Tag Archives: California Strawberry Festival

Ventura Music Scene 5/14/25 – 5/27/25

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Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
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The Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 17 and 18 featuring not only strawberry concoctions, vendors, arts and crafts, a festival midway with carnival rides, but of course live music! There will be four stages rotating artists both days. I mention this so you don’t miss local artists such as Katie Skene, Sam Kulchin, Warren Takahashi and others who will play inside of the San Miguel and Anacapa Halls. Outdoor stages will have bands such as Bruno & the Hooligans, U2Xperience, Kings of Queen, Jayden Secor, Santeria, Jacob & the Good Vibes and more. Tickets can be purchased day of or in advance at CAStrawberryFestival.org. And as always, you are encouraged to use one of the many shuttles located at seven different locations where the parking is free except at San Buenaventura State Beach ($10).

The band Jackrabbit plays the Deer Lodge this month on Saturday, May 17, featuring actor, Dermot Mulroney, and his brother Kieran Mulroney. This should be a fun night featuring a blend of “Cali-country,” rock, soul and folk. C’mon! Who didn’t love Mulroney in my Best Friend’s Wedding? I triple-checked the Deer Lodge website and tickets remain at only $15.

The Yard in downtown Ventura is starting to provide live music in their back patio area. Shawn Jones played recently. I hope the venue (which has the most excellent service) will start posting their music on their website as opposed to just using Instagram the day of or before their events, or worse, depending on the artist to post on their social media accounts. Next up, Brittney and Friends on Saturday, May 17.

Fero’s Ferio Winery in Ojai has been consistently providing live music Saturdays and Sundays (4-6 pm) in an intimate setting (code for small room). You might want to swing by on Saturday, May 24, when Korel Tunador performs. Though not a household name, he has toured with The Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20, Katy Perry and more.

Quick Notes: Shaky Feelin’ plays Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar on Saturday, May 17; this month’s Monday Club featuring Hot Roux falls on the 29th of May at the Masonic Center downtown Ventura; Chris Isaaks plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 24; ahead of her new record lease, Lissie plays Topa Institute on Saturday, May 24; The Trivle Omdobble return to Topa Topa Brewing on Colt St, Sunday, May 25; and the Caverns play Tony’s Pizzeria on Sunday, May 25.

And don’t forget to secure your tickets to this year’s Ojai Blues Fest coming up on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31. Tommy Marsh brings the talent once again with such artists as Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Joey Delgado, Katie Skene, Crooked Eye Tommy and more. Tickets are available on BrownPaperTickets.com.

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 Music Scene 5/18/23 – 5/30/23

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Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
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Congratulations to Brandon, aka Anderson .Paak and his sell out annual fundraiser for the Brandon Anderson Foundation. The concert on Friday, May 12 at the fairgrounds didn’t disappoint fans with performances from local artists and headliners the Isley Brothers and none other than the legendary, Smokey Robinson. At 83, the man is still bringing it, releasing new music, Gasms, and kicking off a tour of his own. .Paak House 23 was his first date on his Summer tour.

The California Strawberry Festival will be held for the first time at the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 20 and May 21. Along with all the vendors, and strawberry related food items, music will fill both days on a few different stages. Among the entertainment will be performances from Arise Roots, Jayden Secor Band, Music Freqs Band, Caliente 805 and more.

And if you’re willing to travel a bit, the Happy Face Music Festival will take place on Saturday, May 27, at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Headlining this one will be The Spazmatics (always a hoot), along with performances from The Fabba Show, Kelly’s Lot, The Yacht Groove, and Barry Keenan. This one is hosted by the Rotary Club of Simi Runrise.

Props going out to Spencer Barnitz of Spencer the Gardener on the documentary, “More Than Just a Party” which chronicles Spencer’s musical journey from the 70s to today. The sold-out premiere of the documentary will be held at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara. You won’t want to miss the band performing at Tony’s Pizzeria on Thursday, May 27.

Keep this one on your radar, a fundraiser for the Local Love Project will be held on Sunday, June 4th with performances from Kelly’s Lot, Shawn Jones, and the Bobby Hart Band. Along with all the music, a BBQ, local wine and beers will be available for sale. The primary goal of Totally Local VC’s- the Local Love Project is to activate and organize members of our community in the aftermath of a disaster within our 805 communities and to provide relief and support to those affected by disaster. This one will be held at the Portside Club House (1196 Portside Drive).

Congratulations to Winchesters Grill & Saloon on their 26th anniversary. Join in on the celebrations, Sunday, May 21, with the 805’s dance party band favorite, The Bomb (3-6 pm).

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Yngwie Malmsteen & Glenn Hughes at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for September 9; Creatures of Content (Pennsylvania) play The Six on Friday May 19; Big Bad Voodoo plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 20; and The Winery Dogs (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen) play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, May 20.

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.