Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
And just like that, the holiday season has begun! For me, it all starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving running into friends at several venues providing live music. This year, downtown Ventura will be the happening spot with DNA & Bloody Mary Morning at Tony’s Pizzeria, The Gamble at Winchesters, Kyle Brown at Gibson’s, Big Adventure at the Aqua Bar and Donna Greene at Café Fiore. Just a little down the road, midtown Ventura, the Guy Martin Band will be tearing it up at The Grape and if you find yourself in Ojai, then your best bet is the Deer Lodge where Redbone 2.0 carries on the 70s Native American rock band legacy (check for ticket availability).
And as for post-Thanksgiving plans, my money is on the Majestic Ventura Theater where Mandex will reunite for retro big-hair rock metal favorites along with Blackstar (Bowie covers) and A Rock Legend (Thin Lizzy covers). Don’t forget classic rockers Kansas will play there the following week on Wednesday, December 3.
The social event of the year, the Ventura Winter Wine Walk, is Saturday, December 6, with live music from Adelaide and the Pistol Blonde. I find snagging VIP tickets is the way to go, but if they’re all sold out, or you’re on a budget, then walking from venue to venue is a great way to bump into neighbors while checking out shops you may have overlooked in the past. The wine tasting event is a ticketed item but downtown will host a free holiday street fair which includes live music at the California and Main Street stage along with a traditional snowfall and other entertainment for the whole family. Find out more at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.
The Grape hosts Staci Griesbach’s Jazz Trio as she celebrates HOLIDAZE, her latest EP featuring new fresh holiday originals along with beloved classics reimagined through a vibrant mix of swing, bossa, and blues that’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas mood!
This year Doc Ventura’s Doc the Halls will run two nights at Namba Arts Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Along with bluesman Doc Ventura and Delta by the Beach, there will be RJ Mischo, Debbie Davies, Fito de la Parro (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sickle, Donna Lynn Caskey and more. Advance tickets on sale at NambaArts.com.
And of course, nothing gets one into the holiday spirit faster than the Majestic Theater’s 13th Annual Holiday Sing-along which falls on Sunday, December 7. This family-friendly event is free with a new unwrapped toy. The toys will then be delivered “by sleigh” to Santa’s South California headquarters at Spark of Love. The venue will also collect canned goods for their holiday food drive as well.
Quick Notes: Blame my Youth & Spam play Gibson’s on Saturday, November 29; Kansas plays the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, December 3; hardcore, Desmadre, plays Mrs. Olson’s on Friday, December 5; and the New West Symphony’s Winter Dreams will be at the Performing Arts Center in Camarillo on Sunday, December 7.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.