Ventura Music Scene 1/24/24 – 2/6/24

Posted on January 24, 2024 by venturarocks

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

There’s already a lot going on for 2024, so let’s get right to it. You should consider treating yourself to an intimate show with singer/songwriter, Nathan McEuen, on Friday, January 26, at the Ojai Underground. I became a fan when he had a week-night residency at Amigo’s several years ago, and I’ve played his original music on my radio show at Caps Media in the past. He’s a sweetheart of a guy and uber talented coming from a musical family including his brother, Jonathan, and father John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame.

Namba Performing Arts will be hosting their 2024 Winter Gala, a celebration of the diverse tapestry of talent in our community as well as to honor their late founde, Julia Campbell Namba. Featured performers include Grammy Award winning jazz pianist, Greg Karukas and Mexico City based singer/songwriter, Maya Burns. While I’m happy to report this one is sold out, that doesn’t mean you can’t still help keep Namba going by making a donation, large or small, to NambaArts.com.

On Friday, February 2, The Deer Lodge hosts British singer/songwriter, Pete Molinari, but also on the bill will be Robin Taylor Zander. Now if this name sounds familiar and you’re a fan of classic rock, well it should; his dad, Robin Zander, is founding member of Cheap Trick with whom he’s been touring with the past few years. I caught Cheap Trick in 2022 at the Ventura County Fair where it was a treat to see father and son on the same stage.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts will host a Women’s Voices Concert on Sunday afternoon, January 28, featuring Grammy nominee Janet Robin, national radio chart topper Rebecca Folsom; International Singer-Songwriter Associate (ISSA) Entertainer of the Year Charu Suri; poet & NYT Bestseller Katie Hendricks; and #1 iTunes top Singer/Songwriter, Kris Angelis.

Tickets are on sale now for 311 at the Ventura Theater for Tuesday, March 5 and recently added to Ventura Music Hall are Los Lobos for Sunday, March 3, Guttermouth with Buck-O-Nine on Thursday April 18 and Steel Pulse for Friday, April 19.

Quick Notes: Julian Marley and the Uprising play the Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, January 24; a special Sunday afternoon birthday bash will be held on January 28 at the Garage with Bloody Mary Morning in the mix starting at 3 pm; The Trivle Omdobble play Topa Topa Brewing on Sunday January 28; Jesse Harris and his band with special guest Katie Skene will play Cantara Cellars on Friday, February 2; Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 3; and the Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association standing monthly gig at the Poinsettia Pavilion falls on Sunday, February 4;

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 9/22/21 – 10/5/21

Posted on September 22, 2021 by venturarocks

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

While I’m not going to guarantee an opening date for the Grape, they are oh so very close to opening their doors to what I’m sure will be the hottest jazz club in the County. I got the grand tour and the place is amazing!!!We’ve been very fortunate to have Will Breman performing at local venues downtown Ventura (Winchesters and Grapes and Hops with a Twist) having been a semifinalist on NBC’s the Voice just a couple years ago (season 17). His mentor from the show, John Legend, just did a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl last week and Legend brought Will on stage to perform Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from my Friends.” I spoke to Will about it and he told me, “Singing with John was literally the most perfect timing. Before the pandemic, I had bought tickets for my mom, because she was celebrating her 50th birthday. Ultimately my entire family got to go, which was wonderful. Mom and dad had zero clue [he’d be performing], and I could see them freaking out from their floor seats. Working with John in any respect has been straightforward and easy. At this point it was like catching up with a dear friend. I didn’t expect the nerves I got in the moment, but it had also been the first time in two years that I ever sang for an audience that big.” Freakin’ awesome, right?!! Will was kind enough to do an episode of VenturaRockSpot with me earlier this year, you can view it at VenturaRockSpot.com (along with dozens of other interviews). Will Breman will also be featured at the Topa Mountain Music 2021 Benefit Concert coming up at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on October 9. Headlining the show will be the White Buffalo along with performances from Bryan Titus Trio, Lee Koch Band, Jems and more. Go to TopaMountainMusic.org for ticket information.

Social Distortion (including long-time band member and well-known musician in numerous bands around town, Brent Harding) just got added to the list of concerts for October at the Majestic Ventura Theater playing a date on Wednesday, October 6. Other shows include Drakeo the Ruler on October 1, Black Label Society on October 2, Yung Blue on October 5, two Pennywise shows, the one with the Dead Kennedys on October 7 and the one with Strung Out on October 8, and then it’s Elefante, Inspector on October 15. The venue is now requiring a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event you’re attending or proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required at all times except while actively eating or drinking.

I’m also happy to report there will be live music at Bombay’s on Saturday, September 25, starting at 6 pm in the back room and this one is all ages. With a small $5 cover, you’ll get Brian Mikasa with Ardi on drums performing new music along with opening sets from Kyle Hunt and Hol!day (Tyler Treves’ new project). It’s being branded as a listening party, so respect and give them your attention; should be a great way to kick off a Saturday night downtown.

Ojai Nest Fest scheduled for Lake Casitas on October 2nd has been postponed.

Quick Notes: Maria Calire is out touring with Martha and the Motels; with less daylight, Margarita Villa has adjusted their live music to 7-10 on the weekends; Tony Ybarra is opening for Blood Sweat & Tears at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on September 24;
Tuesday Blues Day continues past summer at the Copa Cubana with Jerry Mcworter, Shawn Jones, Ed Berghoff and Sam Bolle; the Temptations play Libbey Bowl in Ojai on Sunday, September 26; Kyle Smith record release party will be held at the Six Chow House on Thursday, September 23; the monthly Bubbly, Brunch & Latin Jazz at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will feature Justo Almario, Abraham Laborial and Bill Maxwell on Sunday, September 26 was cancelled; and Surf ‘N’ Suds returns to San Buenaventura State Beach on Saturday, October 9, with music from Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes along with Mestizo & DJ Hecktik.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/28/21 – 8/10/21

Posted on July 27, 2021 by venturarocks

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

You know the music scene is alive when large venue events sell out; such was the case for the Tequila and Tacos Music Festival over the weekend of July 24 & 25 with Vanilla Ice, Tag Team and Ozomatli performing. I will concede, the beverage of choice may have been the driving force behind the ticket sales, but the stage was rockin’ and that’s always a cool thing. Next up for Surfer’s Point Live (Fairgrounds’ parking lot), Scotty McCreery & Rodney Atkins on Friday, July 30, and then the Spencer Makenzie’s Throw Down Cornhole & Music Festival over the weekend of August 27-29 with Mandex, Dave Rea & the Acoustic DNA and three tribute bands covering the music of AC/DC, Journey & Guns & Roses. For more details and ticket information, go to SurfersPointLive.com.

I’m also happy to see the Ventura Theater lining up shows and the first one is one you should seriously think about seeing. Not only is Lukas Nelson son to Willie, but he collaborated with Bradley Cooper on A Star is Born, and his band IS the band in the movie. The band’s brand of Country Rock is a fun vibe and the talent is stellar, so you won’t want to miss Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real on Thursday, September 9.
More show at Ventura Theater:

The End of Summer Lockdown Tour – Friday, September 10
Mon Laferte – Wednesday September 22
Drakeo the Ruler – Friday October 1
Black Label Society: Doom Trooping over North America tour – Saturday, October 2
Yung Bleu – Tuesday, October 5
Pennywise w/ Dead Kennedys – Thursday, October 7
Pennywise w/ Strung Out – Friday, October 8 (sold out)
Elefante, Inspector – Friday, October 15
The Struts – Tuesday, November 2
GWAR – Tuesday, November 23
The Dead South – Tuesday, December 7
The Slackers – Friday, December 10

The Hueneme Beach Festival falls over the weekend of August 28 and 29, and I was looking over their impressive line-up of artists performing both days and was delighted to find out this one is also free to the public. Saturday features LAW, Fausto Cuevas y La Moderna, and Ozomatli, then on Sunday it’s Diggin Dirt, Arise Roots and Think:EXP. I love that the organizers put so much thought into their lineup, and so, just in case you didn’t know, a little bit about a few of the acts performing:

Fausto Cuevas is that caliber of musician that tours with Stevie Wonder’s band, most recently the 2014-2016 during the Key of Life world tour, though he’s performed previously with Stevie Wonder at the 2008 Democratic National Convention and at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden in 2009. The man is that good, and the grooves he lays down are immediately infectious so prepare to dance.

Ozomatli performed a few years ago during the Ventura Music Festival and more recently in July at the Tequila and Tacos Music Festival at Surfer’s Point Live. The six-piece band plays primarily Latin, hip hop and rock music and has quite the following, and again, prepare to dance.

Think:EXP is a supergroup with members Scott Page who has worked with Pink Floyd, Supertramp and Toto, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction & Porno for Pyros, Kenny Olson of Kidd Rock and Norwood Fisher of Fishbone. The website, www.thinkesp.co describes the group, “Think:EXP strives to revolutionize the entertainment industry by bridging the gap between the human spirit and technological innovation with one-of-a-kind live, immersive concert experiences.” That certainly piques my interest!

Quick Notes: Tickets are now on sale for the Ojai Music Festival; The Garage on the east end of town took advantage of the pandemic downtime and now has a new look; Spencer the Gardener will return to Winchesters on Sunday, August 8 with their brand of fiesta party music; and Nardcore Tuesday nights continue at Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo with Bootleg Brigade and Last Point on August 3, and Sick Boy on August 10.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/11 – 9/24

Posted on September 10, 2019 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The Topa Mountain MusicFest is coming up fast, it’s on Saturday, September 21, with yours truly emceeing the event this year! I hope you’ll make it out for a great cause and amazing artists in a gorgeous setting at Libbey Bowl in Ojai. National and artists out of Southern California fill the line up from Brett Dennen, The Marc Broussard Band, The Mother Hips, to Bryan Titus Trio with The Brambles, Reverend Tall Tree Band (Chris Pierce), Timmy Curran with Lee Koch, Tom Freund, and Quincy Coleman with Shane Alexander. The Topa Mountain MusicFest “Finding a Cure” Cancer Benefit net proceeds go directly to Stand up to Cancer and the Glioblastoma Foundation. Many thanks to Steve and Polly Hoganson of Ones To Watch Productions (and former owners of Zoey’s) for putting on another amazing concert. Get your tickets and more information at TopaMountainMusicFest.org.

Another full day of music, on the same day, Saturday, September 21, will be the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival with Billy Currington, Niko Moon, Easton Corbin and David Nail. This event runs 1 pm to 9 pm at the San Buenaventura State Beach Park. For more information for all you Country music fans, go to BootsAndBrews.com/Ventura.

The Ventura Theater has a number of show coming up over the next two weeks, it’s Black Label Society on September 11, Xavier Rudd on the 13, heavy rockers, Last in Line (former members of Dio, Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, the Offspring and Ozzy Osbourne) on the 15 and Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. on September 20.

Quick Notes: I Dig Rock & Roll Music opens at the Rubicon and runs September 11 through the 29 with the big opening night official gala on Saturday, the 14; Lol Goodman Band out of the UK roll into the Red Cove on Wednesday, September 11; Stalag 13, Goat Rhythm and The Pegs take over Concrete Jungle Brewing on Friday, September 13; One Hundred Paces record release party’s at Bombay’s on Saturday, September 14 with Owen Bucey opening (7 pm); there will be a Paddle Out honoring Neal Casal on Sunday, September 15 at 10 am at Promenade Park; there’s a special Spayghetti No Balls fundraiser for spaying and neutering pets at Four Brix Winery on Sunday, September 15 with Fishfry; the SMO, Smoke Me Out tour 2019 hits the Ventura Fairgrounds on Friday, September 19; Abel Garcia’s CD release party’s at Oak and Main on Thursday, September 19; Goodnight Kiss has a date at The Tavern, on Friday, September 20; Another Tech805 show lands at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, September 21; and finally, Cholos on Acid with IDecline, Scheisse Minnelli, Civil Conflict and more play Sunday Punk Rock party at the Garage 2-6 pm on the 22.

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 6/5 – 6/18

Posted on June 3, 2019 by venturarocks

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

If nothing else, Ventura is known as a community that loves to give back, case in point, the Ventura Theater will be hosting a Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser on Saturday, June 8, with lots of favorite local bands being given the opportunity to play the big stage. The genres range from hard rock to metal with Bone Maggots, The Deveros, The Guitar and Whiskey Club, SixPackofDoom, Samoan Take-Out and Stronger Than Machines. This one is all ages and will be over by 11 pm. Tickets are only $10.00.

The Rubicon Theater has a number of music related events the next couple of weeks. First over the weekend of June 8 and 9 it’s Amanda McBroom performing “Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues” and the following weekend, June 14 – 16, you won’t want to miss the iconic doo-wop sounds of the 50s and 60s with The Drifters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters playing two shows daily. You can find ticket information at RubiconTheatre.org.

The Hong Kong Inn has live music once again with quite the eclectic mix of genres. They’ll have punk shows on Wednesday, June 5, with Civil Conflict, NNN, Bare Minimum and Operation Oxnard, and then again on Friday, June 7 with How to Live with Robots and Astreyas; then it’s Latin fun with La Imagen Nortena on Saturday June 8, and smooth jazz on Sunday June 9 with Del Franklin.

Quick Notes: there will be a free, all-ages show, at Bank of Books on Saturday, June 8, with Lasso the Moon (Compton), Crawdads and Trypanosome; more punk with All-a-Blur, Plot, FUSE, Birdbrain and One Minute Run at the Red Cove on Saturday, June 8; Plan B Wine Cellars offers Johnny and the Love Handles for your Sunday early evening, June 9 (4:30 – 7 pm); Silver & Gold out of Greeley, Colorado will be making a stop on their tour for a special show at Oak and Main on Monday, June 10, along with Ferriswheels, Blossum and Pretty Well; Dad Brains is holding their album release party at Gigi’s Cocktails on Friday, June 14; the Ventura Harbor Village is once again providing live music over the weekend from 1-4 pm with Surfer Joe on June 15, and Cash Cats on June 16; and finally, good to know that the open jazz jam is gaining some traction on Thursdays at Golden China.

Big news!!! Be sure to listen to episode #84 of The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM for the world premiere release of the brand-new Crooked Eye Tommy Album! Episode #84 also includes an interview with Tommy Marsh which airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon for two weeks. You can also listen with the MyTuner app for your phone or online at CapsMedia.org.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/27 – 4/9

Posted on March 24, 2019 by venturarocks

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

I love and respect the passion that is the Deadhead and Ventura has more than our fair share of them as The Grateful Dead performed no less than 11 shows here between 1982 and 1987. Returning to the fairgrounds for the third year is the Skull & Roses festival celebrating The Grateful Dead with bands playing all day Friday through Sunday, April 5 – 7 at Seaside Park at the Ventura Fairgrounds. Just a handful of the bands will be Cubensis, Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Oteil & Friends, Melvin Seals & JGB and a dozen or so more bands. And while Seaside Park does not allow overnight parking, SkullandRoses.com reports camping is allowed in original Lot C by the Beach, and they go on to say, and I quote, that this is, “One of the most potent deadhead power spots on planet earth.” Who knew!

The Ventura Theater has a number of concerts over the next two weeks including All that Remains and Attila on Thursday, March 28, The Offspring performs an acoustic show on Thursday April 4 with Johnny Two Bags opening, but in between, they’ll be helping to raise money for a good cause, with Rockin’ for Autisum featuring local bands on Saturday, March 30 with Fallen Saints, Hologram Empire, The Rays and Raised on Vinyl. It’s only a $10 cover, but I’m sure they’ll accept more.

It’s always a great outing for the entire family when the Ventura County Concert Band puts on shows at the Ventura High School Auditorium. Their next one falls on Sunday, March 31 with “March Madness” beginning at 3 pm and as always, it’s absolutely free to the community.

Quick Notes: Smokey & Friends Monday night residency continues at Copa Cubana, the Jerry McWorter Trio plays Tuesdays; Drug Apts out of Sacramento play The Tavern on Wednesday, March 27, with Sweet Reaper and Gunpowder Empires; it’s rockabilly fun with Bad Luck Gamblers, The Cursed Bastards and Three on a Match at Red Cove on Friday, March 29; both Aaron Orbit and Owen Bucey will perform individual sets of original music at Oak & Main on Saturday, March 30; ramping up for Skull & Roses will be Jerry’s Middle Finger at Discovery on Sunday, March 31 (they also perform at Skull & Roses); Jen Leigh is the featured guest for the Session with Tommy Marsh on Thursday, April 4 at Grapes and Hops; recording artist Gary Swan will be Gypsy Blues Band’s special guest on Thursday, April 4 at the Blue Room in the Ventura Harbor; Yachtley Crew returns to Ventura for a date at Discovery on Saturday, April 6; and if you love the Glam Rock, don’t miss Dolls, The Midnight Devils and others at Red Cove on Saturday, April 6.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/9 – 11/22

Posted on November 7, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
You won’t want to miss Fortunate Youth when they open for Slightly Stoopid at the Ventura Theater, Friday, November 11. They’re the creators of one of the biggest and most successful reggae compilations in the world, with all proceeds donated to different charities that the band tries to support from Cancer Awareness to helping Children who have lost music programs due to under funding. Also at the theater will be the local favorites Dirty Rice opening for Tribal Theory on Saturday, November 12 and then the following week it’s Pennywise with Strung Out and Unwritten Law on Friday, November 18, and of course Suicidal Tendencies with Good Riddance on Saturday, November 19.

Congratulations to Rachel Flowers who was interviewed for the November issue of Keyboard Magazine (the one with Norah Jones on the cover). Her film “Hearing is Believing” by Lorenzo DeStefano was just featured at the 17th Annual Ojai Film Festival.

I’m all about good causes especially when good causes are in conjunction with great music, and so it goes with the fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, at the Ventura Beach Club for The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) in Ventura. The event will run 6-10 pm and will feature Deb Ryder, Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers and Kelly’s Lot. You can always count on Kelly Zirbes for going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of abandoned cats and dogs. Admission is only $10 and all proceeds will go to C.A.R.L. As a side note, Kelly and husband Perry just opened for the iconic Don Mclean at the Rose in Pasadena.

I’ll be honest, I’m really looking forward to “The Pretty Things,” a David Bowie tribute band at O’Leary’s November 12. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “My teenage years would not have been the same without Bowie.”

The Barrelhouse Wailers will be hosting another Speakeasy swing dance night on November 19 at the Ventura Beach Club. The evening will start with lessons at 8 pm with Kim Clever and David Frutos, then live music from 9 to midnight. Of course, costumes are encouraged but not required.

Goodnight Kiss are currently in the studio recording their first EP; Medicine Hat will be going back into the studio soon; Hard Six just finished a video soundtrack recorded at Megasound Studios; the Rubberneck Lions just released new music via social media with their first single, “Head Case by Case”; Ashford Gordon’s CD release party has been postponed until after the New Year; Smitty and Julia’s new CD, “Made in Ojai” is now available on CD Baby; and congratulations to all of the Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients with a big shout out to local musician/teacher, Jodi Farrell. It’s well deserved my friend!

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 10/12-10/25

Posted on October 9, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ebbs and Flows of our Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Nobody likes change, especially when it involves the closing of another venue which offered live music. I’ll admit to my disappointment; especially when walking by Saturday night and not hearing upbeat live music from W20 at the Watermark. I wanted to berate Hartley for letting us down, but you know, he and Kathy sort of deserve less stress in their lives. It would have made the blow easier knowing the new tenants would carry on with live music, but alas, it doesn’t appear they will. I’m trusting the other venues in town to pick up the slack and help out the bands scrambling to find places to play. I always say there are ebbs and flows with Ventura’s music scene. Guess which one we’re in.

Doing his best to pick up the slack of course is Mike Toler just around the corner from W20 at Amigos. He’s got a nice line up of music scheduled including Mi6 on Sunday October 23d. He told me that he’s looking forward to the return of his friend Wes Nile and Mi6. He said, “The last time we had them at Amigos they really brought it with something I had not seen before. Imagine listening to a DJ but the DJ was being replaced by a band, and unless you were in front of the band, you wouldn’t know the difference!”

I’m glad I was able to witness the return of Cirith Ungol at the Ventura Theater during the Frost and Fire II fest. The City of Ventura was scheduled to recognize their reuniting after 25 years at the City Council meeting on Monday the 10th. I’ve heard European dates will be coming up for them in 2017.

SteampunkFest will be held at the Heritage Square in Oxnard on October 15th and 16th. The event is being touted as kid friendly with wacky events all day. Some of the bands scheduled include 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Abby and the Myth, Cirque Des Betes, and of course the Velveteen Band. For more information and ticket prices, check out www.OxnardSteamPunkFest.com.

I’m hearing good things about the band, Big Jesus, an alt-rock band out of Atlanta, GA, who will be coming to town this month. They’ve been getting a lot of good coverage for their latest release; Rolling Stone Magazine praised them for “reviving 90’s alternative” which happens to my favorite era of music. Actually the entire week at the Ventura Theater will be rockin’ with Yellowcard on the 19th, Garbage on the 20th, Ben Folds on the 21st, Common Kings on the 22nd and wrapping up the week will be Big Jesus opening for Good Charlotte on Sunday the 23rd.

And finally, happy anniversary to Sheldon and the staff of the Ventura Breeze. I would like to personally thank Sheldon for supporting Ventura’s music scene by devoting a full page to its coverage.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 8/31-9/13

Posted on August 29, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Help for Budding Artists
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

©highwaystarz

Big help from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for our local schools! That’s $42,500 in funding to Ventura Unified School District earmarked to enhance existing visual and performing arts programs. The funds were made possible through the BBVD concert last April celebrating the City of Ventura’s 150th anniversary. I’m looking forward to seeing new upcoming artist having the chance to flourish as a result of the band’s generosity.

Local singer, Eric Harrington, recently played at Squashed Grapes to a packed house. Few knew there was a chance that drummer Vinnie Colaiuta might show up, and show up he did for the final songs of the night. Harrington told me, “What an amazing night it was, and to end it with Vinnie sitting in was just incredible, he’s just a delightful man!” Trey O’Toole from Pulse Drumming told me that Colaiuta had been working in a session all day and was afraid he might not make it, but luckily for the house, he did.

Speaking of Pulse Drumming and Squashed Grapes, watch for the Alvino Bennett (currently working with Dave Mason) drum clinic on September 10; he’ll be joined afterwards at the Grape for an awesome jam including musicians George Hawkins, Jr. on bass and vocals (Kenny Loggins & Jim Messina), Jonathan McEuen on guitar and vocals (Dwight Yoakum, NGDB, Dave Mason), Geo Evans on guitar (Cheryl Lynn, Euge Groove) and TJ, Teddy Jack Russell on guitar and vocals (Leon Russell).

Bombay’s 32nd End of Summer Party hits Ventura over the first weekend of September with three stages (including one outdoors with sand and a mechanical bull). Look for musical acts all weekend long including performances from Mandex, Highway Starr, Dirty Rice, Uproots, Shakey Feelin’ and A.D.D to name but a few.

The first ever Oxnard Jazz Festival lands at Oxnard Beach on Saturday, September 10, offering a diverse mix of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B with Tom Brown, Nick Colionne, Howard Hewett, O’Bryan, Quatrosound and Poncho Sanchez. You can get ticket information and more on this special event at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

Alternative/Country rockers, Porter & the Bluebonnet will be swinging through town from Austin, TX, with a showcase at Sans Souci on Friday, September 9. They’ll be on the same bill as The Jelly.

The Ventura Theater has been packing in the shows for the rest of the year. You’ll want to review their line up so you don’t miss any acts such as Jackson Browne, Pennywise, Echo & the Bunnymen, Steve Vai, Good Charlotte, Yellowcard, Ben Folds, Garbage, The Common Kings, Dwight Yoakum and more! Plus, you have the Nardcore show on September 10, and Frost and Fire with the return of Cirith Ungol on October 8. Details at VenturaTheater.net.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/25 – 6/7

Posted on May 22, 2016 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Who to Watch”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ones to Watch Productions will be hosting a number of showcases at Grapes and Hops on Main Street. Mimi Gilbert will be there on Saturday, May 28, and The Brambles on Saturday, June 4th. Steve and Polly Hoganson (formerly of Zoey’s) most certainly have their fingers on the pulse of up and coming artists to watch for, so be sure to support their showcases here in town!

Radio Skies CD release party will be held indoors and out at the Ventura Beach Club On Saturday, May 28 with several bands and artists on the bill in what they’re calling a “One Night Micro Fest”. If you’re not familiar with them, the band, Radio Skies is out of Ojai, and find their inspiration from the songwriting of Paul Simon, the electronic landscapes of Brian Eno and the spirit of the Grateful Dead with their sound described as folk roots, electronic, psychedelia. Other bands on the line up include Pacific Haze, The Brambles, 9Lives and Brion Shearer.

The Libbey Bowl 2016 season has a number of events lined up for the next several months including several dates for the 70th Ojai Music Festival in June; concerts with Rick Springfield, Ozomatli, Michael McDonald, The Zombies and a special intimate concert with Don Felder of the Eagles benefiting Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and the Ojai Community Foundation in October; and coming up immediately is an Ojai VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) free Memorial Day concert featuring Veteran speakers, and music from Nordhoff High School, US Air Force Band and the Ventura British Brass. For more information on Libbey shows, check out www.LibbeyBowl.org.

Hi Hat Entertainment has landed at the Hong Kong Inn for their Friday night Blues concerts. Shows on their roster include the boss of boogie Woogie, Rob Rio, who will be in the house on Friday, May 27; Keke Dickerson and the Eccofonics, famous for their Western Rockabilly sound on Friday, June 3rd; and The Bruce Katz Band will be there on Friday, June 10. Katz was inducted into the Blues hall of Fame in 2013. Hi Hat has a solid up line through August; you can check out their line up at www.HiHatEntertainment.com.

By the way, if you’re planning on catching Bad Religion at the Ventura Theater on Thursday, June 2, then you’ll want to extend the fun afterwards at Sans Souci with Mother of Dissension and The Hymen Blasters.

And of course the summer fun officially starts with Roadshow Revival, (now being called) A Celebration of American Roots Music, at Mission Park on June 25th and 26th. I’m looking forward to catching John Doe, The Paladins, The Blasters, Robert Gordon, and tons of other acts performing over the weekend. Information and tickets can be found at www.RoadshowRevival.com.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Tag Archives: Ventura Theater

Ventura Music Scene 1/24/24 – 2/6/24

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/28/21 – 8/10/21

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/11 – 9/24

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/5 – 6/18

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 3/27 – 4/9

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/9 – 11/22

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/12-10/25

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 8/31-9/13

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/25 – 6/7