Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/10 – 5/23

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Local Music and More!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ready for a beer festival with a surf twist? Then you’ll want to check out Surf ‘N’ Suds on Saturday, May 20, at San Buenaventura State Beach (901 San Pedro Street entrance). They’ll have over 50 breweries represented and of course live music to entertain while sipping on your suds; this year it’s Synrgy, Crosscut 805 Band and DJ Hecktik. There will be a free bicycle valet, you can catch the free Ventura Trolley, or check out the other shuttles available to get to the beach. For ticket and more general information go to SurfBeerfest.com.

The Rubicon Theater is hosting “Music for Changing Times” a weeklong festival bringing together three generations of activist artists in a series of events celebrating music. It runs May 8-13 which includes performances from Grammy winners Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary). Go to RuiconTheatre.org for more information.

This year’s “Rising Stars” concert from the Ventura Music Festival will be held on Friday, May 12, at the First United Methodist Church (1338 E. Santa Clara) and it’s free to the public. Expect an outstanding mix of young choral, classical and jazz performers including the Ventura College Chamber Singers and the 2017 Student Jazz Competition winner Angelo Velasquez with his trio.

Alastair Greene has announced that he has left the Alan Parsons Live Project after seven years touring with the band. He said he’s had the opportunity to see much of the world because of his guitar and a generous man named Alan Parsons. He’ll be focusing on his solo career and other musical adventures.

Local artist, Kyle, who has been certified platinum for his song “iSpy” had a concert Saturday, April 29 at the Ventura Theater. It was great to see so many kids lined up around the block to support their local friend. You’d expect that kind of turn out from his hometown, but he’s sold out shows in Salt Lake City, Detroit and Chicago. Way to go Super Duper Kyle!

It’s finally been revealed that Los Lobos will be headlining this year’s Roadshow Revival. Don’t forget its new location is at Discovery Ventura and will be held on Saturday, July 1. Other bands on the bill include Raging Arb and the Redheads, The Walking Phoenixes, The Rockin’ Rebels, Phantom Pomps, Hard Six, and more. Get the lowdown at RoadshowRevival.com.

Quick notes: Cask Alehouse (5952 Telegraph Rd) is featuring Adam Tunney with jazz, standards and lounge tunes every Monday; Medicine Hat can be found at Cork (1930 E. Main St) Fridays 5/12 and 5/19; September Begins CD release party is Saturday, May 20, at Bombay’s; Black Dragon will open for Foghat at the Canyon Club on May 26;

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 Music Festival 20th Anniversary Season

“Festivo!”
Concludes with nine concerts from May 2 to May 10, 2014

Ventura Rocks attended a press conference for the Ventura Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Season on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at the Ventura County Museum.  Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta, described each of the performances scheduled with video to highlight the amazing artists coming to our City.  Clearly the Ventura Music Festival’s season is one not to miss!

Ticket prices vary.  Go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org for more information, but mention VenturaRocks.com and you will receive 20% off your ticket for any show this season!

Eddie PalmieriEddie Palmieri
Latin Jazz Band
Saturday, February 15, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Winner of ten Grammy awards and the 2013 National Endowment for the Arts’ Jazz Master award (the highest honor bestowed by the United States).

Igudesman & Joo_500Igudesman and Joo:
A Little Nightmare Music
Friday, May 2, 8 PM
Community Presbyterian Church
1555 Poli Street

Enjoy the next generation of comedic classical musicians with Aleksey Igudesman, violin, and Hyung-Ki Joo, piano. A great introduction for your friends who think that classical music can’t be fun!

Lynn HarrellLynn Harrell
Saturday, May 3, 8 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

The dean of American cellists, Lynn Harrell plays Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert with pianist Victor Asuncion.

 


Judy CollinsAn Evening with Judy Collins

Sunday, May 4, 7 PM
Ventura High School Theatre
2 Catalina Street

Be sure to buy your tickets early for an evening with this legendary, Grammy award-winning singer/guitarist, with pianist Russell Walden.

Cantus
Cantus
Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

This nine-member a cappella ensemble is hailed as the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the U.S. They will take you on a singing tour across the ages from medieval to modern and from folk songs to Bernstein!

Rising Stars
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara Street

David Fraley, piano; Matthew Chen, cello; and Cameron Daly, violin, play the Ravel Piano Trio. Prianist David Gatchel performs the thrilling Cotton Mill Blues by American composer Frederick Rzewski.

Stanislav KhristenkoStanislav Khristenko
Friday, May 9, 8 PM
Ventura Missionary Church
500 High Point Drive

The 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, Mr. Khristenko will perform a wide ranging program, including the Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 2 with special guests.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Saturday, May 10, 8 PM
Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street

Preservation Hall Jazz Band brings their joyous brand of Dixieland to the Ventura Music Festival for the finale of the 20th season.