Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/22 – 8/4

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
No Need to Panic!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jon Reese of Amigos with columnist Pam Baumgardner of the Ventura Breeze celebrating Cinco de Mayo earlier this year.

Jon Reese of Amigos with columnist Pam Baumgardner of the Ventura Breeze celebrating Cinco de Mayo earlier this year.

Just so you know, notices have gone up on a couple of key venues in town indicating ownership changes.  I thought it prudent to go to the source before I panicked, so I spoke to Diego at Bombay’s and he said they had to post behind-the-scene changes for legal reasons, but nothing changes in the bar and all the same familiar faces will continue to keep things popping (thank God!); but there will be a change of ownership in the next month or so at Amigo’s when Jon Reese hands over the keys to new owner, Mike Toler (barring any major roadblocks).  Toler has asked Jon to stay involved and to continue to book bands nightly, which is why Jon loves Amigos in the first place and why we love Jon.

Todd Hannigan and Xoco Moraza returned recently from Japan where they performed while supporting screenings of the film The Fisherman’s Son.   The short film was scored by Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, Dave Palmer and Jesse Siebenburg.  I asked Xoco about performing in Japan and he told me that the coolest thing he experienced was being able to share his musical art with such an appreciative country. He said, “It was a great feeling. It reminds me that music is a universal language that transcends any borders. It was a great cross cultural experience.”

There are a number of CD and EP release parties to support over the next few weeks:  Sleepercub, July 25, at Bombays; Hy Brasil, August 1, at Bombays; Medicine Hat, August 2, at Saloon BBQ; and Crooked Eye Tommy, August 7, at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria.

The Mighty Cash Cats will team up with Island Packers on Saturday, July 25 for a musical dinner cruise out of the Ventura Harbor.

The Ventura Fair kicks off August 5. Pre-sale tickets are available through the 4th. Don’t forget that all concerts are included in the price of admission.

Spencer MacKenzie’s annual end-of-summer block party falls on August 29 and 30. This year there will be no cover charge.  Bands will be lined up both days with performances from the Guy Martin Band, Mandex, Brothers Fortune, Bloody Mary Morning, Honey Owl, and more including new comer on the scene, André. Get out, enjoy the free music, but be sure to support the event by buying some delicious fish tacos and cool beverages.

And finally, the third annual Key to the Highway Blues Benefit will be held at Rookees Sports Bar on Saturday, August 1 from 6 til 9 pm starring Tommy Castro and the Painkillers supported by Guy Martin. Proceeds benefit the Khepera House rehab and recovery program.

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 Music Photos: December 2014

Discovery – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Guy MartinGuy Martin


Discovery – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Crooked-Eye Tommy
Crooked Eye Tommy


Grapes and Hops – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Saloon BBQ – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mark Sellers
Mark Sellers


The Wine Rack – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mark Heyes with Brad Swanson (singing)
Mark Hayes


Bombay’s – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mandex!


Amigo’s – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Iron Butterfly Experience


Bombay’s – December 20, 2014
Kiss Mas
Kiss Mas


Bombay’s – December 20, 2014
Bloody Mary Morning
Bloody Mary Morning
Amigo’s – December 20, 2014
Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers
Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers


Gigi’s Cocktails – December 20, 2014
Pull The Trigger
Pull the Trigger


Billy O’s – December 19, 2014
The NaVaNaX
The NaVaNaX


Peirano’s – December 19, 2014
Ruben Estrada and Friends
Ruben Estrada


Hi Hat Entertainment at Ventura Beach Club – December 19, 2014
Kim Wilson, Carl Sonny Leyland


ddd

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 8/20 – 9/2

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Ventura Music Just Keeps Rockin’
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jake OwenWho else was a little sad to see the fair close this year?  High on my list of favorite shows at the fair were Deep Purple, Beach Boys, Seether and I absolutely loved the Barenaked Ladies; but I admit, I was quite smitten by Jake Owen who packed in the arena with his brand of new Country.  Very well done Fair!

We said goodbye to Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats as they did their farewell show for Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe.  Hershey was on fire and the boys in the band -better known as The Heartbeats – kicked it up a notched entertaining the crowd and going out in style.  Thanks for the memories guys!

Sometimes you just never know how cool it is (and a privilege I might add) to see someone play until you ask, “Who are these guys?”  Well I’m glad I did as the second act warmed up Friday, August 8, as a part of the Ones to Watch series at Bombay Bar and Grill.  I asked Steve Hoganson (Zoey’s) who the guitar player was and he told me Doug Pettibone plays guitar for John Mayor.  Cool, right?  But then he went on to inform me that his bass player, Taras Prodaniuk plays with Dwight Yoakam and drummer Toss Panos with Robben Ford.  What an amazing set these guys did too.

Alrighty then, let’s take a look at what’s coming up that you won’t want to miss.  August 23 and 24 is the 5th annual Spencer Makenzie’s End of Summer Block Party.  Once again shutting down the city block outside Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company, the event features two stages of music from the likes of Aaron Orbit, Derek Jennings, TresCoustics, Rey Fresco, Shaky Feelin’, Ventura Social Club, Resination and  The Ska Daddyz.  There will be tons of music both days along with their famous Throw Down (corn hole) tournament for some nice prize money.

And then for three days over Labor Day Weekend, August 29 through August 31, it’s Bombay’s 30th annual Beach Party where they bring the beach to the bar creating one heck of a party, with over 25 bands and 6 DJs featuring all genres of music.  With three stages of music (inside and out), the party will feature appearances from 8Stops7, The Rubberneck Lions, Bloody Mary Morning, New Liberty, Mandex, Raging Arb and the Redheads, Rey Fresco and tons more.

And then finally, Rachel Flowers will be giving a free concert at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Sunday, August 24, as a part of the ongoing documentary being produced by local filmmakers.  Flowers is an amazing talent who has been blind since birth and playing music since the age of four. Take the family and be a part of this incredible event. Concert starts at 6:30 pm.

Do 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: Bloody Mary Morning

That Girl
Review by Pam Baumgardner

That GirlThis band has been around for many years packing in the joints they played, but then in the late 90’s tragedy struck when drummer Ephraim Ashton died in a car accident.  Soon after, members tried out different versions of BMM, they started up or joined different bands (Big Dictator,  Dave Rea, Dr. M, Loudmouth Soup, The Pits…) and of course they’ve worked on their day jobs and raising their perspective families.  Three years ago BMM reunited for a show at Bombay’s, they were writing music again, and this time they were just in it for the fun and again, they’re finding Ventura supporting them.

The thing about Bloody Mary Morning is that they write solid songs that engage you right off the get-go.  They’re fun, catchy, energetic and memorable…pretty much like their live shows.  I love that the band didn’t overproduce their songs making them sound sterile or lifeless.  There’s an edge, it’s a tad rough with the vocals push it making the LP sound just a tad punk for the rock genre that is Bloody Mary Morning.

The guys in the band are about as nice and talented as you’ll find here in Ventura.  They are what is right about Ventura’s music scene.  These guys rock and the new CD does as well.  Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.

Here now a sample of some of my favorite tracks:

Sunshine:


That Girl:


Candles:

And just a side note:  I’ll admit the cover artwork reminded of something I couldn’t quite but my finger on.  But then it hit me like a ton of bricks.  HA!  Ingenious!!

Bloody Mary Morning – That Girl
Found in VERY VENTURA on California Street, Downtown Ventura.
i-tunes 
Reverbnation
Facebook

Kelly Turner – Bass
Chad Turner – Vocals
Ryan Denger – Guitar
Ray Stoynoff – Drums

All songs were written by Bloody Mary Morning and recorded at Brotheryn Studios by Jason Mariani.  Jessie Siebenberg, Dave Rea and John Young contributed as well.

Sounds like:  Foo Fighters, Wilco, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Eagles.
Sources:  Bill Locey article in the VC Star; liner notes, official website.
Bloody Mary Morning Bloody Mary Morning

Ventura Music Photos: June 2014

Amigos – June 29, 2014
Medicine Hat & Matt Armor
Medicine HatMatt Armor


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 28, 2014
Derek Jennings, Shane Alexander & Alicia Murphy


W20 – June 22, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Ventura Fairgrounds, Vans Warped Tour – June 22, 2014
Linkin Park with Jeremy of the Devil Wears Prada
Linkin Park


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 21, 2014
Rey Fresco
Rey Fresco


Squashed Grapes – June 21, 2014
50/50 Band with Rachel Flowers (keyboards and flute), Tom Buckner (sax), Domenic Genova (bass) and Tina Raymond (drums)

50/50 Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 20, 2014
8Stops7
8Stops7

Bloody Mary Morning
Bloody Mary MorningBloody Mary Morning



VENTURA MUSIC WEEK PHOTO GALLERY

Miscellaneous Shots

Discovery Ventura – June 15, 2014
Ventura Music Week Wrap Party
VMW Wrap Party


Winchesters Grill and Saloon – June 15, 2014
The Catterwailers
The Catterwailers


Saloon BBQ Co. – June 15, 2014
Ted Waterhouse
Ted Waterhouse


The Star Lounge – June 15, 2014
Robert Thomas Band
Robert Thomas Band


Ventura Harbor Carousel Stage – June 15, 2014
DejaBlu
DejaBlu


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 14, 2014
Mandex   Mandex

SolTree on back stage

Soltree


Sans Souci, June 14, 2014
Iron Outlaws


The Hong Kong Inn – June 14, 2014
The New Vibe
The New Vibe


W20 at the Watermark, June 14, 2014
Drunken Monkeys
Drunken Monkeys


Discovery Ventura, June 14, 2014
Jonny Two Bags
Jonny Two BagsThe Americans
The Americans


Billy O’s – June 14, 2014
Whiskey Stone
Whiskey Stone


Winchesters Grill and Saloon, June 14, 2014
Camp Franco
Camp Franco


Squashed Grapes – June 14, 2014
Barrelhouse Wailers
Barrelhouse Wailers


Four Brix – June 14, 2014
Kelly’s Lot
Kelly's Lot


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 14, 2014
Mitchell Blake
Mitchell Blake


Amigos, June 13, 2014
Spencer the Gardener


Grapes & Hops – June 13, 2014
Otis Hayes III
Otis Hayes III


Yolies, June 13, 2014
Alastair Greene Band – CD Release Party
Alastair Greene


W20 at the Watermark, June 13, 2014
Mini Driver
Mini Driver


Saloon BBQ Co. – June 13, 2014
Mighty Cash Cats
Mighty Cash Cats


Peirano’s – June 13, 2014
Tony Ybarra and Friends
Tony Ybarra


Keynote Lounge – June 13, 2014
Crosscut


Squashed Grapes – June 13, 2014
Fausto Cuevas
Fausto Cuevas


Bombay Bar & Grill, June 12, 2014
Musicians Brew with Coso, Brian Nicolet, Joe Baugh, Adam Clark & Josh Myers
Musicians Brew


Amigos, June 12, 2014
Gypsy Blues Band with special guest BB Chung King
Gypsy Blues Band


Rookees, June 12, 2014
Rubberneck Lions
0612_RNL_001


Golden China Restaurant, June 12, 2014
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio: Swing Night
Carl Sonny Leyland


Saloon BBQ Co., June 12, 2014
Mark Sellers
Mark Sellers


Pulse Drumming Drum Clinic at Squashed Grapes, June 12, 2014
Brad Dutz & Nick Mancini
Drum Clinic Q&A


Squashed Grapes, June 11, 2014
Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny

Rufus Philpot, Karl Hunter, Aaron McLendon, Andy Langham & Hans Ottsen.

Rufus Philpot, Karl Hunter, Aaron McLendon, Andy Langham & Hans Ottsen.


Discovery Ventura, June 11, 2014
Dylan Schmidt and the Rhythm Souls
Dylan Schmidt


Green Art People – June 11, 2014
Shaky Feelin’


Milano’s Italian Restaurant – June 10, 2014
Bluegrass Jam (Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month)


Historic Ventura City Hall, June 10, 2014
Visual Arts Event celebrating local photographers & videographers who capture our live music.  Special screening of “Drummer Wanted:  Dean Zimmer”
Dean and Stanley


Amigos, June 9, 2014
Joey Billingiere blues jam with special guest Tommy Marsh
Joey and Tommy


Century Theater 10 Downtown – June 9, 2014
20 Feet From Stardom Screening


Amigos – June 9, 2014
Karen Eden, Bill Macpherson & Doug Johnson
Karen Bill and DougKaren Eden


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 8, 2014
Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers CD Release party

 


Amigos – June 8, 2014
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish
Jen Staves


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 8, 2014
The Space Band
The Space Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Los Dudes
0607_LosDudes


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Deer Leg
Deer Leg


W Gallery – June 7, 2014
The Global Guitar Greats Tour:  Shawn Jones, Stephen Inglis, Thomas Leeb
Global Guitar Greats


Museum of Ventura County – June 7, 2014
SRO Benefit – Highway Starr
Highway Starr


Pulse Drumming – June 7, 2014
Bongo Workshop with Fausto Cuevas


Grapes and Hops – June 6, 2014
Jade Hendrix
Jade Hendrix


W20 at the Watermark – June 6, 2014
The Legalizers
The Legalizers


The Patio at Players Casino – June 6, 2014
Teresa Russell
Teresa Russell


Yolies – June 6, 2014
Babylon Social Club
Babylon Social Club


The Wine Rack – June 6, 2014
Warren Takashaki and Friends
Warren Takashaki


Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant – June 6, 2014
The Latin Touch
The Latin Touch805 Bar and Grilled Cheese – June 6, 2014
Unkle Monkey
Unkle Monkey


Gone West Cellars – June 6, 2014
Dave Blanchard
Dave Blanchard


Discovery Ventura – June 6, 2014
Alligator Dave, Dave Grizzle
“First official act performing during Ventura Music Week!”
Alligator Dave

Surf Rodeo 2013

JD Drury and crew pulled it off!!!  What a great weekend of camaraderie at the end of Seaward at Pierpont Beach.  This ain’t our first Rodeo, and we pray it’s not our last!!!