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Ventura Music Scene 4/17/24 – 4/30/24

Posted on April 15, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Most people know by now that the Skull and Roses 2024 festival has been cancelled. The letter that went out to ticket buyers tried to explain the promoter’s sad circumstances and I was feeling for the guy until I got to the bottom of the letter and read (and I quote), “REFUNDS: While tickets and hotels were sold on a non-refundable basis, we sincerely wish that funds were available to refund all purchases. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case at this time.” The promoter plans to post updates as more information becomes available. I’m hearing from a lot of ticket buyers that they have already received notice that their tickets will be refunded via the ticket outlet. But what about all the deposits for hotels and airfares people invested in to be there? How about the vendors (some of which never got fully paid for last year)? I’m probably the biggest non-deadhead around, but I love the deadheads who attend these events and my heart goes out to them, and all the vendors who trusted the promoter. Let’s hope he keeps his word and does what is necessary to make good on all his debts, no matter how long it takes and can we please try to keep bankruptcy out of the equation.

Meanwhile, no need to go cold turkey on Grateful Dead covers as several of the bands have already secured shows around town. You’ll want to check out The Six who hosts the Deal on Thursday, April 18; the Crowne Plaza’s outdoor bar will host The Peoples Dead and Hyryder on Friday, April 19, Winchesters has Cats on the Bandstand Friday, April 19; and Tony’s Pizzeria has The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’ and Hyryder on Saturday, April 20. (post Breeze deadline) The Ventura Theater on Sunday will have Saviors, Spirits and Wingman, Garcia Grisman Revisited, Reed Mathis, The Alligators, No Simple Highway and more. I’ll add to the VenturaRocks.com calendar as I hear about more of these last-minute gigs.

Though the guys don’t look a day over 25, Army of Freshmen will play the Ventura Music Hall for their 25th Anniversary Show. Opening will be Nerf Herder on Saturday, September 14.

DW’s Café has been trying out live music; still to come this month the Urban Soul Band, Vanise Terry Trio, and Bossman Music. DW’s is located at 2855 Johnson Drive, Ventura.

Quick Notes: Bacon Brothers just added to Libbey Bowl schedule for Sunday, June 30; The White House will host a special dinner music event with The Kings of Queen on Wednesday, April 17; Tommy Quale’s Petty “Round the Campfire” at Namba on Saturday, April 20; Psychedelic Summer plays the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Beachfront Bar on Sunday, April 21; Salzer’s Records will have an in-store acoustic performance by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen on Sunday, April 21; and The Robot Uprising’s final show will be on Saturday, April 27, at Vaquero y Mar playing with All-a-Blur and 5th Street Saints.

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 4/3/2024 – 4/16/2024

Posted on March 31, 2024 by venturarocks

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

It’s almost becoming a distant memory, those days when outdoor shows never rained out. Even as I’m writing this, I’m “knocking on wood” that the drought is over. We most certainly need the rain and it looks like the proverbial April showers just might continue to dampen some of the outdoor shows including the upcoming concert at Art City with Elaine Alarcon, Agie Williams and more on Friday, April 6 and “Whale of a Concert” featuring the Pier101 Band at Harbor View Park in Oxnard on Sunday, April 7. But then again, the weather has been unpredictable this year, so hopefully we’ll get sunny weather for all live music. Keep in mind, some venues might accommodate the inclement weather by bringing the music indoors such as Winchesters, the Aqua Bar at the Crowne Plaza or Leashless Brewing, albeit, in a smaller capacity.

I attended one of those Candlelight concerts at the Oxnard performing Arts Center last fall featuring Halloween type music, and I thought it was fabulous. The room is lit up with candles (battery operated, no open flames), while the Listeso String Quartet performs. The next session of concerts will be held at the Majestic Ventura Theater over two dates with two shows each day (early show at 6:30 pm and later show at 9 pm). The early show on Tuesday April 16 features a tribute to Adele and the later show a tribute to Coldplay. Then on Thursday April 18, the early show is a tribute to Queen and the later one a tribute to Taylor Swift. Tickets are available through Feverup.com.

Kelly Zirbes is passionate about so many things: writing, recording, performing and doing her part to raise funds for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League or CARL. This year CarlFest will be held at Topa Topa Brewing at the Colt Street location on Sunday, April 14, Noon to 3:30 pm, with a performance by Kelly’s Lot. But wait…the fun doesn’t stop there as they’ll also have a silent auction, raffle and food trucks available. This is a family friendly event with a suggested donation to CARL at $10, but you can give more.

Quick Notes: Spider Baby, Public Nuisance, FSKD, The Indignants, Toledo Panic play an afternoon show at Harley’s Camarillo Bowl on Saturday April 6; The New West Symphony performs Messiah at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on Sunday April 7; The Collection will offer singer/songwriters this month on Tuesday evenings at the Park View Court, 5:30 – 7 pm, on the 9 it’s Adam Lasher and on the 16, Lynnzee Fraye; Josh Heinrichs 2024 Smoke Out Tour will land at Mrs. Olson’s on Friday, April 12 with One People and Pipe Down, tickets are available via EventBrite.com; and Dan Grimm plays Ojai Valley Brewing on Saturday April 13.

Ventura Music Scene 3/20/24 – 4/2/2024

Posted on March 20, 2024 by venturarocks

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

What a celebration it was for VenturaRocks.com’s 15th anniversary on Sunday, March 17 at Tony’s Pizzeria. Bruce Barrios is the best host anywhere, the band, the Brandon Ragan Project was on fire, and the crowd couldn’t have had more fun dancing and enjoying all the festivities including a few numbers from the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes & Drums (love a man in a kilt!). It was so heartwarming to have so many people stop by to congratulate and share their stories of how much they love and appreciate the website. Many thanks to all who came out including Sheldon Brown, publisher of the Ventura Breeze and his daughter Staci Brown (Editor Emeritus), Kat Merrick of Totally Local VC, Milo Sledge who had a gig up the street at Topa Topa Brewing, Steve and Polly Hoganson (formerly of Zoey’s fame) and so many musicians and lovers of live music and VenturaRocks.com. I kept hearing, “Here’s to another 15,” which makes me wonder if I have 15 more in me or not. We’ll see!

Libbey Bowl’s line up is looking pretty good with most shows through the Canyon Club; make sure you’re getting the best price for your tickets, by going through their website. New dates added to this summer’s calendar include Los Lonely Boys on August 8, Don McLean on August 10, Maxi Priest on August 81, Pablo Cruise with Peter Beckett of Player on August 31 and Judy Collins on September 13. In-between, you’ll find a number of tribute bands as well. Check out the full calendar at LibbeyBowl.org.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ojai Underground will have three fantastic singer/songwriters playing in the round, Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Jess Bush, Natalie Gelman and Arielle Silver. Tickets on sale now for this Friday, March 22 performance at OjaiUndergroundExchange.com.

Surf Rodeo hasn’t listed any bands to date other than they’ll be back this year in a new location at the tip top of Surfers Point where the Ventura County Fairgrounds meets the beach. Dates will be July 5 and 6 which according to my calendar are a Friday and Saturday.

Quick Notes: Moofish Café in the Crowne Plaza will have Dueling Pianos Friday and Saturday nights; All female band playing AC/DC covers, Herway to Hell, will be at Copper Blues on Saturday, March 23; X is at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 24; Danny Carrey of Tool will be featured with Doug Webb at the Grape on Saturday, March 30; The Honeysuckle Possums play the Santa Paula Theater Center on Saturday, March 30; RAW record release party will be held at Vaquera y Mar on Saturday, March 30 with Plot and the Hong Kong Frenzy; and The Bone Thugs-n-Harmony show at the Oxnard Performing Arts center is postponed until September 14. If you have tickets, they’ll be honored on new date.

Ventura Music Scene 3/6/24 – 3/19/24

Posted on March 6, 2024 by venturarocks

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

March 17th is coming up and several venues will offer live music to entice patrons through their doors to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish culture. Of course, the City of Ventura will have their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade; but, on the day before, Saturday, March 16. So, if you plan to head out for some rollicking fun on Sunday then may I suggest you celebrate the patron saint of Ireland along with a very special milestone? That would be the 15th anniversary of VenturaRocks.com. That’s right! I launched the website on March 17, 2009, and have never charged the venues or the bands to be listed on the calendar of events, and it’s always been free to the end users, so many of which swear it’s their bible when it comes to live music in our town. Many thanks to Bruce Barrios for offering to host the party at Tony’s Pizzeria from 3-7 pm with live music from the Brandon Ragan Project as well as special appearance by the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes and Drums. I hope you can swing by!

Billed as Jazz in the House, the Ventura Theater will host a Sunday afternoon concert, free to the public, featuring the award-winning jazz bands from Cabrillo Middle School and Ventura High School. It’s truly inspiring that these schools continue to offer music programs when so many other schools cannot. Both programs are supported by the memberships of their Booster organizations (both 501(c)3 non-profits). This is a perfect way to support budding musicians by attending and showing them some love.

The City of Ventura has announced this year’s Music Under the Stars lineup for the summer of 2024; however, tickets do not go on sale until May 9, so you have plenty of time to map out which shows you plan to attend. Here now, the lineup: an 80s dance party with Identity Theft on July 13; the Smooth Sounds of Santana play on July 20; a Steely Dan revue with Pretzel Logic on July 27, it’s a fun combo of Stones vs Rod Stewart with Start Me Up on August 3; a unique spin on blues, Rock & Americana with Dirty Cello on August 10; R&B, pop, jazz top-40 with Phazze One on August 17; an Eagles tribute with Dark Desert Highway on August 24 and a high-energy Latin dance band, Susie Hansen Latin Band to wrap up the series on August 31.

Quick Notes: tickets are on sale now for Todd Rugren’s June 23rd concert at Libbey Bowl in Ojai; Jodi Farrel will hold a Master Class at Namba on Saturday, March 9; Spencer the Gardener plays the Ojai Underground on Saturday, March 9; it’s the debut of Mick Stovers Blues Band at Margarita Villa on Saturday, March 9; and Save Ferris plays the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, March 16.

Ventura Music Scene 2/21/23 – 3/5/23

Posted on February 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The rescheduled River Bottom Sessions’ Inaugural Bluegrass Festival is set for Saturday, March 2, noon to 7 pm, at Las Palmas de Ojai with performances by Tarantula Banjo, Ellie Rollins Band, The Van Allen Twins and Chris Murphy, and headlining the event is Mark Masson’s Jam Grass and Moonsville. Tickets can be found on EventBrite.

Jon Gindick has put together an acoustic blues night at Greater Goods in Meiners Oaks with fellow musicians, Ralph Carter, RJ Mischo, Bill Flores, TD Lind and Vaughn Montgomery. The show starts at 7 pm with donations accepted at the door.

Punk rockers John Doe and Exene are back at it taking X out on the road with a date at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 24. It worth mentioning that Doe and Exene will be the special guests for the Psychedelic Furs when they play the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, May 14.

Ventura Music Hall has several great acts coming up in the next two weeks including The White Buffalo on Thursday February 22; Health, an American noise rock/industrial band on Saturday March 2; and East LA legends, Los Lobos, on Sunday, March 3.

Taking a break from playing huge arenas and festivals this past year including two shows at Crypto.com Arena in LA this month and with more tour dates continuing through June in Europe, Danny Carrey, drummer for Tool, returns for a spirited night of jazz playing with The Doug Webb Group. If you’re a fan of Tool, or just enjoy some pretty hardcore jazz, then do yourself a favor and secure tickets now for Saturday, March 30 at TheGrapeVentura.com.

You might want to snag your tickets for Forever Motown returning to the Rubicon with six performances June 6 – June 9. Performers include members of the Marvelettes, the Temptations, The Spinners and more. Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

Quick Notes: Limon y Sal has In Stone upstairs every Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm; Duke’s Beach Grill is offering up live music early Saturday evenings with Mark Cross on February 24 and The Zepp Heads on March 2; Margarita Villa in the Ventura Harbor is back to live music on the weekend starting Saturday February 24 with 805 Crosscut; a Tribute to Leonard Bernstein, American Songbook will be held at the Ojai Underground on Sunday February 25; Shawn Jones has a vinyl release party for his latest offering, “In my Blood,” at the Grape on Friday, March 1;
Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Moorpark has more live music with 805 Social Club on Friday, February 23, and Recharged on Saturday March 2; and 311 has two dates at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Tuesday, March 5, and Wednesday March 6 with Sitting on Stacy to warm up the crowd.

Ventura Music Scene 2/7/24 – 2/20/24

Posted on February 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

There are two traditional days this month to go out and enjoy music, the first of course is Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 13. Several venues will have live music with a Mardi Gras theme, but the biggest event I found would be in Santa Paula at Rabalais’ Bistro with D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers. D.on is the perfect band for this occasion with their unique brand of roots, blues, and swampy jazz in the vein of New Orleans Jazz. Along with the perfect music is the perfect venue which always features home cooking with Cajun roots and a bar which serves Mint Julep and Hurricanes. Reservations are highly recommended.

Then the following day of course it’s Valentine’s Day with several establishments hiring live music to accompany this romantic night out. Just a couple of venues include Café Fiore with Donna Butler, The Grape with Eric Harrington and Friends featuring Valentine ballads, Seth Andre will be at Moofish Café in the Crowne Plaza and the Blue Moon Boys with Elvis covers at the Manhattan in Camarillo.

And then over President’s Day weekend, it’s the 7th annual Country Bar Crawl whichfalls on Saturday, February 17. While all venues are open to the public, you will need to purchase one of their special cups to be a part of the event (red for being in a committed relationship and blue for single and ready to mingle). The cup gets you exclusive food and drink specials at each of the venues (Early bird specials at www.CountryBarCrawl.com) Here’s the rundown: check in at 3 pm with the first band, Mike Scully at 4 pm at The Blue Agave (185 E. Santa Clara). Then at 5 pm it’s Lousy Little Gods at the Star Lounge, The Twist on Main has 33 Thunder at 6 pm and finally back across the street at The Six, Chad Baker (Nashville recording artist) at 7 pm. This event helps to benefit 58Strong.org which supports the children of victims from the Route 91 Harvest mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Tickets went on sale for Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls with Skinny Lister at the Ventura Theater for Friday, March 15 and tickets are still available for Save Ferris at the Ventura Music Hall for Saturday, March 16.

Quick Notes: Adrian Floy and THC play Rincon Brewery on Friday, February 9; singer/songwriter, Shane Alexander plays the Ojai Underground Exchange on Saturday, February 10; Chopper Fest at the Fairgrounds will have Zepp Heads, One Foot in the Grave and Tattoed Songbird on Sunday, February 11; Porno for Pyros play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, February 17; a tribute to Tina Turner called Always Tina will be held on Saturday, February 10, at Copper Blues; and Numbskull Productions will bring Tiquana Panthers, Sweet Reaper and Softjaw to Mrs. Olsons on Sunday, February 18.

Ventura Music Scene 1/24/24 – 2/6/24

Posted on January 24, 2024 by venturarocks

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

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;

Ventura Music Scene 1/10/24 – 1/23/24

Posted on January 11, 2024 by venturarocks

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

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.

Ventura Music Scene 12/27/23 – 1/9/24

Posted on December 29, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Well, we’re at the close of another year and looking forward to the new one. I’m typically not one for looking back, but rather one who anticipates all the good things to come. That being said, now is as good of time as any to reminisce, just a bit. It’s been almost fifteen years since I decided to get involved with Ventura’s music scene hoping to inspire people to get out and enjoy live music while supporting our local venues and artists by launching VenturaRocks.com. It was ten years ago that Sheldon Brown, publisher of the Ventura Breeze, invited me to write this music scene column. Since I got involved keeping my finger on the pulse of our music community, the most important thing I’ve learned is that the music scene is a living entity. You have to nurture it. The venues (God love them) need to promote, the artists need to captivate and entertain, and just as importantly, us music loving fans need to support by not only showing up, but show up with our wallets opened. Several venues provide no cover charge, so they especially need your patronage; buy a beverage, order up some food, tell others about the great time you had, and please don’t forget about the artists, especially our beloved singer/songwriters; buy their swag, order their music, leave a tip. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it takes three elements to make a music scene, the venues, the artists, and us music fans, together, we make Ventura Rock!

Now on to bringing in the New Year. Most venues will have a special celebration on Sunday, December 31, but not all at midnight. Some pub/wine houses are celebrating the “UK” New Year at 4 pm, others at 9 pm aligning with the New York dropping of the ball in Time Square, but most will ring in 2024 at midnight our time with entertainment and party favors. My column (as well as VenturaRocks.com) only lists live music, so if you don’t see a venue here (Bombay’s, the Six and others), it doesn’t mean they’ll be closed, they’ll most likely rock in the year with a DJ. No matter your preference, I recommend you take a look and see what’s available, call the venue to secure reservations and find out if they’ll have a cover charge so you’ll be prepared. And speaking of being prepared, if you’re planning to tie one on, I highly recommend you either have a designated driver, the phone number of a taxi service or have a rideshare app on your phone (Uber, Lyft).

Go to VenturaRocks full calendar page and search NYE for all live music listings to bring in the new year!

Quick Notes: Copa Cubana has permanently closed their doors their final show was December 19; Nick Waterhouse plays the Deer Lodge on Thursday, December 28; Rincon Brewery continues with live music on Friday, December 29, with Milo Sledge Trio; and Namba hosts All Ears described as a musical alchemy on Saturday, January 6.

Ventura Music Scene 12/13/23 – 12/26/23

Posted on December 13, 2023 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season, there are a few more opportunities to catch live music if you need a boost. On one end of the spectrum, the Rubicon Theater will host a Saturday afternoon Tiny Tots Christmas Concert on December 23 (2-4 pm) featuring enchanting songs of the season that will tug at your holiday heartstrings.

And then on the other end of the spectrum, if you appreciate a wicked sense of humor that is, then you won’t want to miss loveable punk rockers, The Vandals, when they play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, December 22. This is the band’s 28th Annual Christmas Formal where they’re sure to play such punk holiday favorites as “My First Christmas as a Women,” “Oi to the World,” “Grandpa’s Last X-mas” and “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus.”

Non-holiday events include a fundraiser to help get Red Headed Stephchild to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next month. The event will be held at Bombay’s on Saturday December 16 from 2-6 pm with performances from Ray Jaurique Trio, Hot Roux, American Standard and Red Headed StephChild.

Singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom plays Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on Sunday December 17. So many of her songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists such as Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Kurt Cobain and of course Bette Midler who hit a number one hit with her tune, “The Rose”.

Albert Lee will be celebrating his 80th birthday at the Twist on Main with Hot Roux supporting the phenomenal Grammy award winning guitarist. Lee has worked with the likes of the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and more. This ticketed event falls on Friday, December 22 with tickets available on the HiHatEntertainment.com website.

Keep in mind, you should firm up your New Year’s Eve party plans sooner than later. My next column will highlight some of the bigger parties, but meanwhile, go to VenturaRocks.com and on the calendar, just search “NYE” for parties throughout Ventura County.

Quick Notes: Rey Fresco opens for Ozomatli at the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, December 14; Simon Phillips returns to the Grape for another sure-to-sell-out performance on Friday, December 15; Red Hot Cholo Peppers play Copper Blues on Friday December 15; Brendan Willing James plays the Farmer and the Cook in Ojai on Sunday December 17; and Tribal Me has reformed and renamed the group, The Jelly Jam Band.

Though I’ve placed the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on hiatus after 200 shows, I’d like to invite you to start your very own radio show on CAPS Media’s KPPQ local non-profit radio station. You can do a talk/podcast type show, or play music of any genre. Reach out to the program director at radio@capsmedia.org.

Ventura Rocks

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