Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/20 – 12/3

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Rocks artworkCongratulations to Tommy and Paddy Marsh as they will be traveling to Memphis to compete in the Solo Duo category at the International Blues Challenge in January. To help with the cost of the trip, there will be a special evening of Blues at Oak and Main on Sunday, November 24. All the money raised will not only help Crooked Eye Tommy but Jim Gustin & Truth Jones who will compete in the band category. Both are scheduled to perform along with special guests sitting in such as Teresa Russell, Laurie Morvan, Mark Sells, Kelly Zirbes & Perry Robertson, Ray Jaurique, Brigitte Purdy Rios, Toni Dodd and if that weren’t enough, I get to help emcee the event, so you better be there!

Remember the good folks from Green Art People? Well they’ve put together a family Thanksgiving reunion on the eve of Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27 from 6 – 9 pm at Bombay’s with VC/DC (Grateful Dead covers), and a performance of Alice’s Restaurant by Hip E. Mark and the Group “W” Bench. All are invited!

You now can enjoy live music along with the delicious food at Peirano’s on Main Street. The artists are being booked by Steve and Polly Hoganson (Zoey’s, Topa Mountain Music Fest, Ones to Watch Productions). On the books for upcoming gigs are The Swilly’s, Jodi Farrell Brent Franklin and Danny McGaw (see calendar listings).

Quick Notes: The Aquabats play at Discovery on Friday, November 22; The White Buffalo returns to the Ventura Theater on Friday, November 22; Elwood who is out on his Guitar Town Tour will be making at stop at Sandbox Coffeehouse on Sunday, November 24 at noon; The Untouchables are booked for Oak and Main for Saturday, November 30; and don’t forget to set aside Saturday, December 8, for the Downtown Ventura Winter Wine Walk, the social event of the year! Tickets can be bought at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Last issue I covered the upcoming CD release party for the Local Love Project Holiday Album, The Spirit of Giving benefiting fire survivors, well I have my copy and it’s totally worthy to add to your seasonal collection of Christmas music. It’s produced by John Baffa (Grammy award winning recording engineer) and Ralph Carter, featuring covers and originals from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Dirty Rice, Kelly’s Lot with Doug Pettibone, Guy Martin, Charles Law and Jagged and more. There are too many highlights, but just two of them are the Ventura High School Choir’s cover of “That’s Christmas to Me,” and Sugaray Rayford’s “O Holy Night.” I’m also a new fan of the Midtones. If you celebrate Christmas, then I highly recommend adding this to your collection, you can get it online at www.CDBaby.com/cd/totallylocalvc, you can even have it shipped as a gift to someone else.

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. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Photos: April 2015

Green Art People – April 29
50 Sticks of Dynamite
50 Sticks


Megasound Studios – April 28
L.A.M.F.
LAMF


Discovery – April 22
Ryan Cabrera
Ryan Cabrera


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19
Echo (Photo credit: Kurt Sodergren)
Echo


Amigos – April 19
The Kenny Walters Band (Photo credit:  Shelly Gfeller Walter)
Kenny Walters Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 18, 2015
Shaky Feelin’
Shaky Feelin'


Grapes and Hops – April 18, 2015
Global Guitar Greats (Shawn Jones, Thomas Leeb, Stephen Inglis)
Global Guitar Greats


The Wine Rack – April 18, 2015
The Swilly’s (Steve and Sally Williams)
The Swillys


Champagne on Main – April 18, 2015
Zeal Levin (Los Angeles)
Zeal Levin


Plan B Winery – April 12, 2015
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish
Jen Staves


Discovery – April 11, 2015
Hope and Justin
Hope and Justin


Squashed Grapes – April 11, 2015
Tizer (Raul Pineda – drums; Ric Fierabracci – bass; Lao Tizer – keyboards/piano)

Tizer


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 9, 2015
Spivey Spi
Spivey Spi


Amigos – April 5, 2015
Jonathan McEuen and the New Opry
Jonathan McEuen


Squashed Grapes – April 4, 2015
The Pulse Daddies (Hans Ottsen, Karl Hunter, Trey O’Toole, Dirk Shumaker)
The Pulse Daddies


Amigos – April 4, 2015
Jacle Bow (Belgium)
Jacle Bow

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/18 – 3/3

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Music in the Round Rocks!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Shawn - Suzie - Sam - JeffGrapes and Hops downtown has been serving up more than a stellar offering of wine and beer lately.   Rufus Philpot has put together top-notch musicians calling themselves No Mad Trio featuring his mad bass beats and Steve Hass (Manhattan Transfer) on drums and Matt Rohde (Associate Music Director from American Idol) on keyboards; they’ve been playing just about monthly on early Sunday evenings.  But one cooler than cooler night of music was a singer songwriter music in the round which featured our very own Shawn Jones (along with Sam Bolle) playing host to Suzie Candell (whom he’s been producing), and Jeff Silbar who won the Grammy for song of the Year when he wrote “Wind Beneath my Wings” (Bette Midler had the huge hit with it and it was featured in the movies “Beaches”). I asked Silbar if he ever gets tired of playing “Wind”, but he said he never does because he never plays it the same way twice.  It was a great night watching the camaraderie and talent and hearing great stories behind the songs.

Country star, Lacy J. Dalton, played a fundraiser for the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center at Discovery on Friday, February 13; upcoming Reggae shows to watch for include a night with Hirie and Arise Roots on Thursday, February 19, and then on February 26 it’s Tribal Theory with Dirty Rice opening.

Bombay’s will be hosting a Johnny Cash Birthday bash on Sunday, February 22 from 1-6 pm featuring live music from Hard Six, Big Tweed and the Mighty Cash Cats. Proceeds benefit the Ventura County Animal Services.

Golden China will feature live music on Thursday, February 19, when the Vic Moraga Band will get the swing dance crowd swinging, then on Saturday, February 21, Coven will bring their own brand of Goth Rock to the big room.

Hi Hat Entertainment continues to bring on the best of the blues to the Ventura Beach Club; shows to watch for include Lightnin’ Willie on February 20, The Forty Fours on February 27, and always a crowd favorite Billy Vera and the Beaters on March 13.

The good folks at Green Art People have been bringing live shows weekly in a family environment for over six years every Wednesday and now they are offering their weekly shows in the privacy of your own home for as low as $1 a show which you’ll receive Monday mornings.   You can contribute more per show and cancel at any time.  It’s a great way to support this non-profit who will be splitting the donations with the bands. Upcoming shows include GrooveSession on the February 18 and Rooster Ra with Kyle Swan opening on the 25.

Loving social media?  You can follow us on Twitter at VenturaRocks1;  Instagram at VenturaRocksWebsite and on the granddaddy of them all Facebook at Ventura Rocks-Website.

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/26 – 12/9

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Getting into the Swing of Things
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Jazz OrchestraIt’s good to have Alistair Greene back after hitting the road with Mickey Thomas and Starship earlier this month. Thomas is the voice behind such hits as “Jane,” “Find Your Way Back” (Jefferson Starship), and “We Built this City” as well as “Sara” (Starship). Greene told me, “I’m very fortunate to have the chance to play with such a legendary singer and band as Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. I’m filling in for my buddy John Roth who is on tour with Winger at the moment. Mickey and the band sound amazing, and it’s a blast playing all those great hits from his career. He still sounds like he did in the 70s!”

Nothing like a big band dance to get you into the holiday spirits! Ventura Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Swing soiree with the vocal stylings of Donna Greene will be at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 5, featuring great songs from all eras you can dance to. Call for ticket information at (805) 648-1143.

Speaking of a throwback to a “simpler” time, The Saloon BBQ at 456 E. Main Street will be throwing a bash also on Friday, December 5, with a Prohibition Repeal party, “The 21st Amendment Jubilee”. There will be beverage specials all day long with live music starting at 8:00 with The Rachel Sorsa Band and their 1930’s style of jazz.

Chris Jensen from 50 Sticks of Dynamite gave me the head’s up about a project he’s been working on with fellow Ventura musicians, Evan Gosworth, Roy Katnic, Paddy Marsh, Brad Strickland and Gary Sula-Goff. It’s a Grateful Dead tribute band called Nine Mile Skid. They have a couple of dates lined up including December 10 at Green Art People, then on December 28 at Amigos’s on Main Street.

Under new ownership, Rock City Studios in Camarillo will be pulling out all the stops for their grand re-opening on Friday, December 5, with the national touring act, Dead Sara. The Galvanized Souls will open the show.

The Golden China is offering more music more often along with their nightly Karaoke. Thursdays continue to offer swing, Fridays have a DJ with Cumbia music and now Sunday evenings will be devoted to Reggae. Don’t forget they have an open mic night Tuesdays starting at 6:00 with the back line provided.

The whole family will enjoy the street fair along Main Street in downtown Ventura on December 6. What a great way to get unique gift ideas for the holidays including the highly prized VenturaRocks.com t-shirt! The Winter Wine Walk kicks off at 4:00 with snowfall at California and Main beginning at 6:45. Music will be provided by The Bomb, The Midnight Band and the British Beats.

And finally, congratulations to Todd Hannigan on his recent marriage to artist Brigette Lopez. They tied the knot in November in Ojai. I can’t wait to hear the music she’ll be inspiring out of him!

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 3/5/14 – 3/18/14

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

Kevin Seconds

It was pretty cool catching the Numbskull Show on a rainy Wednesday night in the backroom at Bombay’s with Kevin Seconds from 7 Seconds sharing an acoustic evening with Steve Soto (Agent Orange and The Adolescents) and Russ Rankin (Good Riddance).  Kevin’s three-week tour in support of his new release, Off Stockton, kicked off in Ventura.  Rankin told me he’ll be performing the first four dates and the last three dates with Kevin. The night had the three as solo performers – just the artist and their acoustic guitar – and though there were some missteps from Soto, it was pretty cool when he just laughed it off like the true punk rocker he is.

We’re looking forward to catching Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy as he returns to Squashed Grapes for another show on Saturday, March 22.  In what is being called the Karl Hunter Organ’ic Quartet, Karl will have the legendary Jimmy Calire who toured for several years with America on keyboards, Mario Calire from the Wallflowers and Ozomatli on drums and guitar player extraordinaire Hans Ottsen will round out the quartet.  Tickets are $10 and you should get them in advance at the Grape as this one is sure to sell out fast.

Technicolor Tone Factory out of Boulder, CO, will be making their debut in Southern California area with a free show at Green Art People on Wednesday, March 12.  According to Taylor Frederick, TTF isn’t a jam band that rocks, but rather a rock band that jams.  I took a listen on SoundCloud, and trust me, the band rocks.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations officially kick off with the City’s annual parade on Saturday, March 15.    We’ll be hitching a ride on Kat Merrick’s Totally Local VC float where Dan Grimm and other artists will be performing live along with Jon Reese of Amigos on air guitar, as we cruise down Main Street.  Give us a shout out when we pass by!

And of course you are officially invited to help Ventura Rocks celebrate our 5th Anniversary with a huge St. Patrick’s Day party at Bombay’s on the 17th with first Irish music from the Lousy Drunken Uncles at 6:00, then it will Rey Fresco making this the hottest party in town.
Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Then send all information short or long to  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 1/22/14 – 2/4/14

breezeVentura Music Scene
Colbie Coillat’s Special
Appearance at the Watermark

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura’s music scene was just about as hot as it gets Thursday night, January 17, when the Watermark’s W20 played host to a new artist showcase.  Grammy winning producer, Ken Callait (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd…) brought several acts from his own label, Sleeping Giant Music Group.   Backing up the first three artists were three of Ventura County’s finest musicians, Joe Baugh (guitar), Sam Bolle (bass) and Mario Calire (drums). Andrea Russett, super popular with the social media crowd with over half a million Twitter followers, was the emcee.  On the bill were Laura Rizzoto, Caitlin Edge, Lola Delon, Bean and New Hollow.  Several of the acts have music on radio already with the latter getting spins on KROQ.  The announcement for the showcase also promised the debut of Colbie Coillat’s new music video and a special guest appearance, which turned out to be none other than Colbie herself performing two of her songs live. The night was amazing and I’ll be watching for big things from all artists with special attention on Lola Delon.

Discovery Ventura has been open since mid December during what is called a “soft opening”.  Their New Year’s Eve party as expected was a sold out event.  But now, it’s going to be official as they pull out all the stops for their grand opening celebration kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 22.  The weekend’s music will be off the hook with Dirty Rice and Shaky Feelin’ together on Friday and then Rey Fresco rockin’ the house on Saturday the 25th.  Get advance tickets at www.DiscoveryVentura.com.

Jukebox Mutiny recently brought on board Ryan Reynolds (additional guitars and synth) joining Ron Dusky (bass), Jaymes Quirino (guitar) and Jeremiah Esparza (percussion).  Duskey told me, “It’s been a very good and dynamic addition.” The band has been working on new material and polishing up their older stuff.  I’m looking forward to their next gig, which may be a Sunday afternoon stint at Sans Souci.

Things should get interesting for the Breaking Banjos 2014 Tour, making its first stop at Bombay Bar and Grill on Saturday, February 1.  On the bill will be three acts featuring banjos, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Whiskey Chimp and 5th and Birmingham.

I’m also looking forward to Send Medicine who will be coming to town from L.A. to play one of Green Art People’s (GAP) Wednesday night concerts on January 22.  Julian Hacquebard of Send Medicine told me they heard about GAP from sources whose opinions they trust describing their sound as, “A mix of psychedelic/folk/blues with hints of tribal percussion and garage.”  Shows start earlier than most here in town at 6:30 pm, so the GAP crowd has been moving to The Tavern afterwards for more music from Mark Masson (Shaky Feelin’) who is the master at keeping the parting going.

Have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Send all information short or long:  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

www.VenturaBreeze.com

Ventura Music Photos: January 2014

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dan Grimm Band
Dan Grimm Band



Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Jonathan McEuenJonathan McEuen with Phil Salazar


Bombay Bar and Grill – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog’s special guest, Donna GreeneDonna Greene


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rey FrescoRey Fresco


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rubberneck Lions


Amigos’s Surf Cantina – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Damien Bujanda & Oly Larios (Players for Iron Butterfly)


Pierpont Inn – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Jon Gindick’s Harp Band CampJon Gindick's Harp Camp


Sans Souci – Friday, January 24, 2014
The Winchester RebelsThe Winchester Rebels


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 23, 2014
Gypsy Blues Room
special guest the Jon Gindick Jam Camp Harp Line Up
Featured performers: RJ Mischo, Cheryl Arena, Brian Purdy, Hash Brown and Jon Gindick
Jon Gindick


Discovery Ventura – Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Day
Pam Baumgardner of Ventura Rocks with Jeremy Pemberton of Discovery
Discovery Ventura


Peirano’s – Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Valencia and Friends


Ventura Harbor – Sunday, January 19, 2014
After the Smoke
After the Smoke


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Mandex



Squashed Grapes – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Flowers, Ottsen and Clark


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Mark Masson with Joanie Collins & Jacob Scesney
Mark Masson


W20 at The Watermark – Thursday, January 16, 2014
New Music Showcase – Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat

Dean Dinning


Bombay Bar and Grill – Sunday, January 12, 2014
Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser
Crooked Eye TommySeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/crooked-eye-tommy-fundraiser/


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 11, 2014
Army of Freshmen


The Tavern – Saturday, January 11, 2014
HEY YOU!
Hey You!


Bombay Bar and Grill – Friday, January 10, 2014
Warning!


Squashed Grapes – Friday, January 10, 2014
Two Trees Jazz Project


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Coda


Paradise Pantry – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Lee Koch with Jesse Olema
Jesse Olema - Lee Koch


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Derek Jennings
Derek Jennings


Green Art People – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Shaky Feelin’ (with Jacob Scesney sitting in)
Shaky Feelin' w/ Jacob Scesney


Our Ventura – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Show taped at CAPS-TV
Pam Baumgardner - George Alger


Yolie’s – Saturday, January 4, 2014
Benefit 4 Jacob – Headliner Albert Lee
Albert LeeSeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/benefit-for-jacob/


Bombay’s Bar and Grill – Friday, January 3, 2014
Dan Grimm and Band
Dan Grimm band


W20 at the Watermark – Friday, January 3, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones band


Squashed Grapes – Thursday, January 2, 2014Benjamin Buttner Quintet featuring:
Guitar – Benjamin Buttner
Bass – Freddy Johnson
Keyboards – Kevin Stoller
Drums – Burleigh Drummond
Horns –   & Jacob Scensney

Album Review – Shaky Feelin’

Live at Green Art People
By Pam Baumgardner

Live at Green Art People

Live at Green Art People

If your band kills it live and your following is loyal, it’s a complete no brainer that you have to record your next CD live.  Too often when a band goes into the studio their collective sound becomes sterile and they lose the essence of what makes them special.  Hence, Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People was recorded during one of Green Art People’s weekly Wednesday night shows on April 24, 2013, and the band nailed it!

While doubling drumming is not a new idea, it’s always a treat when you get to witness it first hand.  Two drum kits with Cameron Probe and Paul Menchaca working off each other, complimenting each other and sometimes working in unison to create a fuller sound.  Love it!  Add to that a strong bass line from Rob Jeffries, and impeccable keyboards from Franklin Murphy for that extra fuller layer of rhythm, creating a perfect balance for Mr. Masson on lead guitar. The thing about Mark Masson is that he really knows how to play his guitar.  He creates these loops live on the spot, and plays upon those layers.  You can only imagine how many hours it took to gain the ability to play like he does, but trust me, it was time well spent.

Together, the band creates this amazing upbeat groove that so seductive and addictive, you’ll find yourself dancing with a room full of people as one, or by yourself if you play this CD in the privacy of your own home!

Friday night, November 8, at The Tavern was packed to the gills and the night was a huge successful for the launch of the new CD.  Seriously, the band is something to behold live.  I found myself cruising around, shooting pictures and talking with people, it was undeniable the love and support this town has for the boys.

Danielle Marie Aue told us, “The Number One reason I like Shaky Feelin’ is because when I hear them I have to dance, you can’t sit still during a Shaky show.  The Number Two reason is the atmosphere and following, it’s like a family reunion every time!  Everyone is dancing with everyone, feeling free and welcoming new followers.  And the Number Three reason is that it’s different and the same; I always hear something new that keeps me intrigued but I always hear something I know which keeps me coming back for more.”  Describing the band’s sound Aue said, “I would describe their music as a little bit of everything; unstoppable and unforgettable.”

Seth Brandes said he likes the band for a couple of reasons, “They are a generation younger than myself,” he explained. “Mark who leads the band is 30 years old and he writes lyrics using the word, ‘groovy!’  How many kids his age use the word, ‘groovy?’  Not too many, but Mark does! But what I really like about the band is that they create a sound that’s much larger than really who they are. There’s a big percussion section behind them, but really only three guys on guitar, bass and keyboards, yet it feels like a much larger band without being really really loud. I also like the way they improvise, they’ll move from one musical genre to another effortlessly between songs.”

A self professed Shaky Feelin’ virgin Maggie Ramos McKinney, said,”I can’t believe I’d never heard them before!!! I’m hooked and can’t wait to listen to the CD!”

And finally, two of my favorite women here in town, who are BIG FANS of the band share the same thoughts, “Bottom line, when I hear Shaky Feelin it gives me happy Feet. Such a fun engaged band,” exclaims Cheryl Swift.  And local photographer, Amanda Peacock, says she likes Shaky Feelin’, “Because the music makes me FEEL GOOD! It makes me get a Shaky Feelin’!”

Do yourself a favor and invest in our local boys and get yourself a copy of Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.

www.ShakyFeelin.com
www.Facebook.com/ShakyFeelin

Guitar, Vocals: Mark Masson
Keyboard, Vocals: Franklin Murphy
Bass: Rob Jeffries
Drums, Vocals: Paul Menchaca
Kit-Cussion: Cameron Probe

Shakey Feelin Live at Green Art People was recorded by Jon DeBaun.