Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser

logoBombay Bar and Grill
Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ventura came together yet again to help.  This time it was to help get Tommy Marsh and the band to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in a couple of weeks.  The line up was phenomenal with Guy Martin, Mikey Mo, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jourique & the Uptown Brothers, 4 on the Floor, Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies.  Plus Tommy’s two bands played.  First Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog opened the show, and then the band of the hour, closed the show as Crooked Eye Tommy and fellow bandmates, brother Paddy Marsh, Jimmy Calire, Tony Cicero and Glade Rasmussen tore it up.

The fans showed up, danced, and bought raffle tickets.  They also entered to win a Gibson SB Robot guitar which after all was said and done went to Lester Gray.  Congratulations you bastard.  I thought for sure one of my two tickets would be lucky!

Crooked Eye Tommy FundraiserWe had a blast hanging with good friends and family. Loved how Ventura Singles Rock showed up to support. Several local musicians showed up to show the love.  Kat from Totally Local VC and Sandy from the Tom and Sandy Show were on hand to make announcements. And though Kelly and Perry from Kelly’s Lot performed early, they stayed to the very end keeping it extremely lively.  Kelly, you’re a hoot. Thanks for sporting the shirt babe!  And the volunteers were all cheerful and enjoying the music.  And again Diana Boydstun, your such an asset.  Every time I’ve called to ask for your help on a fundraiser, you have never hesitated.  So glad to see that you had a blast and just know, I’ll be calling on you again! And Seth Brandes, thanks so much for being there helping and taking such great photos!

Diego and the staff at Bombay’s are a class act.  Armand John Lizzy and Chris Husted  did a terrific job running sound on the two stages.

And Tommy couldn’t have been more humble.  He sincerely deserves this show of support.

Now it’s MEMPHIS BABY!!!  Good luck Crooked Eye Tommy, do Ventura proud and represent us well.

 

 

 

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 1/8/14 – 1/21/14

breezeVentura Music Scene
All Hans on deck
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called Music for Mind Movies. While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician.  He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, Life on the Edge, in exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time?  He told me, “I got the band Tico Trio in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one in early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them.  Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind.  Music For Mind Movies.”   You can buy the new EP at www.HansOttsen.Bandcamp.com

The Ventura County Concert Band (VCCB) is celebrating their 50th season with their next performance scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Ventura High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. VCCB is a non-profit Community Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Julie Judd based here in Ventura.  They perform for the community free of charge 4 times a year. Take the whole family for an incredible show.

And two shows to watch for at the Majestic Ventura Theater this month.  If you like grooving to what they call “Sunshine Reggae,” you won’t want to miss Iration on Friday, January 24 and then Grammy award winning Country artist Dwight Yoakum will be kicking it up on Friday, January 31, as he continues to tour in support of his latest release, “3 Pears.”  Contact Ventura Theater for ticket availability.

And don’t forget we’re helping to get Tommy Marsh to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Fundraiser is Sunday, January 12 at Bombay’s with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Mikey Mo, Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies, 4 on the Floor, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, and Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. All this amazing music for only $10 plus it helps get Crooked Eye Tommy to the competition.  See you there!!!

Have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Send all information short or long:  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Top Ten Gift Ideas

The holidays are fast approaching and maybe you’re like my friend Lynn who finished shopping for perfect gifts months ago, or like me, you are still psyching yourself up to hit the shopping centers dreading the hordes of people, long lines and canned Christmas music.  Before you contemplate slipping into body armor, I have an idea!  (And if you know me you know what I’m about to say) Give the gift of music!  I’ve put together a list of a few artists who call the 805 their home or play in the area regularly.

  • White BuffaloThe White Buffalo’s latest release “Shadows Grey & Evil Ways” is deep, powerful, hypnotic. If you’re an avid fan of the popular biker saga Son’s of Anarchy you’ll recognize The Buffalo’s songs/voice woven beautifully into the storyline. Genre: Americana/Folk   www.thewhitebuffalo.com
  • Shane AlexanderShane Alexander  A voice blessed by the Gods along with amazing guitar work his newest effort “ Ladera“ will want you pressing repeat again and again. Genre: Folk/Pop/Rock www.shanealexandermusic.com
  • Delaney GibsonDelaney Gibson’s 3rd full length album “Tall Like the Tree” reflects her growth since moving out of Ventura and maturing through experiences in life and love.  Fans still get the satisfaction of her soaring vocals but with the added bonus of a fully formed lyricist. Genre: Pop/Theatrical  www.delaneygibson.com
  • john fullbrightJohn Fullbright’s first record was Grammy nominated and rightly so.  A brilliant songwriter we are waiting with bated breath for new stuff ‘cause we can’t get enough.  Until then “From the Ground Up” will do nicely. Genre Americana/Folk www.johnfullbrightmusic.com
  • Reverend Tall Tree Reverend Tall Tree & the Blackstrap Brothers, AKA Chris Pierce’s newest musical project, has finally recorded their soul stomping sounds. The self-titled album is in limited release. Snap them up quick.  Genre: Driving Blues/Gospel/Howling harmonica www.reverendtalltree.com
  • LissieLissie – On a world-wide tour in support of her newest record “Back to Forever”, smoky, explosive vocals, crazy-amazing hooks, Lissie harkens comparisons to Janis. But know this – she is absolutely her own woman.  Genre: Rock/Pop/Folk   www.lissie.com
  • Milk Carton KidsThe Milk Carton Kids – Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale were solo artists who then joined forces a short three years ago and are conquering, bludgeoning, slaying the Americana world.  Zoey’s was honored to have been a part of their very first live recording “Retrospect “.  Pick that up along with “Prologue” and their latest “The Ash and Clay.” You’ll thank me later.  Genre: Folk/Americana   www.themilkcartonkids.com
  • Brian WrightBrian Wright thoughtfully weaves imaginative tales of pain, love and woe. Close your eyes and enjoy the ride of “Rattle Their Chains” Genre: Americana/Rock-n-Roll www.brianwrightmusic.com
  • MassengerMassenger. The ultimate Ventura Indie band their record “Massenger” is all things good about Ventura beach life. With the able bodied vocalist Sasha Green and support by Seth Pettersen this is a gem. Genre: Surf/punk/pop/rock www.massenger.bandcamp.com/
  • 50 Sticks of Dynamite50 Sticks of Dynamite – A fan of their live shows we do have to recognize the hardest working band in the city and their latest record “Love, Dream, Truth, Love”.  If only for the fact that lead singer Ian MacFadyen plays electric banjo! Genre: Banjo fueled Rock N Roll.  www.50sticks.com

Heart & Soul Benefit Concert for Polly

The concert was held at Bombay Bar and Grill in Ventura, CA, on Sunday, November 24, 2013.
Polly
Sometimes it just feels good being able to help someone else.  But, it feels even better when you’re giving back to someone who has done so much for others; and that is why the music community came together for Polly Hoganson.  They came because she needed assistance.  They came because they felt indebted for what she and her husband Steve had done for them and for the music community.  They came because they wanted to help.

There were over 100 items donated for the Silent Auction and Raffle. The items were as small as Blenders in the Grass gift certificate, to a custom-made Willing Guitar. We had t-shirts, and CDs as well as house concerts from our local artists (Shane Alexander’s went for $250); we had wine, gift baskets, dinners, artwork, jewelry, drum hardware kits, voice lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, trips to the Channel Islands…we had great stuff!

The White Buffalo -  photo: Cliff Montgomery

But more than the stuff? We had the talent in the house.  The White Buffalo was the headlining act and he brought down the house. Surf pro/musician Timmy Curran was amazing; Nathan McEuen was outstanding; and we also had Zoey favorites like Shane Alexander and Justine Bennett. 50 Sticks of Dynamite played, I heard one of their first gigs was at Zoey’s.  Tommy Marsh did a set with Steve “Smokey” Hinojosa. Guy Martin played with longtime friend Lee Koch.  The rest in no particular order were simply fantasitc, there wasn’t a single bad act all day and night; they all shone:   Kyle Hunt, Todd Hannigan, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Boys, Jade Hendrix, Jamie Drake, Shelby Figueroa, Pi Jacobs, Xoc Moraza, Roger Keiaho, Salty Suites, Max Kasch, Seth Petersen, Calico the Band and many of them brought additional talent to back them up!  They all played for free.  They all played for Polly.

And of course there is the back story of those who help to pull this event together, making the callings for auction items and picking them up, putting up posters (thank you Where2Print.com for donating them), gathering all materials for the day, rallying the troops, contacting the media, writing the stories, going on the radio.  And let’s not forget Diego and Bombay’s for offering up the day for the event!  Two sound guys who worked their asses off (Thank you Robin and John), security, and offering up either gratis items (thank you Firestone 805) or seriously reduced items for the bands.

photo by Amanda PeacockAnd the volunteers showed up.  Some for a few hours, but others all day long from 10:30 until midnight, plus, there were only a few minor hitches!  No matter what was thrown at us in the middle of trying to get through the day, we did our best to keep smiles on, and keep everything in perspective.

It was truly a night to remember for many reasons. But what I took away from the day was the love and generosity this community showed for one of our own.  Polly feels the love and support and is so very appreciative.

Thank you Ventura Music Community.  It was a great day indeed!

See: previous story about concert (before event).
See: Zoey’s The Heart of Local Music No Longer Beats

Photographers who donated their time and photos:
Amanda Peacock


Bob Muschliz

Cliff Montgomery


Albert Munoz

Gene Dunn

Album Review – 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Love Dream Truth Love
By Pam Baumgardner

Love Dream Truth Love

Love Dream Truth Love

One of the coolest things about Ventura’s music scene is that you really get to know the bands and the more you go out to support their shows, the more you get to know their original songs, so it’s always a treat when one of our local favorites comes out with a CD to enjoy on your own time.

I’m a huge 50 Sticks fan.  But here’s the funny thing, there are a handful of instruments I can normally do without, such as the accordion or the bagpipe, and I use to add the banjo in there; I use to equate the banjo with the old school TV show, “Hee Haw”, but then I had seen a number of performances by Steve Martin which just floored me.  So I’ve developed a respect for banjo playing over the years, and with a more open mind, I was primed to fully embrace the banjo when I first saw Ian playing it during an early 50 Sticks show back at J’s (now Peirano’s) in early 2011.

The early days!

The early days!

This ain’t no bluegrass band, and it ain’t no country jam band.  This is straight-forward rock and roll.  The band describes their sound as banjo driven roots rock & blues.  Regardless, it’s the kind of music that inspires you to get off your ass and dance to their infectious tunes.

Ian McFayden

Ian McFayden

50 Sticks released their second album this year called, Love Dream Truth Love.  I’m completely jazzed to include in my private collection of local music songs like “Far Away,”  “For You,” and the title track “Love Dream.

“Far Away” reminds me of a classic movie or an old relationship which you can count on for getting much needed comfort.  It just feels right;  I love the line, “Yes I’m gonna find you baby and make your untamed heart my own” in the song, “For You.”  The tune seriously drives me to dance which is always a fun thing when you’re seat belted behind the wheel driving down the 101; The title track, “Love Dream Truth Love” is the quintessential rock anthem; and I love the harp on “What’s Next?”

The band is comprised of local musicians you’ve seen over the years in various
projects.  It’s extremely cool when you bring four guys together and it just clicks.

50 Sticks of Dynamite
Banjo: Ian McFadyen
Guitar and harmonica: Whitey Wingland
Bass: Michael Dominguez
Drums: Chris Jensen

And though I still prefer to see the boys play their tunes live, the CD will keep be satisfied until the next we meet.

www.50Sticks.com   
www.facebook.com/fiftysticks.ofdynamite

50 Sticks of Dynamite

Ventura Music Week: Roadshow Revival & Winchesters

Ventura Music Week saw Roadshow Revival’s a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash at the Ventura Fairgrounds…with Winchesters hosting pre & post parties as well as Totally Local VC’s jam on Sunday to wrap up Ventura Music Week.

 

Surftoberfest – 2012