Ventura Music Photos June 2023

Nabu Winery – June 25, 2023
The Popravinasphoto of Popravinas

Majestic Ventura Theater – June 14, 2023
Elvis Costello and the Imposters
photo of Elvis Costello in concert

The Twist on Main – June 11, 2023
Shawn Jones w/ Sam Bollephoto of Shawn Jones and Same Bolle

Ojai Valley Brewery – June 9, 2023
TD Lind & the Aviators photo TD Lind and the Aviators

Namba Arts Studios – June 3, 2023
Michael Henszey EP Release “Fly Away” show
Photo Michael Henszey Photo Michael Henszey

Salzer’s Records – June 3, 2023
Hozier Meet & Greet
photo of Hozier greeting fans

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/18 – 1/31

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Second Hand Blues and more…
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Second Hand Blues Band
photo credit: Amanda Peacock

I’ve known Ashford Gordon and his music since back in the day when I was a DJ at KXBS radio here in Ventura in the 90’s, so I’ve been looking forward to his latest project the Second Hand Blues Band to make their debut and to release their self-titled CD this month.  I received an advance copy, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. They’ll be holding a CD release party at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, January 28 where the band will perform with Jade Hendrix on hand to warm up the room.

The Santa Barbara-based reggae-influenced alternative rock band, Iration, returns to the Ventura Theater on January 19 in support of their all acoustic album, Double Up. They’re calling it their “Lost & Found Winter Tour.”

50 Sticks of Dynamite are super jazzed to once again open for The Young Dubliners, this time at Discovery Ventura, on Friday, January 20.

After an earlier Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar workshop, there will be a special intimate evening performance with guitar masters Ken Emerson and Jim Kimo West at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on January 21.  If you’re not familiar with slack key guitars, the instrument is one where you can play bass, chords and melody all at once.  “It’s the most interesting acoustic guitar music in the world,” according to West.

The 11th annual Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition will be held on Sunday, January 22 from 2-3:30 pm at the Pierpont Inn and it’s free to the public.  The Students selected to perform for the judges and audience will be backed up by Bevan Manson on Piano, Tom Etchart on bass and Charles Levin on drums.  Besides cash prizes, the winners will receive numerous opportunities to perform for the public throughout the year, including February 21st when the Ventura Music Festival announces the 2017 July Festival program at Ventura City Hall. Student Jazz winners will also perform during the Rising Stars Concert in May.

Watch for the return of Bullet Made Statues with all original members at Bombay’s on Sunday afternoon, January 29 featuring Wes Pagano (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Paul FitzGerald (bass), Mike Georgia (lead guitar), Tristan Hendy (keyboards), Rich Agren (drums), and Rene Ponce (percussion and backup vocals). Fitzgerald will be visiting from Spain, and Georgia will be coming down from San Francisco to make this happen. I understand other acts will be on the bill as well.

And finally, after winning the Southern California Blues Society Battle of the Blues Bands in November, The Shawn Jones Trio (Jones, Sam Bolle and Mario Calire) will head to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis which runs January 31 through February 4th. Our hearts are with you boys; good luck!

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 Photos: April 2016

The Garage – April 24, 2016
The Rouse – SPRP (Sunday Punk Rock Party 1st anniversary)
The Rouse

The Lower Echelon
0424_SPRP_TheLowerEchelon


Squashed Grapes – April 16, 2016
D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers
0416_SG_D.onDarox


Grapes and Hops – April 9, 2016
Shawn Jones with Mario Calire & Sam Bolle
0409_GrapesHops_ShawnJones


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 6, 2016
Tommy Marsh with Dennis Jones
0406_TommyMarsh2Tommy Marsh, Shawn Jones and Dennis Jones
0406_TommyMarsh_Jones-Jones

 

Ventura Music Photos: January 2016

O’Leary’s – January 9, 2016
O’Leary’s East End Blues Band
O'Learys


Squashed Grapes – January 9, 2016
TIZER – Lao Tizer (keyboards), Ric Fierabracci (bass) Gene Coye (drums not seen) and featuring Karen Biggs on violin
Tizer


W20 at the Watermark – January 3, 2016
Shawn Jones with Herman Matthews and Sam Bolle
0103_ShawnJones_002


Discovery – January 2, 2016
Ozomatli
Ozomatli


Discovery – January 2, 2016
Spencer the Gardener
Spencer the Gardener

Ventura Music Photos: February 2015

Squashed Grapes – February 18, 2015
Bruce Foreman with Marvin Smitty Smith on drums.
Bruce Forman


Peirano’s – February 18, 2015
Warren Takahashi – Representing!
Warren


Grapes & Hops – February 17, 2015 – Fat Tuesday
Hot Roux
Hot Roux


Peirano’s – February 17, 2015 – Fat Tuesday
Gil Valencia & Friends
Gil Valencia & Friends


Ventura Beach Club – February 17, 2015 – Fat Tuesday
Swing Cheese
Swing Cheese


Prime – February 17, 2015 – Fat Tuesday
Danny D (Sinatra impersonator)
Danny D


Squashed Grapes – February 13, 2015
Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey of TOOL
Danny Carey, Doug Webb


Bombay’s – February 13, 2015
The Velveteen Band
The Velveteen Band


Bombay’s – February 13, 2015
50 Sticks of Dynamite
50 Sticks of Dynamite


Discovery – February 7, 2015
Pinback
Pinback


Padrino’s – February 7, 2015
Lola Haag
Lola Haag


Grapes and Hops – February 6, 2015
Shawn Jones, Sam Bolle, Suzie Candell (Switzerland) and Grammy Winner Jeff Silbar (“Wind Beneath Your Wings”)
Shawn - Suzie - Sam - Jeff


Saloon BBQ – February 6, 2015
Big Tweed
Big Tweed

 


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 5, 2015
Robin Bacior (Portland, OR)
Robin Bacior

 

Erik Emanuelson of Grand Lake Islands (Portland, OR)
Erik Emanuelson
The Brave Kind (Ventura)
The Brave Kind


Majestic Ventura Theater – February 4, 2015
Willie Nelson and Family (Many thanks to Gary Best for photo!)
Willie Nelson


Amigos – February 3, 2015
Nathan McEuen (joined by brother Jonathan)

Nathan and Jonathan

Ventura Music Photos: November 2014

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


Bombay’s – November 26, 2014
Mandex!
Mandex


Amigos – November 26, 2014
Shaky Feelin’


WAV – November 23, 2014
Donna Lynn Caskey

Donna Lynn Caskey


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


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


Squashed Grapes – November 19, 2015
Barry Mosley

Barry Mosley Quartet


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


Cafe Fiore – November 15, 2014
Ricky Coz Band
Ricky Coz Band


Grapes and Hops – November 15, 2014
The Jazz Junkies
The Jazz Junkies


The Tavern – November 14, 2014
Private Island


Squashed Grapes – November 14, 2014
Ventura Jazz Collective
Ventura Jazz Collective


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


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


Sans Souci – November 12, 2014
The Miskreants
Miskreants


The Ventura Theater – November 12, 2014
The Misfits
The Misfits


The Winchester Rebels
Winchester Rebels


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

Teresa James
Teresa JamesSteve “Smokey” Hinojosa
Smokey


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


Grapes and Hops – November 2, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


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


Squashed Grapes – November 1, 2014
Paul McCallum and Friends
Paul McCallem

Ventura Music Photos: June 2014

Amigos – June 29, 2014
Medicine Hat & Matt Armor
Medicine HatMatt Armor


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 28, 2014
Derek Jennings, Shane Alexander & Alicia Murphy


W20 – June 22, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Ventura Fairgrounds, Vans Warped Tour – June 22, 2014
Linkin Park with Jeremy of the Devil Wears Prada
Linkin Park


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 21, 2014
Rey Fresco
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)

50/50 Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 20, 2014
8Stops7
8Stops7

Bloody Mary Morning
Bloody Mary MorningBloody Mary Morning



VENTURA MUSIC WEEK PHOTO GALLERY

Miscellaneous Shots

Discovery Ventura – June 15, 2014
Ventura Music Week Wrap Party
VMW Wrap Party


Winchesters Grill and Saloon – June 15, 2014
The Catterwailers
The Catterwailers


Saloon BBQ Co. – June 15, 2014
Ted Waterhouse
Ted Waterhouse


The Star Lounge – June 15, 2014
Robert Thomas Band
Robert Thomas Band


Ventura Harbor Carousel Stage – June 15, 2014
DejaBlu
DejaBlu


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 14, 2014
Mandex   Mandex

SolTree on back stage

Soltree


Sans Souci, June 14, 2014
Iron Outlaws


The Hong Kong Inn – June 14, 2014
The New Vibe
The New Vibe


W20 at the Watermark, June 14, 2014
Drunken Monkeys
Drunken Monkeys


Discovery Ventura, June 14, 2014
Jonny Two Bags
Jonny Two BagsThe Americans
The Americans


Billy O’s – June 14, 2014
Whiskey Stone
Whiskey Stone


Winchesters Grill and Saloon, June 14, 2014
Camp Franco
Camp Franco


Squashed Grapes – June 14, 2014
Barrelhouse Wailers
Barrelhouse Wailers


Four Brix – June 14, 2014
Kelly’s Lot
Kelly's Lot


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 14, 2014
Mitchell Blake
Mitchell Blake


Amigos, June 13, 2014
Spencer the Gardener


Grapes & Hops – June 13, 2014
Otis Hayes III
Otis Hayes III


Yolies, June 13, 2014
Alastair Greene Band – CD Release Party
Alastair Greene


W20 at the Watermark, June 13, 2014
Mini Driver
Mini Driver


Saloon BBQ Co. – June 13, 2014
Mighty Cash Cats
Mighty Cash Cats


Peirano’s – June 13, 2014
Tony Ybarra and Friends
Tony Ybarra


Keynote Lounge – June 13, 2014
Crosscut


Squashed Grapes – June 13, 2014
Fausto Cuevas
Fausto Cuevas


Bombay Bar & Grill, June 12, 2014
Musicians Brew with Coso, Brian Nicolet, Joe Baugh, Adam Clark & Josh Myers
Musicians Brew


Amigos, June 12, 2014
Gypsy Blues Band with special guest BB Chung King
Gypsy Blues Band


Rookees, June 12, 2014
Rubberneck Lions
0612_RNL_001


Golden China Restaurant, June 12, 2014
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio: Swing Night
Carl Sonny Leyland


Saloon BBQ Co., June 12, 2014
Mark Sellers
Mark Sellers


Pulse Drumming Drum Clinic at Squashed Grapes, June 12, 2014
Brad Dutz & Nick Mancini
Drum Clinic Q&A


Squashed Grapes, June 11, 2014
Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny

Rufus Philpot, Karl Hunter, Aaron McLendon, Andy Langham & Hans Ottsen.

Rufus Philpot, Karl Hunter, Aaron McLendon, Andy Langham & Hans Ottsen.


Discovery Ventura, June 11, 2014
Dylan Schmidt and the Rhythm Souls
Dylan Schmidt


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”
Dean and Stanley


Amigos, June 9, 2014
Joey Billingiere blues jam with special guest Tommy Marsh
Joey and Tommy


Century Theater 10 Downtown – June 9, 2014
20 Feet From Stardom Screening


Amigos – June 9, 2014
Karen Eden, Bill Macpherson & Doug Johnson
Karen Bill and DougKaren Eden


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
Jen Staves


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 8, 2014
The Space Band
The Space Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Los Dudes
0607_LosDudes


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Deer Leg
Deer Leg


W Gallery – June 7, 2014
The Global Guitar Greats Tour:  Shawn Jones, Stephen Inglis, Thomas Leeb
Global Guitar Greats


Museum of Ventura County – June 7, 2014
SRO Benefit – Highway Starr
Highway Starr


Pulse Drumming – June 7, 2014
Bongo Workshop with Fausto Cuevas


Grapes and Hops – June 6, 2014
Jade Hendrix
Jade Hendrix


W20 at the Watermark – June 6, 2014
The Legalizers
The Legalizers


The Patio at Players Casino – June 6, 2014
Teresa Russell
Teresa Russell


Yolies – June 6, 2014
Babylon Social Club
Babylon Social Club


The Wine Rack – June 6, 2014
Warren Takashaki and Friends
Warren Takashaki


Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant – June 6, 2014
The Latin Touch
The Latin Touch805 Bar and Grilled Cheese – June 6, 2014
Unkle Monkey
Unkle Monkey


Gone West Cellars – June 6, 2014
Dave Blanchard
Dave Blanchard


Discovery Ventura – June 6, 2014
Alligator Dave, Dave Grizzle
“First official act performing during Ventura Music Week!”
Alligator Dave

Ventura Music Photos: February 2014

Photos of Music in Ventura this month

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 28, 2014
Diana Boydstrum, Diego Gambino and Pam Baumgardner
Getting out, taking in music, hanging with good friends.  Ventura Rocks!Diana, Diego an Pam


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – February 27, 2014
Gypsy Blues Band with Morganfield Burnett
Gypsy Blues Band with Morganfield Burnett


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 26, 2014
Kevin Seconds (7 Seconds), Steve Soto (Adolescents, Agent Orange) and Russ Rankin (Good Riddance)


Paradise Pantry – February 26, 2014
Xoco Moraza and Todd Hannigan
Todd and Xoco


The Star Lounge – February 23, 2014
Mighty Cash Cats


The Star Lounge – February 23, 2013
Kyle Hunt
Kyle Hunt


Sans Souci – February 23, 2014
Jukebox Mutiny
Jukebox Mutiny


Amigo’s Surf Cantino – February 23, 2014
Jerry and the Big Beats
Jerry and the Big Beats


The Patio at Player’s Casino – February 22, 2014
Kelly’s Lot – Fundraiser for CARLVC.org


Squashed Grapes – February 22, 2014
Paul McCallum & Friends

Squashed Grapes


Yolies – February 21, 2014
Rick Holmstrum Band
Rick Holmstrum Band


Squashed Grapes – February 20, 2014
Buckner, Flowers, Genova & Christie


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 16, 2014
The Bomb
The Bomb


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – February 16, 2014
Tommy and Paddy Marsh w/ Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com
Paddy - Pam - Tommy


Ventura High School Auditorium – February 15, 2014
Ventura Music Festival:  Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Band
Eddie Palmieri


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 15, 2014
Doubt Aplomb, Rubberneck Lions, Mandex


Cafe Fiore – February 13, 2014
Christopher Hawley
Christopher Hawley


W20 at the Watermark – February 13, 2014
Ventura Social Club with Lenny Castro
Ventura Social Club w Lenny Castro


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 9, 2014
RB BombersRB Bombers


EP Foster Library – February 9, 2014
Toni Jannotta Jazz quartet
Toni Jannotta


Surf Brewery – February 8, 2014
The Hard Times Band
Hard Times Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – February 7, 2014
Owen Bucey
Owen BuceyAaron Orbit
Aaron Orbit


Peirano’s – Friday, February 7, 2014
Shawn Jones with Sam Bolle


El Rey Cantina – Friday, February 7, 2014
Xoco Moraza & Friends


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, February 6, 2014
Gypsy Blues Band
The Gypsy Blues Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Mikey Mo with Tommy Marsh


Squashed Grapes – Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The Jazz Report


Green Art People – Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Aloha Radio


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Catfish Fry and Doug Johnson blues swing jam & open mic featuring
Brittney BurchettJoe Billingiere


Billy O’s – Monday, February 3, 2014
8Stops7
1795658_583630848394930_1628919344_n

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