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.
