Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/17 – 7/30

Posted on July 17, 2019 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Ventura Music Festival’s annual free concert will be held once again at Mission Park with Incendio (high octane Latin guitar) on Thursday, July 18, show starts at 5:30 pm. The festival’s final performances will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center with Joey Alexander Trio on July 19; Ranky Tanky on July 20 and Rastrelli Cello quartet on July 21.

The Ventura Fair opens August 2; this is just a reminder, if you want to take in more than 4 concerts (which are included in the price of admission), you should consider getting a WOW pass before the fair opens which gets you entry everyday saving you beaucoup bucks. See full lineup and ticket information at VenturaCountyFair.org.

Just a head’s up, Spencer Makenzie’s Annual End of Summer Block Party falls over the weekend of August 23 – 25. Don’t miss their free concert which will fall on Saturday with Johnny and the Love Handles, Dave Rae and Mandex.

I am loving all the local punk bands supporting T.S.O.L. at the Ventura Theater on Friday, July 26; just a few of the bands include Stalag 13, Ill Repute, The Grim, and The Robot Uprising.

Tequila and Taco Music Festival returns to town over the weekend of July 20 and 21 at Plaza Park with Bruno and the Hooligans, a tribute to Bruno Mars, along with Instone, Sambada, Adelaide and Upstream. Find out more at TequilaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

Music Under the Stars series continues on Saturday nights at Olivas Adobe with Sound Effect (sold out) on July 20 and Rodeo Drive on July 27. Know this, all final shows for the rest of the summer are sold out.

Quick Notes: Munch at the Museum this month features Sandi Ellen Anderson on Thursday, July 18 (11:30 am – 1:30 pm); Pyrate Punx has a show at Hong Kong Inn with False Confession, 3 Day Holocaust, Civil Conflict and Trash on Thursday, July 18; Alpine Camp Band plays Leashless Brewing’s Vtown Get Down Festival on Saturday, July 20; Bad Religion sold out for their show at Ventura Theater on Friday, July 19; Ventura’s Psychedelic Summer debuts at Oak and Main on Friday, July 19 (dress up!); Jen Staves returns to Ventura with her Bluzfish Trio on Sunday, July 21 at Plan B Wine Cellers; Actor Jeff Bridges performs his music at Discovery on Wednesday, July 24; The Garage welcomes Tanglers out of Vancouver on Friday, July 26; And the Caverns return to town with a show at Saloon on Friday, July 26.

Many thanks to JD Drury and his crew for pulling off another amazing Surf Rodeo. Of course, I miss them at Pierpont Beach where I could park at home and walk over, but I’m loving the vibe at the Pier.

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. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/8 – 5/21

Posted on May 7, 2019 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
It’s still three months away, but I cannot wait for the Ventura County Fair this year! I’m loving their music line up which is always included in the price of admission. The fair runs July 31 through August 11 with music most nights on the Grandstand stage starting with Styx on the July 31, then it’s Martina McBride on Thursday, August 1, with Melissa Etheridge on Friday, August 2. Saturday, August 3 has a triple bill with The Ohio Players, The Emotions and Evelyn “Champagne” King. Sunday is Dia de la Familia concert with X Ambassadors on Monday August 5. Tuesday has two shows, the earlier one features Tommy James and the Shondells and that evening it’s Brothers Osborne. Wednesday, August 7, it’s Daughtry, and then on his “Good to be Bad Tour” – 45 years of Rock, it’s none other than George Thorogood and the Destroyers. I’d say I’m saving my favorite for last, but it is actually the last concert of the fair, and they are one of my all-time favorite bands, it’s Collective Soul on Friday, August 9. The final two days the Grand Stand arena always hosts the P.R.C.A. pro rodeo.

There will be plenty of music at Surf ‘n’ Suds beer festival this year on Saturday, May 18, at Ventura State Beach (entrance at San Pedro Street off Pierpont Blvd). While tasting all the suds and ciders from over 65 breweries, you take in music from Soul Majestic, Flogging Seagulls and DJ Hecktik. For more information and tickets, go to www.SurfBeerFest.com/Ventura.

Quick Notes: Gindick has a new CD, you can get your own copy when he plays Grapes and Hops on Thursday, May 9; There will be a punk show at Concrete Jungle Brewing Friday, May 10; the Spring Swing Big Band Dance with Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring Donna Greene will be held at Knights of Columbus downtown on Friday, May 10; Mother Sting Ray (formerly Strange Weather) play Oak and Main on Sunday, May 12; Ventura Music Festival presents NICO on Friday, May 10, at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center; Pizza Man Dan on Victoria hosts a Celtic Music Slow Session on the second Tuesday of the month; The Exploited play the Ventura Theater on Friday, May 17; Fluid State is celebrating their anniversary with Ventucky String Band on Saturday, May 18; Maid of Ace out of the UK play Red Cove on Saturday, May 18; The Knit Pickers play Made West on Saturday, May 18; Slim Jim Phantom’s at Discovery on Sunday, May 19; and there will be a fundraising event for Casa at Olivas Adobe on Sunday, May 9, featuring Elvis impersonator, Raymond Michael.

And finally, I’m sorry to report the passing of Patrick Buley last month. He was a well-respected musician and will be missed by our community.
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. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/14 – 3/27

Posted on March 13, 2018 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

You won’t want to miss the return of the Preachers Blues Band when they reunite for Thomas Fire relief show at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, March 17. It’s been almost five years and it may not happen again for who knows how long! I’m hearing many musicians who have sat in with the band in the past are on board to perform too including Rick Reeves, Guy Martin, Ashford Gordon, Ray Jaurique, Preston Smith, Kelly Zirbes, Perry Robertson, Glade Rassmussen, John Fincham, Jerry Breiner, Ian McFadyen, Jodi Farrell and more!

A popular event every year as a precursor to the Ventura Music Festival is the Student Jazz competition. Judges will award cash prizes to three of Southern California’s best high school jazz musicians and they’ll be invited to perform during the Festival’s run. The competition this year will be held at Squashed Grapes on Sunday, March 18, at 2 pm. While this one is free, donations for the Young Artists Fund will be gratefully appreciated.

Beware the bagpipers throughout the day at different venues on Saturday, March 17, but as St. Patrick’s Day actually falls on a Saturday, there will also be plenty of music during the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Main Street downtown Ventura. Get the entire family there early so you can get a good seat to cheer on the participating entrees. It’s always a hoot!

Quick notes: Opera Santa Barbara is offering a free performance on Friday, March 16 during the lunch hour at EP Foster Library; Donavon Frankenreiter plays Discovery on Friday, March 16; The Galactic Polecats play Sans Souci on Saturday, March 17;
Cranberry Sauce debuts at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, March 18, offering music by The Beatles; The Majestic Ventura Theater has Flogging Molly on Monday, March 19, and Ministry on Friday, March 23; The Phantom Pomps CD release party at the Hong Kong Inn is on Saturday, March 24; Tickets for Frost and Fire IV have gone on sale for three nights at the Ventura Theater October 4, 5 and 6th with Cirith Ungol, Gygax, Night Demon, Screamer and more on the bill; the Ventura County Concert band holds one of their annual free shows at the Ventura High School Auditorium on Sunday afternoon, March 18, at 3 pm, this one is called “Simply…the Masters”; and ARC of Ventura is holding their annual “Let’s Go Out” event at Bombay’s on Sunday, March 24, with Fish Fry, the Vonettes and Seth Pettersen and Friends.

And finally, VenturaRocks.com is celebrating their 9th anniversary serving the community. There are a number of changes coming soon including the listing of only live music along with the inclusion of venues from neighboring cities.

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 3/1 – 3/14

Posted on February 27, 2017 by venturarocks

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

I’m extremely impressed with this year’s lineup for the Ventura Music Festival which includes headliner Michael Feinstein, but I’m really looking forward to catching Perla Batalla’s tribute to Leonard Cohen on Friday, July 21. Yes, this is advance notice, but hopefully ticket sales will be brisk and I wouldn’t want you to miss out. Full listings for all events can be found at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Medicine Hat is off to Austin this month to play at SxSW (3/10 – 3/19). They’ll be there five days, they’re currently scheduled to play four shows and working on more. In addition to acoustic shows, Medicine Hat will play a couple gigs with a full band, consisting of some of Austin’s finest.

Here’s a couple of one-liner notes of interest: Karen Eden continues her Margarita Mondays at 6 at Amigos; Chris Austin is heading up an open Jam/Mic night at Bombay’s on Wednesdays starting March 1, PA and backline will be provided and I’m told that the jams will be filmed; Yachtley Crew returns to Bombay’s on Saturday March 4; Four Brix Winery will offer live music on the first Friday of the month starting with JJ Frank on March 3; The Ventucky String Band plays every first Thursday of the month at Saloon BBQ including this month on the 2nd; Big Rig Dollhouse returns to Sans Souci on Friday, March 3; you can catch the Dive Bar Messiahs in a new venue for them at the Star Lounge, on Saturday March 4; the Social Distortion show at the Ventura Theater March 7 is sold out, but tickets are still available for the White Buffalo on Friday, March 10; there’s a Rockabilly and Blues fundraiser for El Camino High at the Ventura Beach Club on Friday, March 10; and finally, Plan B’s Second Sunday Supper is back on with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers on the 12th.

One of Ventura’s most popular bands, Rey Fresco, has new music, three songs produced by Mario C who also worked with The Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson (he’s also won three Latin Grammy awards to date). I’m loving their new tune “You Were Wrong” which I haven’t gotten out of my head since first playing it, but you know, in Rey Fresco’s case, that’s a good thing.

And speaking of Rey Fresco and bands who record original music, don’t miss my program “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM. I’m spinning tunes from not only Rey Fresco, but Shawn Jones, Kelly’s Lot, Steve Williams, Bryan Titus, Hot Roux, The Barrelhouse Wailers, The NaVaNaX, Medicine Hat, Charles Law, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Jerry Breiner, Shaky Feelin’ and more. The station is rebroadcasting the show during the week, but I’m live on Tuesdays 5-6 pm with internet access coming soon. You can also give a listen to the current week’s broadcast on VenturaRocks.com.

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 1/18 – 1/31

Posted on January 18, 2017 by venturarocks

Ventura Music 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!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 7/6 – 7/19

Posted on July 4, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Summer Music Heating Up”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Raging Arb at Surf Rodeo

One of my favorite events of the year, Surf Rodeo, is finally upon us over the weekend of July 16th and 17th! You won’t want to miss this year’s music line up with a great eclectic mix of local, near local and national with over two dozen bands continuously playing on two different stages. The crew have it down to fine art while one stage is live, the other is tearing down and setting up the next band. Stationed between the two stages of course is where the surf competitions take place with male and female categories from 13 and under up to 45 and over including a Pro/Open category with $1,000 purse. All seriousness aside, you’ll want to catch the “greased pig” competition where oiled up surfers try to tackle the waves with grace, which of course turns out to be nothing but hilarious.

Music starts at 10 am both days; high on my list of priorities music wise include Dirty Rice, Mark Masson and Phriends, Hy Brasil, The NaVaNaX, No Duh, Spencer the Gardener, The Pullmen, an obligatory set from Raging Arb and the Redheads and of course the headliner, Dave Wakeling and The English Beat who will wrap up the weekend on Sunday.

The Ventura Music Festival’s 22nd season runs July 15 through the 24th with the big ticket being Sergio Mendes, “A Celebration of 50 Years of Brasil 66” on Friday, July 22. Ticket information can be found at VenturaMusicFesitval.org; however, there will be a couple of free events, the first one on Friday, July 15 at 6 pm at the corner of California and Santa Clara with the Festival Brass Quintet and the second one, a Master Class on Saturday morning July 16 in the Ventura college Performing Arts Center.

9 Mile Skid (Grateful Dead tribute band), are calling it day, while a few former members of Bullet Made Statues, StoneFlys, and Trash Honey have come together to form a new band, Goodnight Kiss. The band’s already making their mark on LA whilst playing our local haunts such as Amigos, W20 and Sans Souci.

The Ventura County Fair doesn’t open until the first week in August, so don’t plan on taking your vacation during their run as their music is exceptional from UB40, a return of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and one of my favorites, Third Eye Blind. Of course all music is included in the price of admission; get the lowdown at www.VenturaCountyFair.org.

And finally summer wouldn’t be summer without Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe on Saturday nights through September 3rd. July 9th kicks off the season with Mirage – Visions of Fleetwood Mac. All dates and ticket information can be found on the City’s website: www.CityofVentura.net/mus.

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 4/30/14 – 5/13/14

Posted on April 28, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Music is Never a Burdon
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I cannot wait to check out Eric Burdon when he comes out this way; the last time I ran into him was at a concert KXBS oldies radio station put on at State Beach back around 1992. Burdon (yes, THE Eric Burdon from The Animals and War fame) will be headlining a show at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai on May 17th and I’m hearing it’s Eric’s 73rd birthday so we’re expecting quite the celebration. Opening the show will be the Rubberneck Lions and Dishwalla.
The Ventura Music Festival is in full swing during the month of May, and the powers that be have really outdone themselves this year with a stellar line up: May 2 it’s Igudesman & Joo, a Little Nightmare Music at Community Presbyterian Church; Ventura High plays host for several shows including Lynn Harrell, Dean of American cellists on May 3; an evening with Judy Collins on May 4; and Stanislav Khristenko, 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, on May 9. Check out www.VenturaMusicFestival.org for even more shows, ticket pricing and availability.

Depending on your mood, the Ventura Theater has some cool shows in May. If you’re looking to burn off steam, punk rockers, Against Me! will be in the house on May 27, but if you’re looking to dance off some energy, you won’t want to miss the ever popular Reverend Horton Heat and their brand of psychobilly on the 23rd; and finally if you’re feeling a little more mellow and ready for some reggae, then it’s The Green for you on May 26.

Ventura Music Week is coming up! Don’t even think about scheduling your vacation between June 6 and June 15th. Just some of the events to look forward to include the annual SRO benefit with the Stoneflys, Highway Starr and other bands; there’s the Roadshow Revival’s: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash; Louden Guitars will have a special showcase at the W Gallery with some amazing guitarists including our very own Shawn Jones; there will be a special screening of the Oscar winning documentary, “20 Feet from Stardom”; an evening of visual arts up at City Hall’s Atrium, and more music than you can shake a stick at. Do check in at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com for more details as they come in.

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 Music Photos: February 2014

Posted on February 7, 2014 by venturarocks

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!

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – February 27, 2014
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

The Star Lounge – February 23, 2014
Mighty Cash Cats

The Star Lounge – February 23, 2013
Kyle Hunt

Sans Souci – February 23, 2014
Jukebox Mutiny

Amigo’s Surf Cantino – February 23, 2014
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

Yolies – February 21, 2014
Rick Holmstrum Band

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

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 16, 2014
The Bomb

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

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

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

Cafe Fiore – February 13, 2014
Christopher Hawley

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

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 9, 2014
RB Bombers

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

Surf Brewery – February 8, 2014
The Hard Times Band

Bombay Bar and Grill – February 7, 2014
Owen Bucey
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

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 Burchett – Joe Billingiere

: Joe Billingiere on guitar, John Long on Drums, Darren Yarbrough on Rhythm

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

Ventura Music Festival 20th Anniversary Season

Posted on January 22, 2014 by venturarocks

“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 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 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 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.

An 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
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 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
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.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/27/13 – 12/10/13

Posted on November 27, 2013 by venturarocks

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

How cool is it that our very own Guy Martin, guitar wiz extraordinaire is opening up for B.B. King at the Majestic Ventura Theater? “It is definitely a rare opportunity, and I’m honored to say the least,” Martin confided to us. You know Martin is going to bring it on and represent Ventura. Talking about the big night, Martin disclosed his game plan, “It will be the usual in-your-face ‘Guy Martin’ style blues, but maybe with a little toned down homage to the great BB King; possibly a sit-in with the man if I’m lucky.” Backing up Martin will be his long-time friend and bass player of 16 years, Tony Trigueiro, and local skin beater Pete Gallagher driving the bus, on the drums. B.B. King who recently turned 88 years old, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater, Wednesday, December 4. Visit www.VenturaTheater.net for ticket information.

I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the 5th annual RAWawards semi-finals for Ventura. Sara Vausbinder, Showcase Director for RAW Ventura explained, “Artists are competing locally for the title of RAWartist of the Year in their category. They then move on to compete nationally – of which our national winners receive career boosting prizes including gallery placements, consultations with professionals in their field, magazine features, and more.” Bands performing for a chance to move on to the National finals are Sleepercub, Ship Wreck, Easy Bear and Jukebox Mutiny. Get out and vote for your favorites Friday, December 6 at Bombay Bar and Grill.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating the opening of their 20th anniversary season entitled, “Festivo!” You’ll want to take the entire family Sunday, December 1, to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center when Nuvi Mehta, the company’s Artistic Director, will narrate Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood with live musicians and slide projects. Mehta told us what parents could expect, “Great stories, great music, great fun and a chance to meet the instruments of the woodwind section!” And according to Mehta, he has a plan on how to keep kids engaged, “Both works are narrated, with music chiming in, and there are images on the screen to see, too! Both of these works are as fun for adults as they are for children.” For more information go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

(This paragraph did not make print copy) If swing is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Swing Big Band Dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 6th. Dress up and get out and enjoy the full sounds of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring 17 musicians and vocal styling courtesy of Donna Greene. It’s only $15 at the door and if you need more information than that, call (805) 648-1143.

And as always, it’s a crowd favorite when Billy Vera and the Beaters play the room at Yolie’s. Vera has written a number of hits and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Capitol Records. “At This Moment” which hit #1 in January 1987, still gives me goose bumps! Vera and crew will hit the stage at Yolie’s, Black Friday, November 29. Go to www.HiHatEntertainment.com for more information.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Tag Archives: Ventura Music Festival