Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/29 – 4/11

Posted on March 27, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Local Music and More!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Scott Belsha, Joshua Moreau, Jon Bon Jovi, Natalie Gelman and Nathan McEuen taken February 28, 2017 at Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA. Photo credit: David Bergman.

There’s something to be said for when you open for Bon Jovi, and that something is “Holy Moly!!” Natalie Gelman and Nathan McEuen opened for Bon Jovi who is out promoting their latest album, “This House is Not for Sale.” Nathan also had the opportunity play one of his own songs, “Lately” to the sold-out crowd.

The Tossers, Britrock extravaganza, will be playing three nights in a row with two nights at the Vine in Ojai (March 31 and April 1) playing more of the soft underbelly side of the British music scene especially since they’ll have a piano available; then the following day they return for the first Sunday residency at Amigo’s in Ventura. Nigel Chisholm of the Vine and John Fincham bass player come from the same music scene in Birmingham, England.

A number of local bands have been invited to perform during the Skull & Roses Festival at the Ventura Fairgrounds including Shaky Feelin’, The Deal, Unkle Monkey, Rachel Sedacca’s Scarlet-Fire and 9 Mile Skid. Tickets and full music listings can be found at SkullAndRosesFestival.com. The three-day event runs April 7 through April 9.

LA based jazz singer/songwriter, Saundra Booker & Friends will be performing on Thursday, March 30 at Squashed Grapes. After battling kidney cancer, Booker founded the Jazz Musicians Against Cancer Fund and Foundation; all money raised this evening will go the JMAC fund. Also, coming up at the Grape: The Jay Smith Group on March 31; Brad Rabuchin (five years with Ray Charles) & Friends will be there on the 6th; and the Jimmy Calire Trio (Raven, America) on the 7th.

Quick notes: Brian Nicolet returned to Ventura after living abroad and performing with the Phly Boyz based out of Nice, France for the past three years; both Kings Revenge and Honey Owl are about to go back in the studio, Honey Owl’s next gig in Ventura will be at Bombay’s on April 1st; Four Brix has Fido playing 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, March 31 for Teacher’s Appreciation Night; and Champagne on Main returns to Ventura with DJs and local artists like Joe Hamilton at the Visitor’s Center playing on Saturday, April 8.

And finally, on my radio show, “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM, be sure to tune in April 3rd when I play a cut from the Gentlemen’s Blues Club. Mick Tover of Dive Bar Messiahs was producer and founding member of GBC and he sent me a cover of “Whipping Post” featuring Alan “BB” Chung King Mirikitani on guitar. He told me that Dickie Betts was so impressed by the GBC’s version that he had his road manager contact them trying to recruit members to play with the Dickie Betts Band.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Or would you like to submit your music for possible inclusion on my radio show? 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 3/15-3/28

Posted on March 13, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Local Music and More!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Wine Rack on California Street has been sold. Darcy is moving on creating a family and taking over is Kristen Shubert who will be rebranding the venue soon as Vintura. She’s cutting back the music to weekends but I don’t think it will be for long as she gets grooved in on Ventura’s music scene.

The Sandbox Coffeehouse is celebrating their five-year anniversary with live music every weekend, which come to think of it, they already do. Congratulations to Todd and the crew and thanks for giving a platform to artists to share their craft.

ARC of Ventura County is working on raising awareness about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They’ve put together a great event for Saturday, March 18th at Bombay’s which will run 5-8 pm called, “Let’s Go Out!” It coincides with March being the National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Come out and enjoy the music from Fishfry, Seth Pettersen, The Vonettes and Deejay Steph. There is no cover, so bring the entire family!

Grapes and Hops is hosting a special event on Sunday, March 19 to help raise funds for Food Share featuring music from Crooked Eye Tommy, Jade Hendrix and Mr. O. Tickets are $25; the affair runs 5-9 pm.

To what was once home to the legendary Beatles that influenced the world with their music, comes a new wave of musicians from the city of Liverpool. The Falling Doves, Barry Sutton, Cal Ruddy and Sam Rabette (all Liverpool natives) will perform music that inspired American rock n roll. There’ll be music from The Beatles, The La’s, as well as their own compositions. Catch them on their Liverpool Legends Tour at Oxnard’s Copper Blues March 24th.

The Cask Alehouse is offering up music for the East Enders here in Ventura. They’re located at 5952 Telegraph road. You’ll find live music on Thursday nights at 8 pm. They’ll have Soul 4 II on March 16th, Frank Barajas on the 23rd and Lee Koch on the 30th.

There will be a Nat King Cole birthday celebration at Squashed Grapes on Friday, March 17 with Tilford Jackson and Friends; the Doug Webb group featuring Danny Carey of TOOL returns Saturday March 18; and the Denny Seiwell Trio featuring founding member of Paul McCartney and Wings will be there on Saturday, March 25.

And finally, my radio show, “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM is starting to generate interest. I’m spinning tunes Tuesdays 5-6 pm with songs from Lee Koch and the Grinders, Bruce Forman, Joaquin Peck, Shelby Figueroa, Jade Hendrix, New Liberty, the Galactic Polecats, Brent Franklin, Dona Oxford and more. The station has been rebroadcasting the show during the week, so be sure to check in often for our local talent.

Ventura Music Photos – March 2017

Posted on March 12, 2017 by venturarocks

Squashed Grapes – March 25, 2017
Denny Seiwell (Founding member Paul McCartney & Wings)

The Patio at Player’s Casino – March 25, 2017
Natalie Gellman

Amigo’s – March 24, 2017
Bad Leaf (Photo: Louis Olachea)

Squashed Grapes – March 18, 2017
Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey (TOOL) playing Johnny Be Goode tribute to Chuck Berry who passed away earlier that day at age 90.

Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey (TOOL) with Jacob Scesney

Discovery – March 17, 2017
50 Sticks of Dynamite

The Tavern – March 15, 2017
Witchstone (Photo: Louis Olachea) #MetalWednesday

The Tavern – March 15, 2017
Spell (Photo: Louis Olachea) #MetalWednesday

St Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Ventura
Squashed Grapes Parade Band
RJ Root, Trey O’Toole (Pulse Drumming), Dirk Shumaker (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), Karen Parkhouse (Barrelhouse Wailers) Pam Baumgardner (VenturaRocks.com) Drue Drew & Andrew Conchelos (Barrelhouse Wailers).

St Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Ventura
Diana Boydstun5, RJ Root, Pam Baumgardner

Majestic Ventura Theater – March 7, 2017
Social Distortion

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/1 – 3/14

Posted on February 27, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Local Music and More!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I’m extremely impressed with this year’s lineup for the Ventura Music Festival which includes headliner Michael Feinstein, but I’m really looking forward to catching Perla Batalla’s tribute to Leonard Cohen on Friday, July 21. Yes, this is advance notice, but hopefully ticket sales will be brisk and I wouldn’t want you to miss out. Full listings for all events can be found at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Medicine Hat is off to Austin this month to play at SxSW (3/10 – 3/19). They’ll be there five days, they’re currently scheduled to play four shows and working on more. In addition to acoustic shows, Medicine Hat will play a couple gigs with a full band, consisting of some of Austin’s finest.

Here’s a couple of one-liner notes of interest: Karen Eden continues her Margarita Mondays at 6 at Amigos; Chris Austin is heading up an open Jam/Mic night at Bombay’s on Wednesdays starting March 1, PA and backline will be provided and I’m told that the jams will be filmed; Yachtley Crew returns to Bombay’s on Saturday March 4; Four Brix Winery will offer live music on the first Friday of the month starting with JJ Frank on March 3; The Ventucky String Band plays every first Thursday of the month at Saloon BBQ including this month on the 2nd; Big Rig Dollhouse returns to Sans Souci on Friday, March 3; you can catch the Dive Bar Messiahs in a new venue for them at the Star Lounge, on Saturday March 4; the Social Distortion show at the Ventura Theater March 7 is sold out, but tickets are still available for the White Buffalo on Friday, March 10; there’s a Rockabilly and Blues fundraiser for El Camino High at the Ventura Beach Club on Friday, March 10; and finally, Plan B’s Second Sunday Supper is back on with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers on the 12th.

One of Ventura’s most popular bands, Rey Fresco, has new music, three songs produced by Mario C who also worked with The Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson (he’s also won three Latin Grammy awards to date). I’m loving their new tune “You Were Wrong” which I haven’t gotten out of my head since first playing it, but you know, in Rey Fresco’s case, that’s a good thing.

And speaking of Rey Fresco and bands who record original music, don’t miss my program “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM. I’m spinning tunes from not only Rey Fresco, but Shawn Jones, Kelly’s Lot, Steve Williams, Bryan Titus, Hot Roux, The Barrelhouse Wailers, The NaVaNaX, Medicine Hat, Charles Law, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Jerry Breiner, Shaky Feelin’ and more. The station is rebroadcasting the show during the week, but I’m live on Tuesdays 5-6 pm with internet access coming soon. You can also give a listen to the current week’s broadcast on VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Photos – February 2017

Posted on February 15, 2017 by venturarocks

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 19, 2017
CASH BASH
The Mighty Cash Cats with Jade Hendrix (Photo: Cliff Montgomery)

Grapes and Hops – February 16, 2017
Jeff Silbar and Suzie Candell

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 11, 2017
Yachtley Crew

Squashed Grapes – February 9, 2017
Mike Garson (Bowie, NIN, Smashing Pumpkins), Dave Liebman (NEA Jazz Masters Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts)
with special guest appearance Jacob Scesney

Discovery – February 4, 2017
The Band That Fell to Earth (Bowie Tribute)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/15 – 2/28

Posted on February 13, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
One Degree of Separation
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

If you follow Ventura’s music scene, then you most likely know Brent Harding who can be heard playing bass in bands like the Whiskey Chimps, the Gypsy Blues Band, Hot Roux and others, but did you know he’s been Mike Ness’s bass man for Social Distortion since 2004? Brent will be back on the road with Social D the next few months and you can see him when they play at the Ventura Theater on March 7. That’s all awesome, but I just found out that during one of the many private parties during this year’s NAMM (National Association Music Merchants) event, Brent got a call to play at a Gretsch Guitars event with Jeff Beck. Yeah, THE Jeff Beck. I had to talk to Brent about it, because you know, that’s HUGE! Plus, that’s only one degree of separation for me! Anyways, Brent was so funny when he told me there were moments where he couldn’t look at him because he’d freak out and he had to concentrate; but he said Jeff Beck was a wonderful guy, really sweet and kind. Now that’s what you want to hear about guitar gods, no?

Grapes and Hops will once again host a special evening with Shawn Jones, Jeff Silbar and Suzie Candell. Of course, we all know and love Shawn who recently competed and made it to the semi-finals of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis this month, but Suzie is returning to Ventura from Switzerland; Shawn produced her first CD the last time she was out here called, California Streets. The two will reunite with the one and only Jeff Silbar (Grammy award winning songwriter, “Wind Beneath My Wings”) for an evening of swapping stories and tunes on Thursday, February 16.

Here’s a couple of one-liner notes of interest: Ruben Estrada returns to the Copa Cubana Monday evenings 6-9 pm through April 10; The Ventura Breeze is sponsoring the Equinox jazz band at Squashed Grapes February 24; The Johnny Cash, Cash Bash will be held on Sunday, February 19, 4-7:30 pm at Bombay’s featuring the Mighty Cash Cats and Jade Hendrix; another Cash Bash will be held on Sunday February 26 at Discovery with Hard Six, Jackass and Inazuma; Rey Fresco will be at Now Ventura on Saturday, February 25; and along with their normal Friday concerts, Hi Hat Entertainment has a special show on Sunday, February 26 at the Hong Kong Inn featuring the 2016 Muddy Award Winners, “Performance of the Year,” Karen Lovely with Lisa Mann and Ben Rice (downbeat at 7).

And finally, the all new CAPS Media radio station, KPPQ-LP has officially launched and is live on air 24 hours a day at 104.1 FM. It’s a low-powered signal so it only reaches most of Ventura, but they’ll soon be available on the internet as well; the staff is working out the programming as you read this. Keep in mind, this is local area access and along with covering our City Council meetings and other events (parades and such), the programming is open up to CAPS members like myself. I hope you’ll tune in when I’ll be hosting a one-hour mostly local music show, tentatively on Tuesdays 5-6 pm.

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 – 2/1 – 2/14

Posted on January 31, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Bringing on the Blues, Jazz and more…
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The line-up at Squashed Grape is getting hotter and hotter as we get further into 2017. Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and friends return on Thursday February 2 with his band mPhaka; Bobby West (Wynton Marsalis, R.Kelly, Smokey Robinson) returns on Saturday, February 4; it will be a night of hot jazz with the international jazz manouche and Balkan music band Het Hat Club with Laura Lackey on vocals Wednesday, February 8; and Mike Garson (Bowie) and David Liebman (Miles Davis, Chic Corea) return on Thursday February 9. If you were there the last time Garson played, then you too were blown away when Garson played “A Space Oddity” on the piano.

Discovery has several noteworthy shows lined up including Shaky Feelin’ on February 3; a Bowie tribute band, The Band that Feel to Earth on the 4th; several local musicians will be on hand to honor the late great reggae artist on Bob Marley day, February 9; the Hubcap Stealers will be there on the 10th; and finally, a Black Sabbath tribute band on Saturday, February 11. Go to the Discovery’s website for tickets and times as they vary.

As you probably know, there’s a wonderful Blues community supporting this genre of music and nobody does a better job at bringing notable Blues artists to town than Hi Hat Entertainment. You’ll want to mark down on your calendar that following dates: Friday, February 3, it’s James Intveld; February 10th, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps; Carl Sonny Leyland’s on Friday, February 17; Alastair Greene & Deanna Bogart on Friday, February 24; and a special show on Sunday, February 26 with Karen Lovely with Lisa Mann & Ben Rice. Get the lowdown at HiHatEntertainment.com. All Hat Hi shows are at the Hong Kong Inn where you’ll find one more concert to add to your calendar, RJ Mischo has a special blues party on Saturday, February 4 with Hashbrown, Fred Kaplan, Rick Reed and Johnny Morgan. All shows start at 8; covers vary.

Topa Topa Brewery launches their open mic night February 1 and thereafter on the first Wednesday of the month. Signups at 6 and it runs 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

The legendary David Nigel Lloyd is reuniting after 30 years with Jonathan Mako Sharkey for a special performance on Saturday, February 11. Nigel Lloyd, one of the pre-eminent Acid Folk performers in the world will hold a songwriting workshop at 6 pm, then he’ll join up with Sharkey (musician and Port Hueneme Councilman) for a concert at the Loft in Camarillo.

And finally, CAPS Media is launching a low-powered FM station here in Ventura and it’s schedule to launch in mid-February. I’ll be hosting a weekly hour-long program highlighting independent artists including local artists from the area, and artists who have played in town. I’ll let you know when we’re live and on air at 104.1 FM.

Ventura Music Photos – January 2017

Posted on January 21, 2017 by venturarocks

Traveler’s Cafe – January 21, 2017
The Swillys (Photo: Steve Kramer)

Discovery – January 20, 2017
50 Sticks of Dynamite (Photo: Rachel Coleman)

Museum of Ventura County – January 8, 2017
The Barrelhouse Wailers

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/18 – 1/31

Posted on January 18, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Second Hand Blues and more…
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Second Hand Blues Band
photo credit: Amanda Peacock

I’ve known Ashford Gordon and his music since back in the day when I was a DJ at KXBS radio here in Ventura in the 90’s, so I’ve been looking forward to his latest project the Second Hand Blues Band to make their debut and to release their self-titled CD this month. I received an advance copy, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. They’ll be holding a CD release party at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, January 28 where the band will perform with Jade Hendrix on hand to warm up the room.

The Santa Barbara-based reggae-influenced alternative rock band, Iration, returns to the Ventura Theater on January 19 in support of their all acoustic album, Double Up. They’re calling it their “Lost & Found Winter Tour.”

50 Sticks of Dynamite are super jazzed to once again open for The Young Dubliners, this time at Discovery Ventura, on Friday, January 20.

After an earlier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar workshop, there will be a special intimate evening performance with guitar masters Ken Emerson and Jim Kimo West at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on January 21. If you’re not familiar with slack key guitars, the instrument is one where you can play bass, chords and melody all at once. “It’s the most interesting acoustic guitar music in the world,” according to West.

The 11th annual Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition will be held on Sunday, January 22 from 2-3:30 pm at the Pierpont Inn and it’s free to the public. The Students selected to perform for the judges and audience will be backed up by Bevan Manson on Piano, Tom Etchart on bass and Charles Levin on drums. Besides cash prizes, the winners will receive numerous opportunities to perform for the public throughout the year, including February 21st when the Ventura Music Festival announces the 2017 July Festival program at Ventura City Hall. Student Jazz winners will also perform during the Rising Stars Concert in May.

Watch for the return of Bullet Made Statues with all original members at Bombay’s on Sunday afternoon, January 29 featuring Wes Pagano (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Paul FitzGerald (bass), Mike Georgia (lead guitar), Tristan Hendy (keyboards), Rich Agren (drums), and Rene Ponce (percussion and backup vocals). Fitzgerald will be visiting from Spain, and Georgia will be coming down from San Francisco to make this happen. I understand other acts will be on the bill as well.

And finally, after winning the Southern California Blues Society Battle of the Blues Bands in November, The Shawn Jones Trio (Jones, Sam Bolle and Mario Calire) will head to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis which runs January 31 through February 4th. Our hearts are with you boys; good luck!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/4 – 1/17

Posted on January 3, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Rockin’ in 2017
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

From the foothills of Georgia, The Edgar Loudermilk Band featuring guitarist Jeff Autry will be returning to Ventura for a show at the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) local union at 3994 E. Main Street on Saturday, January 14. Loudermilk has been out on the road touring coast to coast; you may remember him as the former bass player for IIIrd Time Out. Tickets are available the day of the show for $18; doors open at 7 with Ventura’s Bluegrass Bottom Feeders opening.

Jon Gindick’s harmonica camp returns to Ventura at the Pierpont Inn January 31 through February 4. The camp features world-class harmonica players who work one on one with new and returning students who come from all over the world to participate. Keep your ears open for harmonica jams at local venues during that week including The Wine Rack on Monday, January 30.

Karen Eden returns to Amigos starting the first week of the new year at 6 pm for Margarita Mondays. Speaking of Amigos, owner Mike Toler will be trying out Country music for a change of pace on Thursday nights with Pull the Trigger on the 5th of January, then it’s 5th & Birmingham on the 12th and CRV on the 19th.

The Ventucky String Band returns on the first Thursday of the month at Saloon BBQ Co. Other bands to look for include Anchor & Bear on the 6th of January and Bad Leaf on the 7th.

There are two shows for the first two weeks of the New Year at the Majestic Ventura Theater. The first one falls on Saturday, January 7th featuring several local musicians in a couple of tribute bands, namely, “One More From the Road” paying homage to Lynyrd Skynyd and then “Bad Reputation” a tribute to Thin Lizzy. The following week the theater hosts the pop punk band, MXPX with Five Iron Frenzy and Dogwood opening.

Discovery is hitting the ground running for 2017 with Masters of Puppets (Metallica tribute) on the 6th, Cash’d Out on the 7th, Pato Banton on the 12th, The Blasters on the 13th (with Raging Arb and the Redheads, Jackass opening) and Ozomotli on the 14th. Oh! Earlier on the 14th, Discovery will also offer a special family-friendly show with Ozomatli which is geared towards performing for children as well as adults aptly named OzoKidz. The earlier show starts at 2 pm and ends by 4. Get ticket information at www.discoveryventura.com.

And finally, there will be special memorial punk show to celebrate the life of Scott Ross (The NaVaNaX) on Sunday, January 15 from 1-6 pm at the Ventura Beach Club with The Rouse, F.S.K.D. Birdbrain and The Kane Gang.