Ventura Music Scene 5/15/24 – 5/28/24

Posted on May 15, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The Strawberry Festival returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds for the second year in a row and let’s hope lessons were learned on traffic control because last year was a hot mess. Go to their website which provides information on free shuttle services which not only saves you $20 in parking fees, but you also won’t have to deal with stop and go traffic. There will also be a free bike valet (first come, first served) for those of us close enough to ride our bikes to the fairgrounds. Enjoy live music which is included in the price of admission from Drew Dolan, Smooth Sound of Santana, Surf City All-Stars, Petty or Not, Conner Cherland, Will Breman, Rey Fresco and more. Tickets for Saturday, May 18 and Sunday May 19 can be found at CaStrawberryFestival.org.

The Rubicon concert series, Ventura Live, continues with a special event coming up on May 26 called The Palomino Nights Country and Rhythm Revue benefit concert. There will be performances by Mark Masson & Jam Grass, Beau Ted & Tailor Maide, the Van Allen Twins, Buck Moon, Josephoenix and Jay Ponti. The evening is sure to get your toes tapping and your heart racing to the sounds of bluegrass and true-blue country standards. Proceeds support Rubicon’s leadership and acting programs to empower economically challenged young people. Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

I kept waiting to find out what the music would be for X Games hailed as sports & music festival last summer to no avail, but I’m pumped to announce there will be live music included in the price of admission for X Games Ventura 2024. As a press time, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated rap artist Wiz Khalifa will perform on Friday, June 28 and eight-time Grammy nominated Kaskade will offer up electronic dance music on Saturday, June 29. More to come as they roll the artists out.

Shout Outs: Firstly, congratulations to local musician Jayden Secor for graduating Magna Cum Laude with both a music production degree and a business administration degree from Cal Lutheran; and secondly, I couldn’t be more proud of Gaby Montiel for being selected by Successfully, a global outlet, which highlights a handful of people for 2024 from around the world from all different walks of life who inspire. I hope you take a moment to click here and read Gaby’s story on Successfully.World.

Quick Notes: Angry Ferret in Moorpark is celebrating their 3rd anniversary with DVR on Saturday, May 18; Gigi’s has a free show with Popperz and Dogsled out of Houston, TX, on Thursday, May 16; locals Romper open for Stiff Little Fingers and Ricky Warwick at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, May 23; and reggae legends, Burning Spear play the Ventura Music Hall on Tuesday, May 28.

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 5/1/24 – 5/14/24

Posted on May 1, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Sheldon Brown, thank you for giving me the opportunity to cover Ventura’s music scene. Your paper brings so much happiness to those who read it; your contribution to our town has been immense. I’m sure your son will carry the torch in fine fashion. I’d say I’ll miss you, but I know we’ll continue to see you out and about and of course we’ll have those occasional lunches to catch up. Love you!!

Now to business… while the Strawberry Festival will be held later this month at the Ventura Fairgrounds, the Moorpark Apricot Festival returns after a five-year hiatus. Fun fact: Moorpark is actually named after the fruit, the Moorpark Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) which is the most common apricot in the world. Over half a century ago they were known for growing this variety and for a while were known as the Apricot Capital of the World. Unlike the Strawberry Festival, this one is free to the public sponsored by the Daly Group and the City of Moorpark. Live music will include performances by CLU Mariachi ensemble, Conjunto Zacamandu, Moorpark Symphony Orchestra and Moorpark College Jazz. This fun-filled day falls on Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 5 pm on Historic High Street. Get all the data you need at MoorparkApricotFestival.com including where to park and all the other activities and art exhibits for the day.

The Rubicon Theatre’s “Ventura Live” music series offers up a variety of one-night shows from Heather Youman’s evening celebrating the 60s and 70s most iconic women in music to Tony and Emmy award-winner, Lillias White who performs some of Broadway’s best-loved songs. You’ll want to go to the Rubicon website (RubiconTheatre.org) to see all performances which will run through June so far.

The Ventura Music Hall added a number of Reggae shows including Fortunate Youth on May 23, Burning Spear on May 28, and Katchafire on July 20.

And the Libbey Bowl calendar keeps filling up for the summer as they just added Queen Nation and So Petty for August, Thievery Corporation for Thursday, Sept 5, and Angel Olsen for September 11.

Quick Notes: Cantara Cellars hosts Kelly’s Lot on Friday, May 3; Duncan and the Dragonslayers return to Bombay’s on Saturday, May 4, along with RXTC and Casual Business; Be warned, Raging Arb and Friends take over Duke’s on Saturday, May 4; Plan B is providing live music again with Taylor Made Tapestry on Sunday, May 5, and Rock the Boat on Saturday, May 11; The Park View Courts music series continues with a performance by Will Breman on Tuesday, May 7; Guy Martin plays the Grape on Saturday afternoon, May 11; and The Psychedelic Furs play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Tuesday, May 14 with opening act John Doe and Exene.

Ventura Music Scene 4/17/24 – 4/30/24

Posted on April 15, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Most people know by now that the Skull and Roses 2024 festival has been cancelled. The letter that went out to ticket buyers tried to explain the promoter’s sad circumstances and I was feeling for the guy until I got to the bottom of the letter and read (and I quote), “REFUNDS: While tickets and hotels were sold on a non-refundable basis, we sincerely wish that funds were available to refund all purchases. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case at this time.” The promoter plans to post updates as more information becomes available. I’m hearing from a lot of ticket buyers that they have already received notice that their tickets will be refunded via the ticket outlet. But what about all the deposits for hotels and airfares people invested in to be there? How about the vendors (some of which never got fully paid for last year)? I’m probably the biggest non-deadhead around, but I love the deadheads who attend these events and my heart goes out to them, and all the vendors who trusted the promoter. Let’s hope he keeps his word and does what is necessary to make good on all his debts, no matter how long it takes and can we please try to keep bankruptcy out of the equation.

Meanwhile, no need to go cold turkey on Grateful Dead covers as several of the bands have already secured shows around town. You’ll want to check out The Six who hosts the Deal on Thursday, April 18; the Crowne Plaza’s outdoor bar will host The Peoples Dead and Hyryder on Friday, April 19, Winchesters has Cats on the Bandstand Friday, April 19; and Tony’s Pizzeria has The Alligators, Shaky Feelin’ and Hyryder on Saturday, April 20. (post Breeze deadline) The Ventura Theater on Sunday will have Saviors, Spirits and Wingman, Garcia Grisman Revisited, Reed Mathis, The Alligators, No Simple Highway and more. I’ll add to the VenturaRocks.com calendar as I hear about more of these last-minute gigs.

Though the guys don’t look a day over 25, Army of Freshmen will play the Ventura Music Hall for their 25th Anniversary Show. Opening will be Nerf Herder on Saturday, September 14.

DW’s Café has been trying out live music; still to come this month the Urban Soul Band, Vanise Terry Trio, and Bossman Music. DW’s is located at 2855 Johnson Drive, Ventura.

Quick Notes: Bacon Brothers just added to Libbey Bowl schedule for Sunday, June 30; The White House will host a special dinner music event with The Kings of Queen on Wednesday, April 17; Tommy Quale’s Petty “Round the Campfire” at Namba on Saturday, April 20; Psychedelic Summer plays the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Beachfront Bar on Sunday, April 21; Salzer’s Records will have an in-store acoustic performance by Def Leppard’s Phil Collen on Sunday, April 21; and The Robot Uprising’s final show will be on Saturday, April 27, at Vaquero y Mar playing with All-a-Blur and 5th Street Saints.

Ventura Music Scene 4/3/2024 – 4/16/2024

Posted on March 31, 2024 by venturarocks

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

It’s almost becoming a distant memory, those days when outdoor shows never rained out. Even as I’m writing this, I’m “knocking on wood” that the drought is over. We most certainly need the rain and it looks like the proverbial April showers just might continue to dampen some of the outdoor shows including the upcoming concert at Art City with Elaine Alarcon, Agie Williams and more on Friday, April 6 and “Whale of a Concert” featuring the Pier101 Band at Harbor View Park in Oxnard on Sunday, April 7. But then again, the weather has been unpredictable this year, so hopefully we’ll get sunny weather for all live music. Keep in mind, some venues might accommodate the inclement weather by bringing the music indoors such as Winchesters, the Aqua Bar at the Crowne Plaza or Leashless Brewing, albeit, in a smaller capacity.

I attended one of those Candlelight concerts at the Oxnard performing Arts Center last fall featuring Halloween type music, and I thought it was fabulous. The room is lit up with candles (battery operated, no open flames), while the Listeso String Quartet performs. The next session of concerts will be held at the Majestic Ventura Theater over two dates with two shows each day (early show at 6:30 pm and later show at 9 pm). The early show on Tuesday April 16 features a tribute to Adele and the later show a tribute to Coldplay. Then on Thursday April 18, the early show is a tribute to Queen and the later one a tribute to Taylor Swift. Tickets are available through Feverup.com.

Kelly Zirbes is passionate about so many things: writing, recording, performing and doing her part to raise funds for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League or CARL. This year CarlFest will be held at Topa Topa Brewing at the Colt Street location on Sunday, April 14, Noon to 3:30 pm, with a performance by Kelly’s Lot. But wait…the fun doesn’t stop there as they’ll also have a silent auction, raffle and food trucks available. This is a family friendly event with a suggested donation to CARL at $10, but you can give more.

Quick Notes: Spider Baby, Public Nuisance, FSKD, The Indignants, Toledo Panic play an afternoon show at Harley’s Camarillo Bowl on Saturday April 6; The New West Symphony performs Messiah at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center on Sunday April 7; The Collection will offer singer/songwriters this month on Tuesday evenings at the Park View Court, 5:30 – 7 pm, on the 9 it’s Adam Lasher and on the 16, Lynnzee Fraye; Josh Heinrichs 2024 Smoke Out Tour will land at Mrs. Olson’s on Friday, April 12 with One People and Pipe Down, tickets are available via EventBrite.com; and Dan Grimm plays Ojai Valley Brewing on Saturday April 13.

Ventura Music Photos March 2024

Posted on March 31, 2024 by venturarocks

The Grape – March 30, 2024
Doug Webb Group with Danny Carey (TOOL)

Margarita Villa – March 9, 2024
Mick Stover’s Blues Band

Ventura Music Scene 3/20/24 – 4/2/2024

Posted on March 20, 2024 by venturarocks

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

What a celebration it was for VenturaRocks.com’s 15th anniversary on Sunday, March 17 at Tony’s Pizzeria. Bruce Barrios is the best host anywhere, the band, the Brandon Ragan Project was on fire, and the crowd couldn’t have had more fun dancing and enjoying all the festivities including a few numbers from the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes & Drums (love a man in a kilt!). It was so heartwarming to have so many people stop by to congratulate and share their stories of how much they love and appreciate the website. Many thanks to all who came out including Sheldon Brown, publisher of the Ventura Breeze and his daughter Staci Brown (Editor Emeritus), Kat Merrick of Totally Local VC, Milo Sledge who had a gig up the street at Topa Topa Brewing, Steve and Polly Hoganson (formerly of Zoey’s fame) and so many musicians and lovers of live music and VenturaRocks.com. I kept hearing, “Here’s to another 15,” which makes me wonder if I have 15 more in me or not. We’ll see!

Libbey Bowl’s line up is looking pretty good with most shows through the Canyon Club; make sure you’re getting the best price for your tickets, by going through their website. New dates added to this summer’s calendar include Los Lonely Boys on August 8, Don McLean on August 10, Maxi Priest on August 81, Pablo Cruise with Peter Beckett of Player on August 31 and Judy Collins on September 13. In-between, you’ll find a number of tribute bands as well. Check out the full calendar at LibbeyBowl.org.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ojai Underground will have three fantastic singer/songwriters playing in the round, Zoe Fitzgerald Carter, Jess Bush, Natalie Gelman and Arielle Silver. Tickets on sale now for this Friday, March 22 performance at OjaiUndergroundExchange.com.

Surf Rodeo hasn’t listed any bands to date other than they’ll be back this year in a new location at the tip top of Surfers Point where the Ventura County Fairgrounds meets the beach. Dates will be July 5 and 6 which according to my calendar are a Friday and Saturday.

Quick Notes: Moofish Café in the Crowne Plaza will have Dueling Pianos Friday and Saturday nights; All female band playing AC/DC covers, Herway to Hell, will be at Copper Blues on Saturday, March 23; X is at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 24; Danny Carrey of Tool will be featured with Doug Webb at the Grape on Saturday, March 30; The Honeysuckle Possums play the Santa Paula Theater Center on Saturday, March 30; RAW record release party will be held at Vaquera y Mar on Saturday, March 30 with Plot and the Hong Kong Frenzy; and The Bone Thugs-n-Harmony show at the Oxnard Performing Arts center is postponed until September 14. If you have tickets, they’ll be honored on new date.

Ventura Music Scene 3/6/24 – 3/19/24

Posted on March 6, 2024 by venturarocks

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

March 17th is coming up and several venues will offer live music to entice patrons through their doors to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the Irish culture. Of course, the City of Ventura will have their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade; but, on the day before, Saturday, March 16. So, if you plan to head out for some rollicking fun on Sunday then may I suggest you celebrate the patron saint of Ireland along with a very special milestone? That would be the 15th anniversary of VenturaRocks.com. That’s right! I launched the website on March 17, 2009, and have never charged the venues or the bands to be listed on the calendar of events, and it’s always been free to the end users, so many of which swear it’s their bible when it comes to live music in our town. Many thanks to Bruce Barrios for offering to host the party at Tony’s Pizzeria from 3-7 pm with live music from the Brandon Ragan Project as well as special appearance by the Ventura City Firefighters Pipes and Drums. I hope you can swing by!

Billed as Jazz in the House, the Ventura Theater will host a Sunday afternoon concert, free to the public, featuring the award-winning jazz bands from Cabrillo Middle School and Ventura High School. It’s truly inspiring that these schools continue to offer music programs when so many other schools cannot. Both programs are supported by the memberships of their Booster organizations (both 501(c)3 non-profits). This is a perfect way to support budding musicians by attending and showing them some love.

The City of Ventura has announced this year’s Music Under the Stars lineup for the summer of 2024; however, tickets do not go on sale until May 9, so you have plenty of time to map out which shows you plan to attend. Here now, the lineup: an 80s dance party with Identity Theft on July 13; the Smooth Sounds of Santana play on July 20; a Steely Dan revue with Pretzel Logic on July 27, it’s a fun combo of Stones vs Rod Stewart with Start Me Up on August 3; a unique spin on blues, Rock & Americana with Dirty Cello on August 10; R&B, pop, jazz top-40 with Phazze One on August 17; an Eagles tribute with Dark Desert Highway on August 24 and a high-energy Latin dance band, Susie Hansen Latin Band to wrap up the series on August 31.

Quick Notes: tickets are on sale now for Todd Rugren’s June 23rd concert at Libbey Bowl in Ojai; Jodi Farrel will hold a Master Class at Namba on Saturday, March 9; Spencer the Gardener plays the Ojai Underground on Saturday, March 9; it’s the debut of Mick Stovers Blues Band at Margarita Villa on Saturday, March 9; and Save Ferris plays the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, March 16.

Ventura Music Scene 2/21/23 – 3/5/23

Posted on February 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The rescheduled River Bottom Sessions’ Inaugural Bluegrass Festival is set for Saturday, March 2, noon to 7 pm, at Las Palmas de Ojai with performances by Tarantula Banjo, Ellie Rollins Band, The Van Allen Twins and Chris Murphy, and headlining the event is Mark Masson’s Jam Grass and Moonsville. Tickets can be found on EventBrite.

Jon Gindick has put together an acoustic blues night at Greater Goods in Meiners Oaks with fellow musicians, Ralph Carter, RJ Mischo, Bill Flores, TD Lind and Vaughn Montgomery. The show starts at 7 pm with donations accepted at the door.

Punk rockers John Doe and Exene are back at it taking X out on the road with a date at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 24. It worth mentioning that Doe and Exene will be the special guests for the Psychedelic Furs when they play the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, May 14.

Ventura Music Hall has several great acts coming up in the next two weeks including The White Buffalo on Thursday February 22; Health, an American noise rock/industrial band on Saturday March 2; and East LA legends, Los Lobos, on Sunday, March 3.

Taking a break from playing huge arenas and festivals this past year including two shows at Crypto.com Arena in LA this month and with more tour dates continuing through June in Europe, Danny Carrey, drummer for Tool, returns for a spirited night of jazz playing with The Doug Webb Group. If you’re a fan of Tool, or just enjoy some pretty hardcore jazz, then do yourself a favor and secure tickets now for Saturday, March 30 at TheGrapeVentura.com.

You might want to snag your tickets for Forever Motown returning to the Rubicon with six performances June 6 – June 9. Performers include members of the Marvelettes, the Temptations, The Spinners and more. Find out more at RubiconTheatre.org.

Quick Notes: Limon y Sal has In Stone upstairs every Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm; Duke’s Beach Grill is offering up live music early Saturday evenings with Mark Cross on February 24 and The Zepp Heads on March 2; Margarita Villa in the Ventura Harbor is back to live music on the weekend starting Saturday February 24 with 805 Crosscut; a Tribute to Leonard Bernstein, American Songbook will be held at the Ojai Underground on Sunday February 25; Shawn Jones has a vinyl release party for his latest offering, “In my Blood,” at the Grape on Friday, March 1;
Tierra Rejada Golf Club in Moorpark has more live music with 805 Social Club on Friday, February 23, and Recharged on Saturday March 2; and 311 has two dates at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Tuesday, March 5, and Wednesday March 6 with Sitting on Stacy to warm up the crowd.

Ventura Music Scene 2/7/24 – 2/20/24

Posted on February 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

There are two traditional days this month to go out and enjoy music, the first of course is Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 13. Several venues will have live music with a Mardi Gras theme, but the biggest event I found would be in Santa Paula at Rabalais’ Bistro with D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers. D.on is the perfect band for this occasion with their unique brand of roots, blues, and swampy jazz in the vein of New Orleans Jazz. Along with the perfect music is the perfect venue which always features home cooking with Cajun roots and a bar which serves Mint Julep and Hurricanes. Reservations are highly recommended.

Then the following day of course it’s Valentine’s Day with several establishments hiring live music to accompany this romantic night out. Just a couple of venues include Café Fiore with Donna Butler, The Grape with Eric Harrington and Friends featuring Valentine ballads, Seth Andre will be at Moofish Café in the Crowne Plaza and the Blue Moon Boys with Elvis covers at the Manhattan in Camarillo.

And then over President’s Day weekend, it’s the 7th annual Country Bar Crawl whichfalls on Saturday, February 17. While all venues are open to the public, you will need to purchase one of their special cups to be a part of the event (red for being in a committed relationship and blue for single and ready to mingle). The cup gets you exclusive food and drink specials at each of the venues (Early bird specials at www.CountryBarCrawl.com) Here’s the rundown: check in at 3 pm with the first band, Mike Scully at 4 pm at The Blue Agave (185 E. Santa Clara). Then at 5 pm it’s Lousy Little Gods at the Star Lounge, The Twist on Main has 33 Thunder at 6 pm and finally back across the street at The Six, Chad Baker (Nashville recording artist) at 7 pm. This event helps to benefit 58Strong.org which supports the children of victims from the Route 91 Harvest mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Tickets went on sale for Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls with Skinny Lister at the Ventura Theater for Friday, March 15 and tickets are still available for Save Ferris at the Ventura Music Hall for Saturday, March 16.

Quick Notes: Adrian Floy and THC play Rincon Brewery on Friday, February 9; singer/songwriter, Shane Alexander plays the Ojai Underground Exchange on Saturday, February 10; Chopper Fest at the Fairgrounds will have Zepp Heads, One Foot in the Grave and Tattoed Songbird on Sunday, February 11; Porno for Pyros play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, February 17; a tribute to Tina Turner called Always Tina will be held on Saturday, February 10, at Copper Blues; and Numbskull Productions will bring Tiquana Panthers, Sweet Reaper and Softjaw to Mrs. Olsons on Sunday, February 18.

Ventura Music Scene 1/24/24 – 2/6/24

Posted on January 24, 2024 by venturarocks

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

There’s already a lot going on for 2024, so let’s get right to it. You should consider treating yourself to an intimate show with singer/songwriter, Nathan McEuen, on Friday, January 26, at the Ojai Underground. I became a fan when he had a week-night residency at Amigo’s several years ago, and I’ve played his original music on my radio show at Caps Media in the past. He’s a sweetheart of a guy and uber talented coming from a musical family including his brother, Jonathan, and father John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame.

Namba Performing Arts will be hosting their 2024 Winter Gala, a celebration of the diverse tapestry of talent in our community as well as to honor their late founde, Julia Campbell Namba. Featured performers include Grammy Award winning jazz pianist, Greg Karukas and Mexico City based singer/songwriter, Maya Burns. While I’m happy to report this one is sold out, that doesn’t mean you can’t still help keep Namba going by making a donation, large or small, to NambaArts.com.

On Friday, February 2, The Deer Lodge hosts British singer/songwriter, Pete Molinari, but also on the bill will be Robin Taylor Zander. Now if this name sounds familiar and you’re a fan of classic rock, well it should; his dad, Robin Zander, is founding member of Cheap Trick with whom he’s been touring with the past few years. I caught Cheap Trick in 2022 at the Ventura County Fair where it was a treat to see father and son on the same stage.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts will host a Women’s Voices Concert on Sunday afternoon, January 28, featuring Grammy nominee Janet Robin, national radio chart topper Rebecca Folsom; International Singer-Songwriter Associate (ISSA) Entertainer of the Year Charu Suri; poet & NYT Bestseller Katie Hendricks; and #1 iTunes top Singer/Songwriter, Kris Angelis.

Tickets are on sale now for 311 at the Ventura Theater for Tuesday, March 5 and recently added to Ventura Music Hall are Los Lobos for Sunday, March 3, Guttermouth with Buck-O-Nine on Thursday April 18 and Steel Pulse for Friday, April 19.

Quick Notes: Julian Marley and the Uprising play the Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, January 24; a special Sunday afternoon birthday bash will be held on January 28 at the Garage with Bloody Mary Morning in the mix starting at 3 pm; The Trivle Omdobble play Topa Topa Brewing on Sunday January 28; Jesse Harris and his band with special guest Katie Skene will play Cantara Cellars on Friday, February 2; Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 3; and the Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association standing monthly gig at the Poinsettia Pavilion falls on Sunday, February 4;

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