Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/15/22 – 6/28/22

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

Summer officially arrives with the summer solstice on June 21 and with it a whole lot of special events involving music. From Surf Rodeo to Tequila & Taco Festival, from Conejo Valley Days to the Ventura County Fair, this summer promises to make up for lost time when we missed out on special events during the pandemic and then last year’s slow and cautious return to just getting out and about.

Conejo Valley Days will run from June 16 – June 18 with Mike Scully and the Weary Travelers, Psychedelic Summer, Fat Daddy Special and other bands performing throughout the weekend; this one ends with a John Denver sing along with Rick Shuler on Sunday. For all the band schedules, and ticket and parking information, go to ConejoValleyDays.us.

Surf Rodeo runs July 15 – July 17 with over 40 bands including Ozomatli, the Aggrolites, the Green, Rey Fresco, Aquadolls, Yachtley Crew and of course Raging Arb and the Redheads. For the complete lineup and the lowdown on tickets, go to SurfRodeo.org.

The Tequila & Taco Festival will be held on July 9 – July 10 and will have Sugar Ray, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Adelaide, and more on the big stage. This event will be held at Surfers Point Live in the parking lot at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. For ticket information, go to TequilaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

The Ventura County Fair runs August 3 – August 14 and I have to say that this has got to be the latest the fair has ever released their Grandstand concert schedule, I’m told artists’ management won’t authorize the publicizing of their bands until later this month…so standby. VenturaRocks.com will post as soon as the lineup is announced otherwise, I will report it in the next issue of the Breeze.

The 2022 Rock the Collection concert series features four dates with family friendly tribute bands: July 27 it’s Twisted Gypsy (Fleetwood Mac), August 10 they have DSB (Journey), September 28 it’s the Long Run (Eagles) and October 19 they wrap it up with Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars Tribute). The free Wednesday night concerts run 6:30 – 8:30 pm; be sure to bring beach chairs and blankets to sit on.

I just saw that tickets have gone on sale for a two-day benefit for the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy at Libbey Bowl featuring full days of music both capped off with a full three hour set by Grateful Shred on July 30 and 31. You can find out more at OVLC.org.

If reggae is your thing, then you’ll want to be downtown Ventura for Reggae Sundays at Café Fiore 5 pm – 9 pm. The series is now running through September 4 and will feature such bands as Urban Dread, Babylon Rockers, JanGala Roots and Free Love Project.

Speaking of which, tickets are on sale for the September 10th Roots 805 Jam in Port Hueneme at the Oceanview Pavilion. Bands on the bill include Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Kyle Smith, Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes, Synrgy and more. Tickets available on EventBrite starting at $30 for general admission.

Lonesome Traveler: Generations is currently running at The Rubicon Theatre through June 26. This musical event features multiple generations of artists who come together to celebrate the unifying power of song. The concerts feature the dynamic vocals and awe-inspiring instrumental talents of Lifetime Grammy Award-winners George Grove (formerly with The Kingston Trio for more than 40 years), Rick Dougherty (formerly with both The Kingston Trio and The Limeliters), and Jerry Siggins (best known as the lead singer of The Diamonds). These legendary performers are joined onstage by favorite folk and gospel singer/musicians from Lonesome Traveler and I Dig Rock ‘n Roll Music, along with fresh young artists new to Rubicon audiences. Lonesome Traveler: Generations tickets are available at RubiconTheatre.org.

The Billy Howerdel of a Perfect Circle date got postponed to Sunday, July 24 at the Ventura Music Hall due to immigration issues; tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. I thought I’d highlight just a few of the venue’s upcoming shows which include Jerry’s Middle Finger on July 29, Aaron Lewis and the Statelines on August 25, Switchfoot on August 28, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds on September 7. I’ve seen Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds play several times here in Ventura at different Hi Hat Entertainment blues shows, so it will be great to see him belt out such tunes as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap it Up” when they play. Wilson was nominated for Best Traditional Blues album for his solo album, Take Me Back this year. Be sure to bookmark VenturaMusicHall.com to keep in the loop on all their shows.

Quick Notes: the Legendary Wailers play Ojai Libbey Bowl on Thursday, June 16 and Gov’t Mule on Sunday, June 19; Dan Grimm plays the Vine on Friday, June 17; Area 51 will have folks dancing at the 34th Ojai Wine Festival on Saturday, June 18; Shay Moulder plays Anna’s Cider in Santa Paula on Saturday, June 25; Punk show at Gigi’s on Saturday, June 25 with iDecline, SRA, Romper and more; and tickets are on sale for Black Flag at the Ventura Theater for Saturday, October 29.

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 6/1/22 – 6/14/22

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

The Ojai Blues Fest at the Ojai Art Center returns on Saturday, June 4. It’s always a treat when Tommy Marsh returns to town after picking up and leaving us for Tennessee to build a Nashville audience. Trust me when I say, the talent will not disappoint! Tickets are available on EventBrite.com. Here’s the current time lineup:

1:30 – Milo Sledge
2:00 – Crooked Eye Tommy
3:30 – Chuck Strong & SRBQ
4:30 – Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
5:30 – Sandy Haley Band
6:30 – Guy Martin
8:00 – All-star Jam Session

The 75th anniversary of the Ojai Music Festival runs June 9 – June 12 at the Libbey Bowl. Tickets for each event run between $20 and $150; but on Sunday, June 12, all are invited to two free events at Libbey Park. The first, Dance in the Park, features the dance duo Julia Eichten and Bret Easterling, celebrating tenderness, togetherness, and fierce joy; and then that afternoon, Rome is Falling is a high-energy new telling where song, spoken word, and driving music come together to contextualize the action with audience engagement and the performance of a local children’s choir. For more details on all performances and to secure your tickets, go to OjaiFestival.org.

The Glass Animals concert at the Ventura Theater wasn’t announced until 9 am on Wednesday, May 18 and tickets went on sale that day at noon which promptly sold out for their show the following Wednesday, May 25, at the Ventura Theater…which by the way was fabulous.

Future shows on sale now for the Ventura Theater include Third Eye Blind for Saturday, August 6, Billy Idol on Thursday, August 25, Hollie Cook (from all-female punk/reggae band, the Slits) on Saturday, September 24, Black Flag on Saturday, October 29, and AFI on Friday, November 25. If you don’t want to miss out, you’ll want to keep your eye on their calendar as you never know when new dates will pop up (such as the Glass Animals).

Heading around the corner and down the block (or two) to the all-new Ventura Music Hall, I’m happy to report that I’ve secured tickets for the Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs show for Sunday, June 12. Come on!!! He co-wrote so many hits with Tom Petty (Refugee, Here Comes My Girl, Runnin’ Down a Dream), you know it’s going to rock!! New dates added recently include Guttermouth on Sunday, July 3 (happy to say local bands False Confession and Romper will open), Memphis May Fire out of Texas plays Tuesday, July 19 and Jerry’s Middle Finger will bring in the “Deadheads” when they play Friday, July 29.

Over on Main Street, midtown Ventura, the Grape has Casey Abrams, former American Idol contestant and current member of Postmodern Jukebox, returning for a show on Saturday, June 4, then the venue will go into overdrive when they open on Sunday and Monday (traditionally closed) for two special concerts. Firstly, on June 5, it’s Dreamland band, a Joni Mitchell tribute, featuring Kimberly Ford on vocals and guitar and then on Monday, June 6, the Dave Weckl/Tom Kennedy Projects with their high energy jazz fusion. Weckl was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2000. Tickets are available for these shows at TheGrapeVentura.com.

The Toni Jannotta Jazz Trio plays Peirano’s on the Terrazza Friday, June 3, with Terry Simcik on guitar and Tom Etchart on bass. Toni then leaves for Europe to sing in the Langtoun Jazz Festival in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.

Here’s a fun, or not-so-fun fact: all reserved tables and special ramadas for all concerts are sold out for Music Under the Stars this summer. Tickets still available for general admission include Identity Theft on July 23, Rhythm Krewe on August 6 and Lisa Haley & the Zdekats on August 27, all other shows totally sold out. You can either purchase tickets at Ventura City Hall or over the phone (805) 658-4726.

Quick Notes: just announced, Uncle Cracker will perform at BBQ Fest 2022 at Surfer’s Point Live (Ventura Fairgrounds) on Saturday, June 11; Surfers Point Café will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, June 11, featuring the loveable CocoKnots and their tropical blend of music with a sprinkling of pop & jazz classics from 1 -4 pm; Cadillac Zack presents Aki Kumar, Bollywood blues, at Namba on Friday, June 10; Iain Matthews and Steve Postell (founding members of British folk rock bands) play the Ojai Underground Friday, June 3; Mack and D start up their Thursday evening residency at 1901; Tickets are on sale for the Hip Hop edition of Sunday Funday with Flo Rida and Lil Jon at Surfer’s Point Live (Ventura Fairgrounds parking lot); and Mick Stover (bassist Dive Bar Messiahs, Gentlemen’s Blues Club) has started a new 80s dance cover band called ’80 Reasons 2 Dance, you can catch them at Margarita Villa on July 9.

The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour continues to support and play local artist out of the 805, as well as artists who come here to play. Mary Z Wilson continues to be a great asset talking about the history of Americana here in town; she’ll be sharing music from Donna Lynn Caskey, Merlin Snider and Cyrus Clarke on the next episode, (#162) which runs 5/31 – 6/12 and airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5:00 pm and Sundays at noon. Tune into KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM here in Ventura, or listen via the MyTuner radio app on your smart device, or online at CapsMedia.org/Radio.

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 5/18 – 5/31

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

25 years in business is quite the milestone, so congratulations go out to the crew at Winchester’s Grill and Saloon in downtown Ventura! You’ll want to be on hand when they celebrate with live music in their covered parking lot on Saturday, May 21 from 1 to 8 pm featuring CRV, the Brandon Ragan Project and Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers. There will be drink specials, giveaways and as usual, no cover charge!

Heading to the other end of downtown Ventura on Main Street, you’ll find a special singer/songwriter dinner event when Peirano’s and Jodi Farrell team up on Thursday, May 26. Artists on the bill include Michael Henszey, Karyn 805, Dylan Brehm, Luke Hannington, Ella Robles, Aaron Burch, Oliva Mucha and Caroline Lloyd. Reservations are strongly encouraged via Peiranosmarket.com.

There are a couple of country music events coming up the next two weeks, first it’s the KHAY Fest with Josh Turner, Dylan Scott and Tenille Arts on Sunday, May 22 at the Ventura Fairgrounds and then on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, it’s the Gold Coast Country Music Festival with Richie McDonald (Lonestar), Heidi Newfield (Trick Pony), Heath Wright (Ricochet), Coffey Anderson, Wade Hayes, Jamie O’Neal and a whole bunch more; this one is being held at the Camarillo Airport. You can find more info at GCCFest.com.

Dreamland is back post pandemic featuring Kimberly Ford celebrating the music of Joni Mitchell. The seven-piece band will make a stop at the Grape here in Ventura for a special performance on Sunday, June 5. Modeled on Mitchell’s mid-1970’s band with Tom Scott and the L.A. Express, Dreamland features Lee Rollag, guitar and violin; Tom Buckner, saxophone; Tom Etchart, bass; Dave Hunt, drums; George Friedenthal, keyboards, piano and melodica; and Sven Holcomb, backup vocals, guitars and percussion.

Another special event at the Grape features NYChillharmonic. This 18-piece progressive-rock orchestra is a female fronted band where their music fuses multiple genres including rock, pop and jazz. Having played multiple jazz festivals including Montreal, Melbourne, Buenos Aires, and Tokyo to name a few, you won’t want to miss this two-time “Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award” winners when they play this intimate venue here in town on Friday, May 27.

Quick Notes: Tickets are already on sale for Billy Idol on August 25 for the Ventura Theater; the Happy Face Music Festival out in Simi Valley is worth the trip for Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs, Sam Morrow, Hardcastle and Kelly’s Lot on Saturday, May 28; Christine Law’s Star Goes Nova project releases a new CD on May 19; Stellar Ruins is holding an album release party on Saturday, May 28 at Sans Souci; and Moorpark’s High Street Arts Center’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music runs June 3 – July 3.

Just added (5/17) at the Ventura Theater, Glass Animals for Wednesday, May 25.

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 5/4 – 5/17

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

There are a number of special events lined up as the weather gets warmer and most of these events will be held outdoors including KHAY Fest on Sunday, May 22, at Surfer’s Point Live (Ventura Fairgrounds) with Josh Turner, Dylan Scott and Tenille Arts. You can find all the ticket information at on the CBFProductions.com website.

Winchesters Grill on Main Street in downtown Ventura is celebrating their 25th anniversary with an outdoor party featuring live music from CRV, Brandon Ragan Project and Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers. The fun starts at 1 pm and goes all day Saturday, May 21.

Ozomatli has been added to the Surf Rodeo music lineup along with Bob Log III, the Aquadolls, Sitting on Stacy, Hirie, Sik Sik Sicks, Death Lens, Badfish, Yachtley Crew, and more. It will be great to hit the sand once again for a weekend of great music, surf competitions, the cornhole tournament, and some serious people watching. Tickets are on sale for July 15 – 17 at SurfRodeo.org.

The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival has been rebranded as the Happy Face Music Festival and it still falls over the Memorial Day weekend on May 28. Headlining will be Mike Campbell the Dirty Knobs along with performances from Sam Morrow, Hardcastle and Kelly’s Lot. Get ticket information at HappyFaceMusicFest.com.

Tickets went on sale May 1st for the 27th season of the Ventura Music Festival which will run July 29 – 31 and August 5 -7. All the performances will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center except for the popular free concert at Mission Park on Wednesday, July 27. This year it will feature Adaawe, an all -female acoustic, vocal and drumming band performing a contemporary world-fusion mix which will be fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring blanket or low-chair for comfortable seating. You can find more information on all performances at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: A Bar Called Country has cancelled all live bands and opting once again for DJs; the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club’s 1st annual Harmonica Festival for May 15 has already sold out; Tony’s Pizzaria is firing up their Sunday Funday Beach Parties live music 3-6 and their reggae Thursdays start on Cinco de Mayo with Forbidden Fruit; Don Randi and Quest (Wrecking Crew) is back for repeat performance at the Grape, Saturday, May 7; Caffrodite monthly dinner & music features Déjà vu Too on Friday, May 13; X plays the Ventura Music Hall on May 11; and 311 plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, May 12.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I send out my sincerest condolences to the Ventura jazz community as we mourn the passing of local artist, Hans Ottsen. His grace, talent, and sweet soul will be forever missed.

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 4/20/22 – 5/3/22

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

The historic Olivas Adobe will once again host Music Under the Stars on Friday nights from July 9 – August 27. There are a number of tribute bands such as Savor, tribute to Santana on July 16, Dark Desert Highway, tribute to the Eagles on August 13 and 4 Lads from Liverpool, tribute to the Beatles on August 20. Tickets are only $20, and an extra $25 to reserve a table. Tickets go on sale May 2 at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/MUS.

Ojai Music Festival’s 2022 season has been announced and will run June 9 to June 12. For scheduled performances and ticket information, go to OjaiFestival.org.
Ventura Music Hall will be launching their Friday night Golden Hour series featuring mostly local tribute bands from May 13 through June 24. Lined up are Twisted Gypsy, Sgt. Pepper, Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Ridin’ the Storm Out and Doin’ Time.

There will be a Ukrainian Relief benefit brunch featuring live music by The Cover Girls & Friends, Breaking Bored, and Misunderstood at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Sunday, May 1. All proceeds going to the Ukrainian relief charity of your choice. For more information and to reserve your spot, call Rosa Carbajal at (805) 827-2306.

Salzer’s Records will host a Meet and Greet with Think: X on Saturday, April 23 featuring bandmates Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Scott Page (Pink Floyd), and Kenny Olson (Kid Rock) who will be stopping by on Record Store Day to promote Think: X, An Exploration of the Music of Pink Floyd. Think: X performs at Oceanview Production Studios in Port Hueneme later that evening.

Rock-n the Streets is free and happening on Saturday, April 23 at Casa Agria Specialty Ales located at 701 N. Del Norte Blvd in Oxnard with performances by Omega Nova, Stellar Ruins, NoSilence, Sunjelly, Crawdads and the Panes.

Just a few shows lining up at Libbey Bowl include the Musical Box performs Genesis on May 22, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt on July 8, Former members of Oingo Boing on July 16, ABC on July 17, the Zombies on July 22, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers on August 5, Mark Farner’s American Band acoustic show on August 6 and Michael Feinstein on August 27.

Quick Notes: The Twist on Main hosts Muse on Main: a benefit concert for Musicians on a Mission on Saturday, April 23 with Dr. T and the Blues Criminals; Tom Scott (the Blues Brothers, LA Express) plays the Grape on Friday, April 29; Kyle Smith is back in town with full band at the Six Chow House on Friday, April 29; Agent Orange plays Gigi’s on Friday, April 29; and new music out: Rain Perry’s a White Album, Shaky Feelin’ Brand New Day and Night Demon’s Year of the Demon (2020 singles compilation).

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 4/6/22 – 4/19/22

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

Well, they pulled it off! The all-new Ventura Music Hall opened on time, March 22 with G. Love and the Juice and I couldn’t be more pleased. The room looks fantastic, the music doesn’t compete with bowling lanes anymore, there are two bars to serve (one just for beers) and the staff is super friendly. This concert hall took over the former Discovery venue at 1888 E. Thompson Blvd, and their calendar is filling fast. You should bookmark their website (VenturaMusicHall.com) so you won’t miss any upcoming shows and you can get tickets before they sell out. See listings below for the next two weeks’ worth of shows including Don Felder, formerly with the Eagles for a seated show on April 9.

Congratulations to Kathy Bailey, new owner of Surfers Point Café (formerly the Sandbox Coffeehouse at Thompson Blvd and Figueroa). They’ve been making some improvements and I’m happy to report live music will be booked on the weekends. On the books already, Ben Garcia on April 9 and 23, Gabby Montiel on April 16 and the CocoKnots on April 30.

Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme has a few shows lined up including Smooth Sounds of Santana (Santana tribute) on April 9 and Think: X, an exploration of the music of Pink Floyd on April 23. Think: X features Norwood Fisher from Fishbone, Scott Page and Roberta Freeman who both worked with Pink Floyd, Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, and more.

Quick Notes: Bad Religion plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, April 6; do note, all kinds of Deadheads will take over the Ventura Fairgrounds for the Skull & Roses festival April 7-10; the Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey of TOOL returns to the Grape for a show on Friday, April 8 (I understand they’re donating half their take to the Grape for future improvements on the club); Julie Christensen returns to town for a special night of music at the Ojai Underground on Friday, April 8; along with a couple of DJs, ADD will be playing the VIP Bunny Lounge during the Spring Wine Walk on Saturday, April 9; Ventura Music Festival presents Twanguero’s classical Spanish/Flamenco guitarist at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center April 9; Cadillac Zack presents the Jimmy Vivino Band at Cantara in Camarillo on Friday, April 15; Night Demon plays a gig at Casa Agria Specialty Ales on April 16; and one of the surviving remaining members of “the Wrecking Crew,” Don Randi and Quest, will play a special show at the Grape on Saturday, April 16.

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 12/1/21 – 12/14/21

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

With Thanksgiving officially behind us, the holiday season is in full swing and Ventura has a variety of events to get you in the mood, so many of which involve live music.

Let’s start with Ventura Winter Wine Walk which falls on Saturday, December 11 this year with over 80 tasting locations offering up wine, sparkling wine and craft beer. Every year tickets sell out, but that shouldn’t stop you from missing out on the festivities. Head downtown and join in the fun shopping at the holiday street fair all along Main Street from noon till 8 pm, dine in your favorite restaurant, and then enjoy the free entertainment at California and Main; plus, weather permitting, there will be snowfall! Bands playing will be Sayed Sabrina 2 – 3:15; Upstream 3:45 – 6:15 and Adelaide from 6:45 – 8 pm.

To get the whole entire family in the holiday spirit, you won’t want to miss Christmas Magic 2021 at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark. The show runs two weekends from Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 12.

The 21st Annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo on Sunday, December 5 with Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Truth Jones & her band, Sandy Haley, Debbie Davies, Flat top Tom, Milo Sledge and Steve and Sally Williams. Cost of entry is $5 and an unwrapped toy.

The next Bubbly, Brunch & Blues event at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will be on Sunday, December 5th with Kelly’s Lot. This is also Kelly’s annual fundraiser for C.A.R.L., the Canine Adoption and Rescue League. The non profit places unwanted, sick, abandoned and homeless dogs in pre-screened, loving and secure homes. Tickets are $20 through EventBrite or at the door.

Quick Notes: There’s a free holiday concert with The Noelles doowop group at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Building on Wednesday, December 1; Moorpark’s historic High Street Arts Center presents Christmas Magic 2021, music and stories of the holidays December 3 – 12, get tickets and more info at HighStreetArtsCenter.com; Poseidon Brewing is hosting a Holiday Pajama Party on Friday, December 3 with Vanise Terry Band; Cantara Cellars is hosting a Motown Christmas with Stone Soul on Saturday, December 4; Shaky Feelin’ is celebrating 10 years as a band with a show at The Six Chow House on Saturday, December 11; Jon & the Wreck play Pedals & Pints Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, December 11; Jose Feliciano: Celebrating the Holidays at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on 12/19, that would be the 50th anniversary of “Feliz Navidad;”

The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour will be offering Christmas music produced by local artists for the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget, not only can you listen locally in Ventura on your FM radio dial at 104.7, but you can use the MyTuner radio app on your smart device or online at www.CapsMedia.org/Radio. The program airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.

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 11/17/21 – 11/30/21

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

If you’re planning to dance off some of those post-Thanksgiving dinner calories on Thursday night, be sure to plan ahead as most venues will be closed. Best to be proactive and get out Wednesday night, dance, party, and stay out way too late so you’ll be good and hung over for the family dinner and you won’t want to overeat anyways.

There will be a memorial tribute show for Big Bob of Agression which will certainly pull in all the local punk rockers throughout the years. Headlining this event will be Ill Repute with Stalag 13, Dr. Know, False Confession and Out of Trust. This is an all-ages show starting at 6 pm with a $20 cover.

Namba has a number of shows lined up this month with the Healers featuring Henry Carvajal on Friday, November 19, Phil Salazar and the Kinfolk on Saturday, November 20, and it looks like they’ll have a recuring feature called The Listening Room Redux a couple times a month which will be an evening of acoustic open mic which will wrap up with a set by a featured local songwriter or two (per Namba’s website). Look for the Listening Room Redux to kick off on Thursday, November 18.  Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with in 72 hours of the show you’re attending is required for entry at Namba.

Luis Munoz and the New Jazz Trio plays the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Saturday, November 20. Muñoz has written music for documentaries, animation films, dance and theater, and has performed in some of the best Jazz festivals and venues in the world. Tickets are $15.00.

Quick Notes:  The Mitchell Forman 5tet plays The Grape jazz club on Wednesday, November 24, featuring Simon Phillips who has played with Toto and Jeff Beck; Surf Rodeo dates for next summer were recently announced for July 15, 16 & 17, 2022, and tickets are now on sale; El Rey Ventura will be closing their doors for good November 21 after 15 years in business. Tommy Marsh posted on FB that the Ojai Blues Fest will return to Ojai Art Center next June, it had been postponed due to the Pandemic; original music can be heard when Bad Leaf and Owl Acid play The Garage on Saturday, November 20; and holy moly I’m already seeing advertisements for New Year’s Eve parties, where does the time go?

Finally, I’ve been trying to gather my thoughts about the recent tragedy at Astroworld where ten people have now died as a result of a crowd surge at a concert. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and whenever I hear of another incident, I am reminded of the three times I’ve feared for my life during a crowd surge, two were caused on purpose and the other was an unfortunate byproduct of police breaking up a hall party when I was a teenager down in Orange County. Two out of three times I was pushed to the ground, one of those times I literally grabbed a stranger’s ankle as people started to run across my body, I passed out and woke with a random stranger, my hero, shaking me to consciousness, he may have saved my life.

As a parent of a young woman who also loves attending concerts and festivals, she knows to be on the sidelines with her eye on exit strategies. I would love to say that certain people will stop behaving poorly, but until that time, wherever you may find yourself, whether it be at a festival, a packed venue, a movie theater, or just about anywhere where mobility is limited, just be aware of your surroundings.  Don’t live in fear, but knowing your exit strategy is safe sound advice.

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 10/20/21 – 11/2/21

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

Work has begun on the new music venue scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2022 replacing Discovery on Thompson Blvd. A few local residents have teamed up with Ineffable Music Group to launch Ventura Music Hall and if it has anything to do with music you know they’ll have our support. According to their press release, Ineffable specializes in bringing famous bands of all genres to smaller venues for special once-in-a-lifetime experiences, alongside supporting local bands just making a name for themselves and everything in between. Dinner and a show in a non-pretentious, comfortable place…you had me at “new music venue.”  The website is a bit of tease, I’m sure more information will be available the close we get to their grand opening, but go ahead and bookmark them at VenturaMusicHall.com.

And speaking of new venues, The Grape has quietly opened their doors and jazz is flowing once again, but make no mistake about it, there will be a grand opening celebration to be had, so stay tuned.  Meanwhile I’m happy to report the Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey from Tool will play on March 23. Tickets are through Eventbrite starting at $25. You can find out more on their Facebook page.

Most Halloween parties I’ve seen are scheduled for Saturday, October 30, but a handful fall on the actual date, on Sunday. You’ll want to do some additional research to figure out whether the venue of your choice has a cover charge or not, and whether the entertainment is still on. Things change, it’s a fluid environment. Gigi’s on Grand Ave. in Ventura has a hard rock thrasher line up with Tung, Persekutor, Deth Crux and Get Bent; on the opposite end of the spectrum The Grape will host the Barrelhouse Wailers and their brand of hot jazz, both venues have a $10 cover. See listings for a lot more options.

Quick Notes: Martha Davis & the Motels play the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 30; RAW, Crazy D & the Nutz along with Crawdads play the Sewer on Friday, October 22; and Kelly’s Lot host their annual fundraiser for CARL this year at Seaward Brewing on Saturday, October 23.

Many thanks to my good friend Christine Law who will be hosting the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour for me. Her show debuts on Tuesday, October 19, at 5 pm, but it repeats on Friday at 5, and Sunday at noon, then again, the following week. So you get six chances to tune into KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM here in Ventura, or use the MyTuner radio app on your smart device, or listen online at CapsMedia.org/radio.

And finally, do check out the VenturaRockSpot where we interview artists in and around the 805.  We talk about their past, the music scene, writing music, anything and everything having to do with their musical journey. We currently have 34 episodes to peruse with a number hosts including Jeff Donovan from the Guitar and Whiskey Club, Christine Law from Star Goes Nova, and my self, owner/operator of VenturaRocks.com  Just a few artists to check out: The Mini Bar Project, Will Breman, simi-finalist from NBC’s the Voice, Spinz, Guy Martin, Bone Maggot, Medicine Hat, Kelly’s Lot, and a whole lot more. It’s an eclectic mix for sure! Just go to VenturaRocksSpot.com and start watching!

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 10/6/21 – 10/19/21

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

Randy Parsons has left the building? Randy packed up the prime space he had occupied upstairs since 2014 overlooking Main and Chestnut for Parsons Guitars (past clients include Jimmy Page, Jack White, Sammy Hagar and others), it was where he created state-of-the-art, one-of-a-kind guitars, and where he provided luthier workshops for those who wanted to learn how to build their own guitar which included students such as Ventura’s own Gary Best.

I asked Randy for any final words and he told me, “I really loved Ventura, it’s a special place, the people are all pretty damn cool, although I’m still convinced the whole city is some type of witness protection program.”

I thought about it, and I can’t disagree! Though totally talented and incredibly nice, I always admired his love for cats; there’s just something about a man who adores the feline species. Randy and wife have landed in Kansas where they bought a castle looking church moving on to their next adventure.

Colin Bailey and Pam BaumgardnerAnd speaking of next adventures, Colin Bailey has also left the building, he passed away peacefully at his home in Port Hueneme at age 87. I met Colin when I saw him first perform at Squashed Grapes in 2015 with the Frank Potenza Trio. Adam and Josh from the Grape told me to look up Colin’s background which I did and I was just floored. This man had not only worked with Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Joe Pass and dozens more, he not only recorded on more than 100 jazz albums, he not only continued to give drum workshops including those at Pulse Drumming here in Ventura, but he was the drummer on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, a cartoon special that will always take me back to my childhood!

For some reason, there are so many special events falling on the same day, Saturday, October 9; I’ve listed them here along with websites to find out more:

  1. Topa Mountain Music 2021 Benefit Concert headlining is The White Buffalo with sets from Lee Koch Band, Bryan Titus Trio, Will Breman Band and more at the Libbey Bowl. Go to TopaMountainMusic.org for more information and tickets.
  2. Surf ‘n’ Suds at San Buenaventura State Beach, where it’s more about the beer than music, but it’s always a good time. Performing will be Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes, Mestizo and DJ Hecktik. For tickets go to SurfBeerFest.com.
  3. SteckleStock 2021 at Steckle Park in Santa Paula features a full day of live music from Premonition, Sisterook, Charles Law Band, No Biggee, Tommy Foytek Band and Whiskey Business. You can find more on this via Facebook on Premonition’s page.
  4. Surfers Point Live has a full day of Reggae, 2 – 10 pm at the Ventura Fairgrounds featuring Sublime with Rome, the Dirty Heads, Rey Fresco, Local Love Project and Hirie. Find out more at SurfersPointLive.com.

Quick Notes: Congratulations to Suzanne & Ian McFayden (50 Sticks of Dynamite, Duncan and the Dragonslayers) for tying the knot; tickets are on sale for the Ventura Winter Wine Walk for December 11 sometimes called the event of the season if not the year for downtown Ventura (CBFProductions.com); Cadillac Zack presents the Delgado Brothers at Cantara Cellars on Friday, October 8 and the legendary band Canned Heat plays Thursday, October 14 (call Zack at 323-377-5291 for tickets); Ojai Pops Orchestra has a free show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, October 10; Ventura Theater shows include Social Distortion October 6 (rescheduled for Monday, October 11), Pennywise with Dead Kennedys on October 7, Pennywise with Strung Out of October 8, and Elefante, Inspector on October 15; Queen Nation plays a free show at the Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard on Wednesday, October 13 at 6:30 pm; and Phil Salazar & the Kin Folk play the Ojai Underground Exchange on Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16.

VenturaRocks.com is undergoing changes. I’ve invested in a new calendar app which doesn’t seem to be saving me much time, but I can load items way in advance which should help in the long run. The look and feel is evolving and for the time being, I’m covering all of Ventura County.

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.