Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
With our neighbors down south devastated by recent fires, I know so many are looking at ways to lend a helping hand. What with our own Thomas Fire still so fresh in our collective memories, it speaks to our resilience that we want to help others in their time of need. Local artists are getting together for a benefit show at the Ojai Underground Exchange for a concert on January 25. The LA Fires Benefit Concert will feature performances by Bernie Larsen, Natalie Gelman, Vaughn Montgomery, Shylah Ray, Charles Duncan, the Mazarines and Ojai folk artist, and Alan Thornhill.
The Shores in Oxnard will also hold what they’re calling a “Play it Forward” benefit show for fire victims on Saturday, January 25, from noon to 10 pm with a long list of artists stepping up to help including Steph’s Rockin Roadshow, Wildside, Ben Garcia, Faith Jones Band and more. They’ll be accepting new items and cash donations.
Numbskull Productions presents Alain Whyte co-writer and member of the Morrissey Band. Whyte is booked to play Gigi’s on February 6, but it’s worth noting that at press time, while this show is still scheduled, that could change as Alain Whyte lost everything in the Eaton Fire. If the show is still a go, what a way to help support! Find ticket information at Ticketweb.com.
The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating their Pearl Anniversary this year (their 30th season). The festival runs during the summer months, but they always have special concerts throughout the year. To start off 2025, they’re offering two concerts at the Ventura Music Hall, both are fully seated. First, it’s Stephane Wrembel on Thursday, January 30, and then Elija Fox on Friday, January 31. Wrembel is one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists originally from France; he blends jazz, gypsy swing and world music. Fox infuses elements of jazz and soul into his songwriting; his latest album “City in the Sky” is a collection of piano instrumentals capturing the essence of New York City.
The Ventura Theater has added a unique concert for Saturday, March 22, entitled, “What the World Needs Now: The Bacharach Songbook Live.” Along with the show’s namesake title, Bacharach also composed such hits as “I Say a Little Prayer,” “The Look of Love,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” and more. Bacharach passed away in 2023, so this tribute will be performed by the incredible talents of Todd Rundgren, Rob Shirakbari, Wendy Moten and others.
Quick Notes: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s rescheduled show is Saturday, January 25, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center; the Blue Moon Boys play your favorite Elvis tunes at Strey Cellars on Saturday, January 25; Lowered Expectations will play Bombay’s on Sunday, January 26, while celebrating their bassist, Susan Lowe’s birthday; and the Ventura County Concert Band performs a free show called “Lounge Blizzards” in the Ventura High School Auditorium on Sunday, January 26.
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.
