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Ventura Music Scene 1/7/26 – 1/20/26

Posted on January 4, 2026 by venturarocks

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

It’s a brand-new year and with it all the hopes and dreams for an even better future for all. I can’t help but look back at 2025 and take stock of accomplishments, goals met or missed and reminisce on the highs and lows. I found I did better with limited social media and divisive news stories. For me, time spent with good friends and live music has always been the antidote to stress in my life for as long as I can remember!

I may be preaching to the choir for a lot of Ventura Breeze readers about the benefits of taking in live music and dancing with whomever or even by yourself; but it never ceases to amaze me how many people I come across who never take in a concert, or frequent venues with live music, it’s truly shocking! If you happen to be one of those people who may be timid about dipping your toe in the proverbial music waters, I recommend a wine bar or local brewery where you can catch a singer/songwriter, it’s truly uplifting. And if you’re not ready for the “bar scene,” then try a dinner house such as Winchesters in Ventura or the Manhattan in Camarillo.

And, if you’re in the know about all the available live music, why not reach out and share the experience with someone who doesn’t know where to go or who to see. Not only will you help lift someone else’s spirits up, but you’re also bringing in more business for our local venues. We need to pack them because rent is high and musicians need to be paid! If we as paying customers don’t do our part, then there will be no live music or worse yet, venues will close their doors.

Ventura’s music scene continues to change. It’s not the same when I first started promoting live music on VenturaRocks.com back in 2009. Venues come and go, bands and artists are popular then they drop off the radar, venues are packed and then they’re not. But the bottom line is we only have a vibrant scene when people get out and support. Don’t forget, there are three elements to a music scene, the venues, the bands and us music lovers, together, we make Ventura Rock!

Quick Notes: Two tribute bands to check out at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, First Dead Man’s Party (Oingo Boingo) on Saturday, January 10, and then Bee Gees Gold on Friday, January 16; you might want to snag tickets for Brian Charette B3 Funk Party featuring Danny Carey of Tool at the Grape for Friday, January 30 before they sell out; and finally Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar will be changing their name to KJ’s and promising live music Wednesday through Sunday.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene 12/24/25 – 1/6/26

Posted on December 21, 2025 by venturarocks

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

I want to wish Happy Holidays to one and all as we approach 2026. As you may or may not know, I started VenturaRocks.com in 2009 as a small way of helping when the economy took a hit and I wanted to inspire people to get out and spend money in venues who supported my favorite thing in the whole wide world, live music. A few years later in 2013 I was recruited by Sheldon Brown to write for the Ventura Breeze and with twelve years under my belt I haven’t missed a music scene deadline yet (knock on wood). So, to the community and to the Ventura Breeze, thanks for your continued support of live music!

Now on to New Year’s Eve festivities when most venues will be closing out 2025 in fine fashion. As you make your plans, I highly recommend calling the venue of your choice to find out if reservations are required, if there is a cover charge, and especially the hours they’ll be providing live music as some venues celebrate earlier with European New Year’s when the ball drops at 7 pm our time, or the East Coast timeline which is 9 pm as opposed to the most traditional time of midnight when it officially becomes 2026.

The Crowne Plaza has two parties in two different rooms, one with Mason’s Children, Katie Skene Band and Jax Plays Dead, and the other playing hit radio favorites with the Colette Lovejoy Band. Winchesters Grill & Saloon hosts Cory B. Clay & the Twains, Café Fiore has Heathers on Fire, The Garage with Operation 90s, Keynote has The Way, Gigi’s has Vault 13, the Shores with Ventu Park, Boatyard has Frank Barajas, Leashless with Jayden Secor, and it’s Nova Quartet at Twisted Oak in Camarillo. See listings for more or check out VenturaRocks.com as I add gigs almost daily.

If you’re not seeing one of your favorite venues then they may be offering up DJs such as Bombay’s, the Greek or the Ventura Music Hall who has Gimme Gimme Disco. And even comedy might be an option for you at the Rubicon or Strey Cellars. The bottom line is for you to call ahead and see what’s what.

By the way, a handful of venues will be closed as they are taking some well-deserved time off through the end of the year including The Grape, Four Brix and Cantara Cellars.

Quick Notes: The Ventura Music Hall calendar is filling up quickly with dates for 2026 including
Dave Wakeling’s English Beat on January 31, two nights for Thee Sinseers and The Altons, February 27 and 28, Silversun Pickups March 11, and Paul Thorn on April 10; Spider Baby, Neurotics, Boilerman will be playing a free show at Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar on Friday, January 2; and don’t forget to give your congratulations to Steve and Sally Williams who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary playing at Winchesters on Sunday, January 4.

Ventura Music Scene 12/10/25 – 12/23/25

Posted on December 7, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Happy holidays one and all! There are several live music events to celebrate this special time of year with family and friends starting with The Rubicon Christmas Memories concert on Friday, December 12, featuring Rubicon students and alumni as well as Broadway celebrity guests David Burnham and Jennifer Leigh Warren. The following afternoon, on Saturday, December 13, it’s the Tiny Tots Concert where the kids can meet Santa, Rudolph and Frosty afterwards downstairs in the Rose Room (RubiconTheatre.org).

Over in Moorpark, the High Street Arts Center hosts Christmas Magic over the weekend of Friday December 12 through Sunday December 13 featuring teen and adult cast members from seasons past singing favorite holiday songs and telling the stories behind them. (HighStreetArtsCenter.com)

If you lean towards the punk end of the musical spectrum and embrace a wicked sense of humor, then you won’t want to miss The Vandal’s 30th Annual Christmas Formal at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, October 19, where I’m hoping to hear such underrated hits such as “Oi to the World, “ “My First Xmas (As a Woman),” and “Grandpa’s Last Christmas.”

Hot Roux’s Rock’n Holiday Show will be held at the Grape on Saturday afternoon (2 pm), December 20, featuring special guests, Katie Skene and Grammy-award winning guitarist, Albert Lee.

Ashford Gordon’s Christmas Show will be held on Sunday (4:30 -7:30), December 21, at Bombay Bar and Grill.

And the Spirit of Christmas Concert featuring the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra will be held on Sunday, December 21 at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. This one will include music from Frozen, Home Alone, The Polar Express and more (SimiValleyOrchestras.com).

Quick Notes:

Burch Studios is a Rock and Roll High Collective where budding musicians come together to form bands and write original songs as they develop their craft. Burch will then produce concerts where the artists have the chance to perform in front of an audience. The next one will be held at the Majestic Ventura Theatre on Friday, December 12. This is a great way to support and ensure our music scene never dies!

And finally, The Beat Farmers and their brand of “wreckless western” land at the Deer Lodge on Sunday, December 14 with John Surge and the Haymakers opening. If the Farmer’s ring a bell, then you’re most likely old enough to remember they were a big part of the 80’s roots/rock/Americana movement which included Los Lobos, The Blasters and Lone Justice back in the day.

The music scene column in the next issue of the Ventura Breeze will cover New Year’s Eve Parties, but if you want to plan ahead, then go to VenturaRocks.com/Weekly-Gigs.htm and search “NYE.”

Music Scene 11/26/25 – 12/9/25

Posted on November 23, 2025 by venturarocks

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

And just like that, the holiday season has begun! For me, it all starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving running into friends at several venues providing live music. This year, downtown Ventura will be the happening spot with DNA & Bloody Mary Morning at Tony’s Pizzeria, The Gamble at Winchesters, Kyle Brown at Gibson’s, Big Adventure at the Aqua Bar and Donna Greene at Café Fiore. Just a little down the road, midtown Ventura, the Guy Martin Band will be tearing it up at The Grape and if you find yourself in Ojai, then your best bet is the Deer Lodge where Redbone 2.0 carries on the 70s Native American rock band legacy (check for ticket availability).

And as for post-Thanksgiving plans, my money is on the Majestic Ventura Theater where Mandex will reunite for retro big-hair rock metal favorites along with Blackstar (Bowie covers) and A Rock Legend (Thin Lizzy covers). Don’t forget classic rockers Kansas will play there the following week on Wednesday, December 3.

The social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk, is Saturday, December 6, with live music from Adelaide and the Pistol Blonde. I find snagging VIP tickets is the way to go, but if they’re all sold out, or you’re on a budget, then walking from venue to venue is a great way to bump into neighbors while checking out shops you may have overlooked in the past. The wine tasting event is a ticketed item but downtown will host a free holiday street fair which includes live music at the California and Main Street stage along with a traditional snowfall and other entertainment for the whole family. Find out more at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

The Grape hosts Staci Griesbach’s Jazz Trio as she celebrates HOLIDAZE, her latest EP featuring new fresh holiday originals along with beloved classics reimagined through a vibrant mix of swing, bossa, and blues that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas mood!

This year Doc Ventura’s Doc the Halls will run two nights at Namba Arts Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Along with bluesman Doc Ventura and Delta by the Beach, there will be RJ Mischo, Debbie Davies, Fito de la Parro (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sickle, Donna Lynn Caskey and more. Advance tickets on sale at NambaArts.com.

And of course, nothing gets one into the holiday spirit faster than the Majestic Theater’s 13th Annual Holiday Sing-along which falls on Sunday, December 7. This family-friendly event is free with a new unwrapped toy. The toys will then be delivered “by sleigh” to Santa’s South California headquarters at Spark of Love. The venue will also collect canned goods for their holiday food drive as well.

Quick Notes: Blame my Youth & Spam play Gibson’s on Saturday, November 29; Kansas plays the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, December 3; hardcore, Desmadre, plays Mrs. Olson’s on Friday, December 5; and the New West Symphony’s Winter Dreams will be at the Performing Arts Center in Camarillo on Sunday, December 7.

Music Scene 11/12/25 – 11/25/25

Posted on November 9, 2025 by venturarocks

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

When I think of Todd Rungren, I think hit radio and immediately get, ”Hello, It’s Me”, stuck in my head the rest of the day…and I don’t mind. Others popular songs he’s written include “Bang on the Drum All Day,” and “I Saw the Light.” The man is quite the gifted singer/songwriter and record producer, and he has a date at the Libbey Bowl where at last I checked, tickets were still available for Friday, November 21 via Ticketmaster.

The Beat Farmers play the Deer Lodge December 14 with John Surge and the Haymakers. Advance tickets are available at DeerLodgeOjai.com. They call themselves, “wreckless western” and you may recall the band was a big part of the 80s roots/rock/Americana movement which included Los Lobos, The Blasters, Lone Justic and Rank & File. They’ve reunited and have been playing special shows the past couple of years.

Three-time Grammy award-winning composer/producer/saxophonist, Tom Scott & the LA Express returns for a show at the Grape on Friday, November 21. Securing advance tickets is highly encouraged via TheGrapeVentura.com website. As an aside, Scott was a guest artist with such recording heavy hitters as Streisand, Quincy Jones, Thelonius Monk, Sinatra, Aretha and more.

The social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk is coming up fast. Along with the ticketed wine walk where you can leisurely stroll all along downtown visiting all the participating wine tasting venues, there will also be a free holiday street fair along with live entertainment at the corner of California and Main downtown Ventura. Tickets for this year’s event for Saturday, December 6, are available at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a good night to get out and decompress with friends before confronting the family the next day. Choices include Guy Martin at the Grape, DNA and Bloody Mary Morning at Tony’s Pizzeria, TD Lind at the Ojai Valley Brewing and The Gamble at Winchesters. I’ll have more in the next issue.

Quick Notes: Winchester’s Grill weekend music hours now run an hour earlier, 2-5 pm; Heavy metal artists, Y&T, play the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, November 14; The always humorous ska punk band, The Aquabats, play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, November 14; Mistress of Reality, an all-female Black Sabbath tribute band, play Copper Blues on Saturday, November 15; The Vonettes return to Bombay’s for a date Saturday, November 15; Harley’s Camarillo Bowling has the Phester’s Blues Band on Saturday, November 15; and Duane Bartels has a Monday evening residency at Night Owl Ciderworks in downtown Ventura;

Ventura Music Scene 10/29/25 – 11/11/2025

Posted on October 26, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Get your costume together and map out your evening because Halloween is finally here! When it comes to parties, costumes, spooking lighting and of course a whole lot of live music, then downtown Ventura is the perfect place to hang because you can travel from venue to venue including Tony’s Pizzeria, Leashless, Winchesters, Café Fiore and the Crowne Plaza where they have two different events (one with Rey Fresco and the other with Shaky Feelin’). There’s also a Halloween pub crawl with venues offering DJs and other specials (Eventbrite).

If you’re into punk, then Gigi’s with Preachers & Pornstars, All-a-Blur and Neurotics might be your jam. Or there’s Tony Ybarra’s Nylon Roses (GenX experience of classic hard rock) at the Grape, or Sick Boy (Social D covers) at Poseidon Brewing. There’s a whole lot going on. Keep in mind, some venues may have a cover charge, so be prepared and do your research before heading out.

The next day downtown Ventura will host a special celebration of Dia De Los Muertos with two stages of performances and live mariachi bands. There will be street vendors, a lowrider car show, arts and crafts, community alters, face painting and more. This all-ages free event will run from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturday, November 1. By the by, there is a free bar/business crawl, find out more at DiaDeLosMuertosVentura.com.

The Rubicon Theatre’s 2025/2026 season has opened with their first production, Million Dollar Quartet running now through November 9. I caught the show this past weekend and I can’t recommend it enough. The play is based on a true story that brought the names we all know and love together for one special jam at Sun Studios in Memphis. The top-notch performances cover tunes ingrained in our rock and roll psyche from legendary icons Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. If you’re a lover of 50’s rock and roll and enjoy straight up fun storytelling, then get your tickets now at RubiconTheatre.org.

Quick Notes: The Glenn Tilbrook show at the Ventura Music Hall for Sunday, November 2, has been cancelled; Mims will be at Gibson’s on Thursday, November 6 ($50 cover); Parrotheads unite for Jammy Buffet (picking up where Jimmy left off) at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, November 9; A fundraiser for Dalton Cruz will be held at Mrs. Olson’s on Sunday, November 9, featuring Bloody Mary Morning, Looking West, Eric Lemaire and more; The Aquabats land at the Majestic Saturday, November 15; tickets are on sale for local legends, Mandex and Blackstar at the Ventura Theater for Friday, November 28; and tickets on sale for the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk which falls on Saturday, December 6.

Ventura Music Scene 10/15/25 – 10/28/25

Posted on October 12, 2025 by venturarocks

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

After a seven-year hiatus, the Frost and Fire Metal Fest returns to Ventura for two days at Bombay Bar and Grill on Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26. Night Demon will headline on Friday, and Cirith Ungol on Saturday. While Cirth Ungol had “officially retired” in 2024, they continue to play a handful of exclusive shows, including this one in their hometown. Tickets can be purchased via FrostAndFireFest.com. Check out the Festival’s Facebook page (FrostAndFireMetalFest) for additional bands performing.

Ventura Music Festival (VMF) October Series falls over several days across a handful of venues. The Moaning Frogs play the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, October 16; Twanguero will be at the Museum of Ventura County on Friday, October 17; Branford Marsalis at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, October 18; and they’ll wrap up the series with Delirium Musicum at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 19. For details about each show and to purchase tickets, go to VenturaMusicFestival.org.

I posted an impromptu question on my Facebook page, “Curious…Do you consider DJs to be live music? (no judgement)” and with over 100 comments in one day, the overwhelming response was “No.” However, my takeaway is that while DJs may not be “live” music, spinning discs is entertainment, and if they’re talented and put in the work, it can be considered an art form. That being said, my article and postings on VenturaRocks.com only list live music.

Halloween is coming quick, so I suggest you go to VenturaRock’s full page calendar (click for a quick jump) and then search “Halloween.” To date, there are over 15 venues with live music. There are a couple of ticketed events: two at the Crowne Plaza, one featuring Rey Fresco and the other Shaky Feelin’, both through Eventbrite; and The Grape has Tony Ybarra’s Nylon Roses featuring classic rock, tickets through thegrapeventura.com.

Quick Notes: Braids and Dreads (Dan Grimm & JP Hesser) have secured a Friday evening residency for the time being at Gibsons on Fridays (6-8 pm); Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band featuring Michael Falcone play a special show at the Manhattan on Thursday, October 16; John Waite plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 18; there’s a free Ojai Pops Concert at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, October 19; Ska Daddyz play Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, October 20; Boilerman, Sharkhead & Static Voices play Gigi’s on Saturday, October 25; and Danny Carey of Tool returns to the Grape drumming for two gigs this month, Saturday, October 18 with Brian Charette B3 Funk Party, then the following Saturday, October 25, with the Doug Webb Group;

Ventura Music Scene 10/1/25 – 10/14/25

Posted on September 28, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
There are dozens of wineries and breweries around our county with tasting rooms where live music is an integral part of their business plan. My music scene article and music listings focus on the west side of our county, covering such places as Cantara Cellars in Camarillo, Leashless Brewing in Ventura, Strey Cellars in Oxnard, Wagon Wheel Brewing Co. in Oxnard, Four Brix in Ventura, Topa Topa Brewing (locations: Camarillo, Ventura and Ojai), and Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai. There’s also Onyx in Camarillo, Seaward Brewing and Rincon Brewing in Ventura, Ventura Coast Brewing Company in Ventura and Ojai Valley Brewing. Each place is unique, but what I notice that keeps me coming back is the staff and their sincere appreciation of your patronage. If you’ve never been to one before, I highly recommend you “spread the love” and visit several of these establishments over the next few months.
The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of October 11-12. They don’t check your ancestry at the gate, so non-Scottish folks are also welcome, though I understand that siding with a “clan” could be tricky. Participants in the Seaside Games travel from all the western states to take part, including the honored Clans Munro, Gunn and Innis Societies of North America. Competitions include bagpiping and drumming, drum majoring, heavy athletics (sanctioned by the Scottish American Athletic Association), and Highland dance. This year’s live music will be provided by The Dropkick Mickeys, Brick Top Blaggers, Tempest, and The Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh. The weekend is packed full of activities, fun for the whole family. For more information, go to SeasideHighlandGames.com.

Planning ahead for the holidays, tickets just went on sale for The Vandals Christmas show at the Majestic for Friday, December 19. This quirky punk band out of Orange County has a wicked sense of humor and couldn’t be comprised of nicer guys, including the main songwriter, Warren Fitzgerald. I was lucky enough to meet them backstage at the Santa Barbara Bowl when they opened for No Doubt many years ago. If you love corrupting the spirit of the season, then you’ll love such songs as “Oi to the World,” “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus,” and “Grandpa’s Last Xmas.” Also on the bill for this show will be Good Riddance and 84 Days.

Quick Notes: Ocie Elliott play the Libbey Bowl on Thursday, October 2; Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, Michael Scheniker Group, The Who) returns to The Grape on Saturday, October 4; Robin Trower plays a fully seated show at the Ventura Music Hall on Monday, October 6 and Purity Ring just released their fourth, self-titled album and will be touring in support of it, making a stop at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, October 13.

Ventura Music Scene 9/17/25 – 9/30/25

Posted on September 14, 2025 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The second half of September features several special events, including the Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Artwalk Ventura, and Oktoberfest.
I always found it interesting that venues started celebrating Oktoberfest in September, so I took some time to look it up, and it turns out Oktoberfest is a bit of a misnomer. The festival lasts 16 to 18 days, and an earlier start date was introduced to increase the chance of warm weather and because daylight lasts longer (source: Readers Digest). With that tidbit of information filed away, it’s good to know that several local breweries have special events lined up including Enegren Brewing Co. in Moorpark, who will celebrate the weekend of September 20-21 with live music from Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts, Hazelnuss Das Music, Der Matterhorns, and Sauer Sam and the Tablecloth Band! Poseidon Brewing Company in Ventura will host Linda’s Polka Party Band on Saturday, September 20; Pedals and Pints in Thousand Oaks will have Sauer Sam & the Tablecloth Band on Sunday, September 21; Bright Spark celebrates on Saturday with Whole Hog Band; and Madewest hosts The Driftless Revelers, a self-proclaimed freak-folk group touring with several stops in town (see listings). Chances are extremely high that all local breweries will have specials, games, and music that same weekend, so get out and enjoy some bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a stein or two of German beer!
Artwalk Ventura 2025 falls over the last weekend of the month, September 27 and 28, featuring more than 200 artists’ works at dozens of venues and lots of live music. Outside of strolling down Main Street downtown Ventura, I suggest visiting www.ArtWalkVentura.org and review the “Venues” page. I wish a list had been provided, but you’ll need to select the dropdown menu to see all the venues and then select each one for more information. With a little bit of intel, I did manage to find out there will be two stages downtown, one at California and Main, and the other next to the Mission, which is called the Albinger Stage. WAV will also host several live performances on both days. See listings below for details.
The 12th annual Banana Festival at the Port Hueneme will be held on Saturday, September 27. This family-friendly, free event offers ships & barges, yummy treats, and of course live music to keep things lively.

Quick Notes: Presale tickets are now available for the social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk on Saturday, December 6 (www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com); Tickets are on sale for Kansas at the Majestic Ventura Theater for Wednesday, December 3; Modern Love, Bowie tribute band, plays Lester Family Cellars on Saturday, September 20; and The Kings of Queen will be the final Rock the Collection concert on Wednesday, September 24.

Ventura Music Scene 9/3/25 – 9/16/25

Posted on August 31, 2025 by venturarocks

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

With Labor Day behind us, the summer music season officially ends. Though fall doesn’t officially start until September 22, it’s still weird to see Halloween items popping up in stores already.

I don’t often look back on my column, but I would like to thank the Rubicon for including in their Ventura Live ’25 Festival a night for punk rockers. The emcee said the venue was trying to expand on its genres, and he wasn’t kidding. Along with the folk, Americana, Broadway and tributes to Van Morrison and Nat King Cole shows, was a night where they screened the documentary, Desolation Center, which in itself was pretty cool, but opening the evening were Mike Watt from Minutemen and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros. Drummer and bassist rocked the venue with high intensity and precision that left goosebumps on this fan’s arms. Wow!

The 2025 Ojai Fall Fest at St. Thomas Aquinas falls over the first weekend in September with live music all three days. On Friday the 5th, it’s 90s Babiez, The Breakfast Club, Maclovia and more. On Saturday the 6th, the bands include The Chillz, Old Man Group, King Bee, Moondawgs and Jacob & the Good Vibes. Then on Sunday, Brittney & the Bsides, The Renegades, Equipo Elite and Mariachi Los Arrieros. For all three days, admission is free!

Tickets just went on sale, and I’ve already secured mine for Glenn Tilbrook for his November 2 show at the Ventura Music Hall. Not only is this the amazing voice behind the band Squeeze, but it’s a fully seated show. Two wins! Though Tilbrook is touring with the band this year, he will be doing several solo, more intimate performances, such as the one coming to town. If you were a fan of ‘80s new wave music, then the tunes to jar your memory would be “Tempted,” “Pulling Muscles (From a Shell),” “Cool for Cats,” and my favorite, “Hot Coffee in Bed.”

Lost in Sound, showcasing local bands on Thursdays at Gibson’s Neighbor Bar, continues with Pondt, In Ivy, Kyler Joseph & Co. on September 4, and Varazuni, Darjeeling Photo Club, DreamHeroZero and Kilbron on September 11. Encourage local new music and get out there and support. There is a $10 cover for these shows.

Quick Notes: The final sold out Music Under the Stars with Classic Journey is Saturday, September 6; Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band and Phoenyx Big Band play a free show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 7; Bon Jovi tribute band, Wanted, plays the Rock the Collection series on Wednesday, September 10; Albert Lee plays the Grape on Friday, September 12; and Country is Dead, Country inspired Grateful Dead Favorites plays the Rubicon on Friday, September 12.

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Ventura Music Scene 1/7/26 – 1/20/26

Ventura Music Scene 12/24/25 – 1/6/26

Ventura Music Scene 12/10/25 – 12/23/25

Music Scene 11/26/25 – 12/9/25

Music Scene 11/12/25 – 11/25/25

Ventura Music Scene 10/29/25 – 11/11/2025

Ventura Music Scene 10/15/25 – 10/28/25

Ventura Music Scene 10/1/25 – 10/14/25

Ventura Music Scene 9/17/25 – 9/30/25

Ventura Music Scene 9/3/25 – 9/16/25