Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/3 – 2/16

Posted on February 3, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Rockin’ February ”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Photo credit: Cliff Montgomery

I was delighted to see that Ian Moore made a stop at Bombay’s for his current tour with the Lossy Coils Wednesday, January 27th. We added Moore to our playlist back when I was Program Director of KXBS alternative rock radio in the 90s. Moore told me he’s been self-managing for the past 12 years, but has three records done and ready for release the first one called “Strange Days”. Moore told me, “It’s a departure from what I have been doing for the last few years. It is funkier, and lyrically heavier, leaning in on rhythm.”

Voices – Women in the Round was held at Bell Arts Factory on Saturday, January 30. I spoke with Jim Rice of Bell Arts who told me the night was just perfect. It was one of those events where the audience is totally engaged and the performances were heart wrenchingly beautiful. The range of music from Bach to Otis Redding to original pieces by Andrea Landin, Donna Lynn Caskey, Kate Bokoles, Maliah Pena and Mare Louise were extremely well received. Rice told me they’re looking at having this be a regular series hopefully monthly before too long.

A last minute addition to the February calendar for Squashed Grapes is coming up on Tuesday, February 9 featuring members from the world famous Post Modern Jukebox. This will also be the last opportunity to see them for a while before they set out on tour across the pond. Christina Gatti’s amazing vocals will front the band which includes one of our very own Jacob Scesney who also tours with PMJ.

Expect an upbeat funky time when The Main Squeeze plays Discovery on Saturday, February 6. The band is produced by Randy Jackson well known American Idol judge. Discovery has also been offering a Starlight Swing night on Wednesdays with swing dance lessons and live music.

Front Street takes over the Sewer with some down low dirty gypsy blues on Friday, February 12 with two equally unique and fun bands, The Front Street Knuckle Draggers and D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers.

The Hong Kong Inn will host the 2016 Cash Bash honoring the man in black’s birthday with The Mighty Cash Cats, Jade Hendrix and Joe Billingiere. The festivities kick off Sunday, February 14 at 4 pm with no cover charge.

The Wine Rack has upped their entertainment by offering live music seven days a week.

And finally, the newest episode of Ventura Rocks on CAPS Media is now airing featuring Crooked Eye Tommy; you can get the schedule of when it airs next at www.capsmedia.org.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? 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 1/20 – 2/2

Posted on January 21, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Surf to Country, Blues to Jazz… ”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Talk about musical diversity! Let’s start with something altogether different, how about a Disc-o-town Hoedown at Discovery on Saturday January 23 with karaoke, a western outfit contest, a mechanical bull and then live country music from Moonridge. It’s all ages with a $10 cover charge and I’m pretty sure line dancing will be involved.

We’d heard the rumblings of live music coming to Ven Tiki (701 E. Main where Bernadette’s use to be located) and it looks like it’s true because the venue received special permission from the City for a one-time chance to have the world famous Surfer Joe from Italy play downtown; there will be no reservations. We hope they pull this one off to a big win so they may be granted a more permanent entertainment permit.

And speaking of having music more often, we’re pleased that you can find more music at the Harbor as the Boatyard Café has been offering up more music including the Bluegrass Jam on Thursdays 6-9 and then there’s the Copa Cubana’s opening pending City approval; Andy who also owns 805 Bar and Grilled Cheese, expects no further delays, and we’re hoping by the time of the next Breeze issue, we’ll be reporting on their grand opening.

After taking over ownership a few months ago Bill Kracht, formerly of Player’s Casino, has brought live music to O’Leary’s with O’Leary’s East End Blues Band performing every Saturday night headed up by harmonica blues master, RJ Mischo, Jerry McWorter, Franck Goldwasser,and Brent Harding; it also won’t be unusual to see guest players sit in from time to time.

It’s one of those special events at Squashed Grapes that lovers of jazz won’t want to miss; Sergio Bellotti’s Groove Experience comes to town on Wednesday, January 27. Bellotti will also hold a drum clinic earlier in the evening in conjunction with Pulse Drumming.

Hi Hat Entertainment brings James Intveld to the Ventura Beach Club on Friday, January 22, and Paul Oscher Band on the 29th.

After having sold the building last Fall, Saana at Peirano’s has decided to close the restaurant doors on January 24. We’re not sure where the tango crew will land, but we know their Thursday night dance club will continue, and we’ll let you know where. In fact, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibilities that someone else will come along and reopen Peirano’s in the future.

And if hard rock is your game, then you’ll want to be at Bombay’s for the Gygax record release party on Friday, January 29.

Finally, our condolences go out to the family and friends of Michael DiMauro who passed away December 31. DiMauro’s most recent project was the Iron Butterfly All Star Band. Services were held at San Buenaventura Mission on January 8.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 1/6 – 1/19

Posted on January 4, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Happy New Year!”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Shawn Jones, Herman Matthews and Sam Bolle at the Watermark

First off, I’d like to wish you a very happy new year. I’m already hearing the rumblings of changes coming to Ventura’s music scene; they’re good changes too. As they’re verified and come to fruition, you know I’ll be passing along the good news to you.

Ozomatli was indeed the perfect way for Discovery Ventura to kick off their music line up for the new year with a packed-to-the-gills house. Spencer the Gardener warmed up the crowd getting everyone in the dancing mood. Spencer Barnitz describes the band as a rotating list of stellar players and that evening they added to the mix for the first time trombone player Skabone Stan who tours with Pato Banton. Discovery’s two-year anniversary is coming up the week of January 18th. I’m looking forward to many more cool shows there.

As you can tell, I’m always delighted to learn and meet talented musicians who have worked as session musicians and/or have toured in support of world renowned artists because you have to be that good; and I found out first hand just how good they are as a couple of hot drummers have been playing around town. First Shawn Jones has had drummer Herman Matthews with him the last couple times he played Sunday afternoons at W20 at the Watermark. Matthews has toured with Tower of Power, Kenny Loggins and more than seven years with Tom Jones. Then there’s Alvino Bennett playing with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Robin Trower, Chaka Khan and he’s about to go out on tour once again with Dave Mason; he was spotted at one of Tommy Marsh’s blues jams at Bombay’s and then sat in with Shawn Jones switching seats with Matthews for a couple of tunes this past Sunday.

Gypsy Stew will be releasing a new CD this month with half the 12 songs being originals. Don Cook of the band said the music is what they like to call “Outlaw County,” old school as opposed to new country. The CD will be available at their shows as well as on their website GypsyStew.com. They’ll be playing at the Star Lounge Friday, January 8. The release party will be at the Chop Shop Bar & Grill in Simi Valley on Saturday January 23.

And finally, Ventura is losing one of its own, Russ Camp (4 on the Floor, Stundexim, Camp Franco) when Camp moves up north; one of his final shows will be with BOHICA at Golden China on Saturday January 9 5:30 – 9:30 pm. Camp has been a mainstay in Ventura for over 20 years always supporting other bands and filling in when needed. He’ll be missed.

New Year’s Eve Parties

Posted on December 27, 2015 by venturarocks

Where to bring in 2016:

We found as many posters as we could and created a photo gallery below, but here’s the lowdown, in alphabetical order of venues we know of who are offering NYE parties. Just so you know, many will have a cover charge, and may depend on whether you want dinner or not:

Amigo’s Surf Cantina: 9 pm – The Dive Bar Messiahs; 4-7 pm Doug & Frank
546 E. Main Street – (805) 874-2232

Bombay Bar and Grill: Fido; DJ Philocybin
143 S. California Street (805)643-4404

Cafe Fiore: Big Adventure
66 S. California Street (805) 653-1266

Discovery: Spencer Fischer, DJ Lunatic
1888 E. Thompson Blvd (805) 452-4967

El Rey Cantina: DJ Aycer
294 E. Main Street (805) 653-1111

Gigi’s: Karaoke countdown
2493 Grand Ave. (805) 642-2411

Golden China: Fallout vs X-Machina
760 S. Seaward (805) 652-1188

Grapes and Hops: Shawn Jones and Friends
454 E. Main Street (805) 616-2375

The Greek Restaurant:DJ dancing
Ventura Harbor (805) 650-5350

Keynote Lounge: Action Down
10245 E. Telephone Road (805) 647-9390

Now Ventura: William Rottman
185 E. Santa Clara St. (805) 667-2200

Peirano’s: Gil Valencia and Friends
204 E. Main St. (805) 648-48523

Prime: a 4 piece band
2209 E. Thompson Blvd (805) 648-1143

Red Cove: 3 in the Morning; The Free and Natural Human Beings
1809 E. Main St. (805)643-1101

Rookees: DJs
419 E. Main St. (805) 648-6862

Sans Souci: DJ Spinobi
21 S. Chestnut St (805) 643-4539

Star Lounge: Cross Cut
343 E. Main St. (805) 648-4709

The Tavern: DJs Masquerade Ball
211 E. Santa Clara St. (805) 643-3264

Ventura Beach Club: Shaky Feelin;, Christopher Hawley Rollers, DJs
281 W. Main St. (818) 307-7598

Ventura Theater: War, Tierra
26 S. Chestnut St. (805) 653-0721

Watermark: DJ Erok, DJ Ciera
598 E. Main St. (805) 643-6800

Wine Rack: Ventura Jazz Collective
14 S. California St. (805) 653-9463

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 12/23 – 1/5

Posted on December 21, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Ventura Rocks Another Year”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Trey O’Toole (Pulse Drumming), Rich Barth (Ventura County Jazz) Colin Bailey (Drummer extraordinaire) Pam Baumgardner (VenturaRocks.com) Tony YBarra (Guitarist)

We’re in the final stretch for 2015 and Ventura Rocks at CAPS Media is finally scheduled. The debut episode features Medicine Hat and will air several times including a Christmas evening broadcast at 8 pm. Go to Capstv.org/program-schedules for all air dates!

Nothing like being one degree of separation from Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra and more; that’s exactly what went down at Squashed Grapes when drummer extraordinaire, Colin Bailey, was in the house, Saturday, December 19. Mr. Bailey has not only played with the cream of the crop but he was also the drummer for the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Bam!

And just one final note before we move on from Christmas, giving the gift of music is always a treat, especially when you’re supporting local artists and picking up music such as Tommy Marsh’s Crooked Eye Tommy, Butterflies & Snakes; Medicine Hat’s Whiskey and Waves; the self-titled The NaVaNaX; Honey Owl’s Early Bird, The Barrelhouse Wailer’s Last Call; Nathan McEuen’s Side by Side, and so much more! Of course you can go to their websites or be old school and pick up a CD at Salzer’s, Grady’s, or Very Ventura where you’ll find the VenturaRocks.com listening station.

Opening up recently in the former Zoey’s location at 185 E. Santa Clara is Now Ventura featuring higher end Italian and Seafood fare. I went in and met Michael Anthony, one of the partners, and a former bassist for Puddle of Mudd (who are coming to Discovery in early March). Michael gave me the low down on offering live music after they’ve renovated the stage; his vision includes two 45 minute sets Thursday through Saturday. I’ll be keeping tabs and will get them listed as soon as the music is back, but meanwhile they’ll be throwing a New Year’s Eve Bash with William Rottman performing acoustic 80s and 90s covers. Call 667-2200 for reservations and more information.

Ventura will most definitely be off the hook all over town with New Year’s Eve parties, here are just some highlights: The Dive Bar Messiahs at Amigo’s Surf Cantina; Fido and DJ Philocybin at Bombay’s; Big Adventure at Café Fiore; Spencer Fischer and DJ Lunatic at Discovery; Shawn Jones and Friends at Grapes and Hops; Action Down at The Keynote Lounge; 3 in the Morning, The Free and Natural Human Beings at Red Cove; DJ Logic at Rookees; DJ Spinobi at Sans Souci; Cross Cut at the Star Lounge; DJs will be featured at a NYE Masquerade Ball at The Tavern; Shaky Feelin’, The Christopher Hawley Rollers, 9 Lives and more at the Ventura Beach Club; DJ Erok and DJ Ciera at the Watermark, The Ventura Jazz Collective at the Wine Rack and the biggest show of them all is WAR with Tierra at the Majestic Ventura Theater.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 12/9 – 12/22

Posted on December 8, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Holiday Fun”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Medicine Hat recording Ventura Rocks music show at CAPS Media

Though the evening isn’t really about the music (hint: it’s about the wine), the Ventura Winter Wine Walk was a huge success with live music at the corner of Main and California. There’s nothing quite like families coming out on a gorgeous December evening with men on stilts, women hula hoop dancing, snow falling while dancing to popular R&B and funk tunes from the Bomb on a huge stage, with professional lighting while City Hall is lit up in the background. Along with the tree lighting ceremony, and the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, this has become my favorite holiday tradition.

Speaking of which, the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights runs December 18 and 19. I hear you can get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display while supplies last at Coastal Cone Ice Cream parlor. I’m not sure how the glasses will enhance fireworks as they’re already 3D, but I’m sure they’ll be in high demand. The two-day celebration includes music, a carnival with rides on the main lawn, fireworks, and decorated boats with this year’s theme, “Surf, Sand & Santa Celebrating 150 Years of Ventura.” Be sure to be on the watch for Santa making an earlier flyby during the evening.

RJ Mischo & the Down Home trio have begun a Tuesday night residency this month at the 805 Bar and Grill Cheese. I’m hearing the Copa Cubana (next to the 805 Bar) is getting close to opening soon.

The Watermark will host The Pullmen’s “Going Dark” vinyl release Xmas party on Friday, December 18. The event will be held on the ground floor as upstairs will be closed for a private party that evening.

It promises to be yet another “one of those evenings” at Squashed Grapes on Saturday, December 19th when The Frank Potenza Trio will be in the house. The trio features Potenza (Joe Pass, Dizzy Gillespie, George Van Eps and more), who is a professor of jazz guitar at USC Thorton School of Music; Jim Hughart (Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and Tom Waits, Sinatra and more); and Colin Bailey. I love that Bailey was the drummer on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, in fact, he’s done over 100 jazz albums, T.V. shows and toured with Benny Goodman and Joe Pass. Earlier the same day, Bailey will be holding a drum clinic across the street at Pulse Drumming. Get tickets and/or sign up for the clinic at Pulsedrumming.com.

We’re working on post production of the debut episode of Ventura Rocks music show on CAPS Media featuring Medicine Hat. CAPS, Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura is a private non-profit television channel available through Time Warner and Charter. Check in with VenturaRocks.com for updates on when the program will air this month.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/25 – 12/8

Posted on November 24, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“The Holidays are officially here!”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Everclear at the Ventura Theater November 22, 2015.

Everclear’s 20th anniversary tour featuring their release, “Sparkle and Fade” was well received Sunday, November 22 at the Ventura Theater; but with that being said, the crowd was extremely happy to hear other tunes as well from the band including the final songs of the night, ”Father of Mine” and “Santa Monica.”

Well, it’s time to confront the fact that the holidays are officially here. Bombay’s will be inspiring people to get out the night before Thanksgiving by providing two stages of music: up front it’s Tommy Marsh and the Session with a four hour blues jam being billed as biggest night in their four year history, and in the back room it’s Shaky Feelin’ and Nine Mile Skid.

As for the night after you’ve spent time with the family, you can work out the pent up frustrations at Sans Souci where you can find one hell of a punk show with F.S.K.D, Filios, We are the Underclass and Malice Thoughts. But on the off chance you’re looking for something a little tamer (and perhaps you enjoyed the time with family) you might want to check out the Jim Hendrix Birthday tribute at Squashed Grapes.

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, then there’s nothing like a Toy Drive for underprivileged kids coupled with an evening of great Blues to do the trick. The 15th annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive will be held Sunday, December 6 at the Ventura Beach Club. $15 and an unwrapped toy gets you Deb Ryder, Kelly Zirbes, Donna Greene, Shari Puorto, and tons of other artists including honorary guest Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf).

There are two workshops worth mentioning for local musicians as they are most likely to sell out and both are being held at the Pierpont Inn in January. The first is “Down to the Crossroads” five-day Blues guitar and bass retreat January 19-23 (www.Down2TheCrossroads.com) and then it’s Jon Gindick’s Blues Harmonica Jam Camp which runs January 26 – 30 (www.BluesHarmonicaJamCamp.com). You can step up your game and move up to the next level with intensive instruction in an inspiring environment!

Don’t forget, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Kinky Friedman and his unique brand of storytelling in an intimate setting at the Livery (Ventura Improv Theater) on December 4. He’ll be sharing songs from his latest CD, “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met.” Ticket information at www.OnesToWatchProductions.com.

And finally, one of my favorite events of the year, the Winter Wine Walk will once again shut down Main Street Downtown Ventura for what is touted as the World’s Largest Wine Walk. Musical entertainment by The Road Brothers, SayReal, Paradium and the Bomb. Ticket information can be found at www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com

A Call to Venues and Artists

Posted on November 14, 2015 by venturarocks

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, I use this Facebook page to administer the Ventura Rocks-Website Facebook page and to help promote Ventura’s music scene. And as you probably noticed, the rules on Facebook have evolved over the years and the magic formula for what comes up consistently on the Facebook news feeds turns out to be money, not popularity and I can not afford to pay for ads.

The truth is, I use social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – to support the website I created in 2009, www.VenturaRocks.com. I update it every single morning and people are encouraged to use it when they go out to see where all the music can be found. It’s a terrific resource! We get over 10,000 hits monthly. Everything you need to follow Ventura’s music scene can be found there. Everything that I know about that is…so here’s the problem:

I still don’t get told who is playing at certain venues. So when I don’t list a venue, it is because they don’t tell me about their music lineup. Trust me, I ask. I ask EVERY SINGLE WEEK. I don’t blackball venues (or artists for that matter). And if I missed an event that I was told about, I promise you this, it was an oversight or mistake.

Here’s the bigger problem. I’m tired after almost seven years of being on alert for changes and updates and being connected on Facebook. I’ve been the only person creating VenturaRocks.com for the past couple of years, and I can’t do it anymore. And just so you know, I’ve gotten info via flyers on street corners, Facebook, Facebook messages, Facebook invites, Twitter, Instagram, word of mouth, venue websites, phone calls, texts… it’s exhausting! I actually have two jobs to do in between VenturaRocks.com. So it is time to organize so I can help more effectively and to try to avoid the exhausion which has attempted to overtake me.

So please, I want to help, but I need your help too. If you are a musician, and especially if you are a venue, please email me your information. I can’t monitor Facebook newsfeeds all day. I will check in a few times a week and if I see a poster for a gig, I will save it and schedule it to be posted (I LOVE THAT SCHEDULING FEATURING by the way!).

I’ve proven that I want to help. I’ve proven that I’m not trying to get money out of venues to advertise. The fact that a couple of venue owners and artists have made donations and bought additional advertising or t-shirts, or comp me a beverage or a meal warms my heart and I truly feel the love and support. Thank you!

I would like to continue to create VenturaRocks.com and all I ask is for music updates and/or changes be sent to me via email. Remember, MOST people are NOT on Facebook!!! And it takes just a few minutes monthly or weekly to send me your calendar.

Thank you,

Pam@VenturaRocks.com

p.s. I do appreciate being told about last minute changes, and if I’m near a computer or have my laptop with me, I will update the website.

p.s.s. I know so many musicians depend on Facebook but I truly encourage you to connect with me via email. That’s insurance I will know about your gig, and I can help promote it and I won’t feel like an idiot when I go out and see you playing somewhere that I didn’t hear about.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/11 – 11/24

Posted on November 11, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Blues to jazz and all points in between”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ashford Gordon and Glade Rasmussen at the Hong Kong Inn’s Blues Jam Sunday.

The Hong Kong Inn has started hosting a monthly Blues Jam Session on what will be the first Sunday of the month. The kick-off session was on Sunday November 8 with Ashford Gordon supported by Ray Jaurique, Glade Rasmussen and Chris Jensen. All players of all skill levels are welcome to sit in during the second set.

Having signed a distribution deal with Mesa Blue Moon Records last month, Nathan McEuen has been pulling out all the stops, touring more aggressively and will be making a stop at Salzer’s Records on Friday, November 13. Get out and support Nathan who will have Jesse Olema and special guests with him, but more importantly, pick up a copy of his latest release, “Side by Side”.

Our good friend Dan Grimm with his brand of California Flip-Floppy-Tonkiness returns to the Wine Rack for a gig on Friday, November 20; there’s no denying Grimm’s love for Ventura when he sings original material such as “Two Trees” or “Ventucky.” Meanwhile, Mike Cregan continues his Monday night residency and Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson have taken over Tuesday nights.

The Channel Cities Jazz Club will feature Clyde Reaslinger Big Band on November 15 at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in the Channel Islands Harbor. The proceeds will be split between CCJC’s Jazz Camp Scholarship fund and the Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation. Besides giving musicians of all ages a forum to perform and share jazz, the club’s mission is to build bonds between generations and to enhance musical educational opportunities for youth.

Doug Webb returns to Squashed Grapes with not only Steve Fister, Jimmy Earl and Danny Carey of Tool, but added to the mix this time will be Mike Garson on Piano. Garson has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and No Doubt. This promises to be the epitome of the expression, “Off the Hook.” Tickets are on sale for Saturday, November 14 at Squashed Grapes; downbeat is 7 pm.

I’ll admit I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for a several shows coming up at the Majestic Ventura Theater. There’s Pepper on November 21, Everclear’s 20^th Anniversary of Sparkle and Fade on November 22 and Sublime with Rome on November 27. By the way, Rebelution returns for two shows in March, don’t miss out and get your tickets soon as they always sell out.

And finally, local musician Gary Best has invited everyone out for an afternoon of Los Dudes at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, November 15 before he goes in for heart surgery. He’s been taking care of the body and getting healthy, and we love and support him in all those endeavors.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/28 – 11/10

Posted on October 28, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Caption: The Kiefer Sutherland Band at W20 at the Watermark October 23, 2015.

I was happily surprised by the Kiefer Sutherland show Friday, October 23, at W20 at the Watermark. I not sure what I expected, nor why I would expect anything less from one of my favorite actors, but Kiefer was entertaining! The set was well received by his fans, some of which traveled quite a way to catch the show. He offered up original rock songs to a few covers including one from Gordon Lightfoot. His band was tight and his gravely whiskey voice was spot on sexy as hell. I caught up with him after the show and he was very happy with the response and with the outpouring of support. The man’s got talent.

Halloween is upon us and most venues will be pulling out the stops hoping to pack their joints by enticing revelers with decorations, costume contests, drink specials and of course music. From the Greek at the Harbor to the Star Lounge downtown, Ventura will be a happening place. You can check the calendar listing here in the Breeze, or go to VenturaRocks.com for any additional updates. All the popular cover bands will be rockin’ all the popular places along with Candyland at Discovery, and Mandex with Pistols ‘n’ Pilez, deemed Ventura’s drunkest Guns and Roses tribute band as they perform the entire album “Appetite for Destruction” at Bombay’s.

But to kick off Halloween you won’t want to miss the 50 Sticks of Dynamite CD release party at Bombay’s for their latest release, “Carry Me Down to My Grave.” I snagged a copy when the boys joined me at CAPS Media for the pilot program of Ventura Rocks (air date to be announced soon). They were the perfect band to kick off what we hope will be a popular feature at CAPS; and between you and me, I haven’t gotten the title track out of me head since we were in the studio…and that’s a good thing.

Polly and Steve Hoganson’s “Ones to Watch Productions” will be bringing Kinky Friedman to the Livery at the Improv Theater downtown Ventura for a show on December 4th. You know this show is going to be a hoot; Kinky was the one who originally said, “I support gay marriage. I believe they have a right to be as miserable as the rest of us.” He’s also quoted as saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” If you have no sense of humor that you are aware of, or you’re easily offended, you might want to skip this one; otherwise, if you enjoy a quick wit, you’ll want to catch this iconic country singer; I hope you’ll help pack the joint and give him a well-deserved warm welcome. For this and other shows including those at the Carpinteria Playhouse, go to OnesToWatchProductions.com.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Category Archives: Ventura Rocks