ZoSo – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Posted on May 29, 2015 by venturarocks

Zoso will be rolling through town playing a date Saturday, June 6, at the Majestic Ventura Theater. While there may be a number of Zep tribute bands around, there’s no denying these guys take their craft seriously performing since 1995 traveling not only nationally, but internationally perfecting the essence that is the mighty Led Zepplin; that’s over nineteen years and 2500 shows.

The Chicago Sun-Times declared ZoSo:
“The closest to the original of any tribute.”

We caught up with Matt Jernigan, founder and lead singer of ZoSo:

Ventura Rocks: How long has ZoSo been performing?
Matt Jernigan: We’ve been performing for 20 years this year–longer than Led Zeppelin was actually together.

VR: What kind of venues have you rocked?
Matt: We’ve been fortunate to play some amazing places throughout the US and internationally. It’s tough to pick a favorite, but some of the beautiful classic theater venues, of which Ventura Theater is one, are our favorites. Our shows in Japan left a big impression on us because the fans there were so enthusiastic and excited, packing out a huge venue over there. We’re fortunate to play the places that we do.

VR: What’s the response been like?
Matt: The response from both fans and critics has been good. We have spent these last 20 years studying every nuance of Led Zeppelin’s live shows, what little footage that there is, to continuously refine and hone our live performances. People often remark about how talented all four of us are at what we do, which is a testament to the work and care we put into ZoSo.

The St. Petersburg Times called ZoSo:
“The most exacting of the Zeppelin tribute bands in existence.”

VR: There are so many songs to chose from. How hard is it to whittle down a set list?
Matt: Our first few times playing a market we play a lot of their longtime favorites, many of which are staples in our set-list. After coming to a market a few times, we will usually go a little bit deeper into their catalog. When we play multiple nights at one spot we’ll play songs from specific albums each night so fans get two or three nights without any repeat songs.

VR: Which songs typically get the best response?
Matt: In no particular order:
-Stairway to Heaven
-Dazed and Confused
-Whole Lotta Love
-Ramble On
-No Quarter

VR: Got dinner plans for that Saturday?
Matt: Nope, if you’re buying we happen to be free 😉
Thank you for the interview!

Tickets are still available at the Majestic Ventura Theater:
http://www.venturatheater.net/event/779513-zoso-ventura/

www.zosoontour.net

www.facebook.com/zosoontour

www.youtube.com/zosoontour

https://twitter.com/zosoontour

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/27 – 6/9

Posted on May 25, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Geared Up for Summer!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

May 16, 2015: Jerry Vivino Quartet at Squashed Grapes with Bernie Dresel on drums, John Leftwich on bass, Jerry Vivino on sax and Mitch Forman on piano.

With the end of the school year, summer vacations planned and the outdoor music season quickly approaching, there is much to cover on Ventura’s music scene. Let’s start with the Pierpont Inn’s 2015 Summer BBQ and Concert Series which kicks off on Thursday, June 4, featuring Fish Fry and the Vonettes. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a BBQ dinner that can’t be beat, the series will run the first and third Thursday of the month from 5-9 pm. No admission either!

Squashed Grapes had yet another hot night of jazz recently when Jerry Vivino (Conan O’Brien orchestra leader) came to town and brought with him monster players including Bernie Dresel whose work on the movie Whiplash is becoming more known. It’s so very cool, to be so close and intimate with such amazing jazz players. Don’t forget Doug Webb returns with Danny Carey of Tool on Saturday May 30.

Jackie Greene plays Discovery on Friday, May 29. Jackie is out promoting his first studio album in five years with “Back to Birth.” The album was recorded in Portland and produced by Los Lobos member, Steve Berlin. “Musically, this record is kind of a return to the simplicity that I started with, although I feel like I have a much better idea of what I’m doing now,” Greene observes. “I think the lyrics are the part that’s really evolved.” Tickets are on sale at www.DiscoveryVentura.com.

Tickets for the third annual Nardfest have gone on sale for the two-day event at the Ventura Theater August 29 and 30 with all the usual suspects including Ill Repute, Dr. Know, Stalag 13 and dozens of local punk favorite bands.

The final concert of the Ventura County Concert Band’s 51^st season will be held at the Ventura High School auditorium on Sunday, June 7. Doors open at 2:30, it’s free to the public and the final program, “As Summer Was Just Beginning” will be full of cool musical favorites including marches and musicals along with big band and hot popular hits.

And finally, on any given day of the week, you’ll find amazing live music downtown Ventura and all within 4-5 blocks, yes people, that’s walking distance for most. It’s not easy running a business and then on top of that booking bands and ensuring quality entertainment for patrons. But kudos go out to Amigos, Bombay’s, W20 at the Watermark, Sans Souci, Café Fiore, Grapes and Hops, The Wine Rack, Saloon BBQ, The Tavern, Peirano’s, The Star Lounge, Hong Kong Inn as well as El Rey, Rookies, Dargan’s, Padrino’s, the Sandbox Coffeehouse and Shanghai Beer Gardens for stepping up from time to time. These venues are responsible for making our Downtown vibrant. Keep up the good work!!

If 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 – 5/13 – 5/26

Posted on May 12, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Welcome Back Joe
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I just got wind that the R&B Bombers, one of Ventura’s favorite dance party bands, will be welcoming back Joe Wilson to the group; you can catch them on Sunday, May 17, at Bombay’s when you know they’ll be packing the dance floor from 4 – 7:30 pm.

It looks like the powers that be will pull off another Ventura Music Week with two major events as bookends; first June 21 with the Vans Warped Tour at the Ventura Fairgrounds and then the following weekend with the expanded Roadshow Revival over two days, Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28 at Mission Park Downtown. We’re waiting on the announcement for movie night, but the Visual Arts evening is coming along and final details are being ironed out. You can get more information at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com.

The Ventura Harbor has been hopping between Margarita Villa and the new Boatyard Café with music mostly featured Thursday through Sunday. They’ve been offering acoustic artists such as Dan Grimm, Hawks & Britt, Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin, but Margarita Villa kicks it up from time to time with such bands lined up this month as GrooveSession, Rising Son and Rock Cats Rock.

San Francisco’s doom pop outfit Rich Girls will be touring the California coast this month and will be playing at The Garage on the 29th. Combining west coast garage rock with the polish of British art rock, the band released an EP entitled “Fiver” last year after getting signed to Breakup Records.

Tickets have gone on sale for the Music Under the Stars series which covers nine Saturdays at the historic Olivas Adobe. You can bring your own dinner or enjoy gourmet food trucks and a full beverage service. The venue is intimate with a big dance floor and seating available for family and friends. The popular series kicks off July 11 with Britain’s Finest, a Beatles tribute band, followed by July 18 with Porterhouse Bob, and July 25 with The Kings of the 88. Call the City of Ventura for more information and to reserve your tickets at (805) 658-4726.

If punk music is your cup of tea, then be on the watch out for Luicidal out of Venice, CA. They’re looking for gigs up in our neck of the woods; the band features former members of Suicidal Tendencies (Louiche Mayorga and RJ Herrera), and not to worry, they still play tunes off ST’s first three albums. If you’d like to get them hooked up with a show you’re producing, or you just want to book them, then drop me a line.

Many thanks again to all musicians who create, and to all venues that provide a platform for live music. You make Ventura Rock.

Album Review: Honey Owl

Posted on May 3, 2015 by venturarocks

Early Bird – Live @ the Captain’s Quarters
Honey Owl
Review by Pam Baumgardner
May 2015

It’s always great to get fresh new original music from local musicians especially musicians who are well-known in our close-knit community here in Ventura. Getting together, collaborating, and then recording has yielded “Early Bird” by the newly formed Honey Owl which features Spivey Spi, Nels Rosegren, Jaymes Quirino and Megan Morris. I asked Jaymes about the way they went about producing their first effort as a band and what recorded “live” in studio means, and he explained “We played everything top to bottom with everyone in the tracking room, the only “overdubs” are the vocals including harmonies and one of spivys’ solos.” The result is raw and engaging. The songs are no-nonsense with no bells and whistles, just musicians playing from the heart, singing about real life; simply put, an honest effort. Spivey’s style is reminiscent of Dylan and Petty laying it out without apologies, though none are needed. I love the imagery in the lyrics and the complimenting harmonies and musicianship. My only complaint? There are only four songs.

Alternative Rock with a Country/Americana Flair.

Self described on their Facebook page: “Too blessed to be stressed. Life’s about making that Honey.” Amen!

www.Facebook.com
www.SoundCloud.com
To book Honey Owl: honeyowlband@gmail.com

Local artists, You know them, you love them:
Michael “Spivey Spi” LaValle – vocals guitar
Nels Rosegren – guitars, vocal harmonies
Megan Morris – drums, vocal
Jaymes Quirino – bass

Ventura Music Photos: May 2015

Posted on May 2, 2015 by venturarocks

Discovery – May 29, 2015
Jackie Greene

Padrino’s Italian Restaurant – May 29, 2015
Del Franklin

Amigo’s – May 29, 2015
Medicine Hat (Photo credit: Duane Meagher)

Beach House Tacos – May 24, 2015
After the Smoke

Margarita Villa – May 23, 2015
GooveSession (Photo Credit: Mark Hirasaki)

Surf Brewery – May 23, 2015
Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson (Photo Credit: Steve Glennan)

Bombay’s – May 17, 2015
The return of Joe Wilson with The R&B Bombers

Squashed Grapes – May 16, 2015
Jerry Vivino Quartet (with Mitch Forman, John Leftwich and Bernie Dresel)

Pacificview Mall – Food Truck Fridays – May 15, 2015
Mojo Filter (Photo Credit: Patsi Ledbetter)

Squashed Grapes – May 13, 2015
Danny Janklow’s NYC Quartet

Majestic Ventura Theater – May 5, 2015
Kinky

Ventura College Stadium – Ventura Music Festival – May 3, 2015
Ozomatli

Amigos – May 3, 2015
The Tossers (Photo Credit: Jon Reese)

Discovery – May 1, 2015
Helmet performs “Betty”

The Tavern – May 1, 2015
The Black Hips (Chris Price and Matt Oloffson)

Bombay Bar and Grill – May 1, 2015
Lolita Dark (Photo credit: Mark Hirasaki)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 4/29 – 5/12

Posted on April 27, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
When’s the Downbeat?
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ozomatli to play Ventura College Stadium May 3.

Congratulations to 16-year-old drummer, Alex Smith, winner of the Ventura Music Festival’s 2015 Student Jazz Competition; Smith earned the privilege of performing with Ozomatli when they perform at the Ventura College Stadium on Sunday, May 3. The Ventura Music Festival officially kicks off Friday, May 1, with a free concert at 6 pm at the mini-park at the corner of Santa Clara and California featuring the Festival Brass Quintet. The complete listing for events held throughout the City can be found at the VMF’s official website (www.VenturaMusicFestival.org).

Cinco de Mayo always brings out revelers but there should be an extra added abundance of Latin pop lovers downtown attending the Kinky concert at the Ventura Theater. The band out of Monterrey, Mexico, has been on an aggressive tour in support of their MTV Unplugged Album and DVD which was released a couple of months ago. Kinky just headlined a festival at SxSW and they’ve been featured on numerous soundtracks and TV commercials.

I caught up with Ryan Cabrera before his show at Discovery, kicking back on his tour bus with vaporizer a blazing to help preserve his overworked vocal chords (he had to cancel his Souix Falls date). Cabrera’s new EP, “Wake Up Beautiful” features the single “House onFire” which has been receiving radio airplay and is catchy as all get out. We talked about the virtue of buying a whole album as oppose to just buying one of the singles. “When I write an album, I don’t write three singles and then a bunch of ‘fillers,’” he explained. “Every single song to me is really important. I spent as much time on the deeper cuts as I did on ‘House on Fire.’” If you missed the show, you can pick up his EP via iTunes or Amazon. By the way, Aaron Carter’s show has been rescheduled for June 19.

Adam and Josh over at Squashed Grapes gave me the lowdown on shows to watch for in May, so if you know your drummers, then you won’t want to miss Bernie Dresel when he performs with the Jerry Vivino Quartet (Vivino from the Conan O’Brien show) on Saturday, May16. How cool would that be if they performed “Whiplash” or “Caravan?” And while we’re on the subject of drummers, Danny Carey of TOOL returns with Doug Webb on Saturday, May 30. The downbeat is always scheduled for 7 pm with live jazz music at the Grape 7 – 10 pm Wednesday through Saturday with Jazz Jams on alternate Tuesdays.

And finally if you’re into burgers, beers and music, then you won’t want to miss this year’s Hamburger and Hops Music Festival May 2 at the Collection in Oxnard. The Main Stage will feature music from The Bomb, The Midnight Band, Upstream and Road Brothers; however, the VIP Lounge will have a special appearance by the band Kalyde.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

What Happened on Facebook??

Posted on April 22, 2015 by venturarocks

At the end of March this year, we chose to migrate to a “Business” page as oppose to continue as a “Friend” page on Facebook for a couple reasons.

#1 It’s against the rules to have a business be listed as a “Friend” page. We knew our days could be numbered and we could get taken down, so we bit the bullet and converted our “Friends” to “Likes”. To be a “Friend” page, you have to be listed as a person.

#2 The cap on “Friends” is 5,000. There is no cap on “Likes.” We had been keeping Friends at 4,999 so people could request to be friends (otherwise you’d get a notice saying we no longer accept friends). When people shut down their page, un-friended us, we un-friended them, or they got blacked-balled, we would add people who were in the queue. We had dozens in the queue at any given time. They’re all Likes now.

Unfortunately, Facebook only shows our posts to a very small minority of people who have Liked us. To increase your chances of having us show up in your news feed, hunt us down, make sure you had Liked us, then continue to click on posts, Like them and comment on them. This is our new page:

https://www.facebook.com/venturarockswebsite.

I know this works, because I was not receiving VenturaRocks Facebook posts on my personal Facebook page News Feed. Drove me crazy! I knew I was posting events, but I wasn’t seeing them on my personal page. Then one day I personally went to https://www.facebook.com/venturarockswebsite from my personal page, and Liked a couple of posts and even wrote a comment and shared a few. Lo and behold, they now show up more consistently!

So when you see I’ve Liked something, it is for this reason alone: to ensure I get the posts on my News Feed!

I can reach more people if I pay for it, but that ain’t gonna happen anytime soon. I might collaborate with venues or artists on doing that in the future though.

I hope this explains things and why our postings may have disappeared from your News Feed.

Grrr.

Of course if you’re not on Facebook, nevermind!

Ventura Music Photos: April 2015

Posted on April 20, 2015 by venturarocks

Green Art People – April 29
50 Sticks of Dynamite

Megasound Studios – April 28
L.A.M.F.

Discovery – April 22
Ryan Cabrera

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19
Echo (Photo credit: Kurt Sodergren)

Amigos – April 19
The Kenny Walters Band (Photo credit: Shelly Gfeller Walter)

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 18, 2015
Shaky Feelin’

Grapes and Hops – April 18, 2015
Global Guitar Greats (Shawn Jones, Thomas Leeb, Stephen Inglis)

The Wine Rack – April 18, 2015
The Swilly’s (Steve and Sally Williams)

Champagne on Main – April 18, 2015
Zeal Levin (Los Angeles)

Plan B Winery – April 12, 2015
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish

Discovery – April 11, 2015
Hope and Justin

Squashed Grapes – April 11, 2015
Tizer (Raul Pineda – drums; Ric Fierabracci – bass; Lao Tizer – keyboards/piano)

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 9, 2015
Spivey Spi

Amigos – April 5, 2015
Jonathan McEuen and the New Opry

Squashed Grapes – April 4, 2015
The Pulse Daddies (Hans Ottsen, Karl Hunter, Trey O’Toole, Dirk Shumaker)

Amigos – April 4, 2015
Jacle Bow (Belgium)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 4/15 – 4/28

Posted on April 13, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Toast the Train!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

We had a blast at the Second Sunday Supper at Plan B Wine Cellars feathering the amazing Jen Staves and the Bluzfish. Plan B is also hosting the Afternoon Blues Series now through September with Blues lined up on the first Saturday of the month. The next soiree will be on May 2nd with the Shari Puroto Band. Bring your chair and toast the train!

You’ll find music both days downtown on Main Street the weekend of the 18th and 19th. On Saturday, it’s Champagne on Main, the Spring Wine Walk and Street Fair with music from Zeal Levin, Road Brothers, Kalyde and Ross Harper, then on Sunday Paint Ventura with live music from Paulina Logan and The Star Bandits. And then continuing with the outdoor theme, head down to the Promenade for EcoFest on Saturday, April 25, for live performances from Spencer the Gardener, Dan Grimm, Heather Locke, Trans Van Santos, Afishnsea The Moon, Soul Tree and more.

Surf Rodeo has been rolling out weekly announcements for their music line up (a shrewd maneuver I might add), so far to date they’ll have the Rainbow Girls, Bob Long III, The NaVaNaX, Brothers Fortune, the Iron Outlaws and Raging Arb and the Redheads (who didn’t see that one coming a mile away?).

Darkside of the Hand will be there the following night along with Dead of Night, Die Evil Die and Shady Ladies.

The Mighty Cash Cats will hold their CD release party on Sunday, April 26, at Amigos. The CD will be available featuring a blend of Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues, along with the title cut, an original duet “The Ballad of Johnny and June.”

Shawn Jones will be joined by Stephen Inglis at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, April 18. Confidence is high they’ll have copies of their new CD, Global Guitar Greats, “Common Ground,” available.

Be sure to put this one on your calendar, Ozomatli at Ventura College Athletic Field, Sunday, May 3. You can get tickets for all Ventura Music Festival events at www.VenturaMusicFestival.org. (Ill Repute cancelled gig at Garage).

And finally we’re sorry to report the passing of a friend to so many local musicians, Doug Sax. Sax was a mastering engineer, direct-to-disc pioneer, co-founder of Sheffield Labs, founder of The Mastering Lab; he would have been 79 on April 26.

If you’re missing us on Facebook, we had to convert to a business page. So if you want to see our listings, you should not only Like our page, but you’ll have to continue to Like posts, and write comments to have them show up on your news feed on a regular basis. I know! What a pain!! www.facebook.com/venturarockswebsite.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.