Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 8/19 – 9/1

Posted on August 17, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Great Scott! It’s Tom!!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Once again the Ventura County Fair entertained the masses with a lively eclectic line up of artists. Highlights for me were Kevin Costner’s anecdotes between songs with his band Modern West and of course “Private Idaho” and “Rock Lobster” from The B-52’s.

The hot ticket this month will be for Tom Scott who has recorded on dozens and dozens of albums from such iconic artists as The Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, the Grateful Dead, Bruno Mars, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra. He’s earned over a dozen Grammy nominations, winning three; and of course he’s a founding member of The Blues Brothers. Confidence is high this one will sell out, so don’t miss Scott at Squashed Grapes on Friday, August 28.

The Pierpont Summer BBQ series has just two more concerts this season: 8/20 with Carmen & the Renegade Vigilantes, or better known as CRV, And then Dirty Rice will close out the series on September 3.

The Pacific Sound Chorus will hold their annual Ventura show at the Poinsettia Pavilion on August 30 featuring the chorus and several top, local barbershop quartets. The special guest star is a quartet from the Los Angeles area, The New Fangled Four who were crowned Champions of the Western United States in 2013, as well as champions in the International Collegiate Quartet Contest in 2013.

The El Rey Cantina will host an Elvis Karaoke Competition, on Saturday, August 22. There will be prizes for best Elvis singer and costume.

Don’t forget Spencer Mackenzie’s annual End-of-Summer Block Party on Saturday and Sunday August 29 and 30. There’s no cover this year. Artists performing include the Guy Martin Band, Bloody Mary Morning, Brothers Fortune, Mandex, Honey Owl and Andre and the Giants.

And then be sure to clear the calendar for Bombay’s 31th Annual Beach Party which runs the following week, September 1st – 6th. Just a handful of the bands appearing will be Hy Brasil, The NaVaNaX, The Jelly, Rey Fresco and more.

We’re sorry to report that Green Art People hosted their final Short Attention Span Theater on Wednesday, August 5 with GrooveSession and the Rainbow Girls. GAP kept their doors open as long as they possibly could, but fundraiser efforts fell short. Thanks for the memories and you’ll be sorely missed by the community.

And finally, a huge shout out to the cast and crew of West Side Story which had a one-week run at the Rubicon Theatre this month. It’s such a thrill to see live theater especially such a beloved story as this with a stellar cast comprised of so many Ventura County youth and young adults along with a 21-piece live orchestra. Hats off to Brian McDonald for another stellar production!

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 8/5 – 8/18

Posted on August 3, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s Fair to Say Ventura Rocks
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Rachel Flowers to perform at Scan Health and Wellness Center August 14, 2015.

I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for the 2015 Ventura County Fair: cinnamon buns, corn on the cob, livestock, carnival rides, vendors and of course another fine line up of music. I’m personally looking forward to the B52’s, Kevin Costner and the Modern West, The Band Perry, Lean Rimes, and call me goofy, but there’s no way I’m missing Huey Lewis and the News! Full line up of musical entertainment can be found on their ad here in the Breeze.

Squashed Grapes is bringing back Emmy Award Winning guitarist, Chieli Minucci and the Special EFX, on August. 7th; then the following morning you can cheer on the Squashed Grapes float in the Ventura Fair parade. Those same players will be appearing that evening at the Grape featuring Karl Hunter and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Franklin Murphy of Shaky Feelin’, Jacob Scesney, Trey O’Toole and RJ Root.

I’m super curious to see Gygax at Bombay’s on Friday, August 14, the band features Armand John Lizzy, Bryant Throckmorton, Justin Dempsey and Eric Harris. Members from local bands getting together to create a new band isn’t necessarily newsworthy in this town; however, this band is for the nerd in all of us as they center around the fantasy imagery and creation of role playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. Too weird? I seriously hope so!

Growing in popularity are the Second Sunday Suppers at Plan B. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, August 8 from 4:30 – 7 pm featuring Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies.

Taking the place of over two decades of Bowlful of Blues, is the Inaugural Ojai Blues Festival scheduled for August 15 at the Ojai Art Center featuring Deb Ryder, Crooked Eye Tommy, Shawn Jones and Alastair Greene.

Just a few of the upcoming shows to look forward to at Discovery include Whitey Morgan on August 15, Eric Hutchinson on August 18 and Los Lonely Boys on August 23.

The Scan Health and Wellness Center at 6633 Telephone Road in Ventura is hosting its first ever Jazz Night on August 14, 5:30pm. Rachel Flowers is the featured artist with E’nuff Said opening. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call Scan at 805-658-0365 for information and to secure tickets.

The music lineup for the California Blues and Brews Festival on September 20 includes Walter Trout, blues for the modern daze, Mr. Sipp, the Mississippi blues child; and Mingo Fishtrap out of Austin, Texas. You can get more information on the three-day beer festival event and line up your tickets at www.CaliforniaBluesFestival.com.

And finally, I’m sorry to report that Gladys Dietz passed away July 20. She opened Gigi’s cocktails 30 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 1985.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/22 – 8/4

Posted on July 20, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
No Need to Panic!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jon Reese of Amigos with columnist Pam Baumgardner of the Ventura Breeze celebrating Cinco de Mayo earlier this year.

Just so you know, notices have gone up on a couple of key venues in town indicating ownership changes. I thought it prudent to go to the source before I panicked, so I spoke to Diego at Bombay’s and he said they had to post behind-the-scene changes for legal reasons, but nothing changes in the bar and all the same familiar faces will continue to keep things popping (thank God!); but there will be a change of ownership in the next month or so at Amigo’s when Jon Reese hands over the keys to new owner, Mike Toler (barring any major roadblocks). Toler has asked Jon to stay involved and to continue to book bands nightly, which is why Jon loves Amigos in the first place and why we love Jon.

Todd Hannigan and Xoco Moraza returned recently from Japan where they performed while supporting screenings of the film The Fisherman’s Son. The short film was scored by Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza, Dave Palmer and Jesse Siebenburg. I asked Xoco about performing in Japan and he told me that the coolest thing he experienced was being able to share his musical art with such an appreciative country. He said, “It was a great feeling. It reminds me that music is a universal language that transcends any borders. It was a great cross cultural experience.”

There are a number of CD and EP release parties to support over the next few weeks: Sleepercub, July 25, at Bombays; Hy Brasil, August 1, at Bombays; Medicine Hat, August 2, at Saloon BBQ; and Crooked Eye Tommy, August 7, at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria.

The Mighty Cash Cats will team up with Island Packers on Saturday, July 25 for a musical dinner cruise out of the Ventura Harbor.

The Ventura Fair kicks off August 5. Pre-sale tickets are available through the 4th. Don’t forget that all concerts are included in the price of admission.

Spencer MacKenzie’s annual end-of-summer block party falls on August 29 and 30. This year there will be no cover charge. Bands will be lined up both days with performances from the Guy Martin Band, Mandex, Brothers Fortune, Bloody Mary Morning, Honey Owl, and more including new comer on the scene, André. Get out, enjoy the free music, but be sure to support the event by buying some delicious fish tacos and cool beverages.

And finally, the third annual Key to the Highway Blues Benefit will be held at Rookees Sports Bar on Saturday, August 1 from 6 til 9 pm starring Tommy Castro and the Painkillers supported by Guy Martin. Proceeds benefit the Khepera House rehab and recovery program.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com .

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 7/8 – 7/21

Posted on July 5, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Will Always Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Queen Nation at Discovery, Thursday, July 2, 2015

Queen Nation at Discovery, Friday, July 3, 2015

I just had to see Queen Nation at Discovery Ventura on July 3; I was such a Queen fan back in the day and saw them live at least 4-5 times. All I have to say is the band totally nailed it!

I ran into Ventura resident Nick St. Nicolas on July 4th. Nick and the boys of Steppenwolf are responsible for such quintessential rock anthems as “Born to be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.” He’s been touring with the World Classic Rockers (with members of other iconic bands) and has several out-of-state dates lined up doing corporate gigs. He’s such a classy super nice gentleman; I’d love to get see him do an intimate acoustic show sometime!

Music Under the Stars finally kicks off on July 11 with Britain’s Finest, a Beatles Tribute Band, and then on July 18 it’s Porterhouse Bob serving up New Orleans Boogie & Blues. You can find a complete listing for their summer schedule on VenturaRocks.com.

The summer event of the season, Surf Rodeo, takes over Pierpont Beach on Saturday and Sunday July 11^th and 12^th. You won’t want to miss dozens of bands all day both days on the sand, a surf competition, a bikini cowgirl competition, a cornhole contest, vendors up and down Seaward from Pierpont Blvd to the sand, food, beverages, friends, family, and of course VenturaRocks.com will be representing! Go to SurfRodeo.org for ticket information.

I have to admit being a fan of all three, I’m totally looking forward to the Tequila and Taco Music Festival on July 18 and 19 at the Collection in Oxnard. Foreverland, 14-piece tribute band to the music of Michael Jackson, will be performing. Other bands include Caliente Band 805, Instone, Zeal Levin and the Bomb. For more information you can go to TequiliaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

A couple of touring/studio notes: Mario Calire hits the road this summer drumming for legendary singer-songwriter and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Stephen Stills. Shawn Jones has been touring Italy and Switzerland but he’ll be back late July, he’s also been recording new material. The Pullmen have been working on their latest Beast Records release, “Going Dark;” they’ll be returning to Europe for a Fall France tour this year.

And finally, while catching 8Stops7 at the Pierpont Inn on July 2, I caught up with Chris Jay of Army of Freshmen, and longtime writer for the VC Reporter. We reflected on the state of music in Ventura and how there are ebbs and flows, venues come and go, bands peak then disappear, and through it all, supporting Ventura’s music scene are a number of media including The Ventura Breeze, The VC Reporter, The Ventura County Star and of course websites like VenturaRocks.com. What a privilege it is to be a part of such an amazing music scene. Ventura will always rock!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/24 – 7/7

Posted on June 22, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Roadshow to Surf
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Xocoyotzin Moraza and Wyatt Hull of Hy Brasil, Saturday, June 20, at Bombay’s.

Before we get into what’s coming up, let’s cover what came down recently: Saturday, June 20, Margarita Villa had D. Henry Fenton who featured Dave Krusen on drums. Yes, the Dave Krusen who was Pearl Jam’s original drummer on their debut release TEN. The Bob Bishop Band played at Saloon BBQ with Jon Woodhead on guitar; Woodhead has toured with the likes of Maria Muldaur and Leon Russell in recent years, they’ll be back soon. And as expected, local talent have once again been collaborating on new material and the result is the highly anticipated Hy Brasil who made their Bombay debut to a packed house on the 20th. You will want to watch out for this band which includes Xoco and Jenkins from Rey Fresco, and Wyatt Hull on vocals. Haunting vocals, rhythmic grooves with music that builds and before you know it you’re captivated and can’t help but move with the band; yeah, these guys nailed it. I’m looking forward to when they release their EP to the masses.

A Celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford takes place Sunday, July 5, at the Ojai Art Center as a part of the Jamming at the Art Center Series. Ford is backed up by George Friedenthal, keys; Lee Rollag, guitar; Tom Buckner, saxophone; Tom Etchart, bass; and Charles Levin, drums.

Typically Squashed Grapes has shows scheduled Wednesday – Saturday, but on Sunday, June 28, they’ll have a special performance of Doug Webb featuring Danny Carey of TOOL; and while we’re on the subject of the Grape, Skip Spiro’s 10-piece jazz band will include the amazing Dave Tull on drums, Thursday, July 2. Tull has toured with Chuck Mangione, Maynard Ferguson and others.

I have to admit, I’m really looking forward to 8Stops7 performance on Thursday, July 2, for the Pierpont Inn Summer BBQ & Concert series. I asked Evan Sula-Goff (singer) if they’d be toning it down for this one and he said, “A rough estimate…we’re just a bit louder than Neil Diamond.” Gotta love Evan. He also added, “We’ll be playing two long sets. That pretty much forces us to look at our entire catalog and bring in some tunes you haven’t heard us play in a while.”

Two major events at hand are Roadshow Revival June 27 and June 28 with their Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash at Mission Park Downtown, and then Surf Rodeo descends on Pierpont Beach for two days of surf, and music on July 11 and 12 with a wide variety of genres from the likes of Pato Banton, GrooveSession, Bob Log III, Brothers Fortune, Rainbow Girls, Honey Owl, Raging Arb and the Redheads along with a dozen or so more bands. Go to their official websites for tickets and more details at www.SurfRodeo.org. and www.RoadshowRevival.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/10 – 6/23

Posted on June 8, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Classical to Reggae
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Paul Chapman of UFO touring with Killer Bee

We had a few heavy hitters play through the last few weeks including Paul Chapman of UFO who has been touring with Killer Bee, they played The Tavern on June 3, and Grammy winning songwriter Jeff Silbar (“Wind Beneath your Wings”) at W20 at the Watermark for their Thursday night Guitar Pull. By the way, I looked it up and found that a “Guitar Pull” is a southern tradition where a small group of musicians sit around and take turns playing songs on a guitar. You’re welcome!

I’m getting super pumped up for Roadshow Revival: A Tribute to the music of Johnny Cash. The event has moved to Mission Park downtown and will cover two days, June 27 and 28th. Both days are jam packed with National touring acts including the Reverend Horton Heat, Billy Joe Shaver and John Doe of “X”, but both days will also include plenty of local bands such as Medicine Hat, The Vonettes, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, and Big River (yep, they’re back!). Tickets can be bought at www.RoadshowRevival.com.

9 Mile Skid will play at Bombay’s on Sunday, June 14, to kick off the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary, Ventura style that is. And you won’t want to miss the The NaVaNaX CD release party also at Bombay’s on Friday, June 19; this show promises to be off the freakin’ hook!

The Ventura Jazz Orchestra will have a concert at the Poinsettia Pavillion on Friday, June 12th with appearances by Donna Greene, Smitty West and Remington Graham. Aaron Carter’s rescheduled show will be at Discovery on Friday, June 19. Café Fiore is once again offering Reggae on Sundays.

The 69th Ojai Music Festival runs June 10-14. They have music lined up throughout the week, some events start at Sunrise, others late night (10:30 pm) at Libbey Bowl, and several of the concerts are free to the public all held throughout Ojai. Piquing my interest is the Saturday, June 13, free concert at the Ojai Valley School where world renowned artists (including Glenn Kotche of Wilco) will play the music of Pink Floyd, Hendrix, Nirvana and Led Zeppelin all on cello, electric bass and percussions. See www.OjaiFestival.org for information on all concerts, artists and pricing.

Surf ‘N’ Suds beer festival with a surf twist featuring over 50 breweries will also offer live music from Rising Son, After the Smoke and Crosscut. This event is held at the Ventura Harbor Saturday, June 13.

And finally, Ventura Music Week? It’s been postponed. I’ll get you details when I hear anything. It might happen during the Fall.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 5/27 – 6/9

Posted on May 25, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Geared Up for Summer!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

May 16, 2015: Jerry Vivino Quartet at Squashed Grapes with Bernie Dresel on drums, John Leftwich on bass, Jerry Vivino on sax and Mitch Forman on piano.

With the end of the school year, summer vacations planned and the outdoor music season quickly approaching, there is much to cover on Ventura’s music scene. Let’s start with the Pierpont Inn’s 2015 Summer BBQ and Concert Series which kicks off on Thursday, June 4, featuring Fish Fry and the Vonettes. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a BBQ dinner that can’t be beat, the series will run the first and third Thursday of the month from 5-9 pm. No admission either!

Squashed Grapes had yet another hot night of jazz recently when Jerry Vivino (Conan O’Brien orchestra leader) came to town and brought with him monster players including Bernie Dresel whose work on the movie Whiplash is becoming more known. It’s so very cool, to be so close and intimate with such amazing jazz players. Don’t forget Doug Webb returns with Danny Carey of Tool on Saturday May 30.

Jackie Greene plays Discovery on Friday, May 29. Jackie is out promoting his first studio album in five years with “Back to Birth.” The album was recorded in Portland and produced by Los Lobos member, Steve Berlin. “Musically, this record is kind of a return to the simplicity that I started with, although I feel like I have a much better idea of what I’m doing now,” Greene observes. “I think the lyrics are the part that’s really evolved.” Tickets are on sale at www.DiscoveryVentura.com.

Tickets for the third annual Nardfest have gone on sale for the two-day event at the Ventura Theater August 29 and 30 with all the usual suspects including Ill Repute, Dr. Know, Stalag 13 and dozens of local punk favorite bands.

The final concert of the Ventura County Concert Band’s 51^st season will be held at the Ventura High School auditorium on Sunday, June 7. Doors open at 2:30, it’s free to the public and the final program, “As Summer Was Just Beginning” will be full of cool musical favorites including marches and musicals along with big band and hot popular hits.

And finally, on any given day of the week, you’ll find amazing live music downtown Ventura and all within 4-5 blocks, yes people, that’s walking distance for most. It’s not easy running a business and then on top of that booking bands and ensuring quality entertainment for patrons. But kudos go out to Amigos, Bombay’s, W20 at the Watermark, Sans Souci, Café Fiore, Grapes and Hops, The Wine Rack, Saloon BBQ, The Tavern, Peirano’s, The Star Lounge, Hong Kong Inn as well as El Rey, Rookies, Dargan’s, Padrino’s, the Sandbox Coffeehouse and Shanghai Beer Gardens for stepping up from time to time. These venues are responsible for making our Downtown vibrant. Keep up the good work!!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 5/13 – 5/26

Posted on May 12, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Welcome Back Joe
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I just got wind that the R&B Bombers, one of Ventura’s favorite dance party bands, will be welcoming back Joe Wilson to the group; you can catch them on Sunday, May 17, at Bombay’s when you know they’ll be packing the dance floor from 4 – 7:30 pm.

It looks like the powers that be will pull off another Ventura Music Week with two major events as bookends; first June 21 with the Vans Warped Tour at the Ventura Fairgrounds and then the following weekend with the expanded Roadshow Revival over two days, Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28 at Mission Park Downtown. We’re waiting on the announcement for movie night, but the Visual Arts evening is coming along and final details are being ironed out. You can get more information at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com.

The Ventura Harbor has been hopping between Margarita Villa and the new Boatyard Café with music mostly featured Thursday through Sunday. They’ve been offering acoustic artists such as Dan Grimm, Hawks & Britt, Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin, but Margarita Villa kicks it up from time to time with such bands lined up this month as GrooveSession, Rising Son and Rock Cats Rock.

San Francisco’s doom pop outfit Rich Girls will be touring the California coast this month and will be playing at The Garage on the 29th. Combining west coast garage rock with the polish of British art rock, the band released an EP entitled “Fiver” last year after getting signed to Breakup Records.

Tickets have gone on sale for the Music Under the Stars series which covers nine Saturdays at the historic Olivas Adobe. You can bring your own dinner or enjoy gourmet food trucks and a full beverage service. The venue is intimate with a big dance floor and seating available for family and friends. The popular series kicks off July 11 with Britain’s Finest, a Beatles tribute band, followed by July 18 with Porterhouse Bob, and July 25 with The Kings of the 88. Call the City of Ventura for more information and to reserve your tickets at (805) 658-4726.

If punk music is your cup of tea, then be on the watch out for Luicidal out of Venice, CA. They’re looking for gigs up in our neck of the woods; the band features former members of Suicidal Tendencies (Louiche Mayorga and RJ Herrera), and not to worry, they still play tunes off ST’s first three albums. If you’d like to get them hooked up with a show you’re producing, or you just want to book them, then drop me a line.

Many thanks again to all musicians who create, and to all venues that provide a platform for live music. You make Ventura Rock.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 4/29 – 5/12

Posted on April 27, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
When’s the Downbeat?
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ozomatli to play Ventura College Stadium May 3.

Congratulations to 16-year-old drummer, Alex Smith, winner of the Ventura Music Festival’s 2015 Student Jazz Competition; Smith earned the privilege of performing with Ozomatli when they perform at the Ventura College Stadium on Sunday, May 3. The Ventura Music Festival officially kicks off Friday, May 1, with a free concert at 6 pm at the mini-park at the corner of Santa Clara and California featuring the Festival Brass Quintet. The complete listing for events held throughout the City can be found at the VMF’s official website (www.VenturaMusicFestival.org).

Cinco de Mayo always brings out revelers but there should be an extra added abundance of Latin pop lovers downtown attending the Kinky concert at the Ventura Theater. The band out of Monterrey, Mexico, has been on an aggressive tour in support of their MTV Unplugged Album and DVD which was released a couple of months ago. Kinky just headlined a festival at SxSW and they’ve been featured on numerous soundtracks and TV commercials.

I caught up with Ryan Cabrera before his show at Discovery, kicking back on his tour bus with vaporizer a blazing to help preserve his overworked vocal chords (he had to cancel his Souix Falls date). Cabrera’s new EP, “Wake Up Beautiful” features the single “House onFire” which has been receiving radio airplay and is catchy as all get out. We talked about the virtue of buying a whole album as oppose to just buying one of the singles. “When I write an album, I don’t write three singles and then a bunch of ‘fillers,’” he explained. “Every single song to me is really important. I spent as much time on the deeper cuts as I did on ‘House on Fire.’” If you missed the show, you can pick up his EP via iTunes or Amazon. By the way, Aaron Carter’s show has been rescheduled for June 19.

Adam and Josh over at Squashed Grapes gave me the lowdown on shows to watch for in May, so if you know your drummers, then you won’t want to miss Bernie Dresel when he performs with the Jerry Vivino Quartet (Vivino from the Conan O’Brien show) on Saturday, May16. How cool would that be if they performed “Whiplash” or “Caravan?” And while we’re on the subject of drummers, Danny Carey of TOOL returns with Doug Webb on Saturday, May 30. The downbeat is always scheduled for 7 pm with live jazz music at the Grape 7 – 10 pm Wednesday through Saturday with Jazz Jams on alternate Tuesdays.

And finally if you’re into burgers, beers and music, then you won’t want to miss this year’s Hamburger and Hops Music Festival May 2 at the Collection in Oxnard. The Main Stage will feature music from The Bomb, The Midnight Band, Upstream and Road Brothers; however, the VIP Lounge will have a special appearance by the band Kalyde.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

What Happened on Facebook??

Posted on April 22, 2015 by venturarocks

At the end of March this year, we chose to migrate to a “Business” page as oppose to continue as a “Friend” page on Facebook for a couple reasons.

#1 It’s against the rules to have a business be listed as a “Friend” page. We knew our days could be numbered and we could get taken down, so we bit the bullet and converted our “Friends” to “Likes”. To be a “Friend” page, you have to be listed as a person.

#2 The cap on “Friends” is 5,000. There is no cap on “Likes.” We had been keeping Friends at 4,999 so people could request to be friends (otherwise you’d get a notice saying we no longer accept friends). When people shut down their page, un-friended us, we un-friended them, or they got blacked-balled, we would add people who were in the queue. We had dozens in the queue at any given time. They’re all Likes now.

Unfortunately, Facebook only shows our posts to a very small minority of people who have Liked us. To increase your chances of having us show up in your news feed, hunt us down, make sure you had Liked us, then continue to click on posts, Like them and comment on them. This is our new page:

https://www.facebook.com/venturarockswebsite.

I know this works, because I was not receiving VenturaRocks Facebook posts on my personal Facebook page News Feed. Drove me crazy! I knew I was posting events, but I wasn’t seeing them on my personal page. Then one day I personally went to https://www.facebook.com/venturarockswebsite from my personal page, and Liked a couple of posts and even wrote a comment and shared a few. Lo and behold, they now show up more consistently!

So when you see I’ve Liked something, it is for this reason alone: to ensure I get the posts on my News Feed!

I can reach more people if I pay for it, but that ain’t gonna happen anytime soon. I might collaborate with venues or artists on doing that in the future though.

I hope this explains things and why our postings may have disappeared from your News Feed.

Grrr.

Of course if you’re not on Facebook, nevermind!

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Category Archives: Ventura Rocks