Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/14 – 10/27

Posted on October 12, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Erin Go Bragh!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The Seaside Highland Games came and went taking those gorgeous men and beautiful women in kilts with them. I stopped in to check out the Celtic music and I wasn’t disappointed; crowd favorites were The Angry Brians, Tannahill Weavers and Highland Way, I’m certainly looking forward to next year’s event and may even be bold enough to try haggis, but probably not.

Congratulations to Plan B Wine Cellars on their 3rd anniversary! They partied in fine form with Jen Staves and the Bluzfish on Sunday, October 11.

Local hip hop artist, Michael Crawford drops his new album “Escape Artist” on October 16 with a CD release party at the Tavern. I was sent an advance copy and yeah, the man’s got talent.

Frost and Fire, a heavy metal festival will take over Bombay’s on October 17th with such bands as Manilla Road from Wichita, KS, Ashbury from Tucson, AZ our very own Night Demon over a half dozen more bands. There will also be a meet and greet with Tim Baker and Robert Garven of Cirith Ungol. Doors open at 4:30 pm.

Mike Toler is the official new owner of Amigos and he’s brought in his good friend Luke O’Dea to help out with booking bands, promotion and social media. I’ve been assured they plan to offer a variety bands 365 days a year. It’s all good news with the exception of losing Bernadette who will be returning to England this month. Mike is throwing her a farewell party on Saturday, October 17, so swing by to say goodbye and wish her well.

Three-time Grammy winner Tom Scott returns to Squashed Grapes October 24, and it will be another first for the Grape when they offer two seatings in one night. Both are only $10 with 7 and 9 pm show times.

Oh! And I have to share about the extraordinary night recently at Squashed Grapes when Bruce Forman performed the Red Guitar. The place was at capacity, and you literally could have heard a pin drop the audience was so captivated. The second set Forman brought up his special guest whom he had teased earlier on social media stating he couldn’t say who it was for “contractual reasons.” Well it turned out to be Tierney Sutton who sang requests the entire second set. Five time Grammy nominated and the 2005 Jazzweek Vocalist of the year, Sutton heads up the Tierney Sutton Band who have headlined the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Yeah, it was intense and a privilege to witness.

And finally, don’t forget Kiefer Sutherland will be at W20 at the Watermark on Friday, October 23. Ten-dollar tickets will be available the night of the show. Doors open at 7 pm.

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 Music Photos: October 2015

Posted on October 5, 2015 by venturarocks

Bombay Bar and Grill – October 31, 2015
50 Sticks of Dynamite CD Release Party

W20 at the Watermark – October 23, 2015
Kiefer Sutherland Band

Pam Baumgardner, Kiefer Sutherland, Staci Brown

Mark Hartley & Kiefer Sutherland

The Wine Rack – October 19, 2015
Mike Cregan

The Seaside Highland Games at the Fairgrounds – October 11, 2015
Highland Way

Star Lounge – October 10, 2015
Drunken Monkeys

Discovery – October 9, 2015
Alastair Greene

Amigo’s – October 4, 2015
The Tossers

Bombay’s – October 4, 2015
Ventucky String Band

Discovery – October 3, 2015
Agent Orange

Boatyard Cafe – October 3, 2015
Camp Franco (photo credit: Candace Marshall)

Squashed Grapes – October 1, 2015
Bruce Forman w/ Tierney Sutton

: Bruce Forman with Tierney Sutton

Taken from the Ventura Rocks Music Scene article:
“…Oh! And I have to share about the extraordinary night recently at Squashed Grapes when Bruce Forman performed the Red Guitar. The place was at capacity, and you literally could have heard a pin drop the audience was so captivated. The second set Forman brought up his special guest whom he had teased earlier on social media stating he couldn’t say who it was for “contractual reasons.” Well it turned out to be Tierney Sutton who sang requests the entire second set. Five time Grammy nominated and the 2005 Jazzweek Vocalist of the year, Sutton heads up the Tierney Sutton Band who have headlined the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Yeah, it was intense and a privilege to witness.”

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/30 – 10/13

Posted on September 28, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
The Hits Keep on Coming
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Pullmen played to a packed house at Bombay’s on Friday, September 25th. Their new CD, “Going Dark” hits the streets October 9. They’ll be touring Europe through the end of October.

Keifer Sutherland will be rolling into town with his band on Friday, October 23, when he’ll be playing an intimate show at W20 at the Watermark. Even though there are no advance tickets (everyone pays at the door day of the show), you should mark this on your calendar now. Only 120 people will be admitted and tickets are only $10. Mark Hartley, owner of W20/Watermark told me he’s really looking forward to this one and it turns out he’s a big fan of “24”.

Robert Cray’s latest CD/DVD was released this summer featuring some of the footage of his show last year in Ventura. The “4 Nights of 40 Years Live” is available everywhere including Amazon.com and locally at Salzer’s. Shawn Jones opened for Cray that night and apparently open doors as he’s been asked to tour with The Robert Cray Band this month in Europe. I asked Shawn about it. He said, “It’s one of the biggest honors of my career! I have been a Cray fan for over 30 years now. This is another level of respect for me! Knowing he is a fantastic guy as well helps; I am beside myself actually!”

The Wine Rack has been busy booking stellar bands and artists. You can ease back into the work week with their Monday night residency though October with Michael Cregan, then the Tim Carroll band on Tuesdays with Doug Johnson on drums. They also have live music most Thursdays and every Friday and Saturday. Dirk Shumaker (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) and Trey O’Toole (Pulse Drumming) will be back on Friday, October 2^nd, and I’m also looking forward to Christine Olive an Australian artist who is a surfer, environmentalist and singer/songwriter who has been touring the Southern California area making a stop at the Wine Rack on Friday October 9.

The annual Seaside Highland Games take over the Ventura Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday October 9^th and 10^th with fun and games for the entire family including live music from Tannahill Weavers, Celtic Spring, The Angry Brians, Golden Bough and Highway Way.

And finally there’s a new performance venue – Namba – which will be featuring “Music Speaks” on four consecutive Sundays in October. The event will be hosted and moderated by jazz vocalist and songwriter, Toni Jannotta. The four early evening performances will be featured in this order: October 4^th with three-time Emmy award winner Bill Richmond, October 11^th with Alan Thornhill, October 18 Hekar Rivera and Steve Sunnarborg, and then finally on October 25^th it’s Kiki Ebsen, daughter of the late Buddy Ebsen. Namba is nestled in the middle of downtown Ventura at 47 South Oak Street. Call (805) 628-9250 for ticket information.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/16 – 9/29

Posted on September 14, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Ventura Keeps Rockin’
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Michael John and the Bottom Line return this year to the California Blues and Brews Festival.

It’s that time of year again when the California Beer Festival rolls into town with several events during the week including a food pairing competition, a Craft Beer Heaven day and of course the highlight of the event the California Blues and Brews Festival on Sunday, September 20 at Mission Park, downtown Ventura. The day promises to be filled with the some of the hottest blues around on two stages featuring Walter Trout, Booker T, Mingo Fishtrap, Mr. Sipp, The Bomb and Michael John and the Bottom Line. You can get all the ticket information at www.CaliforniaBluesFestival.com. While you’re there, be sure to swing by the VenturaRocks.com tent to say hello!

Punk Rock Sunday features seven hours of punk-filled music on Sunday, September 27th with the Hymen Blasters, Cupcake, the NaVaNaX, All-a-Blur, My Modern Valentinue, Kang Gang and more. This one’s being held at the Ventura Beach Club at the very end of Main Street right before the 33 Freeway.

The Rock on the Dock series continues at the Ventura Harbor on Saturday, September 19, with the Hard-Times Band, then the following week they’ll have two days of music, first Friday the 25th with two sets at 2:00 and 4:30 with Unkle Monkey, then Saturday the 26th with Smokey & Friends. Saturday set times run 3-6 pm.

The Pullmen will be releasing their new album, “Going Dark” on October 9, then they’ll hit the road to support it with their first stop in Paris, France; but before they go all European on us, you’ll be able to catch them live at their Europe Tour Pre-party at Bombay’s on Friday, September 25th. The new release includes ten new songs featuring their high energy alt/rock thrashing country vibe which will also be available on vinyl.

Congratulations to Zachary James and Alexandra for tying the knot earlier this month up in Oakland, California. The two have been supporting each other the past few years musically speaking with their bands, Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes, and Alexandra and the Starlight Band.

And finally, just a head’s up that the good folks at CAPS TV have approached me recently to talk about hosting a music program highlighting local bands and I’m happy to report the project has been given the “Green Light!” More to come as we close in on our debut episode, but we will feature Ventura music news updates, we will have local photographers sharing their favorite photos of live music, and we will have bands and solo artists in the studio performing along with a Q&A session. If you don’t have cable, the programs will be available online, and soon, we plan to offer live streaming. Yeah, this is going to ROCK!

Ventura Music Photos: September 2015

Posted on September 4, 2015 by venturarocks

Bombay’s – September 25, 2015
The Pullmen

Ventura Beach Party & Marathon – September 13, 2015
Shaky Feelin’

Boatyard Cafe – September 11, 2015
The Hills of Malibu

Bombay’s 31st Annual Beach Party – September 4, 2015
Hy Brasil

The Rubberneck Lions

Grapes and Hops – September 4, 2015
Nathan and Jonathan McEuen and Friends

Discovery – September 4, 2015
decker.

Amigo’s – September 3, 2015
Gypsy Blues Band (Photo Credit: Candy Marshall)

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/2 – 9/15

Posted on September 1, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Summer in the City
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

The Velveteen Band will perform at Bombay’s 31st Annual Beach Party on Friday, September 4.

There are plenty of “End of Summer” bashes – though summer isn’t officially over until September 23, but who’s keeping tabs? The Pierpont Inn’s BBQ series ends with a huge bang as they welcome back Dirty Rice on Thursday, September 3rd. If you were there the last time the band played, then you know you should get there early to nab a seat and order up some delicious grub!

And then of course Bombay’s 31st annual End of Summer Beach Party runs the first weekend of September with bands rockin’ the joint on the front stage, back stage, and outdoor stage. Their full itinerary is listed on VenturaRocks.com, but some of the bands to watch for are Hy Brasil, The Velveteen Band, Rubberneck Lions, Raging Arb and the Redheads, Rey Fresco, The Darkside of the Hand, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Bloody Mary Morning, The Jelly, Brother Fortune, and of course Gygax!

Here are just a few concerts coming up at the Ventura Theater that you may not want to miss: The Deftones on Saturday, October 31; The Misfits on Thursday, November 12; Pepper on Saturday, November 21; Dwight Yoakam on Friday, December 11 and I already snagged my ticket for the 20th Anniversary of Everclear’s Sparkle and Fade Tour, on Sunday, November 22.

W20 at the Watermark has been offering more Thursday night Guitar Pulls with Shawn Jones and friends. If you’re a fan of flat out amazing guitar playing, you should make it a point to attend the next one. Thursday, August 27th, Shawn and Joe Baugh had Tariqh Akoni in the house; Akoni has played with such artists as Josh Groban, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Smokey Robinson and Tom Scott (to name just a few).

Speaking of Tom Scott, we can all call him neighbor the next time we bump into him at the supermarket having just moved to Ventura; but more importantly, don’t miss him the next time he plays at Squashed Grapes which we hope will be often. His sold out performance on Friday, August 28, was flat out amazing. He’s not only uber talented, but the audience enjoyed the back story from Scott on many of the songs the band performed. He happily shook hands and signed CDs; he’s a class act for sure.

And then finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t report that Squashed Grapes will be leaving their jazz format for the night of Friday, September 18 when they’ll have a Jimi Hendrix Memorial Performance with Jimi’s cousin, Riki Hendrix who has recorded and toured with Buddy Miles, and Billy Cox who were both original members of Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. The night will be hosted by Rosa Lee Brooks, Jimi’s legendary love interest who was featured on the first two songs he ever recorded. Reserve your seat ASAP.

Album Review: Medicine Hat

Posted on August 22, 2015 by venturarocks

Whiskey and Waves
Medicine Hat
Review by Pam Baumgardner
August – 2015

It’s always an honor being asked to review music. I don’t take it lightly. So when I was approached by Robert Ramirez who has been ingrained in Ventura’s music scene for years I’ll admit, I was nervous. But after a few spins my fears subsided and I relaxed knowing this was going to be an easy task. The music runs from a fun funky Americana sort of vibe as with the opening track, “The Only Thing” and “107 Songs” to a more serious overtone as with “Kind of Girl.”

I dig the harmonies and interesting texture to tunes such as “Falling Graces” and “More Than I Wanted” both of which would fit like a glove in one of those quirky Quentin Tarantino movies. But most songs are rooted in Country, where I can envision people two-steppin’ to such tunes as “Whiskey and Waves,” “Another Sad Song,” as well of “Scared of You” which has additional electric guitar courtesy of Neal Casal.

The whole album flows well and is well-produced with the addition of some strings and steel pedal guitar work. All the songs were either written by Robert Ramirez or a collaboration between Ramirez and Michelle Votrian. I love the sound and quality of the instruments cleanly mastered; they’re so simple yet captivating; makes me want to pick up my acoustic and play along late on a hot summer night with a whiskey to hand.

Alternative Country. Southern Rock, Alt Rock.

Medicine Hat member:
Robert Ramirez – Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Michelle Votrian – Vocals, Percussion, Keys
Ralph Votrian – Bass
Chuck Herrera – Drums

Guest musicians include:
Ashley Broder – Violin
Neal Casal – Electric Guitar (Whiskey and Waves, Scared of You)
Erik Kristiansen – Pedal Steel

Recorded, Engineered and Mixed by Earle Mankey at Earle Mankey Studio.

www.medicinehatmusic.net
www.Facebook.com/MedicineHatBand

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!

Ventura Music Photos: August 2015

Posted on August 4, 2015 by venturarocks

Olivas Adobe – Music Under the Stars – August 29, 2015
Fantastic Diamond (photo credit: Kevin Hogan)
Squashed Grapes – August 28, 2015
Tom Scott

Discovery – August 23, 2015
Los Lonely Boys

Bombay’s – August 14, 2015
Gygax

Ventura County Fair – August 13, 2015
The B52’s

Ventura County Fair – August 12, 2015
The Band Perry

Ventura County Fair – August 10, 2015
Kevin Costner and Modern West

Ventura Fair Parade & Squashed Grapes – August 8, 2015
Fair Parade Band: Karl Hunter and Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Trey O’Toole of Pulse Drumming, Franklin Murphy of Shaky Feelin’, Jacob Scesney, and RJ Root.

Bombay’s – August 7, 2015
Alice (photo credit: Mark Hirasaki)

Ventura County Fair – August 7, 2015
Huey Lewis and the News

Squashed Grapes – August 6, 2015
The Lounge Trio with special guest Ruben Estrada

The Wine Rack – August 3, 2015
US Blues Project

Saloon BBQ – August 2, 2015
Medicine Hat

Bombay Bar and Grill – August 1, 2015
Hy Brasil

Bombay Bar and Grill – August 1, 2015
Wax Off

Olivas Adobe – Music Under the Stars – August 1, 2015
Platinum Grooves

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.