Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Summer One for the Books
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Who called it?  Yeah you got that right. I did when I speculated that the Doug Webb Group would be another one for the books because they absolutely killed it at Squashed Grapes Saturday, August 26 with special guest Danny Carey of Tool on drums.   Carey told me that he doesn’t frequent Ventura all too often, but he recollected playing the Ventura Theater with Tool, and of course visiting his bud Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons) who lives nearby.  He clearly was having a great time navigating through the jazz pieces Doug Webb had selected for the evening and even if I do say so myself, he nailed it. Carey goes out on tour with Primus next.  Webb of course is no stranger to the Grape, and it’s always a treat to have the guy who plays the saxophone of Lisa on The Simpsons in the house.  Plus having played with Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Clarke, Quincy Jones, and others to name but a few, is nothing to sneeze at. The house was comfortable sold out to capacity with a number of fans outside hoping to get a glimpse of Carey, and as the drummer is seated directly next to the front window, they weren’t disappointed.

And though school is back in session, Summer is far from over with several key events to look forward to including the Ventura Beach Party on September 6 and 7 down at the pier which has music both days and a Marathon which is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.  The following weekend, also down along the promenade is the Aloha Festival on the 13 and 14 with Dirty Rice performing on Saturday.   And then of course the ever popular California Beer Festival September 20 and 21 with Sunday featuring some killer blues acts such as Tab Benoit, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, and Michael John & the Bottom Line.

Look for the annual Key to the Highway Blues Benefit for Khepera House Rehab and Recovery program at Bombay’s on Sunday, September 7 with Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog, Brian Batchley & Friends, Guy Martin and 50 Sticks of Dynamite.  I’m also hearing there will be special guests showing up including Kelly Zires and Perry Robertson of Kelly’s Lot.  Kphepera House has been helping drug addicts and alcoholics and their family in Ventura County for over 30 years.

The White Buffalo was no stranger to Zoey’s and he even headlined Polly’s benefit last year; but now he’s stepping it up a notch (or five) with his appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show August 27  and he’ll be headlining the Ventura Theater on September 20 in support of his most recent release, Shadows, Greys & Evil Ways.

And finally,on a very sad note, it is with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of Dan Wilson over the Labor Day weekend.  Ventura’s music community has lost a true gem.

This is a good time to give a gentle reminder to ALL musicians, fans, and media who support Ventura’s music scene:  we’re all in this together.   Enough said.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing?  Send all information short or long to  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura is Just That Cool!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Photo by Seth Brandes

I’ll be honest, I was not familiar with Casey Abrams until Adam and Josh, the owners of Squashed Grapes, informed me that they had booked Abrams for a show, which was to be on the “downlow.” They said to YouTube “Casey Abrams and the Gingerbread Band,” so I did and within the first few notes I could see what the fuss was all about. Abrams played to a sold out show Saturday, July 26, which was solely done by word-of-mouth. Viewers of American Idol will remember Abrams from season ten, and although he didn’t win, the audience fell in love with him.

Self taught on eleven musical instruments, and by ear, the man clearly has talents, including what could possibly be the world’s biggest flirt (see photo).  Abrams told me they did the Squash Grapes gig without any rehearsal.  He explained, “It’s a giant experiment. We were actually supposed to have a trombone player/keyboard player with us tonight, but he couldn’t make it. So we decided to not replace him and to just be The Gingerbread Band.  We said, ‘Let’s see what we can do with just horns, bass and drums.’ It feels really good. It feels good to rock hard.”

And rock hard they did.  I have to admit it was one of the coolest nights of music ever and has earned a spot on my Top Ten favorite shows list.  That being said, I may be adding another show soon as I recently learned that Squashed Grapes has an ever bigger attraction on the books, Saturday, August 23, Doug Webb featuring none other than Danny Carey of TOOL will be in the house.  Yeah, you heard it here.

Speaking of rocking hard and I mean REALLY HARD, Chiodos played the Ventura Theater Friday, August 1.  The band is based out of Davison, Michigan, and just released their fourth studio album.  They have had some personnel issues over the years, but Craig Owens is back as their lead singer, and their fans couldn’t be happier.  Bradley Bell, keyboardist, told me about the new record “Devil” and how they released it on 4-1-1-4, which of course was April Fool’s Day, but he swears it wasn’t planned out that way.  There were label issues, and they were finally able to release it having to persuade fans it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke that Owens was back on board.  I sat down with Bell before their show to talk about “Devil.”  Bell said, “The release went really well, above our expectations and we have a new music video coming out in the next couple of weeks so there’s a lot of exciting things coming up.”  Chiodos is currently co-headling with Blessed the Fall.

Hot off of two huge tours backing Jennifer Lopez and Stevie Wonder this summer, Fausto Cuevas stopped in town for a free show at Pancho’s which is located in the former Zoey’s spot.  It’s small, intimate, and honestly who would have thought you’d find Cuevas there; but Ventura is just that cool of a place for this caliber of artist to come play.  The room was packed and the Latin jazz was hot!

Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe continues to entertainment to the delight of concert goers.  Don’t forget it’s the final show for Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats on August 9 when you know Hershey will pull out all the stops. The following weekend you can take in the Neil Diamond tribute band on the 16th, and then the next afternoon at 1:00 the Ventura County Blues Society presents Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers.

And finally the concert lineup is as popular as ever at the 2014 Ventura County Fair.  Music lovers were thrilled to see actor John Stamos join the Beach Boys last week, which was cool and got the girls hooting and hollering, but it was extremely cool to have David Marks back playing with the band.  There’s still plenty of music to come and I’m looking forward to catching Deep Purple, Seether and Jake Owen

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing?  Send all information short or long to  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene
Surf Rodeo’s UP!!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It’s time for Surf Rodeo baby! Count on plenty of bathing suits, cowboy boots and hats, surf competitions, beer gardens, activities for the kids and tons of music! There will be live bands on two stages running all day Saturday and Sunday July 12 and 13. Food, vendors and more line up and down Seaward from Pierpont to the sand, then on the beach they’ll have two beer gardens, the surf competition and two stages – one on each end – alternating live acts all day. Headlining acts are Cisco Adler on Saturday and Pato Banton on Sunday. We’re looking forward to also catching Jukebox Mutiny, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’, Ska Daddyz, Jackass, The Vonettes, Raging Arb and the Headheads, and more. The full listing and ticket information can be found at SurfRodeo.org. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Just announced, Jade Hendrix has taken up a Saturday night residency at Grapes and Hops on Main Street. Reggae rockers, Tribal Seeds, have been on the road in support of their new release, “Representing,” you can catch them at the Ventura Theater on July 18. Nate Birkey will play at Squashed Grapes on Wednesday, July 23 and another special guest has been lined up for Saturday the 26th….mum’s the word; but trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

A couple of events to mark on the calendar, first the Ventura Beach Party along with a ½ marathon and 5k run on September 6 and 7 along the promenade. Two days of music, vendors, free kid activities and more. We love that proceeds from the beer garden will benefit Pier Under the Stars and Ventura Rotary club. And then, there’s the California Beer Festival on the weekend of September 20 and 21 at Mission Park downtown Ventura. Along with all the fabulous beer, music on Saturday features Rey Fresco, Dr. M and Petty Theft; then on Sunday, bring your blues chairs for the Blues and BBQ Festival. More info can be found at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com/Ventura.

And finally we’re sad to hear the Jeff Hershey is retiring from Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats. Originally formed in 2008, the band had two U.S. tours, three European tours, two E.P’s, two singles and a sold out debut LP. The highly dynamic stage show was always a crowd pleaser yet physically demanding and as Hershey put it in an online post, “We probably could ride this thing out till we’re old and frail and have to be propped up on the stage, but that is something has holds no interest for me. I want to go out on top and present the show the way it is and was always meant to be.” Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeat’s final show will be Saturday, August 9th at Olivas Adobe for Concert Under the Stars. Call (805) 658-4726 for ticket information. We’re hoping to see this one sell out!

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

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

Ventura Music Week (VMW) is in full swing. We’re into the fourth year and each year it just keeps getting better. What’s so interesting about this particular event is that it is put together by a committee of people who are committed to seeing Ventura’s music scene grow: Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC, Kevin Clerici and Meredith Hart from the DVO (Downtown Ventura Organization), Peter Brown and Lilly Rudolph from the City of Ventura, Sam Benner from Benner Communications, David Comden from the VC Reporter and myself from VenturaRocks.com. There’s no payroll. The venues all pay a small fee to become an “Official Participating Venue” and as such they are promoted via newspaper ads, posters, handouts, social media and on the official website at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com . What is so amazing is that venues know that the small fee to participate gets them some recognition, but more than that they are contributing to a bigger goal of letting everyone know what an awesome music scene we have here. If you’re reading this column, chances are you already know that. But we hope to reach even more people and inspire them to check out some of the most incredible live music available to them right here in Ventura.

Ventura Music Week kicked off the night before the official day on Thursday, June 5th, with a party at the Knights of Columbus in downtown Ventura. Rey Fresco, Raging Arb and the Redheads, the Dan Grimm Band, Mark Masson and friends and more played to a crowd that supports local music. Councilman Carl Morehouse attended to give Raging Arb an official Recognition from the City for their contributions through the years to our music scene. And the VMW committee also recognized the boys with our Ventura Music Week award of Excellence. Between JR Drury and Surf Rodeo, and Ross Emery bringing in over 10,000 visitors for Roadshow Revival: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash, well these guys know how to contribute in a big way.

In attendance we had so many of the venue owners to help kick off the festivities from Peiranos, the Wine Rack, Keynote Lounge, Winchesters, Bombays, W20 at the Watermark, Amigos, Grapes and Hops, and more. Polly and Steve Hoganson (Zoeys fame), Owen Bucey (Army of Freshmen, The Calamity), Charles and Christine Law, Adam Clark, Jodi Farrell, Michelle Corbin, Guy Martin (who joined Raging Arb for a song or two), Gary Best, Bryan McCann (Instrumental Music/Sax), Kelly Zirbes (Kelly’s Lot), Doug Johnson, Chuck Vincent, Josh Myers, Darrin Yarbrough, Edwin C Dies and more, not to mention the dozens of artists playing with each band…and all the fans. What a night!

Over 100 bands, 40 venues, 10 days, 1 city!!! Yeah, this city Rocks! Ventura Music Week runs through Sunday, June 15.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Scene
So Very Ventura!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It was incredible hearing Keb Mo up close and personal as he dropped in for a four-song set at Salzer’s Records on May 13.  He hung around before and after signing memorabilia and CDs and chatting with fans for quite some time.  One of my old school rock heroes, Vinny Appice, held a drum clinic for Pulse Drumming on Saturday, May 17; I swung by for the meet and greet but hung out for awhile as he started the clinic and Q&A.  The best answer of the day was when he was asked by the mother of a drum student if it would be good for a beginning student to learn genres other than rock or metal, to which Appice replied, “There is no other genre.”  It was loud to be sure, but oh so incredibly good!  And of course, we had to catch Eric Burdon at the Libby Bowl in Ojai.  Yes, he hadn’t been touring so much, and yes it was his 73rd birthday, but the man still has it!  What a great night with such a rock and roll icon!

Ventura Music Week runs June 6th through the 15th with a special Kick-Off Party on Thursday, June 5 in Figueroa Plaza at the Knights of Columbus Hall, featuring local favorites Rey Fresco, Ragging Arb and the Redheads along with guest performances by many of the area’s top talent.  It’s free and open to the public beginning at 7:00 pm.  The next day begins ten days packed full of events including drum clinics at Pulse Drumming; an open house at Parsons Guitars; a June 9 screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom” at the Century 10 Downtown theater; a tribute to those who capture music on film and video with a Visual Music event June 10 at Ventura City Hall; a wine and beer tasting fundraiser in the gardens at the historic Mission San Buenaventura; plus the Global Guitar Greats tour stops at the W Gallery on June7.   Of course the big culminating event will be the Roadshow Revival: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash on Saturday, June 14 with headliners Los Lobos.

And finally, we found yet another opportunity to help our local music scene here in Ventura with a VenturaRocks.com Local Music Listening Station at the brand new store called Very Ventura at 79 California Street.  Michael Mendelson and Angela Rosales recently opened their doors offering local artists and vendors a place to showcase and sell their art, t-shirts, jewelry, knick knacks and now music!  Currently you can listen then buy CD’s from Dirty Rice, Shaky Feelin’, Charles Law and Jagged, Donna Deussen and Paul Weitz Trio, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, The Rubberneck Lions, and the brand new one from Bloody Mary Morning.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.