Ventura Music Scene 6-11/25 – 6/24/25

Posted on June 8, 2025 by venturarocks

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

There are quite a few live outdoor music series over the summer with so much of it free to the community! Let’s start with the Downtown Ventura Summer Concert Series at Main and California launching Thursday, June 12 with The Gamble. The following week it’s The Ooo Wee Ooo’s, then Looking West on the 26th and Dyland Cunningham on July 3. You’re invited to bring a chair, picnic basket or better yet, stop in one of the many fine restaurants downtown and take your meal to go.

The 2025 Heritage Square Summer Concert Season kicks off Friday, June 13 with the Brandon Ragan Project followed by Los Amigos 805 on the 20th, and Heart and Soul on the 27th. Chairs and picnic baskets are also allowed though you can purchase individual seats up front on a first come first served basis; concert tables available though an online process at heritagesquareoxnard.com.

The Channel Island Harbor free concerts start in July as do the Constitution Park series in Camarillo and The Collection at Riverpark won’t occur in August. And though not a “concert series” I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a couple of ongoing free reggae shows at Tony’s Pizzeria on Thursdays, and Café Fiore on Sundays.

The inaugural Palomazo Music Fest to celebrate sound, culture and community is coming up on Saturday, June 14, at Heritage Square in Oxnard with an eclectic mix of live music from Los Xiquenos, Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, Maria Sanchez & the Midnight Groove and more. For tickets and more information go to Pipiripau.com.

And a big congratulations to Topa Topa Brewing Co. on their 10th anniversary. Celebrations are being held on Saturday, June 14, at their headquarters on Colt Street with a carnival-themed party with lots of activities to keep the kids busy and plenty of music from Denim Emperor, Soft Drugs and Some of These are Planets (yes, those are bands), then there will be an after party at the downtown taproom on Thompson Blvd. This ticketed event ($20 at the door) benefits Tierra Sol with performances by Vetiver, Sam Blasucci of Mapache, Farmer Dave & the Wizards of the West.

The Ventura County Fair Grandstand entertainment is being rolled out via social media here and there and they have yet to post the lineup on their website at the time of my deadline. I trust all will be revealed by our next issue.

Quick Notes: The Boatyard is super close to reopening with live music after undergoing renovations; Winchesters Grill & Saloon has reduced their live music to two days on Saturdays and Sundays; Tommy Castro and the Painkillers play the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, June 13; and Rhiannon Giddens plays the Ventura Theater Monday, June 16 (she next plays the Hollywood Bowl on June 18).

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 5/28/25 – 6/10/2025

Posted on May 25, 2025 by venturarocks

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

With Memorial Day weekend behind us, we’re officially into the “summer” music season though the summer solstice won’t occur until June 20. But that being what it may, the days are warming up and people are heading out to take in live music with an inordinate amount happening in Ojai. The Ojai Music Festival runs Thursday, June 5, though Sunday, June 8 with most of the events being held at the Ojai Libbey Bowl. There are a handful of “off-site” events as well and a few that are totally free to the community. For a full run-down of concerts, special events and pricing, go to OjaiFestival.org.

But before all the hoity-toity classical music descends on this picturesque gem of a town, you won’t want to miss all the down and dirty blues at the Ojai Blues Fest on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, both days will be held at the Ojai Art Center. Friday night is the kick-off party featuring Crooked Eye Tommy with Grady Clark, then it’s Celso Salim and Darryl Carriere. The following day is a full afternoon of blues featuring amazing artists such as Katie Skene, Teresa Russell, Smokey & Friends, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps and Joey Delgado of the acclaimed Delgado Brothers. Oh! And don’t forget I get to emcee the festivities both days. Tickets can be purchased via BrownPaperTickets.com. I recommend visiting OjaiArtCenter.org for more information on the bands and what you can bring with you into the venue.

Here’s some interesting news, along with booking artists for the Ventura Music Hall, Ineffable Live has taken over as the exclusive talent buyer for the Majestic Ventura Theater. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ineffable Live as we enter this next chapter at the Majestic,” said Robert Antonini, owner of the Majestic Ventura Theater. “Their passion for live music, deep artist relationships, and commitment to community make them the ideal partner to help us bring even more dynamic music and cultural events to downtown Ventura.”

Quick Notes: the original Wailers have been added to the Ventura Music Hall for a date on July 15; Café Fiore’s Sunday reggae nights are back with Intent on June 1 and Wisdom Tree on June 8; Fido plays Bombay’s on Saturday, May 31; the next 5x5x5 at Art City is Friday, June 6 and will include performances by Bianca Celestina, Thomas Lazo, Rob Goldman and Ben Gold;

one of the original Nardcore bands, Stalag 13, is schedule to play the Mystery Shop in Oxnard on Saturday, June 7; it’s a B3 Funk Party at the Grape with the Brian Charette band featuring Danny Carey (TOOL) on drums Saturday, June 7; and while some venues may have live music, I’m told the Spring Wine Walk will only feature DJs this year.

Ventura Music Scene 5/14/25 – 5/27/25

Posted on May 11, 2025 by venturarocks

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

The Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 17 and 18 featuring not only strawberry concoctions, vendors, arts and crafts, a festival midway with carnival rides, but of course live music! There will be four stages rotating artists both days. I mention this so you don’t miss local artists such as Katie Skene, Sam Kulchin, Warren Takahashi and others who will play inside of the San Miguel and Anacapa Halls. Outdoor stages will have bands such as Bruno & the Hooligans, U2Xperience, Kings of Queen, Jayden Secor, Santeria, Jacob & the Good Vibes and more. Tickets can be purchased day of or in advance at CAStrawberryFestival.org. And as always, you are encouraged to use one of the many shuttles located at seven different locations where the parking is free except at San Buenaventura State Beach ($10).

The band Jackrabbit plays the Deer Lodge this month on Saturday, May 17, featuring actor, Dermot Mulroney, and his brother Kieran Mulroney. This should be a fun night featuring a blend of “Cali-country,” rock, soul and folk. C’mon! Who didn’t love Mulroney in my Best Friend’s Wedding? I triple-checked the Deer Lodge website and tickets remain at only $15.

The Yard in downtown Ventura is starting to provide live music in their back patio area. Shawn Jones played recently. I hope the venue (which has the most excellent service) will start posting their music on their website as opposed to just using Instagram the day of or before their events, or worse, depending on the artist to post on their social media accounts. Next up, Brittney and Friends on Saturday, May 17.

Fero’s Ferio Winery in Ojai has been consistently providing live music Saturdays and Sundays (4-6 pm) in an intimate setting (code for small room). You might want to swing by on Saturday, May 24, when Korel Tunador performs. Though not a household name, he has toured with The Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Katy Perry and more.

Quick Notes: Shaky Feelin’ plays Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar on Saturday, May 17; this month’s Monday Club featuring Hot Roux falls on the 29th of May at the Masonic Center downtown Ventura; Chris Isaaks plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 24; ahead of her new record lease, Lissie plays Topa Institute on Saturday, May 24; The Trivle Omdobble return to Topa Topa Brewing on Colt St, Sunday, May 25; and the Caverns play Tony’s Pizzeria on Sunday, May 25.

And don’t forget to secure your tickets to this year’s Ojai Blues Fest coming up on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31. Tommy Marsh brings the talent once again with such artists as Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Joey Delgado, Katie Skene, Crooked Eye Tommy and more. Tickets are available on BrownPaperTickets.com.

Ventura Music Scene 4/30/25 – 5/13/25

Posted on April 27, 2025 by venturarocks

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

The Ventura Music Festival’s free concert this year on Saturday, May 3, is coming up fast with such bands as Ticket to Ride (Beatles covers), the Blue Mountain Tribe, Barrelhouse Wailers, Rey Fresco and more. The family-friendly event starts at Mission Park next to the museum at noon, then after the last performance, the second stage takes over at Main and Chestnut aligning with Limon y Sal’s Cinco de May celebration at around 5 pm with not only Rey Fresco, but several salsa and mariachi bands. Along with the music, vendors will be set up as well as a vintage car show.

Another Ventura Music Festival event (this one ticketed) comes the following Friday, May 9th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with Donny Most and his Band (Most played Ralph Malph, Richie’s redheaded friend on Happy Days). The band will perform standards from legends such as Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Dean Martin. Go to VenturaMusicFestival.org to see if tickets are still available.

May the 4th (be with you) will see the community gather to support The Local Love Project and their 3rd Annual Blues, BBQ & Portside Views benefit. This year features music from Kelly’s Lot and the Erik Lemaire Band and it is being held at Portside Ventura Harbor on Sunday, May 4th from 1-5 pm. Tickets are $20 and available via TotalLocalVC.com.

Namba Arts is helping to celebrate Mother’s Day with a concert featuring American Songbook Today performing, “Songs for Mothers and Those They Love.” This joyful tribute to moms everywhere will include songs from David Crosby, Stephen Sondheim, Janis Ian, Simon and Garfunkel and more. Find out more at NambaArts.com.

Ozomatli is celebrating 30 years with a show at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, June 27. General admission tickets are on sale now. I also saw the venue added a show with Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel for Friday, July 18. This one will be a fully-seated concert featuring the son of the legendary Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers) who recently passed away in 2024.

Mackenzie Carpenter and Jackson Dean have been added along with headliner, Kane Brown, for this summer’s Boots & Brews Country Music Festival on Sunday, June 29, presented by Surfers Point Live at the fairgrounds.

Don’t forget tickets for Music Under the Stars go on sale Tuesday, May 6. You won’t want to wait too long as most concerts do sell out.

Quick Notes: Looking West plays Rincon Brewery on Friday May 2; Sick Boy plays Poseidon Brewing on Friday, May 3; Dirty Cello return to Ventura County for a show at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, May 3; Bloody Mary Morning bring new music to their show at Bombay’s on Friday, May 9; and Robyn Hitchcock plays the Deer Lodge on Tuesday, May 13 (tickets available through EventBrite).

Ventura Music Scene 4/16/25 – 4/29/25

Posted on April 13, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Stecklestock marks the beginning of what I think of as the outdoor live music special events season which runs through the middle of Fall. This all-day family-friendly free concert runs 8 am – 6 pm on Saturday, April 26 and features local bands in a setting under the trees at Steckle Park in Santa Paula. Keep in mind the bands do it for the love of our music community so to help defray costs, donations are encouraged and happily accepted. This year’s line up includes Chicano 7, Premonition, The Tommy Foytek Band, No Biggee, Only Obvious, Lowered Expectations, Buena Onda, and The Charles Law Band.

There will be a Grateful Dead inspired concert on Sunday, April 20 (if you know you know), with groovy jams and Dead covers from such bands as Cubensis, Shaky Feelin’, Ellie Rollins Band and Chris Murphy. This Eventbrite ticketed event runs 3-7 at Las Palmas on Meyers Road in Ojai and is sponsored by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.

The Music Under the Stars summer series lineup was announced, but tickets won’t go on sale until Tuesday, May 6. The Saturday night consecutive concerts feature mostly tribute bands, or genre specific such as Conjunto Oye on August 23, “bringing the heat” with pulsating salsa, and Cuban rhythms with Puerto Rican flair. You’ll want to check out the City’s website for the full line up. All shows typically sell out, so you won’t want to wait until it’s too late.

If fiery Scottish music gets your toes tapping, then you’ll want to check out Scottish Fish at Namba Arts on Friday, April 18. Scottish Fish features five dynamic young women steeped in Boston’s vibrant Celtic scene who travel the world performing.

And congratulations to Bombay Bar and Grill as they continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary this month. By the way, you might want to swing by Thursday, April 24 when Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project will be the guest bartender with music in the house from Steve and Sally Williams and Frank Barajas.

Quick Notes: Boatyard Pub is still undergoing renovations for much of April; If you care to travel out Fillmore way, then you won’t want to miss the smooth Latin sounds of Tierra, Malo and Los Amigos at the Fillmore Town Theater on Saturday, April 19; Tony’s Pizzeria hosts Dead inspired bands on Saturday, April 19 with Shaky Feelin’, Katie Skene Band, Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down and Chris Murphy with the show starting at 4:20 pm; Latin Grammy-winning artist, Twanguero, plays the Ojai Underground on Friday, April 25; and Parliament Funkadelic featuring the one and only George Clinton plays the Ventura Music Hall on Monday, April 28.

Ventura Music Scene 4/2/25 – 4/15/25

Posted on March 30, 2025 by venturarocks

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

If country music is your jam, then you won’t want to miss KHAY Fest 2025 featuring Justin Moore, Locash, Dillon Carmichael and Caught Red Handed. The day will be chock-full of activities including a huge dance floor for line dancing, vendors, photo-ops, food trucks and more. The event will be held at the Camarillo Airport on Saturday, April 11 with proceeds benefiting First Responders, Ride for the Blue, and Food Share. You can find out more and secure your tickets at KHAY.com.

Who new Donny Most who played one of Richie’s friend, Ralph Malph on Happy Days is now a jazz musician based out of Colorado? Well, the Ventura Music Festival did and they’re bringing his 17-piece band to the Crowne Plaza for an evening of swing, jazz and big band classics on Friday, May 9. For more information and tickets go to VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The Ojai Playhouse has finally been renovated (again), and has reopened to mostly film screenings, but on Wednesday, April 2nd, Benmont Tench will perform. Tench was a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and played keyboards on all the Heartbreakers recordings. Do note if you plan to attend, tickets will not be available at the box office and can only be purchased via TicketWeb.com.

The Strawberry Festival music line up was recently announced. Along with all the strawberry concoctions, entertainment will be spread out over several stages. On Saturday, May 17, it’s Bruno & the Hooligans, U2Xperience, Tabu, Jayden Secor, Bad Habit, Smith, Upstream and Jeanne Tatum. And then on Sunday, May 18, it’s Radio Rebels, Kings of Queen, Son Mayor, Brandon Ragan Project, Jacob & the Good Vibes, Past Action Heroes, Santeria and Los Xiquenos. Free Shuttles will be available at six different locations to help alleviate traffic getting to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. For more information and advance tickets go to CaStrawberryFestival.Org

And congratulations to Bombay Bar and Grill as they celebrate their 40th anniversary this month. Do make it a point to swing by and give high fives to Diego and crew.

Quick Notes: Boatyard Pub will be undergoing renovations for much of April; Art City’s first Friday, 5x5x5 will feature Dear Southern Belle, Nick Jay and Pat Miskel on Friday, April 4; Ventura Theater tribute band night will be held on Saturday, April 12, featuring Ozzmania, Fair Warning, Natural Science and Fallen Angel; Aaron Burch Teen Collective, Unplugged, will be held at Namba on Saturday, April 12; Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai hosts Korel Tunador on Saturday, April 12, (Tunador has toured and played with such acts as Rob Thomas, Katy Perry, The Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20 and more); Tony’s Pizzeria Saturday, April 19 will have Shaky Feelin’ Katie Skene Band, Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down and Chris Murphy from 4:20 – 11 pm; and Tierra, Malo and Los Amigos play the Fillmore Town Theater on Saturday, April 19.

Ventura Music Scene 3/19/25 – 4/1/25

Posted on March 16, 2025 by venturarocks

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

It looks like yours truly will be the emcee for this year’s Ojai Blues Fest scheduled for Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 at the Ojai Arts Center. Tommy Marsh returns with a stellar lineup including performances by Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Joey Delgado, Katie Skene, Smokey & Friends, and Teresa Russell on Saturday, but the night before not only will Crooked Eye Tommy play, but there will be a special concert by Celso Salim & Darryl Cariere. Celso has won five Independent Music Awards including Best Blues Album and finished 3rd place at the 2019 Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge; and that same year the Celso Salim Band won the Lee Oskar Harmonica Award as best harp player of the year. Tickets are on sale now at OjaiBluesFest.BrownPaperTickets.com.

The KHAY Fest is coming up fast. This year the headliner is Justin Moore along with performances by Locash, Dillon Carmichael and Caught Red Handed. This one will be held at the Camarillo Airport on Saturday, April 12. Proceeds will benefit First Responders, Ride for the Blue, and Food Share. You can find out more and secure your tickets at KHAY.com.

Saturday, March 22, will be a special night with tributes to the music that has been engrained in our subconscious over the decades. I’m talking about songs that evoke a time in our past that at least for me, always brings a smile to my face. First at the Majestic Ventura Theater, it’s “What the World Needs Now: the Bacharach Songbook Live” featuring Todd Rundgren and special guests. Bacharach had so many award-winning songs with no less than 50 top 40 hits, six Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and an Emmy; if you’re over 40 (and for many under), I’m sure his music has touched your life.

Then, a couple blocks over from the Majestic on a smaller scale, Namba Arts will host local artists covering several Oscar-winning songs, from “Moon River” to “Over the Rainbow.” Expect performances by Jodi Farrell, Michael Henszey, Lauren Brown, Kerri Climer, Julie Hamann and more.

Quick Notes: Live music returns to the re-branded Victorian Tavern on Thursday, March 20 with Cory B. Clay & the Twains; the rescheduled Jerry’s Middle Finger is set for Friday, March 21, at the Ventura Music Hall; Shaky Feelin’ plays the Harbor Cove Café on Saturday, March 22; the Ventura Music Festivals brings Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles to the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, March 22 with a concert by Ticket to Ride; it’s an afternoon of hard rock anthems and more at Tony’s Pizzeria on Saturday, March 29 featuring the Monsters of Pop, Fallen Saints, Super Freaks and the M-80s; and Portside Ventura hosts the Ska Daddyz on Saturday, March 29.

Ventura Music Scene 3/5/25 – 3/18/25

Posted on March 2, 2025 by venturarocks

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

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, so most celebrations at local venues will offer all the bells and whistles, along with Irish Whiskey, Celtic music and more the weekend before. That being said, a number of venues will also have live music on the actual day including Boatyard Pub with Ken Devoe, Damaged Goods at the Ojai Valley Brewery and you can count on Ventura City Firefighters Pipes & Drums to make the circuit as well as Gold Coast Bag Pipes who will play 15-20 minutes from venue to venue including The Shores, Gigi’s, Ric’s in Camarillo, Lookout Bar & Grill in Oxnard and O’Leary’s. And though I couldn’t find anything documented on what Dargan’s has planned for the big day, you know there will be a line to get in, and I’m pretty sure Celtic music will be involved.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be hosted on Saturday, March 15, starting at 10 am on Main Street. The procession starts at Lincoln Drive and will end up at Fir Street, which is where Downtown Main Street Moves begins. This year’s theme is “Show-Me You’re Irish.” You can count on spirited dancers, amazing costumes, horses, antique cars, service organizations, high school bands, and of course floats with music typically including those from Totally Local VC, and the Grape.

As the parade ends, the Main Street Moves St. Paddy’s Street Fair begins with over 45 vendors and live music dispersed throughout downtown including the Pipes at Winchesters. Then at 4 pm, “The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl” begins with several venues participating; this is a ticketed event via EventBrite, but you can still take in all the fun just being downtown!

A Fundraising event for the Ventura Music Festival will be held at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, March 22 featuring Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles including a special performance by The Beatles tribute band, Ticket to Ride. An optional VIP dinner fundraiser will precede the event. Find out more and get your tickets at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The Twist on Main has gone through many changes and many ownerships over the past ten or so years, and it’s going through yet another one with a new partner and new name and branding, Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar. The announcement was posted via social media on February 25.

Quick Notes: Jerry Cantrell plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, March 5; Raging Arb plays an afternoon gig at Bombay’s on Saturday, March 15, starting at 1 pm; Vaquero y Mar hosts a punk rock show on Saturday afternoon, March 15, starting at 3 pm with the Neurotics, Romper and All-a-Blur; Katie Skene’s album release party will be held at the Ojai Deer Lodge on Saturday, March 15 with Max Kasch opening; John Oates plays the Majestic Ventura Theatre on Thursday, March 13; and finally, on March 17, VenturaRocks.com celebrates 16 years providing live music listings to the community.

Ventura Music Scene 2/19/25 – 3/4/25

Posted on February 16, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Namba is offering a special evening of Oscar-winning songs as performed by local artists on Saturday, March 1. The concert will include tunes you’ve come to know and love off the big screen such as “Moon River,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” The roster includes Jodi Farrel, Michael Henszey, Lauren Brown, Kerri Climber, Julie Hamann and more. For tickets and more information go to NambaArts.com.

Legendary artist from Peter, Paul & Mary, Noel Paul Stookey, returns to the Rubicon Theatre for two shows: Monday, March 3 (7p) and Tuesday, March 4 (3p). I don’t need to tell you want an honor it is to have this iconic, five-time Grammy winner, and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame play our town, “his West Coast ‘home’ theatre.” As a proponent of safe energy, peace and civil rights, you know he has a lot on his mind as he’s quite the master storyteller sharing his thoughts in between songs such as “If I Had a Hammer,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” For more information and tickets go to RubiconTheatre.org.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo plays the Ventura Music Hall on Tuesday, March 4. The group out of South Africa is rich in traditional songs from their homeland, they’ve garnered five Grammy Awards over their 63 years performing (nominated for 19), and were the group featured on Paul Simon’s Graceland album in the mid-80s. The group was the brainchild of Joseph Shabalala who retired from performing and handed over the leadership to his three sons, Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala. This will be a fully seated concert. For more information and to secure your tickets, go to VenturaMusicHall.com.

American Pie Records/American Pie Coffee Shop in Camarillo now offers live music over most weekends. Located on Ventura Blvd., in Camarillo, you can expect an eclectic mix of artists such as Benjamin Buttner on February 21, Aspen on February 22 and Violet Rey on February 28 (most sets run 8 – 10 pm).

The crew from Boots & Brews Country Music Festival announced Kane Brown would be playing this summer, June 29 at Surfers Point Live, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Tickets are on sale now at BootsAndBrews.com.

Quick Notes: The Tom Scott & the LA Express performance at the Grape on Wednesday, February 26, is sold out (but you can hang out at the bar and still enjoy the show); Al Stewart (“Year of the Cat” fame) & the Empty Pockets play the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 26; The Mighty Cash Cats play Bombay’s on Friday, February 28; and
Cadillac Zack presents blues artists, Chris Cain, on Wednesday, February 19 at Cantara Cellar (Eventbrite.com); and Jay Nash cancelled his February 21 appearance at the Ojai Underground looking to reschedule later this summer.

Ventura Music Scene 2/5/25 – 2/18/25

Posted on February 2, 2025 by venturarocks

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

This year’s Country Bar Crawl will be held on Saturday, February 15, 4-8 pm. The ticketed event provides you with either a red cup (for singles) or blue cup (committed relationship) and you get to travel with fellow participants from venue to venue downtown Ventura taking in four different country rock bands starting at the Blue Agave for Katie Leigh Trio, then it’s the Star Lounge for Jayden Secor, next it’s The Twist on Main for Lizzy Passion and the Cowboy Assassins, wrapping up at Winchester’s Saloon and Grill for the Mike Scully Band. Find out more and secure your tickets at CountryBarCrawl.com.

MadeWest Brewing celebrates their 9-year anniversary on Saturday, February 8; festivities include special releases as well as live performances from Todd Hannigan and Josh Nordgren.

Strey Cellars turns 11 years old over the Valentine’s Day weekend. They’ll pull out all the stops for their Wine Club members and the public alike with new wine releases, specials and of course live music. On Saturday, February 15, it’s Barfly, and on Sunday, it’s The Brandon Ragan Project both days 2-5 pm.

The 21st Annual Chopper Fest lands at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on February 9. This year along with all the motorcycle related exhibits, the live music entertainment will feature A Rock Legend (tribute to Thin Lizzy), Sadie Norkin and Quick Business. There will be a Pre-party at the Victorian House on Saturday, February 8, live music from The Damn Liars, and Sadie Norkin.

“They Love Each Other: A Grateful Dead Weekend” will be held at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, February 15, featuring Ladyfinger (Santa Barbara) with acoustic Dead covers noon to 3 pm and then it’s The Peoples Dead, a 5-piece Grateful Dead tribute band. Both bands play at the Aqua Bar’s poolside location.

Quick Notes: Alain Whyte of Morrissey fame has had to cancel his gig at Gigi’s on Thursday, February 6; Dave Wakeling & The English Beat return to Ventura for a show at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, February 8; The Mystery Shop in Oxnard has Soft Palms, Pink Depression and Stellar Ruins on Saturday, February 15; another fundraiser for Southern California fire victims will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Saturday, February 15 with Midlife Crisis and Second Wind Band; and Jackson Gillies will join Shaky Feelin when they play the Twist on Main, Saturday, February 15.

And finally, I attended my first show at Ecugreen, downtown Ventura, and was pleasantly surprised to find a great space where all ages can go and hear artists in a cool listening room atmosphere. From what I understand, they’ve been doing this mostly by promoting via Instagram and word of mouth which is how I found them when an old friend invited me to hear the project he’s been involved in, a duo called Channel 2.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Ventura Music Scene 6-11/25 – 6/24/25

Ventura Music Scene 5/28/25 – 6/10/2025

Ventura Music Scene 5/14/25 – 5/27/25

Ventura Music Scene 4/30/25 – 5/13/25

Ventura Music Scene 4/16/25 – 4/29/25

Ventura Music Scene 4/2/25 – 4/15/25

Ventura Music Scene 3/19/25 – 4/1/25

Ventura Music Scene 3/5/25 – 3/18/25

Ventura Music Scene 2/19/25 – 3/4/25

Ventura Music Scene 2/5/25 – 2/18/25