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

There are a couple of festivals landing at the Ventura Fairgrounds soon. The incredibly popular Skull & Roses will run April 7 – 10 with Phil Lesh & Friends, Dark Star Orchestra, Oteil & Friends, Melvin Seals, and more performing. I spent some time on the website trying to figure out all the different options from daily tickets, to camping and which bands play which days, and then…I gave up. But if you’re the forever Grateful Dead fan, then you won’t mind figuring it all at SkullAndRoses.com

But before the deadheads descend on our fine city, the punk rockers will have their day on Sunday, March 27 at the Punk in Drublic festival. Ventura’s date features performances from NOFX, Pennywise, Face to Face, TSOL, Lagwagon, Ill Repute and more. Per the easy-to-understand website, this event was created from the mind and livers of NOFX’s frontman, Fat Mike, and craft beer fanatic/festival promoter, Cameron Collins, and they’ll be traveling across the US and even making stops in Europe. Get ticket information at PunkInDrublicFest.com.

Madewest Brewing Company is celebrating their sixth anniversary on Saturday, March 26, with live music from Ghost and Ghouls, RJ Bloke and Milo Sledge at their brewery/taproom location at 1744 Donlon Street in Ventura.

Night Demon will be playing a hometown show to finally celebrate the release of their Year of the Demon album as well as their new beer, Beer of the Demon at Casa Agria Specialty Ales in Oxnard on Saturday, April 16. Tung will open.

The Ventura Music Festival added Twanguero for their 27th season; secure your tickets for the April 9 concert at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center through VenturaMusicFestival.org;

I’m looking forward to reporting on the grand opening of the Ventura Music Hall on my next column…but meantime, they are open for business! See listings below.

Quick Notes: Kelly’s Lot rescheduled show for Namba is on Saturday, March 26; The Ojai Underground has Lola Haag Jazz Quartet on March 26, Mike Mullins on April 1, and Phil Salazar & the Kin Folk on Saturday April 2; Tickets are on sale now through EventBrite for Buckcherry at the Oceanview Pavilion for June 4, they just released their 9th album, Hellbound; and congratulations to The Silver for taking 2nd place in Rock the Valley battle of the bands guaranteeing them a slot in the summer concerts in the park this year;

The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour welcomes Mary Z Wilson to the program with a segment featuring three songs of Mary’s choosing along with a little background and history on each act. The current show features Julie Christensen, Phil Salazar and the Tatters. The program airs on CAPS Media’s KPPQ-lp at 104.1 FM in Ventura, or online at CapsMedia.org/Radio and airs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.
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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura Music Hall is still on track for their first show on March 22 with G. Love & the Juice and what an incredible first band to have on their docket. You’ll want to bookmark their website (www.VenturaMusicHall.com), all the dates are listed with links to secure tickets, which I highly recommended you do, sooner than later, as dates are selling out even before they open their doors. They’re offering a variety of acts from up-and-coming indie artists to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers (Don Felder of the Eagles), and offering all types of genres from Soul to Country and most points in between.

There’s Bob Mould with a successful solo career after Husker Du in the 80s; it should be a house party with Thievery Corporation, electronic, music duo; Celtic punk rockers Flogging Molly will keep you on your toes; there’s Dave Mason who continues to tour with over 100 a shows a year (when there isn’t a pandemic), and who, for crying out loud, wrote “Feelin’ Alright” when he was in Traffic; there’s Country and Bluegrass artist Marty Stuart, who you may or may know toured with Johnny Cash’s road band many years ago, and that’s just a handful of the artists already lined up.

I got a tour of the venue last month, gone are the bowling lanes, and it’s all about bringing even more music to town as well having another outlet for our trove of local artists to play. The kitchen will offer food, there’s a full bar and the staff are super excited to be a part of our community…I have no doubt, they’re going to fit in just fine!

And then there’s yet another one of those not-to-be-missed shows at the Grape with the Jerry Vivino quartet on Saturday, March 12. You most likely know Vivino’s sax work as a member of the Conon O’Brien Show’s band, but he’s played with Springsteen, James Taylor, Donald Fagen, Branford Marsalis and others. On drums will be Bernie Dresel, multi-Grammy award winning artist who not only performed and recorded with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, but his work can be found on such soundtracks as Whiplash, Incredibles 2, Mission Impossible III, and the Bourne Supremacy.

Quick Notes: congratulations to Steve and Sally Williams on the release of their CD, Borrowed & Blues; Relm Wine & Beer Bistro is now called Onyx Bistro and they’ll continue to host singer/songwriters on Fridays and Saturdays; tickets are on sale now for 311’s May 12th date at the Ventura Theater; Aaron Orbit along with Rubberneck Lions and Carlism play The Six Chow House on Friday, March 11; RJ Mischo birthday bash will be held in the Blue Room upstairs next the Comedy Club in the Ventura Harbor on Friday, March 18; and Kyle returns to the Ventura Theatre for a show on Friday, March 18.

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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

There have been a number of announcements for live music events as it appears we’re turning the corner on (knock on wood) this pandemic.

The Ojai Blues Fest at the Ojai Art Center was announced with that show being held on Saturday June 4 with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, Crooked Eye Tommy, Guy Martin, Chuck Strong & SRBQ, Sandy Haley, and Milo Sledge. Tickets will go for $30 a head and are available through EventBrite.com.

The Ventura Music Festival announced their lineup for their 27th festival for next summer starting Wednesday, July 27 with Adaawe and a free concert in the park. Neither their website, nor their poster indicates which park, but my money is on Mission Park downtown. Adaawe is seven women of the voice and drum performing global soul and African rhythm. Then there’s two weeks with shows Friday through Sunday, July 29 through August 7; all shows at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center. Go to VenturaMusicFestival.org for full lineup and ticket information.

JD Drury is starting to announce bands for next summer’s Surf Rodeo. As of yet, no major acts, but a lot of local area favorites will be on the bill including Raging Arb and the Redheads, Yachtley Crew, Highway Starr, Fortunate Youth and a lot more to cover the three days from July 15 – 17 at the Ventura Pier. To keep up with bands and to secure your tickets, go to SurfRodeo.org.

Two shows to entertain attending at Namba Performing Arts include Jazz Modes on February 25 featuring a four-piece jazz outfit with Robert Kyle, Bevan Manson, Sean Riddle and Dean Thomas, and then for something completely different the following evening, February 26, it’s Andre Thierry, award winning musician whose masterful accordion style playing is sure to get you on your feet and in the mood for Mardi Gras. Ticket information for both events can be found at NambaArts.com.

Ventura Music Hall is still on track for their first show on March 22 with G. Love & the Juice. More details coming next issue.

Quick Notes: live music returns to the Margarita Villa in the Ventura Harbor; Chuck Dennis presents jazz, funk and soul with Johnny Britt and special guest Isaiah Venegas at the Grape on Friday, February 25; Mike Watt and the Missingmen play Rock & Roll Pizza in Simi Valley on Friday, February 25; Strey Cellars celebrates their 8th anniversary on Sunday, February 27 with Vanise Terry Band; Kyle Smith is back in town with a date at Winchesters on Sunday, February 27; The Garage is throwing a Mardi Gras party on Saturday, March 5 with Barrelhouse Wailers; a Tribute to the Greats returns for an encore show at the Grape on Saturday, March 5; there’s a punk rock show at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center with Dr. Know, Pink Mist, Tung, and more on Friday, March 4; and Chick Singer Night returns to the Sound Palace with Jodi Farrell, Brittney Burchett, Mia Mormino, Tamara Sue and Meghan Monroe on Saturday, March 5.

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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Tickets go on sale February 15 for the 5th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which will take place over the weekend of September 9-11. The event will be held at Oxnard Beach Park after a two-year hiatus. Artists on the roster include Althea Rene, Paula Atherton, Eric Darius, Jeannette Harris, Hiroshima, Najee and Jeffrey Osborne. In order to attend, you must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Masks will be highly encouraged for everyone. For more information and to snap up your tickets, go to OxnardJazzFesitval.com.

Concerts for Causes date at the Ventura Theater will be on Saturday, February 12 and will feature Mike Scully & the Weary Travelers, Adaptive, Lira and No Idea. This evening’s show raises money for the Last Stop Cat Sanctuary, a pet sanctuary for aging, sick, and terminally ill pets. There will be a $12 cover. Go VenturaTheater.net for COVID protocols.

The Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will host two shows over the weekend of the 18th. First, it’s the Conga Sessions with Fausto Cuevas III on Friday evening with a $10 cover and then Bubbly Brunch & Brazil with Catina de Luna featuring Otmaro Ruiz on Sunday, February 20 with a $20 cover.

A number of acts have cancelled/postponed dates at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center but those still scheduled include Rockapella on Friday, February 11, Kenny G on Sunday, February 20, and Chicago who continues to tour with three out of seven of their original members on Tuesday, February 22.

Quick Notes: Soulfly plays the Ventura Room at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 9 along with Short Fuse, I Greater Than He, Boilerman and Slowbleed; Cadillac Zack presents Teresa James at Cantara Cellars on Friday, February 11, call for tickets (323) 377-5291; The Radolescents will play the Adolescents Blue Album in sequence in its entirety at Rock & Roll Pizza in Simi Valley on Friday, February 11, other bands include the Hajj, iDecline, and the Afraid; Melinda Gibson plays the Angry Ferret Brewing Co. on Saturday, February 12; Donna Butler performs jazz standards for Valentine’s day dinner at Café Fiore; Gonzalo Grau y la Clave Secreta play the Grape on Saturday, February 19; the Storyplayers perform at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 19; and the rescheduled Circle Jerks show is Sunday, February 20 at the Ventura Theater.

Then finally, since KPPQ is celebrating its five-year anniversary providing public access radio to the community, that means I too am celebrating five years producing my music show highlighting mostly artists out of the 805. FIVE YEARS!!! Where does the time go? If you’ve produced music sometime during your life and would like to share it with the community, just drop me a line and we’ll see about getting you some airtime on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour. I produce a show every two weeks with each show getting aired Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.

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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Though the sign wasn’t up the last time I drove past, the construction continues on the Ventura Music Hall (where Discovery was formerly located on Thompson Blvd). More and more shows are being added to their roster, many of which are indie bands, but several are more well known such as Flogging Molly, Gary Numan, and country/bluegrass legend Marty Stuart. At press time, the first show continues to be G. Love & the Juice on March 22. Keep in the loop and bookmark their website VenturaMusicHall.com.

I had to take a double take at the new festival making the circuit with a date coming up in early spring for Ventura, it’s called the Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival landing at the Ventura Fairgrounds on March 27. As the website states, the festival is created from the mind and livers of NOFX’s front man Fat Mike and craft beer fanatic/festival promoter Cameron Collins. Ventura’s date features NOFX, Pennywise, Face to Face, Lagwagon, Ill Repute, Dr. Know, the Last Gang and more. Get more information and purchase your tickets at PunkInDrublicFest.com.

I’m so proud of the Grape bringing such talent to Ventura. Case in point, on Thursday, January 27, it’s Brian Charette Trio; Charette was the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star: Organ” award and 2015 Hot House Magazine’s “Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist”. Last year he placed 3rd in the 2021 Downbeat Critic’s Poll. Rounding out the trio will be Joel Taylor on drums, and Doug Webb on sax.

The Circle Jerks pulled the plug on their 2021 tour, but they’ve rescheduled dates for 2022. You can catch them at the Ventura Theater on Sunday, February 20 with all tickets previously purchased being honored. Don’t forget the Ventura Theater requires a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event, OR proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required when not actively eating or drinking; and as a gentle reminder per the Ventura Theater’s website, no moshing is allowed.

Quick Notes: Twist on Main is temporarily closed for upgrades, but reopening early February; Michael Feinstein plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Saturday, February 5; SuperDuperKyle returns to Ventura Theater Friday, March 18; and the Young Ones showcase features up and coming talent at the Vine on Monday evenings with Beckett & the Rebels playing January 31.

And finally, congratulations to Tommy Quayle on the release of his latest record Awakenings. It was recorded over the past two years during the pandemic. JP Hesser co-produced, mixed and recorded most of the cuts. You can hear the title single on my radio show, the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM, or listen online at CAPSMedia.org/radio. The program runs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 and Sundays at noon.

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
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The winner of the first BlackCouch Studios Music Showdown was announced this week! The friendly competition between 16 musicians here in Ventura was the brainchild of Jerry McWorter (Hi-Hat Entertainment) and Guy Martin (BlackCouch Studios). They placed sixteen names in three different hats (8 guitarists, four bass players, four drummers) then arbitrarily put together four bands by pulling names out of the hat. The members showed up without knowing who their bandmates were, nor the song they were to record. They were given three hours to record their rendition of Midnight Rambler. The winner of the first round (group 1 & group 2) and the winner of the second round (group 3 & group 4) went head to head on YouTube with viewers voting for their favorite rendition without knowing who the players were. I want to thank both Guy and Jerry for being on my radio show and for letting me play the winner on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour this week. The winning group was #2 with winning musicians Ray Jaurique, Joe Baugh, Hank Van Sickel and Chris Jenson. Speaking from the heart, I loved every single rendition and as we discussed on my radio show, this project was great for the heart and soul of Ventura’s music scene. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the BlackCouch Studios Music Showdown!

The Tavern at 211 E. Santa Clara Street in Ventura has switched gears and as the first of the year are now called A Bar Called Country where they’ll be offering line dancing every Sunday at 5. The live music I’ve found so far includes Hard Rooster, Brother Earl and the Cousins and Dan Hitchcock on Thursday, January 13, and Medicine Hat with the full band on Fri January 14.

According to their official website, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen’s project, Smith/Kotzen’s very first live date in the US is schedule for the Ventura Theater on January 15. Smith is best known as one of the main guitarists for Iron Maiden and Kotzen from the Winery Dogs, as well as having worked with both Mr. Big and Poison. Also playing the theater this month the Stuts on January 23 and Subtronics on January 27.

Quick Notes: The Bank of America Performing Arts Center in TO has REO Speedwagon on January 12, and David Foster on January 19; Kruelty, a band marketed as Tokyo disgusting music, plays with Apparition, Slowbleed and Upon Stone at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 14; The Sewer has a special Sunday Psycho Sunday event on January 16 with Frenetic Trio from Brazil, joining the bill, The Cursed Bastards; and Kelly’s Lot’s performance at Namba has been rescheduled to March 26, but still on the books are Franck Goldwasser aka Paris Slim on January 15 and Dreamland, music of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford on January 22.

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.