Ventura Music Festival 20th Anniversary Season

“Festivo!”
Concludes with nine concerts from May 2 to May 10, 2014

Ventura Rocks attended a press conference for the Ventura Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Season on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Ventura County Museum.  Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta, described each of the performances scheduled with video to highlight the amazing artists coming to our City.  Clearly the Ventura Music Festival’s season is one not to miss!

Ticket prices vary.  Go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org for more information, but mention VenturaRocks.com and you will receive 20% off your ticket for any show this season!

Eddie PalmieriEddie Palmieri
Latin Jazz Band
Saturday, February 15, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Winner of ten Grammy awards and the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts’ Jazz Master award (the highest honor bestowed by the United States).

Igudesman & Joo_500Igudesman and Joo:
A Little Nightmare Music
Friday, May 2, 8 PM
Community Presbyterian Church
1555 Poli Street

Enjoy the next generation of comedic classical musicians with Aleksey Igudesman, violin, and Hyung-Ki Joo, piano. A great introduction for your friends who think that classical music can’t be fun!

Lynn HarrellLynn Harrell
Saturday, May 3, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

The dean of American cellists, Lynn Harrell plays Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert with pianist Victor Asuncion.

 


Judy CollinsAn Evening with Judy Collins

Sunday, May 4, 7 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Be sure to buy your tickets early for an evening with this legendary, Grammy award-winning singer/guitarist, with pianist Russell Walden.

Cantus
Cantus
Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

This nine-member a cappella ensemble is hailed as the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the U.S. They will take you on a singing tour across the ages from medieval to modern and from folk songs to Bernstein!

Rising Stars
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street

David Fraley, piano; Matthew Chen, cello; and Cameron Daly, violin, play the Ravel Piano Trio. Prianist David Gatchel performs the thrilling Cotton Mill Blues by American composer Frederick Rzewski.

Stanislav KhristenkoStanislav Khristenko
Friday, May 9, 8 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

The 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Mr. Khristenko will perform a wide ranging program, including the Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 with special guests.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Saturday, May 10, 8 PM
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street

Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their joyous brand of Dixieland to the Ventura Music Festival for the finale of the 20th season.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/27/13 – 12/10/13

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Guy Martin

How cool is it that our very own Guy Martin, guitar wiz extraordinaire is opening up for B.B. King at the Majestic Ventura Theater? “It is definitely a rare opportunity, and I’m honored to say the least,” Martin confided to us. You know Martin is going to bring it on and represent Ventura.   Talking about the big night, Martin disclosed his game plan, “It will be the usual in-your-face ‘Guy Martin’ style blues, but maybe with a little toned down homage to the great BB King; possibly a sit-in with the man if I’m lucky.” Backing up Martin will be his long-time friend and bass player of 16 years, Tony Trigueiro, and local skin beater Pete Gallagher driving the bus, on the drums.  B.B. King who recently turned 88 years old, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater, Wednesday, December 4. Visit www.VenturaTheater.net for ticket information.

 I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the 5th annual RAWawards semi-finals for Ventura. Sara Vausbinder, Showcase Director for RAW Ventura explained, “Artists are competing locally for the title of RAWartist of the Year in their category. They then move on to compete nationally – of which our national winners receive career boosting prizes including gallery placements, consultations with professionals in their field, magazine features, and more.” Bands performing for a chance to move on to the National finals are Sleepercub, Ship Wreck, Easy Bear and Jukebox Mutiny. Get out and vote for your favorites Friday, December 6 at Bombay Bar and Grill.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating the opening of their 20th anniversary season entitled, “Festivo!” You’ll want to take the entire family Sunday, December 1, to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center when Nuvi Mehta, the company’s Artistic Director, will narrate Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood with live musicians and slide projects. Mehta told us what parents could expect, “Great stories, great music, great fun and a chance to meet the instruments of the woodwind section!” And according to Mehta, he has a plan on how to keep kids engaged, “Both works are narrated, with music chiming in, and there are images on the screen to see, too! Both of these works are as fun for adults as they are for children.” For more information go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

(This paragraph did not make print copy)  If swing is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Swing Big Band Dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 6th. Dress up and get out and enjoy the full sounds of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring 17 musicians and vocal styling courtesy of Donna Greene. It’s only $15 at the door and if you need more information than that, call (805) 648-1143.

 And as always, it’s a crowd favorite when Billy Vera and the Beaters play the room at Yolie’s. Vera has written a number of hits and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Capitol Records. “At This Moment” which hit #1 in January 1987, still gives me goose bumps! Vera and crew will hit the stage at Yolie’s, Black Friday, November 29. Go to www.HiHatEntertainment.com for more information.