Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/26 – 12/9

Posted on November 24, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Getting into the Swing of Things
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It’s good to have Alistair Greene back after hitting the road with Mickey Thomas and Starship earlier this month. Thomas is the voice behind such hits as “Jane,” “Find Your Way Back” (Jefferson Starship), and “We Built this City” as well as “Sara” (Starship). Greene told me, “I’m very fortunate to have the chance to play with such a legendary singer and band as Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. I’m filling in for my buddy John Roth who is on tour with Winger at the moment. Mickey and the band sound amazing, and it’s a blast playing all those great hits from his career. He still sounds like he did in the 70s!”

Nothing like a big band dance to get you into the holiday spirits! Ventura Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Swing soiree with the vocal stylings of Donna Greene will be at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 5, featuring great songs from all eras you can dance to. Call for ticket information at (805) 648-1143.

Speaking of a throwback to a “simpler” time, The Saloon BBQ at 456 E. Main Street will be throwing a bash also on Friday, December 5, with a Prohibition Repeal party, “The 21^st Amendment Jubilee”. There will be beverage specials all day long with live music starting at 8:00 with The Rachel Sorsa Band and their 1930’s style of jazz.

Chris Jensen from 50 Sticks of Dynamite gave me the head’s up about a project he’s been working on with fellow Ventura musicians, Evan Gosworth, Roy Katnic, Paddy Marsh, Brad Strickland and Gary Sula-Goff. It’s a Grateful Dead tribute band called Nine Mile Skid. They have a couple of dates lined up including December 10 at Green Art People, then on December 28 at Amigos’s on Main Street.

Under new ownership, Rock City Studios in Camarillo will be pulling out all the stops for their grand re-opening on Friday, December 5, with the national touring act, Dead Sara. The Galvanized Souls will open the show.

The Golden China is offering more music more often along with their nightly Karaoke. Thursdays continue to offer swing, Fridays have a DJ with Cumbia music and now Sunday evenings will be devoted to Reggae. Don’t forget they have an open mic night Tuesdays starting at 6:00 with the back line provided.

The whole family will enjoy the street fair along Main Street in downtown Ventura on December 6. What a great way to get unique gift ideas for the holidays including the highly prized VenturaRocks.com t-shirt! The Winter Wine Walk kicks off at 4:00 with snowfall at California and Main beginning at 6:45. Music will be provided by The Bomb, The Midnight Band and the British Beats.

And finally, congratulations to Todd Hannigan on his recent marriage to artist Brigette Lopez. They tied the knot in November in Ojai. I can’t wait to hear the music she’ll be inspiring out of him!

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

Ventura Music Photos: November 2014

Posted on November 11, 2014 by venturarocks

W20 at The Watermark – November 26, 2014
Shawn Jones Roots Trio (Jones, guitar; Christopher Allis, drums; Sam Bolle, bass)

Bombay’s – November 26, 2014
Mandex!

Amigos – November 26, 2014
Shaky Feelin’

WAV – November 23, 2014
Donna Lynn Caskey

805 Bar & Grilled Cheese – November 23, 2014
Brandon Ragan

Ventura Harbor – Wine, Dine & Jazz – November 23, 2014
Justin Claveria Trio

Squashed Grapes – November 19, 2015
Barry Mosley

Bombay Bar and Grill – November 15, 2015
The NaVaNaX
Amigo’s – November 15, 2014
Laura Cozzi and Soul Machine

Cafe Fiore – November 15, 2014
Ricky Coz Band

Grapes and Hops – November 15, 2014
The Jazz Junkies

The Tavern – November 14, 2014
Private Island

Squashed Grapes – November 14, 2014
Ventura Jazz Collective

Amigos – November 14, 2014
Michael J and Leticia (MIghty Cash Cats)

El Rey Cantino – November 14, 2014
Xoco Moraza and Friends

Sans Souci – November 12, 2014
The Miskreants

The Ventura Theater – November 12, 2014
The Misfits

The Winchester Rebels

The Patio – November 8, 2014
C.A.R.L. Fundraiser
Kelly’s Lot

Teresa James
Steve “Smokey” Hinojosa

Bombay Bar and Grill – November 7, 2014
Army of Freshmen

Shane Mac

Grapes and Hops – November 2, 2014
Shawn Jones

Amigos – November 2, 2014
The Tossers
Lyla Fronsoe Representing while celebrating her birthday with The Tossers!

Squashed Grapes – November 1, 2014
Paul McCallum and Friends

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

Posted on November 10, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Music
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Music Week doesn’t roll around until June, but a couple of meetings have already taken place and though the City hasn’t offered a budget to help out, we’re moving forward with several fundraising events taking place over the next few months. With a shoestring budget in the past and a handful of volunteers, this event has shaped up and grown over the past couple of years but there is much work to be done to achieve the committee’s vision. And yes, while it is a celebration of how cool our music scene is, it’s more about getting the word out about what Ventura has to offer not only to visitors, but to our own community. Our venues should be packed. Our artists should be celebrated and supported. That is the purpose behind this event.

Brothers Gow will return to Ventura in support of their 4th studio release, “Reflections” at Bombay’s on Thursday, November 20. The band’s high energy eclectic fusion of rock, funk, jazz and reggae is totally contagious. I recent spoke to Kyle Merrill (guitarist for Brothers Gow) about their return to our fair city and I asked him about what people can expect at the show and Merrill said, “We love to make people dance! We have an energetic stage presence fueled by powerful vocal harmonies, complex arrangements, and ripping guitar solos. To top it all off we have an awe inspiring light show run by our very own Matt Collier AKA MC6.” You can see complete interview at VenturaRocks.com.

The 14th Annual 4-Kids-2Kids Toy Drive will be held on November 22 at the all new Ventura Beach Club at 281 West Main Street. The music lineup features some of our favorite musicians including Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog, The Guy Martin Band, Mojo Filter, Preston Smith and harmonica wizard Jon Gindick. Special honorary guest will be Nick St. Nicholas, founding member of Steppenwolf. A ten dollar cover and a new unwrapped toy will get you in the door.

The Ventura Harbor is once again offering their “Wine, Dine & Jazz” series through the month of November on Sunday afternoons Noon – 3 pm. You can still catch Hans Ottsen & Friends on the 16th and Justin Claveria Trio on the 23rd.

I’m looking forward to one of my favorite events of the year the Ventura Winter Wine Walk which is coming up on Saturday, December 6, downtown Ventura. The day begins with a street fair at noon with vendors and live entertainment (free to the public) and then the wine walk commences at 4:00 with snowfall at California and Main streets from 6:45 to 8:00. Musical entertainment will come from The Bomb, The Midnight Band and the British Beats. If you’d like more information and or to get your tickets before they sell out, go to www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

And finally, congratulations go out to Discovery for getting through the City’s permitting process. Now let’s get back to having live music, permanently!

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

Brothers Gow

Posted on November 9, 2014 by venturarocks

Originally out of Flagstaff, AZ, Brothers Gow are currently bassed out of San Diego and will be making their third appearance in Ventura. With an eclectic fusion of rock, funk, jazz and reggae, the band’s contagious energy is sure to win over more fans with their next gig in Ventura at Bombay’s on November 20.

Brothers Gow just released their 4th studio album called “Reflections” and is currently touring through the Western US states from Arizona and New Mexico to Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and California.

Ventura Rocks: We’re looking forward to the band’s return to Ventura later this month (November 20) at Bombay’s. For those who aren’t yet familiar with the band, describe your sound and what they can expect at one of your shows.

Kyle Merrill: Thanks! We’re really excited to be returning to Ventura! As far as the band goes we play an eclectic fusion of rock, funk, jazz, and reggae. We love to make people dance! We have an energetic stage presence fueled by powerful vocal harmonies, complex arrangements, and ripping guitar solos. To top it all off we have an awe inspiring light show run by our very own Matt Collier AKA MC6.
Ventura Rocks: The band does pretty well touring. How often do you get out on the road?

Merrill: We try to hit the road once every two months, but with our new partnership with Hoplite we hope to be on the road as much as possible!

Ventura Rocks: Tell us about how you came to be a Hoplite Entertainment Artists and what does that mean for the band?

Merrill: We have been searching for a booking agent for a long time now. A booking agency needs to see that you can sell tickets in your hometown, and that you’ve been touring and paying your dues on the touring circuit. It is very difficult to land a booking agency. In today’s music industry getting a booking agent is more important than a record contract. The money is in live shows and not in CD sales. We pride ourselves in our live shows and want to play for as many people as possible and Hoplite will help us make that happen!

Ventura Rocks: We always love hearing how bands give back to the community. You guys started a non-profit called the Brothers Gow Music Foundation. What do you hope to accomplish with it?

Merrill: With budget cuts in schools more and more arts and music programs are being cut. We feel that art and music are crucial for a child’s development. If we wouldn’t have had band and music classes in middle school and high school I don’t know if we would be doing what we are today, and following our passion. Even if kids aren’t going to pursue music and art as a career it still helps them learn valuable skills for the real world. We have donated 18 guitars and ukeleles to our local OB elementary school. We are in talks with the nation wide not for profit, Guitars in Classrooms, about donating guitars to them. Our goal is to take donations from the different cities we tour in, and donate guitars to schools in those cities.

Ventura Rocks: How can people keep in contact with the band? What types of social media do you keep up with?

Merrill: We stay very active with our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We also post a lot of videos to our youtube channel. Not just concert videos but funny videos and our own day in the life reality show, “Life of Gow”

Facebook: Facebook.com/brothersgow
Instagram Handle: Brothersgow
Youtube: youtube.com/brothersgow
People can also check out our website, www.brothersgow.com

Ventura Rocks: Anything else you’d like Ventura to know?

Merrill: If you come out to our show, you’re gonna have a good time! This is not just a group of guys playing music, it’s a performance with a full light show that will leave people feeling great!

Brothers Gow:
Alex Gow Bastine – Keyboards/Vocals
Ethan Wade – Guitar/Vocals
Kyle Merrill – Guitar/Trumpet/Vocals
Nathan Walsh-Haines – Drums/Vocals
Carson Church – Bass

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 10/29 – 11/11

Posted on October 27, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Continues to Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Chris Jay of Army of Freshmen is totally looking forward to their upcoming UK tour with the band Lit. Jay told me, “I just love being on tour. We don’t get to do it nearly as much as we used to so I think we tend to enjoy it more and appreciate it. Every night is like a big party. It’s more like vacation than work.” The dates in the UK run from November 13 through the 23 so it looks like the guys will be back in time for Thanksgiving. See complete interview with Chris Jay at VenturaRocks.com

No news yet on the Discovery entertainment permit appeal. We have our fingers crossed this matter will be settled sooner than later and with Discovery retaining the right to have live music in their venue.

Way to go for The Velveteen Band who has been invited to play the Steampunk Worlds Fair in Piscataway New Jersey. The SPWF is the world’s largest gathering of steampunks. After only six months of being a band, the Velveteen has gained national attention with their Puppets, Rabbits, and big rock band sound. You can find them playing locally at Bombay’s The Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, party on November 1 with Cirque Noir, Angie’s Curse and Fangboy and the Ghouls.

Kelly’s Lot will be holding a fundraiser for one of Kelly Zirbe’s favorite charities, C.A.R.L. at the Patio at The Player’s Club which will raise money for Canine Adoption and Rescue League. Look for appearances by Teresa James, Guy Martin, Steve Hinojosa, Lenny Mazzotti and Bobby and lee Orgel. The event will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 6 – 10 pm. $10 donation plus 15% of food sales donated.
Looking forward to hearing the new song that 8Stops7 has been recording. Bass player, Cory Tarallo, says, “This song is straight up awesome!” I can’t wait to hear “Center of Our Universe” after they put on the finishing touches.

Jan McWorter of Hi Hat Entertainment reminded everyone, “When one door closes, another one opens,” after Hi Hat said goodbye to over six years at Yolie’s on October 17 with the R&B Bombers. But after just a couple days of searching they found their new location just a stone’s throw away, at the newly renovated facilities at 281 W. Main Street at Ventura Beach Club (formerly Fuegos). Just a quick head’s up as Ventura Beach Club already had a previous obligation, on Halloween, Hi Hat’s James Harman party will be at Peirano’s on October 31.

There will be a cool fundraiser at Bombay’s on Saturday, November 1, to help raise funds for Dawn (single mom) and Damian (7 years old) and their battle with Cancer. There will be lots going on all day but on the music side of it there will be Alastair Greene, James Harman, Morganfield Burnett, Hot Roux and more.

And finally, I’d like to wish Ken Winters, “Happy Birthday!” Ventura’s jazz scene will be helping to celebrate his 88th birthday on November 4th during the bi-monthly jazz jam at Squashed Grapes. I’m sure cake will be involved.

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

Chris Jay on Army of Freshmen UK Tour

Posted on October 26, 2014 by venturarocks

I once wrote that it’s been such a pleasure getting to know our venue owners and artists and that the gamut of personalities range from sweethearts to dickheads. Enter in the boys from Army of Freshmen and they definitely fall on the sweetheart end of the spectrum. Chris Jay is one of the hardest working, nicest guys in Ventura’s music scene and one of my favorite people to run into when I’m out and about. He was happy to answer some questions about the band’s upcoming tour of the United Kingdom (November 13 – 23, 2014).

Ventura Rocks: When was Army of Freshmen’s last time in Europe?

Chris Jay: We were over there last year in the spring for the Hit The Deck Festival and a one off show with The Aquabats in London. Short run but a lot of fun. We try to get over there at least once year.

VR: In ten words or less, how did this tour come about?

Chris: We bothered our booking agent in the United Kingdom. For the record, I just did that with nine words meaning I have a word to spare. I shall make that final word be coolio, as in the state of being, not the rapper.

VR: Had you played with Lit before?

Chris: Actually, no, but we’ve had a writing session with Jeremy from the band on two different occasions. The two songs we wrote together never made it to a record but we got a long really well. We came close to the playing with them on occasion but never really happened. We’re excited cause they’re a band we’ve always thought we’d fit well with. We consider ourselves a rock band but we do end up playing with a lot of punk bands and ska bands which we don’t mind but it will be nice to play with a straight up rock band. Crowd will be a little older I imagine and since we’re old too that will be nice! They seem like really good guys too so hopefully we’ll get a long well on and off stage. We have a lot of mutual friends as well.

VR: What are you looking forward to the most?

Chris: I just love being on tour. We don’t get to do it nearly as much as we used to so I think we tend to enjoy it more and appreciate it. Every night is like a big party. It’s more like vacation than work. In all honesty the UK in November is not the greatest place on earth, cold rainy, dark but it’s still being on tour. Looking forward to seeing old friends and hanging with everyone in the band too. We don’t get to see each other as much as we used to.

VR: How big are the venues (crowd-wise)?

Chris: It’s a large club tour. Not sure how crowds will be as later in the year is always a difficult time to bring people out- lot of distractions and people are saving up money for the holidays but I think no matter the size, the audience will be made of people that really want to be there and that always makes for really great shows.

VR: Getting the band’s schedules all aligned to hit the road can’t be easy. What’s the biggest hurdle you guys had to overcome?

Chris: You nailed it. Schedules. Work schedules for the most part. Everyone has “real” jobs and financial commitments and what not so getting everyone to be able to take a week or two off at the same time is not easy. Then of course the money to fund it all.

VR: Who pays for your travel? If you guys pay your own way, I trust the tour will reimburse? Just curious.

Chris: We pay for our travel and that’s the other big issue. Being an opening act or supporting act, the pay is bizarrely uneven versus the headliner. International touring is especially difficult cause of the cost of flights. Makes it all extremely difficult. Most of the time the tour doesn’t reimburse. More than ever, with a few exceptions, you do it cause you love it not to make money. But with that said, we’re always looking for financial help from donations to just buying a t shirt at the show. Everything and anything helps. It’s hard times for dope rhymes. The whole music industry and labels collapsing has been a real double edged sword.

VR: Feel free to add any additional thoughts you’d like to share.

Chris: Thanks for talking to us as always and keep up the good work on the site! I know how much time and effort it takes. Ventura’s music scene is special but it has it challenges. For more Army of Freshmen news come find us on Facebook and be sure to listen to our weekly podcast, Fresh Talk!

www.ArmyOfFreshmen.com/freshtalkpodcast www.ArmyofFreshmen.com
www.Facebook.com/ArmyOfFreshmen

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/15 – 10/28

Posted on October 12, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
October’s Rockin’
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It turns out that this is my one-year anniversary writing for the Ventura Breeze. Yay! Thank you Sheldon for designating the highly-prized back page for music. You rock!

Nathan McEuen’s Tuesday evening residency at Amigos is always a treat, but October 7, he stepped it up several notches when he performed with not only his brother Jonathan, but with their dad, John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. While it was cool, hearing them perform, it was even cooler seeing the admiration they have for one another. Looking forward to hearing the new album Nathan has been diligently working on; he hopes to release it sometime in November.

I’m always tickled when I’m approached for talent advice for events being planned; case in point, Charleen Mora (Dirty Rice) of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce was searching for a jazz trio for the upcoming TASTE event being held October 30. I’m pleased as punch to say The Hans Ottsen Trio will be performing. TASTE will be held at the Museum of Ventura County this year with over 40 exhibitors and some exceptional jazz.

Taylor Rae returns to Bombays. I happened upon her the last time she played there and immediately became a fan of her southern rock music with a tinge of blues. She’ll perform earlier in the evening on the 18th for an all-ages show at 8 pm.

On the Grape front: The Pulse Daddies comprised of Trey O’Toole (Pulse Drumming), Karl Hunter and Dirk Shumaker (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), and Hans Ottsen are on the bill for Oct. 16. Donna Deussen & the Paul Weitz Trio return on the 18th and of course Doug Webb Quintet with Danny Carey of Tool on the 24th. And though I’m glad other publications are finally recognizing a “rebirth” of America’s original art form in Ventura, I would like to go on record as saying our jazz scene returned two years ago when Squashed Grapes started providing consistent high caliber jazz artists Wednesday through Saturday with a jazz jam every other Tuesday.

I’m loving the community support for The Baker Family as traditional media and social media have been getting the word out on how to help them rebuild after their incredible losses. Discovery Ventura is hosting a fundraiser on October 26 with Raging Arb and the Redheads, Zepp Heads and Good Deeds. Suggested donation is $10, but you can always dig deeper and give more.

And finally, because it falls on Friday this year, you know Ventura will be off-the-hook with Halloween parties. Most venues are pulling out all the stops hoping to pack their joint with revelers. From Amigos on Main to Billy O’s midtown to The Garage on the East end of town, live music will abound. Dirty Rice will be at Discovery, The Bomb at the Watermark, Smooth Hound Smith at Red Cove, The UnUsual Suspects at Keynote, Tony Ybarra at Peirano’s and well, the list goes on and on. Be sure to visit VenturaRocks.com for a more comprehensive listing.

(At press time, I was assured that Discovery would be having music for the Baker Family fundraiser and for Halloween but their entertainment permit is being appealed)

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

Ventura Music Photos: October 2014

Posted on October 3, 2014 by venturarocks

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 31, 2014
Mandex

Squashed Grapes – October 31, 2014
Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies

W20 at the Watermark – October 31, 2014
The Bomb

W20 at The Watermark – October 26, 2014
Heavy Petty

Grapes and Hops – October 26, 2014
Jade Hendrix

Squashed Grapes – October 24, 2014
Doug Webb Group: Doug Webb, Danny Carey, Steve Fister, Jimmy Earl, Matt Rohde
See more on this performance: Grape Blog

Saloon BBQ – October 18, 2014
Steve and Sally Williams

Squashed Grapes – October 18, 2014
Paul Weitz Group with Donna Deussen

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 18, 2014
Taylor Rae

The Wine Rack – October 18, 2014
Jill Martini Soiree

Final performance at Yolie’s – October 17, 2014
(Hi Hat Entertainment looking for new location)
R&B Bombers
Photo credit: David C. Smolen

Squashed Grapes – October 16, 2014
The Pulse Daddies: Trey O’Toole, Karl Hunter, Hans Ottsen, Dirk Shumaker

Squashed Grapes – October 14, 2014
Charles Lloyd & Dorothy Darr, Screening of movie, “Arrows Into Infinity”
(Charles Lloyd will receive the NEA Jazz Masters Award 2015. He was the Honoree at the 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival Jazz Legends Gala, hosted by Herbie Hancock. Lloyd was also the recipient of the 2014 Alfa Jazz Fest International Music Award.)

Amigos – October 12, 2014
CRV: Carmen & the Renegade Vigilantes

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 12, 2014
Notes for Notes Benefit
Sgt. Pepper

W20 at The Watermark – October 12, 2014
Tommy and the High Pilots

BBQ Saloon Bar – October 12, 2014
The Dan Grimm Band w/ special guest Tommy Marsh

Grapes & Hops – October 12, 2014
Kilo Hues (San Diego)

Squashed Grapes – October 9, 2014
The Lounge Trio: Cougar Estrada, Randy Tico & Adam Clark

Amigos – October 7, 2014
Nathan McEuen, Jonathan McEuen and John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

Amigos – October 5, 2014
The Tossers

Grapes & Hops – October 5, 2014
Brandon Ragan

Amigos – October 5, 2014
Karen Eden & Joe Hamilton: Fundraiser for team “Lick Cancer

Pier Under the Stars – October 4, 2014
Caliente 805

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 3, 2014
Jason Cruz and Buddy Darling

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 3, 2014
Lee Koch

The Garage – October 2, 2014
The Shivas (Portland, OR)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/1 – 10/14

Posted on September 28, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s a Colorful Fall Music Season!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Congratulations to Plan B Wine Cellars as they celebrate their 2-year anniversary with good food, wine and of course live music! You can “Toast the train” while listening to Cuppa Joe; dancing shoes and lounge chairs are encouraged.

Speaking of local wineries and music, Squashed Grapes welcomes back The Doug Web Group with Danny Carey of TOOL on drums. This one is guaranteed to sell out once again; it’s highly recommended you get your tickets sooner than later.

Bombay Bar and Grill has a number of events to look out for this month. Ones to Watch Productions present the Lee Koch Band, Derek Jennings & Zeke Berkley on Friday, October 3. There will be a fundraiser to benefit Notes for Notes and the Boys and Girls Clubs of greater Ventura featuring a performance by Sgt. Pepper on Sunday, October 12, 4-7 pm. And if you are a fan of reggae, you won’t want to miss Junior Marvin & Nappy Ridden on Friday, October 10. Marvin joined Bob Marley & the Wailers in ’77 and over the past few decades has played with Soja and O.A.R. His latest collaboration with Nappy Ridden joins the two forces for Foundation to Creation supporting the creation of a new American reggae sound, steeped in funk, soul and rock.

One of my favorite annual fundraisers is Pier Under the Stars where local restaurants, breweries and wineries offer very nice samplings. The event is down next to the pier on Saturday, October 4 with music from Caliente. This one always sells out so get your tickets while they last at www.PierIntoTheFuture.org.

I’m pleased as punch that Monday, September 29, Ventura’s City Council unanimously approved the pilot concert series license agreement with Fitzgerald-Hartley Company and Nederlander Concerts for 2015. As Councilman Tracy put it, “The proof will be in the pudding”, which is true, but the potential is so exciting!

The Majestic Ventura Theater has been busy booking shows for October: Jimmy Eat World on 10/2; The Aquabats on 10/4; The Dirty Heads on 10/10; Belanova on 10/11; Joey Bada$$ on 10/16; Matisyahu on 10/21; Ab-Soul, Simply Ty & Geezus on 10/24 and Erasure on 10/26.

If you’re a fan of Buffalo Springfield, Poco and Loggins & Messina, you won’t want to miss out on a special performance called, “An Evening with Jim Messina with Rusty Young ‘Sittin’ In’” on Saturday, October 11 at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl. A former resident of Ojai, Messina will be back treating fans with their hit songs while fundraising for Community Memorial Health System construction projects in Ojai.

And finally, Ventura Rocks will be amongst the vendors 4-6 pm on Sunday, October 4, hoping to raise funds for Strides Against Cancer at Amigos. Local artists, Karen Eden and Joe Hamilton, will be donating their time and The Tossers will perform afterwards at 6 with British cover tunes.

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

Album Review: Mother of Dissension

Posted on September 17, 2014 by venturarocks

Mother of Dissension
Review by Pam Baumgardner

I smile when I listen to this one for many reasons:

1. My parents would hate this.
2. My daughter would think I’m crazy.
3. And though I’m not one to mosh, this one certainly helps to work out pent up frustrations.

There is no doubt about it, the genre is PUNK, so if you don’t like punk, you ain’t gonna like much about this, but if punk is your proverbial cup of tea, then this will fit you like a freakin’ glove.

Old friends from former cool bands getting together to have fun and work on new music, the guys click both live and recorded which is no easy feat. Both Tony Cortez and Carl Valdez were original members of Ill Repute, Randy Miller comes from Mayors of Garratt & Global Warning and Michael Jones from Jackass. All the guys have played in and out of several bands the past few decades and are solid members of Ventura’s music scene which pretty much guarantees an instant fan base.

The songs are fast, tight and reminiscent of early Clash or the Dickies. I’m digging on Room to Improve, Downed and Mr. Mogul. You can get your copy via Bandcamp or at any of their live shows.

http://motherofdissension.bandcamp.com/releases

Snippets:
Room to Improve

I Want Out