is out on his Guitar Town Tour will be making at stop at Sandbox Coffeehouse on Sunday, November 24 at noon; The Untouchables are booked for Oak and Main for Saturday, November 30; and don’t forget to set aside Saturday, December 8, for the Downtown Ventura Winter Wine Walk, the social event of the year! Tickets can be bought at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Last issue I covered the upcoming CD release party for the Local Love Project Holiday Album, The Spirit of Giving benefiting fire survivors, well I have my copy and it’s totally worthy to add to your seasonal collection of Christmas music. It’s produced by John Baffa (Grammy award winning recording engineer) and Ralph Carter, featuring covers and originals from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dirty Rice, Kelly’s Lot with Doug Pettibone, Guy Martin, Charles Law and Jagged and more. There are too many highlights, but just two of them are the Ventura High School Choir’s cover of “That’s Christmas to Me,” and Sugaray Rayford’s “O Holy Night.” I’m also a new fan of the Midtones. If you celebrate Christmas, then I highly recommend adding this to your collection, you can get it online at www.CDBaby.com/cd/totallylocalvc, you can even have it shipped as a gift to someone else.