Ventura Music Scene 11/1/23 – 11/14/2023

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

We’re at the time of year where we don’t know what the heck to wear when heading out to take in live music. Is it going to be cold? Hot? Windy? What’s going on? It changes not only day to day, but hour to hour. Your best bet is to wear layers. You’re welcome.

It turns out there may be tickets available after all for the acoustic Soul Asylum show in Ojai for Saturday, November 11. This is a rare opportunity to see Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith perform in such an intimate setting. I was surprised to no longer see “sold out” on the Deer Lodge website (DeerLodgeOjai.com); my advice is to snag ‘em before they’re really gone!

The next free Ojai Pops Orchestra show will be on Sunday November 5 at Libbey Bowl starting at 1:30 in the afternoon with classical woodwind quintet, Ventvm Qvintet followed up with Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band featuring vocalist Freda Ramey.

Poncho Sanchez returns to the Grape with his brand of hot Latin jazz with two shows on Sunday November 5. At press time, the 6 pm show was sold out with tickets still available for the 8 pm show.

Tickets are on sale now for the next Chick Singer Night returning to the Sound Palace in Oxnard for a show on Saturday, November 4. This time they’ll feature Krystal Park, Jess Bush, Rachael Lynda, Lois Mahalva and Eliya Frantz. Chick Singer Night started over 30 years ago in Chicago and has grown nationally with a local chapter here in Ventura County headed up by Jodi Farrell.

I am totally intrigued with the “Beatles vs Stones, a Musical Showdown” event at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 11. Taking the part of “Beatles” is the tribute band Abbey Road, and on behalf of “Stones” is the tribute band, Satisfaction. This is a national touring show having performed on stages coast to coast and having done residencies at Harrah’s in Reno and Laughlin for five months. Tickets available through Axs.com.

Concerts just announced include Ozomatli for the Ventura Music Hall on December 14 and you know it’s going be a tongue-in-cheek night of punk fun when The 28th Annual Christmas Formal will feature The Vandals this year at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, December 22.

Quick Notes: Lowered Expectations will celebrate Dia de los Muertos on Wednesday, November 1, at Vaquero y Mar; Rose Valley Thorns play the Ojai Underground on Thursday, November 2; Bombay’s first Saturday live music show features Blurry Stars, Dielectric and Duncan & the Dragonslayers on November 4, 6-9 pm; D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers take over Sans Souci on Saturday, November 4; and Luna Shade out of Colorado will bring reggae fusion to the Garage on Saturday, November 11.

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 10/18/23 – 10/31/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkWe have two huge events landing on the same day, Saturday, October 21, celebrating two different municipalities. Both offer up great live music, so it’s going to be tough deciding which camp you want to hang out with. First, it’s Ventura County’s 150th anniversary with a free family festival followed up with a ticketed event (EventBrite) at Santa Paula Veterans Park with Big Bad Voodoo headlining along with Rey Fresco, Mariachi Camarillo, Whiskey Business and the Charles Law Band.

Then across the hills it’s Ojai Day with live music 11 am to 10 pm featuring Buck Moon, Spencer the Gardener, Beau Red & the Tailor Maide, Those Darn Amigos, Sick Boy, Van Allen Twins, Virtual Nobodies, Dylan Cunningham and Dan Grimm. May the best camp win!

Once you have this special weekend chocked full of live music choices behind you, it’s time to look ahead at Halloween, Tuesday, October 31, and the week leading up to it. I’ve been seeing costume parties pop up as far ahead as the week before, so it’s best to map out your choices and where you’ll be meeting up with friends. I recommend (as always), going to VenturaRocks.com and use the calendar to search “Halloween” for all events leading up to the big day, currently there are 18 listed.

Head’s up for this one, the Ventura Harbor’s Thriller Zombie Dance Flash Mob will be held on the main lawn around 2:15 pm on Sunday, October 29. I’m thinking “flash mob” implies it’s a seemingly random act…but if it’s being publicized…then it’s just a performance. In any case, you’re welcome to join in, if you’re dressed up in costume.

Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo will host The Black Market Trust on Saturday, October 28. The band features world class musicians and will perform material from the Great American Songbook infused with a romantic and virtuosic flavor, added with some intricate vocal harmonies and a dash of Rat Pack-style comedy. Find out more at StudioChannelIslands.org.

I saw a “Save the Date” post on social media for Skull and Roses 2024 which will return to the Ventura County Fairground April 19 – 21. Plenty of advance notice so you don’t plan a vacation that same weekend.

Tickets are on sale now for the next Chick Singer Night returning to the Sound Palace in Oxnard for a show on Saturday, November 4. This time they’ll feature Erinn Alissa, Jess Bush, Rachael Lynda, Lois Mahalva and Elyia Frantz.

Quick Notes: Namba has a punk show with Frequency Within, Intenable and Promotive on Friday, October 20; there’s a free Ojai Pops Orchestra show at Libbey Bowl with Miriam Dance on Sunday, October 22; Dead Kennedys play the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, October 28; and Tony Ybarra plays a intimate concert at Logan House at Beatice Wood Center for the Arts on Sunday afternoon, October 29;

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 6/14/23 – 6/27/23

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

I love summer so much!!! Longer days, more activities including live music and all the beauty that our county provides. I hope you’ll take advantage of some of these events.

Free concerts in the park return to Constitution Park in Camarillo this summer with 24K Magic on June 24, the Kings of 88 on July 8, The 805 Social Club on July 22 and Garth Live on August 5. Residents are encouraged to bring low folding chairs, blankets and picnic dinners. Food trucks will be on site.

The 67th Conejo Valley Days will run Thursday, June 15 – Sunday, June 25 at Conejo Creek Park South (Janss Road off the 23 Freeway). Typically, the event runs four consecutive days, but this year it will be over two weekends.  Live music includes performances from Mike Scully and the Weary Travelers, 805 Social Club, Colette Lovejoy Band and more. Admission is $10 (kids under five are free) and includes the entertainment, but not the carnival rides.Graphic for Chick Singer NightChick Singer Night is switching locations to Namba Arts, downtown Ventura with Kimberly Ford, Karen 805, Sharon Hendrix, Annyett Royale, and Mary Scholz, on Sunday, June 25. And staying with Namba, they’ll host “Ventura City Blitz” featuring local artists such as Blurry Stars (also their summer release party), Aaron Burch, the Late Knights, Dielectric, and Ardi on Saturday, June 17.

New West Summerfest lands at Moorpark College for two days, Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25. It’s quite an eclectic lineup of performers such as Ilya Serov, B. Valentine, Gods of Rock, Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea and more. Ticket information available at NewWestSymphony.com.

And of course, you’ll want to mark off your calendar for which concerts you want to attend at this year’s Ventura County Fair. There’re only eight concerts this year on the Grandstand Arena stage: Midland, Patti Labelle, Collective Soul, Ashanti, Trace Adkins, 38 Special, Tesla and Dia de la Familia. And as always, the concerts are included in the price of admission to the fair. The fair runs August 2 – 13.

Photo of HozierHozier did an in-store Meet and Greet at Salzer’s Records on Saturday, June 3 with over 400 showing up. Salzer’s reports there were people who came as far as Canada and Brazil to meet him!  He couldn’t have been more gracious, polite!  Hozier plays the Santa Barbara Bowl on October 28, his newest release, Unreal Unearth drops August 18.

Quick Notes: Elvis Costello & the Imposters at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, June 14; Duncan & the Dragonslayers, Stellar Ruins and Los Xiquenos play Bombays on Thursday, June 15; Barrelhouse Wailers will do an in store performance at Salzer’s Records to promote their latest release, “Never Look Back” on Saturday, June 17; Topa Topa Brewing will host their 8th anniversary party on Saturday, June 17, at their Colt Street location with live music throughout the day; Fausto Cuevas y la Moderna play a salsa evening of dance at Cantara Cellars on Thursday, June 22; and Danny Carey (TOOL) returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Sunday, June 25.

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 4/19/23 – 5/2/23

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

Chick Singer Night, the world’s longest-running songfest for female artists, returns to the Sound Palace in Oxnard, on Saturday, April 22 with performances from Danielle Taylor, Annette DiNardo, Dawn Lunsford, Emily De La Cruz and Gaby Montiel who has been featured on the VenturaRockSpot this past year. Tickets are available through EventBrite. The evening promises to deliver stellar performances from these amazing ladies in part because CSN’s local chapter director is the one and only Jodi Farrell, who as a vocal coach can spot talent a mile away.

I’m happy to report Libbey Bowl’s website (LibbeyBowl.org) has been updated and it now includes new shows including Toad the Wet Sprocket on Wednesday, July 5; Chris Isaak on Sunday, August 6; 98 Degrees on Thursday, August 17; and The Monkees celebrated by Mickey Dolenz on Friday, September 15. If you’ve never been to a concert there, do yourself a favor, choose an artist and make it go right; it’s such a lovely venue in our own backyard!

artworkOne of Kelly Zirbes’ passions in life is helping our furry little friends, and specifically CARL here in town. CARL (Caine Adoption and Rescue League) advocates for animal welfare, seeking to end the needless deaths of companion animals through adoption, education and outreach programs. Kelly’s Lot featuring Rae Gordon will hold a fundraiser for CARL on Sunday, April 23 (3-6 pm) at Winchester’s Grill & Saloon on Main Street, Ventura. I hope to see you and your wallet at this one!

Tickets have gone on sale for the 6th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival over the weekend of September 9th and 10th. Saturday’s line up includes Spyro Gyra, Eric Benet, Deniece Williams and others. Sunday will be a special day for those who love Picante style music and dancing with performances from Louie Cruz Beltran, Mongrama and more. Find out more at OxnardJazzFestival.com

Abigail FierceAbigail Fierce will drop by Surfers Point Café for a performance on Sunday, April 23 (11 – 2 pm). Abigail who is a singer/songwriter/actress can be seen on episodes of “Love, Victor,” “This is Us,” and “American Vandal.” This indie-pop singer has a way with storytelling intermingled with great lyrics that captivates audiences wherever she plays.

Quick Notes: JD Drury announced via social media that there will be no Surf Rodeo this summer; The Guitar and Whiskey Club will open for Angel at the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, April 26; Brother Earl and the Cousins will venture out to Ojai for a date at Ojai Valley Brewing on Friday, April 28; Leashless Brewing will host the CD release party for Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes on Saturday, April 29; and Grammy award winning composer/arranger, Bill Cunliffe plays the Beatrice Wood Center for Arts on Sunday, April 30 playing selections from the George Gershwin Songbook.

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 Rocks Music Scene Column 9/7/22 – 9/20/22

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

How hot was that Labor Day weekend? I hope you were able to get out and catch some of the many live music events along the coast where it was mostly bearable. As for the rest of September, it looks like the weather should remain warm to hot…just not Vegas hot.

Taste of Local adAs always, at the top of my list of recommendations is anything I’m involved with, so I hope you’ll consider Taste of Local as it returns this year on Sunday, September 11 presented by Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation. VenturaRocks (myself) will help to host the music stage where Spencer the Gardener, Dan Grimm and the Rose Valley Thorns will be performing. Along with the live music, there will be a local homebrew challenge, a farm-to-glass mixology throwdown and dozens of booths where you can taste delicious samples from local chefs. There is expected to be over 60 area chefs, farmers, purveyors, wineries, breweries and distilleries showcasing their culinary expertise. You can find out more about this wonderful event at TotallyLocalVC.com and I hope to see you there!

artwork Oxnard Jazz FestivalThe 5th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival runs three days this year at Oxnard Beach Park (1601 Harbor Blvd.) Friday, September 9 – Sunday, September 11. This ticketed event will feature live music all three days. Delta by the Beach kicks off the live music on Friday; Kelly’s Lot, Hiroshima, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Ryan and others on Saturday, and Sunday it’s Paula Atherton, Bunny Brunel, Erin Stevenson, the Emotions and more. You can get the full list of acts, Covid-19 updates and ticket information at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

artwork for 805 Roots JamThe Roots 805 Jam is Saturday, September 10 at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme from 3 – 11 pm with Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Kyle Smith, Krooked Treez, Synrgy, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Rising son, Jacob Marquez & the Good vibes and more. Tickets range from $30 to $65 on EventBrite.

logo for Chick Singer NightThe 34th Anniversary show for Chick Singer Night will be held on Saturday, September 10, with Martha V, Diana Bacon, Olivia Mucha, Kerri Climer and Vanise Terry. The location is Sound Palace, Studio B in Oxnard. Tickets are $25 through EventBrite.com.

Dirty Cello returns to Ventura with a show at Namba Performing Arts Space on Saturday, September 10. Band leader and cellist Rebecca Roudman is also a member of classical orchestras, but with the Dirty Cello band she lets her hair down and uses her classical training to push the cello to its limits – more Jimi Hendrix than Yo -Yo Ma. Roudman says, “We play what folks want to hear, from the Devil Went Down to Georgia to Led Zeppelin, we go on stage with a huge collection of songs and then just have a ton of fun – we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we just want the audience to have a good time too.”

The Leashless Brewing End-of-Summer Lu’au party falls on Saturday, September 17. You’re invited to dress in your lava-lavas, sarongs, or your aloha shirts…and bring on the island vibe because this will be a party! Morie and the Heavy Hitters play from 6 to 9 with proceeds from the event donated to the Ventura State Rescue Association.

photos of artistsSaturday September 17 at the Beatrice Wood Center for Arts in upper Ojai will have an event being billed as Gypsy Meets Choro, featuring Finnish guitarist Olli Soikkeli and Italian-Brazilian 7-string guitarist, Cesar Garabini. The duo offers up an exquisite duet paring swinging Django Reinhardt-style gypsy jazz guitar and spicy choro style jazz guitar. You can get more information at BeatriceWood.com

The Grape logoThe Grape always has a number of noteworthy performances scheduled at their gorgeous venue, tagline, “House of Jazz and Spirits” however, that doesn’t mean they exclude other genres of music, case in point, Billy Vera and the Beaters on September 22.  I recommend you bookmark their events page or better yet, request to be on their email list so you don’t miss any of their upcoming shows. (TheGrapeVentura.com)

New shows added at Ventura Music Hall
Tribal Seeds feat. Hector Roots Lewis – October 4
Atmosphere – October 19
Klangstof – October 25
Big Head Todd and the Monsters – November 11
Zepparella – December 8
Mat Kearney – February 11

Mark your calendar (more details next issue) for Saturday, September 24: The Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Oktoberfest at Lucas Sellers in Moorpark and it’s the Rudder Room’s 60th anniversary with Teresa Russell.

Quick Notes: Starship feat. Mickey Thomas at Libbey Bowl on September 4 was cancelled; The Fabulous Thunders play Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, September 7; Flipper, Mike Watt and The Robot Uprising play Gigi’s on Thursday, September 8; IDKHow plays the Ventura Theater on Friday, September 9; Bart Davenport plays the Deer Lodge on Friday, September 9; Blood, Sweat and Tears play Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 10; Kansas plays the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 15; Josh Damigo will open for Allen Stone at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, September 16; And Panteon Rococo plays the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, September 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.

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 8/24/22 – 9/6/22

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

The Ojai Pops Concert Series co-sponsored by the City of Ojai kicked off Sunday, August 21, and if you missed it, no worries, there will be four more chances to catch another one of their community concerts at Libbey Bowl. All concerts are free and start at 3:30 pm:
August 28: Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band
September 25: 805 Brass and Los Padres Sound Horn Quartet
October 23: Ojai Pops Orchestra w/ vocalists Miriam Dance & Sophie Holt
November 6: Larktown & Friends, featuring Lark Cobb (vocals) and Todd Temanson (banjo)

The Hueneme Beach Festival falls over the weekend of August 27 and 28 (1 – 6 pm) and is absolutely free to attend with live music both days:
Saturday, August 27: New Orleans Suspects, Twisted Gypsy, Taylor Sackson, CRV, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Olivia Willhite.
Sunday, August 28: Nth Power, Phantom Blues Band, Beebs & her Money Makers, the Cousins, Sade, Juano & Friends, Hand Me Down Band.

Spencer Mackenzie’s is once again uniting two events into one with the world’s largest cornhole tournament called The Throwdown during the day and then once the sun (starts) to go down, it’s live music with A.D.D. on Friday; Sunny Ledfurd, and Mandex on Saturday; then starting at 2 pm on Sunday, it’s Morie & the Heavy Hitters followed up with a set by Rey Fresco. Click here for tickets.

The 34th Anniversary show for Chick Singer Night will be held on Saturday, September 10 with Martha V, Diana Bacon, Olivia Mucha, Kerri Climer and Vanise Terry. Chick Singer Night is held at Studio B in Oxnard. Tickets are $25 through EventBrite.com.

There are several shows coming up at the Namba Performing Arts Space on Oak, downtown Ventura:
Esteban Ramirez on September 3
Dirty Cello on September 10
Iona Fyfe on September 11
Tommy McManus on September 18

Along with Hawaiian hula dancers, frisbee dog demonstrations, food trucks and more, the Aloha Beach Festival will offer up some live musical entertainment from Warren Takahashi and Friends, Free Love Project 805, Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads, Keyth & the Universouls, Heavy Rotation, the Question and Rising Son. This free family friendly event will be held at promenade park along Surfer’s Point here in Ventura on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4. This year’s beneficiary will be the Merito Foundation.

New shows added at the Ventura Theater:
Max & Iggor Cavalera – September 29
Alkaline Trio – October 21

New shows added at Ventura Music Hall
Protoje, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike – Oct 1
Bad Suns – Oct 5
Dirty Honey, Dorothy, Mac Saturn – Oct 6
Knuckle Puck – Oct 22
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the guilty Ones – November 15
The Rare Occasions, Hot Freaks – December 4

High Street Arts Center (HighStreetArtsCenter.com) in Moorpark has a number of tribute shows lined up called the 2022 Legends Series:
Chicago Tribute Experience (Chicago) – August 26
Raymond Michael tribute to King of Rock and Roll (Elvis) – August 27
The Heart of Rock & Roll (Huey Lewis & the News) – September 2
Fortunate Son (Credence Clearwater Revival – September 3

poster for eventThe Grape in Ventura has a couple of dates I want to ensure you know. First off, you can read my Q&A with Derek Sherinian, and then catch one or both shows when Sherinian and Simon Philips with band perform on Monday, August 29. Additional monster players for the night are Ric Fierabracci on bass and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar. Tickets are available on EventBrite.
Then it’s always one of the hottest tickets in town to catch Tool’s Danny Carey when he drums for the Doug Webb Group which also features Jamie Klime on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass and Mitch Forman on keys. Tickets are also available on EventBrite for this Saturday, September 3 show.

Quick Notes: just added to the music stage for Taste of Local on Sunday, September 11 is Spencer the Gardener; Billy Idol plays the Ventura Theater Thursday, August 25; the next Singer/songwriter showcase dinner event at Pierano’s is set for Thursday, August 25 with Dylan Brehm, Lainey Brown, Olivia Mucha, Jodi Farrell and Aaron Burch; Colbie Caillat is at the Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium, Friday, August 26; Fantastic Diamond plays Cantara on Saturday, August 27; the final Music Under the Stars is Saturday, August 27 with Lisa Haley & the Zydekats (sold out); Elvis Costello plays the Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium on Sunday, August 28; Switchfoot is at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, August 28; Nathan McEuen plays the Ojai Underground on Friday, September 2; and Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas, is at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 4.

The latest episode of VenturaRockSpot is live featuring Looking West. The young trio out of Ventura have been making their mark on the music scene playing such venues as, Topa Topa Brewing in Ventura, Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo, even Surf Rodeo last month. You can catch them live when they play MadeWest Brewing on Saturday, August 27.

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 Rocks Music Scene Column 8/10/22 – 8/23/22

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.commusic scene artwork logoAugust is in full swing and with it a whole lotta live music in and around Ventura County. The Ventura County Fair is in its second week of its 10-day run and the final Grandstand Stage concert is Wednesday, August 10, with Cheap Trick. That being said, the Station Stage will continue to rock with local favorites through Sunday, August 14. Be sure to check out VenturaRocks.com photo gallery for band photos taken at the Fair this season.

Chick Singer Night just announced their newest City Chapter Director is Ventura’s own Jodi Farrell. Jodi has been an integral part of Ventura’s music scene fPhoto of Jodi Farrellor so many years fronting the Front Street Prophets, performing with TreCoustics, and now with Jim Rankin as a duo. So many performers have been tutored and mentored via Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio and before that when she taught at Ventura Community College. She teaches voice, guitar and piano for all skill levels. She’s received many awards along the way including the 2016 Mayor’s Art Award for Arts Educator. Congratulations Jodi, this is so well deserved!!

Cadillac Zack presents 1960’s blues & rock legends Canned Heat at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo, on Thursday, August 18. If your memory is straining to remember, let me help you out. They had hits such as “Let’s Work Together,” “On the Road Again,” and “Going Up the Country.” They played the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and had a headlining slot at the original Woodstock. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss this amazing night of live music with Delta by the Beach opening.  Just text Zack for ticket information at (323) 377-5291. photo of Oliva Newton-JohnI was very sad to hear about the passing of pop icon, Olivia Newton-John.  Her music instantly brings back memories, and I can’t even count how many times I watched “Grease,” but I think I will always remember her generosity and love when she performed here in Ventura, February of 2018, for the Thomas Fire Benefit. What a sweet being, and what a tremendous loss. Poseidon Brewing will be celebrating their 8th anniversary over the weekend of 8/12-8/14 with Vanise Terry Band, The Dynasties, Morrison Drive and Let’s be Frank performing. Boots and Brews logoTo satisfy your need for live country music, there’s Boots and Brews on Saturday August 20 with Cole Swindell, Eddie Montgomery an Raelynn. Surfer’s Point Live at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Get your tickets at BootsAndBrews.com.

I admit that I absolutely love the different community sponsored music events such as Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe whose shows are all sold out for the rest of the season, but rest assured there are a number of free events nearby including the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in Oxnard with The British Beat on Friday, August 12 6 – 8:30pm and Caliente 805 on Friday August 19; the Summer Concert Series at Constitution Park in Camarillo will have Country Nation on Saturday, August 27 from 7 -9 pm; and the Collection in Oxnard has DSB (tribute to Journey) on Wednesday, August 10 6 – 8:30 pm.

poster artwork of the movie YesterdayAnd though they’re not live music events, the Ojai Film Society is offering free screenings of a couple of music related movies at the Libbey Bowl. First the documentary, “Summer of Soul” on Friday, August 12, and then “Yesterday” which features the Beatles reimagined when a phenomena hits during a blackout and wipes out most people’s memories of the Beatles, this one screens on Friday, August 26. Though free, you’ll need to RSVP through Eventbrite.

Emmy winning artist, Camara Kambon (for his score in the HBO film, “Sonny Liston” the Mysterious Life and Death of a Champion”) performs at Namba with Javier Vergara on tenor sax, Adam Cohen on bass and Chris Blondal on drums. Tickets are only $20 for this intimate show on Friday, August 12.

New shows added at the Ventura Theater:
Silversun Pickups Sunday, October 2
Marcus Mumford Tuesday, October 4
Gogol Bordello on Saturday, November 5
The Wrecks on Saturday, November 19

New shows at Ventura Music Hall
Too Many Zooz, September 29
Ocean All, October 7
The Slackers, December 9
Squirrel Nut Zippers, December 17
Hirie, February 22

New shows at Libbey Bowl:
Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite on September 30
Ben Harper on October 6

Mark on your calendars for upcoming events: the Hueneme Beach Festival the last weekend of August, and the return of the Aloha Beach Festival along at Promenade Park (Surfer’s Point) the following weekend, September 3 and 4. What’s also so very nice is that both of these events are free!! I’ll have more in the next issue of the Ventura Breeze.

Quick Notes: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show continues on Wednesday nights at the Lookout Bar & Grill in Oxnard; reggae Sundays continue at Café Fiore through the end of summer; Glenn Bennett has a Thursday afternoon residency at the Copa Cubana; Mustangs of the West play the Ojai Underground on Thursday, August 11; Katie Shorey has a Disco Nite at Cantara on Friday, August 12; Romper plays at date at the Deer Lodge on Friday, August 12; Barrelhouse Wailers play Strey Cellars in Oxnard on Friday, August 19; the legendary Three Dog Night play Libbey Bowl on Friday, August 19; and Pato Banton plays Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, August 20.

Taste of Local adAnd then finally, Taste of Local returns this year on Sunday, September 11 presented by Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation. I was thrill when Kat Merrick reached out and invited VenturaRocks to host the music stage where the Rose Valley Thorns will be just one of the acts performing. You can find out more about this wonderful event at TotallyLocalVC.com and I hope to see you there!

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.