Rebelution at Ventura Theater

Rebelution-logoCaught the first of two Rebelution shows at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, December 30, 2013.  These cats were freakin’ amazing.  The show was sold out and the crowd danced and sang and just completely got into the groove that is Rebelution.  Enjoy the photos we took:


Click to see Polly Hoganson MusicMuse interview with Eric Rachmany

Eric Rachmany – Vocals / Guitar
Rory Carey – Keyboards
Marley D. Williams – Bass
Wesley Finley – Drums
Khris Royal – Sax

www.rebelutionmusic.com
http://www.venturatheater.net/

Interview: Eric Rachmany of Rebelution

Rebelution – 2 shows, December 30 (sold out) and December 31 2013, New Year’s Eve, at the Majestic Ventura Theater.

Before sound check for their show tonight (Dec 30) at the Majestic Ventura Theater, I got to talk to Eric Rachmany, lead singer, for Rebelution. He waxed nostalgic about his time in the 805, his first show at the Ventura Theater and what the band’s philosophy is all about when it comes their music.

Just a sample:

Polly Hoganson:  How you doing?

Eric Rachmany:  I’m Great!

Polly:  How’s the tour going so far?

Eric:  It’s been great, we had a little bit of time off we’re recording our next album for the last couple of weeks and then we just played a couple shows in Santa Cruz. Then we have these Ventura shows and then we have a couple shows in Orange County.  We start our big tour in February.  That’s like our winter tour.

Polly:  I saw your schedule, it’s pretty gnarly.  It’s exciting you’re criss-crossing the country then you’re also making time to go to Thailand?

Eric:  Right Yeah, we have a festival to play in Thailand on March 1st

Polly:  Have you ever been?

Eric:  I’ve been to visit but never to play.

Polly:  That’s cool.

Eric:  Yeah

Polly:  I was on your website and you have the video “Skys the Limit” posted.  I really like that song by the way. 

Eric:  Oh Cool

Polly:  You have a great voice.

Eric:  Thank you

Polly:  It was directed by Marley (bass player) and  it looks like you shot a lot in Isla Vista.

Eric:  We did, we thought it was probably a good idea to go back to where we got started and just kind of feel the vibe of Isla Vista while we were filming the video.

Polly:  Whenever you come back to the 805, is it nostalgic?  Does it bring back memories for you guys?

Eric:  Definitely, you know we spent a pretty substantial amount of time here both while we were in college and then actually after we all finished school we all stayed in the Santa Barbara area for a few years. Although we weren’t here a lot of the time we were touring this was still our home base and you know when we got dispersed to different parts of California now but Santa Barbara will always be our home.

Polly:  Now when you got started in ’04, does that seem like a lifetime ago? Or does it seem like yesterday?

Eric:  It feels like yesterday.  It really does.  Time has flown by it’s really hard to believe it’s almost 10 years ago. That’s actually mind blowing to think about. We’re just having so much fun with what we’re doing.  We love performing we love playing and recording music and when you have fun doing time flies by that’s the truth, haha.

Polly:  Haha!   Well looking back through the years and where you’re at now is the journey what you thought it would be?

Eric:  You know I think since I was a little kid I always thought the music I was apart of would be exposed to the world somehow.  I didn’t really know what it would take to do it. So I feel like that has happened and I’m thrilled that I’m playing music for peoples.  I can do this for a living. But I didn’t really know what it would feel like or the steps we would have to take to get our music out to people around the world you know?  I think with Rebelution we played so many shows starting from Isla Vista, playing small clubs to festivals, outdoor venues and amphitheaters now I think we’ve done so many shows that we are confident in what we’re doing and although 10 years have gone by very fast it’s been a nice, slow progression for the band so I think in that regard we feel very comfortable in what we’re doing.  It’s not like we’ve had this huge jump in success.  You know we’re an independent band and we do everything our selves. We’re kind of rising slowly but surely. We’re really happy with that.

Polly:  That goes to my next question in that you guys are pretty DIY.  Is that the direction where you think the music business is going?  Bands are pretty much going to do their own thing?

Eric:  You know, I think the music that we play isn’t really typical for the music industry latch on to.  That’s what I think a lot of the bands we’ve come up with both in the Santa Barbara area and around the country that play similar music to us, are all independent as well.  I think the bands just like us we do it for the love of the music, we do it to spread a positive message, to bring happiness to both ourselves and to the crowd, to the people.  We like staying independent there’s no pressure,  we write music that we love and that’s what it’s all about.  It’s not about making money for us it’s about you know staying positive and keeping a big smile on our faces as we get older. You only live once and we’re trying to live that way. Haha

Polly:  Haha, there is that philosophy that if you do what you love and eventually you’ll reap the rewards.  So it sounds like you’re time is at that point. 

Eric:  Yeah, and I understand it’s really hard to make a living out of this business and the music industry is really cut throat and that’s another reason to stay independent.

Polly:  Right.

Eric:  And It’s also I don’t need a reminder as to why I’m doing this.  We get out there and we play the music that we love and it’s always been that way since day one.  And while we’re happy doing what we’re doing there’s no reason to change our philosophy, change our sound, we do it because we love it.

Polly:  I’ve always been fascinated by how a group of friends get together and form a band.  How did it come about that you guys in college decided to hey one day, let’s make music.

Eric:  Yep, I was always into music when I was a kid. I started on piano then moved to guitar. Once I got to Santa Barbara City College I took this songwriting class. I just fell in love with it.  I don’t know.  The first thing they make you do in class is play one of your own songs.  I’d never done that before and I never thought of myself as a singer.  I always thought of myself as a musician/guitar player and I got up and sang a song and I listened to everybody else and I was able to form some friends and felt really comfortable at it.  And it was through that music dept at City College that I met our bass player Marley and we both shared a love for reggae music and we figured that out in a relatively short amount of time.  Then he found our drummer Wes in another music class us three got together and then we met our keyboardist Rory along the way and then we were jamming a lot of classic reggae tunes like Sublime, this was the kind of music we all related to at the time.

Polly:  Sure.

Eric:  And then we played a show wow this is the most fun we’ve ever had and we just kept on doing it.  Next thing you know we’re writing original music and I think it’s because of that one songwriting class that I gained that courage to you know sing, because I’d never really done that before.

Polly:  Well you’ve got a great voice.  I love your voice.

Eric:  Thank you

Polly:  Any tips for up and comers, that you know you would recommend?

Eric:  Just what I was touching on earlier you just have to love what you’re doing and not think about the rewards, like you were saying if you love what you’re doing the rewards will come.  It may not be like a monetary thing.  It’s important to just play music for the love of playing music.  You should never really forget that.  It is I understand it’s very difficult to be a musician full time but yeah, but from my experience it is possible to be an independent band and to play music for a living.

Polly:  Sure.

Eric:  We worked really hard played multiple shows.  I think it’s important to get out there and perform live.  Nowadays it’s very difficult.  The major record label would never go over with us basically what we do.  We’ve always wanted to do it ourselves.  It’s definitely possible.

Polly:  When you listen to music, when you’re on the road, who’s on your iPod?

Eric:  Haha good question.  To tell you the truth I’ve been writing so much because we’re preparing for this next album so um I’m not really sure who I listen to.  Obviously I’m a big fan of reggae music, once in a while I’ll check out what music is coming out of Jamaica and around the world.  A lot of the times I’ll start listening to stuff I used to listen to whether it’s hip hop, rap, metal, punk rock, there’s folk music, oldies, I’m a big Beatles, I love everything.

Polly: The last record that you guys put out, “Peace of Mind”, what was the evolution of and the thought process of putting out a triple record? (A regular record, an acoustic version and a dub version). That’s pretty ambitious.

Peace of Mind albumEric:  Yeah,  I think it was our love for different types of music that we decided to do that.  We always talked about doing an acoustic album but the idea stems from our good friend and manager Dean who said what if we released it all together?  I thought it was a great idea and I love playing acoustic.  It was relatively easy when we went in the studio we were just free with it and had the acoustic album in a few days.  I think we’ll try and do something like that in the future.

Polly:  Well it’s a great record and I appreciate the acoustic aspect of it.  To see what it sounds like without all the bells and whistles.

Eric:  Yeah, haha.

Polly:  You guys did a really good job.  I did see that you posted some pictures that you guys are in the studio now.  Going to hear anything new and different?  Or pretty much, you follow the same formula, but try and change it up here and there?

Eric:  Yeah.

Polly:  Going to be along the same lines?  Or are you bringing in more cow bell?  Haha.

Eric:  Haha, yeah well it’s actually confidential information.

Polly:  Haha!

Eric:  It’s really hard to explain. PEACE OF MIND was probably our most creative album to date.  It had a lot of different styles of music.  This one I think is different but it’s similar than that it’s got a different style.  I really can’t describe it.  But I think everybody will be happy. There’s something for everyone I think is the best way to describe it.

Polly:  That’s cool.

Eric:  But I think it’s the most thrilled I’ve been about recording an album ever.  I think that’s got to say something.  But like I said earlier we love doing what we do.  It feels good the way we recorded this.   The vibe and the energy that went into it, I think people will be into it.

Polly:  I’m sure they will.  You never let your audiences down and that’s why you guys are so popular.  You’ve got a sold out concert tonight (Monday, December 30, 2013 Ventura Theater).  That’s exciting.  Two nights at the Ventura Theater.  You must be excited about that.

Eric:  Definitely, yeah, a little funny story.  The first time we played the Theater we shared an opening slot with Iration they kind of started in Isla Vista as well.  Whichever band sold the most tickets was the one that would get direct support from the artist Yellowman (headliner) I ‘m pretty sure Yellowman didn’t bring anybody.  The Theater relied on us and Iration to sell all the tickets. It’s funny just thinking about that and fast forwarding to right now and playing 2 nights at Ventura Theater and how we remember our first start there.

Polly:  It must be a great feeling.

Eric:  Yes, it is. It’s a legendary spot for us.

Polly:  Eddy Numbskull is bringing you back to Ventura.  You guys collaborate a lot? He’s a good friend.  A great guy that puts on a quality show.

Eric:  Definitely, we always had a pretty good relationship with Eddy. For a long time now, and he’s been promoting our shows for several years.

Polly:  I  see you’re super popular in Guam.

Eric:  Oh Guam. Yeah.

Polly:  It’s funny because my parents are from Guam.

Eric:  Really?

Polly:  Yeah, I wanted to know if you had any of the local cuisine while there. Haha.

Eric:  We had a lot of amazing fish while I was there.  I forget what other local stuff.

Polly:  Red rice is big, BBQ Ribs…

Eric:  Yeah, Guam, the first time we went to Guam one of our songs was a big hit.  I think it was “Safe and Sound” and it’s still to this day probably one of the most amazing shows we ever played because we were a small band from Isla Vista and all of a sudden our music became this big hit on this island and we played a show for about 6000 people.

Polly:  That’s awesome.

Eric:  That was an amazing feeling definitely.

Polly:  And they love to party and they love to dance.

Eric:  For sure.  We went to a small Chamorro village and it was spectacular going to this small village and seeing how people had been living for decades and the culture. It was amazing.

Polly:  A lot of great musicians, bands started in the 805 some still make their home here like Ozomotli, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, all those guys came up through the 805.  What is it about this part of California that makes it such a fertile ground for live music?

Eric:  Yeah, I think the college town is big for us.  Because there are a lot of people we played to. Isla Vista all jam packed in a small community.  All the students were young and they were hungry for music.  Typically it’s the younger crowd that comes out to see live music.  They are searching for different types of music.  A lot of people visit Santa Barbara. It’s a beautiful place.  You have the coast, the ocean the mountains.  You can see all sides.  Santa Barbara is a perfect way to describe California. Santa Barbara and Ventura too is both warm and cold.  I think that California in general is a melting pot.  There are so many different kinds of people here.  It’s also a spot that you get a lot of people from down south and up north coming to this area.  It’s a place that makes people happy.  You want to rejoice.  You want to be surrounded by the arts,  the music, dancing.   In that regard it’s a great place for that.

Polly:  Now both nights are all ages shows.  Is it important for you to always get the music out to all ages?

Eric:  Yeah, I like to it’s preferably to a 21 and up show.  We think our music relates to all different kinds of people. It’s funny I have grandparents that listen to our music and little kids, like our cousins, 2, 3 and 4 years old that fuss when our music doesn’t come on in the car.  Yeah, I think we’re trying to spread a positive message and there is a lot of negative music out there we hope we’re getting people on the right track.

Polly:  I really love your music.  It is feel good music and it is for the ages.  Any New Year’s resolutions?

Eric:  Haha, that’s a good question.  I got asked that question last night.  Just keep writing music. Just keep on being creative.

Polly:  I sure appreciate your time.   Have a great show tonight, Happy New Year.  Travel safe, looking forward to hearing your new stuff in ’14.

Eric:  Perfect, thanks so much Polly. Appreciate it. Talk to you soon.

(See photos that VenturaRocks.com took at the Monday night Rebelution show:
http://venturarocks.com/blog/rebelution-at-ventura-theater/)

Eric Rachmany – Vocals / Guitar
Rory Carey – Keyboards
Marley D. Williams – Bass
Wesley Finley – Drums
Khris Royal – Sax

www.rebelutionmusic.com
http://www.venturatheater.net/
REBELUTION ON STAGE

Ventura Rocks: A Look at 2013

blogsAs we quickly approach 2014, we can’t help but reflect on 2013 and how there have been so many changes for VenturaRocks.com over the past year.  For almost three and a half years we only posted on our website.  We took photos from time to time and did some editorials and stories about Ventura’s music scene, but we mostly were behind the scenes.

franklin

Franklin Murphy

But this past year, we became proactive by going out and introducing ourselves and finding out what is needed and wanted. We meet venue owners, many of which have become great friends.  We’ve gotten to know many of the bands and solo artists listening to their concerns. We attended meetings and council member forums to help keep our finger on the pulse of Ventura’s music scene.

party

Eve, Pam and Staci Brown

We had a party for our four-year anniversary last March at Bombay’s on St Patrick’s day, and although the band nearly ruined it (I’ll tell you about it someday), Diego’s hospitality and all the music lovers who came out enjoying the day and celebrating with us made it quite the event to remember.

Surf Rodeo

JD, Staci & Pam

We had a booth at several of the music festivals and events this past year where we were able to shake hands, kiss babies and sell a VenturaRocks.com t-shirt from time to time. We started with Roadshow Revival’s Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash.  We followed that up with Ventura Music Week, Surf Rodeo, Aloha Festival and Blues at the Beach. We loved meeting new people and telling them all about VenturaRocks.com.

Pam Baumgardner and Eve Mimiaga of Ventura Rocks, with Kat Merrick of Totally Local VC between them.

Pam Baumgardner and Eve Mimiaga of Ventura Rocks, with Kat Merrick of Totally Local VC between them.

Speaking of Ventura Music Week, OMIGOD!  What work, but what fun!!  There were only 6 or 7 of us who met on a handful of occasions, but somehow we managed to pull it off.  We’re so looking forward to this next year’s event!  100 bands – 10 days – 1 city!!

paradeKat Merrick invited us to join her on the Totally Local VC float for a couple of City parades. Loved walking the parade route up and down Main Street while Dan Grimm and Ian McFadyen rocked it on the back of the float.

Immortal TechniqueWe did a number of really interesting interviews with not only local artists, but with national touring acts and posted them:
Immortal Technique
Todd Hannigan
Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Dean Dinning of Toad the Wet Sprocket
50 Sticks of DynamiteWe also did a number of CD reviews of local artists including reviews for Shawn Jones, Shaky Feelin’, Spencer the Gardener and 50 Sticks of Dynamite.

BluesFestWe got out as often as we could to support local music, taking photos from time to time and participating on helping grow the music scene here.

And sometimes we got a “bee in our bonnet” and we just had something to say so we wrote editorials regarding our music scene.  We wrote about what we feel it means to be an artist, should it be venues vs artists? We talked about the taking and posting of artists photos, and we wrote one called, “A Call to all Artist: What is Your Worth?”.  So, we offered some interesting reading material. guitar Oh! And we can’t forget to acknowledge Charles and Christine Law for giving me my rock ‘n’ roll debut!  I mentioned in passing one day that I always wanted to play a song with other musicians (I’ve just messed around on my acoustic for years), and before I knew it I was playing with the Laws and Tommy Marsh at Bombay’s in front of a live audience.  What a freakin’ rush!!breezeAnd what an honor to be asked to be a writer for the Ventura Breeze!  Sheldon Brown approached me to see if I would be interested on covering Ventura’s music scene.  He didn’t have to ask twice!


And it was a privilege to help on the Heart and Soul benefit for Polly Hoganson of Zoey’s.  With only less than a month to prepare, we helped to pull off the event of the year as the music community came together to help this amazing woman who needed some assistance at a critical time in her life, especially just after she and her husband Steve made the hard decision to close Zoey’s doors. It was truly inspirational to witness the love and support for this woman.

radioWe made our debut appearance on the Tom and Sandy 805 radio show on KVTA, and we even crashed in Spencer in the Morning doing a quickie appearance with Timmy Curran on The Vibe 103.3.  contact_pam-eveBut VenturaRocks.com also lost the help of Eve.  She had ruthlessly hunted down music schedules from our local venues for over four years, a key component to what we do here. She gave ample notice and handed over all her contact information and notes…I know she’s going to miss it.  Okay, maybe not.  It’s hard work!

Polly and PamAnd of course we welcomed Polly Hoganson on board as a guest writer. We’re getting great feedback on her column, Polly Hoganson, MusicMuse and we’re looking forward to hearing from her on a consistent basis.

I had a vision almost five years ago of creating a one-stop music resource for Ventura.  A place to read about the music scene and to find out what the venues have to offer on any given day.

No one asked us to do this. No one hired us to do this. We do this as a labor of love to help our local economy, to help our local venues, but more importantly to help build our music scene.   If the truth be known, it’s our way of giving back to the artists for what they do.  They deserve this kind of support.
VenturaRocks-bannerVenturaRocks.com has been my baby from day one and my vision and this commitment remains steadfast. There are changes still coming, several minor adjustments to be made and some possible expansions on the horizon.

Stay tuned, because Ventura will continue to Rock well into 2014!!!

Happy New Year
and may you flourish and prosper!
Love,
Pam

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 12/24/13 – 1/7/14

breezeThe Music Scene
New Year’s Eve and More
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I love that Ventura’s music community has such heart and supports worthy causes. Firstly, we’d love to see everyone out for “A Benefit for Jacob” on Saturday, January 4 at Yolies (138 W. Main). The McWorters of Hi Hat Entertainment are putting on this event for their eldest son, Jacob, who has been undergoing Chemo for over 16 months. On board for entertainment are Albert Lee, Coco Montoya, James Harmon, Johnny Main and over a dozen more musicians. Go to www.hihatentertainment.com for tickets or to make a donation.

And then we’re helping to get Crooked Eye Tommy to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The band needs help on travel expenses so there will be a fundraiser at Bombay’s on Sunday, January 12 with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, and Tommy’s “other band” Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. You can also enter a raffle to win a new Gibson guitar.

We’ve been getting a ton of questions about what’s happening for New Year’s Eve, and so we did a little research and it turns out there is a boatload of music to be had to help bring in the New Year. We’ve provided phone numbers for venues where you’ll want to make reservations.
The Top of the Harbor at the Crowne Plaza will feature dinner and dancing into the night with disc jockey Bruce Barrios; special room rates available, call (805) 648-2100.
Another place with overnight accommodations is the Pierpont Inn which will be offering a Roaring 20’s party with cocktail reception, buffet dinner and champagne toast while dancing to DJ Matt Madsady; there will also be a live performance from Sound Effect, call (805) 643-6144.
Peirano’s features dinner and music from the Mighty Cash Cats then a DJ, call (805) 648-4853.
The Rhumb Line at the Harbor has Bobby Watley for dinner at 6, then Frank Barajas, call (805) 642-1200
The Greek has traditional belly dancers to get you in a festive mood, and then you can dance to R&B music from Jon Francis. (805) 650-5350.
W20 has Dr. M from 9-12, then a DJ on the first f loor 10:30 – 1:30 pm. Cover starts at 8 pm. (805) 643-6800.
The all new Discovery Ventura will ring in the New Year with dancing to a DJ.
Bombay Bar and Grill will rock in the New Year with a Lex Rule dinner show, and then there will be a Tommy Marsh jam session on one stage and MANDEX on the other.
Keynote will have Red Rhythm.
Gigi’s has What the Funk.
The Star Lounge has CRV.

And finally, check out Polly Hoganson the MusicMuse for some fun reading as she shares New Year’s Resolutions from local musicians and venue owners as well as Ventura’s mayor, Cheryl Heitmann, Read all about them at www.VenturaRocks.com.

Be safe. We wish you a Happy New Year!!

New Year’s Resolutions

It’s New Year’s resolution time again.  To make promises to better ourselves or to quit doing things that we feel are harmful to us or to others.  This tradition dates back to ancient Babylonia and was first celebrated in March. Then those feisty Romans changed it to January in honor of the God Janus.  He was the patron of arches, doorways, beginnings and endings.  I contacted several locals to see what they are resolved to do and was buoyed by their positive messages and the notion that 2014 is full of promise and inspiration.  We hope you and yours have a very happy New Year!

  • Cheryl HeitmannCHERYL HEITMANN
    Mayor Ventura, CA – “Better time management!”
  • ShelbySHELBY FIGUEROA
    Singer/Songwriter – “Spend more time with friends & family and to take more pictures!!”
  • SHANE ALEXANDER
    Musician/SingerShane Alexander/Songwriter – “I’m a Buddhist so I literally start EVERY day with resolutions – to be the best man I can be, to be the best artist I can be, to develop and maintain a blissful life condition and to keep my home-life balanced and flourishing.”
  • bill locey_100BILL LOCEY
    Music writer Ventura County Star – “I live as if every day is New Year’s Eve, Christmas and my birthday”
  • DOUG PETTIBONE
    Doug PettiboneMusician/Singer/Songwriter John Mayer band – “This year I will try to be the best father, husband, friend I can be.”
  • GUY MARTIN
    Blues/Rock Musicianguy martin_t – “My New Year’s resolution is to write, record and produce a long overdue original album. My last effort was in 2000.  Lots of unfinished music has been written since then!”
  • MB HanrahanMB HANRAHAN
    Artist/Muralist – “Never do something ‘only for the money'”
  • KYLE HUNT
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter – “Aside from the usual resolutions like trying to live Kyle Hunthealthier and get in shape, I’d really like to release the new songs I’ve been working on. I’m looking forward to sharing them with everybody. On top of that I’d like to go see a lot more live shows. I’d like to check out some of the bands I haven’t had a chance to see.”
  • Todd HanniganTODD HANNIGAN
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “No resolution this year.  I usually end up breaking them all year.”
  • MARK MASSON
    Mark MassonMusician Shaky Feelin’ – “My New Year’s resolution is to live everyday to the fullest appreciate all my friends, family and even all of my lovely acquaintances around Ventura. Life is short and we never know when it’s going to be taken away from us. Oh yeah and work out and stay in shape, drink only the best beer and keep on playing my music and rocking hard to pursue my dreams for me and other people who are pushing for me. Basically my resolution is to just try and be a better person.”
  • Jodi FarrellJODI FARRELL
    Music/Voice teacher/Singer -“To thine own self, be true”
  • LISBET FREY
    Owner/Partner Green Art People – “I can tell you this I have Lisbet Freyresolved to have more fun (unrelated to work) and to connect authentically with friends, family and music. I want to be more present and live and make connections out of love, not obligation. I also plan on working on my own music this year and getting back into singing/writing.”
  • Brendan Willing JamesBRENDAN WILLING JAMES
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter Member of Grizfolk- “I resolve to be conversational in Swedish by the end of the year, to meet Steven Colbert, and eat sushi in Japan.”
  • Christina DiazCHRISTINA DIAZ
    Artist/Editor in Chief E-Volved Magazine – “My 2014 resolution is to continue to stay sober (I have a 15+ months) and keep moving forward.”
  • Amanda PeacockAMANDA PEACOCK
    Rock Photographer –“I think my New Year’s resolution is: Less time spent on social media, less time spent in bars (did you know that I don’t even drink?), more time with Family and friends, connecting on a deeper level. The past year has brought me new insight to what matters most.”
  • DiegoDIEGO GAMBA
    Manager Bombay Bar & Grill – “To make downtown (Ventura) safe and thriving and to provide quality local entertainment in a safe and fun environment.”
  • PerlaPERLA BATALLA
    Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer – “Every moment counts so I plan to pay close attention and take regular tech breaks for goodness sakes!! And most importantly I plan to continue to love big, always love big!!!”
  • Jim RiceJIM RICE
    Executive Director Bell Arts Factory – “My resolution is to have a new resolution every day …not just once a year….but a lifestyle resolved to simply be… “BETTER”.
  • TOMMY MARSH
    Blues/Rock Musician “My resolutions are many…Tommy MarshLOL, lose some weight… Love my friends and family more apparently and deliberately… To give more of my time and substance or help others find their path or get back onto it… And of course the biggie…To WIN IN MEMPHIS!”
  • John ReeseJONNY REESE
    Owner Amigo’s Surf Cantina  “I am resolving to take better care of myself and the people I love. Be more open to new and different music styles!”
  • Samantha RossSAMANTHA ROSS
    Comedian/Acct Exec VC Reporter – “I’m looking forward to 2014. Although this year was positive creatively, 2013 was challenging professionally. I was afraid of change, but in the end it was the best thing for me. This next year, I’m going to embrace new experiences and focus on a little thing called follow through.”
  • Tom HiltonTOM HILTON
    Radio personality KVTA Tom & Sandy’s 805 – “My New Year’s resolution it’s to lose 10 LBS without cutting down on beer LOL!”
  • pamPAM BAUMGARDNER
    Owner VenturaRocks.com – “My New Year’s resolution is to create and maintain a well organized office. It will help smooth the way for getting more projects done. Oh! and dance more!”
  • POLLY HOGANSON
    Music Advocate and Writer VenturaRocks.com – “Well I hope to travel to where ever Paul McCartney is and enjoy a once in a lifetime live concert.  Pick up an instrument, I think I have time now, and live a simple, healthy life, physically, mentally and spiritually. Here’s to 2014!”

Steve and Polly Hoganson

Favorite Holiday Recipes

 

 FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES FROM A COUPLE OF
MY FAVORITE ARTISTS & SOMETHING FROM ME TOO!

Enjoy these quick and easy recipes during your Christmas through New Years get- together with family and friends.  If you make any of these please take a photo and share with us!

THE PERFECT BREAKFAST ON CHRISTMAS MORNING!

 FROM SALLY JAYE – Singer/Songwriter & ½ of the duo of The Ladies Gun Club

SALLY JAYE’S FRENCH TOAST EVERYBODY LOVES!

sally jayeIngredients: One loaf of Challah bread, Canola oil, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 Tbsp honey, ½ Tbsp sugar. Dash of salt, fresh berries, syrup

“Wake up. Go buy some nice Challah bread from a local bakery, maybe grab a cup of coffee there and smile and chat with some folks in the neighborhood. Take it home, turn on some music (we put the iPhone in a glass on the counter), and make sure the kitchen is nice and clean before you start.”

Slice bread about 1 and 1/2 inches thick and set aside. In a glass mixing bowl (I prefer glass), combine milk, eggs, vanilla, honey, salt. Don’t put your eggshells in the garbage disposal!  Whisk together. Pour into a small, shallow glass casserole dish. (I prefer glass). Add Canola oil to a medium size skillet, just enough to create a light layer all over. Turn stove onto medium. Lay slices of bread in mixture, coating each side but not soaking. Let bread sit in mixture for a few minutes. Place slices of bread in skillet. Cook for two to three minutes and flip. Repeat for other side. Flip again for about a minute, and flip again for another minute. Just don’t leave it for too long on one side or it will burn.  NOTE: Don’t let it get cold, so if you’re making a lot, keep it in a warm oven (low temp) while you make the rest. Serve with syrup and fresh strawberries and blueberries or fruit of your choice. Bananas are good too. This goes especially well with bacon and fresh orange juice to drink. 

The unabashedly Appalachian voices of SALLY JAYE and SARAH ROBERTS make for a stunning anomaly. Soon after meeting, they borrowed the name LADIES GUN CLUB from an actual ladies’ gun club in North Carolina and, happily commenced to makin’ bona fide Roots Music in the midst of Tinseltown. The NEW LGC single is out on iTunes! Check out BIG BASS DRUM, produced by Josh Day, written and performed by LGC with Brian Wright, Philip Khronengold & Dylan Cooper www.theladiesgunclub.com

APPETIZERS

 TAYLOR KASCH – Artistic Director Flying H Group – Theater Company

My drunken Irish grandfather passed on to me”

                                               DRUNKEN MEATBALLS!!

taylor kasch1c catsup, 1/2 c brown sugar, 1/2 to 1 cup bourbon, 1 package frozen meat balls.

Mix it all together in a crock pot and cook on high for 2 hrs.  Pretty damn good!

Flying H located at 6368 E Bristol Rd Ventura is a place for the professional actor & beginners alike to study their craft in a warm & welcoming environment. An ensemble group of actors has been created that “speak the same language”. Aside from our live productions, workshops and private instruction are offered. For further information go to our website at www.flyinghgroup.com

 POLLY HOGANSON – Writer VenturaRocks.com

“This is a family favorite and oh so easy!!”

                   HAM ROLL UPS

024Danish Ham – 16 ounces, Green Onions – 1 bunch, Soft Cream Cheese – 16 ounces

Wash green onions, cut off root ends, reserve green stalks. Take a slice of ham and lay flat, spread enough cream cheese to cover.  Cut 1 stalk of green onion the width of the ham, roll it up like a jelly roll.  With seam side down slice 5-6 “wheels”.  Place on a small platter or dinner size plate.  Continue through the pack of ham or until you run out of cream cheese.  It usually makes enough for 6-8 people.

NEW YEARS CHEER!

RAIN PERRY – Singer/songwriter

“Here’s a recipe I invented in honor of my nephew’s wedding.”

PEONY MARTINI

rain perryOne part Hendricks Gin, One part *ginger-infused Sake (see below), two parts raspberry lemonade from Trader Joe’s, raspberries to float on top

*I always store sliced ginger in sake because you can never use up a whole root before it goes bad. One day I thought “I bet that sake-flavored ginger would be pretty good in a cocktail!”

Rain Perry’s “Beautiful Tree” is the theme for the CW Network’s “Life Unexpected,” where she also had the surreal pleasure of appearing as herself in a music festival episode alongside Sarah McLachlan and Ben Lee. She has released four albums on her own Precipitous Records (2 of which had their CD Release Parties at Zoey’s), as well as writing and touring a solo play about her unusual childhood called Cinderblock Bookshelves: A Guide For Children of Fame-Obsessed Bohemian Nomads. A high point: hearing Nanci Griffith’s sweet voice on Tom Russell’s version of her song “Yosemite.” A not-so-high point: when it made the radio EP but not the album. In addition to her career as a singer-songwriter, Rain also promotes concerts in Ojai and teaches Songwriting for Civilians, specializing in classes for people who harbor a secret desire to write songs but need encouragement and tools.

Christmas with Claud Mann and wife Perla Batalla – Sharing precious time with family is the best gift of all.

I reached out to one of the most talented couples I know for their favorite holiday recipe.  What a pleasant surprise when I was rewarded with this lovely gift.  Their Christmas dish and accompanying story is filled with a long history, a rich family tradition and most of all love.

                   POSOLE DE PERLITA

claud perla evaPosole soup is a one-dish Mexican supper my wife Perla’s family has shared every Christmas as long as anyone can remember. Simultaneously comfort and celebration, the hominy and pork (or even free-range turkey) soup is passed around the table, and each person garnishes a huge bowl of the broth, hominy, and shredded meat in a different way: avocado, shredded cabbage, fresh chiles, radishes, cilantro, onions, chile sauce like creating a beautiful garden in the center of the table, and conversation plays as big a part in the dish as the edible ingredients.

This recipe began with Perla’s grandmother. I suppose anything that comes from a grandmother’s hands is comforting. On our very first date, Perla’s mother and grandmother were making posole soup at her sister’s. It was my first visit there. Her mother is Austrian-Hungarian, but she grew up in Argentina and learned to cook from Perla’s father, who was from Acapulco. Every single Christmas, Perla’s mother would buy a pig’s head from Grand Central Market, the only place that supplied Mexican foods and produce. Back then the reason to cook the head was economical: use every part of the animal. Today it’s more expensive to buy the head than the rest of the pig’s body.

Now when I make the soup I use a pork shoulder, which is called the butt. (The derrière is actually the ham.) And I use pig’­s feet, to replace the flavoring the cartilage from the head would have provided. Unlike other stocks, there’s no mirepoix. Just garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Perla’s mom wouldn’t add more than water and salt. Still, this version has met with her approval. The key to a great stock is to keep the water just this side of simmering so the meat doesn’t dry out and the fat isn’t incorporated into the stock. At the family gatherings someone is always famished and goes over to the stove to turn the heat up to a boil and speed things along, but you can’t do that. It’s a long simmer, but as soon as you can pull the bone free, the soup is ready. You pick off the fat, shred the meat from the bone, and serve it in a separate bowl.

I’ve been tempted to use fresh hominy, but Perla is convinced that the real dish needs Mexican white hominy: large, rough kernels straight from the can.

It’s the condiments that reflect the regional aspects of Mexico. Perla insists on the purity of a white broth, while I am of the red school, so I make a red chile puree and leave it on the side as another condiment, which I swirl into the clear stock. We always add Mexican oregano, crushing the leaves between our hands so that the smell is everything. And then tons of lemons; each person squeezes half a lemon into the soup, which turns the broth cloudy. And then we pass around the various condiments. We know some families who offer red cabbage as well. And some who put green apples in the soup. And the only other side dish we serve is fresh tortillas.

For fifteen years I have cooked posole soup for our family at Christmas. So it is a complete meal. And it’s so filling! Partly because you end up eating at least three bowls . . . until you need a nap. Which is a good thing, because by that time someone’s started an argument, so it is a good time to retreat to the couch.

Note: Mexican-style hominy is found in Latin American groceries. Try to purchase half-cooked hominy from a tortilla factory and finish cooking it at home. Alternatively purchase posole from a health food or gourmet store and cook according to the directions, 3 to 5 hours. Fully cooked canned or frozen hominy is available at most grocery stores.

 

POSOLE DE PERLITA Serves 10 to 12

For the soup 3 pounds bone-in pork shoulder butt, cut into 4 pieces 3 pounds pig’s feet, neck bones, or shanks, cut into 2-inch-thick pieces (have the butcher cut these for you) 2 large white onions, quartered 2 whole heads garlic, halved across the middle 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons sea salt 4 cups fully cooked Mexican hominy (see Note) 1 recipe Ancho Chile Sauce

For garnish, optional Coarsely ground dried red chile Dried Mexican oregano Finely chopped white onion Halved lemons and limes Finely chopped red cabbage Thinly sliced radishes Diced avocado 1 recipe Ancho Chile Sauce

ANCHO CHILE SAUCE

Makes 2½ cups

6 to 8 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed, coarsely torn 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons white vinegar Combine the chiles, 2½ cups water, salt, sugar, and vinegar in a small nonreactive saucepan over high heat. Cook for 5 minutes. Cool slightly and puree in small batches. Strain and pour into a serving bowl.

Claud’s Bio:
Chef de cuisine for Dinner & a Movie, Claud Mann graduated from the California Culinary Academy and cooked his way up and down the West Coast, including stints as executive chef at the five-star Palmilla Hotel in Cabo San Lucas and Nicola restaurant in Los Angeles. His nonprofit endeavors include Project Open Hand and his own guerrilla catering company, Eat the Rich, which simply never made a penny. Claud also co-runs Mechuda Music, an independent record label, with his wife, vocalist Perla Batalla. They live in Ojai, California, with their daughter, Eva, and are breaking ground on a home-style organic restaurant.

Excerpted from Cooking from the Heart, © copyright 2003 by Michael J. Rosen and Share Our Strength, and reprinted by permission of Broadway Books.

Claud Mann  Email:  foodstories@mac.com

Ventura Music Photos: December 2013

Winter Wine Walk

Winter Wine Walk
 Ashford Gordon, Duane Meagher, Pam Baumgardner, Kat Merrick, Karen Lawless, We think Chris, Cathy Higa, Wendell Roberts, Eve Mimiaga

Squashed Grapes – Saturday, December 28, 2013
Ventura Jazz Collective
Ventura Jazz Collective
Amigo’s Surf Cantina
– Saturday, December 28, 2013
Kaleigh Jo Kirk


Amigo’s Surf Cantina
– Saturday, December 28, 2013
Galvanized Souls
Galvanized SoulsThe Cave
– Saturday, December 28, 2013
Warren Takahaski
Soft Rock

Billy O’s
– Friday, December 20, 2013
Mother of Dissension
Punk Rock

Yolie’s – Friday, December 20, 2013
Hot Roux – Mark Tortorici
Swing, Blues, and all points in between

Bombay Bar and Grill – Friday, December 20, 2013
Totally Local VC Christmas Party
Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog, special guests

Squashed Grapes – Thursday, December 19, 2013
Christine Marie and Segue
Jazz

Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, December 19, 2013
Rage the Machine Again
Tribute to Rage Against the Machine

Downtown Ventura – Saturday, December 7, 2013
Winter Wine Walk

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Saturday, December 14, 2013
Spencer and Todd’s Swingin’ Moods
Spencer and ToddBelow is the annual get together of my old radio pals from KXBS, The Bus when I was known as Stephanie Rose and not Pam Baumgardner.  Brother Rob was on air in mornings with Matt Cooper and Tammy Myers ran amok doing promotions.

Tammy Myers, Rob Moss, and Pam Baumgardner

Tammy Myers, Rob Moss, and Pam Baumgardner

W20 at the Watermark – December 5, 2013
Mikael Jorgensen (Wilco) teamed up with David Scott Stone to play his special brand of electronica.
Jorgensen - Stone

Interview: Todd Hannigan

Todd Hannigan was navigating his way to LA to see friend and business partner, musician Jesse Siebenberg, who was playing at the Fonda. I had the pleasure of talking to the singer/songwriter, record producer and Grammy winner who had a lot to say about music, surfing, film-scoring, turning 40 and his hometown of Ventura, California.

Todd Hannigan

photo by Bridgette Lopez

Polly:  You grew up in Ojai or Ventura?

Todd Hannigan:  Both actually. We went between Ojai and Ventura but spent most of our time in Ventura and I went to Ventura High.

Polly:  In high school I was like a hippie theater geek, what kind of group did you hang out with?

Todd:  I did as little time in high school as I could, haha, but when I was there I hung out with the surfers and I also played golf and tennis.   But mostly surfers, and I was trying to get out of class so I could ride the waves.

Polly:  So Surfing was a big deal for you as a teenager growing up.

Todd: Yes it was like the biggest deal.

Polly:  I saw the short film posted on your website. Tell me about the Patagonia “Worn Wear – A Film about the Stories We Wear” project and how did you get involved?

Todd: I was talking to Lauren and Keith Malloy (local surfer/film maker) and they thought they’d be making a short called Worn Wear and I told them I’d like to be involved tell me a little bit about it and when it came time to do the music I was doing stuff with Emy Reynolds, a few other people and Lee Koch was going to be involved.  So I’d already been working on most of their stuff, so usually Keith asks me to do music for them.  We actually co-wrote a song that’s in there.

Polly:  I recognized Emy right away, her music starts out at the beginning of the film.  Who else plays on it? You play on it and then you got the Malloys?

Todd: Yes, me and Keith but I’m still getting the artist list together I apologize.  One of the things I’m doing right now is getting an official list of all the songs that made it in and I’m going to post it because a lot of people have been asking where to buy it.  Plus I didn’t do all the music so I’m still getting all of that together.

Polly:  Well it’s a beautiful sound track and I can see how people are interested in getting it.  What is the process that you go through in scoring a film?

Todd: Really I try and spend a little time before I start, getting a real good idea of what the director wants. A lot of the guys I’m working with nowadays are more experienced and good at telling you what they want or whether you’re allowed to do what you want.  There’s a couple different styles of how you approach scoring.  See what comes to mind first.

Polly:  So it just depends on the director then, sometimes they have a clear cut specific idea and you collaborate and other times he gives you free reign.

Todd: Sometimes they say write something and they’ll send me the idea/theme and dialogue or they’ll send me a theme with a track of something they can’t afford like a Rolling Stones song with the tempo to cut to, and what the images look like and the rhythm they’re looking for. From that you get the picture of what they want.  I match the tempo with our song and throw that Rolling Stones sample track out.  That way our song matches all the same cuts.

Photo by Cliff Montgomery

Photo by Cliff Montgomery

Polly:  Patagonia is such a huge presence in Ventura county and around the world. A unique business that’s more a way of life. Do you know and have met Yvon?  (Chouinard, owner of Patagonia)

Todd: Yes, we’ve met. I’ve actually spent several hours recording an interview at the old Brotheryn.  He told a lot of cool stories and a lot of my friends work there.

Polly:  The Patagoina’s philosophy seems to have influenced in my opinion your lifestyle and a lot of people in Ventura.  Do you see that?

Todd: Yes, I agree with that. I don’t do much climbing but I surf and do like their message with the worn ware philosophy. To re-think the disposable economy and plan on keeping your stuff for a couple generations and learn how to fix your stuff and buy stuff that will last at least your lifetime.  Especially now during the holiday shopping season their campaign says a lot. And if they have the balls to do that with their advertising campaign then I should try and look long term.

Polly:  This is another great Malloy project. You’ve been collaborating for years. How did that happen?

Todd: We started hanging out together at Emma Wood and down around California St a long, long time ago when I was probably 9 or 10 years old. Then when I first started playing guitar I couldn’t wait to show them my first riff or my first set of chords.  And when I saw Nick Drake I told them hey check this guy out or check out Robert Johnson. We’ve been really connected musically for years.  So when they need music they call me.  I was able to come through with a couple songs initially and as they’ve grown I’ve become more involved and that it’s been good shit. I’ve been really lucky, yeah lucky.

Polly:  It seems like they started out surfing and now they’re making their name in the film world which is pretty cool.  So you’ve done a lot of soundtracks at Brotheryn.

Todd: We actually got nominated for a second Grammy a couple days ago.

Polly:  A second Grammy?

Todd: Yeah

Polly:  That’s awesome!  I was going to talk to you about The BIG EASY EXPRESS. (Brotheryn 2012 Grammy winner for best long form music video featuring Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & Old Crow Medicine Show)

big easy express photoTodd: Right, which we mixed.  That was one we didn’t write any music for because it was about bands who make music themselves. We mixed all of the sound, the dialogue editing and final mastering.  Big Easy was really fun to work on, a very exciting project by Emmett Malloy. That’s actually the first time I’ve worked with Emmett.  I’ve always worked for Chris, Keith and Dan (Malloy) and when Emmett hired me it was really kind of cool.  It was his first Grammy too.

Polly:  That’s a great accomplishment, so what’s the second Grammy award for?

green day cuatro posterTodd:  It’s a film called “Cuatro!” a documentary about Green Day.  We mixed a while ago, last year, but for some reason it really got no press, nobody saw it, nobody heard about it.   I was really surprised when it was nominated.  It’s a great film.  A friend Tim Wheeler directed it and Tim Lynch produced it the same producer on the Big Easy, they are the guys from Farm League down in Santa Monica where I get a lot of work from.  Farm League has really been responsible for getting me a lot of the work that I’ve been doing and I owe them a lot.

Polly:  It seems like the connections that we make even at a young age and the friendships it kind of leads to other things and grows and these days, it’s really who you know.

Todd: Yeah, we definitely have to have the opportunity to do good work and to even learn how to do it.  You also have to deliver once you get hired.  I’ve been in a position before where some friends were getting really popular or famous and making some moves and I wasn’t ready to go along for the ride, I didn’t have enough experience.  You really have to be in the right place at the right time and be ready.  So you work your whole life and try to get good at something and hopefully you get the opportunity to show that on a larger scale.

Polly:  Your studio in Ojai – Brotheryn is a full service recording studio?  Who are the musicians you’ve worked with in studio?  

Brotheryn StudiosTodd: This year – a musician named Johnny Boyd, Lee Koch, Dan Grimm, Dave Palmer are projects we’ve done this year.  Jason Mariani does a lot of the music work, a lot of the mixing and is the head engineer at Brotheryn.  A lot of the bands contact him directly where as I’m more hunting down filmmakers specifically.

Polly:  Your partner in Brotheryn is Jesse Siebenberg, who’s been out on tour with Lissie.  How did you guys meet?

Todd: Well, you know that’s so funny, I met Jesse Siebenberg when I was hired to do a session for a guy named Syd.

Polly:  You mean Syd, Syd?  (Erin Sidney, local Producer, singer, musician and drummer for Mia Dyson, The Pullmen, Hotels and Highways)

Todd: Yes, he was coming in to do his record when he was working with Hartley (Fitzgerald-Hartley) back in the day.  That recording session with me was long, long ago.  I had no partners, I was by myself at the Haley ranch (first Brotheryn Studios location in Ojai).  He said he has this guy coming in that’s going to play drums, guitar and bass on the album and he’s awesome and it was Jesse!  Jesse came in and said hey I can’t believe this place is here.  He’d been in the area for awhile but didn’t really have anyone to record or hang out with.  He said you know I have a bunch of gear and maybe we can figure out a situation where I can leave it here and use it whenever I need to.  So a week later we get a U-haul, drive it up to his dad’s (Bob Siebenberg drummer for Supertramp) place in Yosemite. We got a mixing board, mics, a bunch of stuff and we became partners basically right then and there.
Todd and Jesse Canyon ClubPolly:  That must have been a long time ago.  Was that in the 80’s?

Todd: Hahaha, I wish we had started back then, no I was still in school in the 80’s.

Polly:  Oh right haha.

Todd: It must have been around 2001.  No, 1999, I remember having conversations about Y2K with Jesse.

Polly:  Right, all the world’s computers were going to shut down.

Todd: Yeah.  Back then Jesse hired Jason to do some mixing on another record and also on Syd’s record.  Jason was freelancing in L.A. and we were giving him more work than he was getting in L.A.  We told him move up here, in fact just bring your stuff up here and it’s worked out for everyone involved I think.

Polly:  How did you get started as a musician? You mentioned you were about 10.

Todd: Well, I was infatuated with music as a listener.  My brother had a guitar when we were growing up which he would hide from me but eventually let me play it.  My dad also had a roommate who had a guitar who let me use it.  I would play every day for months and months, I wouldn’t put it down.  After a while I got pretty good pretty quick.  Then my uncle Peter a classical guitarist showed me a couple classical pieces where I’d have to use my fingers. Which is the style I use to this day.  Then I’d just jam to cassettes. I listened to a lot of psychedelic music, a lot of Hendrix.  I’d just play guitar, no real songwriting, then record on a cassette deck.  When I was about 25 for whatever reason I sang a song called “Blue Sky” and my friend who was making a movie heard it.  He asked hey who’s that?  I want to use that in my movie.  Well, that’s me.  He said bullshit I didn’t know you could sing?  I said I didn’t either.  And that track made it into the movie.

photo by Pam Baumgardner

photo by Pam Baumgardner

Polly:  That’s incredible.

Todd: Yeah, then I knew, wow that’s pretty crazy. So maybe I should write some more songs.  So I ended up doing that.

Polly:  And it’s served you well.

Todd: Well I didn’t write my first song with lyrics until I was 25.  Anybody can do it as long you have passion for it then you should just do it.

Polly:  You really need to have passion.  

Todd: With surfing and music the one good thing is how it’s always different.  Like waves are always different or your mood, that’s why I never get bored with music or surfing.  And that’s why I love music – to go in and create is my favorite thing to do.  It gets even more fun the longer you do it.  Like surfing.

Polly:  I checked your website and FB.  You just put up some new tracks.  Are you working on a new record?

Todd: Yes, I’ve put a lot of new music up on my website because there are some composing agencies in L.A. and San Francisco who wanted to hear examples.  So I posted those.  To give those folks an idea of my writing style for film opportunities.

Polly:  What’s your process when you write a song?  Do you hear the music in your head or do the lyrics come first?  

Todd: Usually I’ll start playing a melody on the guitar, a certain rhythm will inspire me for the most part.  Sometimes I’ll wake up with a lyric.  Not to be too literal but it could also be something that happens in my life that will inspire me.  Sometimes the music and lyrics can come at the same time like with the song “Where I need to be”

Polly:  I was listening to your song “End Game” and there is a line that I thought was really interesting you say “I’m going to keep on trying til my dying day and I’m going to keep on dreaming until they take it away”  Is that a message you’re sending out to the Universe of where you’re at?

Further Than the BowTodd: Well I’m trying to convince myself…

Polly:  Hahaha

Todd: Definitely to other people, and as you know life can beat you down a little bit.  You don’t have to look far to see that.  Often times I write songs to convince myself to keep trying harder.  In this case it’s about a goal.

Polly:  So I wanted to share something with you I don’t know if you realize this but there are some circle of friends who lovingly refer to you as Todd Hattigan because of your hats. Did you know that?

Todd: Haha.  Oh my God.  That’s funny.  I’m trying to grow my hair out so I don’t have to wear hats.

Polly:  What was your most memorable gig?

Todd: The Canyon Club with Jackson Browne.

Polly:  That’s cool.  Where is your favorite place to surf around the world?

Todd: Favorite place?  Probably here when the waves are good.  It’s a great feeling to be at home and be surfing.  When the waves are pumping and there’s not a lot of people in the water.

Polly:  What advice would you give to up and coming singer/songwriters?  Any words of wisdom?  I know part of it is to make sure you have the passion.

Todd: If I was starting out and I ran into myself in the future I would really wish I had read the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell  which has a little bit to do with music but mostly about how to get good at anything.  He talks about meeting your 10,000 hours. It’s really fascinating and I’d really recommend it. For me I’m just starting to feel like I’m owning what I’m doing as an artist.  It’s a lifetime choice to be involved in music and it’s not about the money. It’s something you choose to do because it makes you feel good and hopefully you have something inside of you that you want to share with the world.  Doing it for the right reasons and know that it’s going to take awhile.  And get a second job that allows you to do your music is something I figured later on.  My job in studio allows me to not depend on making money playing music as much. That helps me writing wise that let’s me write stuff that I believe in. Be a waiter or server or anything that pays you as much money in as little time as possible so you can play and write the rest of the time.

Photo by Amanda Peacock

Photo by Amanda Peacock

Polly:  Right.

Todd: And don’t be afraid to play gigs.  I was petrified Polly, when we played our first gig at your old place upstairs.  I was so, so scared.

Polly:  You’re kidding!

Todd: Oh my gosh I was so scared for the first couple of years but you know that was a really, really cool way to jump into the music world.  But I think maybe even the first 25 gigs at Zoey’s actually…haha

Polly:  It definitely is the more you do the more comfortable and better you get.

Todd: Yes, that’s what I was trying to say it helps doing open mics and what you were doing where you were encouraging up and comers.  Another thing I would suggest is don’t be so concerned about money from the gig so much.  Just play as many gigs as you can so you get better at your craft.  Then you can worry about making a livelihood from your craft as you get better.  Don’t put money before the craft, put it after.

Polly:  That’s good advice.  Well I was going to ask you, because you just recently had a birthday…

Todd: 40!

Polly:  40 years old really…

Todd: Four Zero

Polly:  How do you feel about that? hahaha

Todd: Oh man, I don’t know, how should I feel? I don’t know, I was fine for my 30th .  As far as turning 40 I’m trying to ignore it and keep running laps and eating organic food.

Polly:  I don’t think age is that important anymore as far as a number.  I think it’s just what’s in your heart and what you put out there. I mean, 40 is like the new, what 29?

Todd: Hahaha, yeah, The Heavy 29’s (name of his band).  Well I hope so, I wished I’d said that.  40 is the new 29.

Polly:  I was going to ask you, okay so you’re 40…or 29, are you where you’re at or did you ever think you’d be where you’re at now personally and professionally?  Are you in a good place?  

Todd: Yes, I think I’ve already reached a path where I’m achieving as far as being involved with music, yes, I’m very happy and surprised actually. I still have a lot of time to get better and work on the highest level in the world.  I’m actually further along than I expected.  It’s kind of crazy.

Polly:  Good for you Todd.  What’s your assessment of the local music scene, you’ve been involved for so many years?   

Todd: I would say the number of artists that I’m aware of seems to be growing. There are pretty solid artists that have put in their time. But I’d say we need to work on more venues that are basically like the ones you guys had (Zoey’s) because I think that helped cultivate the most.  That’s like having a farm and the musician is like the crop.  It seems like with the absence of Zoey’s the scene is more about drinking than listening to the music.  Some places are trying like Bombays.

Polly:  I know Diego is trying.  It’s almost Christmas, are you ready?  

Todd: As ready as I’ll ever be.  I’m doing memberships to the Organic CSA, buying vitamins. Thanksgiving was great.  I like spending time with the family.

Polly:  Any New Years resolutions?

Todd: None this year but I make and break them all year long.

Polly:  Last question, you’ve played music and surfed all over the world. What keeps you coming back to Ventura County?

Todd: It feels like home.  And this place is as nice as anywhere.

www.toddhannigan.com
www.brotherynstudios.com
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photo by Pam Baumgardner

photo by Pam Baumgardner

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 12/11/13 – 12/24/13

The Music Scene
Stocking Stuffers
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Here we are right smack dab in the middle of the holiday shopping season and of course our favorite go to gift is the gift of music. Two bands who have made us proud over the years have new releases which will look sweet in your favorite person’s Christmas stocking this year.

New ConstellationOur first selection is New Constellation from Toad the Wet Sprocket. You practically couldn’t turn the radio on in the 90s without hearing this rock alternative favorite, so fans
have waited patiently for years for something new. After breaking up, then getting back together, touring on and off for quite some time, Toad too knew it was time. With 11 new
songs and 4 bonus tracks (various songs from the band’s side projects reworked), I can’t imagine one single Toad fan being disappointed. Toad member, Dean Dinning who calls Ventura home told us, “You know you look at the album New Constellation as kind of a best of everything that we’ve all been doing for the last 16 years I suppose, and us throwing it all in there and making a Toad record out of it.” I told Dinning I had been listening to the new album and that it was full of crazy good harmonies and hooks up the wazoo to which he replied, “Thank you! That was the idea to have really strong  songs with sing along choruses and stronger individual identities and hopefully it wouldn’t just all blend together. We wanted something that would get people’s  attention.”    Mission Accomplished.

Big Bad Voodoo DaddyAnd secondly, we go to Ventura’s very own, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD) who has released their second Christmas album, It Feels Like Christmas Time. We caught up with Scotty Morris, frontman for the band, and asked why a second Christmas record? He told us, “After the first Christmas album was released, we started touring behind it with our Wild and Swingin Christmas Party and the tour just started to build a really large fan base. Every year it just kept getting bigger and more fun. So after ten years we felt it was time for a facelift.” The record is everything you’ve come to know and love about BBVD and each and every song will put you into the “swing” of the holiday season. Asking for a little insight into the record, Scotty divulged, “All but one song is a remake, the title track It Feels Like Christmas Time it’s the only original tune on the record and probably one of my favorite tunes I have written to date” which you know, is saying something special!

And finally, you’ll want to check out Polly Hoganson the MusicMuse and her top ten picks for local music for Christmas including CDs from Shane Alexander, the White Buffalo and the Milk Carton Kids. Check out Polly’s new column, along with complete interviews with Dean Dinning of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at www.VenturaRocks.com.