Nardfest 2014

Posted on July 17, 2014 by venturarocks

Celebrating 36 years of punk rock music in Ventura County

Nardfest is returning to the Ventura Theater on Saturday, August 16, 2014, for the second summer in a row. Tickets available at www.VenturaTheater.net/event/544449-nardfest-2-ventura/ and at Salzer’s Records in Ventura.

Here’s the lowdown on the schedule and bands:

3:00pm – Doors
3:30pm – Big Bob’s Wedding. Live on stage!
4:15pm – Boxheads (Tribute to RKL and Rat Pack)
5:00pm – The Last Priority
5:45pm – Circle One
6:30pm – Burning Dog
7:15pm – Agression
8:00pm – False Confession
8:45pm – Stalag 13
9:40pm – In Control
10:35pm – Ill Repute (What Happens Next 30th Anniversary)

The Bands

ILL REPUTE

Hometown favorites Ill Repute are slated to headline this year’s Nardfest. An American hardcore punk band from Oxnard, California, formed in 1981, they are noted for popularizing the “Nardcore” sound in the mid-1980s hardcore punk scene. With countless great albums released on Mystic and Dr. Strange Records, as well as their breakout single “Clean Cut American Kid” featured on Rodney on the Roq III, IR has become widely known as the ambassadors of Nardcore.
They are still performing today with three original founding members, Jim Callahan, John Phaneuf and Tony Cortez. Their drummer Chuck Shultz has been with them for over nine years.
On this special occasion, the band will be performing their classic 1984 full length album What Happens Next in its entirety to commemorate the 30^th anniversary. This is a must see!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZxNUYAh4q4

IN CONTROL

Reuniting exclusively for Nardfest, In Control took the scene by storm in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Taking their name from the iconic Stalag 13 record of the same name, IC carried the torch as the number one hardcore band to come out of the Nardcore scene, ushering in a new era. Gaining the attention of Indecision Records, the band went on to release a slew of 7” EPs, and more importantly their two juggernaut LPs The Truth Hurts, and Another Year. Multiple national tours and a grinding recording schedule brought the band to a halt in 2004. The band had said everything they wanted to say and it was time to hang it up. Many fans have been waiting for a proper IC reunion. Very pleased to say that day is upon us!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo_T9lZ8maQ

STALAG 13

Stalag 13 is a punk-hardcore straight edge band formed in 1980 in Oxnard, California. In 1983, the band recorded their first demo entitled simply Stalag 13, followed by the next year’s In Control on the label Upstart Records (later reissued by Dr. Strange Records). The group performed various concerts with Circle Jerks, Vandals, and Social Distortion to name a few. Gaining national and even world wide recognition, they have always been revered as one of the big 4 (Ill Repute, Stalag 13, Agression, and Dr. Know) to come out of Ventura County. Following the departure of original singer Ron Baird, new vocalist and scene legend John Crerar (The Missing 23^rd, Stop Breathing, T.F.W.) is now fronting the band and has added a whole new spark to the Stalag legacy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQxSIoy0xb0

FALSE CONFESSION

False Confession was a hardcore punk band in the early 1980s that emerged in the Oxnard, California area. They were among the founders of the “Nardcore” punk movement. Scotty Morris, the second bassist, played on the 1984 Mystic EP. He went on to form the swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy many years later to great success. Harry, the drummer, later joined Stalag 13 and played on the album In Control. He joined The Cramps as Harry Drumdini in 1994, and recorded several albums with them. Fred, the guitarist, later joined Dr. Know in the mid 80s and played on their first album Plug In Jesus. Israel, Harry, and Fred from the original lineup are currently joined by Ismael Hernandez, formerly from Dr. Know, who is now the lead bassist. They released a 12” LP of their 1983 demo titledOut of the Basement on Queer Pills Records in 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiZq6eHQG4

AGRESSION

Agression was an American punk band from Silver Strand Beach. One of the founding bands of the Nardcore scene and an early proponent of the skate punk genre, the band fused skate culture with the punk scene in a song about skateboarding (“Intense Energy”) and a Glen E. Friedman photo of Arthur Lake skating a pool on their first and most popular album, Don’t Be Mistaken. Following the deaths of vocalist Mark Hickey and guitarist Henry Knowles, the band had little left to give. Years later many fans still appreciate the music of Agression so much that there has been a resurgence within the band featuring original member Big Bob Clark, and long time drummer Mark Aber Rooney. To top it all off, Big Bob will be getting married on stage in a special ceremony performed by none other than Ill Repute lead vocalist John Phaneuf at this year’s Nardfest!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr2vlfuwrfk&list=PLebcneG61TJhdUQTu9rwvmlTW90hErdDr

BURNING DOG

Burning Dog was a punk band from Oxnard, CA. The band’s roots stem back to 1988 when Dave Bush (bass) asked Joe Rivas (guitar/vocals) to play in his then band, Dignity, after the tragic loss of their singer, John Lowry. That band became Burning Dog with the addition of Jon Winsted (guitar/vocals) and Morie Galeai (drums). In 1995, the band recorded and released a 7” EP on Edge Records calledPsycho Babble Ology followed a year later by a full length, Last Days. In 2000, the band released a full length record themselves, OK…But This Time with Feeling. After the “end” of Burning Dog as a band, each member has kept busy playing music. Dave plays bass in a band called Endless Monster (with Karl Alvarez of the Descendents). Jon enlisted other local musicians and formed Tornado Bait. Joe played guitar in 7DayWar and even spent a few years in Ill Repute, and currently plays in Out of Trust. Morie is one of the lead singers in the local Reggae sensation, Dirty Rice, and also plays bass in Out of Trust. On occasion over the last 14 years, Burning Dog has made special appearance reunions when called upon, usually to benefit a friend in need. Burning Dog is excited about the Nardfest show, with Dave flying out from Colorado and Jon driving down from San Luis Obispo (where he is an acclaimed tattoo artist), joining Joe and Morie one “last time”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtOTplIbM1M

CIRCLE ONE

John (“Big John”) Macias of the legendary hardcore band, Circle One, gave his life for punk rock and “The Scene”. Not only did he give his life, but along with the original line-up of Michael Ituarte, Mike Vallejo, and Bill Ituarte, created some of the baddest and most kickass hardcore music. They lived the lifestyle and fought the social and political wars that embodied the nation during the Reagan Era. Circle One was very instrumental in getting Ill Repute started as a band. They have had Nardcore ties since the early 80s, performing many legendary shows in the area.
Guitarist, songwriter, and original founding member, Mike Vallejo, has kept the band going with its various line-up changes throughout the band’s 30 years of hardcore punk rock history. He is now recapturing the same force and passionate train-wreck of its beginning stages.
The new line-up marks the return of original songwriter and founding member Michael Ituarte on bass, joined by drummer Nick Manning (Vice Squads), and Jeremy Eagle Perryman on vocals (STD’s), bridging the new by reclaiming old school standards that still feel like a “punch to the face”!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdpGQTOlcbw

THE LAST PRIORITY

Formed in 1999, The Last Priority brought a new youthful energy to the Nardcore scene.

They were featured on numerous compilation CDs, had three releases on Smash Em Out (The Last Priority EP, Just Us 7″, and the TLP/Cluster Fux 7″ split) as well as their last record,Amerika’s Hijacked, released on Burning Tree Records. The band will be reuniting exclusively for Nardfest, giving their fans reason to celebrate, especially given their previously being banned from the Ventura Theater following the infamous riot in 2002.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNHHKHmjyYw

BOXHEADS (Tribute to RKL and Rat Pack)

The Boxheads are from Santa Barbara, CA, consisting of ex-members of RKL, Rat Pack, Buck Wild, and Versus The World. Originally formed in 1983, the band did well playing a lot locally, the members always remaining friends even when they split off into different projects through the years. The Boxheads were on the back burner for a while, but in 2012 the band reformed with its best lineup ever. This year they will be performing a special set comprised of favorites from RKL and Rat Pack. With the deaths of Jason Sears (RKL vocalist) and Matt Rat (Rat Pack vocalist), this will be a fitting tribute to them, as well as a special treat for the fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJSJ3qCsOzA

PUNK ROCK CHRONICLES

Clean Cut American Kids: The Story of Ill Repute is True Underground Network’s first biography in the Punk Rock Chronicles series. The Punk Rock Chronicles aims to highlight various punk rock icons, including the legendary band, Ill Repute. Each biography will be packaged with a DVD documentary to complement the story. True Underground Network has joined forces with Canadian Bacon Films and Firehook Entertainment to create a visually appealing and truly engaging book and documentary. The book and DVD combo will be released at Nardfest on August 16, 2014. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/thepunkrockchronicles

Surf Rodeo 2014

Posted on July 15, 2014 by venturarocks

Surf Rodeo: July 12 & 13, 2014. Ventura, California. Seaward down to the ocean.

Ventura Rockin’ It

Posted on July 7, 2014 by venturarocks

It’s been a little over five years since I started on this labor of love and I couldn’t be more jazzed about Ventura’s music scene. People are taking notice and more music lovers are venturing out to test the waters visiting venues who provide live music.

There are supporters who swear by VenturaRocks.com. They’ve book-marked the website on their home computers and on their mobile devices. They map out what’s up and head out for a fun night on the town. Honestly that’s the main reason I spend so much time researching and working with venues to get their listings; I too want a one-stop resource live music entertainment guide, at a glance!

VenturaRocks.com was my brainchild and was born out of the desire to help our economy when it took a major hit back in 2009. I wanted to inspire people to support venues who provide live music. And while we do list DJs and Karaoke, make no mistake about it, VenturaRocks.com is all about our live music scene. I continue to keep my promise to never charge the venues and to never charge the artists who play here in Ventura; and just so you know, that promise does not include promoters or special events. I’ve been working with these folks on “in-kind” trade where I promote them, in exchange for a booth or media mentions. It does not cost them to do this, so I think that’s totally fair for the amount of coverage given them.

It’s been such a pleasure getting to know our venue owners and artists. The gamut of personalities range from sweethearts to dickheads, but you get that in all sectors of society. I’ve never blackballed any artist or venue, but like I always say, that doesn’t mean I have to “show them the love,” and by that I mean, attending shows, spending my own money, taking photos, checking in on social media, etc… I’ll be honest, I’ve shed a tear or two by the rudeness thrown my way from time to time; I take note, try not to hold a serious grudge and look at the bigger picture: Making Ventura ROCK. But, the temporary set backs in my enthusiasm are gratefully short-lived. There are too many fans of the website, too many awesome artists and venue owners who get it, that I can’t help but continue to create VenturaRocks.com.

For five years we’ve covered all the costs for this operation. T-shirt sells don’t defray the expense of investing in them mostly because I can’t stand to sell them for more than $10 or $15. I want them affordable and I want people wearing them! I’ve started a banner ad program, and I’ve placed a donation button on our homepage. We’ve started to receive a couple of contributions and for this we are grateful.

I’m super excited about this town and the support for live music. Riding my bike up our beautiful coast on the 4th of July, I stopped at the Pier for Raging Arb and the Redheads, then continued up on Main Street where the Street Fair was being held. I stepped in for Shawn Jones at Grapes & Hops and Alan Peterson who was visiting from North Carolina at Saloon BBQ Co. Families were out, the vibe was amazing, and the artists were inspiring reminding me yet again that Ventura certainly rocks!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 7/9 – 7/22

Posted on July 6, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
Surf Rodeo’s UP!!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It’s time for Surf Rodeo baby! Count on plenty of bathing suits, cowboy boots and hats, surf competitions, beer gardens, activities for the kids and tons of music! There will be live bands on two stages running all day Saturday and Sunday July 12 and 13. Food, vendors and more line up and down Seaward from Pierpont to the sand, then on the beach they’ll have two beer gardens, the surf competition and two stages – one on each end – alternating live acts all day. Headlining acts are Cisco Adler on Saturday and Pato Banton on Sunday. We’re looking forward to also catching Jukebox Mutiny, Medicine Hat, Shaky Feelin’, Ska Daddyz, Jackass, The Vonettes, Raging Arb and the Headheads, and more. The full listing and ticket information can be found at SurfRodeo.org. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Just announced, Jade Hendrix has taken up a Saturday night residency at Grapes and Hops on Main Street. Reggae rockers, Tribal Seeds, have been on the road in support of their new release, “Representing,” you can catch them at the Ventura Theater on July 18. Nate Birkey will play at Squashed Grapes on Wednesday, July 23 and another special guest has been lined up for Saturday the 26th….mum’s the word; but trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

A couple of events to mark on the calendar, first the Ventura Beach Party along with a ½ marathon and 5k run on September 6 and 7 along the promenade. Two days of music, vendors, free kid activities and more. We love that proceeds from the beer garden will benefit Pier Under the Stars and Ventura Rotary club. And then, there’s the California Beer Festival on the weekend of September 20 and 21 at Mission Park downtown Ventura. Along with all the fabulous beer, music on Saturday features Rey Fresco, Dr. M and Petty Theft; then on Sunday, bring your blues chairs for the Blues and BBQ Festival. More info can be found at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com/Ventura.

And finally we’re sad to hear the Jeff Hershey is retiring from Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats. Originally formed in 2008, the band had two U.S. tours, three European tours, two E.P’s, two singles and a sold out debut LP. The highly dynamic stage show was always a crowd pleaser yet physically demanding and as Hershey put it in an online post, “We probably could ride this thing out till we’re old and frail and have to be propped up on the stage, but that is something has holds no interest for me. I want to go out on top and present the show the way it is and was always meant to be.” Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeat’s final show will be Saturday, August 9th at Olivas Adobe for Concert Under the Stars. Call (805) 658-4726 for ticket information. We’re hoping to see this one sell out!

Do 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: July 2014

Posted on July 6, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura County Fair – July 31, 2014
The Beach Boys w/ John Stamos

Amigo’s – July 27, 2014
Dave Gleason

W20 at the Watermark – July 27, 2014
Shawn Jones with Mario Calire and Jaymes Edward Felix

Squashed Grapes – July 26, 2014
Casey Abrams – with Zach Lodmer, Jacob Scesney, Adam Clark, and guest appearance by Karl Hunter.

Olivas Adobe, “Music Under the Stars” – July 26, 2014
Spencer the Gardener

Bombay Bar and Grill – July 25, 2014
Brothers Gow

The Wine Rack – July 25, 2014
Cakewalk Trio

Grapes and Hops – July 25, 2014
Funkaphonics

Saloon BBQ – July 25, 2014
The Deer Leg Band with Jonathan McEuen sitting in.

The Star Lounge – July 25, 2014
CRV

Panchos – July 25, 2014
Big Adventure

Museum of Ventura County – July 25, 2014
Sin Chonies – Screening of “The Big Lebowski”

Squashed Grapes – July 23, 2014
Nate Birkey, with Tom Buckner on Sax, Peter Buck on drums, Jim Connolly on bass and Rachel Flowers on piano.

Peirano’s – July 22, 2014
Estrada Brothers

Yolie’s – July 18, 2014
Jerry’s 50th Birthday Party Bash:
Albert Lee, Brent Harding, Jerry McWorter, Jimmy Calire

Discovery – July 18, 2014
Standard Deviance
Squashed Grapes – July 18, 2014
L.J. and the Boyz

Squashed Grapes – July 15, 2014
XD-7

Surf Rodeo – July 12 – 13, 2014
Pato Banton, Cisco Adler, Suburban Legends, Jukebox Mutiny, Sweet N Low, more…

Squashed Grapes – July 11, 2014
Rachel Flowers

Bombay Bar and Grill – July 5, 2014
Mandex

Saloon BBQ Co. – July 4, 2014
Alan Peterson

Grapes and Hops – July 4, 2014
Shawn Jones

Beach House Tacos – July 4, 2014
Raging Arb and the Redheads

Squashed Grapes – July 1, 2014
Jazz Jam #1

Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats calling it Quits

Posted on June 28, 2014 by venturarocks

Official retirement press release – 06/28/14

Today is a highly emotional day, as I am officially announcing my retirement from Jeff Hershey and The Heartbeats. What originally started out as a personal experiment of mine with the release of the first 45 vinyl single in 2008 and the intention of only playing one show, turned into 2 U.S. tours, 3 European tours, 2 EPs, 2 singles, a sold out debut LP, and a lot of blood and sweat left on the stage. I am very proud of the accomplishments this band has made, and of the many fans around the world to whom we gave a reason to party and celebrate music in its purest form. My goals for this project materialized into something that has far exceeded my expectations. The kind of show we put on is nothing short of an athletic sport and very physically demanding. We probably could ride this thing out ’til we’re old and frail and have to be propped up on the stage, but that is something that holds no interest for me. I want to go out on top and present the show the way it is and was always meant to be. We will be performing our final show at the 2014 Music Under the Stars concert at the Olivas Adobe in Ventura on Saturday, August 9th at 7:00 pm. We welcome any and all who would like to attend this special farewell performance. I thank you all for the support and the great memories. This has truly been one hell of a chapter in my life and the lives of many others.

I love you all,
Jeff Hershey

I would like to personally thank the following people for directly making the entire JH+HB experience what it was:

My bandmates: Sam Bolle, Joe Baugh, Kyle O’Donnell, Tony Cicero, Rivkah Ross, Erik Carlson, Bonnie Buitrago, Johnny Marston, Ashley Jarmack, Ron Dziubla, Max McDonald, Eric Monteith, Brent Harding, Nathaniel Morgan, Robin Ryder, Owen Bucey, Ron Baldwin, Bruce Kimmell, and Mike Stinnett.
Co-Writer: Chris J.
U.S. Label and art direction: Donny Phillips and James Lockwood at Siren Records
U.S. Publicist: Nate Sirotta at Impulse PR
European Agency: Jair Hoogland at Sedate Bookings
European Label: Marco Traxell at Soundflat Records
Producer and engineer: Pete Curry, Ron Baldwin, Armand Tambouris

As a bonus, we have released the never before heard Rockabilly Covers EP as a free download on our Bandcamp page. This was our first recording ever done as a band. This EP features cover versions of the popular songs “Red Hot” (Robert Gordon), “I’m On Fire” (Bruce Springsteen), “Lonesome Town” (Ricky Nelson), and “When Will I be Loved” (The Everly Brothers). The band featured on this is Jeff Hershey (all vocals), Joe Baugh (guitar), Tony Cicero (drums), and Brent Harding (bass). Enjoy!

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 6/25 – 7/8

Posted on June 24, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
It’s Really Warming Up!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

We wrapped up Ventura Music Week Sunday, June 15, with a bang at Discovery Ventura. The talent on that stage blew everyone away! You knew the guitar work would be hot with Tommy Marsh kick starting the evening with Erik Lemaire joining in. Then a slight changing of the guard as Alastair Greene, Mark Masson and Guy Martin did a jam no one would soon forget. Over 100 bands, 40 venues, 10 days and 1 city. Can I get an “Amen”?

What a way to officially kick off summer with the WARPED Tour and a surprise last minute announcement that Linkin Park would be on the bill. The band got to try out new material as they gear up for their official tour kicking off in August. Here at home, we’re looking forward to all the local events that are lined up. First and foremost on our radar is Surf Rodeo taking place between the ocean and Pierpont Blvd along Seaward and on the sand. The street will have vendors and tons of food, the sand will have beer gardens, two stages of music and surf competitions going both days, July 12 and 13. The music lineup is massive, just some of the acts you can catch are Pato Banton, Suburban Legends, Raging Arb and the Redheads, SkaDaddyz, Shaky Feelin’, Jukebox Mutiny, Medicine Hat and a lot more. Get tickets and the lowdown at www.SurfRodeo.org.

Music Under the Stars held each year at the historic Olivas Adobe has a killer lineup as the producers mixed it up a bit. Some of the acts coming through include Queen Nation, Spencer the Gardener, Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats, Rob Rio & the Revolvers, and more. Get the dates and ticket links at VenturaRocks.com.

The Ventura Fairground’s music lineup has piqued our interest with The Beach Boys, The Spinners, Deep Purple, Seether, Creedence Clearwater Revisted, and more scheduled during the running of the Fair. And yes, we did say, DEEP PURPLE. Shows are free with paid admission to the fair. Dates can be found at VenturaRocks.com.

And finally, Spencer Makenzie’s 5th annual End of Summer Block Party will be held August 23rd and 24th. Yeah, we know Summer just started, but you should know the dates so you don’t schedule your vacation over this weekend! Two days of live music includes acoustic sets from Owen Bucey, Evan Sula Goff, Zeke Berkely, Aaron Orbit, Bloody Mary Morning and more; and then the main stage will feature Rey Fresco, After the Smoke, Shaky Feelin’, Stoneflys, Ventura Social Club and more! And just so you know, their popular Thrown Down competition (cornhole/bean bag tournament) offers a $3,000 first prize.

Do 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: June 2014

Posted on June 14, 2014 by venturarocks

Amigos – June 29, 2014
Medicine Hat & Matt Armor

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 28, 2014
Derek Jennings, Shane Alexander & Alicia Murphy

W20 – June 22, 2014
Shawn Jones

Ventura Fairgrounds, Vans Warped Tour – June 22, 2014
Linkin Park with Jeremy of the Devil Wears Prada

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 21, 2014
Rey Fresco

Squashed Grapes – June 21, 2014
50/50 Band with Rachel Flowers (keyboards and flute), Tom Buckner (sax), Domenic Genova (bass) and Tina Raymond (drums)

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 20, 2014
8Stops7

Bloody Mary Morning

VENTURA MUSIC WEEK PHOTO GALLERY

Miscellaneous Shots

Discovery Ventura – June 15, 2014
Ventura Music Week Wrap Party

Winchesters Grill and Saloon – June 15, 2014
The Catterwailers

Saloon BBQ Co. – June 15, 2014
Ted Waterhouse

The Star Lounge – June 15, 2014
Robert Thomas Band

Ventura Harbor Carousel Stage – June 15, 2014
DejaBlu

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 14, 2014
Mandex

SolTree on back stage

Sans Souci, June 14, 2014
Iron Outlaws

The Hong Kong Inn – June 14, 2014
The New Vibe

W20 at the Watermark, June 14, 2014
Drunken Monkeys

Discovery Ventura, June 14, 2014
Jonny Two Bags
The Americans

Billy O’s – June 14, 2014
Whiskey Stone

Winchesters Grill and Saloon, June 14, 2014
Camp Franco

Squashed Grapes – June 14, 2014
Barrelhouse Wailers

Four Brix – June 14, 2014
Kelly’s Lot

The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 14, 2014
Mitchell Blake

Amigos, June 13, 2014
Spencer the Gardener

Grapes & Hops – June 13, 2014
Otis Hayes III

Yolies, June 13, 2014
Alastair Greene Band – CD Release Party

W20 at the Watermark, June 13, 2014
Mini Driver

Saloon BBQ Co. – June 13, 2014
Mighty Cash Cats

Peirano’s – June 13, 2014
Tony Ybarra and Friends

Keynote Lounge – June 13, 2014
Crosscut

Squashed Grapes – June 13, 2014
Fausto Cuevas

Bombay Bar & Grill, June 12, 2014
Musicians Brew with Coso, Brian Nicolet, Joe Baugh, Adam Clark & Josh Myers

Amigos, June 12, 2014
Gypsy Blues Band with special guest BB Chung King

Rookees, June 12, 2014
Rubberneck Lions

Golden China Restaurant, June 12, 2014
Carl Sonny Leyland Trio: Swing Night

Saloon BBQ Co., June 12, 2014
Mark Sellers

Pulse Drumming Drum Clinic at Squashed Grapes, June 12, 2014
Brad Dutz & Nick Mancini

Squashed Grapes, June 11, 2014
Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny

Rufus Philpot, Karl Hunter, Aaron McLendon, Andy Langham & Hans Ottsen.

Discovery Ventura, June 11, 2014
Dylan Schmidt and the Rhythm Souls

Green Art People – June 11, 2014
Shaky Feelin’

Milano’s Italian Restaurant – June 10, 2014
Bluegrass Jam (Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month)

Historic Ventura City Hall, June 10, 2014
Visual Arts Event celebrating local photographers & videographers who capture our live music. Special screening of “Drummer Wanted: Dean Zimmer”

Amigos, June 9, 2014
Joey Billingiere blues jam with special guest Tommy Marsh

Century Theater 10 Downtown – June 9, 2014
20 Feet From Stardom Screening

Amigos – June 9, 2014
Karen Eden, Bill Macpherson & Doug Johnson

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 8, 2014
Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers CD Release party

Amigos – June 8, 2014
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish

The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 8, 2014
The Space Band

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Los Dudes

Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Deer Leg

W Gallery – June 7, 2014
The Global Guitar Greats Tour: Shawn Jones, Stephen Inglis, Thomas Leeb

Museum of Ventura County – June 7, 2014
SRO Benefit – Highway Starr

Pulse Drumming – June 7, 2014
Bongo Workshop with Fausto Cuevas

Grapes and Hops – June 6, 2014
Jade Hendrix

W20 at the Watermark – June 6, 2014
The Legalizers

The Patio at Players Casino – June 6, 2014
Teresa Russell

Yolies – June 6, 2014
Babylon Social Club

The Wine Rack – June 6, 2014
Warren Takashaki and Friends

Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant – June 6, 2014
The Latin Touch
805 Bar and Grilled Cheese – June 6, 2014
Unkle Monkey

Gone West Cellars – June 6, 2014
Dave Blanchard

Discovery Ventura – June 6, 2014
Alligator Dave, Dave Grizzle
“First official act performing during Ventura Music Week!”

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 6/11 – 6/24

Posted on June 11, 2014 by venturarocks

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

Ventura Music Week (VMW) is in full swing. We’re into the fourth year and each year it just keeps getting better. What’s so interesting about this particular event is that it is put together by a committee of people who are committed to seeing Ventura’s music scene grow: Kat Merrick from Totally Local VC, Kevin Clerici and Meredith Hart from the DVO (Downtown Ventura Organization), Peter Brown and Lilly Rudolph from the City of Ventura, Sam Benner from Benner Communications, David Comden from the VC Reporter and myself from VenturaRocks.com. There’s no payroll. The venues all pay a small fee to become an “Official Participating Venue” and as such they are promoted via newspaper ads, posters, handouts, social media and on the official website at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com . What is so amazing is that venues know that the small fee to participate gets them some recognition, but more than that they are contributing to a bigger goal of letting everyone know what an awesome music scene we have here. If you’re reading this column, chances are you already know that. But we hope to reach even more people and inspire them to check out some of the most incredible live music available to them right here in Ventura.

Ventura Music Week kicked off the night before the official day on Thursday, June 5th, with a party at the Knights of Columbus in downtown Ventura. Rey Fresco, Raging Arb and the Redheads, the Dan Grimm Band, Mark Masson and friends and more played to a crowd that supports local music. Councilman Carl Morehouse attended to give Raging Arb an official Recognition from the City for their contributions through the years to our music scene. And the VMW committee also recognized the boys with our Ventura Music Week award of Excellence. Between JR Drury and Surf Rodeo, and Ross Emery bringing in over 10,000 visitors for Roadshow Revival: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash, well these guys know how to contribute in a big way.

In attendance we had so many of the venue owners to help kick off the festivities from Peiranos, the Wine Rack, Keynote Lounge, Winchesters, Bombays, W20 at the Watermark, Amigos, Grapes and Hops, and more. Polly and Steve Hoganson (Zoeys fame), Owen Bucey (Army of Freshmen, The Calamity), Charles and Christine Law, Adam Clark, Jodi Farrell, Michelle Corbin, Guy Martin (who joined Raging Arb for a song or two), Gary Best, Bryan McCann (Instrumental Music/Sax), Kelly Zirbes (Kelly’s Lot), Doug Johnson, Chuck Vincent, Josh Myers, Darrin Yarbrough, Edwin C Dies and more, not to mention the dozens of artists playing with each band…and all the fans. What a night!

Over 100 bands, 40 venues, 10 days, 1 city!!! Yeah, this city Rocks! Ventura Music Week runs through Sunday, June 15.

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

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 5/28 – 6/10

Posted on May 27, 2014 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
So Very Ventura!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

It was incredible hearing Keb Mo up close and personal as he dropped in for a four-song set at Salzer’s Records on May 13. He hung around before and after signing memorabilia and CDs and chatting with fans for quite some time. One of my old school rock heroes, Vinny Appice, held a drum clinic for Pulse Drumming on Saturday, May 17; I swung by for the meet and greet but hung out for awhile as he started the clinic and Q&A. The best answer of the day was when he was asked by the mother of a drum student if it would be good for a beginning student to learn genres other than rock or metal, to which Appice replied, “There is no other genre.” It was loud to be sure, but oh so incredibly good! And of course, we had to catch Eric Burdon at the Libby Bowl in Ojai. Yes, he hadn’t been touring so much, and yes it was his 73rd birthday, but the man still has it! What a great night with such a rock and roll icon!

Ventura Music Week runs June 6th through the 15th with a special Kick-Off Party on Thursday, June 5 in Figueroa Plaza at the Knights of Columbus Hall, featuring local favorites Rey Fresco, Ragging Arb and the Redheads along with guest performances by many of the area’s top talent. It’s free and open to the public beginning at 7:00 pm. The next day begins ten days packed full of events including drum clinics at Pulse Drumming; an open house at Parsons Guitars; a June 9 screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, “20 Feet From Stardom” at the Century 10 Downtown theater; a tribute to those who capture music on film and video with a Visual Music event June 10 at Ventura City Hall; a wine and beer tasting fundraiser in the gardens at the historic Mission San Buenaventura; plus the Global Guitar Greats tour stops at the W Gallery on June7. Of course the big culminating event will be the Roadshow Revival: a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash on Saturday, June 14 with headliners Los Lobos.

And finally, we found yet another opportunity to help our local music scene here in Ventura with a VenturaRocks.com Local Music Listening Station at the brand new store called Very Ventura at 79 California Street. Michael Mendelson and Angela Rosales recently opened their doors offering local artists and vendors a place to showcase and sell their art, t-shirts, jewelry, knick knacks and now music! Currently you can listen then buy CD’s from Dirty Rice, Shaky Feelin’, Charles Law and Jagged, Donna Deussen and Paul Weitz Trio, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, The Rubberneck Lions, and the brand new one from Bloody Mary Morning.

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