Rubicon Theater – August 29, 2025
Stephen Perkins & Mike Watt (Screening of Desolation Center)
The Grape – August 15, 2025
Canned Heat
Music Under the Stars – August 9, 2025
Petty and the Heartshakers
Ventura County Fair – August 7, 2025
The White Buffalo
Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Ventura has so many live music hotspots. We have concert halls such as the Majestic Ventura Theater and the Ventura Music Hall, there are bars with bands such as Bombay Bar and Grill, Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar and Winchesters (all just minutes of walking distance from each other downtown) and my favorite type of venue, the listening room where chitchat is frowned upon and the focus is on the artist and not on other attendees. The Grape comes very close, and depending on the performance, talking is kept to a minimum. However, I’m talking about places like Namba Performing Arts, and on a bigger scale, the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, and The Rubicon Theatre Company.
The Rubicon’s summer festival is currently underway, and I highly recommend checking out their lineup, which features 30 shows in 30 days, with most showcasing live musical performances ranging from Broadway stars to tribute bands and covering a wide range of genres. I snagged my ticket for Desolation Center, which includes a film screening of the documentary, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and wait for it, performances by Mike Watt (Minutemen, The Stooges) and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros). But I can understand if punk is not your cup of tea, so then you might consider Country is Dead (Classic country-inspired Grateful Dead favorites), Wild Night (a Van Morrison tribute), or The Folk Legacy Trio featuring lifetime Grammy winners. Visit RubiconTheatre.org for a full listing of shows and more information on how to buy tickets.
Another venue, which is also known mostly for its theater performances, is the High Street Arts Center. This month, they have several shows just like The Rubicon, but all of them are tribute bands. The final three this month feature homage to specific genres of music with The Laurel Canyon Band on August 29, The Yacht Groove on August 30, and The Surf City Allstars on August 31. Find out more at HighStreetArtsCenter.com.
Quick Notes: HR from Bad Brains, The Upbeat, Ska Ogs and more will hold a show at Mrs. Olson’s on Thursday, August 21; The Throw Down Cornhole Festival with number of bands (see listings) runs Friday, August 22 through Sunday, August 24 at the Ventura Fairgrounds; The Ojai Pops 2025 concert series kicks off Sunday, August 24, with a free concert at the Libbey Bowl; tickets are on sale now for Nathan McEuen w/ Alan Thornhill for September 26 at the Ojai Underground Exchange; Rock the Collection’s next show is Wednesday, August 27, featuring The Long Run, an Eagles tribute; and the Shores in Oxnard is holding their Summer Bash on Sunday August 31 with Rhythm 805 and Lil Big of Everything.
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, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.
Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The highly popular Rock the Collection summer concert series kicks off August 13 with The Yellow Brick Band (formerly known as Rocket Men, a tribute to Elton John). The family-friendly free concerts run on alternate Wednesdays. You’re encouraged to arrive early (after 11 am, day of the show), and you’re welcome to bring picnic low-backed chairs and blankets. Upcoming shows: The Long Run, tribute to the Eagles on August 27; Wanted, tribute to Bon Jovi on September 10; and Kings of Queen, tribute to Queen on September 24.
Congratulations to the Ventura Music Festival’s successful 30th summer season which wrapped up last week. You might want to secure tickets now for one of their October series concerts which feature the likes of The Moanin’ Frogs, an Evening with Branford Marsalis, Twanguero, and more. Go to VenturaMusicFesival.org for information on dates and tickets.
There are more congratulations to be had, this time for Poseidon Brewing who is celebrating their 11th anniversary with live music over the weekend of August 8-10 featuring the CocoKnots on Friday, Morrison Drive and Vanise Terry Band on Saturday, and Looking West Sunday afternoon.
The Grape has an excellent reputation for providing top-notch entertainment and if jazz is not your cup of tea, no worries, you can find blues, Americana and rock artists as well. Case in point, blues rock legend (performed at both Monterey and Woodstock in the ‘60s), Canned Heat will be there on Friday, August 15. While the band has endured several losses over the years, drummer, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra, is the “historian” and original member, along with New Orlean’s legend on harp, guitar and lead vocals, Dale Spalding, Rick Reed on bass (Paul Butterfield, John Mayall and Chicago Blues Reunion), and Jimmy Vivino best known as guitarist and arranger for Late Night with Conan O’Brien for over 28 years.
But if you do love jazz, and more specifically, a 16-member energetic jazz orchestra, then you won’t want to miss The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel on Saturday, August 9. Dresel, drummer/percussionist, is one of the busiest studio and live musicians having supported Maynard Ferguson, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band in the past. He also has many movie and television credits including Incredibles 2, The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Quick Notes: Winchester’s Bar and Grill opened escrow to sell to Ventiki Operations, Inc, word is they plan to continue the venue’s 28-year legacy with live music and more; tickets for the Aquabats! At the Majestic Ventura Theater went on sale via Ticketweb for Saturday, November 15; Órale 805 performs at First Thursdays Food Trucks at Plaza Park in Oxnard on August 7; and Shawn Jones, Shane Alexander and Paulo Coelho perform at Namba on Saturday, August 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 Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
We’re quickly heading towards midsummer and with it the highlight of the season, the Ventura County Fair and specifically all the Grandstand Stage performances. On opening night, Wednesday, July 30, there will be a collective, hip hop/rap “Beach Block Party” featuring Tone Loc, Ying Yang Twins, Fat Joe and Pepa (of Salt-n-Pepa). I’m putting my money on “Wild Thing,” well maybe “Push It” as the collective post-concert earworm. Then on Thursday, July 31, it’s Diplo for a night of electronica; Friday, August 1, it’s Dirty Heads with reggae/rock; Saturday, August 2, Lee Brice, country; Sunday, August 3, La Maquinaria Norteña & La Séptima Banda ft. Mi Banda El Mexicano; Monday, August 4, Flo Rida Featuring Bubba Sparxxx, more rap; Tuesday, August 5 it’s Dylan Scott featuring Cheat Codes with modern country and the last night has more country with Scotty McCreery featuring Kruse Brothers. Don’t forget if you want to be up close to the stage, you’ll need to purchase VIP tickets. But for the rest of us, the shows are included in the price of admission to the fair. Another noteworthy tidbit, while most nights feature tribute bands on the Station Stage, The Outlaw Mariachi play August 4, Kruse Brothers August 5, and The White Buffalo will perform on Thursday, August 7
The week before the fair opens, Summer Dead Fest lands at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for four days and nights of jams. The poolside deck stage outside the Aqua Bar has free access to the bands, but if you want the Friday and Saturday night concerts which conclude a “Sunset Vibes Silent Disco” until 3 am, you’ll need tickets. For more data, go to VenturaGratefulDead.info.
The Ventura Music Festival has several more shows this week including Ventura’s own, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with Barrelhouse Wailers opening. Their July 25 show is sold out and the venue has been moved to the College’s Performing Arts Center.
Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe continues its summer series of Friday night concerts with Psychedelic Summer on July 26, and Stone Soul on August 2. Both nights are sold out. As mentioned in our last issue, all shows are sold out except August 23 with Conjunto Oye, who promise to deliver high-energy danceable Latin music with Cuban rhythms and Puerto Rican flair; so, you know, take the hint.
Quick Notes: The Psychedelic Furs play the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, July 23 and Billy Vera & the Beaters on Saturday, July 26; Shawn Jones plays Bombay’s on Thursday, July 24; reuniting, it’s Preachers and Pornstars for a date at Gigi’s on Friday, July 25; it’s Bee Gee Fever over at Camarillo Constitution Park on Saturday, July 26; and Swing Shift big band plays the Sportsman in Camarillo on Sunday, July 27.
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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Over the next couple of weeks there will be plenty of live music events, some free, some family friendly, but all promise to be tons of fun. Let’s start with the Hueneme Beach Festival which falls over the weekend of July 12 and 13 at Hueneme Beach Park. No admission, but tickets can be purchased for the carnival rides and of course there will be plenty of food vendors and local artists’ displays along with live music. On Saturday there will be several local high school marching bands, InStone, Red Hot Cholo Peppers and Corazon de Mana. On Sunday, they’ll have a couple of tribute bands, Smooth Sounds of Santana and Kings of Queen, along with Banda La Veneosa and Halcones del Bajio.
The following week, starting midweek and running through Sunday, July 20, it’s Heritage Days in Old Towne Camarillo. Same deal: free admission, but you can purchase carnival ride tickets. The first few days offer up DJs, but on Friday you can catch John Surge and the Haymakers, and Just Dave Band. On Saturday it’s Hindsite, SkaDaddyz, D.on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers, Heavy Rotation and the Brandon Ragan Project. Then finally on Sunday, you can catch Full Clip, Alejandro Medina, Mariachi Los Toreros, and Maclovia.
D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers on Fat Tuesday 2025
Over at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Surfers Point Live, the Tequila & Taco Music Festival will be held over the weekend of July 19 and 20 with Lil’ Kim, the Queen Bee, headlining on Saturday. Also performing, Adelaide Pilar and La Marcha. On Sunday, it’s Vilma Diaz Y La Sonora and Smooth Sounds of Santana. Tickets available at TequilaAndTacoMusicFesival.com.
Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe kicks off this Summer’s series of Friday night concerts with 4 Lads from Liverpool on July 12, and Dark Desert Highway on July 19. Both nights are sold out. By the way, all shows are sold out except August 23 with Conjunto Oye, who promise to deliver high-energy danceable Latin music with Cuban rhythms and Puerto Rican flair.
Quick Notes: Ventura Music Festival’s Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert with Barrelhouse Wailers on Friday, July 25 is sold out plus the venue has changed to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center; The Boatyard Pub at the Ventura Harbor has wrapped up their remodeling upgrades and live music is back; Lowered Expectations will play the Downtown Ventura Summer Concert Series on Thursday, July 10 (6-8 pm) at California and Main; this year’s Bowlvolution Tiki Summer Bowl Out at Harley’s Camarillo Bowling will be held on Saturday, July 12, with Stagger & Fall, The Afraid, Toledo Panic and The Disappointments playing in the bar;
and Plan B Winery has Déjà vu (acoustic) playing the music of Crosby,Stills, Nash & Young on Sunday, July 20.
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.
Ozomatli celebrates 30 years of music, activism and culture
Ventura Music Hall
Friday, June 27, 2025
Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The hot place to be the last weekend of June is at Surfers Point Live at the Ventura Fairgrounds where two full-day concerts will be held. First on Saturday, June 28, it’s a full day of reggae with Ziggy Marley headlining; supporting acts include Matisyahu, Lupe Fiasco, Rey Fresco and OnePeople, Then the following day on Sunday, June 29, it’s Boots & Brews Country Music Festival with Kane Brown headlining; supporting acts include Jackson Dean, Mackenzie Carpenter and Jayden Secor. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to SurfersPointLive.com. By the way, Surfers Point Live’s next event is Tequila & Taco Music Festival, July 19-20 with headliner, Lil Kim.
Staying with the fairgrounds, this summer’s Grandstand entertainment has mostly been announced though Sunday, August 3, remains “Announcement coming soon.” There’s a little something for everyone from a beach block party style concert to kick off the series on Wednesday, July 30, with Tone Loc, Ying Yang Twins, Fat Joe, and Pepa of Salt-n-Pepa. Then it’s Diplo on Thursday, July 31, Dirty Heads on Friday, August 1, Lee Brice on Saturday, August 2, Flo Rida on Monday, August 4, Dylan Scott on Tuesday, August 5 and wrapping up the series, it’s Scotty McCreery on Wednesday, August 6. This is the second year where the grandstand music remains free, but if you want to be closer to the action, you need to purchase VIP tickets which range from $40-$70 on top of your fair entrance fee. You can get more info at VenturaCountyFair.org.
Ozomatli is celebrating 30 years of music, activism and culture at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, June 27. If you’ve never seen the band live, do yourself a favor and get a ticket as I’m sure you’ll love their blend of Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae and more. You can always rewatch the Drew Barrymore movie, Never Been Kissed where you can see them perform in the club scene.
Camarillo’s Summer Concert Series features the band Gold Rush Country on Saturday, June 28 from 7 – 9 pm at Constitution Park. All their concerts will be free over the summer when you’re invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. Food trucks will be on site.
If you want your July 4th to include live music, then you have a number of venues to choose from including Tony’s Pizzeria with House Arrest, Ojai Valley Brewing with Josephoenix and Blues Bullet, Onyx Bistro in Camarillo hosts Ray Jaurique Trio, The Ska Daddyz take over Duke’s Beach Grill in Ventura, and Heritage Square will have The Soul City Revival Band. As an aside, the Ventura Rotary Club will once again host fireworks at Ventura College with live music, but there’s no telling who will be performing from their website or social media posts.
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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
There are quite a few live outdoor music series over the summer with so much of it free to the community! Let’s start with the Downtown Ventura Summer Concert Series at Main and California launching Thursday, June 12 with The Gamble. The following week it’s The Ooo Wee Ooo’s, then Looking West on the 26th and Dyland Cunningham on July 3. You’re invited to bring a chair, picnic basket or better yet, stop in one of the many fine restaurants downtown and take your meal to go.
The 2025 Heritage Square Summer Concert Season kicks off Friday, June 13 with the Brandon Ragan Project followed by Los Amigos 805 on the 20th, and Heart and Soul on the 27th. Chairs and picnic baskets are also allowed though you can purchase individual seats up front on a first come first served basis; concert tables available though an online process at heritagesquareoxnard.com.
The Channel Island Harbor free concerts start in July as do the Constitution Park series in Camarillo and The Collection at Riverpark won’t occur in August. And though not a “concert series” I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a couple of ongoing free reggae shows at Tony’s Pizzeria on Thursdays, and Café Fiore on Sundays.
The inaugural Palomazo Music Fest to celebrate sound, culture and community is coming up on Saturday, June 14, at Heritage Square in Oxnard with an eclectic mix of live music from Los Xiquenos, Giselle Woo and the Night Owls, Maria Sanchez & the Midnight Groove and more. For tickets and more information go to Pipiripau.com.
And a big congratulations to Topa Topa Brewing Co. on their 10th anniversary. Celebrations are being held on Saturday, June 14, at their headquarters on Colt Street with a carnival-themed party with lots of activities to keep the kids busy and plenty of music from Denim Emperor, Soft Drugs and Some of These are Planets (yes, those are bands), then there will be an after party at the downtown taproom on Thompson Blvd. This ticketed event ($20 at the door) benefits Tierra Sol with performances by Vetiver, Sam Blasucci of Mapache, Farmer Dave & the Wizards of the West.
The Ventura County Fair Grandstand entertainment is being rolled out via social media here and there and they have yet to post the lineup on their website at the time of my deadline. I trust all will be revealed by our next issue.
Quick Notes: The Boatyard is super close to reopening with live music after undergoing renovations; Winchesters Grill & Saloon has reduced their live music to two days on Saturdays and Sundays; Tommy Castro and the Painkillers play the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, June 13; and Rhiannon Giddens plays the Ventura Theater Monday, June 16 (she next plays the Hollywood Bowl on June 18).
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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
With Memorial Day weekend behind us, we’re officially into the “summer” music season though the summer solstice won’t occur until June 20. But that being what it may, the days are warming up and people are heading out to take in live music with an inordinate amount happening in Ojai. The Ojai Music Festival runs Thursday, June 5, though Sunday, June 8 with most of the events being held at the Ojai Libbey Bowl. There are a handful of “off-site” events as well and a few that are totally free to the community. For a full run-down of concerts, special events and pricing, go to OjaiFestival.org.
But before all the hoity-toity classical music descends on this picturesque gem of a town, you won’t want to miss all the down and dirty blues at the Ojai Blues Fest on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31, both days will be held at the Ojai Art Center. Friday night is the kick-off party featuring Crooked Eye Tommy with Grady Clark, then it’s Celso Salim and Darryl Carriere. The following day is a full afternoon of blues featuring amazing artists such as Katie Skene, Teresa Russell, Smokey & Friends, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps and Joey Delgado of the acclaimed Delgado Brothers. Oh! And don’t forget I get to emcee the festivities both days. Tickets can be purchased via BrownPaperTickets.com. I recommend visiting OjaiArtCenter.org for more information on the bands and what you can bring with you into the venue.
Here’s some interesting news, along with booking artists for the Ventura Music Hall, Ineffable Live has taken over as the exclusive talent buyer for the Majestic Ventura Theater. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ineffable Live as we enter this next chapter at the Majestic,” said Robert Antonini, owner of the Majestic Ventura Theater. “Their passion for live music, deep artist relationships, and commitment to community make them the ideal partner to help us bring even more dynamic music and cultural events to downtown Ventura.”
Quick Notes: the original Wailers have been added to the Ventura Music Hall for a date on July 15; Café Fiore’s Sunday reggae nights are back with Intent on June 1 and Wisdom Tree on June 8; Fido plays Bombay’s on Saturday, May 31; the next 5x5x5 at Art City is Friday, June 6 and will include performances by Bianca Celestina, Thomas Lazo, Rob Goldman and Ben Gold;
one of the original Nardcore bands, Stalag 13, is schedule to play the Mystery Shop in Oxnard on Saturday, June 7; it’s a B3 Funk Party at the Grape with the Brian Charette band featuring Danny Carey (TOOL) on drums Saturday, June 7; and while some venues may have live music, I’m told the Spring Wine Walk will only feature DJs this year.
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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 17 and 18 featuring not only strawberry concoctions, vendors, arts and crafts, a festival midway with carnival rides, but of course live music! There will be four stages rotating artists both days. I mention this so you don’t miss local artists such as Katie Skene, Sam Kulchin, Warren Takahashi and others who will play inside of the San Miguel and Anacapa Halls. Outdoor stages will have bands such as Bruno & the Hooligans, U2Xperience, Kings of Queen, Jayden Secor, Santeria, Jacob & the Good Vibes and more. Tickets can be purchased day of or in advance at CAStrawberryFestival.org. And as always, you are encouraged to use one of the many shuttles located at seven different locations where the parking is free except at San Buenaventura State Beach ($10).
The band Jackrabbit plays the Deer Lodge this month on Saturday, May 17, featuring actor, Dermot Mulroney, and his brother Kieran Mulroney. This should be a fun night featuring a blend of “Cali-country,” rock, soul and folk. C’mon! Who didn’t love Mulroney in my Best Friend’s Wedding? I triple-checked the Deer Lodge website and tickets remain at only $15.
The Yard in downtown Ventura is starting to provide live music in their back patio area. Shawn Jones played recently. I hope the venue (which has the most excellent service) will start posting their music on their website as opposed to just using Instagram the day of or before their events, or worse, depending on the artist to post on their social media accounts. Next up, Brittney and Friends on Saturday, May 17.
Fero’s Ferio Winery in Ojai has been consistently providing live music Saturdays and Sundays (4-6 pm) in an intimate setting (code for small room). You might want to swing by on Saturday, May 24, when Korel Tunador performs. Though not a household name, he has toured with The Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Katy Perry and more.
Quick Notes: Shaky Feelin’ plays Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar on Saturday, May 17; this month’s Monday Club featuring Hot Roux falls on the 29th of May at the Masonic Center downtown Ventura; Chris Isaaks plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 24; ahead of her new record lease, Lissie plays Topa Institute on Saturday, May 24; The Trivle Omdobble return to Topa Topa Brewing on Colt St, Sunday, May 25; and the Caverns play Tony’s Pizzeria on Sunday, May 25.
And don’t forget to secure your tickets to this year’s Ojai Blues Fest coming up on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31. Tommy Marsh brings the talent once again with such artists as Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Joey Delgado, Katie Skene, Crooked Eye Tommy and more. Tickets are available on BrownPaperTickets.com.
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.