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2025

Posted on January 5, 2025 by venturarocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 12/25/24 – 1/7/25

Posted on December 22, 2024 by venturarocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ojai
Beau Red & the Tailor Maide at the Deer Lodge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on December 9, 2024 by venturarocks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ventura Music Scene 11/27/24 – 12/10/24

Posted on November 25, 2024 by venturarocks

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

I can’t say enough about the “social event of the year,” of course I’m speaking about the Ventura Winter Wine Walk. I love downtown Ventura all decked out in holiday décor with the free holiday street fair running noon to 8 pm. At the corner of California and Main, there’s a large stage with Ventura’s City Hall in the background where bands play danceable popular tunes while “snow” falls to the delight of people of all ages. Now keep in mind, the Winter Wine Walk is a ticketed event (I always recommend the VIP experience), but the street fair along with the live music at California is free to all. Get the lowdown at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Over the next two weeks, there are a number of holiday specials to get you into the swing of things starting with The Grape presenting a sizzling Latin Christmas show with Freddie Ravel All Star Band on Thursday, December 5. Ravel is a Grammy-nominated performer who has toured with Sergio Mendes, Madonna, Prince and Carlos Santana to name a few. Reservations highly recommended at TheGrapeVentura.com.

Up next, the ever-popular Doc the Halls Holiday Blues with Doc Ventura at Namba on Saturday, December 7, featuring performances by RJ Mischo. Fito de la Parra (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sykle, Dave Melton, Eddie Layman and more. Expect a mix of classic holiday tunes along with some original compositions all performed with a festive twist.

Then on Sunday, December 8, the Majestic Ventura Theater is hosting two events. At 11:30 am, the Ventura High School Jazz Band along with the Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band will hold their winter jazz concert. Then at 2:00 pm, it’s the Majestic’s 12th Annual Holiday Sing Along with number of local artists leading the charge. While both events are free, admission for the latter is one unwrapped toy per group. VHS would also appreciate new unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable cans of food as they’re teaming up with Foodshare and Spark of Love this season.

Moving over to Camarillo for additional events on Sunday, December 8, the New West Symphony’s Winter Spectacular will be at 3 pm at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center featuring Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists (ticket information at NewWestSymphony.org); and the Camarillo Community Center will host the Camarillo Community Band’s Christmas concert at 4 pm which is free.

Don’t forget the Wednesday before Thanksgiving tradition of taking in live music starting with TD Lind and the Aviators at Ojai Valley Brewing, Erik Lemaire will rock Duke’s on Seaward, Bombay’s has DJs, Frank Barajas is at the Boatyard Pub, Instone plays Café Fiore, Big Adventure Duo at Aqua Bar inside the Crowne Plaza, there’s the Django Djam at Vaquero y Mar, 6 Beats Apart at the Grape and Johnny Knows No One with DNA & Dave Rae at Tony’s Pizzeria. Most of these venues are indoors; however, the ones outdoors will be contingent on the weather.

Ventura Music Scene 11/13/24 – 11/26/24

Posted on November 13, 2024 by venturarocks

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

We’re fully into fall and with it one’s inability to decide whether to dress warmly or not. My go to solution is always layers, where I either end up with a couple items tied around my waist, or they’re forgotten and left behind on the back of a chair. It’s never easy deciding how to dress for live music when the stage is outdoors such as at Margarita Villa and Tony’s Pizzeria, but luckily, they do provide those heat lamps where you’ll typically find me basking in their warmth.

Mid November tends to be a little slower with no large events (indoors or out), as people start to gear up for the holidays. One unofficial holiday is Friendsgiving where you celebrate with friends rather than family. Around town several venues provide live music the Wednesday before Thanksgiving giving you a chance to preemptively decompress so you’re ready to face the family the next day. A number of venues already provide live music on Wednesdays but a few are stepping up such as Tony’s Pizzeria with Johnny Knows No One, Duke’s with Erik Lemaire and TD Lind & the Aviators will play Ojai Valley Brewery. You find more in the next issue of the Breeze.

Meanwhile, the Rubicon Theater helps to ring in the holidays on Saturday, November 16, with a concert featuring Golden Globe Award winner Amanda McBroom (The Rose) as she celebrates her first ever holiday album Wintersong. You’ll enjoy such holiday favorites as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” Dan Fogelberg’s “Just Auld Lang Syne” and a number of originals. You can find out more and secure your tickets at RubiconTheatre.org.

If you love to dance, and by dance, I mean real dancing such as the foxtrot, waltz, swing, salsa, etc…, then I hope you’re aware of a little gem here in Ventura called the House of Dance located on Bunsen Avenue (off Victoria by the Buenaventura Golf Course). Not only do they provide classes, but the Channel Cities Jazz Club holds a monthly Sunday afternoon session with a live band. This month they’re featuring The Groovin’ Easy Big Band on Sunday afternoon, November 17 (Donations $15 non-members; $10 for members). For more information about House of Dance go to pmhouseofdance.com.

Quick Notes: Leonid & Friends perform a tribute to the band Chicago at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 15; Kimberly Ford returns to the Grape featuring the music of Joni Mitchell in Dreamland on Saturday, November 16; Ventura Theater has Caifances for two nights on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17; Sitting on Stacy opens for the Expendables at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, November 22; and Fido plays Bombay’s on Saturday, November 23.

And finally, sad to report the Raven in Oxnard has closed their doors.

Ventura Music Scene 10/30/24 – 11/16/24

Posted on October 30, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Go Dodgers! Thanks for indulging me; now on to taking a look at live music in and around Ventura, first focusing on Halloween. Yes, there were several parties this past weekend, and there will continue to be a few past the official day, but I don’t hear any complaining and if you invested time and some expense in a costume, why not get your bang for the buck and wear it out more than once?

The night before, Wednesday, October 30, the Ventura Music Factory will host a hardcore Halloween party with an EP release of Evil Dead, along with sets from Pito Pakeeto, Spider Baby and So Gnar.

Now let’s look at the official Halloween date, Thursday, October 31. As you should know by now, I cover live music, so if a venue is not listed, they’ll most likely feature DJs or were sadly delinquent in promoting their event. So, in no particular order: Duke’s Beach Grill has Dead Set featuring Grateful Dead covers; it’s all reggae at Tony’s Pizzeria featuring the Heavy Hitters; The Grape hosts Freda Ramey and House Arrest; it’s the Monsters of Pop along with a special set from Wyldesnake at The Garage; and the Raven Tavern hosts Vinyl Gypsies.

The party continues on Friday, November 1st at Ric’s in Camarillo with Operation 90s and the Keynote Lodge welcomes Lowered Expectations on Saturday, November 2.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 or 2nd involving family and friends gathering to pay respects to those who have died. This year, it will be quite the celebration downtown Ventura on Saturday afternoon (11-6 pm) with Limon y Sal spearheading the effort featuring traditional dancers, mariachi bands and a car show.

The Ventura Music Festival hosts The King’s Singers at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, December 14. For over fifty years the group has garnered several accolades for a cappella performances around the world including two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Yes, it’s two months away, but I would be sorely remiss if you missed out because it sold out before you even heard about it. Tickets and more information available at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: The Musical Box, a tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for a concert on Thursday, October 31; The Deer Lodge in Ojai hosts a Hurricane Relief concert benefit featuring Hot Rise on Friday, November 1; Maya Burns with her unique blend of folk, Ranchero, world music jazz, Bolero and classic rock plays an intimate show at Namba on Friday, November 1; and the Ojai Pops Concert offers a free family-friendly show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, November 3 featuring the Junction Jazz Band.

Ventura Music Scene 10/16/24 – 10/29/24

Posted on October 13, 2024 by venturarocks

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

We’re halfway through October and a lot of folks are looking forward to celebrating Halloween, but with the holiday falling on a Thursday, I’m finding a lot of venues are pre-celebrating the weekend before with a handful the weekend afterwards. This issue of the Breeze covers October 16th through the 29th, so there are a few noteworthy live music parties that fall within that time frame. Halloween parties on Saturday October 26, include Leashless with the Heavy Hitters, Strey Cellers has Ignition, and Ric’s in Camarillo has Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow. On Sunday, there’s Heart & Soul at Tony’s Pizzeria and Kelly’s Lot will host CarlFest (CARL stands for Canine Adoption and Rescue League) with a Halloween themed fundraiser at Topa Topa Brewing’s headquarters on Colt Street in Ventura.

Ojai Day falls on Saturday, October 19, and will run 10 to 5 pm with live performances at the Libbey Fountain Stage by Josephoenix, Spencer the Gardener, Dianne Miller Band, and the Van Allen Twins. According to their official Facebook page, Ojai Day is not your ordinary festival, but a cultural explosion bursting with art, food, spiritual incantations, multi-ethic celebrations and good old fashion fun.

Two legendary women of note play in two different venues coming up. First, it’s Macy Gray (5 Grammy nods) on Wednesday, October 16, at the Ventura Music Hall, and then Maria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (Midnight at the Oasis fame) plays on Saturday, October 19. Both women have their distinctive styles and are sure to deliver amazing shows.

Aaron Burch Studios will hold its next Songwriter Showcase at the Deer Lodge on Sunday, October 20. This one will feature Ahoy!, Electric Shadow, Purely Grey, Star Synth and Dead Syndicate.

Congratulations to Rincon Brewery celebrating their 10th Anniversary with Octoberfest games and specials. You can join the party at their Ventura location on Saturday, October 19, with local legends, the SkaDaddyz, in the house.

Quick Notes: Less Than Jake brings their brand of ska to the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, October 16; Adrian Floy and THC play San Souci on Friday, October 18; Monarch Fest with Sonic Butterfly and Star Goes Nova will be held on Friday, October 18 at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve in Ojai; a tribute to all things Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight, is at the Libbey Bowl on Friday, October 18; Guy Martin along with Jayden Secor play the Twist on Saturday, October 19; Sunday afternoon House of Dance this month features Lenny and Susan LaCroix Septet on October 20; TD Lind and the Aviators return to the Grape on Thursday, October 24;
pop band, 98 Degrees, plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 25; and the Brasscals return to Ventura Coast Brew Co on Friday, October 25.

Ventura Music Scene 10/2/24 – 10/25/24

Posted on September 29, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday October 12 and 13 for their 20th outing. Both days will be chocked full of activities and live music, but Saturday does include the opening ceremonies and a Grand Parade at noon. In and around all the competitions such as heavy athletics, highland dancing, bagpiping and drumming, will be several bands include the Angry Brians, Ploughboys & Silo Rags, The Browne Sisters and more. If you’ve never attended (and whether you’re Scottish or not), I highly recommend this one for the entire family. Find out more at SeasideHighalndGames.org.

The second annual Panteon Fest will be held on Saturday, October 12, at Heritage Square in Oxnard. This celebration of Dia De Los Muertos is hosted by Pipiripau, a local brand representing the beauty of Mexican culture through apparel, art, and community events. You can help bridge the gap between generations in this day of unity and remembrance; tickets are only $15 and be purchased at PanteonFest.com.

This year’s Pier Under the Stars will be held on Saturday, October 5 featuring live classic rock from Ignition. The annual fundraiser for Pier Into the Future helps this non-profit organization help preserve and maintain Ventura’s pier. Find out more at PierIntoTheFuture.org.

Looking ahead in preparation for getting into the holiday spirit, you might want to secure your tickets now for the Ventura Music Festival’s final event of the year featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning, The King’s Singers. The early (4-6 pm) concert will be held on Saturday, December 14, at the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Laurel Street. Go to VenturaMusicFesstival.org for more information.

In a must dress for the occasion in order to gain entry, The Bloodsuckers Ball, will celebrate vampirism at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, October 12 with a performance by Eyeliner, a Bauhuas tribute band.

Boots & Bluegrass with the Van Allen Twins will be held at Boccali’s (on the east end of Ojai) on Thursday, October 3 (5:30 – 8 pm). This one is put on by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce which also features quite the raffle (one of the prizes are two 50-yard line tickets for USC vs Penn State).

Quick Notes: John Waite (The Baby’s, Bad English and solo artist) plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 4; Shawn Jones Big Band plays the Grape on Friday, October 4; The next rock show at Bombay’s is set for Saturday, October 5 (6-8 pm) with Spam, Angie and the Nightmares and Duncan & the Dragonslayers; it’s a punk rock Saturday afternoon with One Square Mile, All-a-Blur, the Dissapointments and more at Vaquero y Mar on October 5; and the Mother Hips land at Ventura Music Hall for a show on Friday, October 11.

Ventura Music Scene 9/18/24 – 10/1/24

Posted on September 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Looking back for just a moment, congratulations to Army of Freshmen who performed at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate their 25th anniversary; their high energy show is always a crowd pleaser. I sat across from two women who traveled from Texas to catch the concert buying a pile of merch including the band’s entire catalog; now that’s dedication! During the opening act’s set, Nerfherder helped to facilitate a wedding proposal asking for a couple of people in the audience to help start their next song and of course they just happened to choose “a random couple.” After howling like wolves, the band started a fake song while he got down on one knee with a ring taking her by surprise. After jumping up and down, she said yes! I’ll admit it made me tear up as the audience cheered them on!

On a downer note, the 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which was scheduled for September 14 – 15, was postponed just days before the event. According to their website it was due to “unexpected challenges…” but of course that could translate to low ticket sales. Hope that wasn’t the case and it will be back before long.

Now looking forward, I don’t know why, but I’m sure there is a reason breweries celebrate Oktoberfest in September. Poseidon Brewing Company’s will fall on Saturday, September 21, with Linda’s Polka Party Band, and Enegren Brewing in Moorpark will celebrate Oktoberfest the following weekend, Saturday, September 28, with Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts, Der Matterhorns, Hazelnuss Das Music and Ladyhosen. My theory is that these specialty bands book up years in advance and you get ‘em while you can. Just a theory.

The 11th annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme on Saturday, September 28, with several live bands including Caliente 805, Upstream, House Arrest and One People. This free event is family friendly and a fun way to see and appreciate the Port and learn about its economic contribution to Ventura County while indulging in some sort of banana concoction.

Quick Notes: Ventura Theater added two Social Distortion shows with night one selling out almost immediately, but at press time, tickets were still available for December 4; tickets are on sale now for Letters to Cleo for November 15 at the Ventura Music Hall; Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny plays the Grape on Friday, September 20; it’s a Grateful Dead tribute weekend at the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Bar with Reckoning on Saturday, September 21 and Peoples Dead on Sunday, September 22; Brasscals (Santa Barbara’s one and only street brass band) and Ventura’s own, Casual Business, play Leashless on Sunday, September 22; and the final Rock the Collection free concert falls on Thursday, September 26 with The King of Queens.

Ventura Music Scene 9/4/24 – 9/17/24

Posted on September 1, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival falls over the weekend of September 14 – 15 at ololkoy Beach Park, which is at 1601 Harbor Blvd in Oxnard. The two-day music event will bring world class artists such as Sheila E, Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene, Lin Rountree, Ambrosia, Louie Cruz Beltran and a whole lot more. Though “jazz” is in the name of the festival, do know there will be a whole lot of Latin groove going on to get you on feet. For tickets and information regarding how to get there and parking, go to OxnardJazzFesival.com.

Leading up to the jazz festival, there will be a kick-off celebration the night before at Heritage Square featuring Munyungo Jackson’s Jungle Jazz with four-time Grammy Winner, Muyungo Jackson. This one is free; however, since space is limited, you will need to secure tickets at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Another Candlelight Concert is coming up on Thursday, September 5, at the Majestic Ventura Theater with two shows. At 6:30 they’ll feature Queen vs Abba and then at 9 pm it’s the Best of Hans Zimmer. Oh! And don’t forget Dogstar (featuring Keanu Reeves on bass) returns to town playing the Majestic on Tuesday, September 17. The band played August, 2023, at the Ventura Music Hall to a full house.

And speaking of the Ventura Music Hall, they’ve recently added The Philhar Monik, Macy Gray, Brett Dennen, and the Mad Caddies. But meanwhile, I can’t wait to catch the 25th anniversary show of Army of Freshmen on Saturday, September 14 with Nerf Herder opening.

Libbey Bowl summer concert season is winding down, but there are a number of awesome shows still on the docket with Thievery Corporation on Thursday, September 5; Chris Isaak on Friday, September 6; Angel Olsen on Wednesday September 11; the Temptations on Thursday, September 12; July Collins on Friday, September 15; and the Ojai Pops Concert will offer a free show on Sunday, September 15. Do note, the Poncho Sanchez and Ozomatli show for October 5, has been cancelled which chaps my hide as I had amazing tickets for the fourth row.

On Saturday, September 7, a dual venue event presented by Poison Well Records will start at Vaquero y Mar (Noon – 6 pm) and then move over Sans Souci (7 pm – 1 am). The mostly punk rock sets will feature a whole of local legends including a reunion of Power Chicken. See listings for rundown of who is playing where.

Quick Notes: Jen Staves and the Bluzfish play Margarita Villa on Sunday, September 8; Twisted Gypsy is the featured tribute band for Thursday, September 12, at the Collection in Oxnard; Bloody Mary Morning plays Rincon Brewery on Friday, September 13; and Mrs. Olson’s hosts the Roots 805 Jam on Saturday, September 14.

Ventura Rocks

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

Ventura Music Scene 12/25/24 – 1/7/25

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

Ventura Music Scene 11/27/24 – 12/10/24

Ventura Music Scene 11/13/24 – 11/26/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/30/24 – 11/16/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/16/24 – 10/29/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/2/24 – 10/25/24

Ventura Music Scene 9/18/24 – 10/1/24

Ventura Music Scene 9/4/24 – 9/17/24