Album Review: Bloody Mary Morning

That Girl
Review by Pam Baumgardner

That GirlThis band has been around for many years packing in the joints they played, but then in the late 90’s tragedy struck when drummer Ephraim Ashton died in a car accident.  Soon after, members tried out different versions of BMM, they started up or joined different bands (Big Dictator,  Dave Rea, Dr. M, Loudmouth Soup, The Pits…) and of course they’ve worked on their day jobs and raising their perspective families.  Three years ago BMM reunited for a show at Bombay’s, they were writing music again, and this time they were just in it for the fun and again, they’re finding Ventura supporting them.

The thing about Bloody Mary Morning is that they write solid songs that engage you right off the get-go.  They’re fun, catchy, energetic and memorable…pretty much like their live shows.  I love that the band didn’t overproduce their songs making them sound sterile or lifeless.  There’s an edge, it’s a tad rough with the vocals push it making the LP sound just a tad punk for the rock genre that is Bloody Mary Morning.

The guys in the band are about as nice and talented as you’ll find here in Ventura.  They are what is right about Ventura’s music scene.  These guys rock and the new CD does as well.  Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.

Here now a sample of some of my favorite tracks:

Sunshine:


That Girl:


Candles:

And just a side note:  I’ll admit the cover artwork reminded of something I couldn’t quite but my finger on.  But then it hit me like a ton of bricks.  HA!  Ingenious!!

Bloody Mary Morning – That Girl
Found in VERY VENTURA on California Street, Downtown Ventura.
i-tunes 
Reverbnation
Facebook

Kelly Turner – Bass
Chad Turner – Vocals
Ryan Denger – Guitar
Ray Stoynoff – Drums

All songs were written by Bloody Mary Morning and recorded at Brotheryn Studios by Jason Mariani.  Jessie Siebenberg, Dave Rea and John Young contributed as well.

Sounds like:  Foo Fighters, Wilco, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Eagles.
Sources:  Bill Locey article in the VC Star; liner notes, official website.
Bloody Mary Morning Bloody Mary Morning

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 7/23 – 8/5

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Summer Music is Really Heating Up!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jerry's BirthdayWe had two days of the best summer weather for Surf Rodeo.  There was so much to see and do with Pato Baton doing a superb performance at sunset on Sunday to wrap it all up.  Congratulations JD Drury on another successful Surf Rodeo!

Hi-Hat Entertainment’s Jerry McWorter’s 50th Birthday Bash was a blast at Yolies July 18.  It was so cool to see so many top-notch artists in the room and up on the stage performing.  When we swung by it was Jerry on drums, Brent Harding on bass, Jimmy Calire on keyboards and Albert Lee on guitar.  Legendary!

It was great seeing so many ArtWalk 2014 venues supplementing this city-wide art event with live music this year!  Bell Arts Factory, the WAV, Mission Park, Stoneworks Studios and many more featured such artists as Jonathan McEuen, Mitchell Blake, The Deer Leg Band, Rey Fresco, and SoulVang.

The fair kicks off July 30 with the ever popular fair parade on Main Street on Saturday, August 2.  Ventura Rocks will be hitching a ride on the Squashed Grapes float with some of our favorite jazz performers playing the parade route:  Fausto Cuevas, Jacob Scesney, Trey O’Toole, Andrew Hill, RJ Root and perhaps a surprise or two.  Speaking of music and the Ventura County Fair, their entertainment lineup is amongst the best of recent history with the Beach Boys, Little Big Town, The Spinners, Barenaked Ladies, Deep Purple, Seether, Jake Owen and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.  All shows are included in the price of admission.

The Music Under the Stars series continues with Spencer the Gardener taking over Olivas Adobe on Saturday, July 26.  Joining his beloved cast of characters, um, I mean musicians, will be former members Cougar Estrada and Nate Birkey who will kick it up just a notch or two.  The following week will be a Carlos Santana tribute band.  Call (805) 658-4726 for ticket information.

Bombay Bar and Grill has nailed down the date for their 30th annual Indoor/Outdoor Beach Party; and though Diego wasn’t quite ready to share their music line-up, you’ll want to mark down the dates which cover the last three days of the month, August 29 – August 31. This is sure to be off-the-hook!!

Chiodos, along with Bless the Fall, will take over the Ventura Theater on Friday, August 1.  They’ve been out on tour in support of their new CD, “Devil” which was produced by David Botrill (Tool, Muse, Stone Sour).

And finally, just added to the VenturaRocks.com Listening Station at Very Ventura store on California Street are Ashford Gordon, the new one from Mother of Dissension, and “Struggle Makes You Stronger” from Shawn Jones.   You have no idea what it means to our local musicians when someone purchases their music.  It really does make a difference.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing?  Send all information short or long to  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Nardfest 2014

Celebrating 36 years of punk rock music in Ventura County


Nardfest is returning to the Ventura Theater on Saturday, August 16, 2014, for the second summer in a row.  Tickets available at www.VenturaTheater.net/event/544449-nardfest-2-ventura/ and at Salzer’s Records in Ventura.

Here’s the lowdown on the schedule and bands:

3:00pm – Doors
3:30pm – Big Bob’s Wedding. Live on stage!
4:15pm – Boxheads (Tribute to RKL and Rat Pack)
5:00pm – The Last Priority
5:45pm – Circle One
6:30pm – Burning Dog
7:15pm – Agression
8:00pm – False Confession
8:45pm – Stalag 13
9:40pm – In Control
10:35pm – Ill Repute (What Happens Next 30th Anniversary)


The Bands


ILL REPUTE

Hometown favorites Ill Repute are slated to headline this year’s Nardfest. An American hardcore punk band from Oxnard, California, formed in 1981, they are noted for popularizing the “Nardcore” sound in the mid-1980s hardcore punk scene. With countless great albums released on Mystic and Dr. Strange Records, as well as their breakout single “Clean Cut American Kid” featured on Rodney on the Roq III, IR has become widely known as the ambassadors of Nardcore.
They are still performing today with three original founding members, Jim Callahan, John Phaneuf and Tony Cortez. Their drummer Chuck Shultz has been with them for over nine years.
On this special occasion, the band will be performing
 their classic 1984 full length album What Happens Next in its entirety to commemorate the 30th anniversary. This is a must see!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZxNUYAh4q4


IN CONTROL

Reuniting exclusively for Nardfest, In Control took the scene by storm in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Taking their name from the iconic Stalag 13 record of the same name, IC carried the torch as the number one hardcore band to come out of the Nardcore scene, ushering in a new era. Gaining the attention of Indecision Records, the band went on to release a slew of 7” EPs, and more importantly their two juggernaut LPs The Truth Hurts, and Another Year. Multiple national tours and a grinding recording schedule brought the band to a halt in 2004. The band had said everything they wanted to say and it was time to hang it up. Many fans have been waiting for a proper IC reunion. Very pleased to say that day is upon us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo_T9lZ8maQ


STALAG 13

Stalag 13 is a punk-hardcore straight edge band formed in 1980 in Oxnard, California. In 1983, the band recorded their first demo entitled simply Stalag 13, followed by the next year’s In Control on the label Upstart Records (later reissued by Dr. Strange Records). The group performed various concerts with Circle Jerks, Vandals, and Social Distortion to name a few. Gaining national and even world wide recognition, they have always been revered as one of the big 4 (Ill Repute, Stalag 13, Agression, and Dr. Know) to come out of Ventura County. Following the departure of original singer Ron Baird, new vocalist and scene legend John Crerar (The Missing 23rd, Stop Breathing, T.F.W.) is now fronting the band and has added a whole new spark to the Stalag legacy.


FALSE CONFESSION

False Confession was a hardcore punk band in the early 1980s that emerged in the Oxnard, California area. They were among the founders of the “Nardcore” punk movement. Scotty Morris, the second bassist, played on the 1984 Mystic EP. He went on to form the swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy many years later to great success. Harry, the drummer, later joined Stalag 13 and played on the album In Control. He joined The Cramps as Harry Drumdini in 1994, and recorded several albums with them. Fred, the guitarist, later joined Dr. Know in the mid 80s and played on their first album Plug In Jesus. Israel, Harry, and Fred from the original lineup are currently joined by Ismael Hernandez, formerly from Dr. Know, who is now the lead bassist. They released a 12” LP of their 1983 demo titledOut of the Basement on Queer Pills Records in 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiZq6eHQG4


AGRESSION

Agression was an American punk band from Silver Strand Beach. One of the founding bands of the Nardcore scene and an early proponent of the skate punk genre, the band fused skate culture with the punk scene in a song about skateboarding (“Intense Energy”) and a Glen E. Friedman photo of Arthur Lake skating a pool on their first and most popular album, Don’t Be Mistaken. Following the deaths of vocalist Mark Hickey and guitarist Henry Knowles, the band had little left to give. Years later many fans still appreciate the music of Agression so much that there has been a resurgence within the band featuring original member Big Bob Clark, and long time drummer Mark Aber Rooney. To top it all off, Big Bob will be getting married on stage in a special ceremony performed by none other than Ill Repute lead vocalist John Phaneuf at this year’s Nardfest!

BURNING DOG

Burning Dog was a punk band from Oxnard, CA. The band’s roots stem back to 1988 when Dave Bush (bass) asked Joe Rivas (guitar/vocals) to play in his then band, Dignity, after the tragic loss of their singer, John Lowry. That band became Burning Dog with the addition of Jon Winsted (guitar/vocals) and Morie Galeai (drums).  In 1995, the band recorded and released a 7” EP on Edge Records calledPsycho Babble Ology followed a year later by a full length, Last Days.  In 2000, the band released a full length record themselves, OK…But This Time with Feeling.  After the “end” of Burning Dog as a band, each member has kept busy playing music. Dave plays bass in a band called Endless Monster (with Karl Alvarez of the Descendents). Jon enlisted other local musicians and formed Tornado Bait. Joe played guitar in 7DayWar and even spent a few years in Ill Repute, and currently plays in Out of Trust. Morie is one of the lead singers in the local Reggae sensation, Dirty Rice, and also plays bass in Out of Trust. On occasion over the last 14 years, Burning Dog has made special appearance reunions when called upon, usually to benefit a friend in need. Burning Dog is excited about the Nardfest show, with Dave flying out from Colorado and Jon driving down from San Luis Obispo (where he is an acclaimed tattoo artist), joining Joe and Morie one “last time”.

CIRCLE ONE

John (“Big John”) Macias of the legendary hardcore band, Circle One, gave his life for punk rock and “The Scene”.  Not only did he give his life, but along with the original line-up of Michael Ituarte, Mike Vallejo, and Bill Ituarte, created some of the baddest and most kickass hardcore music.  They lived the lifestyle and fought the social and political wars that embodied the nation during the Reagan Era. Circle One was very instrumental in getting Ill Repute started as a band. They have had Nardcore ties since the early 80s, performing many legendary shows in the area.
Guitarist, songwriter, and original founding member, Mike Vallejo, has kept the band going with its various line-up changes throughout the band’s 30 years of hardcore punk rock history. He is now recapturing the same force and passionate train-wreck of its beginning stages.
The new line-up marks the return of original songwriter and founding member Michael Ituarte on bass, joined by drummer Nick Manning (Vice Squads), and Jeremy Eagle Perryman on vocals (STD’s), bridging the new by reclaiming old school standards that still feel like a “punch to the face”!

THE LAST PRIORITY

Formed in 1999, The Last Priority brought a new youthful energy to the Nardcore scene.
They were featured on numerous compilation CDs, had three releases on Smash Em Out (The Last Priority EP, Just Us 7″, and the TLP/Cluster Fux 7″ split) as well as their last record,Amerika’s Hijacked, released on Burning Tree Records. The band will be reuniting exclusively for Nardfest, giving their fans reason to celebrate, especially given their previously being banned from the Ventura Theater following the infamous riot in 2002.

BOXHEADS (Tribute to RKL and Rat Pack)

The Boxheads are from Santa Barbara, CA, consisting of ex-members of RKL, Rat Pack, Buck Wild, and Versus The World.  Originally formed in 1983, the band did well playing a lot locally, the members always remaining friends even when they split off into different projects through the years.  The Boxheads were on the back burner for a while, but in 2012 the band reformed with its best lineup ever. This year they will be performing a special set comprised of favorites from RKL and Rat Pack. With the deaths of Jason Sears (RKL vocalist) and Matt Rat (Rat Pack vocalist), this will be a fitting tribute to them, as well as a special treat for the fans.

PUNK ROCK CHRONICLES

Clean Cut American Kids: The Story of Ill Repute is True Underground Network’s first biography in the Punk Rock Chronicles series. The Punk Rock Chronicles aims to highlight various punk rock icons, including the legendary band, Ill Repute. Each biography will be packaged with a DVD documentary to complement the story. True Underground Network has joined forces with Canadian Bacon Films and Firehook Entertainment to create a visually appealing and truly engaging book and documentary.  The book and DVD combo will be released at Nardfest on August 16, 2014. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/thepunkrockchronicles


Surf Rodeo 2014

Surf Rodeo:  July 12 & 13, 2014. Ventura, California.  Seaward down to the ocean.

Ventura Rockin’ It

4th

It’s been a little over five years since I started on this labor of love and I couldn’t be more jazzed about Ventura’s music scene.  People are taking notice and more music lovers are venturing out to test the waters visiting venues who provide live music.

There are supporters who swear by VenturaRocks.com.  They’ve book-marked the website on their home computers and on their mobile devices. They map out what’s up and head out for a fun night on the town.  Honestly that’s the main reason I spend so much time researching and working with venues to get their listings; I too want a one-stop resource live music entertainment guide, at a glance!

VenturaRocks.com was my brainchild and was born out of the desire to help our economy when it took a major hit back in 2009.  I wanted to inspire people to support venues who provide live music.  And while we do list DJs and Karaoke, make no mistake about it, VenturaRocks.com is all about our live music scene.   I continue to keep my promise to never charge the venues and to never charge the artists who play here in Ventura; and just so you know, that promise does not include promoters or special events.  I’ve been working with these folks on “in-kind” trade where I promote them, in exchange for a booth or media mentions. It does not cost them to do this, so I think that’s totally fair for the amount of coverage given them.

It’s been such a pleasure getting to know our venue owners and artists.  The gamut of personalities range from sweethearts to dickheads, but you get that in all sectors of society. I’ve never blackballed any artist or venue, but like I always say, that doesn’t mean I have to “show them the love,” and by that I mean, attending shows, spending my own money, taking photos, checking in on social media, etc…  I’ll be honest, I’ve shed a tear or two by the rudeness thrown my way from time to time; I take note, try not to hold a serious grudge and look at the bigger picture:  Making Ventura ROCK.  But, the temporary set backs in my enthusiasm are gratefully short-lived. There are too many fans of the website, too many awesome artists and venue owners who get it, that I can’t help but continue to create VenturaRocks.com.

For five years we’ve covered all the costs for this operation.  T-shirt sells don’t defray the expense of investing in them mostly because I can’t stand to sell them for more than $10 or $15.  I want them affordable and I want people wearing them!  I’ve started a banner ad program, and I’ve placed a donation button on our homepage.  We’ve started to receive a couple of contributions and for this we are grateful.

I’m super excited about this town and the support for live music.  Riding my bike up our beautiful coast on the 4th of July, I stopped at the Pier for Raging Arb and the Redheads, then continued up on Main Street where the Street Fair was being held.  I stepped in for Shawn Jones at Grapes & Hops and Alan Peterson who was visiting from North Carolina at Saloon BBQ Co.  Families were out, the vibe was amazing, and the artists were inspiring reminding me yet again that Ventura certainly rocks!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 7/9 – 7/22

Surf RodeoVentura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Surf Rodeo’s UP!!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It’s time for Surf Rodeo baby! Count on plenty of bathing suits, cowboy boots and hats, surf competitions, beer gardens, activities for the kids and tons of music! There will be live bands on two stages running all day Saturday and Sunday July 12 and 13. Food, vendors and more line up and down Seaward from Pierpont to the sand, then on the beach they’ll have two beer gardens, the surf competition and two stages – one on each end – alternating live acts all day. Headlining acts are Cisco Adler on Saturday and Pato Banton on Sunday. We’re looking forward to also catching Jukebox Mutiny, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’, Ska Daddyz, Jackass, The Vonettes, Raging Arb and the Headheads, and more. The full listing and ticket information can be found at SurfRodeo.org. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Just announced, Jade Hendrix has taken up a Saturday night residency at Grapes and Hops on Main Street. Reggae rockers, Tribal Seeds, have been on the road in support of their new release, “Representing,” you can catch them at the Ventura Theater on July 18. Nate Birkey will play at Squashed Grapes on Wednesday, July 23 and another special guest has been lined up for Saturday the 26th….mum’s the word; but trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

A couple of events to mark on the calendar, first the Ventura Beach Party along with a ½ marathon and 5k run on September 6 and 7 along the promenade. Two days of music, vendors, free kid activities and more. We love that proceeds from the beer garden will benefit Pier Under the Stars and Ventura Rotary club. And then, there’s the California Beer Festival on the weekend of September 20 and 21 at Mission Park downtown Ventura. Along with all the fabulous beer, music on Saturday features Rey Fresco, Dr. M and Petty Theft; then on Sunday, bring your blues chairs for the Blues and BBQ Festival. More info can be found at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com/Ventura.

And finally we’re sad to hear the Jeff Hershey is retiring from Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats. Originally formed in 2008, the band had two U.S. tours, three European tours, two E.P’s, two singles and a sold out debut LP. The highly dynamic stage show was always a crowd pleaser yet physically demanding and as Hershey put it in an online post, “We probably could ride this thing out till we’re old and frail and have to be propped up on the stage, but that is something has holds no interest for me. I want to go out on top and present the show the way it is and was always meant to be.” Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeat’s final show will be Saturday, August 9th at Olivas Adobe for Concert Under the Stars. Call (805) 658-4726 for ticket information. We’re hoping to see this one sell out!

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Photos: July 2014

Ventura County Fair – July 31, 2014
The Beach Boys w/ John Stamos
The Beach Boys


Amigo’s – July 27, 2014
Dave Gleason
Dave Gleason


W20 at the Watermark – July 27, 2014
Shawn Jones with Mario Calire and Jaymes Edward Felix
Shawn Jones Shawn Jones


Squashed Grapes – July 26, 2014
Casey Abrams – with Zach Lodmer, Jacob Scesney, Adam Clark, and guest appearance by Karl Hunter.
Casey Abrams


Olivas Adobe, “Music Under the Stars” – July 26, 2014
Spencer the Gardener
Spencer the Gardener


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 25, 2014
Brothers Gow
Brothers Gow


The Wine Rack – July 25, 2014
Cakewalk Trio
Cakewalk Trio


Grapes and Hops – July 25, 2014
Funkaphonics
Funkaphonics


Saloon BBQ – July 25, 2014
The Deer Leg Band with Jonathan McEuen sitting in.
The Deer Leg Band


The Star Lounge – July 25, 2014
CRV
CRV


Panchos – July 25, 2014
Big Adventure
Big Adventure


Museum of Ventura County – July 25, 2014
Sin Chonies – Screening of “The Big Lebowski”
Sin Chonies


Squashed Grapes – July 23, 2014
Nate Birkey, with Tom Buckner on Sax, Peter Buck on drums, Jim Connolly on bass and Rachel Flowers on piano.
Nate Burkey group


Peirano’s – July 22, 2014
Estrada Brothers
Estrada Brothers


Yolie’s – July 18, 2014
Jerry’s 50th Birthday Party Bash:
Albert Lee, Brent Harding, Jerry McWorter, Jimmy Calire
Jerry's Birthday Bash


Discovery – July 18, 2014
Standard Deviance
Standard DevianceStandard DevianceSquashed Grapes – July 18, 2014
L.J. and the Boyz
LJ and the Boyz


Squashed Grapes – July 15, 2014
XD-7


Surf Rodeo – July 12 – 13, 2014
Pato Banton, Cisco Adler, Suburban Legends, Jukebox Mutiny, Sweet N Low, more…


Squashed Grapes – July 11, 2014
Rachel Flowers
Rachel FlowersRachel Flowers


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 5, 2014
Mandex


Saloon BBQ Co. – July 4, 2014
Alan Peterson
Alan Peterson


Grapes and Hops – July 4, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Beach House Tacos – July 4, 2014
Raging Arb and the Redheads
Raging Arb and the Redheads


Squashed Grapes – July 1, 2014
Jazz Jam #1
Jazz Jam #1