Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 2/3 – 2/16

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
“Rockin’ February ”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Photo credit: Cliff Montgomery

Photo credit: Cliff Montgomery

 

 

I was delighted to see that Ian Moore made a stop at Bombay’s for his current tour with the Lossy Coils Wednesday, January 27th. We added Moore to our playlist back when I was Program Director of KXBS alternative rock radio in the 90s. Moore told me he’s been self-managing for the past 12 years, but has three records done and ready for release the first one called “Strange Days”. Moore told me, “It’s a departure from what I have been doing for the last few years. It is funkier, and lyrically heavier, leaning in on rhythm.”

Voices – Women in the Round was held at Bell Arts Factory on Saturday, January 30. I spoke with Jim Rice of Bell Arts who told me the night was just perfect. It was one of those events where the audience is totally engaged and the performances were heart wrenchingly beautiful. The range of music from Bach to Otis Redding to original pieces by Andrea Landin, Donna Lynn Caskey, Kate Bokoles, Maliah Pena and Mare Louise were extremely well received. Rice told me they’re looking at having this be a regular series hopefully monthly before too long.

A last minute addition to the February calendar for Squashed Grapes is coming up on Tuesday, February 9 featuring members from the world famous Post Modern Jukebox. This will also be the last opportunity to see them for a while before they set out on tour across the pond. Christina Gatti’s amazing vocals will front the band which includes one of our very own Jacob Scesney who also tours with PMJ.

Expect an upbeat funky time when The Main Squeeze plays Discovery on Saturday, February 6. The band is produced by Randy Jackson well known American Idol judge. Discovery has also been offering a Starlight Swing night on Wednesdays with swing dance lessons and live music.

Front Street takes over the Sewer with some down low dirty gypsy blues on Friday, February 12 with two equally unique and fun bands, The Front Street Knuckle Draggers and D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers.

The Hong Kong Inn will host the 2016 Cash Bash honoring the man in black’s birthday with The Mighty Cash Cats, Jade Hendrix and Joe Billingiere. The festivities kick off Sunday, February 14 at 4 pm with no cover charge.

The Wine Rack has upped their entertainment by offering live music seven days a week.

And finally, the newest episode of Ventura Rocks on CAPS Media is now airing featuring Crooked Eye Tommy; you can get the schedule of when it airs next at www.capsmedia.org.

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.

New Year’s Resolutions

It’s New Year’s resolution time again.  To make promises to better ourselves or to quit doing things that we feel are harmful to us or to others.  This tradition dates back to ancient Babylonia and was first celebrated in March. Then those feisty Romans changed it to January in honor of the God Janus.  He was the patron of arches, doorways, beginnings and endings.  I contacted several locals to see what they are resolved to do and was buoyed by their positive messages and the notion that 2014 is full of promise and inspiration.  We hope you and yours have a very happy New Year!

  • Cheryl HeitmannCHERYL HEITMANN
    Mayor Ventura, CA – “Better time management!”
  • ShelbySHELBY FIGUEROA
    Singer/Songwriter – “Spend more time with friends & family and to take more pictures!!”
  • SHANE ALEXANDER
    Musician/SingerShane Alexander/Songwriter – “I’m a Buddhist so I literally start EVERY day with resolutions – to be the best man I can be, to be the best artist I can be, to develop and maintain a blissful life condition and to keep my home-life balanced and flourishing.”
  • bill locey_100BILL LOCEY
    Music writer Ventura County Star – “I live as if every day is New Year’s Eve, Christmas and my birthday”
  • DOUG PETTIBONE
    Doug PettiboneMusician/Singer/Songwriter John Mayer band – “This year I will try to be the best father, husband, friend I can be.”
  • GUY MARTIN
    Blues/Rock Musicianguy martin_t – “My New Year’s resolution is to write, record and produce a long overdue original album. My last effort was in 2000.  Lots of unfinished music has been written since then!”
  • MB HanrahanMB HANRAHAN
    Artist/Muralist – “Never do something ‘only for the money'”
  • KYLE HUNT
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter – “Aside from the usual resolutions like trying to live Kyle Hunthealthier and get in shape, I’d really like to release the new songs I’ve been working on. I’m looking forward to sharing them with everybody. On top of that I’d like to go see a lot more live shows. I’d like to check out some of the bands I haven’t had a chance to see.”
  • Todd HanniganTODD HANNIGAN
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “No resolution this year.  I usually end up breaking them all year.”
  • MARK MASSON
    Mark MassonMusician Shaky Feelin’ – “My New Year’s resolution is to live everyday to the fullest appreciate all my friends, family and even all of my lovely acquaintances around Ventura. Life is short and we never know when it’s going to be taken away from us. Oh yeah and work out and stay in shape, drink only the best beer and keep on playing my music and rocking hard to pursue my dreams for me and other people who are pushing for me. Basically my resolution is to just try and be a better person.”
  • Jodi FarrellJODI FARRELL
    Music/Voice teacher/Singer -“To thine own self, be true”
  • LISBET FREY
    Owner/Partner Green Art People – “I can tell you this I have Lisbet Freyresolved to have more fun (unrelated to work) and to connect authentically with friends, family and music. I want to be more present and live and make connections out of love, not obligation. I also plan on working on my own music this year and getting back into singing/writing.”
  • Brendan Willing JamesBRENDAN WILLING JAMES
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter Member of Grizfolk- “I resolve to be conversational in Swedish by the end of the year, to meet Steven Colbert, and eat sushi in Japan.”
  • Christina DiazCHRISTINA DIAZ
    Artist/Editor in Chief E-Volved Magazine – “My 2014 resolution is to continue to stay sober (I have a 15+ months) and keep moving forward.”
  • Amanda PeacockAMANDA PEACOCK
    Rock Photographer –“I think my New Year’s resolution is: Less time spent on social media, less time spent in bars (did you know that I don’t even drink?), more time with Family and friends, connecting on a deeper level. The past year has brought me new insight to what matters most.”
  • DiegoDIEGO GAMBA
    Manager Bombay Bar & Grill – “To make downtown (Ventura) safe and thriving and to provide quality local entertainment in a safe and fun environment.”
  • PerlaPERLA BATALLA
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “Every moment counts so I plan to pay close attention and take regular tech breaks for goodness sakes!! And most importantly I plan to continue to love big, always love big!!!”
  • Jim RiceJIM RICE
    Executive Director Bell Arts Factory – “My resolution is to have a new resolution every day …not just once a year….but a lifestyle resolved to simply be… “BETTER”.
  • TOMMY MARSH
    Blues/Rock Musician “My resolutions are many…Tommy MarshLOL, lose some weight… Love my friends and family more apparently and deliberately… To give more of my time and substance or help others find their path or get back onto it… And of course the biggie…To WIN IN MEMPHIS!”
  • John ReeseJONNY REESE
    Owner Amigo’s Surf Cantina  “I am resolving to take better care of myself and the people I love. Be more open to new and different music styles!”
  • Samantha RossSAMANTHA ROSS
    Comedian/Acct Exec VC Reporter – “I’m looking forward to 2014. Although this year was positive creatively, 2013 was challenging professionally. I was afraid of change, but in the end it was the best thing for me. This next year, I’m going to embrace new experiences and focus on a little thing called follow through.”
  • Tom HiltonTOM HILTON
    Radio personality KVTA Tom & Sandy’s 805 – “My New Year’s resolution it’s to lose 10 LBS without cutting down on beer LOL!”
  • pamPAM BAUMGARDNER
    Owner VenturaRocks.com – “My New Year’s resolution is to create and maintain a well organized office. It will help smooth the way for getting more projects done. Oh! and dance more!”
  • POLLY HOGANSON
    Music Advocate and Writer VenturaRocks.com – “Well I hope to travel to where ever Paul McCartney is and enjoy a once in a lifetime live concert.  Pick up an instrument, I think I have time now, and live a simple, healthy life, physically, mentally and spiritually. Here’s to 2014!”

Steve and Polly Hoganson

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/13/13 – 11/26/13

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

Sunday afternoons at the Ventura Harbor just got better for the month of November with “Wine, Dine and Jazz”. Every Sunday, noon to 3:00, live jazz can be heard on the Village Carousel Stage. Participating venues will offer up wine and food specials while patrons get to enjoy jazz out on the grass. Still to come are the Toni Jannotta Jazz Duo on 11/17, and Justin Claveria Jazz Trio on 11/24.

Rockabilly legend, Wanda Jackson, and a psychobilly band from Denmark, Nekormantix, hit the Majestic Ventura Theater on November 24 with local bands supporting the bill including Hard Six who have been called, “the ultimate party band” by members of the Dead Kennedys and have collectively opened for such acts as The Black Eyed Peas, Sponge and Veruca Salt. Also supporting the bill are Radio Threat, The Graveyard Kings and The Cursed Bastards.

After their amazing debut performance at Squashed Grapes, Jazz Punks will be returning to Ventura for a show at Amigos on Friday, November 15. You got to trust me on this, they are off the hook!!! Don’t miss it. And as always, no cover at Amigos on Main, but you’ll want to bring some extra cash for dinner/drinks and to get your own Jazz Punks CD and t-shirt.

The 13th annual 4Kids2Kids Toy Run and BBQ will be held on Nov 23rd at The House of Magic. Grand Marshals are Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf) and Mickey Jones (drummer for Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers, Dylan). Local musicians will be dropping by all day for Nick St. Nicolas all-star band. See www.VenturaRocks.com for more information and flyer.

The Winter Wine Walk is one of those annual events where they shut down portions of downtown Ventura and the town really comes out to mingle with family and friends while visiting participating venues. Snow will be falling on Main Street and music will be provided by Orlando Napier, The British Beat Band and The Bomb. This event, December 7, traditionally sells out ahead of time, so don’t miss out! www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Local favorites Shaky Feelin’ have released their second CD called “Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.” If you know and love the band, trust me, this CD captures the band live at their finest. Plus, they’ll make lovely stocking stuffers for Christmas. Just saying.

And finally, even though Zoey’s may have closed their doors, you have to love Steve and Polly for seeing through this year’s Ones to Watch. They put out feelers for a venue to hold this important event and immediately Jim Rice, Executive Director for Bell Arts, stepped up. “I have been a long time fan of Zoey’s and how they really honor musicians,” Rice explained. “When I heard they needed a venue for The Ones to Watch I thought we might provide the same type of atmosphere and attitude towards singer songwriters.” The Ones to Watch will be held at Bell Arts on Saturday, November 23. Finalists are Alicia Murphy, Max Kasch, Mitchell Blake, Derek Jennings, Grace Fellows, Anita Coats, Gabby Sol, and John Ash.