Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/22 – 12/5

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

The holiday season is in full swing with Ventura looking as lovely as ever with music keeping us as lively as ever.  To start off with, it’s the “social event of the year,” Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair on Saturday, December 2.  The holiday street fair is free and runs from Noon until 8 pm; the main stage of music is also free and located at the corner of Main and California with City Hall as the backdrop. The bands rockin’ the event this year are the Road Brothers, Adelaide and the Bomb.  Then of course it’s the Wine Walk (21 and over) which typically sells out every year; it runs from 4 until 7 pm.

Squashed Grapes is hosting a fundraiser for the local chapter of Notes for Notes on Saturday afternoon, December 2, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm with two acts on the bill.  Firstly, it’s the East Valley Road band featuring Notes for Notes students who are raising funds to help them get to a Blues competition in Nashville, and then it’s Patrick Warburton’s band called The Bearded Pearl Clams featuring Pearl Jam tunes.  Yes, you read that right, it is that Patrick Warburton of Seinfeld and Rules of Engagement fame.  It’s all about raising awareness about this amazing program available to our up and coming young musicians here in Ventura where they have a state-of-the-art recording studio available to them and soon a mentoring program featuring a Master’s program with key local musicians. You can learn more about this non-profit organization at NotesForNotes.org.

The Surfrider Foundation’s 8th annual Pints Against Plastics benefit will be held at Discovery on Saturday, November 25th, with Through the Roots and Rising Son providing the reggae. The fundraiser is for litter prevention efforts for Ventura County beaches and rivers. Find out more at Ventura.Surfrider.org.

Quick notes:  Kick off the holiday weekend with pre-Thanksgiving fun on Wednesday night, November 22, with Yachtley Crew at Bombay’s; Nathan McEuen returns to town with a show at Grapes and Hops on Friday, November 24, with what he calls Nathan McEuen and the Enormous Ego Band; there’s a Numbskull Productions show at the Garage with Captured! By Robots on Friday, November 24; catch The Tenderloin and Spivey Spi at Duke’s on Seaward on Friday, December 1; the Old Time Country Music Christmas concert will be held on Sunday, December 3, at the Poinsettia Pavilion; and just released, the soundtrack to the documentary featuring local blind musician, Rachel Flowers, “Hearing is Believing.”

And finally, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers are working on their second release.  Ray told me he’s penned ten or eleven new songs and that this one will include some special guest players; they’re working out of Castaway 7 Studios here in Ventura.

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, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/9 – 11/22

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Swing Dancers artwork
You won’t want to miss Fortunate Youth when they open for Slightly Stoopid at the Ventura Theater, Friday, November 11.  They’re the creators of one of the biggest and most successful reggae compilations in the world, with all proceeds donated to different charities that the band tries to support from Cancer Awareness to helping Children who have lost music programs due to under funding.  Also at the theater will be the local favorites Dirty Rice opening for Tribal Theory on Saturday, November 12 and then the following week it’s Pennywise with Strung Out and Unwritten Law on Friday, November 18, and of course Suicidal Tendencies with Good Riddance on Saturday, November 19.

Congratulations to Rachel Flowers who was interviewed for the November issue of Keyboard Magazine (the one with Norah Jones on the cover).  Her film “Hearing is Believing” by Lorenzo DeStefano was just featured at the 17th Annual Ojai Film Festival.

I’m all about good causes especially when good causes are in conjunction with great music, and so it goes with the fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, at the Ventura Beach Club for The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) in Ventura.  The event will run 6-10 pm and will feature Deb Ryder, Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers and Kelly’s Lot. You can always count on Kelly Zirbes for going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of abandoned cats and dogs. Admission is only $10 and all proceeds will go to C.A.R.L.  As a side note, Kelly and husband Perry just opened for the iconic Don Mclean at the Rose in Pasadena.

I’ll be honest, I’m really looking forward to “The Pretty Things,” a David Bowie tribute band at O’Leary’s November 12. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “My teenage years would not have been the same without Bowie.”

The Barrelhouse Wailers will be hosting another Speakeasy swing dance night on November 19 at the Ventura Beach Club.  The evening will start with lessons at 8 pm with Kim Clever and David Frutos, then live music from 9 to midnight.  Of course, costumes are encouraged but not required.

Goodnight Kiss are currently in the studio recording their first EP; Medicine Hat will be going back into the studio soon; Hard Six just finished a video soundtrack recorded at Megasound Studios; the Rubberneck Lions just released new music via social media with their first single, “Head Case by Case”; Ashford Gordon’s CD release party has been postponed until after the New Year; Smitty and Julia’s new CD, “Made in Ojai” is now available on CD Baby; and congratulations to all of the Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients with a big shout out to local musician/teacher, Jodi Farrell.  It’s well deserved my friend!

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 Music Photos: June 2016

Squashed Grapes –  June 25, 2016
Colin Bailey w/ Jim Hughart, Jim Fox
Colin Bailey


Surf Brewery 5th Year Anniversary – June 18, 2016
The Slider and Raging Arb and the Redheads


The Wine Rack – June 17, 2016
Hans Ottsen Trio with Mariio Calire and Guil Juliao
Photo credit: Chris Jensen (click photo for full view)


Copa Cubana – June 16, 2016
Toni Jannotta with Tom Collins and Tom EtchartToni Jannotta


Red Cove Open mic night – June 9, 2016
Patrick Bakody
(vocals) and  Josh Handley (guitar & vocals).
Photo credit: Rose Sutton
0611_WeTheUnderclass


Squashed Grapes – June 8, 2016
Rachel Flowers performing with Adam Clark (not pictured)
Photo credit: Justin Beranich
Rachel Flowers


Grapes and Hops – June 4, 2016
The Brambles (Ones to Watch Productions)
The Brambles

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze June 8 – June 21

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
“Music and the Arts”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Good Vibrations: A Harmony of Art & Music at Very Ventura.

Good Vibrations: A Harmony of Art & Music at Very Ventura.

Very Ventura is one of the coolest stores in town featuring local vendors. It’s also where you’ll find the Ventura Rocks Music Listening Station which offers recorded music from local musicians. They have a gorgeous gallery towards the back of the store called Gallery V which will host a new exhibit called “Good Vibrations: A Harmony of Art & Music” on June 18th which will run through July 24. Xavier Montes will perform at the opening reception. I’m especially looking forward to seeing the works from one of my favorite rock photographers, Cliff Montgomery; you might have seen his work up at Bombay’s.

Surf Brewery will be celebrating their 5th anniversary with a party in the parking lot all day long featuring live music including Raging Arb and the Redheads, The Slider, Tom Loughman Band and more. Make your plans to join in the fun on Saturday, June 18; the music runs 2-7 pm. They’ll have several specials and are hoping to raise funds for the Notes for Notes program at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura.

Reggae returns to the Tree House at Café Fiore on Sundays now through Labor Day. Catch bands like the Babylon Rockers, Jahmark & the Soulshakers, and Casey Jones & the Reggae Train. Music kicks off at 6 pm.

Watermark has extended their live music to include Thursday evenings 7-9 pm with more of an easy listening vibe including artists such as Karen Eden, Coso, Jade Hendrix and others.

The Ventura premiere of the Rachel Flowers documentary by Lorenzo DeStefano entitled, “Hearing is Believing” will be shown at the Century Theater on June 9; Rachel will be performing at Squashed Grapes on Saturday, June 18.

And speaking of locally produced documentaries, I caught Rain Perry’s new film, “The Shopkeeper”; it’s an amazing piece of work which gives a better understanding of the struggles musicians face. It’s evolves around the life of music producer Mark Hallman, but covers the more important aspect of the evolving music industry and asks the question, “Everybody can make a record, but nobody can make a living. Is there a problem with that?” The film is an excellent platform for starting that dialogue not only with musicians, but with music lovers and our responsibility when it comes to supporting artists. The film will be available eventually on iTunes and Hulu. You can find a Q&A with Rain Perry at VenturaRocks.com.

And finally, by the time we go to press the next episode of Ventura Rocks at CAPS Media featuring Shaky Feelin’ should be up and available on the Ventura Rocks and CAPS Media You Tube channels. The band was super fun to work with and I think an excellent representation of what Ventura’s music scene is all about.

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 – 8/20 – 9/2

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Ventura Music Just Keeps Rockin’
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jake OwenWho else was a little sad to see the fair close this year?  High on my list of favorite shows at the fair were Deep Purple, Beach Boys, Seether and I absolutely loved the Barenaked Ladies; but I admit, I was quite smitten by Jake Owen who packed in the arena with his brand of new Country.  Very well done Fair!

We said goodbye to Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats as they did their farewell show for Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe.  Hershey was on fire and the boys in the band -better known as The Heartbeats – kicked it up a notched entertaining the crowd and going out in style.  Thanks for the memories guys!

Sometimes you just never know how cool it is (and a privilege I might add) to see someone play until you ask, “Who are these guys?”  Well I’m glad I did as the second act warmed up Friday, August 8, as a part of the Ones to Watch series at Bombay Bar and Grill.  I asked Steve Hoganson (Zoey’s) who the guitar player was and he told me Doug Pettibone plays guitar for John Mayor.  Cool, right?  But then he went on to inform me that his bass player, Taras Prodaniuk plays with Dwight Yoakam and drummer Toss Panos with Robben Ford.  What an amazing set these guys did too.

Alrighty then, let’s take a look at what’s coming up that you won’t want to miss.  August 23 and 24 is the 5th annual Spencer Makenzie’s End of Summer Block Party.  Once again shutting down the city block outside Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company, the event features two stages of music from the likes of Aaron Orbit, Derek Jennings, TresCoustics, Rey Fresco, Shaky Feelin’, Ventura Social Club, Resination and  The Ska Daddyz.  There will be tons of music both days along with their famous Throw Down (corn hole) tournament for some nice prize money.

And then for three days over Labor Day Weekend, August 29 through August 31, it’s Bombay’s 30th annual Beach Party where they bring the beach to the bar creating one heck of a party, with over 25 bands and 6 DJs featuring all genres of music.  With three stages of music (inside and out), the party will feature appearances from 8Stops7, The Rubberneck Lions, Bloody Mary Morning, New Liberty, Mandex, Raging Arb and the Redheads, Rey Fresco and tons more.

And then finally, Rachel Flowers will be giving a free concert at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Sunday, August 24, as a part of the ongoing documentary being produced by local filmmakers.  Flowers is an amazing talent who has been blind since birth and playing music since the age of four. Take the family and be a part of this incredible event. Concert starts at 6:30 pm.

Do 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: July 2014

Ventura County Fair – July 31, 2014
The Beach Boys w/ John Stamos
The Beach Boys


Amigo’s – July 27, 2014
Dave Gleason
Dave Gleason


W20 at the Watermark – July 27, 2014
Shawn Jones with Mario Calire and Jaymes Edward Felix
Shawn Jones Shawn Jones


Squashed Grapes – July 26, 2014
Casey Abrams – with Zach Lodmer, Jacob Scesney, Adam Clark, and guest appearance by Karl Hunter.
Casey Abrams


Olivas Adobe, “Music Under the Stars” – July 26, 2014
Spencer the Gardener
Spencer the Gardener


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 25, 2014
Brothers Gow
Brothers Gow


The Wine Rack – July 25, 2014
Cakewalk Trio
Cakewalk Trio


Grapes and Hops – July 25, 2014
Funkaphonics
Funkaphonics


Saloon BBQ – July 25, 2014
The Deer Leg Band with Jonathan McEuen sitting in.
The Deer Leg Band


The Star Lounge – July 25, 2014
CRV
CRV


Panchos – July 25, 2014
Big Adventure
Big Adventure


Museum of Ventura County – July 25, 2014
Sin Chonies – Screening of “The Big Lebowski”
Sin Chonies


Squashed Grapes – July 23, 2014
Nate Birkey, with Tom Buckner on Sax, Peter Buck on drums, Jim Connolly on bass and Rachel Flowers on piano.
Nate Burkey group


Peirano’s – July 22, 2014
Estrada Brothers
Estrada Brothers


Yolie’s – July 18, 2014
Jerry’s 50th Birthday Party Bash:
Albert Lee, Brent Harding, Jerry McWorter, Jimmy Calire
Jerry's Birthday Bash


Discovery – July 18, 2014
Standard Deviance
Standard DevianceStandard DevianceSquashed Grapes – July 18, 2014
L.J. and the Boyz
LJ and the Boyz


Squashed Grapes – July 15, 2014
XD-7


Surf Rodeo – July 12 – 13, 2014
Pato Banton, Cisco Adler, Suburban Legends, Jukebox Mutiny, Sweet N Low, more…


Squashed Grapes – July 11, 2014
Rachel Flowers
Rachel FlowersRachel Flowers


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 5, 2014
Mandex


Saloon BBQ Co. – July 4, 2014
Alan Peterson
Alan Peterson


Grapes and Hops – July 4, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Beach House Tacos – July 4, 2014
Raging Arb and the Redheads
Raging Arb and the Redheads


Squashed Grapes – July 1, 2014
Jazz Jam #1
Jazz Jam #1

Ventura Music Scene is Alive!

Randy Tick, Adam Clark, Rachel Flowers, Hans Ottsen

Randy Tick, Adam Clark, Rachel Flowers, Hans Ottsen

This past week alone reminds me yet again of how much I love this music scene here in Ventura.

Thursday night I cruised over to Squashed Grapes for what I knew would be outstanding jazz. I love that I can just show up, order a great Italian sandwich and Josh and Adam will make sure I’m taken care of. They told me a little about their crop about to be harvested and how they’d be doing it with some help from friends after hours – all night – Friday night.  Crazy!

In any case, as you probably already know, the jazz scene in Ventura is notorious for changing of members and adding new faces so you never know what you’ll get.  But with certain musicians, you just know you’re in for some solid jazz; and so it is with Hans Ottsen and Adam Clark. The Facebook invite named the band Tico Trio with Randy Tico who plays a standup bass, Ottsen & Clark. It also stated that they’d be playing Tico, Hermto, Airto, Miles, and Pink Floyd.

The night was amazing as they had the extremely talented Rachel Flowers join on several songs playing the flute. Flowers, blind since she was a baby, fit in like a glove and the crowd was thoroughly enthralled. Her smile was contagious and her skills amazing.

The trio played as if they’d been playing together for years.  They were tight, in the zone and incredibly hot; but you know, you get that with this caliber of musicianship. And yes, the Floyd was worth the wait.

Spencer with Nate and Cougar

Spencer with Nate and Cougar

Friday night was all about Spencer the Gardener.  I was given a head’s up a few weeks ago that Nate Birkey would be sitting in with the band.  That just did not compute! The Nate Birkey Quintet out of New York City playing with our beloved Spencer and all his quirkiness? (Turns out he was an original member way back when…)  OH MY GOD!!!  What a night.  AND THEN, Cougar Estrada on drums???  The combination of Nate and Cougar had Amigos hopping well into the night and seeing such world-class musicians tearing up in our local Amigos on Main Street, well, like I always say, Ventura ROCKS!

Saturday night Shawn Jones has a gig at Yolies, and Zoey’s has Omar Velasco & Shane Alexander who will be sharing the stage with special guests Neal Casal & Jesse Siebenberg. But then there’s Big Tweed at The Tavern, Porterhouse Bob at Olivas Adobe, D.on Darox & the Melody Joy Bakers at Bombays…Geez!

Here’s a YouTube video of Tico Trio with Randy Tico (bass), Adam Clark (drums), Rachel Flowers (flute) and Hans Ottsen (guitar).