Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/22/21 – 10/5/21

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

While I’m not going to guarantee an opening date for the Grape, they are oh so very close to opening their doors to what I’m sure will be the hottest jazz club in the County. I got the grand tour and the place is amazing!!!The Grape barsideWe’ve been very fortunate to have Will Breman performing at local venues downtown Ventura (Winchesters and Grapes and Hops with a Twist) having been a semifinalist on NBC’s the Voice just a couple years ago (season 17). His mentor from the show, John Legend, just did a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl last week and Legend brought Will on stage to perform Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from my Friends.” I spoke to Will about it and he told me, “Singing with John was literally the most perfect timing. Before the pandemic, I had bought tickets for my mom, because she was celebrating her 50th birthday. Ultimately my entire family got to go, which was wonderful. Mom and dad had zero clue [he’d be performing], and I could see them freaking out from their floor seats. Working with John in any respect has been straightforward and easy. At this point it was like catching up with a dear friend. I didn’t expect the nerves I got in the moment, but it had also been the first time in two years that I ever sang for an audience that big.” Freakin’ awesome, right?!! Will was kind enough to do an episode of VenturaRockSpot with me earlier this year, you can view it at VenturaRockSpot.com (along with dozens of other interviews). Will Breman will also be featured at the Topa Mountain Music 2021 Benefit Concert coming up at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on October 9. Headlining the show will be the White Buffalo along with performances from Bryan Titus Trio, Lee Koch Band, Jems and more. Go to TopaMountainMusic.org for ticket information.

Social Distortion (including long-time band member and well-known musician in numerous bands around town, Brent Harding) just got added to the list of concerts for October at the Majestic Ventura Theater playing a date on Wednesday, October 6. Other shows include Drakeo the Ruler on October 1, Black Label Society on October 2, Yung Blue on October 5, two Pennywise shows, the one with the Dead Kennedys on October 7 and the one with Strung Out on October 8, and then it’s Elefante, Inspector on October 15. The venue is now requiring a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event you’re attending or proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required at all times except while actively eating or drinking.

I’m also happy to report there will be live music at Bombay’s on Saturday, September 25, starting at 6 pm in the back room and this one is all ages. With a small $5 cover, you’ll get Brian Mikasa with Ardi on drums performing new music along with opening sets from Kyle Hunt and Hol!day (Tyler Treves’ new project). It’s being branded as a listening party, so respect and give them your attention; should be a great way to kick off a Saturday night downtown.

Ojai Nest Fest scheduled for Lake Casitas on October 2nd has been postponed.

Quick Notes: Maria Calire is out touring with Martha and the Motels; with less daylight, Margarita Villa has adjusted their live music to 7-10 on the weekends; Tony Ybarra is opening for Blood Sweat & Tears at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on September 24;
Tuesday Blues Day continues past summer at the Copa Cubana with Jerry Mcworter, Shawn Jones, Ed Berghoff and Sam Bolle; the Temptations play Libbey Bowl in Ojai on Sunday, September 26; Kyle Smith record release party will be held at the Six Chow House on Thursday, September 23; the monthly Bubbly, Brunch & Latin Jazz at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will feature Justo Almario, Abraham Laborial and Bill Maxwell on Sunday, September 26 was cancelled; and Surf ‘N’ Suds returns to San Buenaventura State Beach on Saturday, October 9, with music from Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes along with Mestizo & DJ Hecktik.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/8/21 – 9/21/21

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Big congratulations to Tammy and the crew at Grapes and Hops for expanding their beverage selection to include a lovely assortment of mixed drinks, and as a result, the venue is now called Grapes and Hops with a Twist! I have to always send them love as they’ve consistently offered live music from the start. By the by, it’s been great the past few months catching their weekend afternoon matinees with music outside on their patio area on Main Street.

Cadillac Zack shows at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo kick off the month with Sugarmill Slim on Friday, September 10 with none other than Cadillac Zack as the special guest. I became a new fan of Sugarmill Slim when he played with Jimmy Vivino earlier this summer, and speaking of which, at that same show, you may remember my write up about how cool it was to see Fito de la Parra of Canned Heat sitting in for a number of tunes; well it will be a whole night of legendary hits when Fito returns with Canned Heat for a special engagement on October 14. This will most certainly sell out and I understand advance tickets are only $40. You can get more information at CadillacZackPresents.com or text (323) 377-5291.

The 75th Ojai Music Festival runs September 16 – 19 this year with John Adams, Music Director, at the helm. I counted twelve events being held at Libbey Bowl, Soule Park, Redemption Church, and at the Zalk Theatre at Besant Hill School with performance from Rhiannon Giddens, the LA Phil New Music Group, the Ojai Festival Orchestra and more. For a full list of the programs being offered and for ticket information, go to OjaiFestival.org.

More and more music is being scheduled for that stage located at California and Main Street, downtown Ventura. You can catch Warren Takahashi every Wednesday, coming up on Sunday the 12th, it’s Dr. T and the Blues Criminals, and the following week they have Simi Rat Pack, Michelle Meadow Love & Christy P. Klotz. See listings for days and times.

Ojai Nest Fest will be held at Lake Casitas on October 2nd with Foghat headling the veteran’s benefit. Shaky Feelin, Mike Marino, Rich Sheldon, Other Mother Brother Band, and more will be performing. This inaugural event promises to be family friendly with proceeds benefiting Veterans Independence Foundation. Go to OjaiNestFest.com for ticket information.

I received a special announcement that Surf Rodeo was heading to Texas to partner with the BSR Surf Resort in Waco, Texas for what they calling “A fun filled weekend in October.” They added, “Don’t worry we will be back in Ventura next summer!”

Quick Notes: The Majestic Ventura Theater is back in the business of live shows this month with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real on Thursday, September 9; The SICC House Fundraiser at the Ventura Beach Club on Sunday, September 12, with Blackstar & Easy Death; The High Street Arts Center Theater hosts the 2021 Gala Arts Under the Stars with Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band on Saturday, September 11; and the next Namba show is Saturday, September 18 with Kavika G and the Kosmic Geckos featuring David Gorospe.

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.