Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 1/7-1/20

Posted on January 5, 2015 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
2015 Will Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

We’ve wrapped up 2014 and we’re looking forward to what Ventura’s music scene will bring in 2015. I always love meeting new people, shaking hands, kissing babies and getting generous hugs from fellow music lovers. Ventura has about the coolest vibe going whether it’s catching a national touring act at the Ventura Theater, or attending a live show with visiting and local acts at Bombay’s, Squashed Grapes or Discovery who by the way welcome hometown big shots Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on January 23 in celebration of their one-year anniversary.

There’s new management at the Hong Kong Inn. They’ll continue to offer the Polynesian Review on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 then a live band to follow at 9:30. This month they’ve lined up Smokey and Friends, Martin and Macias, Teresa Russell, and Jodi Farrell. The shenanigans of The Velveteen Band will now hold down the fort the first Friday of the month at Bombay’s; however in February they’ll be rockin’ on the second Friday, Friday the 13^th, which seems apropos.

It’s no secret that Billy O’s will be closing their doors at their current location as the new hospital takes over the city block; but I’m assured they are looking for a new location. This town needs Billy O’s and the punk shows that come through there, not to mention those big ass pizzas! Sorry to hear that Mute on the Floor will be holding their final show Sunday, January 11; but what an amazing line up with the day starting at 1 pm with The Dictators NYC, Motor 666, Stalag 13 and at least eight more bands. Best wishes to Joel Perkins who will continue to be a force to deal with, just in different avenues promoting his bands.

Not only does the Tavern offer up Metal Wednesdays, but on Saturday, January 10 if metal is your brand of rock, you won’t want to miss New Year’s Metalution with Ruthless, Heretic, Six Pack of Doom and Raiju.

Hi Hat Entertainment welcomes Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown to the Ventura Beach Club on Friday, January 16.

Since the Ban-Dar called it quits so many years ago, we haven’t had too many country bands to support, so it’s way cool that Willie Nelson and friends are playing the Ventura Theater February 4, but bands like Highway Starr, CRV and now a new band on the scene, Pull the Trigger are giving country music fans a reason to get out of the house!

I spoke to JD Drury about Surf Rodeo and it’s been written in ink…well, make that “written in the sand,” that this year Surf Rodeo will inhabit lower Seaward and the beach for two days July 11 and 12^th. JD promised he’d keep me in the loop as soon as bands are announced later this spring, but do mark it on the calendar and plan to be a part of this two day family oriented music and surf event.

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

2015 Season to be Announced!

Posted on December 28, 2014 by venturarocks

The Ventura Music Festival to announce 21st Festival lineup on January 12th.

VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF: The Ventura Music Festival (VMF) kicks off the new year with a special program and briefing at 5:00 pm on January 12th at City Hall.
Focus: the concerts and artists of its 21st Season May 1 – 9, 2015.

The briefing, which is open to the public, includes:
Remarks by Mayor Cheryl Heitmann, herself a former VMF Executive Director .
Announcement of the 2015 program with video clips by Artistic Director Nuvi Mehta.
Performance by the winner of the VMF Student Jazz Competition, backed by the jazz trio Coda. The winner will have been selected the day before on Sunday, January 11th, in a program from 1 to 3 pm at the Wyndham Garden Pierpont Inn.

Press and public are invited to attend at no charge.

The VMF is already is selling tickets for its annual Latin Jazz Concert on Valentine’s Day, February 14th at the Majestic Ventura Theater. It’s the very hot Pacific Mambo Orchestra, the surprise winner of the 2014 Grammy for Latin Jazz. This 19-member Indy PMO funded their debut album with an $11,000 Kickstarter campaign and took it all the way! Ticket – buyers should prepare to dance in their seats or on the dedicated dance floor. Tickets are $50 to $15, available by calling (805) 648-3146 or online at venturamusicfestival.org.

ABOUT THE VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Ventura Music Festival is one of Ventura County’s signature arts events, presenting top classical, jazz and popular performing artists in various venues throughout the year. The festival was founded in 1994, and is a 501(c)(3) non
profit organization.
Media Contact: Susan Scott (805) 648-3146 x301
ss@venturamusicfestival.org

####
FACTS at a glance:
Announcement & briefing on Monday, January 12, 5:00 – 6:30
City Hall Atrium
501 Poli Street

No charge: public is warmly invited
Light reception from 6:00-6:30

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 12/24 – 1/6

Posted on December 23, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s a Wrap!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

We’re wrapping up 2014 and hoping for big things to come in 2015 for Ventura’s music scene. First things first, let’s take a look at our options for closing out the year. So many venues are pulling out the stops for New Year’s Eve beckoning patrons with some great music lined up. Discovery has Crooked-Eye Tommy and Guy Martin with Spencer from The Vibe keeping the dancing going; Bombay Bar and Grill will have crowd favorites Mandex, Shaky Feelin’ and Rising Son along with two DJs Carlism and Darko; W20 at the Watermark will offer music from Dr M and ADD; and Shawn Jones will rock in the New Year at Grapes and Hops. All the aforementioned venues have a cover and offer special beverages and food. Reservations are highly recommended to ensure admittance.

More venues offering music to bring in the New Year include Peirano’s with the Mighty Cash Cats, Gigi’s with Cynthia Manley, Keynote with Red Rhythm, the Wine Rack has Mark Heyes, Café Fiore with Mojo Box and of course Jonny Reese at Amigos has Toni Jannotta with some sexy jazz to warm up the evening at 6 and then the Iron Butterfly Experience will keep the party going until 1 am.

Play it safe and don’t drink and drive. Cabs will be out in abundance; have their phone number handy or better yet arrange for a designated driver who you will shower with gifts for taking the bullet this time around.

Kudos to Josh and Adam at Squashed Grapes for bringing the talent this year. They’ll be closing their doors after a Tillford Jackson Christmas special on Tuesday, December 23, until the end of the year, but they’ll be back January 2 with even more amazing jazz for 2015; Doug Webb with Danny Carey of Tool returns on January 9, they’ll have the Jim Calire Piano Trio on the 15, Karl Hunter’s Quartet on the 24 and so many cool jazz cats in-between. Please, I beseech you; if you haven’t been in to check out this cool venue, make it a point to do so in 2015.

Jan and Jerry of Hi-Hat Entertainment has really been bringing amazing shows and artists to Ventura for quite some time now and 2015 looks to be a stellar year for them at their new venue, the Ventura Beach Club. You won’t want to miss Albert Lee’s return to the stage along with Carl Sonny Leyland on January 2, and then on the 16th, it’s none other than Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown one of the earliest British blues bands touring since the mid Seventies.

I wish you love, joy and music for the New Year! Thanks for reading about Ventura’s music scene, much more to come in 2015.

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

Ventura Music Photos: December 2014

Posted on December 21, 2014 by venturarocks

Discovery – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Guy Martin

Discovery – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Crooked-Eye Tommy

Grapes and Hops – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Shawn Jones

Saloon BBQ – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mark Sellers

The Wine Rack – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mark Heyes with Brad Swanson (singing)

Bombay’s – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Mandex!

Amigo’s – December 31, 2014
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Iron Butterfly Experience

Bombay’s – December 20, 2014
Kiss Mas

Bombay’s – December 20, 2014
Bloody Mary Morning
Amigo’s – December 20, 2014
Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers

Gigi’s Cocktails – December 20, 2014
Pull The Trigger

Billy O’s – December 19, 2014
The NaVaNaX

Peirano’s – December 19, 2014
Ruben Estrada and Friends

Hi Hat Entertainment at Ventura Beach Club – December 19, 2014
Kim Wilson, Carl Sonny Leyland

ddd

Pennywise and The Dickies

Posted on December 14, 2014 by venturarocks

OMG!!! Wouldn’t you know it? I finally get scheduled for knee surgery, the one that will finally end the pain I’ve been enduring the past few months, but it’s on the same day as Pennywise and The Dickies??!

Pennywise has been touring in support of their eleventh studio album, Yesterdays, on Epitaph Records. The band’s date with The Dickies and D.I. hit our local Majestic Ventura Theater with a vengeance.

We’re eternally grateful to Cliff Montgomery for stepping up and covering the show for us. Cliff…you rock!! (See Cliff’s work: http://www.cliffpics.com/)

PENNYWISE:

PENNYWISE Merchandise:
http://www.pennywisemerch.com/
PENNYWISE Yesterday:
http://www.epitaph.com/artists/album/705/Yesterdays

THE DICKIES

D.I.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 12/10 – 12/23

Posted on December 8, 2014 by venturarocks

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

The Robert Cray Band played to an exclusive audience at the offices of Fitzgerald Hartley on Friday, December 5. The group had been playing at different Southern California venues over the past week as a part of a special project by Steve Jordan (Sonny Rollins, Keith Richards, John Mayer). They’ve been filming and recording to celebrate 40 years of the Robert Cray Band. Cray was in fine form playing his standards and a few covers as he welcomed top notch musicians to the stage including sax wizard Tom Scott, Steve Jordan and harp master Lee Oskar from War; the band’s rendition of “Slipping Into Darkness” was just one of the highlights of the evening. Oh! Shawn Jones opened. Always love the Jones!

I’m looking forward to the Dickies and Pennywise at the Ventura Theater on Friday, December 12. Since I heard they’d be in town, I haven’t been able to get “Stuck in a Pagoda with Tricia Toyota” out of my head. I figure seeing the Dickies live should be the cure. The Theater is also getting into the Christmas spirit with an afternoon Toy for Tots Holiday Sing-a-Long; the doors open at 3, performance at 4 and it is free to the public, you’ll want to take the whole family for this one.

Squashed Grapes has been having some pretty exclusive artists stopping in. Saturday, December 6 he had the Michael Barsimanto Trio with Mitch Forman (Stan Getz, Pat Metheny) on piano and Chris Colangelo (Count Basie Orchestra, The Tonight Show Band) on bass. Barsimanto (Freddie Hubbard, Billy Preston, Mark Isham). Bruce Forman who has performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s films, Million Dollar Baby, Flags of our Fathers and Hereafter, is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10. And to really get into the Christmas spirit, don’t miss Tilford Jackson’s Christmas Special on Tuesday, December 23^rd.

Ventura’s Winter Wine Walk was a complete success; not only did the event sell out, but Main Street was full of activity from noon well into the night with vendors stretching three blocks and live music at Main and California jam packed with family and friends enjoying the sounds of The Midnight Band and a snowfall to culminate the festivities. My VenturaRocks.com booth was well attended and we sold many shirts which should turn up under many Christmas trees this season.

Speaking of which, are you still looking for a unique gift idea? Well the gift of music is always a holiday favorite and giving a local band’s CD not only puts a smile on the recipient’s face, but it also helps our local artists. It’s a win-win situation! You can go to VenturaRocks.com Artist page to see which bands have CDs available, but of course many of our local artists CDs can be found in Very Ventura on California Street at the VenturaRocks.com Listening Station.

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

Interview: Nine Mile Skid

Posted on November 29, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Rocks got wind that there was a new collaboration going on, a new band, serious local musicians having some fun playing the Grateful Dead – so we had to investigate. Turns out our old and dear friend Chris Jensen is just one of the many talented artists in the band. They had played downtown Ventura on a Saturday afternoon, and I was super bummed to have to miss having an earlier obligation to fulfill. But I’m making it up by doing a little big of a Q&A with a few of the guys including the mastermind behind the project, Evan Grosswirth.

But before we continue, just a quick acknowledgement to Gary Sula-Goff for REPRESENTING. God I love seeing our t-shirts out and about!!

So Chris Jensen, you’re always working on so many different projects between your photography and a couple different bands at any given time. What do you have going currently?

Chris Jensen: This week it’s basically three, 9MS, 50xTNT (50 Sticks of Dynamite) and Fido which is presently booking their bi-annual show TBA…Swing Cheese seems to be on hiatus. I’m super excited about Nine Mile Skid though.

Big Dead fan Chris?

Chris: I purchased my 3 LP set of The Grateful Dead – Europe 72 when it came out in 1972…and devoured it.

So then whose bright idea was it to create this band?

Chris: That would be Evan Grosswirth…he’s our fearless leader.

Well Evan?

Evan Grosswirth: I started this band about six months ago because of my passion for Grateful Dead music. I wanted to join up with others that shared that enthusiasm. So we put together 9 Mile Skid.

What would you call the genre? Grateful Dead tribute band? Dead cover tunes?

Evan: The genre would be psychedelic jam Rock…. I guess! We are more of a Dead Cover band than an actual Tribute band…. if there’s really a difference.. With this music there is so much latitude to stretch out. And hey, the Dead never did the same song the same way anyway so……..

Chris: 9MS play homage to the music of the Grateful a Dead…all Dead all the time…including cult favorite songs e.g. “He’s Gone,” “Cumberland Blues,” “China Cat Sunflower,” “Mr. Charlie,” “Althea,” “Sugaree”, Eyes of the World” and others…let us know your favorite dead tune…we take requests!

Nine Mile Skid comes from The Grateful Dead song, “He’s Gone.” What were some other titles you guys have been throwing around for a name for the band?

Evan: I kicked around a few other names but everyone liked this and we decided to use it.

What era of Dead tunes are you covering? Are you staying away from the “radio favorites”?

Evan: We really are not concentrating on any time period, just trying to choose good tunes. But we are staying away from the ones that you can hear on the radio. But…. Truckin’ is always a favorite. You can do a pretty righteous jam on that one too.

Ventura has always been Dead friendly, more than other communities I’ve lived and worked in. Why do you think that’s so?

Evan: I really couldn’t say exactly why. I do know that our town has a very rich and vibrant music scene that can outshine most places in this country. I know that from all of the traveling that I’ve done by way of my job as a pilot. The vibe of Ventura definitely aligns with the Grateful Dead vibe . It’s a good fit.

Do you feel younger people embrace the Grateful Dead? If yes, why?

Evan: I am continually and pleasantly surprised to find the amount of younger people that dig this music. I think it’s all about the soul. The younger people who this music appeals to share the same soul as the folks who discovered it originally. It’s certainly not mainstream and we kind of like that. The people who dig it, really dig it. Not a lot of middle ground.

You guys have some social media in place to help spread the word? Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, stickers?

Evan: We just started playing out and we have a Facebook page that we just put up. As far as other social media,,,, nothing yet but that’s coming soon. I kind of figured that if a person wants to check out a Dead tune on Youtube, well they are more than likely going to want to see the original band , not some , uh, shall I say, Other Ones! But we do have Stickers!

What dates do you have lined up so far (doesn’t have to be just in Ventura)?

Chris: Dec, 10 at Green Art People, Dec 28 at Amigo’s

Thanks boys! Looking forward to seeing the band soon!!

The line up (per photo left to right)

Gary Sula-Goff (guitar) plays in Mojo Filter, The Delfinos, Arvee Park.

Paddy Marsh (guitar) Crooked Eye Tommy, The High Grade Pats, and the Lousy Drunken Uncles.

Brad Strickland (guitar) also plays with Mojo Filter and occasionally with his own jazz/rock band Fever Dream.

Chris Jensen (drums) from 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Fido, Swing Cheese.

Evan Grosworth (bass) has played with The Preachers and many others around town…you’ve undoubtedly heard Evan at the Wed blues jams at Bombay.

Roy Katnic (guitar) plays in Deadiquette and the Laundry Love Band.

Always to be sure to check in with VenturaRocks.com calendar listings for all future shows of Nine Mile Skid!

VenturaRocks.com Black Long Sleeved T-Shirts

Posted on November 25, 2014 by venturarocks

DO NOT ORDER…IN THE WORKS!

MENS

WOMENS

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/26 – 12/9

Posted on November 24, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Getting into the Swing of Things
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It’s good to have Alistair Greene back after hitting the road with Mickey Thomas and Starship earlier this month. Thomas is the voice behind such hits as “Jane,” “Find Your Way Back” (Jefferson Starship), and “We Built this City” as well as “Sara” (Starship). Greene told me, “I’m very fortunate to have the chance to play with such a legendary singer and band as Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. I’m filling in for my buddy John Roth who is on tour with Winger at the moment. Mickey and the band sound amazing, and it’s a blast playing all those great hits from his career. He still sounds like he did in the 70s!”

Nothing like a big band dance to get you into the holiday spirits! Ventura Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Swing soiree with the vocal stylings of Donna Greene will be at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 5, featuring great songs from all eras you can dance to. Call for ticket information at (805) 648-1143.

Speaking of a throwback to a “simpler” time, The Saloon BBQ at 456 E. Main Street will be throwing a bash also on Friday, December 5, with a Prohibition Repeal party, “The 21^st Amendment Jubilee”. There will be beverage specials all day long with live music starting at 8:00 with The Rachel Sorsa Band and their 1930’s style of jazz.

Chris Jensen from 50 Sticks of Dynamite gave me the head’s up about a project he’s been working on with fellow Ventura musicians, Evan Gosworth, Roy Katnic, Paddy Marsh, Brad Strickland and Gary Sula-Goff. It’s a Grateful Dead tribute band called Nine Mile Skid. They have a couple of dates lined up including December 10 at Green Art People, then on December 28 at Amigos’s on Main Street.

Under new ownership, Rock City Studios in Camarillo will be pulling out all the stops for their grand re-opening on Friday, December 5, with the national touring act, Dead Sara. The Galvanized Souls will open the show.

The Golden China is offering more music more often along with their nightly Karaoke. Thursdays continue to offer swing, Fridays have a DJ with Cumbia music and now Sunday evenings will be devoted to Reggae. Don’t forget they have an open mic night Tuesdays starting at 6:00 with the back line provided.

The whole family will enjoy the street fair along Main Street in downtown Ventura on December 6. What a great way to get unique gift ideas for the holidays including the highly prized VenturaRocks.com t-shirt! The Winter Wine Walk kicks off at 4:00 with snowfall at California and Main beginning at 6:45. Music will be provided by The Bomb, The Midnight Band and the British Beats.

And finally, congratulations to Todd Hannigan on his recent marriage to artist Brigette Lopez. They tied the knot in November in Ojai. I can’t wait to hear the music she’ll be inspiring out of him!

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