Ventura Music Scene 11/1/23 – 11/14/2023

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

We’re at the time of year where we don’t know what the heck to wear when heading out to take in live music. Is it going to be cold? Hot? Windy? What’s going on? It changes not only day to day, but hour to hour. Your best bet is to wear layers. You’re welcome.

It turns out there may be tickets available after all for the acoustic Soul Asylum show in Ojai for Saturday, November 11. This is a rare opportunity to see Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith perform in such an intimate setting. I was surprised to no longer see “sold out” on the Deer Lodge website (DeerLodgeOjai.com); my advice is to snag ‘em before they’re really gone!

The next free Ojai Pops Orchestra show will be on Sunday November 5 at Libbey Bowl starting at 1:30 in the afternoon with classical woodwind quintet, Ventvm Qvintet followed up with Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band featuring vocalist Freda Ramey.

Poncho Sanchez returns to the Grape with his brand of hot Latin jazz with two shows on Sunday November 5. At press time, the 6 pm show was sold out with tickets still available for the 8 pm show.

Tickets are on sale now for the next Chick Singer Night returning to the Sound Palace in Oxnard for a show on Saturday, November 4. This time they’ll feature Krystal Park, Jess Bush, Rachael Lynda, Lois Mahalva and Eliya Frantz. Chick Singer Night started over 30 years ago in Chicago and has grown nationally with a local chapter here in Ventura County headed up by Jodi Farrell.

I am totally intrigued with the “Beatles vs Stones, a Musical Showdown” event at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 11. Taking the part of “Beatles” is the tribute band Abbey Road, and on behalf of “Stones” is the tribute band, Satisfaction. This is a national touring show having performed on stages coast to coast and having done residencies at Harrah’s in Reno and Laughlin for five months. Tickets available through Axs.com.

Concerts just announced include Ozomatli for the Ventura Music Hall on December 14 and you know it’s going be a tongue-in-cheek night of punk fun when The 28th Annual Christmas Formal will feature The Vandals this year at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, December 22.

Quick Notes: Lowered Expectations will celebrate Dia de los Muertos on Wednesday, November 1, at Vaquero y Mar; Rose Valley Thorns play the Ojai Underground on Thursday, November 2; Bombay’s first Saturday live music show features Blurry Stars, Dielectric and Duncan & the Dragonslayers on November 4, 6-9 pm; D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers take over Sans Souci on Saturday, November 4; and Luna Shade out of Colorado will bring reggae fusion to the Garage on Saturday, November 11.

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.

Cirith Ungol

Cirith Ungol photoCirith Ungol will be winding down their careers on a high note this next year.
By: Pam Baumgardner

Ventura is full of musicians who live and breath music. It’s one of the reasons I love this town so much. One of those bands is Cirith Ungol whose history sounds like a rock opera, and if I didn’t know Robert Garven (drummer) personally, I would have laid money that their story was pure fiction.
From practicing in a bedroom here in Ventura in the 70s to playing arena festivals in Europe, it truly is an inspiring story. And though the point of this article isn’t to provide their history (I hope a book and/or movie will be in the works), the point is to pay homage to Cirith Ungol who will be winding down their careers on a high note this next year.
In 1992, after releasing four albums, a number of band personnel changes, and frustrations with the industry, the stress took its toll, and the band officially called it quits. Then in 1998, co-founder, Jerry Fogle died of liver failure. There would be calls for the band to reunite, requests for interviews, and a growing fan base in Europe, but the two remaining core members, Garven and Tim Baker had become “civilians” working their normal jobs and living uncomplicated lives for just about twenty-five years. Then in 2015, Garven, Baker, former guitarists Greg Lindstrom and Jimmy Barraza got together and started to play in a rehearsal space where I’m told, the magic was rediscovered. After bassist Flint declined to rejoin, Jarvis Leatherby of Night Demon (huge fan of the band), stepped in.
Then 2016 Cirith Ungol headlined the Frost and Fire II festival at the Majestic Ventura Theater. I was there that night and the packed house of metal fans from around the world cheered and welcomed back the band with open arms. In Garven’s words, “When the ancient stars aligned, Cirith Ungol crawled out of its ancient slumber, to wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.” Two days later, the City of Ventura declared October 10, 2016 to be Cirith Ungol Day.

Fast forward to today, after playing metal festivals in Europe to packed stadiums and venues, Cirith Ungol has announced they will retire from live performances at the end of 2024.
Cirith Ungol will release their sixth full-length album, Dark Parade this month via Metal Blade Records and will play a special record release show on October 20 at the Roxy in West Hollywood. Not only will this be the bands first Los Angeles live performance in thirty-five years, but it will commemorate The Roxy’s 50th anniversary with the band playing their new release in its entirety followed by a full set of their classic material.
I can’t imagine what a thrill it has been since reuniting and playing to packed crowds, but it couldn’t have happened to a better group of guys. Congratulations Cirith Ungol!

Ventura Music Scene 10/18/23 – 10/31/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkWe have two huge events landing on the same day, Saturday, October 21, celebrating two different municipalities. Both offer up great live music, so it’s going to be tough deciding which camp you want to hang out with. First, it’s Ventura County’s 150th anniversary with a free family festival followed up with a ticketed event (EventBrite) at Santa Paula Veterans Park with Big Bad Voodoo headlining along with Rey Fresco, Mariachi Camarillo, Whiskey Business and the Charles Law Band.

Then across the hills it’s Ojai Day with live music 11 am to 10 pm featuring Buck Moon, Spencer the Gardener, Beau Red & the Tailor Maide, Those Darn Amigos, Sick Boy, Van Allen Twins, Virtual Nobodies, Dylan Cunningham and Dan Grimm. May the best camp win!

Once you have this special weekend chocked full of live music choices behind you, it’s time to look ahead at Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, and the week leading up to it. I’ve been seeing costume parties pop up as far ahead as the week before, so it’s best to map out your choices and where you’ll be meeting up with friends. I recommend (as always), going to VenturaRocks.com and use the calendar to search “Halloween” for all events leading up to the big day, currently there are 18 listed.

Head’s up for this one, the Ventura Harbor’s Thriller Zombie Dance Flash Mob will be held on the main lawn around 2:15 pm on Sunday, October 29. I’m thinking “flash mob” implies it’s a seemingly random act…but if it’s being publicized…then it’s just a performance. In any case, you’re welcome to join in, if you’re dressed up in costume.

Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo will host The Black Market Trust on Saturday, October 28. The band features world class musicians and will perform material from the Great American Songbook infused with a romantic and virtuosic flavor, added with some intricate vocal harmonies and a dash of Rat Pack-style comedy. Find out more at StudioChannelIslands.org.

I saw a “Save the Date” post on social media for Skull and Roses 2024 which will return to the Ventura County Fairground April 19 – 21. Plenty of advance notice so you don’t plan a vacation that same weekend.

Tickets are on sale now for the next Chick Singer Night returning to the Sound Palace in Oxnard for a show on Saturday, November 4. This time they’ll feature Erinn Alissa, Jess Bush, Rachael Lynda, Lois Mahalva and Elyia Frantz.

Quick Notes: Namba has a punk show with Frequency Within, Intenable and Promotive on Friday, October 20; there’s a free Ojai Pops Orchestra show at Libbey Bowl with Miriam Dance on Sunday, October 22; Dead Kennedys play the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, October 28; and Tony Ybarra plays a intimate concert at Logan House at Beatice Wood Center for the Arts on Sunday afternoon, 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 Music Scene 10/4/23 – 10/17/23

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

THIS JUST IN….10/6/2022…not included in the Breeze:
A fundraiser called Let it Flow Fest will be held at the Ojai Libbey Bowl on Saturday, October 14 (2 – 10 pm) with Pato Banton and Friends!  Others performing will be The Chillz, Ojai Department of Rhythm, Ted Lennon, Bernie Larsen and Cassidey Linder, Tyler Hammond Jazz Experience and SicNarf.  All proceeds to to Ventura County Community Foundation & the City of Ojai. for the restoration of historic Coyote Creek and supporting the community of Foster Park.  Get tickets at AXS.com

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Original article starts here:

We’re in the middle of celebrating Ventura County’s 150th anniversary, and the event not to be missed is coming up on Saturday, October 21 at Santa Paula Veterans Park. During the early afternoon there’s a Mountain to Sea Jubilee Family Festival free to the public, but starting at 2:30, a ticketed Jubilee Music Fest kicks off with live music from Charles Law Band, Whiskey Business, Rey Fresco, Mariachi Camarillo and the headliners, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! There is limited capacity with presale tickets only, and they’re available on Eventbrite. There will be food trucks, a beer and wine garden and artisan fair. No outside food, drink, or dogs allowed. It’s festival style seating, so you can bring blankets or low chairs.

Tickets sold out quickly for Grammy winning and multi-platinum selling Soul Asylum show at the Deer Lodge for November 11. I’m a little sad to miss this one as I would have certainly plopped down $55 for such an intimate show with the band that gave us “Runaway Train” and “Somebody to Shove.”

Could be a blip in planning as two events are scheduled over the same weekend at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. I’m giving you the head’s up as parking could be limited; may I suggest riding your bike or hiring Lyft/Uber/Taxi? I understand that there will be a shuttle from the State Beach (San Pedro), but keep in mind parking is $10 there too.

First, the Seaside Highland Games return on October 14 and 15 with all the normal fun and games, as well as plenty of lively Celtic music from Stand Easy, Ploughboys, Brian Caldwell & Paul Castellanos, Browne Sisters & George Cavanaugh. Tickets can be secured through the event’s website at SeasideHighlandGames.com.

And then Boots and Brews falls on Sunday, October 15 to be held at Surfer’s Point Live in the parking lot of the fairgrounds. Headliner for this one is Jon Pardi with Niko Moon and recently added to the bill, Michael Ray. Tickets available on the event’s website at BootsAndBrews.com.

Quick Notes: the final Rock the Collection concert with DSB is on Wednesday, October 4; the Camarillo Old Town 9th Annual Wine Walk promises live music along with the wine, beer and vendors on hand on Saturday afternoon, October 7 (1-4 pm); Pier Under the Stars falls on Saturday October 7 from 4-7 pm with Ignition; the highly talented Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett performance at Namba is on Saturday, October 7; Sucka Punch Productions has a Tuesday night thrash/metal show at Mrs. Olson’s on October 10 starting at 5:30 with D.R.I. (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles), ACXDC, Deathwish and Brat with advance tickets on Ticketweb; Cadillac Zack presents a special Thursday evening show with John Primer and Bob Corritore Band at Cantara’s on Thursday October 19 with tickets through Eventbrite; and just announced, Lee Ving returns to Ventura with Fear for a show at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, November 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 Music Scene 9/20/23 – 10/3/2023

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkVentura Artwalk 2023 takes place over the weekend of September 23 and 24 from 11 am – 7 pm. You’ll find art from local artisans in venues throughout the city at dozens of locations, as well as live music on the downtown stage at California and Main Streets, the City Hall Atrium, WAV Courtyard stage, and Steve TV at Mission Park. Get all the details and strategize your weekend at ArtwalkVentura.org.

artworkThe end of summer Beachside Bash BBQ will be held at the San Buenaventura State Beach benefiting the Ventura Rotary Club. This one costs $10 and features live music from Nautical Thrust and The Bomb on Saturday, September 23. Along with the music, there will be a car show as well as a national ribeye steak cookoff.

artworkThe 10th annual Banana Festival is Saturday, September 30, from 10 am – 5 pm at the Port of Hueneme. This free event includes port tours, a kid’s zone, tasty eats (a lot having to do with the event’s namesake), a marketplace and of course live music! The electric mix of entertainment features Los Cool Arrows (Latin pop, reggae), Tribute to the Greats (music featuring artists such as Steve Wonder, Chaka Khan), Upstream (Calypso w/ steel drums), Fausto Cuevas Y La Moderna (Salsa), and Coso Live (R&B, high energy pop). One’s things for sure, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to dance!

Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme has a Steely Dan tribute band called Doctor Wu on Saturday, September 23, and Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages play the following weekend on Saturday, September 30. Just a reminder, Krieger was an original member of The Doors.

artworkCandlelight Concerts are being produced in over 100 cities worldwide including Oxnard at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. There’s a tribute to Taylor Swift in November, a haunted evening of Halloween classics (think Thriller, Tubular Bells, Beetlejuice theme, Psycho, etc…) running in October, and a number of dates featuring the music of Vivaldi in September and October. Ticket information can be found at Feverup.com.

The Grape continues to bring stellar jazz acts to our town. I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to be on their email newsletter list which gives a head’s up on upcoming shows that are sure to sell out such as the return of Poncho Sanchez on November 5m or Jeff Lorber Grammy-winning artist plays on Saturday, November 18. photo Jeff LorberQuick Notes: Ventura Blues Night returns to Bombay Bar and Grill on Wednesday nights; another installation of Rock the Collection is Wednesday, September 20 with Prince Again; there’s a special fundraiser/birthday bash in honor of Ted Neeley at the Rubicon on Wednesday, September 20; Swing Shift plays the Sportsman on Sunday, September 24; The Trivle Omdobble returns to Topa Topa Brewing on Colt Street, Sunday, September 24; Bloody Mary Morning plays Rincon Brewery on Friday, September 29; Todd Hannigan opens for David Burden at the Deer Lodge on Friday September 29; Salzer’s Records has a special in store acoustic set with Briston Maroney on Monday, October 2; and finally, Shawn Jones has a new release called In my Blood as he heads back overseas for a European tour for most of October.

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 Music Scene 9/6/23 – 9/19/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkI’d like to start off with cooler than cool news that Oxnard College announced that they are set to receive a $100k grant from Metallica who picked their school here in Ventura County as one out of eleven colleges across the country targeting the Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, and Fire Academy programs. The All Within My Hands Metallica Scholars Initiative states it “Provides support of relevant job skill training for community college students.” Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but why not music/arts programs? I can only surmise they know earning a living in the music industry these days is like winning the lottery, so they want to help guarantee a future career…prudent, but still totally rad.

The 6th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival will be held at Oxnard State Beach with Lakeside, Spyro Gyra, and Eric Benet among the artists performing on Saturday, September 9; then it’s a celebration of the music of Latin American on Sunday with Ricardo Lemvo, La Marcha Sound, Kleber Jorge and more. Get tickets at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

Rincon Brewery in Ventura will be hosting an Endless Summer Concert Series with the CocoKnots on September 8, Raging Arb and the Redheads on September 15, and the return of Bloody Mary Morning on September 29.

Harpfest artworkThe 2nd annual Harp Fest will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 3-6 pm at the Grape in Ventura. Frank “Cisco” Hinojosa will be the emcee with performances by Mitch Kashmar, RJ Mischo, Dale Spalding, Flat Top Tom, Jason Keene and more.  It’s advised to get tickets ahead of the event as this one will most likely sell out. (click for tickets)

A classic car show and motorcycle poker run supporting Echo Group Band of Brothers to support veterans will be held on Sunday, September 10 at Harbor Cove Café in the Ventura Harbor. There will be live music from Raised on Vinyl, Fallen Saints, The Alex Jolly Project and Wyred.

A quick head’s up: Boots and Brews at Surfer’s Point Live (Fairgrounds parking lot) will feature Jon Pardi with Niko Moon on October 15 and tickets are on sale for Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton at Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, December 23.

Quick Notes: Kings of Queen Rock the Collection on Wednesday, September 6; Nowhere Fast, a tribute to the Smiths & Morrissey play Copper Blues on Friday, September 8; (HED) PE plays Mrs. Olson’s on Sunday night, September 10; remaining original member, Mickey Dolenz, celebrates the Monkees at the Libbey Bowl on Friday, September 15; Cadillac Zack presents Popa Chubby on Friday, September 15 at Cantara Cellars; Poseidon Brewing Co. is celebrating Oktoberfest a bit early on Saturday, September 16 with Linda’s Polka Band; Don McClean’s 50th anniversary of American Pie at Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 16; and Daughty plays the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 17.

Photo Gary Best

Gary Best w/ VenturaRocks owner, Pam Baumgardner

I am sorry to report that friend to the Ventura music scene and comedy improv scene, Gary Best, died of Pancreatic cancer on September 1, 2023. I will forever miss Gary’s sharp sense of humor, our discussions about music, his genuine regard and respect for others but mostly those bear hugs.

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 Music Scene 8/23/23 – 9/5/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkI cannot believe Labor Day is almost here and with it what most call the “end of summer.” Of course, nothing could be further from the truth as summer doesn’t official end until Friday, September 22, and even then, we typically have warm gorgeous weather up until the middle of October.  But I’m not a weather person and all I care about is that we have live music all year round! So, let’s get started…

Spencer Makenzie has outgrown their original location on the public street next to their restaurant and they’re now hosting their annual Throw Down Cornhole Festival at the Ventura County Fairs. Along with all the competition will be live music featuring Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Acoustic DNA, and Prince Again on Friday, August 25; then on Saturday the 26, it’s Highway Starr and Whiskey Business. This is a ticketed event.

There’s free admission for the Hueneme Beach Fest, but do plan to spend money on parking ($10, though a free shuttle will be provided as well) and carnival rides and of course all the delicious food offered by all the food vendors. Along with all the arts and crafts vendors and chalk art exhibition, there will be plenty of live music both days with Morie and the Heavy Hitters, Joyas Prestadas (tribute to Jenni Rivera), and Led Zepagain on Saturday, August 26, then it’s Always Tina, Anything for Selena and Britain’s Finest on Sunday, the 27 of August.

The Rubicon Theatre hosts The Platters, Many Voices ONE name, for five shows over the weekend of August 25 through the 27 with two shows on Friday and Saturday.  You’ll enjoy timeless classics such as “Only You,” “The Great Pretender,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” My Prayer,” and more.  Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

Oh! And don’t forget the Oxnard Jazz Festival falls over the weekend of September 9 and 10 at Oxnard State Beach.  Secure tickets at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

Quick Notes: adding to the list of venues offering open mic/jam nights is Café Fiore on Tuesdays; As of press time, only the first of two nights has sold out for The Offspring at the Majestic Ventura Theater (Tuesday, October 17, and Wednesday, October 18); Rock the Collection kicks off their summer concert (while others are wrapping theirs up) with Bruno and the Hooligans on Wednesday, August 23; City of Caterpillar, the Discussion and Head Cut play Gigi’s on Saturday August 26; Music Under the Stars wraps up the summer season with Lisa Haley & the Zydekats on Saturday, August 26; Neon Blonde plays Sans Souci on Saturday, August 26; Bell Arts Factory hosts Juan D. Mendoza on Sunday, August 27; The Trivle Omdobble plays Topa Topa Brewing on Sunday, August 27; and there’s an extra night of music at Leashless on Tuesday, August 29 with Spring Loaded Band;

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 Music Scene 8/9/23 – 8/22/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk’s “The Shut it Down Tour” falls over the weekend of August 19 and 20 at the Santa Paula Theater Center. Phil Salazar was interviewed by Mary Z Wilson during her segment, Americana in the 805, on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airing on KPPQ 104.1 FM here in Ventura. Phil clarified that there was no falling out, the band members all get along just fine, he is just shutting down the “Salazar booking agency” aspect of having a band. Whew! Phil took up the fiddle when he was 16 playing with various bands since around 1972. You might remember The Rincon Ramblers or the Phil Salazar Band around these parts over the past couple of decades. Phil has played with artists such as Bob Weir, Jon McEuen, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown, Dwight Yoakam over the years either performing with or just jamming with them. I was pleased to learn that Phil will be playing in the future with Tom Corbett at the Ojai Underground Exchange and at Namba Performing Arts.

The Rubicon Theatre’s Kids for Kids Benefit Concert is Saturday, August 19. The program is called, “What the World Needs Now…” The Music of Burt Bacharach and is conceived, directed, choreographed and produced by the students themselves with coaching support from Carolanne Marano and musical direction by Miriam Arichea. Funds raised will go towards scholarships for young people who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Rubicon’s education program, they call it “paying it forward.” Find out more at Rubicontheatre.org.

High Street Arts Center in Moorpark starts their summer concert series of tribute band starting with Journey USA on Friday, August 11, Raymond Michael’s Elvis tribute on Saturday, August 12, and LA Sound Machine on Sunday August 13. The following weekend it’s So Petty on Friday, August 18, and Raymond Michael returns with a tribute to Engelbert Humperdink and Tom Jones.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series continues with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. Soul Machine plays August 12, and Los Cool Arrows on August 19. The park is located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, where you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

Quick Notes: The final Grandstand Stage act at the Ventura County Fair will be on Wednesday, August 8, featuring Tesla; Doc Strange plays Madewest on Saturday, August 12; Music Under the Stars Saturday evening concerts continue through August with Kings of 88 on August 12 and Soul Infusion on August 19; Dielectric, Casual Business and Birdbrain play an early show on Saturday, August 12 at Bombay’s; Brett Dennen has a sold-out show at the Deer Lodge on Thursday, August 17; and Wild Child, a tribute to The Doors, will be at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 19.

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 Music Scene 7/26/23 – 8/8/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkI’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. You’d think by some of the social media posts that the city was going to be shut down with gridlock and overtaken by outsiders. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair (which opens August 2), in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes. Though the “live music” turned out to be DJs (not live in my book), I loved watching the competitions, and well…just being a part of this fantastic event! Plus, Tony Hawk was hanging out after the event downtown. Well done, Ventura!!

Now they’ll be tearing down all that was built up for the X Games, and the Ventura County Fair will run August 2 – 13 with eight free concerts: Midland, Patti Labelle, Collective Soul, Ashanti, Dia de la Familia, Trace Adkins, 38 Special and Tesla. Of course, outside the grandstand arena, live music abounds on a couple of different stages featuring lots of your favorite local bands including Shaky Feelin’, Operation 90s, Sean Wiggins & Lone Goat, and more.

Ventura Music Hall has added a number of shows several of which piqued my interest. First off, Keanu Reeves is back at it and touring with Dogstar making a stop here in town on Saturday, August 26 (already sold out!) with what is being called the “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees” tour which is the name of their next release which lands on all platforms October 6. Next on my personal list, The Struts on December 6, and then Black Flag on January 14. It’s interesting that past Black Flag lead singer, Henry Rollins, will be there November 7 with a “Good to See You” spoken-word sit-down show.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series continues with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. Nautical Thrust plays July 29 and Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers on August 5. This one is located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, where you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

The Grape continues to bring stellar jazz musicians to town. Earlier this month Poncho Sanchez played two sold out shows. Coming up soon they have Max Haymer who has won 2nd place at the Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition and the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville Florida.  Ronnie Foster returns with a promoting is first record in 36 years; you’ve most likely heard his soulful playing, whether from his standout performance on “Summer Soft” from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 masterwork Songs In The Key Of Life, best-selling George Benson albums including Breezin’, or A Tribe Called Quest’s classic hip-hop track “Electric Relaxation.”  And no stranger to Grape patrons, Doug Webb returns with Danny Carey of Tool for a special Sunday evening performance on August 6.

Quick Notes: Perla Batalla plays a sold out show at the Ojai Underground on Friday, July 28; Andrew DeVries plays Surfers Point Café on Saturday July 29; Dreamland, a celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford will be at the Grape on July 29. Libbey Bowl concerts include Which One’s Pink on Saturday, August 5, and Chris Isaak on Sunday, August 7; Friday evening Heritage Square Summer Concert Series continues with Los Xiquenos on July 28 and The Reunion on August 7; Rey Fresco plays the Deer Lodge on Saturday, August 5; the Saturday evening Music Under the Stars at the Historic Olivas Adobe will host the K-Tell All-Stars on July 29, and Louie Cruz Beltran on August 5; and the Red Hot Cholo Peppers play Copper Blues on Saturday, August 5.

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 Music Scene 7/12/23 – 7/25/23

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

I’m super excited to catch the X Games at the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of Friday July 21 through Sunday, July 23, I secured tickets as soon as they went on sale. I’ve read there will be live music entertainment, what if any remains to be seen, but of course the main show will the skateboard, BMX and Moto X competitions.

Having lost their location at the Fairgrounds due to the X Games setting up for the show, Tequila and Tacos Music Festival will be held at the Ventura State Beach this year with more traditional music from Ezequiel Pena, Vilma Diaz y la Sonora and Adelaide (tribute to Selena) on Saturday, July 15, then it’s rapper/singer, Flo Rida, headlining with Vilma Diaz y la Sonora, and Upstream on Sunday, July 16.

The Happy Together Tour lands at Libbey Bowl on Thursday, July 13. Along with The Turtles are Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills. Between all the bands you’re sure to hear some of the best pop tunes from the 60s including “Happy Together,” “Goin’ Out of my Head,” “Young Girl,” “Turn Around Look at Me,” “Spooky,” and “Hair.”

Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party in Old Towne Camarillo runs the weekend of Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16 with live music (Friday – Sunday). Admission is free, but tickets are required for the carnival rides. Bands scheduled to play include Highway Starr, Todd Stanford Country Band, Hard Six, SkaDaddyz, Shaky Feelin’ and more.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series has kicked off with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. The Dive Bar Messiahs play July 15, and Psychedelic Summer on July 22 (you’ll want to sport your best hippie attire for that one). Located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

The Rubicon Theatre has a couple of live music concerts coming up in August. Get tickets now before they sell out. First, it’s Kids for Kids Benefit Concert featuring the music of Burt Bacharach on August 19; this one helps to raise scholarship funds for young people who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Rubicon’s education programs. And then it’s “The Platters: Many Voices ONE Name” show with five performances over the weekend of August 25 – 27. You know their hits such as “The Great Pretender,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Harbor Lights,” and more.

Advanced tickets went on sale this week for Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band for two shows on Saturday, September 9, at the Grape. This one is sure to sell out. Goodwin won the 2006 GRAMMY Award for his Instrumental Arrangement of “Incredits” from the Pixar film The Incredibles, along with three Emmy Awards, and thirteen GRAMMY nominations. Click here to secure your tickets.

Quick Notes: “Brit Floyd, Celebrating 50 years of the Dark Side of the Moon,” plays the Ventura Theater on Friday, July 14; Bombay has a special day of live music on Saturday, July 15 with Hol!day, Aaron Orbit, Brian Mikasa, Kyle Edward Hunt, Joey6Strings, and Ardi; the monthly Channel Cities Jazz Club dance event at House of Dance will feature Flattop Tom and the Jump Cats on Sunday, July 16 (1-3:30 pm); and Iam Tongi (Season 21 winner of American Idol) plays two shows at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, July 22.

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.