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 – 6/25 – 7/8

Discovery JamVentura Breeze logoVentura Music Scene
It’s Really Warming Up!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

We wrapped up Ventura Music Week Sunday, June 15, with a bang at Discovery Ventura. The talent on that stage blew everyone away! You knew the guitar work would be hot with Tommy Marsh kick starting the evening with Erik Lemaire joining in. Then a slight changing of the guard as Alastair Greene, Mark Masson and Guy Martin did a jam no one would soon forget. Over 100 bands, 40 venues, 10 days and 1 city. Can I get an “Amen”?

What a way to officially kick off summer with the WARPED Tour and a surprise last minute announcement that Linkin Park would be on the bill. The band got to try out new material as they gear up for their official tour kicking off in August. Here at home, we’re looking forward to all the local events that are lined up. First and foremost on our radar is Surf Rodeo taking place between the ocean and Pierpont Blvd along Seaward and on the sand. The street will have vendors and tons of food, the sand will have beer gardens, two stages of music and surf competitions going both days, July 12 and 13. The music lineup is massive, just some of the acts you can catch are Pato Banton, Suburban Legends, Raging Arb and the Redheads, SkaDaddyz, Shaky Feelin’, Jukebox Mutiny, Medicine Hat and a lot more. Get tickets and the lowdown at www.SurfRodeo.org.

Music Under the Stars held each year at the historic Olivas Adobe has a killer lineup as the producers mixed it up a bit. Some of the acts coming through include Queen Nation, Spencer the Gardener, Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats, Rob Rio & the Revolvers, and more. Get the dates and ticket links at VenturaRocks.com.

The Ventura Fairground’s music lineup has piqued our interest with The Beach Boys, The Spinners, Deep Purple, Seether, Creedence Clearwater Revisted, and more scheduled during the running of the Fair. And yes, we did say, DEEP PURPLE. Shows are free with paid admission to the fair. Dates can be found at VenturaRocks.com.

And finally, Spencer Makenzie’s 5th annual End of Summer Block Party will be held August 23rd and 24th. Yeah, we know Summer just started, but you should know the dates so you don’t schedule your vacation over this weekend! Two days of live music includes acoustic sets from Owen Bucey, Evan Sula Goff, Zeke Berkely, Aaron Orbit, Bloody Mary Morning and more; and then the main stage will feature Rey Fresco, After the Smoke, Shaky Feelin’, Stoneflys, Ventura Social Club and more! And just so you know, their popular Thrown Down competition (cornhole/bean bag tournament) offers a $3,000 first prize.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.