Ventura Music Scene 1/24/24 – 2/6/24

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
artwork
There’s already a lot going on for 2024, so let’s get right to it. You should consider treating yourself to an intimate show with singer/songwriter, Nathan McEuen, on Friday, January 26, at the Ojai Underground. I became a fan when he had a week-night residency at Amigo’s several years ago, and I’ve played his original music on my radio show at Caps Media in the past. He’s a sweetheart of a guy and uber talented coming from a musical family including his brother, Jonathan, and father John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame.

Namba Performing Arts will be hosting their 2024 Winter Gala, a celebration of the diverse tapestry of talent in our community as well as to honor their late founde, Julia Campbell Namba. Featured performers include Grammy Award winning jazz pianist, Greg Karukas and Mexico City based singer/songwriter, Maya Burns. While I’m happy to report this one is sold out, that doesn’t mean you can’t still help keep Namba going by making a donation, large or small, to NambaArts.com.

On Friday, February 2, The Deer Lodge hosts British singer/songwriter, Pete Molinari, but also on the bill will be Robin Taylor Zander. Now if this name sounds familiar and you’re a fan of classic rock, well it should; his dad, Robin Zander, is founding member of Cheap Trick with whom he’s been touring with the past few years. I caught Cheap Trick in 2022 at the Ventura County Fair where it was a treat to see father and son on the same stage.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts will host a Women’s Voices Concert on Sunday afternoon, January 28, featuring Grammy nominee Janet Robin, national radio chart topper Rebecca Folsom; International Singer-Songwriter Associate (ISSA) Entertainer of the Year Charu Suri; poet & NYT Bestseller Katie Hendricks; and #1 iTunes top Singer/Songwriter, Kris Angelis.

Tickets are on sale now for 311 at the Ventura Theater for Tuesday, March 5 and recently added to Ventura Music Hall are Los Lobos for Sunday, March 3, Guttermouth with Buck-O-Nine on Thursday April 18 and Steel Pulse for Friday, April 19.

Quick Notes: Julian Marley and the Uprising play the Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, January 24; a special Sunday afternoon birthday bash will be held on January 28 at the Garage with Bloody Mary Morning in the mix starting at 3 pm; The Trivle Omdobble play Topa Topa Brewing on Sunday January 28; Jesse Harris and his band with special guest Katie Skene will play Cantara Cellars on Friday, February 2; Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 3; and the Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association standing monthly gig at the Poinsettia Pavilion falls on Sunday, February 4;

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 1/10/24 – 1/23/24

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
artwork
Happy New Year! Just like every year before, my hope for our community is that more people get out and take in live music here Ventura while supporting our local venues. My personal New Year resolution on the other hand, is to enjoy and support even more singer/songwriters.

After the closing of Copa Cubana last month in the Ventura Harbor Village, Jerry McWorter has relocated his popular Tuesday Blues Day to a new location, this time downtown Ventura at the Twist on Main; hours remain the same 7-9 pm.

Thursday, January 11, The White House will feature a special night of live music featuring Rick Marcel who has worked with Kool & the Gang, The Isley Brothers, Stephanie Mills and more. Marcel brings a full band playing all your favorite boogie, disco and dance favorites. Call to RSVP tickets (with or without dinner) to (805) 320-8655.

Another Concert for Causes show will be held at the Ventura Theater on Saturday January 13 to benefit Autism Speaks which is a non-profit autism awareness organization and the largest autism research organization in the United States. It sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public. This special event will feature local bands such as The Guitar & Whiskey Club, Raised on Vinyl, Fallen Saints and the Allegations.

It’s been a while since Cadillac Zack has brought one of his shows to Cantara, so I’m pleased as punch that he brings legendary blues and rock band, Canned Heat, to Cantara Cellars for a show on Thursday, January 18. There will be an opening set by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. I assume I don’t need to tell you how inspiring it is to be in the presence of a band who played Woodstock. Secure your tickets on EventBrite.com.

Tickets are on sale now for Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (Dirt on my Diamonds Tour) at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for Friday, April 19; and Save Ferris for March 16 at Ventura Music Hall.

Quick Notes: don’t forget Bombay Bar and Grill has moved their Blues Night to Thursdays starting at 7 pm; catch Black Flag at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, January 14; Barrelhouse Wailers return to the Ojai Underground for a show on Saturday, January 13; Nashville-based singer/songwriter Halley Neal plays Namba on Saturday, January 20; Agent Orange plays Gigi’s on Saturday, January 20; enjoy classical music with violinist Phillip Levy at Beatric Wood Center for the Arts on Sunday, January 21 (program includes Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and more); get your dancing shoes on for this month’s Sunday afternoon of swing dancing at House of Dance featuring Swing Shift on Sunday, January 21; and Café Fiore has an open mic and jam on Tuesday, January 23.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.