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).

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 Photos – September 2022

Posted on September 6, 2022 by venturarocks

Winchesters Grill & Saloon – September 30
Debbie Davies w/ special guest Teresa James

Majestic Ventura Theater – September 29
Max & Iggor Cavalera (photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)

The Garage – September 24, 2022
Cole Gallagher & the Lesser Saints

Ventura Music Hall – September 24, 2022
Sun Room – (photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)

The Grape – September 24, 2022
RJ Root

Ventura Music Hall – September 16, 2022
Allen Stone

Ventura Music Hall – September 16, 2022
Josh Damigo & Rob Deez (credit: selfie)

A Taste of Local – September 11, 2022
Spencer the Gardener

The Rose Valley Thorns, special guest Danny McGaw

Dan Grimm w/ Jp Hesser

Namba – September 10, 2022
Dirty Cello

The Grape – September 3, 2022
Doug Webb group featuring Danny Carey of Tool

Ventura Music Hall – August 3, 2022
Cubensis – (photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)
Ojai Underground Exchange – September 3, 2022
Little Days – (photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)

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 Music Scene Column 8/24/22 – 9/6/22

Posted on August 21, 2022 by venturarocks

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

The Ojai Pops Concert Series co-sponsored by the City of Ojai kicked off Sunday, August 21, and if you missed it, no worries, there will be four more chances to catch another one of their community concerts at Libbey Bowl. All concerts are free and start at 3:30 pm:
August 28: Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band
September 25: 805 Brass and Los Padres Sound Horn Quartet
October 23: Ojai Pops Orchestra w/ vocalists Miriam Dance & Sophie Holt
November 6: Larktown & Friends, featuring Lark Cobb (vocals) and Todd Temanson (banjo)

The Hueneme Beach Festival falls over the weekend of August 27 and 28 (1 – 6 pm) and is absolutely free to attend with live music both days:
Saturday, August 27: New Orleans Suspects, Twisted Gypsy, Taylor Sackson, CRV, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Olivia Willhite.
Sunday, August 28: Nth Power, Phantom Blues Band, Beebs & her Money Makers, the Cousins, Sade, Juano & Friends, Hand Me Down Band.

Spencer Mackenzie’s is once again uniting two events into one with the world’s largest cornhole tournament called The Throwdown during the day and then once the sun (starts) to go down, it’s live music with A.D.D. on Friday; Sunny Ledfurd, and Mandex on Saturday; then starting at 2 pm on Sunday, it’s Morie & the Heavy Hitters followed up with a set by Rey Fresco. Click here for tickets.

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. Chick Singer Night is held at Studio B in Oxnard. Tickets are $25 through EventBrite.com.

There are several shows coming up at the Namba Performing Arts Space on Oak, downtown Ventura:
Esteban Ramirez on September 3
Dirty Cello on September 10
Iona Fyfe on September 11
Tommy McManus on September 18

Along with Hawaiian hula dancers, frisbee dog demonstrations, food trucks and more, the Aloha Beach Festival will offer up some live musical entertainment from Warren Takahashi and Friends, Free Love Project 805, Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Jill Martini and the Shrunken Heads, Keyth & the Universouls, Heavy Rotation, the Question and Rising Son. This free family friendly event will be held at promenade park along Surfer’s Point here in Ventura on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4. This year’s beneficiary will be the Merito Foundation.

New shows added at the Ventura Theater:
Max & Iggor Cavalera – September 29
Alkaline Trio – October 21

New shows added at Ventura Music Hall
Protoje, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike – Oct 1
Bad Suns – Oct 5
Dirty Honey, Dorothy, Mac Saturn – Oct 6
Knuckle Puck – Oct 22
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the guilty Ones – November 15
The Rare Occasions, Hot Freaks – December 4

High Street Arts Center (HighStreetArtsCenter.com) in Moorpark has a number of tribute shows lined up called the 2022 Legends Series:
Chicago Tribute Experience (Chicago) – August 26
Raymond Michael tribute to King of Rock and Roll (Elvis) – August 27
The Heart of Rock & Roll (Huey Lewis & the News) – September 2
Fortunate Son (Credence Clearwater Revival – September 3

The Grape in Ventura has a couple of dates I want to ensure you know. First off, you can read my Q&A with Derek Sherinian, and then catch one or both shows when Sherinian and Simon Philips with band perform on Monday, August 29. Additional monster players for the night are Ric Fierabracci on bass and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar. Tickets are available on EventBrite.
Then it’s always one of the hottest tickets in town to catch Tool’s Danny Carey when he drums for the Doug Webb Group which also features Jamie Klime on guitar, Jimmy Earl on bass and Mitch Forman on keys. Tickets are also available on EventBrite for this Saturday, September 3 show.

Quick Notes: just added to the music stage for Taste of Local on Sunday, September 11 is Spencer the Gardener; Billy Idol plays the Ventura Theater Thursday, August 25; the next Singer/songwriter showcase dinner event at Pierano’s is set for Thursday, August 25 with Dylan Brehm, Lainey Brown, Olivia Mucha, Jodi Farrell and Aaron Burch; Colbie Caillat is at the Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium, Friday, August 26; Fantastic Diamond plays Cantara on Saturday, August 27; the final Music Under the Stars is Saturday, August 27 with Lisa Haley & the Zydekats (sold out); Elvis Costello plays the Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium on Sunday, August 28; Switchfoot is at the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, August 28; Nathan McEuen plays the Ojai Underground on Friday, September 2; and Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas, is at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 4.

The latest episode of VenturaRockSpot is live featuring Looking West. The young trio out of Ventura have been making their mark on the music scene playing such venues as, Topa Topa Brewing in Ventura, Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo, even Surf Rodeo last month. You can catch them live when they play MadeWest Brewing on Saturday, August 27.

Q&A with Derek Sherinian

Posted on August 13, 2022 by venturarocks

The new studio album from world acclaimed keyboardist Derek Sherinian, (Sons of Apollo, Black Country Communion), ‘Vortex was recently released where Sherinian is once again joined by legendary drummer Simon Phillips, who co-wrote and co-produced the album, as well as Tony ‘The Fretless Monster’ Franklin, on bass.

Derek Sherinian
Photo credit: Greg Vorobiov

Derek has this to say about the release of the album: “Simon and I have found the ultimate blend of rock, prog, and fusion on VORTEX, enjoy!” And now they’re coming to Ventura for two dates at The Grape. Here’s a little more insight on the upcoming gigs Monday, August 29.

Ventura Rocks: It’s always a treat to have someone of your artistic caliber come visit and play in Ventura, especially a smaller venue such as The Grape, so thank you for coming. How did this gig come about?

Derek Sherinian: Simon Phillips and I are playing the Starmus Festival in Yerevan, Armenia this September, Simon suggested The Grape as a great warm up show the festival. I have never been there, but hear that the vibe is great!

Congratulations on VORTEX, how has it been received so far?

Amazing worldwide reviews. Simon and I are very happy with the reception.

You have a number of heavy hitters such as Steve Stevens, Joe Bonamassa, Michael Schenker and others. Was this project conceived during the pandemic and done like so many others, remotely and then pieced together, or were you able to be in the same place jamming together?

Derek Sherinian
Photo credit: Greg Vorobiov

Some of the sessions were in person, and some were remote.

At this point in your career, do you ever get nervous with playing with other players? Or is it just a joy to share that moment with them?

Never nervous, only joy!

What other players will be joining you for the gig at the Grape?

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, who is truly a freak of nature on guitar. Ric Fierabracci on bass, who has played a lot at The Grape.

Please give me a snap preview of what jazz lovers can expect at the show.

I think jazz lovers will love our show, the musicianship is undeniable.

Thanks so much Derek for your time!

There will be two shows on Monday, August 29, 2022 (7 and 9:15 pm); click here to secure your tickets for the Grape on EventBrite

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 8/10/22 – 8/23/22

Posted on August 8, 2022 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comAugust is in full swing and with it a whole lotta live music in and around Ventura County. The Ventura County Fair is in its second week of its 10-day run and the final Grandstand Stage concert is Wednesday, August 10, with Cheap Trick. That being said, the Station Stage will continue to rock with local favorites through Sunday, August 14. Be sure to check out VenturaRocks.com photo gallery for band photos taken at the Fair this season.

Chick Singer Night just announced their newest City Chapter Director is Ventura’s own Jodi Farrell. Jodi has been an integral part of Ventura’s music scene for so many years fronting the Front Street Prophets, performing with TreCoustics, and now with Jim Rankin as a duo. So many performers have been tutored and mentored via Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio and before that when she taught at Ventura Community College. She teaches voice, guitar and piano for all skill levels. She’s received many awards along the way including the 2016 Mayor’s Art Award for Arts Educator. Congratulations Jodi, this is so well deserved!!

Cadillac Zack presents 1960’s blues & rock legends Canned Heat at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo, on Thursday, August 18. If your memory is straining to remember, let me help you out. They had hits such as “Let’s Work Together,” “On the Road Again,” and “Going Up the Country.” They played the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and had a headlining slot at the original Woodstock. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss this amazing night of live music with Delta by the Beach opening. Just text Zack for ticket information at (323) 377-5291. I was very sad to hear about the passing of pop icon, Olivia Newton-John. Her music instantly brings back memories, and I can’t even count how many times I watched “Grease,” but I think I will always remember her generosity and love when she performed here in Ventura, February of 2018, for the Thomas Fire Benefit. What a sweet being, and what a tremendous loss. Poseidon Brewing will be celebrating their 8th anniversary over the weekend of 8/12-8/14 with Vanise Terry Band, The Dynasties, Morrison Drive and Let’s be Frank performing. To satisfy your need for live country music, there’s Boots and Brews on Saturday August 20 with Cole Swindell, Eddie Montgomery an Raelynn. Surfer’s Point Live at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Get your tickets at BootsAndBrews.com.

I admit that I absolutely love the different community sponsored music events such as Music Under the Stars at Olivas Adobe whose shows are all sold out for the rest of the season, but rest assured there are a number of free events nearby including the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in Oxnard with The British Beat on Friday, August 12 6 – 8:30pm and Caliente 805 on Friday August 19; the Summer Concert Series at Constitution Park in Camarillo will have Country Nation on Saturday, August 27 from 7 -9 pm; and the Collection in Oxnard has DSB (tribute to Journey) on Wednesday, August 10 6 – 8:30 pm.

And though they’re not live music events, the Ojai Film Society is offering free screenings of a couple of music related movies at the Libbey Bowl. First the documentary, “Summer of Soul” on Friday, August 12, and then “Yesterday” which features the Beatles reimagined when a phenomena hits during a blackout and wipes out most people’s memories of the Beatles, this one screens on Friday, August 26. Though free, you’ll need to RSVP through Eventbrite.

Emmy winning artist, Camara Kambon (for his score in the HBO film, “Sonny Liston” the Mysterious Life and Death of a Champion”) performs at Namba with Javier Vergara on tenor sax, Adam Cohen on bass and Chris Blondal on drums. Tickets are only $20 for this intimate show on Friday, August 12.

New shows added at the Ventura Theater:
Silversun Pickups Sunday, October 2
Marcus Mumford Tuesday, October 4
Gogol Bordello on Saturday, November 5
The Wrecks on Saturday, November 19

New shows at Ventura Music Hall
Too Many Zooz, September 29
Ocean All, October 7
The Slackers, December 9
Squirrel Nut Zippers, December 17
Hirie, February 22

New shows at Libbey Bowl:
Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite on September 30
Ben Harper on October 6

Mark on your calendars for upcoming events: the Hueneme Beach Festival the last weekend of August, and the return of the Aloha Beach Festival along at Promenade Park (Surfer’s Point) the following weekend, September 3 and 4. What’s also so very nice is that both of these events are free!! I’ll have more in the next issue of the Ventura Breeze.

Quick Notes: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show continues on Wednesday nights at the Lookout Bar & Grill in Oxnard; reggae Sundays continue at Café Fiore through the end of summer; Glenn Bennett has a Thursday afternoon residency at the Copa Cubana; Mustangs of the West play the Ojai Underground on Thursday, August 11; Katie Shorey has a Disco Nite at Cantara on Friday, August 12; Romper plays at date at the Deer Lodge on Friday, August 12; Barrelhouse Wailers play Strey Cellars in Oxnard on Friday, August 19; the legendary Three Dog Night play Libbey Bowl on Friday, August 19; and Pato Banton plays Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, August 20.

And then finally, Taste of Local returns this year on Sunday, September 11 presented by Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation. I was thrill when Kat Merrick reached out and invited VenturaRocks to host the music stage where the Rose Valley Thorns will be just one of the acts performing. You can find out more about this wonderful event at TotallyLocalVC.com and I hope to see you there!

Ventura Music Photos – August 2022

Posted on August 8, 2022 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Hall – August 28, 2022
Switchfoot – (Photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)

The Grape – August 22, 2022
Jacob Scesney and the Doug Webb Quartet (Photo credit: Christopher Sucameli)

Singer/Songwriter Night at Peirano’s – August 25, 2022
Aaron Burch, Dylan Brehm, Jodi Farrell, Olivia Mucha and Lainey Brown

Photo credit: David Farrell

photo credit: Jodi Farrell & Mary Brehm

Ventura County Fair – August 10, 2022
Cheap Trick

Ventura County Fair – August 9, 2022
Clay Walker

Ventura County Fair – August 6, 2022
Blue Oyster Cult

Ventura County Fair – August 5, 2022
The All-American Rejects

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 7/27/22 – 8/9/2022

Posted on July 27, 2022 by venturarocks

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

The traditional free concert to the community once again opens the Ventura Music Festival (VMF) in Mission Park and this year it features Adaawe. The international women of voice and drum perform a global fusion of African rhythm, thrilling harmony, and world soul to uplift the spirt, celebrate diversity, and unite humanity. Low-back chairs are allowed, but honestly, I’m thinking we’ll be up and dancing for most of their performance which starts at 5:30 pm. Why not make it a family event and bring a blanket, picnic dinner while enjoying the sounds of Adaawe.

Following the Wednesday free performance, there will be six ticketed VMF performances held at the Ventura College Performing Arts Theater over the next two weekends featuring We Banjo 3, Django Festival Allstars, Sean Chen, the Moanin’ Frogs, Veronica Swift and The Crossing. To secure tickets, go to VenturaMusicFestival.org.

The Ventura County Fair returns this summer with a fine line up of musical entertainment both on the Station Stage featuring local artists, and the Grandstand Stage featuring national touring acts. It’s such a treat knowing all shows are included in the price of admission.

By the way, did you know the fair is free for those five and younger and for those 100 or older? For the rest of us, it’s only $15 for adults; $10 kids 6-12; seniors 65 and older $10. Check out VenturaRocks.com for the Station Stage lineup.

Here is the Grandstand Stage list of acts:
Wednesday, 8/3: Martina McBride
Thursday, 8/4: KC & the Sunshine Band
Friday, 8/5: The All-American Rejects
Saturday, 8/6: Blue Oyster Cult
Sunday, 8/7: Dia de la Familia concert
Monday, 8/8: The Beach Boys
Tuesday, 8/9: Clay Walker
Wednesday, 8/10: Cheap Trick

New shows added for the Majestic Ventura Theater include Marcus Mumford and Danielle Ponder on Tuesday, October 4, GWAR on Saturday, October 8; Black Flag on Saturday, October 29, Gogol Bordello on Saturday, November 5, and Tegan and Sara on Friday, November 11.

The Hueneme Beach Festival falls over the last weekend of August (27- 28; 11 – 7 pm) with free admission. Do note that parking is $10 but BikeVentura will be hosting a free bike valet, so if you can, ride your bike there. There will be music on two stages featuring New Orleans Suspects, Twisted Gypsy, Taylor Sackson, CRV, Marachi Camarillo, Oliva Willhite, and Morie & the Heavy Hitters on Saturday. And then on Sunday, it’s Nth Power, Beebs & Money Makers, the Phantom Blues Band, Sade, the Hand me Down Band, Juano & Friends, and the Cousins.

Spencer Mackenzie Throwdown Cornhole Festival will be held at Surfer’s Point Live (Ventura Fairgrounds parking lot) over the last weekend of August. The acts scheduled to perform this year are Sunny Ledfurd, Mandex, A.D.D., Rey Fresco and Morie & the Heavy Hitters. This is a ticketed event at $25 a day, or $40 for 3-day pass.

The New West Symphony announced their 2022/2023 Masterpiece Series Season recently where performances will be held Saturday evenings at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center and with Sunday matinees in Camarillo at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. It all kicks off with their Winter Spectacular starring Sam Harris in December 2022 and will run through next November 2023 with a production of “Beethoven to Brubeck.” You can download their brochure at NewWestSymphony.org.

If you enjoy the punk end of the music spectrum, then you won’t want to miss NardFest on August 6, at the Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theater in Port Hueneme. Bands on the bill include Head Heat, Ill Repute, Stalag 13, Dr. Know, False Confession, iDecline, Civil Conflict, Romper and Boilerman. The event runs 3 – 11 pm; tickets are only $20.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy benefit concert runs two days July 30-31 from 2-9 pm at the Libbey Bowl featuring Grateful Shred headlining both days. Leading up to the main act: Saturday, Cayucas, Gifted & Blessed, Chuck & Luisa, Barbarelle and on Sunday, Nate Mercereau, Carlos Nino, Dan Horne, Service Human, Shelley Burgon, Melody Bird and Barbarelle. Ticket information can be found at OLVC.org/shred.

Quick Notes: Vincenzo Giammanco, CEO and founder of Boots and Brews confirmed there will in fact be two Boots and Brews for Ventura this year with Cole Swindell on August 20 and Tim McGraw on October 14 (tickets for both are on sale at BootsAndBrews.com); Tony’s Pizzaria continues with the Thursday free reggae shows with Morie & the Heavy Hitters on Thursday, July 28; Myst plays the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series on Friday, July 29 and it’s Soul Machine on Friday, August 5; Jerry’s Middle Finger plays the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, July 19; Hip Hop Mindset at the Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts Theater on Saturday, July 30; Pedals & Pints Brewing Company and Tarantula Hill Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks are presenting the inaugural Down the Rabbit Hole Festival of Music and Beer on Saturday, July 30; Donna Lynn Caskey will open for the Dennis and Laura Show at Namba on Saturday, July 30; Poseidon Brewing will be celebrating their 8th anniversary over the weekend of 8/12-8/14; it’s Third Eye Blind at the Ventura Theater on Saturday, August 6; and finally, the Oxnard Salsa Festival is postponed for yet another year (fingers crossed for 2023).

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 7/13 – 7/26

Posted on July 11, 2022 by venturarocks

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

This is it! After a pandemic time-out, Surf Rodeo returns to Ventura over the weekend of July 15 – July 17 at the Ventura pier with music on the southside and surf competitions on the northside at Surfer’s Point. The festivities not only include a surfing contest featuring pros and locals, the bikini cowgirl and cowboy competition and cornhole tournament, but if you ask me (which is why you’re most likely reading my column), it’s all about the live music. It will be live bands galore over three days on several stages; it’s practically non-stop, start to finish with over 40 bands scheduled! The headliners for each day are The Green, Hirie and Rob Leines on Friday, Ozomatli, Badfish, The Aggrolites & Bob Log III on Saturday, and Yachtley Crew and Highway Starr on Sunday. For a more complete music listing and to secure your tickets, go to SurfRodeo.org.

By the way, on July 16-17, Gritty In Pink will be performing at Surf Rodeo and they’ll be hosting their own stage block that will feature their top artists such as Chastity Ashley or known as Neon Pony, Alicia Vigil, Kiki Wong (Vigil of War), Stundriver, Shiragirl, DJ Vashonda Sherra, Xtine Reckless and many more. Gritty in Pink said this festival in particular is very special to Shiragirl, because the Ventura community has been so supportive of Shiragirl since the debut of the Shiragirl Stage during the days of the Warped Tour. So, this feels like a full circle moment for them being able to build upon what they started on the Warped Tour by bringing the Gritty In Pink stage to Surf Rodeo!

Meanwhile for something a little tamer, Camarillo Old Town Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party also runs the same weekend July 14 – 17. Though you’ll need to purchase carnival ride tickets, there is no admission to the event which means the music is free!

Friday, July 15
6-10 pm – Acoustic DNA

Saturday, July16
Noon – 2 – Mariachi
2-4 pm – Full Clip
4-5 pm Rising Elijah
5-6 pm Bobby Hart & Old Town Boys
6-7:30 pm Mini Driver
8 – 10 pm Foster Campbell & Friends

Sunday, July 17
Noon – 2 pm The Martinez Bros with Ruben Estrada
2-4 pm Shaky Feelin’
4-6 pm Free Love Project

Poseidon Brewing has their Summer Saturday Music Series from 4-7 pm (unless otherwise listed):

July 16 – Zeke Berkley
July 23 – Steve and Sally Williams
July 30 – Mitch Bradford
August 6 – Muleskinner Revival
August 13 – The Dynasties (1-3 pm)
August 13 – Morrison Drive (4:30 – 7 pm)
August 20 – Cary Park
August 27 – Chris Murphy
September 3 – Dean & Lisa

The 2022 Heritage Square Summer Concert Season is underway in Oxnard on Friday evenings 6 – 8:30 pm. Individual seats are available for purchase day of show for $10 on a first come basis, or you can take your own blanket or low back lawn chairs seats for free unreserved seating.
Upcoming concerts:

7/15: The Impulse Band
7/22: Los Cool Arrows
7/29: Myst
8/5: Soul Machine
8/12: The British Beat
8/19: Caliente 805

Pedals & Pints Brewing Company and Tarantula Hill Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks are presenting the inaugural Down the Rabbit Hole Festival of Music and Beer on Saturday, July 30 from 11 am to 11 pm and it will feature 10 bands between the two breweries. Tickets are $60 for both venues, which includes your first beer at both locations, and a free shuttle between the two. Bands on the bill are Robert Jon & the Wreck, Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse, Shaky Feelin’, Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes, a Dustland Fairytail, OPM, Weekend Celebrity, Garrett Lee Robinson, Those Animals and Better off Blonde.

New shows added for the Majestic Ventura Theater include Concerts 4 Causes – Metal Help for Mental Help featuring Bone Maggot, Disrupted Euphoria, Sinsation and more on Saturday, July 23; Panteon Rococo on September 20; Lagwagon, Strung Out and SACK on October 6; and the Front Bottoms on October 9.

I was looking over the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival webpage and it shows Ventura is listed for August 20 with Cole Swindell, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, and Raelynn. But then they list Tim McGraw on October 14 and when you take a look, it’s a second Boots & Brews for Ventura which also features Michael Ray and Bailey Zimmerman. Hmmm, interesting; I hope it’s not a mistake. I hadn’t heard back on my inquiry for clarification as of press time. UPDATE: THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED!!!

Quick Notes: All Music Under the Stars summer concerts at Olivas Adobe are sold out; the Ojai Band plays a free concert at Libbey Bowl on Wednesday, July 13; jazz musician, Luis Munoz, will have his final show at Namba on Saturday, 7/16, before he moves out of state; there’s a Numbskull show with Subhumans, Generacion Suicida, and Head cut at Gigi’s on Saturday, July 23; Katie Shorey does ladies of the 80s at Cantara on Saturday, July 23; and don’t forget that the Ventura Music Festival runs July 29-31 & August 5-7.