Ventura Music Scene 1/11/23 – 1/24/23

Posted on January 11, 2023 by venturarocks

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

It’s business as usual now that the holidays are firmly behind us and people are getting out and about and taking in live music again. Of course, with all the lovely rain we’ve been receiving so far this winter, there could be cancellations for music held outdoors such as venues as Peirano’s or Ojai Valley Brewing. But for the most part, music is back to being played indoors again after the pandemic.

Congratulations to Michael Jay and the Mighty Cash Cats as they’ll be inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame. This relatively new organization’s mission is to recognize the many important talented music industry professionals from the legends, those behind the scenes, to the up-and-coming, who have helped shape the rich spectrum of California’s music legacy, and to educate the public about their accomplishments. The induction ceremony will be held January 28 in Temecula where other inductees include Gwen Stefani, Canned Heat, Jan & Dean, William Shatner, KOST 103.5 and more.

I’m happy to see that Hi Hat Entertainment is getting back in the game as they’ll be helping to produce upcoming shows at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The first one on the docket will feature the Delgado Brothers on Saturday, January 14 and then it’s Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps on February 11.

Ventura Music Hall continues to line up a number of diverse acts. This month’s shows include Zoso (ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute) to Steely Dead (think the Grateful Dead meets Steely Dan), to Cut Chemist (American DJ former member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli). Looking ahead to February, you might want to secure tickets to the BoDeans, Alborosie, Hirie, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (rescheduled), Fidlar, and Melvin Seals & JGB; but, my money’s on The English Beat whose biggest hits include “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save it for Later,” and “I Confess.” I’ve always been a big Dave Wakeling fan, I think the first time I met him was upstairs at Nicholby’s back in the day.

Quick Notes: The Rocketz, the Ripkats and Ghost Town Hangmen play the Sewer on Friday, January 13; Out of Trust record release party will be held at Casa Agria Specialty Ale in Oxnard on Saturday, January 14; Bluegrass favorites, the Storytellers play the Deer Lodge on Saturday, January 14; get your swing on with the Swing Shift Big Band on Sunday afternoon, January 15, at House of Dance in Ventura; French pop rock band, Phoenix, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, January 16; Sean Bonnette & Tim Kasher paly the Ojai Women’s Club on Thursday, January 19; and Barrelhouse Wailers celebrate 10-year anniversary at the Grape on Fri, January 20.

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 12/28/22 – 1/10/2023

Posted on December 28, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Happy New Year!!! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? May I suggest one you can add to your list? Why not make it a point to get out more often to support our local original artists this year? We have such an abundance of talent right here in the 805 spanning from Simi Valley all the up to Slo town (San Luis Obispo); and between Ventura and Santa Barbara it’s a rare week that goes by without a show featuring original music.

It’s a passion of mine to help get the word out on live music because it helps raise your spirits and it can put a smile on that mug of yours. Research as shown that listening to music releases dopamine which has a positive effect on your mood. It’s a tonic of sorts which can help relieve stress, and literally lift your spirits. And while I can’t say firsthand that it enhances intelligence (though it would be scary to see how dumb I’d be without it), research also suggests that it can increase your IQ along with lowering blood pressure and boosting your immune system.

And as you should know by now, my passion is all about original artists. Of course, I’m a fan of cover bands and artists, but I’m always thrilled when they’ll slip in an original tune they wrote. I know it can be disheartening to perform at a venue, play your heart out while the audience is busy talking or dancing or not paying attention at all. Most venues are designed for this, which is why I’m a fan of the smaller listening rooms such as Namba Arts or Ojai Underground; you’re there to listen to the performance.

One can forget what music does and the effects it can cause as we listen to it while driving, studying, working and relaxing. We can listen to it while soaking in a tub, or while eating dinner. It’s enmeshed in so much of our lives that we forget it takes talented individuals to create it for us. And now getting back to my original suggestion of supporting our local talent, let’s give back and show our love by attending their shows, buying their merch, leaving a large tip and paying to download their music. Trust me when I say, your validation and support encourages and makes them realize what a difference their contributions of original music makes on other’s lives.

And now onto New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring the best of cover bands to help bring in 2023. Most venues will have a party whether it be East Coast style (9 pm our time is when the proverbial ball drops on the East Coast), or they’ll go to at least midnight to bring in the official new year. Many request reservations and a lot will have cover charges for all the extras they’ll offer. There are a few parties being held at locations such as the Crowne Plaza, The Greek and the Moose Lodge where they’re not typical places you would go to listen to live music. I suggest you take a look at the listings. Here’s a link to the VenturaRocks Calendar page. Up top under search, type “NYE” to see all listings:

In closing, thanks for your continued support of the Ventura Breeze newspaper, and for reading all the way through this article so I can tell you just how much I love this community. We not only have the beach, the hillsides, downtown, the Harbor but interspersed all over, we have dozens of venues offering live music. While thinking of where I would like to retire someday, I realized after contemplating about it for a year, “Why would I ever leave?” Ventura Rocks!

Ventura Music Scene 12/14/22 – 12/27/22

Posted on December 11, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Happy Holidays to you and yours! I love the lights, the warm jackets and colorful scarves, family and friend get togethers and especially the music that goes with it all. Don’t forget to make your plans now for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Most venues will have a special party, but some will include tickets and reservations, so do your due diligence. I’ll have more specifics next time around, but you’re welcome to go to VenturaRocks.com website, and on the calendar page, search “NYE Party” to see what’s lined up so far.

It seems Ugly Sweater Parties won’t be going away anytime soon. I’m seeing a number of them lined up leading up to Christmas. Strey Cellars has one on Friday, December 16 with Holger’s Heroes, Naughty Pine in Westlake has Lynnzee Fraye on Friday, December 23 and the Raven Tavern has the Doc Rogers band also on Friday, December 23.

Other holiday themed events include Michael Falcone Christmas songs at the Manhattan in Camarillo on Thursday, December 15, Tilford Jackson’s Christmas Sing-a-Long will be held at the Grape in Ventura on Thursday, December 22, Paulie Cerra, a Blues Christmas on Friday, December 23 at Cantera Cellars, Smitty & Julija will sing carols at Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai on Friday, December 23, and Bella Lucarelli performs a Christmas special at the Twist on Main on Christmas Eve afternoon.

Ventura High School Winter concert series runs Wednesday and Thursday, December 14 – 15 with their Wind Ensemble I, Concert Band and Jazz performing on Wednesday, and the following evening it’s their Orchestra I, String Orchestra II Honors and Full Orchestra. Across town the Bulldogs at Buena High will also have their Winter Concert which will be held on Thursday, December 14 with music from their music ensembles along with some soloist performances. Show your love to one or both of these schools by showing up and supporting our younger musicians here in town.

And speaking of supporting local high school music departments, Namba will host “Rock ‘n’ Roll High” on Sunday, December 18 with Burch Studio presenting a showcase for middle school and high school kids. Since 2004, Rock and Roll High has been southern California’s premier teen band program. Students have gone on to perform at Coachella, Jimmy Kimmel, and many successful bands in the music industry. The founder of Rock and Roll High, Aaron Burch opened Burch Studio in Ventura where he teaches the course today.

And the only live music event I’ve found, year to year on Christmas day, features Saint Pierre who had done this previously at Amigos, but now will be performing along with Rebekah Scogin at Vaquero y Mar from 4 – 7 pm.

Quick Notes: Shawn Jones performs the Deer Lodge on Friday, December 16; Looking West plays the Downtown Stage at California and Main Streets on Saturday, December 17; The House of Dance will be hopping on Sunday, December 18 with Flattop Tom and His Jump Cats performing; Ben Garcia plays Surfer’s Point Café on Sunday, December 18; there’s a special show at All Kinds in Zander Alley on Monday, December 19 with the Addalemon and Halibut Head out of Sacramento performing along with Greater View and the Derivatives; and finally Denny Seiwell, founding member of Wings, returns to Ventura for a date at the Grape on Wednesday, December 21.

And finally, my condolences go out to Namba Arts as they mourn the passing of their founder, Julia Frances Campbell Namba earlier this month, as well as to the many fans of Mark Searcy, aka Hip E. Mark.

Ventura Music Scene 11/30/22 – 12/13/22

Posted on December 1, 2022 by venturarocks

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

With Thanksgiving under our collective belts, the holiday season is in full swing and there are several special events to help raise your spirits whilst enjoying live music.

The Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair is Saturday, December 3, downtown Ventura. The street fair with vendors and food trucks is open all day and free to the public (noon – 8 pm), but you need to purchase tickets if you want to participate in the wine walk (4-7 pm). The live entertainment is also free and family friendly with Victor Vega and the Bomb culminating the day at Main and California with a gorgeous snowfall; but trust me when I say, no matter how pretty or real it looks, don’t stick out your tongue to catch “snowflakes.”

Jodi Farrell’s 28th Annual Student Holiday Concert is always a treat. This year’s show will be held at Connect Church on Kimball Road in Ventura on Saturday, December 3 from 4-6 pm. The special guest band will feature Ron Barnett, Jim Rankin, Brad Strickland, Manon Franklin and Hekar Rivera. Though this is free, donations are appreciated.

The 22nd annual 4 Kids 2 Kids holiday fundraiser will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo on Sunday, December 4 from 2 – 7 pm with the cost of admission only $5 plus a new unwrapped toy. Bands on tap: RJ Mischo w/ Debbie Davies, Ray Jaurique Big Band w/ Flattop Tom, Shawn Jones, Katie Skene, Hot Roux and Milo Sledge.

Poseidon Brewing Company will host their annual holiday pajama party on Friday, December 9 featuring live music from the Vanise Terry Band.

Cantara Cellars bring Britain’s Finest to the venue for “Christmas with the Beatles” on Saturday, December 10.

Doc the Halls Holiday Blues with Doc Ventura will be held at Namba on Saturday, December 10, at 7 pm. The $20 cover gets you Bombafiya, Preston Smith, RJ Mischo, Bill Flores, James Schulfer, Fito de la Parra and Doc Ventura.

The 9th Annual Holiday Sing a Long and Toy Drive at the Majestic Ventura Theater will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 7 pm. Admission is one new unwrapped toy per family. This year’s concert will feature favorite Disney and holiday songs.

And though not exactually holiday themed, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the 17th annual Chopperfest Art and Culture Show returns to Ventura at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 11 and will host a special motorcycle art exhibit, an all-brand antique and custom motorcycle show, custom bike builder displays and hundreds of motorcycle/culture vendors; plus, they’ll have live music from Awesome Blue and the Midnight Rider Band (Allman Brothers Revival). Find out more and get your tickets at Chopperfestival.com

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Dr. Know and Stalag 13 with original singer Ron Baird for January 7 at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme through EventBrite; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links play The Grape on Friday, December 2; Long Beach Dub Allstars play the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, December 3; WonderHouse on Knoll Drive in Ventura has a show featuring Shaky Feelin’ and the Katie Skene Band on Saturday, December 3, $20 at the door; Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai hosts live music with Two Tossers on Saturday, December 3; it’s an evening of Brazilian Bossa Nova, Samba and Jazz with Teka & Friends when they play the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai on Sunday, December 4, on the following Sunday, December 11, the special jury prize winner of 13th International Tchaikovsky competition, Evgeny Tonkha, will perform; All Kinds continues to offer live music for the younger generation in Zander Alley at 433 E. Main Street downtown Ventura. It’s a sober space for all ages with live music on Sunday, December 4 with Sound that Ends Creation, Cel Damage, Two Brothers, Black Moon Lilith, Crave and Stood Up with a $10 cover; and Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett team up for a show at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, December 10.

Ventura Music Scene 11/16/22 – 11/29/22

Posted on November 20, 2022 by venturarocks

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

Looking ahead, the event of the season is coming up on Saturday, December 3. Of course, I’m speaking about the annual Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair downtown Ventura. I’ve attended several of these throughout the years, and it’s always a treat to be in one place at the same time with thousands of people celebrating the season. There are several different levels to be involved from just visiting all the vendors from one end of downtown to the other as you check off items on your Christmas shopping list, to walking to all the different participating venues whilst sipping your beverage, to hanging out in the VIP gardens (where you’re find the best pours and food), to dancing at Main and California while a snowfall transforms downtown into a winter wonderland. No charge to hang out for the Street Fair and music at California and Main, but you’ll want to secure your tickets for the wine walk at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

If you’ve never sat in a music hall listening to a full orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Ode to Joy, then do yourself a favor, and kickstart the season with the New West Symphony. There will be two shows, one on Saturday, November 19, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and one the following day at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The program includes Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz, My Sister’s Voice. For ticket availability, go to NewWestSymphony.org.

Majestic Ventura Theater Upcoming Shows
The Wrecks – 11/19/22
AFI – 11/25/22 (Sold Out)
Beach House – 12/7/22 (Sold Out)
Circle Jerks, TSOL – 12/30/22
Jerry Cantrell – 2/21/23
Eric Johnson – 2/22/23

Ventura Music Hall
The Purple Ones – 1/6/23
Steely Dead – 1/20/23
Cut Chemist – 1/26/23
The Wood Brothers – 2/2/23
Mat Kearney – 2/11/23
Alborosie – 2/19/23
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore rescheduled for 2/23/23

Congratulations to two-time Grammy-award winner Rhiannon Giddens who will become the music director for the 77th Ojai Music Festival in June next year. She recently won the Grammy for Best Folk Album for They’re Calling Me Home with Francesco Turrisi.

Quick Notes: Barrelhouse Wailers are in the studio on Ojai at Carbonite Sound; Brendon Willing James performs at the Deer Lodge with special guest Omar Velasco on Thursday, November 17; There will be live music at Bombay Bar and Grill, on Saturday, November 19 with Olivia Willhite at 5 pm); Numbskull Productions bring Wormwitch, and Bewitcher to town for a gig at Gigi’s Cocktails on Saturday, November 19; Wrecking Crew member, Don Randi & Quest returns for a date at the Grape on Saturday, November 19; AFI show at Ventura theater on Friday, Acoustic DNA play a Friendsgiving show at the Twist on Wednesday, November 23; November 25 is sold out; Janelle & Andrew play Surfers Point Café on Sunday, November 27; and Ventura Theater’s annual sing along will be held on December 11 (admission is one new unwrapped toy).

Ventura Music Scene 11/2 – 11/15/22

Posted on November 2, 2022 by venturarocks

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

It didn’t surprise me at all when I heard that several members from Army of Freshmen had taken on a new project, an album for children, called Good Kids. It features 14 high-spirited, multi-genre songs that speak to children. If you know the band, then you know what quirky high energy fun-loving free spirits they are, so this totally makes sense!

A few factors help mold the project, the most important one being that

they are parents themselves, but then the pandemic hit and it was the perfect time to fill in all that free time they now had on their hands. To accompany the release of Good Kids on November 4, will be a new web series of the same name offering four-minute episodes hosted by a different band member interviewing a “real” good kid, as well as comical vignettes of the band taking on the subject themselves from sports to going to school to starting a band. Way to go boys!

Expect frivolity, over-the-top theatrics and just an awesome stage show when punk legends Gogol Bordello hit the stage at the Ventura Theater on Saturday, November 5; and then Canadian indie pop duo, Tegan and Sara (twin sisters) play the Majestic on Friday, November 11.

Meanwhile just a few miles away on Thompson Blvd, this is the Ventura Music Hall line up for the next two weeks:
Sammy Johnson on Thursday, November 3
Tai Verdes on Wednesday, November 9
The Longest Johns with Shane Alexander opening on Thursday, November 10
Big Head Todd and the Monsters on Friday, November 11
The Sinseers on Saturday, November 12
Flamingosis & Blockhead on Sunday, November 13
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones on Tuesday, November 15

I’m looking forward to the new release from Anchor & Bear. You can see them perform “No More Nights on the Roof” at Topa Topa Brewing, downtown Ventura on Friday, November 11, with Looking West opening the show. By the way, if you haven’t been to this Topa Topa Brewing location in a while, you need to check it out. They cleared out the back room where they use to have their brewing equipment and now they have a spot for live bands, open mics and screenings. I’m hoping this will become consistent listening room for artists to perform.

Quick Notes: Danny Carey of Tool returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Thursday, November 3; Poseidon Brewing’s First Friday is offering up the CocoKnots with a Hawaiian vibe on November 4; the final free Ojai Pops Concert Series show of the season will be Sunday, November 6, at 3:30 pm at Libbey Bowl with Larktown & Friends; Jodi Farrell’s live performers’ workshop at Namba will be on Sunday November 6 (donations appreciated); Michael Falcone does a tribute to Sinatra on Thursday, November 10 at the Manhattan in Camarillo; David Franz album release party will be at the new Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai on Saturday, November 12; local singer/songwriter, Krystal Park, performs a set at Surfers Point Café on Sunday, November 13 (1 pm); and tickets are on sale via eventbrite for Dr. Know & Stalag 13 at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme for Saturday, January 7, 2023;

Ventura Music Scene 10/19/22 – 11/1/22

Posted on October 19, 2022 by venturarocks

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

I’m loving fall so far with all the unpredictable weather changes; it’s safe to say go out wearing layers, and trust me when I say, you’ll certainly want to be able to strip off several layers once you warm up while dancing at the Salsa Music Fest on Saturday, October 22 at Freedom Park in Camarillo. This one runs from 11 am – 6 pm with food and craft vendors, with dancing like there’s no tomorrow to Chino Espinoza y Los Duenos Del Son! And in case you’re a little rusty on your salsa skills, or have never attempted this fabulous dance, there will be beginner’s salsa lessons at 11:30 along with an advanced lesson featuring star guest, Hector Sanchez. There’s a lot more going on, so be sure to get the details and secure your tickets at SalsaMusicFest.com.

Ventura Music Festival is already busy with next year’s lineup for next summer, but meanwhile, they’re be partnering with Sterling Venue Ventures to bring Mnozil Brass, an Austrian band known as the “Monty Python” of the music world to town. The band’s brand of slapstick comedy promises a fun evening you won’t soon forget when they play the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on March 2, 2023. Find out more about their early bird special at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The next free Ojai Pops Concert Series show will be Sunday, October 23, with vocalists Miriam Dance and Sophie Holt featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, selections from Dreamgirls and Aretha Franklin. Concert starts at 3:30 pm. The next and final show will be on November 6th featuring Larktown & Friends with Lark Cobb and Todd Temanson. And just a reminder that while these shows are free, donations are greatly appreciated.

The Merry Wives of Windsor will perform during the Ojai Storytelling Festival which runs October 27 – 30. The ten-piece all-female folk band blending elements of folk from the British Isles and the Americas will perform during the kickoff celebration on Thursday, October 27 at Libbey Bowl. Find out more about all the performances, dates, locations and tickets at OjaiStoryFest.org.

The Judy Collins and Sophie B. Hawkins concert at Libbey Bowl was cancelled due to Judy breaking an arm. The Libbey Bowl website posted that a full recovery is expected and Ms. Collins looks forward to performing at the Libbey Bowl on June 3, 2023. Original tickets will be honored.

Now to the really fun stuff involving a few Halloween parties.

There are a couple of “early-bird events this year including the one at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme where they’re hosting a “Thriller Bash” with Green Jellÿ (pronounced jello) and Sik Sik Siks performing on Saturday, October 22 with a ton of prizes for best costumes. Tickets are available on Eventbrite with this one open to 18 and over.

On the same night, it’s Angie & the Nightmares along with Duncan & the Dragonslayers for one of the Garage’s Halloween parties on Saturday, October 22. This one is free with costume prizes, but you need to be 21+ to attend.

And then the NextGen Rotary club is hosting Crawl-O-Ween on Sunday afternoon October, 23 with several venues participating downtown Ventura; Winchesters will provide live music from the Ray Jaurique Trio. Find out more and get your tickets (after lining up your designated driver) on EventBrite.com. Three non-profits will benefit: NextGen Rotary, Surfrider Foundation and Food Share. Costumes are encouraged as a contest with prizes will be awarded.

Otherwise, the weekend before Halloween (which falls on a Monday this year) will lead up to the big night:

Thursday, October 27
Coleen & Co. at The Grape

Friday, October 28
Vinyl Gypsies at the Keynote
The Grizwalds at Sunland Vintage Winery

Saturday, October 29
Shaky Feelin’ at Leashless Brewing
The 805 Social Club at Strey Cellers
Morie & the Heavy Hitters at Aqua Bar, Crowne Plaza
Nick & the Old Souls at Namba Performing Arts Center
Dave Rea & Acoustic DNA at The Twist on Main
Vinyl Gypsies at The Raven
Ganda at the Garage
Tasty Thieves at Azar’s
Dave Palmer & Friends at Deer Lodge

Sunday, October 30
Heart & Soul at Tony’s Pizzeria

Quick Notes: Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars tribute) play the Collection on Wednesday, October 19; the Expandards with Isaac Koren & Mikael Jorgensen featuring Mario Calire and Kevin McCormack play the Ojai Underground on Friday, October 21; Top Shelf Brass Band (NOLA style dirty dance music) play Ojai Valley Brewing on Saturday, October 22; and if you’re willing to travel to Simi Valley, Harley’s Rock & Roll Pizza’s Halloween party will have Hollywood Crue, Black Sabbatha and Metal Health on Saturday, October 29.

Ventura Music Scene 10/5 – 10/18

Posted on October 3, 2022 by venturarocks

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

There are a number of special events lined up during the next two weeks, and of course you’ll also want to map out your Halloween plans, I’m finding a number of venues are celebrating on the days leading up to the big night. If you go to the VenturaRocks.com calendar page, you can search “Halloween” and see what I’ve found out so far. I’ll give more details in the next issue of the Breeze.
Let’s start with Surfer’s Point Live hosts Boots & Brews (yes this is the second one in the past few months), and it falls on a Friday, October 14, staring Tim McGraw, Michael Ray and Bailey Zimmerman. So get off early from work, pull on your country boots and head over to the Ventura County Fairgrounds when the gates open at 3 pm, grab a cold one and enjoy some of the best country music around! Secure your tickets at BootsAndBrews.com.

Boccali’s in Ojai and their Boots & Bluegrass special event featuring live music from Drea & Kellen Van Allen. This ticketed event includes a family-style Italian dinner, non-alcoholic beverage (wine & wine available for sale though), and live entertainment on Thursday, October 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 in the evening. Ticket information can be found on the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds this year over the weekend of October 8 and 9th with live music from the Angry Brians, Sligo Rags, Browne Sisters, George Cavanaugh and the Ploughboys. This Scottish themed event is family friendly and includes such competitions as bagpipping & drumming, drum majoring, fiddling, highland dancing, and heavy athletics. Tickets can be found at SeasideHighlandGames.org.

Saturday, October 8 is also the return of Surf ‘n’ Suds. This ticketed event features rows of vendors and with lots of alcohol samplings, and this year a mega sized beer pong competition. They’re back at their San Buenaventura State Beach location (entrance at San Pedro Street). The last time I went, I visited one of their vendors selling a unique wine opening device, and I ended up on a commercial which aired on several social media platforms, so you know, you too might can become a star 😊. Live musical entertainment will feature the Free Love Project, KingQueen Band and DJ FIU. For ticket information, go to SurfBeerFest.com.

The Brite Room located at Music Freqs, at 2258 Pickwick Drive in Camarillo offers an all-ages live music venue with bands of all genres available to the under 21 crowd. You most likely will remember this is the space formerly known as Rock City Studios. Kudos for taking a chance, and making a safe place for kids to take in live shows. I’m hoping to share more of their listings in the future. Currently I have Feed the Beast, Disrupted Euphoria and Black Moon Lilith on Friday, October 7, and Ottto, Noah Weiland and Akila Fly on Saturday, October 8. Tickets are available via EventBrite.

Ojai Valley Day is Saturday, October 15 with lots of vendors, arts, activities and live music from 10 in the morning until 6 pm. I understand they’ll have two stages one of which is the Gazebo, and the other the Libbey Bowl where Abba Dabba Doo! (Abba tribute) plays at about 3 pm followed up by Spencer the Gardener, both of which are free to the public.

New shows on sale:
Ojai Underground:
Jamie Drake on October 15
Expandards on October 21
Perla Batalla on November 11 & 12

Ventura Music Hall
The Aquadolls, Sitting on Stacy & Strange Case on October 21
La Santa Cecilia on November 1
Sammy Johnson on November 3
Long Beach Dub Allstars on December 3
Zoso, the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute on January 14, 2023

Ventura Theater
GlorRilla on January 14, 2023

Quick Notes: The Twist is switching hands early this month, current owner Teri doesn’t anticipate any major changes with the live music you’ve come to know and love; It’s a Flashback 90s night at Poseidon Brewings with Vinny Berry on Friday, October 7; Numbskull Productions present Dirty Rotten Imbeciles at Gigi’s on Tuesday, October 11; Cantara Winery is celebrating their anniversary on October 15 with Heart and Soul; and Rey Fresco will do an intimate performance at the Aqua Beachfront Bar located inside the Crown Plaza Hotel on Saturday, October 15.

By the time this issue rolls off the presses, The Fatty Vegan will have closed their doors for good. Sad times for you Vegans out there, but we’re much appreciative of all the live bands you brought to town. Best wishes for your family’s future.

Ventura Music Scene Column 9/21/22 – 10/4/22

Posted on September 20, 2022 by venturarocks

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

It’s not that I hate being the bearer of bad news that summer is officially over as we usher in fall, that’s because fall isn’t so bad for us here in Ventura. The autumnal equinox is September 22 and as far as I’m concerned, the weather is perfect for taking in live music; but let’s be honest, the weather is always perfect for taking in live music!

The Port of Hueneme hosts the 2022 Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, with live music from Teka Penteriche (Brazilian Bossa), Justo Almario and his Afro Colombian Jazz Ensemble, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps with her special brand of Texas blues rock, Richardo Lemvoy Makina Loca, with Victor Vega and the Bomb capping off the day. There is no admission and parking is free for this one at 105 E Port Hueneme Road from 10 am to 6 pm.One of my favorite nights out is also a fundraiser for a great cause, Pier Under the Stars. This ticketed event raises money to help preserve our Ventura Pier providing emergency funds when big waves do their inevitable damage to the pilings. The non-profit is called Pier into the Future and the evening helps to keep their vision alive. From 5-8 pm on Saturday, October 1 on the beachfront promenade next to the north side of the pier, the outdoor event features food, wine, and other beverages from local merchants. The live musical entertainment this year will be from Mid Life Crisis, so plan to dance “under the stars” as well.

It’s an early start to Oktoberfest over the weekend at September 24 at Enegren Brewing in Moorpark features live festive German music. There will also be a stein hoisting competition, axe throwing, vendors marketplace, petting zoo and more! Sounds like fun for all ages; I even spotted a mention of this one on KTLA weekend news.

Marty Van Loan and Jeff Evans are at it again with the release of their CD from the Mini Bar Project. They’ll perform new songs and old favorites in a rare live performance at the Santa Paula Theater Center on October 1.

Congratulations to the one of the original dive-bars in the county, the Rudder Room, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary on Saturday, September 24, with Teresa Russell performing 1-5 pm.

Not quite a 60-year milestone, but it’s a milestone none-the-less as Ojai Valley Brewery celebrates their 1-year anniversary with what they’re calling Croptober Fest 2022, which also falls on Saturday, September 24. Reggae reigns from 5-10 from Cornerstone, Morie & the Heavy Hitters and Jacob & the Good Vibes. This one is a ticketed event and will help to benefit the Humane Society of Ventura County.

And my favorite jazz spot, the Grape, will also celebrate their one-year anniversary on Saturday, October 1 with the return of Casey Abrams.

New shows at Ventura Music Hall
Kabaka Pyramid with Jordant on October 13
Tai Verdes on November 9
Thee Sinseers & the Altons with Rudy de Anda on November 12
Skeggs on March 6, 2023

Mark your calendar (more details next issue) for Surf n Suds (October 8), the Highland Seaside Highland Games (October 8-9) and Boots and Brews with Tim McGraw (October 14).

Quick Notes:
Billy Vera and the Beaters play the Grape on Thursday, September 22; teen band out of Camarillo, No Idea, play El Rey Cantina on Sunday, September 25; Wednesday, September 28, is the next free Rock the Collection concert with Eagles tribute band, the Long Run; Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite play the Libbey Bowl on Friday, September 30; Fido the band play Leashless Brewing on Saturday, October 1; and the Fatty Vegan hosts a Numbskull Productions show with Powerhouse and End Days on Sunday, October 2 (ticketweb.com).

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 9/7/22 – 9/20/22

Posted on September 5, 2022 by venturarocks

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

How hot was that Labor Day weekend? I hope you were able to get out and catch some of the many live music events along the coast where it was mostly bearable. As for the rest of September, it looks like the weather should remain warm to hot…just not Vegas hot.

As always, at the top of my list of recommendations is anything I’m involved with, so I hope you’ll consider Taste of Local as it returns this year on Sunday, September 11 presented by Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation. VenturaRocks (myself) will help to host the music stage where Spencer the Gardener, Dan Grimm and the Rose Valley Thorns will be performing. Along with the live music, there will be a local homebrew challenge, a farm-to-glass mixology throwdown and dozens of booths where you can taste delicious samples from local chefs. There is expected to be over 60 area chefs, farmers, purveyors, wineries, breweries and distilleries showcasing their culinary expertise. You can find out more about this wonderful event at TotallyLocalVC.com and I hope to see you there!

The 5th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival runs three days this year at Oxnard Beach Park (1601 Harbor Blvd.) Friday, September 9 – Sunday, September 11. This ticketed event will feature live music all three days. Delta by the Beach kicks off the live music on Friday; Kelly’s Lot, Hiroshima, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Ryan and others on Saturday, and Sunday it’s Paula Atherton, Bunny Brunel, Erin Stevenson, the Emotions and more. You can get the full list of acts, Covid-19 updates and ticket information at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

The Roots 805 Jam is Saturday, September 10 at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme from 3 – 11 pm with Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Kyle Smith, Krooked Treez, Synrgy, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Rising son, Jacob Marquez & the Good vibes and more. Tickets range from $30 to $65 on EventBrite.

The 34th Anniversary show for Chick Singer Night will be held on Saturday, September 10, with Martha V, Diana Bacon, Olivia Mucha, Kerri Climer and Vanise Terry. The location is Sound Palace, Studio B in Oxnard. Tickets are $25 through EventBrite.com.

Dirty Cello returns to Ventura with a show at Namba Performing Arts Space on Saturday, September 10. Band leader and cellist Rebecca Roudman is also a member of classical orchestras, but with the Dirty Cello band she lets her hair down and uses her classical training to push the cello to its limits – more Jimi Hendrix than Yo -Yo Ma. Roudman says, “We play what folks want to hear, from the Devil Went Down to Georgia to Led Zeppelin, we go on stage with a huge collection of songs and then just have a ton of fun – we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we just want the audience to have a good time too.”

The Leashless Brewing End-of-Summer Lu’au party falls on Saturday, September 17. You’re invited to dress in your lava-lavas, sarongs, or your aloha shirts…and bring on the island vibe because this will be a party! Morie and the Heavy Hitters play from 6 to 9 with proceeds from the event donated to the Ventura State Rescue Association.

Saturday September 17 at the Beatrice Wood Center for Arts in upper Ojai will have an event being billed as Gypsy Meets Choro, featuring Finnish guitarist Olli Soikkeli and Italian-Brazilian 7-string guitarist, Cesar Garabini. The duo offers up an exquisite duet paring swinging Django Reinhardt-style gypsy jazz guitar and spicy choro style jazz guitar. You can get more information at BeatriceWood.com

The Grape always has a number of noteworthy performances scheduled at their gorgeous venue, tagline, “House of Jazz and Spirits” however, that doesn’t mean they exclude other genres of music, case in point, Billy Vera and the Beaters on September 22. I recommend you bookmark their events page or better yet, request to be on their email list so you don’t miss any of their upcoming shows. (TheGrapeVentura.com)

New shows added at Ventura Music Hall
Tribal Seeds feat. Hector Roots Lewis – October 4
Atmosphere – October 19
Klangstof – October 25
Big Head Todd and the Monsters – November 11
Zepparella – December 8
Mat Kearney – February 11

Mark your calendar (more details next issue) for Saturday, September 24: The Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Oktoberfest at Lucas Sellers in Moorpark and it’s the Rudder Room’s 60th anniversary with Teresa Russell.

Quick Notes: Starship feat. Mickey Thomas at Libbey Bowl on September 4 was cancelled; The Fabulous Thunders play Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, September 7; Flipper, Mike Watt and The Robot Uprising play Gigi’s on Thursday, September 8; IDKHow plays the Ventura Theater on Friday, September 9; Bart Davenport plays the Deer Lodge on Friday, September 9; Blood, Sweat and Tears play Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 10; Kansas plays the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 15; Josh Damigo will open for Allen Stone at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, September 16; And Panteon Rococo plays the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, September 20.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Category Archives: Ventura Rocks

Ventura Music Scene 1/11/23 – 1/24/23

Ventura Music Scene 12/28/22 – 1/10/2023

Ventura Music Scene 12/14/22 – 12/27/22

Ventura Music Scene 11/30/22 – 12/13/22

Ventura Music Scene 11/16/22 – 11/29/22

Ventura Music Scene 11/2 – 11/15/22

Ventura Music Scene 10/19/22 – 11/1/22

Ventura Music Scene 10/5 – 10/18

Ventura Music Scene Column 9/21/22 – 10/4/22

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 9/7/22 – 9/20/22