Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 8/5 – 8/18

Posted on August 3, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s Fair to Say Ventura Rocks
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Rachel Flowers to perform at Scan Health and Wellness Center August 14, 2015.

I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for the 2015 Ventura County Fair: cinnamon buns, corn on the cob, livestock, carnival rides, vendors and of course another fine line up of music. I’m personally looking forward to the B52’s, Kevin Costner and the Modern West, The Band Perry, Lean Rimes, and call me goofy, but there’s no way I’m missing Huey Lewis and the News! Full line up of musical entertainment can be found on their ad here in the Breeze.

Squashed Grapes is bringing back Emmy Award Winning guitarist, Chieli Minucci and the Special EFX, on August. 7th; then the following morning you can cheer on the Squashed Grapes float in the Ventura Fair parade. Those same players will be appearing that evening at the Grape featuring Karl Hunter and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Franklin Murphy of Shaky Feelin’, Jacob Scesney, Trey O’Toole and RJ Root.

I’m super curious to see Gygax at Bombay’s on Friday, August 14, the band features Armand John Lizzy, Bryant Throckmorton, Justin Dempsey and Eric Harris. Members from local bands getting together to create a new band isn’t necessarily newsworthy in this town; however, this band is for the nerd in all of us as they center around the fantasy imagery and creation of role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Too weird? I seriously hope so!

Growing in popularity are the Second Sunday Suppers at Plan B. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, August 8 from 4:30 – 7 pm featuring Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies.

Taking the place of over two decades of Bowlful of Blues, is the Inaugural Ojai Blues Festival scheduled for August 15 at the Ojai Art Center featuring Deb Ryder, Crooked Eye Tommy, Shawn Jones and Alastair Greene.

Just a few of the upcoming shows to look forward to at Discovery include Whitey Morgan on August 15, Eric Hutchinson on August 18 and Los Lonely Boys on August 23.

The Scan Health and Wellness Center at 6633 Telephone Road in Ventura is hosting its first ever Jazz Night on August 14, 5:30pm. Rachel Flowers is the featured artist with E’nuff Said opening. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call Scan at 805-658-0365 for information and to secure tickets.

The music lineup for the California Blues and Brews Festival on September 20 includes Walter Trout, blues for the modern daze, Mr. Sipp, the Mississippi blues child; and Mingo Fishtrap out of Austin, Texas. You can get more information on the three-day beer festival event and line up your tickets at www.CaliforniaBluesFestival.com.

And finally, I’m sorry to report that Gladys Dietz passed away July 20. She opened Gigi’s cocktails 30 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 1985.

Do 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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/4 – 3/17

Posted on March 2, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Happy Anniversary!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Photo: Louie Satchmo

Squashed Grapes already had Zack Brock, Sam Barsh, Danny Janklow and Mark Ferber on the books for February 28 even before Sam Barsh won two Grammys for his work with Rahki. The evening unfolded with stellar jams from original material (some never performed before live) to jazz standards including Thelonious Monk.

Speaking of the Grape, I’m looking forward to hitching a ride on their float during the City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade Saturday, March 14th, downtown Main Street; the band they put together is always a crowd pleaser; this year they’ll have Trey O’Toole, Franklin Murphy, RJ Root and Jacob Scesney. Later that same evening they’ll have a follow up jam performance at the Grape which is always a treat.

W20 always provides the best in entertainment for the dance lovin’ crowd and in that tradition they welcome Dirty Rice on Friday, March 6th and take note because they will be open Tuesday night, March 17, with a St Patrick’s Day party featuring Rey Fresco.

Chef Ubaldo has moved his staff into a much larger accommodating location and now offers live music to his Italian food loving patrons where Zoey’s was home for many years on Santa Clara. You’ll find live music at Padrino’s during peak dinner hours on the weekend with such artists as John Stanewich, John Hendrickson, Lola Haag and crowd favorite Del Franklin.

The Cash Bash held at Bombay’s in honor of the Man in Black’s birthday was packed to the gills proving once again Johnny Cash’s popularity is as strong as ever. It was great to be able to see the Mighty Cash Cats perform before they hit the road for their European tour this month.

Hi Hat Entertainment just added another artist to the lineup for Friday, March 20th Doug Macleod date. Maria Muldaur & the Bluesianna Band will be in the house! You should remember Muldaur who of course had the huge hit with “Midnight at the Oasis.” Advance tickets are available through their website www.hihatentertainment.com.

You can’t say Jonny doesn’t take chances on new artists. John Reese, owner of Amigo’s on Main Street, is one of the sweetest guys I know giving chances to artists like no other. John got wind that two bands were traveling through town from Santa Cruz and were looking for a place to play and he welcomed them immediately and placed them on the bill that same night. Mimur ( Gypsy/Ska/Jazz/Rock ) and Cyclops and the Owl (psychedelic Surf Jazz) played after the Gypsy Blues Band late Thursday night (February 26) and killed it! Mary Michelsen, bass player for Mimur said, “It was so fun!” Nothing like a last minute gig!!

VenturaRocks.com celebrates its six-year anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day. I launched the website on this day mostly because it was ready to roll out and because, well, why not?! Thanks for all the love and support. Ventura really does rock!

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Photos: August 2014

Posted on August 4, 2014 by venturarocks

Squashed Grapes – August 30, 2014
The Paul McCallum Group w/ special guest appearances by Bob Bain and Ted Nash

Ted Nash member of the Lincoln Center Orchestra directed by Wynton Marsalis
Legendary Bob Bain responsible for the guitar licks on Peter Gunn, theme song to Bonanza, Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable, Sinatra’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Moon River… He worked with Andre Previn’s trio, Harry James and his big band, he played the guitar on the themes for M.A.S.H., Mission Impossible series, the Munsters. For 22 years he was with the Tonight Show band.

Photos by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Discovery – August 24, 2014
Led Zepplica

Spencer Makenzies End of Summer Block Party – August 24, 2014
Bloody Mary Morning

Squashed Grapes – August 23, 2014
The Doug Webb Group: Doug Webb (sax) Jimmy Earl (bass), Mitch Forman (keys) and Danny Carey of TOOL on drums

Spencer Makenzies End of Summer Block Party – August 23, 2014
Ventura Social Club: Joe Baugh, Xoco Moraza, Mario Calire, Lenny Castro
Das Danny Trio

Aaron Orbit

Amigos – August 10, 2014
Cougar Estrada Bigfoot Invasion: Cougar Estrada, drums; Jimmy Calire, keys; Tom Echart on bass, Little Al Vafa on guitar.

Plan B Wine Cellars – August 10, 2014
The Blondies

Olivas Adobe – Music Under the Stars – August 9, 2014

Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats – final performance

Bombay Bar and Grill – August 8, 2014
Doug Pettibone (recently out with John Mayer), Taras Prodaniuk (Dwight Yoakam) and Toss Panos (Robben Ford)

Bombay Bar and Grill – August 8, 2014
Derek Jennings

Discovery – August 8, 2014
Easy Bear

Discovery – August 8, 2014
The Winchester Rebels

Ventura County Fair – August 7, 2014
Jake Owen

Ventura County Fair – August 5, 2014
Deep Purple: Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and Don Airey

Ventura County Fair – August 4, 2014
Barenaked Ladies

Squashed Grapes – August 2, 2014
Franklin Murphy – Rj Root – Jacob Scesney

Grapes and Hops – August 1, 2014
Ed Berghoff & Shawn Jones

Majestic Ventura Theater – August 1, 2014
Chiodos

Downtown Ventura – August 1, 2014
Hour Lioness

Pancho’s – August 1, 2014
Fausto Cuevas just back from touring with Stevie Wonder & J-Lo

Ventura County Fair – August 1, 2014
Galvanized Souls

2014 Ventura County Fair Parade

Posted on August 2, 2014 by venturarocks

Thanks so much to Squashed Grapes for inviting us on their float. And thanks to everyone who sent us your photos that you took as we passed by on the parade route. The musicians rocked it: Trey O’Toole (Happy Birthday Sir!), Jacob Scesney, Franklin Murphy, RJ Root and Andrew Hill!

Here now the preparation, the parade route & celebration that evening. LOVE The Grape:

Preparing for the parade and the band warming up:

Thanks Felix Cortex for these shots:

Thanks Diana Boydstun for these shots:

Thanks to Lance Baird for the “winning” shots! Squashed Grapes took #1 Place for Best Commercial Float!!

After party at Squashed Grapes:

Rj Root and Franklin Murphy celebrating!!
Jacob Scesney getting the crowd up and dancing!

Ventura Music Photos: June 2014

Posted on June 14, 2014 by venturarocks

Amigos – June 29, 2014
Medicine Hat & Matt Armor

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

W20 – June 22, 2014
Shawn Jones

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

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 21, 2014
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)

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 20, 2014
8Stops7

Bloody Mary Morning

VENTURA MUSIC WEEK PHOTO GALLERY

Miscellaneous Shots

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

Winchesters Grill and Saloon – June 15, 2014
The Catterwailers

Saloon BBQ Co. – June 15, 2014
Ted Waterhouse

The Star Lounge – June 15, 2014
Robert Thomas Band

Ventura Harbor Carousel Stage – June 15, 2014
DejaBlu

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 14, 2014
Mandex

SolTree on back stage

Sans Souci, June 14, 2014
Iron Outlaws

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

W20 at the Watermark, June 14, 2014
Drunken Monkeys

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

Billy O’s – June 14, 2014
Whiskey Stone

Winchesters Grill and Saloon, June 14, 2014
Camp Franco

Squashed Grapes – June 14, 2014
Barrelhouse Wailers

Four Brix – June 14, 2014
Kelly’s Lot

The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 14, 2014
Mitchell Blake

Amigos, June 13, 2014
Spencer the Gardener

Grapes & Hops – June 13, 2014
Otis Hayes III

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

W20 at the Watermark, June 13, 2014
Mini Driver

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

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

Keynote Lounge – June 13, 2014
Crosscut

Squashed Grapes – June 13, 2014
Fausto Cuevas

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

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

Rookees, June 12, 2014
Rubberneck Lions

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

Saloon BBQ Co., June 12, 2014
Mark Sellers

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 8, 2014
The Space Band

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Los Dudes

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Deer Leg

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

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

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

Grapes and Hops – June 6, 2014
Jade Hendrix

W20 at the Watermark – June 6, 2014
The Legalizers

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

Yolies – June 6, 2014
Babylon Social Club

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

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

Gone West Cellars – June 6, 2014
Dave Blanchard

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

Ventura Music Photos: April 2014

Posted on April 1, 2014 by venturarocks

Music in Ventura

Sans Souci – April 25, 2014
Radio Threat

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – April 25, 2014
Bigfoot Invasion – Cougar Estrada, Ruben Estrada, John Schnackenberg, Ruben Martinez, Rene Martinez

The Wine Rack – April 25, 2014
Ebony Ann Blaze

The Keynote Lounge – April 24, 2014
Open mic jam night!

Bombay’s Bar and Grill – April 23, 2014
The Session featuring Coco Montoya and Mikey Mo

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – April 23, 2014
Kyle Swan, Benjamin Buttner and Doug Johnson

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19, 2014
Groove Session

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19, 2014
The Pullmen

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19, 2014
Botanical Gardens Fundraiser
Ray Jaurique, Tommy and Paddy Marsh

The Wine Rack – April 19, 2014
Dan Grimm

The 805 Bar – April 19, 2014 – Andy’s Birthday Bash
Steve and Sally Williams

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 18, 2014
Sharks and Cobras

W20 at The Watermark – April 18, 2014
Shawn Jones

Squashed Grapes – April 17, 2014
The Jazz Report: Bevan Mason (keys); Brad Dutz (drums); Danny Young (bass); Jacob Scesney (sax); Dave Tolegian (flute/sax).

The Tavern – April 16, 2014
American Hoss

Yolie’s – April 12, 2014
Morry Sochat with Tommy Harkenrider (guitar), Steve Nelson (bass) and Jerry McWorter (drums)

Squashed Grapes – April 10, 2014
Ventura Jazz Collective – Pam from VenturaRocks.com and Adam from Squashed Grapes representing!

Pablo Plasencia, Crystal Rose Sanchez, Patrick Martin, Pam Baumgardner, Adam Randall, Trey O’Toole from Pulse Drumming and Bill Bannister.

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 9, 2014The Session: Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog with guest Cadillac Zack – Post Jam with Paul Vallis, Franklin Murphy, Jacob Scesney

Squashed Grapes – April 9, 2014
Nee Sackey Trio with special guest Karl Hunter

The Nee Sackey Trio featured Nee on bass, Hans Ottsen on guitar and Adam Clark (not pictured) on drums with special guest Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on sax.

The Star Lounge – April 6, 2014|
Dallas Burrow from Austin, TX

Downtown Ventura – April 6, 2014
D.on Darox

The Garage – April 5, 2014
Shelby Figueroa

The Garage – April 5, 2014
Practical Animal

Bombay Bar and Grill – April 4, 2014
Alicia Murphy, Derek Jennings & Max Kasch

The Wine Rack – April 4, 2014
Matthew Zeltzer

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – April 1, 2014
Nathan McEuen

Ventura Jazz Collective at Amigos 1/3/13

Posted on January 4, 2013 by venturarocks

The Ventura Jazz Collective played their first of what we hope is many gigs to come at Amigos. Band featured Pablo Plasencia on bass, Garrett Miller on drums, Franklin Murphy on keyboards and Patrick Martin on Saxophone.