Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/7 – 11/20

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

I am sorry to report that Hi Hat Entertainment has decided to close their “figurative” doors once the Hong Kong Inn closes their literal doors at the end of November. As a supporter of the music scene, I do my best to report what’s good and what’s right about our music community, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give a hearty shout out and thanks to Jerry and Jan McWorter who have brought us amazing Blues shows to Ventura the past ten years. I was hoping they would continue after finding another home base, but after some soul searching they have decided to pull the plug. Meanwhile, the shows will continue for a few more Friday nights with Morry Sochat featuring Mondo Cortez on November 9, Shari Puorto Band on November 16, and a huge blow out farewell show on November 23 with Deke Dickerson & the Eccofonics, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps as well as Hot Roux featuring two-time Grammy award winner, Albert Lee.

Ones to Watch Productions have been busy bringing a number of shows to the area, the next one will feature Chris Pierce and The Brambles in an intimate setting at the Ojai Underground on Friday, November 9.

Just a word of warning about December 1 as there are several events planned on the same day. Let’s start with Totally Local VC’s One-Year Thomas Fire Remembrance concert at the Libbey Bowl with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; then there’s the 4 Kids 2 Kids’ 18th annual toy drive and concert at the Ventura Beach Club with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers; and finally “the social event of the year” with the holiday street fair and Ventura Winter Wine Walk downtown Ventura. All three events promise to be a good time, so choose wisely!

Quick Notes: Joe Vandenberg, singer/songwriter, will be at Namba on Friday, November 9; The Ventura Theater has Andy Grammer on Friday, November 9, The Selector on Saturday, November 10 and SuicideGirls on Saturday, November 17; The Freedom Ledges with their unique brand of dirty Blues and Rock & Roll will be at Oak and Main on Saturday, November 10; Noble Grizwald return to Saloon BBQ on Saturday, November 10; Allvaret from Sweden play The Garage on Saturday, November 17; Yachtley Crew cruise into Discovery on Saturday, November 17; and Broadway star, Lesli Margherita, plays the Rubicon Theater for two days in a brand new concert, “This Broad’s Way” on November 17 and 18th.

And finally, my condolences going out to family, friends and musicians who are grieving the loss of George Hawkins, Jr. who passed away after a lengthy illness on October 26, 2018. He touched many a soul, was a musician’s musician and a good friend to so many.

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 2/28-3/13

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

Our community’s heartfelt thanks go out to the Ventura Music Festival for the exceptional talent they brought for the Concert for Ventura on Sunday, February 25 at Mission Park. The free family-friendly concert featured Tom Scott and the LA Express, John Ferguson and friends as well as the VC Singers and VMF Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta. Both Scott and Ferguson call Ventura home so it was extra special having them perform. The special event was designed to help give thanks to first responders, to solace those who have lost and to celebrate our community through the healing power of music.

JD has announced the dates for this year’s Surf Rodeo and tickets are on sale now at www.SurfRodeo.org. The music line-up is yet to be announced, but know this, the earlier you purchase your tickets, the more you save. The music and surf festival will fall over the weekend of July 14th and 15th at Pierpont Beach at the end of Seaward. Sponsorships, and vendors are lining up as we speak, if you’re interested just go to their website.

I’m sorry to report that we have lost local icon, John Robert Mosby, who passed away on February 19th. Johnny, along with his wife, Jonie, performed as Mr. and Mrs. Country Music recording over a dozen albums, charting seventeen times on the country charts and won two Academy of Country Music awards in the sixties. He was also a life time member of this Academy and served a president for two years in the early 80’s. Though the two loved to tour they decided to buy a club to play in while at home which luckily for Ventura was the Ban-Dar which would continue to be our local Honky-Tonk where the likes of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard or Johnny Cash would drop in for a spell. Johnny owned and operated the Ban-Dar for over 42 years. There will be a special celebration of his life at the Ventura Beach Club on March 11 with a jam for any musicians who would like to pay tribute.

Quick notes: Dylan Garcia has signed a management deal with Romulo Canizales and he’s gearing up to work with Grammy, Oscar nominated, multi-platinum, Diamond Certified Record Producer Ronnie King for his next single; Wrecking Crew member, Don Randi returns to Squashed Grapes for a CD release party on Saturday, March 3 and then he’ll be performing with Shari Puorto for a Hi Hat Entertainment show at the Hong Kong Inn on Friday, March 16; Tickets are on sale for shows at the Ventura Theater for Flogging Molly on March 19, Ministry on March 23 and the Descendants for May 3; Tickets are on sale for shows at Discovery for Donavon Frankenreiter on March 16 and Ozomatli on March 31; and finally, Winchesters Grill will start offering live music on the weekends starting March 2nd with Dan Grimm.

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 9/13 – 9/26

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

The California Beer Festival with three days of events highlighting and celebrating that delightful beverage, the beer, is back! First, there’s the popular “Food and Pairing” event held up at City Hall on Friday, the 15th where local chefs pair with local breweries topped off with live music by Victor Vega and The Bomb. Then on Saturday, the 16th, it’s the Craft Beer Heaven at Plaza Park with live music from Adelaide, Yachtley Crew and DJ Cue. And finally, the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival takes place Sunday in the same location featuring the young guns of Country with Michael Ray, Chris Lane, Russell Dickerson and Highway Starr. Find out more about parking, times, and tickets at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com.

The 24th annual Bowlful of Blues returns to Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 16. There are both VIP and general admission tickets available for this one which features Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Morganfield Burnett & Da Blues, The Gypsy Blues Band, Raw Silk and Cody LePow. Check out BowlfulOfBlues.org for ticket and information.

A number of local musicians will be performing The Beatles’ Rubber Soul in its entirety at Poseidon Brewery on Saturday, September 16. Who could possibly pull this off? That would be Zeke Berkley, Austin Knecht, Owen Bucey, Steve Ming and Brian Bingelson.

If you love rap, then don’t miss the “Over Worked & Under Paid Tour” with Lil Wyte (Three 6 Mafia), Los Ghost, White gold and Denim White. The US tour will make a stop in Ventura at The Garage on Saturday, September 23.

There are a number of benefits for specific causes that you’re invited to help support. Let’s start with the fundraiser for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer foundation at Buena High School with a concert from Paperback Writer, a Beatles tribute band, on Saturday, September 16. Tickets are $25 at the door. Grapes and Hops is hosting a fundraiser for Project Understanding on Sunday afternoon the 17th, 1-5 pm, with the Salty Suites, the Angry Brians and Vox Box Six. There’s a fundraiser for Ventura High’s water polo team at Discovery on Sunday, September 17 with Nucklehead, tickets are $12 the day of the show. And you won’t want to miss the 3rd annual Taste of Local at Olivas Adobe on Sunday, September 24, which offers music from Bryan C Titus and the Dan Grimm Band, proceeds benefit the Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation.

Quick Notes: The September Swing Big Band Dance with Ventura Jazz Orchestra will be on Friday, September 22, at Poinsettia Pavilion. Ventura Theater has Jimmy Eat World and Man with a Mission on Thursday, September 21; and Gov’t Mule on Saturday 9/23. Four Brix has Sista Blues with Deb Ryder, Shari Puorto and Kelly Zirbes on Saturday, 9/23. Rock on the Dock continues every Saturday (3-6 pm) in September with Freedom of Expression (reggae) on the 16th and Live Wire (rock party favorites) on the 23rd.

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 2017

Discovery – September 29, 2017
Boyd Tinsley w/ Crystal Garden
Discovery – September 29, 2017
Joshua Lodge


Four Brix Winery – September 23, 2017
3 Sista Blues: Shari Puorto, Deb Ryder & Kelly Z


Boots & Brews Country Music Festival – September 16, 2017
Michael Ray


Boots & Brews Country Music Festival – September 16, 2017
Chris Lane


Bombay Bar & Grill 33rd Annual Beach Party – September 1, 2017
Brothers Fortune


Beach House Tacos – September 2, 2017
Bryan Titus Trio


Bombay Bar & Grill 33rd Annual Beach Party – September 1, 2017
Mandex (Photo Credit: Cliff Montgomery)


Grapes and Hops – September 1, 2017
Alice Wallace


The Hong Kong Inn – September 1, 2017
Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 8/17 – 8/30

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
“Idols, Icons and more…”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Karen Eden with Olivia Newton-John at W20 at the Watermark, Thursday, August 4, 2016.

Karen Eden with Olivia Newton-John at W20 at the Watermark, Thursday, August 4, 2016.

With the Ventura County Fair behind us leaving us with many cool memories of so many amazing concerts, I would be remissed if I didn’t share one slightly monumental event that took place on Tuesday afternoon. One of our musical treasures we claim as our own is Jimmy Calire who you can find playing here in town with several different bands. I once wrote about stories Calire shared with me when his band Raven played in New York City and Jimi Hendrix would join in on the jam and I even once read that Janis Joplin tried to hire him at one point. Calire also toured with America in the seventies, so it was really cool when America played at the fair and invited Jimmy to join them for their final song, their most iconic tune, “Horse with No Name”. I had to ask Jimmy about it and he modestly told me, “Joining them on the song was great, but just catching up backstage was even better.”

Another anecdotal story I must share with you involves another local artist whom you can find singing her Aussie heart out most weeks here in town, of course I’m speaking of Karen Eden. Mark Hartley of the Watermark specifically had Eden booked for Thursday, August 4, in order to surprise her with one of Eden’s idols. Karen told me, “I was half way through a song when Hartley gave me a mischievous look and out from behind him stepped none other than Olivia Newton-John!” Karen of course immediately recognized her and smiled a huge grin. She told me, “I can’t believe I kept singing!” After the song Karen went up to Olivia and gave her a big hug. Karen got to tell her how she grew up listening to, learning from and loving her. Karen confessed, “She was so lovely; it was a treat of a lifetime for me.” It also turned out that Karen’s guitarist that evening, Cary Park, had played on one of Olivia’s albums back in the 90s. What a night!

And just so you know Mark Hartley, Dave Grohl is my favorite idol. Just sayin’.

Music Under the Stars continues Saturday nights throughout the summer at the historic Olivas Adobe with music from the Shari Puorto Band (Rock ‘n’ Blues) on August 20 and Savor (Santana tribute band) on August 27 which is already sold out.

And finally Spencer Makenzie’s Cornhole Tournament has been growing exponentially gaining recognition as the West Coast’s biggest cornhole/bean bag tournament and though their main focus is the contest, they’re also continuing their End of Summer party with a free concert Saturday, August 27, featuring Mandex. Show starts at 6 with Andre, then Brothers Fortune and the headliners at 8.
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.