Ventura Music Scene 11/27/24 – 12/10/24

Posted on November 25, 2024 by venturarocks

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

I can’t say enough about the “social event of the year,” of course I’m speaking about the Ventura Winter Wine Walk. I love downtown Ventura all decked out in holiday décor with the free holiday street fair running noon to 8 pm. At the corner of California and Main, there’s a large stage with Ventura’s City Hall in the background where bands play danceable popular tunes while “snow” falls to the delight of people of all ages. Now keep in mind, the Winter Wine Walk is a ticketed event (I always recommend the VIP experience), but the street fair along with the live music at California is free to all. Get the lowdown at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Over the next two weeks, there are a number of holiday specials to get you into the swing of things starting with The Grape presenting a sizzling Latin Christmas show with Freddie Ravel All Star Band on Thursday, December 5. Ravel is a Grammy-nominated performer who has toured with Sergio Mendes, Madonna, Prince and Carlos Santana to name a few. Reservations highly recommended at TheGrapeVentura.com.

Up next, the ever-popular Doc the Halls Holiday Blues with Doc Ventura at Namba on Saturday, December 7, featuring performances by RJ Mischo. Fito de la Parra (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sykle, Dave Melton, Eddie Layman and more. Expect a mix of classic holiday tunes along with some original compositions all performed with a festive twist.

Then on Sunday, December 8, the Majestic Ventura Theater is hosting two events. At 11:30 am, the Ventura High School Jazz Band along with the Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band will hold their winter jazz concert. Then at 2:00 pm, it’s the Majestic’s 12th Annual Holiday Sing Along with number of local artists leading the charge. While both events are free, admission for the latter is one unwrapped toy per group. VHS would also appreciate new unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable cans of food as they’re teaming up with Foodshare and Spark of Love this season.

Moving over to Camarillo for additional events on Sunday, December 8, the New West Symphony’s Winter Spectacular will be at 3 pm at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center featuring Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists (ticket information at NewWestSymphony.org); and the Camarillo Community Center will host the Camarillo Community Band’s Christmas concert at 4 pm which is free.

Don’t forget the Wednesday before Thanksgiving tradition of taking in live music starting with TD Lind and the Aviators at Ojai Valley Brewing, Erik Lemaire will rock Duke’s on Seaward, Bombay’s has DJs, Frank Barajas is at the Boatyard Pub, Instone plays Café Fiore, Big Adventure Duo at Aqua Bar inside the Crowne Plaza, there’s the Django Djam at Vaquero y Mar, 6 Beats Apart at the Grape and Johnny Knows No One with DNA & Dave Rae at Tony’s Pizzeria. Most of these venues are indoors; however, the ones outdoors will be contingent on the weather.

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 11/13/24 – 11/26/24

Posted on November 13, 2024 by venturarocks

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

We’re fully into fall and with it one’s inability to decide whether to dress warmly or not. My go to solution is always layers, where I either end up with a couple items tied around my waist, or they’re forgotten and left behind on the back of a chair. It’s never easy deciding how to dress for live music when the stage is outdoors such as at Margarita Villa and Tony’s Pizzeria, but luckily, they do provide those heat lamps where you’ll typically find me basking in their warmth.

Mid November tends to be a little slower with no large events (indoors or out), as people start to gear up for the holidays. One unofficial holiday is Friendsgiving where you celebrate with friends rather than family. Around town several venues provide live music the Wednesday before Thanksgiving giving you a chance to preemptively decompress so you’re ready to face the family the next day. A number of venues already provide live music on Wednesdays but a few are stepping up such as Tony’s Pizzeria with Johnny Knows No One, Duke’s with Erik Lemaire and TD Lind & the Aviators will play Ojai Valley Brewery. You find more in the next issue of the Breeze.

Meanwhile, the Rubicon Theater helps to ring in the holidays on Saturday, November 16, with a concert featuring Golden Globe Award winner Amanda McBroom (The Rose) as she celebrates her first ever holiday album Wintersong. You’ll enjoy such holiday favorites as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” Dan Fogelberg’s “Just Auld Lang Syne” and a number of originals. You can find out more and secure your tickets at RubiconTheatre.org.

If you love to dance, and by dance, I mean real dancing such as the foxtrot, waltz, swing, salsa, etc…, then I hope you’re aware of a little gem here in Ventura called the House of Dance located on Bunsen Avenue (off Victoria by the Buenaventura Golf Course). Not only do they provide classes, but the Channel Cities Jazz Club holds a monthly Sunday afternoon session with a live band. This month they’re featuring The Groovin’ Easy Big Band on Sunday afternoon, November 17 (Donations $15 non-members; $10 for members). For more information about House of Dance go to pmhouseofdance.com.

Quick Notes: Leonid & Friends perform a tribute to the band Chicago at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 15; Kimberly Ford returns to the Grape featuring the music of Joni Mitchell in Dreamland on Saturday, November 16; Ventura Theater has Caifances for two nights on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17; Sitting on Stacy opens for the Expendables at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, November 22; and Fido plays Bombay’s on Saturday, November 23.

And finally, sad to report the Raven in Oxnard has closed their doors.

Ventura Music Scene 10/30/24 – 11/16/24

Posted on October 30, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Go Dodgers! Thanks for indulging me; now on to taking a look at live music in and around Ventura, first focusing on Halloween. Yes, there were several parties this past weekend, and there will continue to be a few past the official day, but I don’t hear any complaining and if you invested time and some expense in a costume, why not get your bang for the buck and wear it out more than once?

The night before, Wednesday, October 30, the Ventura Music Factory will host a hardcore Halloween party with an EP release of Evil Dead, along with sets from Pito Pakeeto, Spider Baby and So Gnar.

Now let’s look at the official Halloween date, Thursday, October 31. As you should know by now, I cover live music, so if a venue is not listed, they’ll most likely feature DJs or were sadly delinquent in promoting their event. So, in no particular order: Duke’s Beach Grill has Dead Set featuring Grateful Dead covers; it’s all reggae at Tony’s Pizzeria featuring the Heavy Hitters; The Grape hosts Freda Ramey and House Arrest; it’s the Monsters of Pop along with a special set from Wyldesnake at The Garage; and the Raven Tavern hosts Vinyl Gypsies.

The party continues on Friday, November 1st at Ric’s in Camarillo with Operation 90s and the Keynote Lodge welcomes Lowered Expectations on Saturday, November 2.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 or 2nd involving family and friends gathering to pay respects to those who have died. This year, it will be quite the celebration downtown Ventura on Saturday afternoon (11-6 pm) with Limon y Sal spearheading the effort featuring traditional dancers, mariachi bands and a car show.

The Ventura Music Festival hosts The King’s Singers at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, December 14. For over fifty years the group has garnered several accolades for a cappella performances around the world including two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Yes, it’s two months away, but I would be sorely remiss if you missed out because it sold out before you even heard about it. Tickets and more information available at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: The Musical Box, a tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for a concert on Thursday, October 31; The Deer Lodge in Ojai hosts a Hurricane Relief concert benefit featuring Hot Rise on Friday, November 1; Maya Burns with her unique blend of folk, Ranchero, world music jazz, Bolero and classic rock plays an intimate show at Namba on Friday, November 1; and the Ojai Pops Concert offers a free family-friendly show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, November 3 featuring the Junction Jazz Band.

Ventura Music Scene 10/16/24 – 10/29/24

Posted on October 13, 2024 by venturarocks

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

We’re halfway through October and a lot of folks are looking forward to celebrating Halloween, but with the holiday falling on a Thursday, I’m finding a lot of venues are pre-celebrating the weekend before with a handful the weekend afterwards. This issue of the Breeze covers October 16th through the 29th, so there are a few noteworthy live music parties that fall within that time frame. Halloween parties on Saturday October 26, include Leashless with the Heavy Hitters, Strey Cellers has Ignition, and Ric’s in Camarillo has Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow. On Sunday, there’s Heart & Soul at Tony’s Pizzeria and Kelly’s Lot will host CarlFest (CARL stands for Canine Adoption and Rescue League) with a Halloween themed fundraiser at Topa Topa Brewing’s headquarters on Colt Street in Ventura.

Ojai Day falls on Saturday, October 19, and will run 10 to 5 pm with live performances at the Libbey Fountain Stage by Josephoenix, Spencer the Gardener, Dianne Miller Band, and the Van Allen Twins. According to their official Facebook page, Ojai Day is not your ordinary festival, but a cultural explosion bursting with art, food, spiritual incantations, multi-ethic celebrations and good old fashion fun.

Two legendary women of note play in two different venues coming up. First, it’s Macy Gray (5 Grammy nods) on Wednesday, October 16, at the Ventura Music Hall, and then Maria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (Midnight at the Oasis fame) plays on Saturday, October 19. Both women have their distinctive styles and are sure to deliver amazing shows.

Aaron Burch Studios will hold its next Songwriter Showcase at the Deer Lodge on Sunday, October 20. This one will feature Ahoy!, Electric Shadow, Purely Grey, Star Synth and Dead Syndicate.

Congratulations to Rincon Brewery celebrating their 10th Anniversary with Octoberfest games and specials. You can join the party at their Ventura location on Saturday, October 19, with local legends, the SkaDaddyz, in the house.

Quick Notes: Less Than Jake brings their brand of ska to the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, October 16; Adrian Floy and THC play San Souci on Friday, October 18; Monarch Fest with Sonic Butterfly and Star Goes Nova will be held on Friday, October 18 at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve in Ojai; a tribute to all things Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight, is at the Libbey Bowl on Friday, October 18; Guy Martin along with Jayden Secor play the Twist on Saturday, October 19; Sunday afternoon House of Dance this month features Lenny and Susan LaCroix Septet on October 20; TD Lind and the Aviators return to the Grape on Thursday, October 24;
pop band, 98 Degrees, plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 25; and the Brasscals return to Ventura Coast Brew Co on Friday, October 25.

Ventura Music Scene 10/2/24 – 10/25/24

Posted on September 29, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday October 12 and 13 for their 20th outing. Both days will be chocked full of activities and live music, but Saturday does include the opening ceremonies and a Grand Parade at noon. In and around all the competitions such as heavy athletics, highland dancing, bagpiping and drumming, will be several bands include the Angry Brians, Ploughboys & Silo Rags, The Browne Sisters and more. If you’ve never attended (and whether you’re Scottish or not), I highly recommend this one for the entire family. Find out more at SeasideHighalndGames.org.

The second annual Panteon Fest will be held on Saturday, October 12, at Heritage Square in Oxnard. This celebration of Dia De Los Muertos is hosted by Pipiripau, a local brand representing the beauty of Mexican culture through apparel, art, and community events. You can help bridge the gap between generations in this day of unity and remembrance; tickets are only $15 and be purchased at PanteonFest.com.

This year’s Pier Under the Stars will be held on Saturday, October 5 featuring live classic rock from Ignition. The annual fundraiser for Pier Into the Future helps this non-profit organization help preserve and maintain Ventura’s pier. Find out more at PierIntoTheFuture.org.

Looking ahead in preparation for getting into the holiday spirit, you might want to secure your tickets now for the Ventura Music Festival’s final event of the year featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning, The King’s Singers. The early (4-6 pm) concert will be held on Saturday, December 14, at the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Laurel Street. Go to VenturaMusicFesstival.org for more information.

In a must dress for the occasion in order to gain entry, The Bloodsuckers Ball, will celebrate vampirism at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, October 12 with a performance by Eyeliner, a Bauhuas tribute band.

Boots & Bluegrass with the Van Allen Twins will be held at Boccali’s (on the east end of Ojai) on Thursday, October 3 (5:30 – 8 pm). This one is put on by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce which also features quite the raffle (one of the prizes are two 50-yard line tickets for USC vs Penn State).

Quick Notes: John Waite (The Baby’s, Bad English and solo artist) plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 4; Shawn Jones Big Band plays the Grape on Friday, October 4; The next rock show at Bombay’s is set for Saturday, October 5 (6-8 pm) with Spam, Angie and the Nightmares and Duncan & the Dragonslayers; it’s a punk rock Saturday afternoon with One Square Mile, All-a-Blur, the Dissapointments and more at Vaquero y Mar on October 5; and the Mother Hips land at Ventura Music Hall for a show on Friday, October 11.

Ventura Music Scene 9/18/24 – 10/1/24

Posted on September 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Looking back for just a moment, congratulations to Army of Freshmen who performed at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate their 25th anniversary; their high energy show is always a crowd pleaser. I sat across from two women who traveled from Texas to catch the concert buying a pile of merch including the band’s entire catalog; now that’s dedication! During the opening act’s set, Nerfherder helped to facilitate a wedding proposal asking for a couple of people in the audience to help start their next song and of course they just happened to choose “a random couple.” After howling like wolves, the band started a fake song while he got down on one knee with a ring taking her by surprise. After jumping up and down, she said yes! I’ll admit it made me tear up as the audience cheered them on!

On a downer note, the 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which was scheduled for September 14 – 15, was postponed just days before the event. According to their website it was due to “unexpected challenges…” but of course that could translate to low ticket sales. Hope that wasn’t the case and it will be back before long.

Now looking forward, I don’t know why, but I’m sure there is a reason breweries celebrate Oktoberfest in September. Poseidon Brewing Company’s will fall on Saturday, September 21, with Linda’s Polka Party Band, and Enegren Brewing in Moorpark will celebrate Oktoberfest the following weekend, Saturday, September 28, with Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts, Der Matterhorns, Hazelnuss Das Music and Ladyhosen. My theory is that these specialty bands book up years in advance and you get ‘em while you can. Just a theory.

The 11th annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme on Saturday, September 28, with several live bands including Caliente 805, Upstream, House Arrest and One People. This free event is family friendly and a fun way to see and appreciate the Port and learn about its economic contribution to Ventura County while indulging in some sort of banana concoction.

Quick Notes: Ventura Theater added two Social Distortion shows with night one selling out almost immediately, but at press time, tickets were still available for December 4; tickets are on sale now for Letters to Cleo for November 15 at the Ventura Music Hall; Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny plays the Grape on Friday, September 20; it’s a Grateful Dead tribute weekend at the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Bar with Reckoning on Saturday, September 21 and Peoples Dead on Sunday, September 22; Brasscals (Santa Barbara’s one and only street brass band) and Ventura’s own, Casual Business, play Leashless on Sunday, September 22; and the final Rock the Collection free concert falls on Thursday, September 26 with The King of Queens.

Ventura Music Scene 9/4/24 – 9/17/24

Posted on September 1, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival falls over the weekend of September 14 – 15 at ololkoy Beach Park, which is at 1601 Harbor Blvd in Oxnard. The two-day music event will bring world class artists such as Sheila E, Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene, Lin Rountree, Ambrosia, Louie Cruz Beltran and a whole lot more. Though “jazz” is in the name of the festival, do know there will be a whole lot of Latin groove going on to get you on feet. For tickets and information regarding how to get there and parking, go to OxnardJazzFesival.com.

Leading up to the jazz festival, there will be a kick-off celebration the night before at Heritage Square featuring Munyungo Jackson’s Jungle Jazz with four-time Grammy Winner, Muyungo Jackson. This one is free; however, since space is limited, you will need to secure tickets at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Another Candlelight Concert is coming up on Thursday, September 5, at the Majestic Ventura Theater with two shows. At 6:30 they’ll feature Queen vs Abba and then at 9 pm it’s the Best of Hans Zimmer. Oh! And don’t forget Dogstar (featuring Keanu Reeves on bass) returns to town playing the Majestic on Tuesday, September 17. The band played August, 2023, at the Ventura Music Hall to a full house.

And speaking of the Ventura Music Hall, they’ve recently added The Philhar Monik, Macy Gray, Brett Dennen, and the Mad Caddies. But meanwhile, I can’t wait to catch the 25th anniversary show of Army of Freshmen on Saturday, September 14 with Nerf Herder opening.

Libbey Bowl summer concert season is winding down, but there are a number of awesome shows still on the docket with Thievery Corporation on Thursday, September 5; Chris Isaak on Friday, September 6; Angel Olsen on Wednesday September 11; the Temptations on Thursday, September 12; July Collins on Friday, September 15; and the Ojai Pops Concert will offer a free show on Sunday, September 15. Do note, the Poncho Sanchez and Ozomatli show for October 5, has been cancelled which chaps my hide as I had amazing tickets for the fourth row.

On Saturday, September 7, a dual venue event presented by Poison Well Records will start at Vaquero y Mar (Noon – 6 pm) and then move over Sans Souci (7 pm – 1 am). The mostly punk rock sets will feature a whole of local legends including a reunion of Power Chicken. See listings for rundown of who is playing where.

Quick Notes: Jen Staves and the Bluzfish play Margarita Villa on Sunday, September 8; Twisted Gypsy is the featured tribute band for Thursday, September 12, at the Collection in Oxnard; Bloody Mary Morning plays Rincon Brewery on Friday, September 13; and Mrs. Olson’s hosts the Roots 805 Jam on Saturday, September 14.

Ventura Music Scene 8/21/24 – 9/3/24

Posted on August 18, 2024 by venturarocks

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

The Throw Down Cornhole Tournament and Music Festival will be held August 23 – 25 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. What started as a cornhole competition out in front of Spencer Makenzie’s has turned into the world’s largest with competitors coming from around the world. Along with the high stakes of tossing a bean bag into a hole 27 feet away, live music will abound with performances by Rey Fresco, Sunny Ledfurd, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Whisky Business, Bad Habit, Dave Rae & DNA and more. Get ticket information at TheThrowDown.co.

The Ojai Pops Orchestra will have a free concert at Ojai Libbey Bowl on Sunday, August 25 starting at 3:30 pm. The orchestra brings together musicians, conductors and composers to play Pops music in a full orchestra for the community including showtunes, jazz, movie scores and more. While the concert is free, your donation helps to fund music education for youth.

The Aloha Festival is back this year covering two days at Surfers Point Promenade Park where admission is absolutely free. There will be plenty of vendors, a K9 frisbee demonstration, Polynesian style dance exhibitions and live music from Heavy Rotation, Ska Daddyz, Jill Martini & the Shrunken Heads, Rising Son, Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes and more. The two-day family-friendly event runs 10 am to 8 pm Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1.

The 21^st Annual Ventura Nationals will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 31, featuring not only crazy hot rods and custom cars, but this year there’s a skate deck art show and of course a lot of live music. Included in the price of admission are sets from The Kid Ramos Band, Wyld Gooms, HeXXers and Gethen Jenkins. Find out more at VenturaNationals.com.

The final shows for the High Street Arts Center summer concert series include Mick Adams and the Stones on Friday, August 30, Billy Nation (Billy Joel tribute) on Saturday, August 31, and it’s the Surf City Allstars on Sunday, September 1.

Quick Notes: Tony’s Pizzeria is celebrating their 65^th anniversary over the last weekend of August with Spencer the Gardener, The Heavy Hitters, Brandon Ragan Project and more; tickets are on sale now for the Mad Caddies at the Ventura Music Hall for Sunday, November 17; Shawn Jones returns to Namba for an intimate show of stories and song on Saturday, August 24; Kelly’s Lot plays Four Brix on Saturday, August 24; The Collection summer series show on Thursday, August 29 will feature Wanted playing Bon Jovi covers; LA based band, The Centuries, bring their brand of rockabilly to the Garage on Saturday, August 31; and Danny Carey of TOOL, returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Saturday, August 31.

Ventura Music Scene 8/7/24 – 8/20/24

Posted on August 9, 2024 by venturarocks

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

We’re right smack dab in the middle of summer and though most of the big events are behind us, there is, and always will be, plenty of live music to take in throughout the county. Let’s start with Moorpark’s historic High Street Arts Center where they have a live music series kicking off Friday, August 9 and running through September 1. They’ll host a number of tribute bands featuring the music of the Rolling Stones to Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffet to Elvis Presley, and Santana to the Surf City Allstars. Over the next two weekends there’s Stevie Nicks Illusion on August 9, Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band on August 10, Smooth Sounds of Santa on August 16 and Raymond Michael, Elvis impersonator, on August 17. For ticket prices and availability, go to highstreetartscenter.com.

For a special evening out, I recommend one of the Candlelight Concerts which return to the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, August 16, for two different one-hour shows featuring the Listeso String Quartet. At 6:30 it’s the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, then at 9 pm a tribute to Taylor Swift. Tickets available through FeverUp.com.

It always comes as a surprise to me that there is a number of locals who have never taken in a live concert at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl; it truly is a majestic setting on a warm summer evening. There are still a number of amazing shows on the docket for the season including Los Lonely Boys, Don McLean (yes, Mr. American Pie himself), Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Pablo Cruise, Thievery Corporation, Chris Isaak and the Temptations, not to mention a number of stellar tribute bands including Queen Nation. Tickets available through axs.com.

And while the Ventura County Fair runs through Sunday, August 11, the final grandstand concert will be Wednesday, August 7 featuring country singer, Gary Allen. Of course, all the smaller stages around the fairgrounds will continue to offer mostly local bands throughout each day.

Quick Notes: tickets on sale now for Big Head Todd and the Monsters’ 40th Anniversary tour for November 23 at the Ventura Music Hall; Numbskull Productions, Los Fest, a punk rock music event on Saturday, August 24, has been postponed; an all-girl tribute band to the Rolling Stones called Some Girls, plays Copper Blues on Friday, August 9; Poseidon Brewing’s 10th anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday, August 10 featuring Steve and Sally Williams; the highly popular Rock the Collection series kicks off on Thursday, August 15 with Bruno and the Holligans; Tommy Quayle returns to Namba Arts on Friday, August 16 for another rendition of “Petty Round the Campfire” featuring all your favorite Tom Petty tunes; Invincible Benatar with Blackstar play Bombay’s on Saturday, August 17; and Psychedelic Summer returns to the Aqua Bar (poolside) on Sunday, August 18;

Ventura Music Scene 7/24/24 – 8/6/24

Posted on July 21, 2024 by venturarocks

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

Thhe 2024 Ventura Music Festival season officially kicks off on Thursday, July 25, with a special performance at Olivas Adobe Historical Park featuring Grammy Award-Winner and 12-time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Fiddle Player of the year, Michael Cleveland. So, if bluegrass is your jam, you won’t want to miss this one for sure! The remaining concerts will be held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center over two weekends. For ticket information go to VenturaMusicFestival.org

If you have the grooves that move…those hips (and even if you don’t), then the Oxnard Salsa Festival is for you! This year it falls over the weekend of July 27-28 in Downtown Oxnard. Along with salsa bands, salsa dancing, spicy foods and ice-cold drinks, there will be a vendor marketplace and a Kids Zone including rides, games and crafts. See listings for bands for each day and to secure your tickets go to OxnardSalsaFestival.com.

The Ventura Townehouse at 4900 W. Telegraph Road is offering a free concert to the community on Saturday, July 27, on the grass area featuring Catch a Wave, a Beach Boys tribute band. You’re invited to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, though seating will be available for seniors. Food and drinks will also be available as the event aims to raise funds for the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund (WOAF).

The Ventura County Fair runs July 31 – August 11 with a new layout for the Grandstand Stage concerts, and a new you-have-to-pay-to-be-up-close-to-the band policy. For everyone else, shows are included in the price of admission to the fair (see listings). As always, it is highly recommended to take shuttles which are free, except the one at the State Beach where you have to pay to park. Check out the fair’s website for shuttle, parking, ticket and event information at VenturaCountyFair.org.

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Poncho Sanchez with Ozomatli at the Libbey Bowl for Saturday, October 5 and for 98 Degrees at the Oxnard Performing Arts center for Friday, October 25; Margarita Villa offers live music on Tuesdays now with Bobby Campbell on July 30, and Two Tossers on August 6; Swiss rockabilly band, The Hillbilly Moon Explosion, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Thursday, July 25; Music Under the Stars (ticketed shows) continues on Saturday nights throughout the summer with Pretzel Logic on July 27 and Start me Up on August 3; Danny Carey of Tool returns to the Grape with the Doug Webb Group on Saturday, July 27 and Don Randi (an original members of the Wrecking Crew) returns as well on Saturday, August 3; and finally, the current owners of the Garage will celebrate their 3^rd anniversary with Buena Onda on Saturday, July 27.

Ventura Rocks

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Category Archives: Ventura Rocks

Ventura Music Scene 11/27/24 – 12/10/24

Ventura Music Scene 11/13/24 – 11/26/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/30/24 – 11/16/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/16/24 – 10/29/24

Ventura Music Scene 10/2/24 – 10/25/24

Ventura Music Scene 9/18/24 – 10/1/24

Ventura Music Scene 9/4/24 – 9/17/24

Ventura Music Scene 8/21/24 – 9/3/24

Ventura Music Scene 8/7/24 – 8/20/24

Ventura Music Scene 7/24/24 – 8/6/24