Ventura Music Scene 4/16/25 – 4/29/25

Posted on April 13, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Stecklestock marks the beginning of what I think of as the outdoor live music special events season which runs through the middle of Fall. This all-day family-friendly free concert runs 8 am – 6 pm on Saturday, April 26 and features local bands in a setting under the trees at Steckle Park in Santa Paula. Keep in mind the bands do it for the love of our music community so to help defray costs, donations are encouraged and happily accepted. This year’s line up includes Chicano 7, Premonition, The Tommy Foytek Band, No Biggee, Only Obvious, Lowered Expectations, Buena Onda, and The Charles Law Band.

There will be a Grateful Dead inspired concert on Sunday, April 20 (if you know you know), with groovy jams and Dead covers from such bands as Cubensis, Shaky Feelin’, Ellie Rollins Band and Chris Murphy. This Eventbrite ticketed event runs 3-7 at Las Palmas on Meyers Road in Ojai and is sponsored by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy.

The Music Under the Stars summer series lineup was announced, but tickets won’t go on sale until Tuesday, May 6. The Saturday night consecutive concerts feature mostly tribute bands, or genre specific such as Conjunto Oye on August 23, “bringing the heat” with pulsating salsa, and Cuban rhythms with Puerto Rican flair. You’ll want to check out the City’s website for the full line up. All shows typically sell out, so you won’t want to wait until it’s too late.

If fiery Scottish music gets your toes tapping, then you’ll want to check out Scottish Fish at Namba Arts on Friday, April 18. Scottish Fish features five dynamic young women steeped in Boston’s vibrant Celtic scene who travel the world performing.

And congratulations to Bombay Bar and Grill as they continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary this month. By the way, you might want to swing by Thursday, April 24 when Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project will be the guest bartender with music in the house from Steve and Sally Williams and Frank Barajas.

Quick Notes: Boatyard Pub is still undergoing renovations for much of April; If you care to travel out Fillmore way, then you won’t want to miss the smooth Latin sounds of Tierra, Malo and Los Amigos at the Fillmore Town Theater on Saturday, April 19; Tony’s Pizzeria hosts Dead inspired bands on Saturday, April 19 with Shaky Feelin’, Katie Skene Band, Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down and Chris Murphy with the show starting at 4:20 pm; Latin Grammy-winning artist, Twanguero, plays the Ojai Underground on Friday, April 25; and Parliament Funkadelic featuring the one and only George Clinton plays the Ventura Music Hall on Monday, April 28.

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 Music Scene 4/2/25 – 4/15/25

Posted on March 30, 2025 by venturarocks

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

If country music is your jam, then you won’t want to miss KHAY Fest 2025 featuring Justin Moore, Locash, Dillon Carmichael and Caught Red Handed. The day will be chock-full of activities including a huge dance floor for line dancing, vendors, photo-ops, food trucks and more. The event will be held at the Camarillo Airport on Saturday, April 11 with proceeds benefiting First Responders, Ride for the Blue, and Food Share. You can find out more and secure your tickets at KHAY.com.

Who new Donny Most who played one of Richie’s friend, Ralph Malph on Happy Days is now a jazz musician based out of Colorado? Well, the Ventura Music Festival did and they’re bringing his 17-piece band to the Crowne Plaza for an evening of swing, jazz and big band classics on Friday, May 9. For more information and tickets go to VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The Ojai Playhouse has finally been renovated (again), and has reopened to mostly film screenings, but on Wednesday, April 2nd, Benmont Tench will perform. Tench was a founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and played keyboards on all the Heartbreakers recordings. Do note if you plan to attend, tickets will not be available at the box office and can only be purchased via TicketWeb.com.

The Strawberry Festival music line up was recently announced. Along with all the strawberry concoctions, entertainment will be spread out over several stages. On Saturday, May 17, it’s Bruno & the Hooligans, U2Xperience, Tabu, Jayden Secor, Bad Habit, Smith, Upstream and Jeanne Tatum. And then on Sunday, May 18, it’s Radio Rebels, Kings of Queen, Son Mayor, Brandon Ragan Project, Jacob & the Good Vibes, Past Action Heroes, Santeria and Los Xiquenos. Free Shuttles will be available at six different locations to help alleviate traffic getting to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. For more information and advance tickets go to CaStrawberryFestival.Org

And congratulations to Bombay Bar and Grill as they celebrate their 40th anniversary this month. Do make it a point to swing by and give high fives to Diego and crew.

Quick Notes: Boatyard Pub will be undergoing renovations for much of April; Art City’s first Friday, 5x5x5 will feature Dear Southern Belle, Nick Jay and Pat Miskel on Friday, April 4; Ventura Theater tribute band night will be held on Saturday, April 12, featuring Ozzmania, Fair Warning, Natural Science and Fallen Angel; Aaron Burch Teen Collective, Unplugged, will be held at Namba on Saturday, April 12; Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai hosts Korel Tunador on Saturday, April 12, (Tunador has toured and played with such acts as Rob Thomas, Katy Perry, The Goo Dolls, Matchbox 20 and more); Tony’s Pizzeria Saturday, April 19 will have Shaky Feelin’ Katie Skene Band, Ashton Slater’s Grateful Get-Down and Chris Murphy from 4:20 – 11 pm; and Tierra, Malo and Los Amigos play the Fillmore Town Theater on Saturday, April 19.

Ventura Music Scene 3/19/25 – 4/1/25

Posted on March 16, 2025 by venturarocks

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

It looks like yours truly will be the emcee for this year’s Ojai Blues Fest scheduled for Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 at the Ojai Arts Center. Tommy Marsh returns with a stellar lineup including performances by Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Joey Delgado, Katie Skene, Smokey & Friends, and Teresa Russell on Saturday, but the night before not only will Crooked Eye Tommy play, but there will be a special concert by Celso Salim & Darryl Cariere. Celso has won five Independent Music Awards including Best Blues Album and finished 3rd place at the 2019 Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge; and that same year the Celso Salim Band won the Lee Oskar Harmonica Award as best harp player of the year. Tickets are on sale now at OjaiBluesFest.BrownPaperTickets.com.

The KHAY Fest is coming up fast. This year the headliner is Justin Moore along with performances by Locash, Dillon Carmichael and Caught Red Handed. This one will be held at the Camarillo Airport on Saturday, April 12. Proceeds will benefit First Responders, Ride for the Blue, and Food Share. You can find out more and secure your tickets at KHAY.com.

Saturday, March 22, will be a special night with tributes to the music that has been engrained in our subconscious over the decades. I’m talking about songs that evoke a time in our past that at least for me, always brings a smile to my face. First at the Majestic Ventura Theater, it’s “What the World Needs Now: the Bacharach Songbook Live” featuring Todd Rundgren and special guests. Bacharach had so many award-winning songs with no less than 50 top 40 hits, six Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and an Emmy; if you’re over 40 (and for many under), I’m sure his music has touched your life.

Then, a couple blocks over from the Majestic on a smaller scale, Namba Arts will host local artists covering several Oscar-winning songs, from “Moon River” to “Over the Rainbow.” Expect performances by Jodi Farrell, Michael Henszey, Lauren Brown, Kerri Climer, Julie Hamann and more.

Quick Notes: Live music returns to the re-branded Victorian Tavern on Thursday, March 20 with Cory B. Clay & the Twains; the rescheduled Jerry’s Middle Finger is set for Friday, March 21, at the Ventura Music Hall; Shaky Feelin’ plays the Harbor Cove Café on Saturday, March 22; the Ventura Music Festivals brings Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles to the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, March 22 with a concert by Ticket to Ride; it’s an afternoon of hard rock anthems and more at Tony’s Pizzeria on Saturday, March 29 featuring the Monsters of Pop, Fallen Saints, Super Freaks and the M-80s; and Portside Ventura hosts the Ska Daddyz on Saturday, March 29.

Ventura Music Scene 3/5/25 – 3/18/25

Posted on March 2, 2025 by venturarocks

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

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year, so most celebrations at local venues will offer all the bells and whistles, along with Irish Whiskey, Celtic music and more the weekend before. That being said, a number of venues will also have live music on the actual day including Boatyard Pub with Ken Devoe, Damaged Goods at the Ojai Valley Brewery and you can count on Ventura City Firefighters Pipes & Drums to make the circuit as well as Gold Coast Bag Pipes who will play 15-20 minutes from venue to venue including The Shores, Gigi’s, Ric’s in Camarillo, Lookout Bar & Grill in Oxnard and O’Leary’s. And though I couldn’t find anything documented on what Dargan’s has planned for the big day, you know there will be a line to get in, and I’m pretty sure Celtic music will be involved.

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be hosted on Saturday, March 15, starting at 10 am on Main Street. The procession starts at Lincoln Drive and will end up at Fir Street, which is where Downtown Main Street Moves begins. This year’s theme is “Show-Me You’re Irish.” You can count on spirited dancers, amazing costumes, horses, antique cars, service organizations, high school bands, and of course floats with music typically including those from Totally Local VC, and the Grape.

As the parade ends, the Main Street Moves St. Paddy’s Street Fair begins with over 45 vendors and live music dispersed throughout downtown including the Pipes at Winchesters. Then at 4 pm, “The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl” begins with several venues participating; this is a ticketed event via EventBrite, but you can still take in all the fun just being downtown!

A Fundraising event for the Ventura Music Festival will be held at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, March 22 featuring Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles including a special performance by The Beatles tribute band, Ticket to Ride. An optional VIP dinner fundraiser will precede the event. Find out more and get your tickets at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The Twist on Main has gone through many changes and many ownerships over the past ten or so years, and it’s going through yet another one with a new partner and new name and branding, Gibson’s Neighborhood Bar. The announcement was posted via social media on February 25.

Quick Notes: Jerry Cantrell plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, March 5; Raging Arb plays an afternoon gig at Bombay’s on Saturday, March 15, starting at 1 pm; Vaquero y Mar hosts a punk rock show on Saturday afternoon, March 15, starting at 3 pm with the Neurotics, Romper and All-a-Blur; Katie Skene’s album release party will be held at the Ojai Deer Lodge on Saturday, March 15 with Max Kasch opening; John Oates plays the Majestic Ventura Theatre on Thursday, March 13; and finally, on March 17, VenturaRocks.com celebrates 16 years providing live music listings to the community.

Ventura Music Scene 2/19/25 – 3/4/25

Posted on February 16, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Namba is offering a special evening of Oscar-winning songs as performed by local artists on Saturday, March 1. The concert will include tunes you’ve come to know and love off the big screen such as “Moon River,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” The roster includes Jodi Farrel, Michael Henszey, Lauren Brown, Kerri Climber, Julie Hamann and more. For tickets and more information go to NambaArts.com.

Legendary artist from Peter, Paul & Mary, Noel Paul Stookey, returns to the Rubicon Theatre for two shows: Monday, March 3 (7p) and Tuesday, March 4 (3p). I don’t need to tell you want an honor it is to have this iconic, five-time Grammy winner, and recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame play our town, “his West Coast ‘home’ theatre.” As a proponent of safe energy, peace and civil rights, you know he has a lot on his mind as he’s quite the master storyteller sharing his thoughts in between songs such as “If I Had a Hammer,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” For more information and tickets go to RubiconTheatre.org.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo plays the Ventura Music Hall on Tuesday, March 4. The group out of South Africa is rich in traditional songs from their homeland, they’ve garnered five Grammy Awards over their 63 years performing (nominated for 19), and were the group featured on Paul Simon’s Graceland album in the mid-80s. The group was the brainchild of Joseph Shabalala who retired from performing and handed over the leadership to his three sons, Thulani, Sibongiseni and Thamsanqa Shabalala. This will be a fully seated concert. For more information and to secure your tickets, go to VenturaMusicHall.com.

American Pie Records/American Pie Coffee Shop in Camarillo now offers live music over most weekends. Located on Ventura Blvd., in Camarillo, you can expect an eclectic mix of artists such as Benjamin Buttner on February 21, Aspen on February 22 and Violet Rey on February 28 (most sets run 8 – 10 pm).

The crew from Boots & Brews Country Music Festival announced Kane Brown would be playing this summer, June 29 at Surfers Point Live, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Tickets are on sale now at BootsAndBrews.com.

Quick Notes: The Tom Scott & the LA Express performance at the Grape on Wednesday, February 26, is sold out (but you can hang out at the bar and still enjoy the show); Al Stewart (“Year of the Cat” fame) & the Empty Pockets play the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 26; The Mighty Cash Cats play Bombay’s on Friday, February 28; and
Cadillac Zack presents blues artists, Chris Cain, on Wednesday, February 19 at Cantara Cellar (Eventbrite.com); and Jay Nash cancelled his February 21 appearance at the Ojai Underground looking to reschedule later this summer.

Ventura Music Scene 2/5/25 – 2/18/25

Posted on February 2, 2025 by venturarocks

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

This year’s Country Bar Crawl will be held on Saturday, February 15, 4-8 pm. The ticketed event provides you with either a red cup (for singles) or blue cup (committed relationship) and you get to travel with fellow participants from venue to venue downtown Ventura taking in four different country rock bands starting at the Blue Agave for Katie Leigh Trio, then it’s the Star Lounge for Jayden Secor, next it’s The Twist on Main for Lizzy Passion and the Cowboy Assassins, wrapping up at Winchester’s Saloon and Grill for the Mike Scully Band. Find out more and secure your tickets at CountryBarCrawl.com.

MadeWest Brewing celebrates their 9-year anniversary on Saturday, February 8; festivities include special releases as well as live performances from Todd Hannigan and Josh Nordgren.

Strey Cellars turns 11 years old over the Valentine’s Day weekend. They’ll pull out all the stops for their Wine Club members and the public alike with new wine releases, specials and of course live music. On Saturday, February 15, it’s Barfly, and on Sunday, it’s The Brandon Ragan Project both days 2-5 pm.

The 21st Annual Chopper Fest lands at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on February 9. This year along with all the motorcycle related exhibits, the live music entertainment will feature A Rock Legend (tribute to Thin Lizzy), Sadie Norkin and Quick Business. There will be a Pre-party at the Victorian House on Saturday, February 8, live music from The Damn Liars, and Sadie Norkin.

“They Love Each Other: A Grateful Dead Weekend” will be held at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday, February 15, featuring Ladyfinger (Santa Barbara) with acoustic Dead covers noon to 3 pm and then it’s The Peoples Dead, a 5-piece Grateful Dead tribute band. Both bands play at the Aqua Bar’s poolside location.

Quick Notes: Alain Whyte of Morrissey fame has had to cancel his gig at Gigi’s on Thursday, February 6; Dave Wakeling & The English Beat return to Ventura for a show at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, February 8; The Mystery Shop in Oxnard has Soft Palms, Pink Depression and Stellar Ruins on Saturday, February 15; another fundraiser for Southern California fire victims will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Saturday, February 15 with Midlife Crisis and Second Wind Band; and Jackson Gillies will join Shaky Feelin when they play the Twist on Main, Saturday, February 15.

And finally, I attended my first show at Ecugreen, downtown Ventura, and was pleasantly surprised to find a great space where all ages can go and hear artists in a cool listening room atmosphere. From what I understand, they’ve been doing this mostly by promoting via Instagram and word of mouth which is how I found them when an old friend invited me to hear the project he’s been involved in, a duo called Channel 2.

Ventura Music Scene 1/22/25 – 2/4/25

Posted on January 19, 2025 by venturarocks

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

With our neighbors down south devastated by recent fires, I know so many are looking at ways to lend a helping hand. What with our own Thomas Fire still so fresh in our collective memories, it speaks to our resilience that we want to help others in their time of need. Local artists are getting together for a benefit show at the Ojai Underground Exchange for a concert on January 25. The LA Fires Benefit Concert will feature performances by Bernie Larsen, Natalie Gelman, Vaughn Montgomery, Shylah Ray, Charles Duncan, the Mazarines and Ojai folk artist, and Alan Thornhill.

The Shores in Oxnard will also hold what they’re calling a “Play it Forward” benefit show for fire victims on Saturday, January 25, from noon to 10 pm with a long list of artists stepping up to help including Steph’s Rockin Roadshow, Wildside, Ben Garcia, Faith Jones Band and more. They’ll be accepting new items and cash donations.

Numbskull Productions presents Alain Whyte co-writer and member of the Morrissey Band. Whyte is booked to play Gigi’s on February 6, but it’s worth noting that at press time, while this show is still scheduled, that could change as Alain Whyte lost everything in the Eaton Fire. If the show is still a go, what a way to help support! Find ticket information at Ticketweb.com.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating their Pearl Anniversary this year (their 30th season). The festival runs during the summer months, but they always have special concerts throughout the year. To start off 2025, they’re offering two concerts at the Ventura Music Hall, both are fully seated. First, it’s Stephane Wrembel on Thursday, January 30, and then Elija Fox on Friday, January 31. Wrembel is one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists originally from France; he blends jazz, gypsy swing and world music. Fox infuses elements of jazz and soul into his songwriting; his latest album “City in the Sky” is a collection of piano instrumentals capturing the essence of New York City.

The Ventura Theater has added a unique concert for Saturday, March 22, entitled, “What the World Needs Now: The Bacharach Songbook Live.” Along with the show’s namesake title, Bacharach also composed such hits as “I Say a Little Prayer,” “The Look of Love,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” and more. Bacharach passed away in 2023, so this tribute will be performed by the incredible talents of Todd Rundgren, Rob Shirakbari, Wendy Moten and others.

Quick Notes: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s rescheduled show is Saturday, January 25, at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center; the Blue Moon Boys play your favorite Elvis tunes at Strey Cellars on Saturday, January 25; Lowered Expectations will play Bombay’s on Sunday, January 26, while celebrating their bassist, Susan Lowe’s birthday; and the Ventura County Concert Band performs a free show called “Lounge Blizzards” in the Ventura High School Auditorium on Sunday, January 26.

Ventura Music Scene 1/8/2025 – 1/21/2025

Posted on January 5, 2025 by venturarocks

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

Happy New Year! Wishing you a prosperous year with lots of dancing and live music for 2025.

“For Roger, One Love, One Life” is all about community coming to honor Roger, a huge fan of Dirty Rice from day one. They say he was the first on the dance floor, he was their photographer and videographer, and from his love of the band, Dirty Rice became a fan of Roger. Because of this, the band is using their voice to honor their friend who continues his fight with a rare progressive disease with a special concert on Saturday, January 11, at the Ventura Music Hall. Charleen Morla-Garcia told me, “Dirty Rice has always been grateful for Rog. He’s our brother. When the idea of the show for Roger came up, all members, hands down were all in for the cause. We haven’t rocked a show in close to 5 years, but we’re getting back together for this great reason, to show our appreciation for all he’s done, and gift him by bringing his friends, family, and our community together to jam out to some good music he loves.”

This town knows when to rally; I am happy to report, this one is sold out.

Lost Leaders featuring Byron Isaacs, bass player and singer/songwriter with the Lumineers will play the Ojai Underground on Friday, January 17. Isaacs, along with guitarist Peter Cole, will bring their soulful sounds to the 805 featuring many songs off their latest, “Hungry Ghosts” which was release in September of 2024.

Hats off to Diego at Bombay’s for offering up more live music. The venue continues their Thursday’s Blues night alternating between artists such as Smokey and Friends, Ray Jaurique, Milo Sledge, Red-Headed Stepchild and more. On Sundays, you can get your dancing shoes on and tear up the dance floor between 4:30 and 7:30 with Heart and Soul on January 12 and Shawn Jones on January 19. They will also offer up Medicine Hat, Frank Barajas and Will Hawkins on Saturday, January 11, starting at 6 pm.

Namba Arts continues to offer live music with not only a platform for local artists, but they also bring in touring acts such as Water Tower on Saturday, January 11 and Haley Neal on Friday, January 17. Water Tower is described as pioneers of a new wave of bluegrass and old-time with a distinctly punk rock flair; and Halley Neal out of Nashville, TN, is described as a modern-day singer/songwriter with her shows centering on themes of positivity and peace.

Quick Notes: 1901 Speakeasy in Oxnard will be closed for several months for renovations; along with Bobby Apostol on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Warren Takahashi on Fridays and Saturdays, the Cave now has Miles Lang on Tuesdays; Ventura Music Hall has Jerry’s Middle Finger on Friday, January 10 and Black Flag with the Dickies opening on Thursday, January 16; after Steve and Sally Williams perform on Friday, January 10, Winchesters will put live music on Fridays on a temporary hold; and finally, The Grape will be open on Sunday, January 12, for a Celebration of Life for Tom Etchart.

Ventura Music Scene 12/25/24 – 1/7/25

Posted on December 22, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Have you settled on a New Year’s resolution yet? If not, may I suggest “dance more” should be at or near the top of your list? If so, you’ll be off to a good start as Ventura County has a plethora of venues offering up New Year’s Eve parties to usher in 2025.

First off, it never ceases to amaze me how terrible some venues continue to be when it comes to promoting their music let alone special events such as New Year’s Eve. I scan social media (Facebook and Instagram), go to their websites, check my email, text and voice mail, and yet I still “stumble upon” last minute gigs. So, for full disclosure, this is the best I have to offer, and as always, most have live music (though I snuck in a DJ or two).

I’ve found three different New Year’s Eve style parties starting with “German” style at Enegren Brewing in Moorpark with Festmeister Hans, Fraulein Roxy and Die Sauerkrauts. Their party runs 11 am – 6 pm.

Then on to the more popular “New York” style parties where the “ball drop” is at 9 pm our time. Onyx in Camarillo has Ray Jaurique; Leashless Brewing has Boom Duo; Poseidon Brewing has the Ronda Ray Band; it’s Tour Support at Ric’s in Camarillo; and Northwind Rhythm perform at the Illocano Association’s New Year’s Eve party in one of the rooms at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

Then the traditional time events where the “ball drops” at midnight west coast time:

Ventura
Doc Rogers Band at the Garage
Easy Wind, People’s Dead at the top room in the Crowne Plaza
Colette Lovejoy Band in a ballroom on the ground floor at the Crowne Plaza
Karen Eden and the Bad Apples at The Greek
The Pennies Band at The Twist on Main
Gio & the High Revivals at Café Fiore
Heart and Soul at Vaquero y Mar

Ojai
Beau Red & the Tailor Maide at the Deer Lodge

Oxnard
Lil Bit of Everything at the Shores
Los Amigos at Knights of Columbus
Vinyl Gypsies with Bruce Barrios MC/DJ at Tides Ballroom, Mandalay Beach

Camarillo
Tin Drum Family at the Twisted Oak
Jeanne Tatum Trio at The Manhattan

I didn’t find live music listed for the following venues, but you know they’ll be hopping with DJs including: Bombay Bar and Grill, Winchesters Grill & Saloon, The Saloon Ventura, The Star Lounge, Sans Souci and Rocks and Drams.

As always, call ahead to see what the cover charge will be and if you require reservations or not; and please, have a designated driver or use a Taxi/Lyft/Uber to get you home safely.

Quick Notes: The Majestic Ventura Theater just added John Oates to their calendar for Thursday, March 13; The Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carrey (TOOL) returns to the Grape on Saturday, December 28; LA Guns play the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, December 28; Katie Leigh is celebrating her birthday by playing the Ojai Pub on Saturday, December 28; Peirano’s hosts the Ventura High Jazz Band on Sunday, December 29; and
TSOL with Radolescents play the Ventura Theater on Thursday, January 2;

Ventura Music Scene 12/11/24 – 12/24/24

Posted on December 9, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Happy holidays!!! Let’s get right to it, so much to share… First off on Thursday, December 12, Candlelight concerts return for two shows at the Majestic Ventura Theater featuring music from the Nutcracker along with several of your holiday favorites all performed by a string quartet with hundreds of candles as the backdrop (Candlelightexperience.com).

You can catch one of those rare Charles Law Band performances at Dave’s Xmas Tree Lot in Santa Paula on Friday, December 13. Dress warmly, huddle round the fire pit, and pick out your tree!

The High Street Arts Center in Moorpark presents “Christmas Magic” featuring the Walnut Canyon Elementary School Choir along with several High Street Performers. This show has several performances running Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15 (HighStreetArts Center.com for times and ticket info).

The Ventura Music Festival presents The King’s Singers with a special holiday performance at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living (VenturaMusicFestival.org for ticket availability).

The annual fundraiser, 4 Kids 2 Kids, will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo this year on Sunday, December 15 (1-6 pm). The cost of admission is $10 and one unwrapped toy. In exchange, you’ll enjoy artists including Ray Jaurique Band, Shawn Jones, RJ Mischo, Debbie Davis, Tommy Harkenrider and Steve & Sally Williams.

The Rubicon Theater will have three show times for the Platters Very Merry Christmas Show performance. There will be one show on Monday, December 16, and two on Tuesday, December 17. This ticketed event still had some seats available at press time (RubiconTheatre.org for more details).

The newly renovated Ojai Playhouse has two performances of Christmas at the Movies on Tuesday, December 17, featuring holidays favorites from the big screen. Leading the cast will be two Broadway veterans and Ojai favorites, Douglas Ladnier and Laura Dekkers, plus very special guest appearances (OjaiPlayhouse.com for ticket availability).

The Grape will have Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz & more Unplugged on Thursday, December 19. Karukas was a founding member of The Rippingtons and has toured with Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, Sergio Mendes, and more (secure tickets at TheGrapeVentura.com).

Quick Notes: Burch Studios will have their next student concert at the Ventura Theater on Sunday, December 15, featuring Muse Collective, Dead Syndicate, Prely Grey, Ahoy!, Electric Shadow, Band of Oneanoother, and Star Synth; The Ska Daddyz and Looking West play Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, December 14; House of Dance will have the Phoenix Big Band with vocalist Michael Falcone on Sunday, December 15 (1p); The Grape will hold a Squashed Grapes Alumni Show on Wednesday, December 18; and Puddles Pity Party lands at the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, December 19.

Our next issue will cover New Year’s Eve events, but if you want to look ahead, I suggest you go to VenturaRocks.com and search NYE parties.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Ventura Music Scene 4/16/25 – 4/29/25

Ventura Music Scene 4/2/25 – 4/15/25

Ventura Music Scene 3/19/25 – 4/1/25

Ventura Music Scene 3/5/25 – 3/18/25

Ventura Music Scene 2/19/25 – 3/4/25

Ventura Music Scene 2/5/25 – 2/18/25

Ventura Music Scene 1/22/25 – 2/4/25

Ventura Music Scene 1/8/2025 – 1/21/2025

Ventura Music Scene 12/25/24 – 1/7/25

Ventura Music Scene 12/11/24 – 12/24/24