Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 11/11 – 11/24

Posted on November 11, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Blues to jazz and all points in between”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ashford Gordon and Glade Rasmussen at the Hong Kong Inn’s Blues Jam Sunday.

The Hong Kong Inn has started hosting a monthly Blues Jam Session on what will be the first Sunday of the month. The kick-off session was on Sunday November 8 with Ashford Gordon supported by Ray Jaurique, Glade Rasmussen and Chris Jensen. All players of all skill levels are welcome to sit in during the second set.

Having signed a distribution deal with Mesa Blue Moon Records last month, Nathan McEuen has been pulling out all the stops, touring more aggressively and will be making a stop at Salzer’s Records on Friday, November 13. Get out and support Nathan who will have Jesse Olema and special guests with him, but more importantly, pick up a copy of his latest release, “Side by Side”.

Our good friend Dan Grimm with his brand of California Flip-Floppy-Tonkiness returns to the Wine Rack for a gig on Friday, November 20; there’s no denying Grimm’s love for Ventura when he sings original material such as “Two Trees” or “Ventucky.” Meanwhile, Mike Cregan continues his Monday night residency and Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson have taken over Tuesday nights.

The Channel Cities Jazz Club will feature Clyde Reaslinger Big Band on November 15 at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in the Channel Islands Harbor. The proceeds will be split between CCJC’s Jazz Camp Scholarship fund and the Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation. Besides giving musicians of all ages a forum to perform and share jazz, the club’s mission is to build bonds between generations and to enhance musical educational opportunities for youth.

Doug Webb returns to Squashed Grapes with not only Steve Fister, Jimmy Earl and Danny Carey of Tool, but added to the mix this time will be Mike Garson on Piano. Garson has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and No Doubt. This promises to be the epitome of the expression, “Off the Hook.” Tickets are on sale for Saturday, November 14 at Squashed Grapes; downbeat is 7 pm.

I’ll admit I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for a several shows coming up at the Majestic Ventura Theater. There’s Pepper on November 21, Everclear’s 20^th Anniversary of Sparkle and Fade on November 22 and Sublime with Rome on November 27. By the way, Rebelution returns for two shows in March, don’t miss out and get your tickets soon as they always sell out.

And finally, local musician Gary Best has invited everyone out for an afternoon of Los Dudes at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, November 15 before he goes in for heart surgery. He’s been taking care of the body and getting healthy, and we love and support him in all those endeavors.

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

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/28 – 11/10

Posted on October 28, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder”
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Caption: The Kiefer Sutherland Band at W20 at the Watermark October 23, 2015.

I was happily surprised by the Kiefer Sutherland show Friday, October 23, at W20 at the Watermark. I not sure what I expected, nor why I would expect anything less from one of my favorite actors, but Kiefer was entertaining! The set was well received by his fans, some of which traveled quite a way to catch the show. He offered up original rock songs to a few covers including one from Gordon Lightfoot. His band was tight and his gravely whiskey voice was spot on sexy as hell. I caught up with him after the show and he was very happy with the response and with the outpouring of support. The man’s got talent.

Halloween is upon us and most venues will be pulling out the stops hoping to pack their joints by enticing revelers with decorations, costume contests, drink specials and of course music. From the Greek at the Harbor to the Star Lounge downtown, Ventura will be a happening place. You can check the calendar listing here in the Breeze, or go to VenturaRocks.com for any additional updates. All the popular cover bands will be rockin’ all the popular places along with Candyland at Discovery, and Mandex with Pistols ‘n’ Pilez, deemed Ventura’s drunkest Guns and Roses tribute band as they perform the entire album “Appetite for Destruction” at Bombay’s.

But to kick off Halloween you won’t want to miss the 50 Sticks of Dynamite CD release party at Bombay’s for their latest release, “Carry Me Down to My Grave.” I snagged a copy when the boys joined me at CAPS Media for the pilot program of Ventura Rocks (air date to be announced soon). They were the perfect band to kick off what we hope will be a popular feature at CAPS; and between you and me, I haven’t gotten the title track out of me head since we were in the studio…and that’s a good thing.

Polly and Steve Hoganson’s “Ones to Watch Productions” will be bringing Kinky Friedman to the Livery at the Improv Theater downtown Ventura for a show on December 4th. You know this show is going to be a hoot; Kinky was the one who originally said, “I support gay marriage. I believe they have a right to be as miserable as the rest of us.” He’s also quoted as saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” If you have no sense of humor that you are aware of, or you’re easily offended, you might want to skip this one; otherwise, if you enjoy a quick wit, you’ll want to catch this iconic country singer; I hope you’ll help pack the joint and give him a well-deserved warm welcome. For this and other shows including those at the Carpinteria Playhouse, go to OnesToWatchProductions.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/14 – 10/27

Posted on October 12, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Erin Go Bragh!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The Seaside Highland Games came and went taking those gorgeous men and beautiful women in kilts with them. I stopped in to check out the Celtic music and I wasn’t disappointed; crowd favorites were The Angry Brians, Tannahill Weavers and Highland Way, I’m certainly looking forward to next year’s event and may even be bold enough to try haggis, but probably not.

Congratulations to Plan B Wine Cellars on their 3rd anniversary! They partied in fine form with Jen Staves and the Bluzfish on Sunday, October 11.

Local hip hop artist, Michael Crawford drops his new album “Escape Artist” on October 16 with a CD release party at the Tavern. I was sent an advance copy and yeah, the man’s got talent.

Frost and Fire, a heavy metal festival will take over Bombay’s on October 17th with such bands as Manilla Road from Wichita, KS, Ashbury from Tucson, AZ our very own Night Demon over a half dozen more bands. There will also be a meet and greet with Tim Baker and Robert Garven of Cirith Ungol. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

Mike Toler is the official new owner of Amigos and he’s brought in his good friend Luke O’Dea to help out with booking bands, promotion and social media. I’ve been assured they plan to offer a variety bands 365 days a year. It’s all good news with the exception of losing Bernadette who will be returning to England this month. Mike is throwing her a farewell party on Saturday, October 17, so swing by to say goodbye and wish her well.

Three-time Grammy winner Tom Scott returns to Squashed Grapes October 24, and it will be another first for the Grape when they offer two seatings in one night. Both are only $10 with 7 and 9 pm show times.

Oh! And I have to share about the extraordinary night recently at Squashed Grapes when Bruce Forman performed the Red Guitar. The place was at capacity, and you literally could have heard a pin drop the audience was so captivated. The second set Forman brought up his special guest whom he had teased earlier on social media stating he couldn’t say who it was for “contractual reasons.” Well it turned out to be Tierney Sutton who sang requests the entire second set. Five time Grammy nominated and the 2005 Jazzweek Vocalist of the year, Sutton heads up the Tierney Sutton Band who have headlined the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Yeah, it was intense and a privilege to witness.

And finally, don’t forget Kiefer Sutherland will be at W20 at the Watermark on Friday, October 23. Ten-dollar tickets will be available the night of the show. Doors open at 7 pm.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/30 – 10/13

Posted on September 28, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
The Hits Keep on Coming
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Pullmen played to a packed house at Bombay’s on Friday, September 25th. Their new CD, “Going Dark” hits the streets October 9. They’ll be touring Europe through the end of October.

Keifer Sutherland will be rolling into town with his band on Friday, October 23, when he’ll be playing an intimate show at W20 at the Watermark. Even though there are no advance tickets (everyone pays at the door day of the show), you should mark this on your calendar now. Only 120 people will be admitted and tickets are only $10. Mark Hartley, owner of W20/Watermark told me he’s really looking forward to this one and it turns out he’s a big fan of “24”.

Robert Cray’s latest CD/DVD was released this summer featuring some of the footage of his show last year in Ventura. The “4 Nights of 40 Years Live” is available everywhere including Amazon.com and locally at Salzer’s. Shawn Jones opened for Cray that night and apparently open doors as he’s been asked to tour with The Robert Cray Band this month in Europe. I asked Shawn about it. He said, “It’s one of the biggest honors of my career! I have been a Cray fan for over 30 years now. This is another level of respect for me! Knowing he is a fantastic guy as well helps; I am beside myself actually!”

The Wine Rack has been busy booking stellar bands and artists. You can ease back into the work week with their Monday night residency though October with Michael Cregan, then the Tim Carroll band on Tuesdays with Doug Johnson on drums. They also have live music most Thursdays and every Friday and Saturday. Dirk Shumaker (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and Trey O’Toole (Pulse Drumming) will be back on Friday, October 2^nd, and I’m also looking forward to Christine Olive an Australian artist who is a surfer, environmentalist and singer/songwriter who has been touring the Southern California area making a stop at the Wine Rack on Friday October 9.

The annual Seaside Highland Games take over the Ventura Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday October 9^th and 10^th with fun and games for the entire family including live music from Tannahill Weavers, Celtic Spring, The Angry Brians, Golden Bough and Highway Way.

And finally there’s a new performance venue – Namba – which will be featuring “Music Speaks” on four consecutive Sundays in October. The event will be hosted and moderated by jazz vocalist and songwriter, Toni Jannotta. The four early evening performances will be featured in this order: October 4^th with three-time Emmy award winner Bill Richmond, October 11^th with Alan Thornhill, October 18 Hekar Rivera and Steve Sunnarborg, and then finally on October 25^th it’s Kiki Ebsen, daughter of the late Buddy Ebsen. Namba is nestled in the middle of downtown Ventura at 47 South Oak Street. Call (805) 628-9250 for ticket information.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/16 – 9/29

Posted on September 14, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Keeps Rockin’
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Michael John and the Bottom Line return this year to the California Blues and Brews Festival.

It’s that time of year again when the California Beer Festival rolls into town with several events during the week including a food pairing competition, a Craft Beer Heaven day and of course the highlight of the event the California Blues and Brews Festival on Sunday, September 20 at Mission Park, downtown Ventura. The day promises to be filled with the some of the hottest blues around on two stages featuring Walter Trout, Booker T, Mingo Fishtrap, Mr. Sipp, The Bomb and Michael John and the Bottom Line. You can get all the ticket information at www.CaliforniaBluesFestival.com. While you’re there, be sure to swing by the VenturaRocks.com tent to say hello!

Punk Rock Sunday features seven hours of punk-filled music on Sunday, September 27th with the Hymen Blasters, Cupcake, the NaVaNaX, All-a-Blur, My Modern Valentinue, Kang Gang and more. This one’s being held at the Ventura Beach Club at the very end of Main Street right before the 33 Freeway.

The Rock on the Dock series continues at the Ventura Harbor on Saturday, September 19, with the Hard-Times Band, then the following week they’ll have two days of music, first Friday the 25th with two sets at 2:00 and 4:30 with Unkle Monkey, then Saturday the 26th with Smokey & Friends. Saturday set times run 3-6 pm.

The Pullmen will be releasing their new album, “Going Dark” on October 9, then they’ll hit the road to support it with their first stop in Paris, France; but before they go all European on us, you’ll be able to catch them live at their Europe Tour Pre-party at Bombay’s on Friday, September 25th. The new release includes ten new songs featuring their high energy alt/rock thrashing country vibe which will also be available on vinyl.

Congratulations to Zachary James and Alexandra for tying the knot earlier this month up in Oakland, California. The two have been supporting each other the past few years musically speaking with their bands, Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes, and Alexandra and the Starlight Band.

And finally, just a head’s up that the good folks at CAPS TV have approached me recently to talk about hosting a music program highlighting local bands and I’m happy to report the project has been given the “Green Light!” More to come as we close in on our debut episode, but we will feature Ventura music news updates, we will have local photographers sharing their favorite photos of live music, and we will have bands and solo artists in the studio performing along with a Q&A session. If you don’t have cable, the programs will be available online, and soon, we plan to offer live streaming. Yeah, this is going to ROCK!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/2 – 9/15

Posted on September 1, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Summer in the City
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Velveteen Band will perform at Bombay’s 31st Annual Beach Party on Friday, September 4.

There are plenty of “End of Summer” bashes – though summer isn’t officially over until September 23, but who’s keeping tabs? The Pierpont Inn’s BBQ series ends with a huge bang as they welcome back Dirty Rice on Thursday, September 3rd. If you were there the last time the band played, then you know you should get there early to nab a seat and order up some delicious grub!

And then of course Bombay’s 31st annual End of Summer Beach Party runs the first weekend of September with bands rockin’ the joint on the front stage, back stage, and outdoor stage. Their full itinerary is listed on VenturaRocks.com, but some of the bands to watch for are Hy Brasil, The Velveteen Band, Rubberneck Lions, Raging Arb and the Redheads, Rey Fresco, The Darkside of the Hand, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Bloody Mary Morning, The Jelly, Brother Fortune, and of course Gygax!

Here are just a few concerts coming up at the Ventura Theater that you may not want to miss: The Deftones on Saturday, October 31; The Misfits on Thursday, November 12; Pepper on Saturday, November 21; Dwight Yoakam on Friday, December 11 and I already snagged my ticket for the 20th Anniversary of Everclear’s Sparkle and Fade Tour, on Sunday, November 22.

W20 at the Watermark has been offering more Thursday night Guitar Pulls with Shawn Jones and friends. If you’re a fan of flat out amazing guitar playing, you should make it a point to attend the next one. Thursday, August 27th, Shawn and Joe Baugh had Tariqh Akoni in the house; Akoni has played with such artists as Josh Groban, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Smokey Robinson and Tom Scott (to name just a few).

Speaking of Tom Scott, we can all call him neighbor the next time we bump into him at the supermarket having just moved to Ventura; but more importantly, don’t miss him the next time he plays at Squashed Grapes which we hope will be often. His sold out performance on Friday, August 28, was flat out amazing. He’s not only uber talented, but the audience enjoyed the back story from Scott on many of the songs the band performed. He happily shook hands and signed CDs; he’s a class act for sure.

And then finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t report that Squashed Grapes will be leaving their jazz format for the night of Friday, September 18 when they’ll have a Jimi Hendrix Memorial Performance with Jimi’s cousin, Riki Hendrix who has recorded and toured with Buddy Miles, and Billy Cox who were both original members of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. The night will be hosted by Rosa Lee Brooks, Jimi’s legendary love interest who was featured on the first two songs he ever recorded. Reserve your seat ASAP.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 8/19 – 9/1

Posted on August 17, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Great Scott! It’s Tom!!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Once again the Ventura County Fair entertained the masses with a lively eclectic line up of artists. Highlights for me were Kevin Costner’s anecdotes between songs with his band Modern West and of course “Private Idaho” and “Rock Lobster” from The B-52’s.

The hot ticket this month will be for Tom Scott who has recorded on dozens and dozens of albums from such iconic artists as The Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, the Grateful Dead, Bruno Mars, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra. He’s earned over a dozen Grammy nominations, winning three; and of course he’s a founding member of The Blues Brothers. Confidence is high this one will sell out, so don’t miss Scott at Squashed Grapes on Friday, August 28.

The Pierpont Summer BBQ series has just two more concerts this season: 8/20 with Carmen & the Renegade Vigilantes, or better known as CRV, And then Dirty Rice will close out the series on September 3.

The Pacific Sound Chorus will hold their annual Ventura show at the Poinsettia Pavilion on August 30 featuring the chorus and several top, local barbershop quartets. The special guest star is a quartet from the Los Angeles area, The New Fangled Four who were crowned Champions of the Western United States in 2013, as well as champions in the International Collegiate Quartet Contest in 2013.

The El Rey Cantina will host an Elvis Karaoke Competition, on Saturday, August 22. There will be prizes for best Elvis singer and costume.

Don’t forget Spencer Mackenzie’s annual End-of-Summer Block Party on Saturday and Sunday August 29 and 30. There’s no cover this year. Artists performing include the Guy Martin Band, Bloody Mary Morning, Brothers Fortune, Mandex, Honey Owl and Andre and the Giants.

And then be sure to clear the calendar for Bombay’s 31th Annual Beach Party which runs the following week, September 1st – 6th. Just a handful of the bands appearing will be Hy Brasil, The NaVaNaX, The Jelly, Rey Fresco and more.

We’re sorry to report that Green Art People hosted their final Short Attention Span Theater on Wednesday, August 5 with GrooveSession and the Rainbow Girls. GAP kept their doors open as long as they possibly could, but fundraiser efforts fell short. Thanks for the memories and you’ll be sorely missed by the community.

And finally, a huge shout out to the cast and crew of West Side Story which had a one-week run at the Rubicon Theatre this month. It’s such a thrill to see live theater especially such a beloved story as this with a stellar cast comprised of so many Ventura County youth and young adults along with a 21-piece live orchestra. Hats off to Brian McDonald for another stellar production!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 8/5 – 8/18

Posted on August 3, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s Fair to Say Ventura Rocks
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Rachel Flowers to perform at Scan Health and Wellness Center August 14, 2015.

I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for the 2015 Ventura County Fair: cinnamon buns, corn on the cob, livestock, carnival rides, vendors and of course another fine line up of music. I’m personally looking forward to the B52’s, Kevin Costner and the Modern West, The Band Perry, Lean Rimes, and call me goofy, but there’s no way I’m missing Huey Lewis and the News! Full line up of musical entertainment can be found on their ad here in the Breeze.

Squashed Grapes is bringing back Emmy Award Winning guitarist, Chieli Minucci and the Special EFX, on August. 7th; then the following morning you can cheer on the Squashed Grapes float in the Ventura Fair parade. Those same players will be appearing that evening at the Grape featuring Karl Hunter and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Franklin Murphy of Shaky Feelin’, Jacob Scesney, Trey O’Toole and RJ Root.

I’m super curious to see Gygax at Bombay’s on Friday, August 14, the band features Armand John Lizzy, Bryant Throckmorton, Justin Dempsey and Eric Harris. Members from local bands getting together to create a new band isn’t necessarily newsworthy in this town; however, this band is for the nerd in all of us as they center around the fantasy imagery and creation of role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Too weird? I seriously hope so!

Growing in popularity are the Second Sunday Suppers at Plan B. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, August 8 from 4:30 – 7 pm featuring Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies.

Taking the place of over two decades of Bowlful of Blues, is the Inaugural Ojai Blues Festival scheduled for August 15 at the Ojai Art Center featuring Deb Ryder, Crooked Eye Tommy, Shawn Jones and Alastair Greene.

Just a few of the upcoming shows to look forward to at Discovery include Whitey Morgan on August 15, Eric Hutchinson on August 18 and Los Lonely Boys on August 23.

The Scan Health and Wellness Center at 6633 Telephone Road in Ventura is hosting its first ever Jazz Night on August 14, 5:30pm. Rachel Flowers is the featured artist with E’nuff Said opening. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call Scan at 805-658-0365 for information and to secure tickets.

The music lineup for the California Blues and Brews Festival on September 20 includes Walter Trout, blues for the modern daze, Mr. Sipp, the Mississippi blues child; and Mingo Fishtrap out of Austin, Texas. You can get more information on the three-day beer festival event and line up your tickets at www.CaliforniaBluesFestival.com.

And finally, I’m sorry to report that Gladys Dietz passed away July 20. She opened Gigi’s cocktails 30 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 1985.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/22 – 8/4

Posted on July 20, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
No Need to Panic!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jon Reese of Amigos with columnist Pam Baumgardner of the Ventura Breeze celebrating Cinco de Mayo earlier this year.

Just so you know, notices have gone up on a couple of key venues in town indicating ownership changes. I thought it prudent to go to the source before I panicked, so I spoke to Diego at Bombay’s and he said they had to post behind-the-scene changes for legal reasons, but nothing changes in the bar and all the same familiar faces will continue to keep things popping (thank God!); but there will be a change of ownership in the next month or so at Amigo’s when Jon Reese hands over the keys to new owner, Mike Toler (barring any major roadblocks). Toler has asked Jon to stay involved and to continue to book bands nightly, which is why Jon loves Amigos in the first place and why we love Jon.

Todd Hannigan and Xoco Moraza returned recently from Japan where they performed while supporting screenings of the film The Fisherman’s Son. The short film was scored by Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, Dave Palmer and Jesse Siebenburg. I asked Xoco about performing in Japan and he told me that the coolest thing he experienced was being able to share his musical art with such an appreciative country. He said, “It was a great feeling. It reminds me that music is a universal language that transcends any borders. It was a great cross cultural experience.”

There are a number of CD and EP release parties to support over the next few weeks: Sleepercub, July 25, at Bombays; Hy Brasil, August 1, at Bombays; Medicine Hat, August 2, at Saloon BBQ; and Crooked Eye Tommy, August 7, at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria.

The Mighty Cash Cats will team up with Island Packers on Saturday, July 25 for a musical dinner cruise out of the Ventura Harbor.

The Ventura Fair kicks off August 5. Pre-sale tickets are available through the 4th. Don’t forget that all concerts are included in the price of admission.

Spencer MacKenzie’s annual end-of-summer block party falls on August 29 and 30. This year there will be no cover charge. Bands will be lined up both days with performances from the Guy Martin Band, Mandex, Brothers Fortune, Bloody Mary Morning, Honey Owl, and more including new comer on the scene, André. Get out, enjoy the free music, but be sure to support the event by buying some delicious fish tacos and cool beverages.

And finally, the third annual Key to the Highway Blues Benefit will be held at Rookees Sports Bar on Saturday, August 1 from 6 til 9 pm starring Tommy Castro and the Painkillers supported by Guy Martin. Proceeds benefit the Khepera House rehab and recovery program.

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

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/8 – 7/21

Posted on July 5, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Will Always Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Queen Nation at Discovery, Thursday, July 2, 2015

Queen Nation at Discovery, Friday, July 3, 2015

I just had to see Queen Nation at Discovery Ventura on July 3; I was such a Queen fan back in the day and saw them live at least 4-5 times. All I have to say is the band totally nailed it!

I ran into Ventura resident Nick St. Nicolas on July 4th. Nick and the boys of Steppenwolf are responsible for such quintessential rock anthems as “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.” He’s been touring with the World Classic Rockers (with members of other iconic bands) and has several out-of-state dates lined up doing corporate gigs. He’s such a classy super nice gentleman; I’d love to get see him do an intimate acoustic show sometime!

Music Under the Stars finally kicks off on July 11 with Britain’s Finest, a Beatles Tribute Band, and then on July 18 it’s Porterhouse Bob serving up New Orleans Boogie & Blues. You can find a complete listing for their summer schedule on VenturaRocks.com.

The summer event of the season, Surf Rodeo, takes over Pierpont Beach on Saturday and Sunday July 11^th and 12^th. You won’t want to miss dozens of bands all day both days on the sand, a surf competition, a bikini cowgirl competition, a cornhole contest, vendors up and down Seaward from Pierpont Blvd to the sand, food, beverages, friends, family, and of course VenturaRocks.com will be representing! Go to SurfRodeo.org for ticket information.

I have to admit being a fan of all three, I’m totally looking forward to the Tequila and Taco Music Festival on July 18 and 19 at the Collection in Oxnard. Foreverland, 14-piece tribute band to the music of Michael Jackson, will be performing. Other bands include Caliente Band 805, Instone, Zeal Levin and the Bomb. For more information you can go to TequiliaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

A couple of touring/studio notes: Mario Calire hits the road this summer drumming for legendary singer-songwriter and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Stephen Stills. Shawn Jones has been touring Italy and Switzerland but he’ll be back late July, he’s also been recording new material. The Pullmen have been working on their latest Beast Records release, “Going Dark;” they’ll be returning to Europe for a Fall France tour this year.

And finally, while catching 8Stops7 at the Pierpont Inn on July 2, I caught up with Chris Jay of Army of Freshmen, and longtime writer for the VC Reporter. We reflected on the state of music in Ventura and how there are ebbs and flows, venues come and go, bands peak then disappear, and through it all, supporting Ventura’s music scene are a number of media including The Ventura Breeze, The VC Reporter, The Ventura County Star and of course websites like VenturaRocks.com. What a privilege it is to be a part of such an amazing music scene. Ventura will always rock!

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Category Archives: Ventura Breeze