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

Ventura Music Week (VMW) is in full swing. We’re into the fourth year and each year it just keeps getting better. What’s so interesting about this particular event is that it is put together by a committee of people who are committed to seeing Ventura’s music scene grow: Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC, Kevin Clerici and Meredith Hart from the DVO (Downtown Ventura Organization), Peter Brown and Lilly Rudolph from the City of Ventura, Sam Benner from Benner Communications, David Comden from the VC Reporter and myself from VenturaRocks.com. There’s no payroll. The venues all pay a small fee to become an “Official Participating Venue” and as such they are promoted via newspaper ads, posters, handouts, social media and on the official website at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com . What is so amazing is that venues know that the small fee to participate gets them some recognition, but more than that they are contributing to a bigger goal of letting everyone know what an awesome music scene we have here. If you’re reading this column, chances are you already know that. But we hope to reach even more people and inspire them to check out some of the most incredible live music available to them right here in Ventura.

Ventura Music Week kicked off the night before the official day on Thursday, June 5th, with a party at the Knights of Columbus in downtown Ventura. Rey Fresco, Raging Arb and the Redheads, the Dan Grimm Band, Mark Masson and friends and more played to a crowd that supports local music. Councilman Carl Morehouse attended to give Raging Arb an official Recognition from the City for their contributions through the years to our music scene. And the VMW committee also recognized the boys with our Ventura Music Week award of Excellence. Between JR Drury and Surf Rodeo, and Ross Emery bringing in over 10,000 visitors for Roadshow Revival: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash, well these guys know how to contribute in a big way.

In attendance we had so many of the venue owners to help kick off the festivities from Peiranos, the Wine Rack, Keynote Lounge, Winchesters, Bombays, W20 at the Watermark, Amigos, Grapes and Hops, and more. Polly and Steve Hoganson (Zoeys fame), Owen Bucey (Army of Freshmen, The Calamity), Charles and Christine Law, Adam Clark, Jodi Farrell, Michelle Corbin, Guy Martin (who joined Raging Arb for a song or two), Gary Best, Bryan McCann (Instrumental Music/Sax), Kelly Zirbes (Kelly’s Lot), Doug Johnson, Chuck Vincent, Josh Myers, Darrin Yarbrough, Edwin C Dies and more, not to mention the dozens of artists playing with each band…and all the fans. What a night!

Over 100 bands, 40 venues, 10 days, 1 city!!! Yeah, this city Rocks! Ventura Music Week runs through Sunday, June 15.

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