Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Happy New Year! Just like every year before, my hope for our community is that more people get out and take in live music here Ventura while supporting our local venues. My personal New Year resolution on the other hand, is to enjoy and support even more singer/songwriters.
After the closing of Copa Cubana last month in the Ventura Harbor Village, Jerry McWorter has relocated his popular Tuesday Blues Day to a new location, this time downtown Ventura at the Twist on Main; hours remain the same 7-9 pm.
Thursday, January 11, The White House will feature a special night of live music featuring Rick Marcel who has worked with Kool & the Gang, The Isley Brothers, Stephanie Mills and more. Marcel brings a full band playing all your favorite boogie, disco and dance favorites. Call to RSVP tickets (with or without dinner) to (805) 320-8655.
Another Concert for Causes show will be held at the Ventura Theater on Saturday January 13 to benefit Autism Speaks which is a non-profit autism awareness organization and the largest autism research organization in the United States. It sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. This special event will feature local bands such as The Guitar & Whiskey Club, Raised on Vinyl, Fallen Saints and the Allegations.
It’s been a while since Cadillac Zack has brought one of his shows to Cantara, so I’m pleased as punch that he brings legendary blues and rock band, Canned Heat, to Cantara Cellars for a show on Thursday, January 18. There will be an opening set by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. I assume I don’t need to tell you how inspiring it is to be in the presence of a band who played Woodstock. Secure your tickets on EventBrite.com.
Tickets are on sale now for Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (Dirt on my Diamonds Tour) at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for Friday, April 19; and Save Ferris for March 16 at Ventura Music Hall.
Quick Notes: don’t forget Bombay Bar and Grill has moved their Blues Night to Thursdays starting at 7 pm; catch Black Flag at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, January 14; Barrelhouse Wailers return to the Ojai Underground for a show on Saturday, January 13; Nashville-based singer/songwriter Halley Neal plays Namba on Saturday, January 20; Agent Orange plays Gigi’s on Saturday, January 20; enjoy classical music with violinist Phillip Levy at Beatric Wood Center for the Arts on Sunday, January 21 (program includes Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and more); get your dancing shoes on for this month’s Sunday afternoon of swing dancing at House of Dance featuring Swing Shift on Sunday, January 21; and Café Fiore has an open mic and jam on Tuesday, January 23.
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.