Ventura Music Festival 20th Anniversary Season

“Festivo!”
Concludes with nine concerts from May 2 to May 10, 2014

Ventura Rocks attended a press conference for the Ventura Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Season on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Ventura County Museum.  Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta, described each of the performances scheduled with video to highlight the amazing artists coming to our City.  Clearly the Ventura Music Festival’s season is one not to miss!

Ticket prices vary.  Go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org for more information, but mention VenturaRocks.com and you will receive 20% off your ticket for any show this season!

Eddie PalmieriEddie Palmieri
Latin Jazz Band
Saturday, February 15, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Winner of ten Grammy awards and the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts’ Jazz Master award (the highest honor bestowed by the United States).

Igudesman & Joo_500Igudesman and Joo:
A Little Nightmare Music
Friday, May 2, 8 PM
Community Presbyterian Church
1555 Poli Street

Enjoy the next generation of comedic classical musicians with Aleksey Igudesman, violin, and Hyung-Ki Joo, piano. A great introduction for your friends who think that classical music can’t be fun!

Lynn HarrellLynn Harrell
Saturday, May 3, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

The dean of American cellists, Lynn Harrell plays Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert with pianist Victor Asuncion.

 


Judy CollinsAn Evening with Judy Collins

Sunday, May 4, 7 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Be sure to buy your tickets early for an evening with this legendary, Grammy award-winning singer/guitarist, with pianist Russell Walden.

Cantus
Cantus
Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

This nine-member a cappella ensemble is hailed as the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the U.S. They will take you on a singing tour across the ages from medieval to modern and from folk songs to Bernstein!

Rising Stars
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street

David Fraley, piano; Matthew Chen, cello; and Cameron Daly, violin, play the Ravel Piano Trio. Prianist David Gatchel performs the thrilling Cotton Mill Blues by American composer Frederick Rzewski.

Stanislav KhristenkoStanislav Khristenko
Friday, May 9, 8 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

The 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Mr. Khristenko will perform a wide ranging program, including the Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 with special guests.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Saturday, May 10, 8 PM
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street

Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their joyous brand of Dixieland to the Ventura Music Festival for the finale of the 20th season.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 1/22/14 – 2/4/14

breezeVentura Music Scene
Colbie Coillat’s Special
Appearance at the Watermark

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura’s music scene was just about as hot as it gets Thursday night, January 17, when the Watermark’s W20 played host to a new artist showcase.  Grammy winning producer, Ken Callait (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd…) brought several acts from his own label, Sleeping Giant Music Group.   Backing up the first three artists were three of Ventura County’s finest musicians, Joe Baugh (guitar), Sam Bolle (bass) and Mario Calire (drums). Andrea Russett, super popular with the social media crowd with over half a million Twitter followers, was the emcee.  On the bill were Laura Rizzoto, Caitlin Edge, Lola Delon, Bean and New Hollow.  Several of the acts have music on radio already with the latter getting spins on KROQ.  The announcement for the showcase also promised the debut of Colbie Coillat’s new music video and a special guest appearance, which turned out to be none other than Colbie herself performing two of her songs live. The night was amazing and I’ll be watching for big things from all artists with special attention on Lola Delon.

Discovery Ventura has been open since mid December during what is called a “soft opening”.  Their New Year’s Eve party as expected was a sold out event.  But now, it’s going to be official as they pull out all the stops for their grand opening celebration kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 22.  The weekend’s music will be off the hook with Dirty Rice and Shaky Feelin’ together on Friday and then Rey Fresco rockin’ the house on Saturday the 25th.  Get advance tickets at www.DiscoveryVentura.com.

Jukebox Mutiny recently brought on board Ryan Reynolds (additional guitars and synth) joining Ron Dusky (bass), Jaymes Quirino (guitar) and Jeremiah Esparza (percussion).  Duskey told me, “It’s been a very good and dynamic addition.” The band has been working on new material and polishing up their older stuff.  I’m looking forward to their next gig, which may be a Sunday afternoon stint at Sans Souci.

Things should get interesting for the Breaking Banjos 2014 Tour, making its first stop at Bombay Bar and Grill on Saturday, February 1.  On the bill will be three acts featuring banjos, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Whiskey Chimp and 5th and Birmingham.

I’m also looking forward to Send Medicine who will be coming to town from L.A. to play one of Green Art People’s (GAP) Wednesday night concerts on January 22.  Julian Hacquebard of Send Medicine told me they heard about GAP from sources whose opinions they trust describing their sound as, “A mix of psychedelic/folk/blues with hints of tribal percussion and garage.”  Shows start earlier than most here in town at 6:30 pm, so the GAP crowd has been moving to The Tavern afterwards for more music from Mark Masson (Shaky Feelin’) who is the master at keeping the parting going.

Have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Send all information short or long:  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

www.VenturaBreeze.com

Baker’s Dozen Movie Set – (Betting on Baker)

(5/4/16: This just in….movie title officially changed to THE BET)
(3/5/14: Just announced, movie title officially changed to Betting on Baker)

Monday, January 20, 2014

Chris Jay and Aaron Goldberg of Army of Freshmen have started filming for the screenplay they wrote called Baker’s Dozen.  The movie is being shot entirely in Ventura using some legendary wrestlers and calling on some of their best buds from local bands here in town. VenturaRocks.com got out to check out the action and got a number of great photos while filming was taking place at Camino Real park.

We caught up with Evan Sula-Goff of 8Stops7 who had kids in tow.  He told us he was super excited that his left foot may have been included in one of the shots taken yesterday.  He just smiled that famous smile of his and said, “I’m just glad to be able to help Chris.”

Yes we are.

See Polly Hoganson MusicMuse interview with Chris Jay.

 

Interview: Chris Jay – Baker’s Dozen Film

THE FILM “BAKERS DOZEN” IS BEING SHOT ENTIRELY IN VENTURA WITH CAMEOS BY LEGENDARY WRESTLERS AND YES, THEY NEED A BUNCH OF LOCAL PEEPS AS EXTRAS.

During their down time local musicians Chris Jay and Aaron Goldberg (Army of Freshmen) decided to write a screenplay. As anybody in the biz can tell you this is not a small feat. This project has been a long time dream of the super energetic Chris Jay. We chatted about the low, low budget film and their decision to shoot it entirely in Ventura.  They will film all over the city for the next 13 days but their immediate need is for extras on MLK day – 1/20/14 at Camino Real Park Ventura from 10am-5pm.

Army of Freshmen

Polly: Tell me about this film project that you’re working on, how did it come about?  It’s you and Aaron right?

Chris JayChris: It’s me and Aaron, we co-wrote it.  Actually, we started to not tour as much when the music industry got a little funky.  We began working on a little screenplay on our off time, here and there, just a little bit, for the past couple of years really.  It’s a comedy.  What happened is we got a producer who produced one of our old videos. We got in touch with him, turned him on to the project and he helped us put the script together to a presentable point.  We made the decision we didn’t want to do what we do with music where you spend so much time begging people to listen to you and help you and sign you. And we knew that for first time screenwriters no one is going to read a script two musicians wrote.

Polly:  Right

Chris: So we decided to fundraise on our own.  We thought the film was funny, the concept was funny.  For the past couple of months that’s what we’ve been doing raising money but we have also been working on pre-production we’ve actually been putting it together.  Like you know I contacted you months ago asking to film a scene at Zoey’s long before we got any interest.

Polly:  Yes, I remember.

Chris: We were hoping once we got the funding we could jump.  We were basically in pre-production on a film that had no money and may not exist.

Polly: Haha, well did you finally get that producer on board and who is that?

Chris: Yes a gentleman by the name of Reza Rezai and you know he’s just a friend who did our video and also did some smaller indie films.  So he knew really low budget.  Even if we did raise some money it was going to be incredibly low budget.

Polly: So what is your budget?

Chris: I can’t really tell you our budget because we don’t have a finalized one yet.  And frankly we are trying to continue to raise money but we did get more people on board and one or two investors who decided to back the project enough for us to get cookin’.

Polly: Nice, good for you.

Bakers DozenChris:  We’ve been going absolutely nuts for the past two months basically putting the movie in to production.  And we are happy to report we’ve been working, working, working.  We kinda kept our months shut, because we didn’t want to seem like we were bragging and telling people we were doing it because these things can fall apart so easy especially when we had this many people, and money and stuff,  we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves.  So we put everything in place.  We picked a date, got tons of people, we’ve been casting, working on the script, just literally doing a crash course on the film business.  We started filming yesterday [1/18/14] and we are filming 13 days over the next 19 days all in the city of Ventura. Every single scene is going to be shot in a location in Ventura.

Polly:  Wow!

Chris:  So we have 13 more days on 6 days off on a 20 day schedule.  We wanted to keep it homegrown.  We wanted people to contribute and people have been amazing!  We got all of our locations for free with the exception of the baseball field we had to rent from the city which is understandable because we had to shut down part of the park.  But we got everything else for free.  We have gotten every single meal donated for the whole shoot, just local restaurants helping us out.

Polly: That’s so cool.

Baker's DozenChris:  It’s been wonderful! Our producer was hesitant to film in Ventura simply because it’s an hour outside of L.A. actors driving and all that kind of stuff, but he’s been thrilled and what we’ve found is that community feel, and all the bonuses, and the fact that people are excited!  So say if we did go down to L.A. and we walked into the “Zoeys” of LA and asked to film for a day you know their fee is going to be $1000 bucks. Flat out.  That’s how they make extra money.  So many people are filming down there, film permit people are hard, it’s a nightmare.  Here it’s been such a smooth ride.  Especially since we are so ultra, ultra low budget just to be able to have people so on board and so helpful it’s been really, really cool.

Polly:  That’s so great.  So you started yesterday.

Chris:  Yes, and it’s been more work than I’ve ever done in my entire life.  Music videos are great but that’s one day.  This is a like a music video times 2 weeks.  We got enough people to be in the film but we are so low budget we couldn’t hire a production crew.  We do wardrobe, we do location scouting, we supervise catering.  Literally we weren’t prepared for that on set work so for the past 48 hours it’s just been this whirlwind of four hours of sleep. Getting there at 6am it’s great.  The energy has been great but it’s been a whirlwind.  We are going for it!  Tomorrow is day 3.

Polly:  Tell me about tomorrow and needing Extra’s at El Camino Park

Chris:  It’s our big baseball day and we’re at the park we need a bunch of people hanging out, in the stands, kicking it, we just need to create that vibe.

Polly:  What’s the basic storyline?

Chris:  It’s a raunchy comedy in the vein of “40 Year Old Virgin” or “Super Bad” or “Old School”.  The plot is a loser in life and love gets into a high stakes bet where he has to find and go out with the girl he had a crush on for every single year he went to school.  So he’s got to go back and find 12 different girls, find out what they’re up to now and somehow convince them or trick them into getting with him.  That’s the gist of it but there is an evil company owner that if he wins the bet he gets the company and he can give it back to his dad.  This is not high brow.  This is Adam Sandler stuff.

Polly:  Haha, right.  Is this a short film?

Chris:  No, it’s a full length feature film.

Polly:  Wow.

Baker's Dozen setChris:  We are going for it a full length movie.  That’s the insanity of it.  If it were a short film we’d shoot for 3 or 4 days but we’ve got tons of characters and locations. We’re basically making a low budget movie by Hollywood standards on no budget. To be frank we are trying to make a million dollar movie on a tenth of that budget.  People are telling us we’re insane, we can’t do it, you’re getting in way over your heads but that’s the only way we’ve ever don it, we don’t know any other way.  So if we’re going to fail we might as well fail in a big way. We’ve got a bunch of extras in it, bunch of homies from the local music scene.   If this comes out, when it comes out at least from a local stand point we’re going to rent a screen at Century 16 and invite everybody and say – we don’t know what the hell we made here but at least we’ll get a kick out of it.  And you’ll see a bunch of people on the screen.

Polly:  That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you guys.

Chris:  It’s always been a dream of ours.  It’s a weird thing.  It’s either put up or shut up.  It’s one thing to work on a screen play but it’s completely another thing to make it because the whole time you’re wondering man if this stinks I just spent a massive amount of my life working on this project.  So it’s wild.  And you put your faith in so many people.  That’s what I’m learning too.  You know me, and much like yourself we’re micro managers.  We want to have our eyes on everything we do.  But it’s hard to trust someone with your baby.  That camera man he’s got your baby.  That director, he’s got your baby.  Those actors they have your baby.  You may have a little bit of say but you’re not going to tell the camera guy who’s gone to school where to put the camera.  You’ve got to roll with the flow.  So in the last 48 hours I’ve learned to breath and if you’re not digging what you’re seeing you have to trust that they are doing it for a reason.

Polly:  That’s so exciting for you guys.  We’d love to be involved.  How can we be involved?

Chris:  Well thanks for spreading the word and encouraging people to come out.  There’s going to be some really neat stuff.  We have cameos from three legendary wrestlers.  I know that sounds funny but I’ve always been a big wrestling fan.  We ended up getting Jake “the snake” Roberts, Tommy Dreamer and Diamond Dallas Page.  So if anybody comes tomorrow afternoon, if you’re a wrestling fan, these wrestlers will be hanging out, in Ventura, in Camino Real Park, and will be accessible for autographs and stuff.  And I know this is super last minute.  But that’s how film world is.

 Polly:  I know, you audition on a Friday and then you have to be on set at 7am Saturday. 

Chris:  Exactly.  Thanks for everything, spread the word and if you can please swing by tomorrow it will be an experience!

 Links:
www.facebook.com/armyoffreshmen
www.BakersDozenTheMovie.com

Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser

logoBombay Bar and Grill
Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ventura came together yet again to help.  This time it was to help get Tommy Marsh and the band to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in a couple of weeks.  The line up was phenomenal with Guy Martin, Mikey Mo, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jourique & the Uptown Brothers, 4 on the Floor, Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies.  Plus Tommy’s two bands played.  First Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog opened the show, and then the band of the hour, closed the show as Crooked Eye Tommy and fellow bandmates, brother Paddy Marsh, Jimmy Calire, Tony Cicero and Glade Rasmussen tore it up.

The fans showed up, danced, and bought raffle tickets.  They also entered to win a Gibson SB Robot guitar which after all was said and done went to Lester Gray.  Congratulations you bastard.  I thought for sure one of my two tickets would be lucky!

Crooked Eye Tommy FundraiserWe had a blast hanging with good friends and family. Loved how Ventura Singles Rock showed up to support. Several local musicians showed up to show the love.  Kat from Totally Local VC and Sandy from the Tom and Sandy Show were on hand to make announcements. And though Kelly and Perry from Kelly’s Lot performed early, they stayed to the very end keeping it extremely lively.  Kelly, you’re a hoot. Thanks for sporting the shirt babe!  And the volunteers were all cheerful and enjoying the music.  And again Diana Boydstun, your such an asset.  Every time I’ve called to ask for your help on a fundraiser, you have never hesitated.  So glad to see that you had a blast and just know, I’ll be calling on you again! And Seth Brandes, thanks so much for being there helping and taking such great photos!

Diego and the staff at Bombay’s are a class act.  Armand John Lizzy and Chris Husted  did a terrific job running sound on the two stages.

And Tommy couldn’t have been more humble.  He sincerely deserves this show of support.

Now it’s MEMPHIS BABY!!!  Good luck Crooked Eye Tommy, do Ventura proud and represent us well.

 

 

 

Concert Review: Benefit for Jacob with Albert Lee

Albert Lee and Friends Deliver in Jam for Jacob at Yolie’s
Benefit for Jacob was held at Yolies on Saturday, January 4, 2014
by Jon Garner

Blues musicians love to play, and when they can lend their efforts to a worthy charitable cause, most of them are all over it. Last Saturday January 4, some true heavyweights, led by the ageless guitarist Albert Lee, got together in the cool little music room at Yolie’s in Ventura to blow a little bit and help with Jacob Hacker’s considerable medical expenses due to recurring cancer. The event was a resounding success all the way around.

Spearheaded by Jacob’s parents Jan and Jerry McWorter (who was behind the drums during many of the proceedings) and Hi Hat Entertainment, the show netted more than $10,000 for Jacob and delivered a lineup of talent was comparable to any you’d see at Doheny or just about anyplace else. It was heartwarming to see all these musical friends cheerfully contribute in a powerful way.

I found out about the show at the last minute, and with the likes of Albert, Coco Montoya, Pete Anderson, and James Harman on the bill, I figured what the heck, I’m in. Little did I know that harp legends Mark Hummel, Rick Estrin and the great singer Curtis Salgado would also appear, the vibe would be fantastic, and the night would turn into a blues lover’s dream.

Had I known the music would be so good that I would write a story, I would have been more concerned with learning who the talented sidemen were than what brand of tequila was being served.

Mark Hummel w Band CFor my money, Mark Hummel, Pete Anderson and the peerless Albert Lee were the highlights. Fortunately, we arrived in time to hear most of Hummel’s set. I have one of his CDs, but I am embarrassed to say that I had never seen him live and didn’t fully realize just how talented he is. His last harp solo in particular was a thing of beauty.

Mark’s website is www.markhummel.com – I’m particularly interested in his collaboration with Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty. That’s gotta be one hell of a band!

Pete Anderson Digs In CNext up was Pete Anderson. In my opinion Dwight Yoakam could never have achieved the success he did without Anderson’s music direction and quirky, fun guitar playing. He offered ample proof that his style translates equally as well to blues as it does to country. He delivered a really enjoyable set. Check him out at www.peteanderson.com.

Speaking of a guitar style that is equally suited for blues as it is for country, there’s the matter of Albert Lee. During the course of his 50-year career, Albert has toured with the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmy Lou Harris and most recently with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and his own groups. He is a fixture and crowd favorite at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Simply put, Albert is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. His touring schedule would frighten a 20-year-old; check it out at www.albertlee.co.uk.

I was privileged to play with Albert a few times many years ago, and Saturday I found him to be just as gracious as ever. He took the bandstand following a strong set by Teresa James, who had a tight band and a very soulful voice. Albert’s band featured Donna Oxford, a talented pianist and singer who unfortunately found the volume knob a little too easily, and a very good second guitarist. Albert let them both have ample solo time.

Albert Lee Pickin' CEverything was relatively low-key until Albert cut loose with his signature Country Boy. He and the band proceeded to blow the doors off the place as he has with that song for nearly 40 years. Allowing for the quick changeovers and the large number of bands, Country Boy brought the only standing ovation and encore of the night – well deserved.

I wanted to stay for James Harman and Coco Montoya, but my friends and sanity prevailed and we headed for the barn shortly after Albert’s set. We were not alone. Harman’s first couple songs featured excellent piano solos by Fred Kaplan to send us on our way. It was a great night and a first-class event. I had so much fun I felt compelled to write my first music review in ten years.

For more information on the Benefit for Jacob, visit www.hihatentertainment.com.


Jon Garner has been a professional writer for 35 years and a Butterfield-inspired harpist since 1966. For more information on his band, the Costa Mesa Humor Kings, visit http://www.youtube.com/rodgarnay51.

Benefit for Jacob

Benefit for JacobVentura’s music community came together at Yolie’s on Saturday, January 4, 2014, for what was known as the “Benefit for Jacob”.  Jacob is the eldest son of Jan and Jerry McWorter of Hi-Hat Entertainment.  Jacob has been battling cancer for 16 months, his fourth time in his 35 years.

The musicians who had signed up and donated their time to play were amazing, but there were even a few unexpected surprises for Jan and Jerry.  First Sugaray Rayford of the Mannish Boys showed up and stated when he heard what was going on, he just had to be there.  Then a short time after the event got underway, there was a sort of hushed excitement as it was soon learned that Curtis Salgado was in the room – the story goes that Salgado was the inspiration behind John Bulush’s creation of the Blues Brothers after they met while John was filing Animal House in Eugene, Oregon. Before long, Salgado was on stage, belting it out, with Albert Lee on keyboards.

The love and compassion in the room was truly inspiring. The music off the hook!

The next day, Jan wrote a beautifully written thank you to all those who contributed gifts for the raffle, to the volunteers and to all the artists.  Here is her list of artists:  Albert Lee, Coco Montoya,James Harman, Pete Anderson, Rick Estrin, Mark Hummel, Curtis Salgado, Johnny Main JR Lozano, Dennis Gurwell, Will MacGregor, Mike HIghtower, Tommy Harkenrider, Ed Berghoff, Jack Kennedy, Franck Goldwasser, Al Vafa, My girlfriend Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Terry Wilson, Billy Watts, Jim Christie, Lee Thornberg, Craig Thomas, Jeff Paris, Rene Beavers, Sugaray Rayford’s awesome surprise of coming & singing, Randy Chortkoff, Dona Oxford, Kelly & Perry – Thank you, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

Well over 300 people showed up and over $10,000 was raised.

It took some time preparing the photo gallery as Roy Dodson gave us over 600 pix to choose from!  Thank you Roy, great job!!!

See Review by Jon Garner

Ventura Music Photos: January 2014

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dan Grimm Band
Dan Grimm Band



Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Jonathan McEuenJonathan McEuen with Phil Salazar


Bombay Bar and Grill – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog’s special guest, Donna GreeneDonna Greene


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rey FrescoRey Fresco


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rubberneck Lions


Amigos’s Surf Cantina – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Damien Bujanda & Oly Larios (Players for Iron Butterfly)


Pierpont Inn – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Jon Gindick’s Harp Band CampJon Gindick's Harp Camp


Sans Souci – Friday, January 24, 2014
The Winchester RebelsThe Winchester Rebels


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 23, 2014
Gypsy Blues Room
special guest the Jon Gindick Jam Camp Harp Line Up
Featured performers: RJ Mischo, Cheryl Arena, Brian Purdy, Hash Brown and Jon Gindick
Jon Gindick


Discovery Ventura – Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Day
Pam Baumgardner of Ventura Rocks with Jeremy Pemberton of Discovery
Discovery Ventura


Peirano’s – Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Valencia and Friends


Ventura Harbor – Sunday, January 19, 2014
After the Smoke
After the Smoke


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Mandex



Squashed Grapes – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Flowers, Ottsen and Clark


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Mark Masson with Joanie Collins & Jacob Scesney
Mark Masson


W20 at The Watermark – Thursday, January 16, 2014
New Music Showcase – Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat

Dean Dinning


Bombay Bar and Grill – Sunday, January 12, 2014
Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser
Crooked Eye TommySeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/crooked-eye-tommy-fundraiser/


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 11, 2014
Army of Freshmen


The Tavern – Saturday, January 11, 2014
HEY YOU!
Hey You!


Bombay Bar and Grill – Friday, January 10, 2014
Warning!


Squashed Grapes – Friday, January 10, 2014
Two Trees Jazz Project


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Coda


Paradise Pantry – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Lee Koch with Jesse Olema
Jesse Olema - Lee Koch


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Derek Jennings
Derek Jennings


Green Art People – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Shaky Feelin’ (with Jacob Scesney sitting in)
Shaky Feelin' w/ Jacob Scesney


Our Ventura – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Show taped at CAPS-TV
Pam Baumgardner - George Alger


Yolie’s – Saturday, January 4, 2014
Benefit 4 Jacob – Headliner Albert Lee
Albert LeeSeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/benefit-for-jacob/


Bombay’s Bar and Grill – Friday, January 3, 2014
Dan Grimm and Band
Dan Grimm band


W20 at the Watermark – Friday, January 3, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones band


Squashed Grapes – Thursday, January 2, 2014Benjamin Buttner Quintet featuring:
Guitar – Benjamin Buttner
Bass – Freddy Johnson
Keyboards – Kevin Stoller
Drums – Burleigh Drummond
Horns –   & Jacob Scensney

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 1/8/14 – 1/21/14

breezeVentura Music Scene
All Hans on deck
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called Music for Mind Movies. While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician.  He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, Life on the Edge, in exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time?  He told me, “I got the band Tico Trio in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one in early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them.  Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind.  Music For Mind Movies.”   You can buy the new EP at www.HansOttsen.Bandcamp.com

The Ventura County Concert Band (VCCB) is celebrating their 50th season with their next performance scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Ventura High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. VCCB is a non-profit Community Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Julie Judd based here in Ventura.  They perform for the community free of charge 4 times a year. Take the whole family for an incredible show.

And two shows to watch for at the Majestic Ventura Theater this month.  If you like grooving to what they call “Sunshine Reggae,” you won’t want to miss Iration on Friday, January 24 and then Grammy award winning Country artist Dwight Yoakum will be kicking it up on Friday, January 31, as he continues to tour in support of his latest release, “3 Pears.”  Contact Ventura Theater for ticket availability.

And don’t forget we’re helping to get Tommy Marsh to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Fundraiser is Sunday, January 12 at Bombay’s with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Mikey Mo, Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies, 4 on the Floor, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, and Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. All this amazing music for only $10 plus it helps get Crooked Eye Tommy to the competition.  See you there!!!

Have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Send all information short or long:  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.