Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 12/11/13 – 12/24/13

Posted on December 11, 2013 by venturarocks

The Music Scene
Stocking Stuffers
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Here we are right smack dab in the middle of the holiday shopping season and of course our favorite go to gift is the gift of music. Two bands who have made us proud over the years have new releases which will look sweet in your favorite person’s Christmas stocking this year.

Our first selection is New Constellation from Toad the Wet Sprocket. You practically couldn’t turn the radio on in the 90s without hearing this rock alternative favorite, so fans
have waited patiently for years for something new. After breaking up, then getting back together, touring on and off for quite some time, Toad too knew it was time. With 11 new
songs and 4 bonus tracks (various songs from the band’s side projects reworked), I can’t imagine one single Toad fan being disappointed. Toad member, Dean Dinning who calls Ventura home told us, “You know you look at the album New Constellation as kind of a best of everything that we’ve all been doing for the last 16 years I suppose, and us throwing it all in there and making a Toad record out of it.” I told Dinning I had been listening to the new album and that it was full of crazy good harmonies and hooks up the wazoo to which he replied, “Thank you! That was the idea to have really strong songs with sing along choruses and stronger individual identities and hopefully it wouldn’t just all blend together. We wanted something that would get people’s attention.” Mission Accomplished.

And secondly, we go to Ventura’s very own, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD) who has released their second Christmas album, It Feels Like Christmas Time. We caught up with Scotty Morris, frontman for the band, and asked why a second Christmas record? He told us, “After the first Christmas album was released, we started touring behind it with our Wild and Swingin Christmas Party and the tour just started to build a really large fan base. Every year it just kept getting bigger and more fun. So after ten years we felt it was time for a facelift.” The record is everything you’ve come to know and love about BBVD and each and every song will put you into the “swing” of the holiday season. Asking for a little insight into the record, Scotty divulged, “All but one song is a remake, the title track It Feels Like Christmas Time it’s the only original tune on the record and probably one of my favorite tunes I have written to date” which you know, is saying something special!

And finally, you’ll want to check out Polly Hoganson the MusicMuse and her top ten picks for local music for Christmas including CDs from Shane Alexander, the White Buffalo and the Milk Carton Kids. Check out Polly’s new column, along with complete interviews with Dean Dinning of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/27/13 – 12/10/13

Posted on November 27, 2013 by venturarocks

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

How cool is it that our very own Guy Martin, guitar wiz extraordinaire is opening up for B.B. King at the Majestic Ventura Theater? “It is definitely a rare opportunity, and I’m honored to say the least,” Martin confided to us. You know Martin is going to bring it on and represent Ventura. Talking about the big night, Martin disclosed his game plan, “It will be the usual in-your-face ‘Guy Martin’ style blues, but maybe with a little toned down homage to the great BB King; possibly a sit-in with the man if I’m lucky.” Backing up Martin will be his long-time friend and bass player of 16 years, Tony Trigueiro, and local skin beater Pete Gallagher driving the bus, on the drums. B.B. King who recently turned 88 years old, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater, Wednesday, December 4. Visit www.VenturaTheater.net for ticket information.

I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the 5th annual RAWawards semi-finals for Ventura. Sara Vausbinder, Showcase Director for RAW Ventura explained, “Artists are competing locally for the title of RAWartist of the Year in their category. They then move on to compete nationally – of which our national winners receive career boosting prizes including gallery placements, consultations with professionals in their field, magazine features, and more.” Bands performing for a chance to move on to the National finals are Sleepercub, Ship Wreck, Easy Bear and Jukebox Mutiny. Get out and vote for your favorites Friday, December 6 at Bombay Bar and Grill.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating the opening of their 20th anniversary season entitled, “Festivo!” You’ll want to take the entire family Sunday, December 1, to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center when Nuvi Mehta, the company’s Artistic Director, will narrate Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood with live musicians and slide projects. Mehta told us what parents could expect, “Great stories, great music, great fun and a chance to meet the instruments of the woodwind section!” And according to Mehta, he has a plan on how to keep kids engaged, “Both works are narrated, with music chiming in, and there are images on the screen to see, too! Both of these works are as fun for adults as they are for children.” For more information go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

(This paragraph did not make print copy) If swing is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Swing Big Band Dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 6th. Dress up and get out and enjoy the full sounds of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring 17 musicians and vocal styling courtesy of Donna Greene. It’s only $15 at the door and if you need more information than that, call (805) 648-1143.

And as always, it’s a crowd favorite when Billy Vera and the Beaters play the room at Yolie’s. Vera has written a number of hits and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Capitol Records. “At This Moment” which hit #1 in January 1987, still gives me goose bumps! Vera and crew will hit the stage at Yolie’s, Black Friday, November 29. Go to www.HiHatEntertainment.com for more information.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/13/13 – 11/26/13

Posted on November 13, 2013 by venturarocks

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Sunday afternoons at the Ventura Harbor just got better for the month of November with “Wine, Dine and Jazz”. Every Sunday, noon to 3:00, live jazz can be heard on the Village Carousel Stage. Participating venues will offer up wine and food specials while patrons get to enjoy jazz out on the grass. Still to come are the Toni Jannotta Jazz Duo on 11/17, and Justin Claveria Jazz Trio on 11/24.

Rockabilly legend, Wanda Jackson, and a psychobilly band from Denmark, Nekormantix, hit the Majestic Ventura Theater on November 24 with local bands supporting the bill including Hard Six who have been called, “the ultimate party band” by members of the Dead Kennedys and have collectively opened for such acts as The Black Eyed Peas, Sponge and Veruca Salt. Also supporting the bill are Radio Threat, The Graveyard Kings and The Cursed Bastards.

After their amazing debut performance at Squashed Grapes, Jazz Punks will be returning to Ventura for a show at Amigos on Friday, November 15. You got to trust me on this, they are off the hook!!! Don’t miss it. And as always, no cover at Amigos on Main, but you’ll want to bring some extra cash for dinner/drinks and to get your own Jazz Punks CD and t-shirt.

The 13th annual 4Kids2Kids Toy Run and BBQ will be held on Nov 23rd at The House of Magic. Grand Marshals are Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf) and Mickey Jones (drummer for Trini Lopez, Johnny Rivers, Dylan). Local musicians will be dropping by all day for Nick St. Nicolas all-star band. See www.VenturaRocks.com for more information and flyer.

The Winter Wine Walk is one of those annual events where they shut down portions of downtown Ventura and the town really comes out to mingle with family and friends while visiting participating venues. Snow will be falling on Main Street and music will be provided by Orlando Napier, The British Beat Band and The Bomb. This event, December 7, traditionally sells out ahead of time, so don’t miss out! www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Local favorites Shaky Feelin’ have released their second CD called “Shaky Feelin’ Live at Green Art People.” If you know and love the band, trust me, this CD captures the band live at their finest. Plus, they’ll make lovely stocking stuffers for Christmas. Just saying.

And finally, even though Zoey’s may have closed their doors, you have to love Steve and Polly for seeing through this year’s Ones to Watch. They put out feelers for a venue to hold this important event and immediately Jim Rice, Executive Director for Bell Arts, stepped up. “I have been a long time fan of Zoey’s and how they really honor musicians,” Rice explained. “When I heard they needed a venue for The Ones to Watch I thought we might provide the same type of atmosphere and attitude towards singer songwriters.” The Ones to Watch will be held at Bell Arts on Saturday, November 23. Finalists are Alicia Murphy, Max Kasch, Mitchell Blake, Derek Jennings, Grace Fellows, Anita Coats, Gabby Sol, and John Ash.

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 10/30/13 – 11/12/13

Posted on October 30, 2013 by venturarocks

Jason Mariani, Dave Palmer, Don Heffington, Neal Casal, Dan Grimm, Jesse Siebenberg
and Bob Glaub. Photo by Amanda Peacock.

The Music Scene
Around town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam @VenturaRocks.com
I heard an amazing cut off of Dan Grimm’s upcoming new CD, Average Savage , called “Sweet Relief.” Dan told me that he just got done recording his third release at Brotheryn Studios in Ojai. It was produced by Jesse Grey aka Jesse Siebenberg and engineered by the Grammy winner Jason Mariani. “It sounds like JJ Cale, Dire Straits, Jackson Brown, Steve Miller, and Paul Simon,” according to Dan. His players are virtual who’s who in the industry from Don Heffington on drums (Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam and Lucinda Williams); Neal Casal on guitar (Ryan Adams, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Weir andl Lesh); Jesse Grey Siebenberg’s help on guitars, keys, drums, and other various instruments (Lissie, Supertramp, Kenny Loggins); Dave Palmer on keys (Fleetwood Mac, Fiona Apple, Chris Issac) and Jaime Wyatt on duet vocals best known for the Calico Girls.
Average Savage available soon on iTunes, Spotify, Sound Cloud, Salzers, and of course at all of Dan’s live shows. www.danisgrimm.com

Tony Cortez and Carl Valdez, original members of the legendary Nardcore band Ill Repute, are teaming up again after 20 years to form an “old school punk” band with a hard-edged punkabilly sound. Rounding out the new band are Randy Miller, lead guitar (Global Warming, Mayors of Garratt) and local bassist Mojo who is well known on the local music scene. The band hopes to be gig ready by the end of the year and have already been offered a spot on a local punk compilation album. Cortez and Valdez are also featured in the book and documentary, “Clean Cut American Kids – the story of Ill Repute” by True Underground Network in association with Firehook Entertainment and Canadie Bacon Films.

Author and blues harp master, Jon Gindick is bringing his Blues Harmonica Jam Camp to Ventura. This 5-day camp, usually held in the Mississippi Delta, takes place January 21 – 25 at the Pierpont Inn. Focusing on the joys of jamming, each camp is limited to about 30 students, or campers. Gindick is flying in his core team of harmonica coaches to give each camper the time and attention they need. Campers jam with a great blues band daily. It’s a music-learning vacation. Coach/performers include Cheryl Arena from Boston, Hash Brown from Dallas, TJ Klay from Nashville, Rj Mischo from Arkansas, Ralph Carter from Malibu and Brian Purdy of Florida. In addition to in intensive instruction, a show is planned at Yolie’s Blues Club. Get more information at www.Gindick.com.

And then finally, it’s a travesty that we lost Zoey’s. Their doors official closed October 20. We can all be Friday Morning Quarterbacks and place the blame on the City, or landlords, or poor management, or the economy. But deep down inside, if you have the courage to look, you might agree with local musician and photographer, Chris Jensen. Jensen commented on Ventura Rock’s Facebook page, “I’m feeling guilty as hell because I wasn’t down there at least once a week, every week, experiencing great live music…when was the last time you were there? We are the reason Zoey’s is closing…So sorry Zoey’s.”

What the Hogansons did was quite amazing; they provided national acts in an intimate setting while allowing the best of our local talent to shine. So we need to learn a lesson, and learn it quickly.

What a class act Steve and Polly Hoganson are as they leave us with this thought, “Our hope is that you all continue to enjoy and support live music and the community of musicians here in Ventura County and beyond.”

And I say, “We won’t let you down Steve and Polly.

[PDF of Ventura Breeze issue: http://venturabreeze.com/10.30.13.pdf]

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 10/16/13 – 10/29/13

Posted on October 19, 2013 by venturarocks

This Town Has an Amazing Pool of Talent

Ventura’s music scene is alive, well, and thriving! We’re glad to get Shawn Jones back home as he just returned from his 16th trip to Ireland. This past tour included 17 shows in three weeks. The man is busy. One of his first stops was to pick up his brand spankin’ new Lowden guitar. Shawn had approached George Lowden at NAMM earlier this year and struck up a conversation ending with an invite to visit the owner at his Factory the next time Shawn would be in Ireland. That turned out to be last May. After the factory tour, and over lunch, Lowden told Shawn he’d like to build him a guitar. When Shawn returned this past month he was surprised to receive not one, but two beautiful Lowden guitars made to his left-handed specs. The guitars are hand-crafted and made from 450-year-old California Redwood. Shawn beams as he declares, “They’re the most beautiful and the best sounding acoustic guitars I’ve ever played, I’m really blessed to have them.”

Watch for “Blues at the Beach” scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, at Ventura State Beach. The folks behind the concert are the Players Casino, Roadshow Revival (RSR) and Totally Local VC. Ross Emery of RSR assured me the event will go on rain or shine, “Traditionally it’s our best weathered forecast of the year.” On the bill will be Elvin Bishop as the headliner with the Mannish Boys Revue, James Harmon Band, the 44’s as well as the best of Ventura County local acts including Guy Martin, Shawn Jones, and the R&B Bombers. Asked how tickets are selling, Ross said, “At a very steady pace! I would encourage fans to buy tickets ASAP!” More info at www.RoadshowRevival.com

8Stops7 has once again taken up residency Monday nights at Billy O’s for the month of October. The band gets to try out stuff they aren’t necessarily ready to show to a much larger crowd than you’ll typically get on a Monday night, but lead singer, Evan Sula-Goff explains, “It’s also a really accessible way for fans and friends of the group to come out and just hang out.” Evan is also stoked to be able to pick out their openers. “It’s an awesome sort of community night; it’s got this real laid back sort of feel.”

And finally, congratulations to Adam Clark who nailed the Store Finals in the Guitar Center 2013/2014 Drum Off Competition. Clark is well known for his jazz ensembles, playing with Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog as well as tons of studio work. Tony Cicero of Tony Cicero Ventura Drum School was once again asked to be a judge this year and he told us, “. . . Clark exhibited experience and good jazz chops reminiscent of drummers Tony Williams and Max Roach.” Best wishes to Adam as he now represents our area as he moves on to the Quarter Finals on Tuesday, October 22.

This town has an amazing pool of talent and it never ceases to amaze me how much Ventura Rocks!

Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Rocks is new Music Scene Writer for the Ventura Breeze

Posted on October 16, 2013 by venturarocks

We’re the new columnist covering Ventura’s music scene in the Breeze!

Look for Ventura Rocks on newsstands and online for Ventura’s hometown newspaper. In our first column we talk about Shawn Jones, Adam Clark, 8Stops7 at Billy O’s, and Blues at the Beach.

http://www.venturabreeze.com/10.16.13.pdf

It’s a great way to further our endeavors to help spread the word on Ventura’s music scene.

Send story ideas to Pam Baumgardner at Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Category Archives: Ventura Breeze