Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
There’s no doubt about it, the drive-in theater live concert events are about the only way you can take in a full band performing live music, and of course it’s the safest way if the folks in your car are quarantine buddies, so I’m happy to see more of these events popping up such as the one in Camarillo, and before you judge, keep an open mind because this one is serving up opera! The Ventura Music Festival has partnered with POP (Pacific Opera Project) and they boldly state, “If you think you hate opera, you haven’t seen a POP performance!” It all takes place for a limited time in the United Methodist Church parking lot at 291 Anacapa Drive. Coming up over the weekend of the 20 and 21 is a double bill featuring the US premiere of two rare, comic one-act Gluck operas, La Corona and Il Parnaso Confuso. Take a chance, take the family and enjoy some opera! Get more information at VenturaMusicFestival.org.
The Canyon Club at Oxnard Performing Art Center continues to add more concerts (see listings on this page) and they are typically of the tribute band variety with upcoming shows highlighting bands such as Van Halen, The Beatles, Elton John (the early years) and more.
Here in Ventura, Concerts in Your Car has Kaskade on November 20 (sold out), Bush the following night on November 21, Yachtley Crew on November 27, and Iration on December 4. They’re also offering up some opera on December 6 with a live performance of Carmen presented by Opera SB; then on Saturday, December 12, the Ventura County Ballet will provide entertainment to get you into the holiday mood with two performances of The Nutcracker (5 and 8 pm). For more information on any of these shows, go to www.ConcertsInYourCar.com.
Namba Arts continues to host live-streaming events every other weekend out of their studios. The next one will be held on Sunday, November 22 with Delta by the Beach, Solstice, FILI, Freda Ramey, String Planet, and the Rayjay & Flattop Tom Blues Duo. These events help keep Namba alive with a cover of $10 per performance which are hosted by Doc Ventura. You can look them up on Facebook or go to www.NambaAarts.com for details.
Quick Notes: Camarillo Barrelworks is offering live music solo/duo again (see listings); have dinner with “Frank” at Prime Tuesdays and Thursdays with Danny D; the Swillys play Grapes and Hops the night before Thanksgiving; Teresa Russell plays Wednesdays at Surfside Seafood in Port Hueneme, and Brittney Burchett with Ben Buttner plays Four Brix Winery on Sunday November 22.
Watching the fluctuation of the number of COVID-19 cases, it’s more important than ever to be diligent when venturing out, please do your part and social distance and wear your mask to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows (online or live) 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.