Ventura Music Photos: July 2016

Posted on July 3, 2016 by venturarocks

Music Under the Stars at Historic Olivas Adobe – July 30, 2016
Queen Nation

Members of Queen Nation with Pam Baumgardner, Loree Price, Eve Mimiaga & Tammy Mullins

Four Brix Winery – July 29, 2016
Kelly’s Lot

W20 at the Watermark – July 24, 2016
Alastair Greene

Tequila and Taco Music Festival – July 24, 2016
Metalachi

Surf Rodeo – July 17, 2016
Raging Arb and the Redheads (Photo credit: Felix Cortez)

Surf Rodeo – July 16, 2016
Hy Brasil

Surf Rodeo – July 16, 2016
Spencer the Gardener

Surf Rodeo – July 16, 2016|
The NaVaNaX

Pam Baumgardner (Ventura Rocks) interviewing Shayne Mihalka (The NaVaNaX)
(Photo Credit: Elizabeth Rodeno)

Surf Rodeo – July 16, 2016
Herbal Rootz

The Star Lounge – July 15, 2016
Whiskey Stone

Margarita Villa – July 10, 2016
The Swillys (Photo credit: Maggie Ramos McKinney)

The Wine Rack – July 7, 2016
Ian Soloman Duo with Hans Ottsen

Squashed Grapes – July 6, 2016
Sheldon Brown (Publisher Ventura Breeze), Bobby West, and Pam Baumgardner (Owner VenturaRocks.com). Photo credits: Rich Barth (VenturaCountyJazz.com), and Jack Lee.

: Sheldon, Bobby & Pam

: Bobby West

Downtown Ventura – 4th of July Street Fair – 2016
Raised on Vinyl and UnUsual Suspects

: ROV

: Unusual Suspects

Grapes and Hops – July 2, 2016
Doug Pettibone w/ Herman Matthews

Kelly’s Lot French Connection

Posted on February 10, 2015 by venturarocks

If you know Kelly Zirbes, then you know she’s one of the hardest working women on the music scene. She’s forever booking, promoting, playing, writing, and breathing music. She’s awesome; plus, she’s got the talent! Calling their brand of Blues, “Roadhouse Rockin’ Blues” Kelly’s Lot features amazing musicians including Kelly’s husband Perry Robertson.

I caught up with Kelly to get the low down on the band’s upcoming Valentine’s Day show at the Patio at Player’s Casino. Not only is the Patio pulling out all the stops to make a night of romance with some of the most delicious dishes in town, but Kelly’s Lot will have a special guest player all the way from France, Jean Francois Thomas.

Ventura Rocks: What’s up with this international exchanging of Blues artists Kelly?

Kelly Zirbes: It’s all about meeting and playing with other musicians who love the blues. What I love about this genre is ‘The Jam’. During a blues jam you will play with total strangers and find that you connect. Music is a universal language with the Blues being a universal bridge and language. Even across the world we can all relate to each other when we play the blues. Jean Francois Thomas shared us with his friends and fans in France and we will share him with ours in Ventura

How did you meet?

We met Jean Francois in France on our 3rd tour in European in 2011. We had played at a record store together and became fast friends and he invited us back to his house for dinner. There was 6 of us so that was rather generous. We all fell in love with him, his energy, his songwriting, his guitar playing but mostly just him. We talked at dinner about coming back and doing a few concerts together and in 2013 Perry and I decided to take Jean Francois up on his offer and emailed him. He was thrilled. We all three decided just Perry and I would travel there and start with an acoustic trio adding Jean Francois. He booked some shows and we flew to France. It was a fantastic trip and our bond became even stronger. We repeated the same thing in 2014 but with many more shows and bigger audiences. It was then that we invited him to come to America and play with us. He wasn’t sure he could because he was afraid to fly. But after a couple weeks he changed his mind and told us he would come.

Tell me about Jean Francois Thomas.

He’s a multi-faceted guy. He’s a a teacher of Economcs and Law in Auvergne, France and a touring musician. He discovered blues the age of 30 and was a boxer when he was younger. He has one of the most giving spirits of any musician I have ever met and he loves the Blues more than any person I have ever come across.

How big is he in France?

I’m not really sure but he has performed at many large festivals in France land has opened for Tommy Castro, Patrick Verbeke, Shemekia Copeland, Nina Van Horn. He has released quiet a few CDs since 1995 and has been given lots of accolades by the French press and media.

This is a Valentine’s Day gig. How romantic will it get?

The Patio will be doing a French themed menu and serve French wine. I know Jean Francois will warm everyone’s heart and he will get the crowd going. I think that in itself will bring romance to the room. The French are some of the most romantic people I have met and it is fitting to share Jean Francois with our Ventura fans on Valentines. You know, he didn’t want to play a lot on this trip. Just one or two shows. It’s a vacation for him, his wife and a few friends and they want to have time to enjoy the sights. Of course Ventura was my first choice to book a show because of all the music lovers that we have discovered in the 3 years of playing here locally. Needless to say there will be lots of love to go around.

Reservations are highly recommended (805) 658-8975, or go high-tech and get your reservations online: http://pcventura.com/patio/index.php.

Kelly’s Lot on Facebook.
Kelly’s Lot Official Website.

Ventura Music Photos: November 2014

Posted on November 11, 2014 by venturarocks

W20 at The Watermark – November 26, 2014
Shawn Jones Roots Trio (Jones, guitar; Christopher Allis, drums; Sam Bolle, bass)

Bombay’s – November 26, 2014
Mandex!

Amigos – November 26, 2014
Shaky Feelin’

WAV – November 23, 2014
Donna Lynn Caskey

805 Bar & Grilled Cheese – November 23, 2014
Brandon Ragan

Ventura Harbor – Wine, Dine & Jazz – November 23, 2014
Justin Claveria Trio

Squashed Grapes – November 19, 2015
Barry Mosley

Bombay Bar and Grill – November 15, 2015
The NaVaNaX
Amigo’s – November 15, 2014
Laura Cozzi and Soul Machine

Cafe Fiore – November 15, 2014
Ricky Coz Band

Grapes and Hops – November 15, 2014
The Jazz Junkies

The Tavern – November 14, 2014
Private Island

Squashed Grapes – November 14, 2014
Ventura Jazz Collective

Amigos – November 14, 2014
Michael J and Leticia (MIghty Cash Cats)

El Rey Cantino – November 14, 2014
Xoco Moraza and Friends

Sans Souci – November 12, 2014
The Miskreants

The Ventura Theater – November 12, 2014
The Misfits

The Winchester Rebels

The Patio – November 8, 2014
C.A.R.L. Fundraiser
Kelly’s Lot

Teresa James
Steve “Smokey” Hinojosa

Bombay Bar and Grill – November 7, 2014
Army of Freshmen

Shane Mac

Grapes and Hops – November 2, 2014
Shawn Jones

Amigos – November 2, 2014
The Tossers
Lyla Fronsoe Representing while celebrating her birthday with The Tossers!

Squashed Grapes – November 1, 2014
Paul McCallum and Friends

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 10/29 – 11/11

Posted on October 27, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Continues to Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Chris Jay of Army of Freshmen is totally looking forward to their upcoming UK tour with the band Lit. Jay told me, “I just love being on tour. We don’t get to do it nearly as much as we used to so I think we tend to enjoy it more and appreciate it. Every night is like a big party. It’s more like vacation than work.” The dates in the UK run from November 13 through the 23 so it looks like the guys will be back in time for Thanksgiving. See complete interview with Chris Jay at VenturaRocks.com

No news yet on the Discovery entertainment permit appeal. We have our fingers crossed this matter will be settled sooner than later and with Discovery retaining the right to have live music in their venue.

Way to go for The Velveteen Band who has been invited to play the Steampunk Worlds Fair in Piscataway New Jersey. The SPWF is the world’s largest gathering of steampunks. After only six months of being a band, the Velveteen has gained national attention with their Puppets, Rabbits, and big rock band sound. You can find them playing locally at Bombay’s The Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, party on November 1 with Cirque Noir, Angie’s Curse and Fangboy and the Ghouls.

Kelly’s Lot will be holding a fundraiser for one of Kelly Zirbe’s favorite charities, C.A.R.L. at the Patio at The Player’s Club which will raise money for Canine Adoption and Rescue League. Look for appearances by Teresa James, Guy Martin, Steve Hinojosa, Lenny Mazzotti and Bobby and lee Orgel. The event will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 6 – 10 pm. $10 donation plus 15% of food sales donated.
Looking forward to hearing the new song that 8Stops7 has been recording. Bass player, Cory Tarallo, says, “This song is straight up awesome!” I can’t wait to hear “Center of Our Universe” after they put on the finishing touches.

Jan McWorter of Hi Hat Entertainment reminded everyone, “When one door closes, another one opens,” after Hi Hat said goodbye to over six years at Yolie’s on October 17 with the R&B Bombers. But after just a couple days of searching they found their new location just a stone’s throw away, at the newly renovated facilities at 281 W. Main Street at Ventura Beach Club (formerly Fuegos). Just a quick head’s up as Ventura Beach Club already had a previous obligation, on Halloween, Hi Hat’s James Harman party will be at Peirano’s on October 31.

There will be a cool fundraiser at Bombay’s on Saturday, November 1, to help raise funds for Dawn (single mom) and Damian (7 years old) and their battle with Cancer. There will be lots going on all day but on the music side of it there will be Alastair Greene, James Harman, Morganfield Burnett, Hot Roux and more.

And finally, I’d like to wish Ken Winters, “Happy Birthday!” Ventura’s jazz scene will be helping to celebrate his 88th birthday on November 4th during the bi-monthly jazz jam at Squashed Grapes. I’m sure cake will be involved.

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 9/17 – 9/30

Posted on September 16, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Suds, Music and Rockin’ History
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I seriously can’t remember a year with more music bursting at the seams than this past year, and we’re only about two thirds done! Coming events, and starting on the water, the Ventura Harbor is capitalizing on all this great weather by bringing back the popular Rock on the Dock series every Saturday in September. Still to come on the 20th is Smokey and Friends and the 27th The Hard Times Band.

The 2014 California Beer Festival is finally upon us. I’m looking forward to learning all about craft beer on Saturday the 20 while chillin’ to Petty Theft, Dr. M and Rey Fresco; and then on Sunday, the 21, it’s the Blues & BBQ Festival with Tab Benoit, Trampled Under Foot, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Michael John & the Bottom Line as well as Jonathon Boogie Long. I’ll be out selling Ventura Rocks t-shirts on Sunday, so be sure to swing by and hang a spell.

A free family-friendly night of music featuring music from popular radio and Broadway will be held at the Ventura Theater on September 19 and 21 featuring Loanne Wullaert with vocal support from some of the county’s best vocalists including Aaron Orbit and Marcella Tambouris. Look for numbers from Les Miserables, A Star is Born, Frozen, Dreamgirls and more. In between the two nights being called “September Song” will be The White Buffalo on the 20th. See VenturaTheater.net for times.

The good folks from Zoey’s have officially kicked off their new music venture in the form of Ones to Watch Productions. Steve and Polly Hoganson continue their support of up and coming artists as they produce local showcases. The next one will be Friday, October 3, at Bombay Bar and Grill with The Lee Koch Band, Derek Jennings and Zeke Berkley. For more information see OnesToWatchProductions.com.

One of my favorite blues singers with some serious spunk is Kelly Zirbes who has this never ending contagious energy about her. She’s always there when a helping hand is needed and it’s always a treat to see Kelly along with her husband Perry Robertson and their band Kelly’s Lot perform. She’s sure to make you laugh, but more than that, the band will get you up off your tush jamming to their special brand of rockin’ blues. Kelly’s Lot CD release party for their latest CD, “Don’t Give My Blues Away” will be held on Friday, September 19, at Yolies with a $10 cover. If you’re not able to make it, you’ll want to add this one to your collection for sure. Visit KellysLot.com to pick one up today.

And finally, just a quick little anecdote: While hanging out with Jimmy Calire the other night at Squashed Grapes, I knew the Hammond B3 organ he had brought in for the show that evening with Karl Hunter had some stories behind it, but none could be cooler than the one he share with me that evening where he would be jamming on it with his band, Raven at The Session in the Theater District in New York City and Jimi Hendrix would jump up on stage and join in the action. Seriously, how cool is that? This town has such an abundance of talent and history reinforcing what I’ve always said, Ventura Rocks!

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: September 2014

Posted on September 2, 2014 by venturarocks

Squashed Grapes – September 30, 2014
Andy Waddell Quintet – Andy Waddell – Guitar; Katisse Buckingham – Sax/Flute; Aaron McClendon – Drums; Josh Nelson – Piano; Hamilton Price – Bass.

Amigos – September 28, 2014
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish

Squashed Grapes – September 25, 2014
Jazz Hates Johnny – Karl Hunter, Rufus Philpott, Andy Langham, Aaron McClendon

The Wine Rack – September 24, 2014
Camille Bloom (from Seattle)

Cafe Fiore – September 24, 2014
Coso Live

Discovery – September 24, 2014
The Paul McCallum Band – (San Diego)

Milano’s Italian Restaurant – September 23, 2014
Bluegrass Jam

Yolie’s – September 19, 2014
Kelly’s Lot CD Release Party
Thanks to all photographers. Photos are watermarked.

Squashed Grapes – September 17, 2014
Adam Hawley with Trio B.A.D.

Bombay Bar and Grill – September 18, 2014
Carousels and Limousines (from UK)
Bombay Bar and Grill – September 18, 2014
Anchor and Bear

Ventura Beach Party – September 7, 2014
Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers

Billy O’s – September 2, 2014
The NaVaNaX

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 2/19/14 – 3/4/14

Posted on February 18, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Army on the March
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I caught up with Army of Freshmen’s Owen Bucey to get the lowdown on the upcoming Calamity CD release party set for Saturday, March 1 at Bombay’s. Owen told me how Army had been on the East Coast touring back in 2004/2005 and they had been staying at singer Chris Jay’s parent’s house. One evening most of the guys had gone out but Kai, Aaron and Owen had hung back kicking it around in the music room where Chris’s mom taught music. Before long, songs were being developed. Owen explained, “It was just sheer organic fun. We loved what came out of that night and decided to explore it a little bit more.” It was different too because they played different instruments except for Owen, but he actually started to write lyrics for the first time. Flash forward to present time with Calamity and their second release, A Ghost of these Moments, which will be played live, start to finish, with no stops. Price of the ticket at Bombay’s gets you a free download.

The Patio at Player’s Club Casino will play host for a fundraiser on Saturday, February 22, for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League with Kelly’s Lot and special guest on harp, Jon Gindick. There will be food, drinks and no cover, but plenty of opportunities to donate to this worthy cause to help our furry friends. See www.carlvc.org for more information.

The Garage is actively seeking bands to play there once again. Numbskull Presents announced Lower Class Brats out of Austin, Texas, with Kicker, The Loads and Global Crime Syndicate on March 27. It will be awesome having more live shows more often on the east end of town.

Parsons Guitars out of Seattle, WA, have moved into the space above the Ventura Theater at the corner of Main and Chestnut. I swung by during their “soft” opening and met owner Randy Parsons who gave me a tour, it’s amazing what they’ve done with the space. All stringed musicians should drop in and see what the man has to offer, from classes, to repairs, to building guitars to spec. We wish him well as we plan to get him involved with the music scene here in town.

It’s coming up on five years since VenturaRocks.com was launched and you’re officially invited to help us celebrate at our anniversary party on Monday, March 17, at Bombay’s. Yes, it’s a Monday. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and Yes, we have Rey Fresco playing! You won’t want to miss it!

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.

Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser

Posted on January 13, 2014 by venturarocks

Bombay Bar and Grill
Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ventura came together yet again to help. This time it was to help get Tommy Marsh and the band to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in a couple of weeks. The line up was phenomenal with Guy Martin, Mikey Mo, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jourique & the Uptown Brothers, 4 on the Floor, Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies. Plus Tommy’s two bands played. First Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog opened the show, and then the band of the hour, closed the show as Crooked Eye Tommy and fellow bandmates, brother Paddy Marsh, Jimmy Calire, Tony Cicero and Glade Rasmussen tore it up.

The fans showed up, danced, and bought raffle tickets. They also entered to win a Gibson SB Robot guitar which after all was said and done went to Lester Gray. Congratulations you bastard. I thought for sure one of my two tickets would be lucky!

We had a blast hanging with good friends and family. Loved how Ventura Singles Rock showed up to support. Several local musicians showed up to show the love. Kat from Totally Local VC and Sandy from the Tom and Sandy Show were on hand to make announcements. And though Kelly and Perry from Kelly’s Lot performed early, they stayed to the very end keeping it extremely lively. Kelly, you’re a hoot. Thanks for sporting the shirt babe! And the volunteers were all cheerful and enjoying the music. And again Diana Boydstun, your such an asset. Every time I’ve called to ask for your help on a fundraiser, you have never hesitated. So glad to see that you had a blast and just know, I’ll be calling on you again! And Seth Brandes, thanks so much for being there helping and taking such great photos!

Diego and the staff at Bombay’s are a class act. Armand John Lizzy and Chris Husted did a terrific job running sound on the two stages.

And Tommy couldn’t have been more humble. He sincerely deserves this show of support.

Now it’s MEMPHIS BABY!!! Good luck Crooked Eye Tommy, do Ventura proud and represent us well.

: Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog

: Kelly’s Lot

: Guy Martin

: Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies

: 50 Sticks of Dynamite

: Crooked Eye Tommy

: Tommy Marsh

: Volunteers, Diana, Stacy & Pam

: Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies

: Chris Jensen of 50 Sticks of Dynamite

: Guy Martin & Tony Trigueiro

: Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog with special guest

: Paddy Marsh & Jimmy Calire

: Paddy Marsh

: Michael John & Mikey Mo

: Paddy & Tommy Marsh with Michael John

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 1/8/14 – 1/21/14

Posted on January 7, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
All Hans on deck
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called Music for Mind Movies. While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician. He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, Life on the Edge, in exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time? He told me, “I got the band Tico Trio in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one in early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them. Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind. Music For Mind Movies.” You can buy the new EP at www.HansOttsen.Bandcamp.com

The Ventura County Concert Band (VCCB) is celebrating their 50^th season with their next performance scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Ventura High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. VCCB is a non-profit Community Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Julie Judd based here in Ventura. They perform for the community free of charge 4 times a year. Take the whole family for an incredible show.

And two shows to watch for at the Majestic Ventura Theater this month. If you like grooving to what they call “Sunshine Reggae,” you won’t want to miss Iration on Friday, January 24 and then Grammy award winning Country artist Dwight Yoakum will be kicking it up on Friday, January 31, as he continues to tour in support of his latest release, “3 Pears.” Contact Ventura Theater for ticket availability.

And don’t forget we’re helping to get Tommy Marsh to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Fundraiser is Sunday, January 12 at Bombay’s with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Mikey Mo, Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies, 4 on the Floor, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, and Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. All this amazing music for only $10 plus it helps get Crooked Eye Tommy to the competition. See you there!!!

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

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Tag Archives: Kelly’s Lot