Ventura Music Photos – July 2019

Winchesters – July 20, 2019
The Swillys with special guests Taras Prodaniuk and Doug Pettibone


Surf Rodeo – July 14, 2019
Highway Starr – (photo credit: Cliff Montgomery)


Surf Rodeo – July 14, 2019
Stoneflys – (photo credit: Cliff Montgomery)


Surf Rodeo – July 14, 2019
Noble Grizwald


Surf Rodeo – July 14, 2019
Shaky Feelin’


Surf Rodeo – July 13, 2019
Raging Arb and the Redheads


Surf Rodeo – July 13, 2019
The Zeppheads

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/29 – 4/11

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

Scott Belsha, Joshua Moreau, Jon Bon Jovi, Natalie Gelman and Nathan McEuen taken February 28, 2017 at Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA. Photo credit: David Bergman.

There’s something to be said for when you open for Bon Jovi, and that something is “Holy Moly!!” Natalie Gelman and Nathan McEuen opened for Bon Jovi who is out promoting their latest album, “This House is Not for Sale.” Nathan also had the opportunity play one of his own songs, “Lately” to the sold-out crowd.

The Tossers, Britrock extravaganza, will be playing three nights in a row with two nights at the Vine in Ojai (March 31 and April 1) playing more of the soft underbelly side of the British music scene especially since they’ll have a piano available; then the following day they return for the first Sunday residency at Amigo’s in Ventura. Nigel Chisholm of the Vine and John Fincham bass player come from the same music scene in Birmingham, England.

A number of local bands have been invited to perform during the Skull & Roses Festival at the Ventura Fairgrounds including Shaky Feelin’, The Deal, Unkle Monkey, Rachel Sedacca’s Scarlet-Fire and 9 Mile Skid. Tickets and full music listings can be found at SkullAndRosesFestival.com. The three-day event runs April 7 through April 9.

LA based jazz singer/songwriter, Saundra Booker & Friends will be performing on Thursday, March 30 at Squashed Grapes. After battling kidney cancer, Booker founded the Jazz Musicians Against Cancer Fund and Foundation; all money raised this evening will go the JMAC fund. Also, coming up at the Grape: The Jay Smith Group on March 31; Brad Rabuchin (five years with Ray Charles) & Friends will be there on the 6th; and the Jimmy Calire Trio (Raven, America) on the 7th.

Quick notes: Brian Nicolet returned to Ventura after living abroad and performing with the Phly Boyz based out of Nice, France for the past three years; both Kings Revenge and Honey Owl are about to go back in the studio, Honey Owl’s next gig in Ventura will be at Bombay’s on April 1st; Four Brix has Fido playing 5:30 – 7:30 on Friday, March 31 for Teacher’s Appreciation Night; and Champagne on Main returns to Ventura with DJs and local artists like Joe Hamilton at the Visitor’s Center playing on Saturday, April 8.

And finally, on my radio show, “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM, be sure to tune in April 3rd when I play a cut from the Gentlemen’s Blues Club. Mick Tover of Dive Bar Messiahs was producer and founding member of GBC and he sent me a cover of “Whipping Post” featuring Alan “BB” Chung King Mirikitani on guitar. He told me that Dickie Betts was so impressed by the GBC’s version that he had his road manager contact them trying to recruit members to play with the Dickie Betts Band.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Or would you like to submit your music for possible inclusion on my radio show? 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 – 2/1 – 2/14

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Bringing on the Blues, Jazz and more…
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The line-up at Squashed Grape is getting hotter and hotter as we get further into 2017.  Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and friends return on Thursday February 2 with his band mPhaka; Bobby West (Wynton Marsalis, R.Kelly, Smokey Robinson) returns on Saturday, February 4; it will be a night of hot jazz with the international jazz manouche and Balkan music band Het Hat Club with Laura Lackey on vocals Wednesday, February 8; and Mike Garson (Bowie) and David Liebman (Miles Davis, Chic Corea) return on Thursday February 9.  If you were there the last time Garson played, then you too were blown away when Garson played “A Space Oddity” on the piano.

Discovery has several noteworthy shows lined up including Shaky Feelin’ on February 3; a Bowie tribute band, The Band that Feel to Earth on the 4th; several local musicians will be on hand to honor the late great reggae artist on Bob Marley day, February 9; the Hubcap Stealers will be there on the 10th; and finally, a Black Sabbath tribute band on Saturday, February 11. Go to the Discovery’s website for tickets and times as they vary.

As you probably know, there’s a wonderful Blues community supporting this genre of music and nobody does a better job at bringing notable Blues artists to town than Hi Hat Entertainment. You’ll want to mark down on your calendar that following dates: Friday, February 3, it’s James Intveld; February 10th, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps; Carl Sonny Leyland’s on Friday, February 17; Alastair Greene & Deanna Bogart on Friday, February 24; and a special show on Sunday, February 26 with Karen Lovely with Lisa Mann & Ben Rice. Get the lowdown at HiHatEntertainment.com. All Hat Hi shows are at the Hong Kong Inn where you’ll find one more concert to add to your calendar, RJ Mischo has a special blues party on Saturday, February 4 with Hashbrown, Fred Kaplan, Rick Reed and Johnny Morgan. All shows start at 8; covers vary.

Topa Topa Brewery launches their open mic night February 1 and thereafter on the first Wednesday of the month. Signups at 6 and it runs 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

The legendary David Nigel Lloyd is reuniting after 30 years with Jonathan Mako Sharkey for a special performance on Saturday, February 11. Nigel Lloyd, one of the pre-eminent Acid Folk performers in the world will hold a songwriting workshop at 6 pm, then he’ll join up with Sharkey (musician and Port Hueneme Councilman) for a concert at the Loft in Camarillo.

And finally, CAPS Media is launching a low-powered FM station here in Ventura and it’s schedule to launch in mid-February. I’ll be hosting a weekly hour-long program highlighting independent artists including local artists from the area, and artists who have played in town. I’ll let you know when we’re live and on air at 104.1 FM.

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: September 2016

Ventura Theater – September 25, 2016
Tech N9ne – photo credit: Josh Adams
Tech N9ne


Taste of Local at Olivas Adobe – September 25, 2016
Bryan Titus w/Jeff Kranzler
Bryan Titus with Jeff Kranzler


Amigo’s – September 24, 2016
Goodnight Kiss – photo credit: Iris Vest
Goodnight Kiss


Boots and Brews Fest – September 18, 2016
Joe Nichols
Joe Nichols


Squashed Grapes – September 10, 2016
Alvino Bennett and his Stellar Acquaintances
Alvino Bennett and his Stellar Acquaintances


Amigo’s – September 4, 2016
The Tossers
The Tossers


Ventura Harbor – Rock the Dock – September 3, 2016
CRV, Carmen & the Renegade Vigilantes – photo credit: Jon Reese
CRV

 


Bombay’s 32nd Annual Beach Party Weekend – September 2, 2016
Shaky Feelin’
Shaky Feelin'


W20 at the Watermark – September 2, 2016
Karen Eden Trio
– photo credit: Candance Marshall
Karen Eden Trio

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 6/22 – 7/5

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
“American Roots Alive in Ventura”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com160617Roadshow Revival is finally here the weekend of June 25 and 26 and will once again will be held at Mission Park downtown Ventura. I asked owner and found of RSR, Ross Emery, about the shift away from a tribute to the Man in Black and he told me, “The change to Roadshow Revival came about after much consideration and moving away from restrictions and monetary investments with the JR CASH estate (I was authorized to use the Johnny Cash Music Festival name on an annual basis).   The Emery Family decided to open up the branding to a celebration of American Roots Music; so we’re now celebrating and showcasing influential music in the 21 century!”

Some of the acts to look for at this year’s Roadshow Revival include John Doe, The Paladins, The Blasters, Robert Gordon, James Intveld, along with local favorites The Vonettes, Jackass, Hard 6 plus a dozen or so more bands. Along with top-notch rockabilly, outlaw country/American Roots music you can check out the awesome Kustom cars and bikes, a Pin-up girl pageant, tons of vendors and a kid’s corral. Get more information and tickets at RoadshowRevival.com.

The City’s 41st annual Fourth of July Street Fair continues this year starting with a Pushem Pullem parade followed by over 300 arts and crafts, vendors, food booths and music.  The City is expecting 30,000 residents and visitors this year. The music line up on several stages includes Rhythm 805, Tom & Milo, Raised on Vinyl, Bar B and the Ranch Hands, the Unusual Suspects, Caliente, and the Iron Mountain Boys. If you want to beat the parking the City will be offering a free bike corral on California Street at Santa Clara as well as free shuttle service from the County Government Center.

The Mighty Cash Cats are making their fourth trip to the Emerald Isle this Summer, as The Pullmen return for their umpteenth tour of France.

Ones to Watch Productions have added additional shows for their showcases at Grapes and Hops on Main Street, downtown Ventura.  You won’t want to miss the Doug Pettibone Band when they play there on Saturday, July 2. As you may know, Doug Pettibone has toured with Jewel, Tracy Chapman, Lucinda Williams, Marianne Faithful and more recently supporting John Mayer on lap steel and guitar.

Sunday Punk Rock Party for June will be held on Sunday, June 26 at Sans Souci with Conquer the Martians, Public Enema, Hymen Blasters and the Schadenfreuders out of Portland, Oregon.

And finally, congratulations to Mark Masson for tying the knot. Mark’s band, Shaky Feelin’ has been racking up the views on our Ventura Rocks YouTube channel.  The next band in the studio to be featured on Ventura Rocks at CAPS Media will be The NaVaNaX!

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: September 2015

Bombay’s – September 25, 2015
The Pullmen
The Pullmen


Ventura Beach Party & Marathon – September 13, 2015
Shaky Feelin’
Shaky Feelin'


Boatyard Cafe – September 11, 2015
The Hills of Malibu
The Hills of Malibu


Bombay’s 31st Annual Beach Party – September 4, 2015
Hy Brasil
Hy Brasil
The Rubberneck Lions
The Rubberneck Lions


Grapes and Hops – September 4, 2015
Nathan and Jonathan McEuen and Friends
McEuens


Discovery – September 4, 2015
decker.
decker.


Amigo’s – September 3, 2015
Gypsy Blues Band (Photo Credit: Candy Marshall)

Ventura Music Photos: April 2015

Green Art People – April 29
50 Sticks of Dynamite
50 Sticks


Megasound Studios – April 28
L.A.M.F.
LAMF


Discovery – April 22
Ryan Cabrera
Ryan Cabrera


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 19
Echo (Photo credit: Kurt Sodergren)
Echo


Amigos – April 19
The Kenny Walters Band (Photo credit:  Shelly Gfeller Walter)
Kenny Walters Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 18, 2015
Shaky Feelin’
Shaky Feelin'


Grapes and Hops – April 18, 2015
Global Guitar Greats (Shawn Jones, Thomas Leeb, Stephen Inglis)
Global Guitar Greats


The Wine Rack – April 18, 2015
The Swilly’s (Steve and Sally Williams)
The Swillys


Champagne on Main – April 18, 2015
Zeal Levin (Los Angeles)
Zeal Levin


Plan B Winery – April 12, 2015
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish
Jen Staves


Discovery – April 11, 2015
Hope and Justin
Hope and Justin


Squashed Grapes – April 11, 2015
Tizer (Raul Pineda – drums; Ric Fierabracci – bass; Lao Tizer – keyboards/piano)

Tizer


Bombay Bar and Grill – April 9, 2015
Spivey Spi
Spivey Spi


Amigos – April 5, 2015
Jonathan McEuen and the New Opry
Jonathan McEuen


Squashed Grapes – April 4, 2015
The Pulse Daddies (Hans Ottsen, Karl Hunter, Trey O’Toole, Dirk Shumaker)
The Pulse Daddies


Amigos – April 4, 2015
Jacle Bow (Belgium)
Jacle Bow

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 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