Ventura Music Scene 5/18/23 – 5/30/23

Posted on May 17, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Congratulations to Brandon, aka Anderson .Paak and his sell out annual fundraiser for the Brandon Anderson Foundation. The concert on Friday, May 12 at the fairgrounds didn’t disappoint fans with performances from local artists and headliners the Isley Brothers and none other than the legendary, Smokey Robinson. At 83, the man is still bringing it, releasing new music, Gasms, and kicking off a tour of his own. .Paak House 23 was his first date on his Summer tour.

The California Strawberry Festival will be held for the first time at the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 20 and May 21. Along with all the vendors, and strawberry related food items, music will fill both days on a few different stages. Among the entertainment will be performances from Arise Roots, Jayden Secor Band, Music Freqs Band, Caliente 805 and more.

And if you’re willing to travel a bit, the Happy Face Music Festival will take place on Saturday, May 27, at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Headlining this one will be The Spazmatics (always a hoot), along with performances from The Fabba Show, Kelly’s Lot, The Yacht Groove, and Barry Keenan. This one is hosted by the Rotary Club of Simi Runrise.

Props going out to Spencer Barnitz of Spencer the Gardener on the documentary, “More Than Just a Party” which chronicles Spencer’s musical journey from the 70s to today. The sold-out premiere of the documentary will be held at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara. You won’t want to miss the band performing at Tony’s Pizzeria on Thursday, May 27.

Keep this one on your radar, a fundraiser for the Local Love Project will be held on Sunday, June 4th with performances from Kelly’s Lot, Shawn Jones, and the Bobby Hart Band. Along with all the music, a BBQ, local wine and beers will be available for sale. The primary goal of Totally Local VC’s- the Local Love Project is to activate and organize members of our community in the aftermath of a disaster within our 805 communities and to provide relief and support to those affected by disaster. This one will be held at the Portside Club House (1196 Portside Drive).

Congratulations to Winchesters Grill & Saloon on their 26th anniversary. Join in on the celebrations, Sunday, May 21, with the 805’s dance party band favorite, The Bomb (3-6 pm).

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Yngwie Malmsteen & Glenn Hughes at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for September 9; Creatures of Content (Pennsylvania) play The Six on Friday May 19; Big Bad Voodoo plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 20; and The Winery Dogs (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen) play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, May 20.

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 – May 2023

Posted on May 7, 2023 by venturarocks

Tony’s Pizzeria – May 27, 2023
Spencer the Gardener

Burch Studios – May 18, 2023
Noah Berberea of Brother Earl & the Cousins (video tapping)

.Paak House 23 – May 12, 2023
Smokey Robinson (@paakhouse)

.Paak House 23 – May 12, 2023
Anderson .Paak & Smokey Robinson (@paakhouse)

Boots & Brews Music Festival – May 7, 2023
Chris Young (Photos: Tatiana Vasilyev, @tativphotogallery)

Boots & Brews Music Festival – May 7, 2023
Joe Nichols (Photos: Tatiana Vasilyev)

The Grape – May 6, 2023
Phoenyx Big Band

Libbey Bowl – May 6, 2023
Beth Hart (w/ Jon Nichols)

Ventura Music Hall – May 5, 2023
Violent Femmes

Ventura Music Scene 5/3/23 – 5/16/23

Posted on May 3, 2023 by venturarocks

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

As of press time, the 2023 Ventura County Fair had not announced their entertainment yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t entertainment to be had at the fairgrounds in the meantime. First off, Surfer’s Point Live will host Boots & Brews in the parking lot with headliners Chris Young and Joe Nichols on Sunday May 7.

And then…Anderson .Paak announced on April 25 that .Paak House 23 will be held at the fairgrounds on Friday, May 12. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, .Paak, aka Brandon Paak Anderson, grew up in Oxnard and attended Foothill Technology High School. Two of his albums were named Oxnard and Ventura, both produced by Dr. Dre, the latter earned him a Grammy for Best R&B Album. The fact that .Paak could hold this event anywhere, but chose Ventura, speaks volumes about this talented homegrown artist. Find out more about .Paak House and the Brandon Anderson Foundation at PaakHouse.org.

The new season kicks off at Libbey Bowl with Beth Hart on Saturday, May 6 performing an intimate pared down show. Her back stories are entertaining enough, but I’m sure she’ll be really putting it out there without a full band backing her up.

And speaking of Libbey Bowl, the Ojai Music Festival dates include several concerts at Libbey Bowl. The festival runs Thursday June 8 through Sunday, June 11, with Rhiannon Giddens, Music Director, at the helm. I noticed at least one event has already sold out, so don’t wait until the last minute to try to snag a ticket. Find out more at OjaiFestival.org.

Bombay Bar and Grill will host a celebration of life in honor of Chris Husted who passed away last month. Chris was so a great guy, so well respected throughout the music scene. He had been doing sound on the road with Yachtley Crew recently. Friends will gather on Saturday May 13 from 2-8 with music from Shawn Jones, Guy Martin, Brion Shearer, Aaron Orbit, Rising Son, Yachtley Crew and more. 20% of the sales will go to the Chris Husted fund.

Quick Notes: Rey Fresco plays Tony’s Pizzeria Thursday, May 4; The Knotty G’s from South Carolina make a stop at Surfers Point Café on Sunday, May 7; there’s a free show featuring Old-Timey Country Bluegrass at Poinsettia Pavilion on Sunday, May 7; an in store meet & greet with Ohgeesy will be held at Salzers on Wednesday, May 10; it’s all about the punk rock on Friday, May 12 when Youth Brigade, Stalag 13, False Confession, The Afraid and Crucial Thought play the Oceanview Pavilion; Julie Christensen will perform an intimate show at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, May 13; and new dates added to the Ventura Music Hall calendar include Grateful Shred on June 15, Save Ferris on July 29, and Powerman 5000 on October 20.

Ventura Music Scene 4/19/23 – 5/2/23

Posted on April 18, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Chick Singer Night, the world’s longest-running songfest for female artists, returns to the Sound Palace in Oxnard, on Saturday, April 22 with performances from Danielle Taylor, Annette DiNardo, Dawn Lunsford, Emily De La Cruz and Gaby Montiel who has been featured on the VenturaRockSpot this past year. Tickets are available through EventBrite. The evening promises to deliver stellar performances from these amazing ladies in part because CSN’s local chapter director is the one and only Jodi Farrell, who as a vocal coach can spot talent a mile away.

I’m happy to report Libbey Bowl’s website (LibbeyBowl.org) has been updated and it now includes new shows including Toad the Wet Sprocket on Wednesday, July 5; Chris Isaak on Sunday, August 6; 98 Degrees on Thursday, August 17; and The Monkees celebrated by Mickey Dolenz on Friday, September 15. If you’ve never been to a concert there, do yourself a favor, choose an artist and make it go right; it’s such a lovely venue in our own backyard!

One of Kelly Zirbes’ passions in life is helping our furry little friends, and specifically CARL here in town. CARL (Caine Adoption and Rescue League) advocates for animal welfare, seeking to end the needless deaths of companion animals through adoption, education and outreach programs. Kelly’s Lot featuring Rae Gordon will hold a fundraiser for CARL on Sunday, April 23 (3-6 pm) at Winchester’s Grill & Saloon on Main Street, Ventura. I hope to see you and your wallet at this one!

Tickets have gone on sale for the 6th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival over the weekend of September 9th and 10th. Saturday’s line up includes Spyro Gyra, Eric Benet, Deniece Williams and others. Sunday will be a special day for those who love Picante style music and dancing with performances from Louie Cruz Beltran, Mongrama and more. Find out more at OxnardJazzFestival.com

Abigail Fierce will drop by Surfers Point Café for a performance on Sunday, April 23 (11 – 2 pm). Abigail who is a singer/songwriter/actress can be seen on episodes of “Love, Victor,” “This is Us,” and “American Vandal.” This indie-pop singer has a way with storytelling intermingled with great lyrics that captivates audiences wherever she plays.

Quick Notes: JD Drury announced via social media that there will be no Surf Rodeo this summer; The Guitar and Whiskey Club will open for Angel at the Ventura Theater on Wednesday, April 26; Brother Earl and the Cousins will venture out to Ojai for a date at Ojai Valley Brewing on Friday, April 28; Leashless Brewing will host the CD release party for Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes on Saturday, April 29; and Grammy award winning composer/arranger, Bill Cunliffe plays the Beatrice Wood Center for Arts on Sunday, April 30 playing selections from the George Gershwin Songbook.

Ventura Music Photos – April 2023

Posted on April 16, 2023 by venturarocks

Majestic Ventura Theater – April 27, 2023
Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real with guest appearance by Bob Weir (photo: Chris Jensen)

Majestic Ventura Theater – April 26, 2023
Angel (photo: Jeff Donovan)

Chick Singer Night – April 22, 2023
Performers back to front: Dawn Lunsford, Emily De La Cruz, Gaby M, Jodi Farrell, Annette DiNardo, Danielle Taylor (interspersed with supporting band)

MadeWest Brewing Company – April 15, 2023
Negative Tide (photo: Harper Point Photography)

Ojai Valley Brewing – April 14, 2023
Mark Masson and Guil Juliao

Tony’s Pizzeria – April 13, 2023
Keith G and the Universouls

…

Ventura Music Scene 4/5/23 – 4/18/23

Posted on April 2, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Every now and then someone comes to town that just puts on a smile on my face and I’m all in on figuring out how to get tickets the day, nay, the minute they go on sale. Case in point, Elvis Costello and the Imposters with special guest Charlie Sexton was announced and I secured tickets two minutes after they went live. We’re talking about such iconic tunes as “Everyday I Write the Book,” “Pump it Up,” “Alison,” “Watching the Detectives” and “She” which was an integral part of the movie Notting Hill. Ah the memories…remember that time he interrupted the Beastie Boys on Saturday Night Live and they broke into “Radio Radio”? On the same bill, will be Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets. Lowe, by the way, produced Costello’s first five albums. Elvis has two Grammy Awards under his belt and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and he plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, June 14. Hope to see you there!

Creed Bratton performs at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, April 8. Most people probably recognize Creed who played a fictional version of himself on nine seasons of NBC’s “The Office.” But know this, Creed is one heck of a musician having played lead guitar on the first four albums with the legendary Grass Roots. Soon after leaving the band, he continued to release solo records. His most recent record, While the Young Punks, was released in 2018 and he continued to write and record during the pandemic as did most artists with so much time on their hands.
Ventura Music Hall Ticket Link.

Here now a quick public service announcement: Do your homework! I have found anywhere from three to six different ticket vendors selling tickets to the same event, but not at the same price. Case in point, after seeing several complaints about the cost of tickets for Costello, I went to four different vendors and researched general admission tickets. The range went from $132 to $184. The service fees from $15.14 to $40.07 for each ticket. So yeah, do your homework.

Quick Notes: Numbskull Productions bring Good Riddance, Swingin’ Utters and Sweat to the Ventura Room at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 7; Pato Baton returns to Mrs. Olson’s for a night of reggae with Jacob Marques & the Good Vibes opening on Saturday, April 8; Dave Cipriani plays Namba, Saturday, April 8, he’ll also host a workshop at 5 pm; Will Breman from the Voice returns to Winchesters Grill & Saloon on Thursday, April 13; Shaky Feelin’ plays Ojai Valley Brewing on Friday, April 14; and Los Amigos is the band of choice for this month’s Channel Cities Jazz Club Sunday afternoon dance on April 16.

Ventura Music Scene 3/22/23 – 4/4/23

Posted on March 21, 2023 by venturarocks

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

We have a couple of music festivals lined up over the next week or two taking us from one end of the spectrum to the other, specifically punk to country, and from one end of town to the other, meaning, Ventura to Simi Valley. First, it’s Punk in the Park on Saturday, May 25 with Pennywise, Suicidal Tendancies, Strung Out, Fear, manic Hispanic and more at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, and then its Round Up Music Festival on Saturday, April 1, with Sawyer Brown, Aaron Goodvin, Justin Honsinger and more at Rancho Susana Park. Both of these are ticketed events.

I have more good news and more bad news: The good news, The Violent Femmes added a second performance of their 1983 debut album in its entirety at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, May 5; the bad news, it’s already sold out too.

Actor Danny Trejo launched a label a few years ago to help emerging artists, and now he has a compilation album dropping March 24, “Trejo’s Music Presents, Souldiez are Forever Volume I” with tracks from Cota & the Vibes, Pepe Marquez, Tarah New, Amoraa, Raquel and more…but hang on! Trejo’s Music Concert Series will make a stop at the Fillmore Towne Theater on Saturday, March 25 with live performances from those same artists and it’s hosted by Jimmy Reyes & Danny Trejo. Tickets available through Event Brite.

The official Libbey Bowl website hasn’t quite gotten around to posting upcoming events, but a couple of ticket outlets are already promoting and selling tickets for a number of them including: Beth Hart (solo) on May 6, Oingo Boingo (former members) on May 7, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on May 20, the rescheduled Judy Collins & Sophie B Hawkins on June 3, Missing Persons on June 3, Gin Blossoms on July 1, and Lyle Lovette on July 7. Beware: all ticket outlets do not charge the same, so shop around, I found tickets on Ticket Center, StubHub and Axs.

The Grape never disappoints. I’m loving the new venue location, its décor, full bar, staff, and stellar entertainment. If you haven’t yet done so, I highly recommend getting on their weekly email list where they highlight upcoming shows. Case in point, they wrote, “Ever heard of a working musician named Paul McCartney? Well, he won’t be able to make it, but this Wednesday (March 22) Denny Seiwell of Paul McCartney and Wings will be taking the stage with John Chiodini on guitar and Carey Frank on B3 Organ. I’m talking world class musicianship on out humble little stage in Ventura California. Life is good.”

Spring Winter Wine Walk & Vendor Fair is Saturday, April 1, downtown Ventura. The wine walk is a ticketed event, but everything else is free to take part of at this event.

Quick Notes: Reggae Thursday nights continue at Tony’s Pizzaria with Morie & the Heavy Hitters on March 23; Decent Criminal plays Gigi’s on Sunday, March 26 (tickets at TicketWeb); Alyse Korn and Robert Kyle CD release performance will be held at Beatrice Wood Center in Ojai on Sunday, March 26; Roman’s Weirdos, Birdbrain and Professional Americans play El Rey Cantina in Camarillo on Sunday, March 26; Cadillac Zack brings Canned Heat to Cantara Cellars on Friday, March 31; and Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts of the Alman Brothers Band) plays the Ventura Music Hall on Sunday, April 2.

Ventura Music Photos – March 2023

Posted on March 19, 2023 by venturarocks

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Fear – Lee Ving below (photo: Tony Cortez

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Dwarves (photo: Tony Cortez)

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Romper (photo: Tony Cortez)

The Grape – March 22, 2023
Denny Seiwell

The Grape – March 18, 2023
Tom Scott featuring Grant Geissman, Mitch Forman, Chris Colangelo, Gary Novak (photo: Seth Brandes)

The Ojai Underground – March 18, 2023
Tara Jeffrey

Winchester’s Grill and Saloon – March 17, 2023
The Pipes

Ventura Music Scene 3/8/23 – 3/21/23

Posted on March 5, 2023 by venturarocks

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

If the recent English Beat show at the Ventura Music Hall got your motor running for more ska, then you’re in luck! The 805 Ska Festival will be held at Oceanview Pavilion Performing Arts theater in Port Hueneme on March 18 with 8 Kalacas (Skacore from Orange County), Chencha Berrinches, Los Waraperos and more. This all ages show is $35 in advance (Eventbrite) or $40 at the door.

I have good news and bad news: The good news, The Violent Femmes will perform their 1983 debut album in its entirety at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, May 6; the bad news, it’s already sold out. BUT WAIT!!! A second show has been added for May 5.

There are a number of local artists holding CD/Album release parties including: Night Demon who will play a special show at Bombay’s on Thursday, March 16 with opening act Romper; Tommy Quayle will perform at Namba Performing Arts in support of his new release, Awakenings, on Saturday, March 18, and Karyn 805 will release her third recording, Gratitude, at Winchester’s on March 31. Meanwhile, Medicine Hat just released their new single, “She Comes and She Goes” and Anchor and Bear are back in the studio, so looking forward to new music from them.

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Friday this year, most venues are offering up Irish music and Irish specials to entice you into their doors. If you’d like something a little tamer, but a feast for the senses, then consider Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk at Namba Arts Studio. Phil is a legend around these parts being a fiddle champ and having played with legends such as Bob Weir. Joining him will be Tom Corbett on mandolin and guitar, Bill Knopf on banjo, Rick Borella on bass and Bill flores on everything else including steel guitar, and accordion. The program will include several genres such as rock, blues, country, jazz pop, bluegrass and of course traditional Irish.

Mark your calendars now: Joe Nichols has been added to the bill for Boots & Brews on May 7th; Ventura Theater just added Angel for a show on April 26, Angel has been rockin’ since the mid 70s; the Ventura Spring Wine Walk and Street Fair falls on Saturday, April 1; tickets for the Canned Heat show at Cantara on March 31 can be secured by contacting Cadillac Zack at (323) 377-5291; and the Guitar and Whiskey Club will open for Quiet Riot at the world famous Whiskey A-Go-Go on Saturday, March 25.

Quick Notes: Cool Hand Ukes play Saturday mornings at Harbor Cove Café; pianist Natasha Kislenko and Friends perform at the Ojai Art Center on Sunday, March 12; Los Lobos plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 12; Tony’s Pizzaria is offering live music again with the Stoneflys on Thursday, March 16, and Old School on Sunday, March 19; and finally, Barrelhouse Wailers will get you dancing at the House of Dance on Sunday, March 19.

Ventura Music Scene 2/22/23 – 3/7/23

Posted on February 23, 2023 by venturarocks

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

Between local promoters and the Canyon Club, there are a lot of great shows coming to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. I don’t need to tell you that it’s pretty great to be able to take in a show locally as opposed to traveling to Agoura Hills, plus they have quite a mix of genres to choose from including Grupo Bronco on Friday, February 24; a Pink Floyd tribute band, Which One’s Pink on Saturday, February 25 (opening acts are Prima Donna Rising & Zack Kirkorkian); the Ventura Music Festival presents Mnozil Brass on Thursday, March 2; The 3 Divas: Pops, Kuh & Jaya on Saturday, March 4; and Los Lobos on Sunday March 12 with special guest Gaby Moreno.

Namba Arts welcomes Ventura City Blitz on Saturday, February 25 for an evening of live rock, and eclectic music from several local artists including Sean Alan, Aaron Burch, The Late Knights, Tyler Indigo and more, then the following weekend, it’s a night of reggae with Bombafiya and Singular Nature on Saturday, March 4 followed up with a Sunday show featuring cool improvisational music from Boom Duo.

The Museum of Ventura County will play host for another brilliant Camerata Pacifica show, Emi Ferguson and Ruckus Play Bach. With a slew of period instruments including theorbo, baroque guitar and bassoon, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, they’ll explore Johann Sebastian Bach’s genius from multiple angles, bringing to life the limitless colors and nuances of his music.

Punk in the Park is coming up fast with Pennywise, Suicidal Tendencies, the Bouncing Souls, Strung Out, Fear, Dwarves and more. There will be two stages (they say set times will not overlap) and the day includes 3 hours of unlimited beer tastings. The event falls on Saturday, March 25 with tickets on sale through the promoter’s website at PunkInThePark.com.

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale for Night Demon’s record release show at Bombay’s on March 16 with Romper opening; tickets are also on sale for Boots & Brews starring Chris Young on May 7th at Surfer’s Point Live; the reschedule Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore at the Ventura Music Hall is Thursday, February 23; it’s old school punk night with Roman’s Weirdos at Gigi’s on Saturday, February 25; Shawn Jones along with Sam Bolle play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 25; Margarita Villa will have music on Sunday, March 26 with CRV (acoustic); Swing Shift play the Sportsman in Camarillo on Sunday February 26; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links returns to the Grape for a date with Barrelhouse Wailers on Friday, March 3; and The White Buffalo returns to Ventura for a show at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, March 4;

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Ventura Music Scene 5/18/23 – 5/30/23

Ventura Music Photos – May 2023

Ventura Music Scene 5/3/23 – 5/16/23

Ventura Music Scene 4/19/23 – 5/2/23

Ventura Music Photos – April 2023

Ventura Music Scene 4/5/23 – 4/18/23

Ventura Music Scene 3/22/23 – 4/4/23

Ventura Music Photos – March 2023

Ventura Music Scene 3/8/23 – 3/21/23

Ventura Music Scene 2/22/23 – 3/7/23