Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
The music series being proposed up behind City Hall is still a possibility for this year. If it happens, the promoter will be allowed one season to see how it goes. Consultants are working on the Draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) and citizens will be able to weigh in on it soon. There are strong viewpoints for and against it happening in that location so it will be interesting to see how it unfolds in the near future.
It was pretty cool hearing The Calamity’s new CD, A Ghost of These Moments played live from beginning to end during their CD release party at Bombay’s. They guys so nailed it. Afterwards I ventured in the backroom for Crazy Rust, a Neil Young tribute band, where lo and behold, Neal Casal had joined in for their second set.
We joined Kat Merrick on her Totally Local VC float for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown Ventura and Dan Grimm was on the float playing live for the crowds. Dan recently released his latest called Average Savage, and I have to say that Dan continues to grow as a songwriter. His songs tell stories of love, drama and struggle, some of which are quite personal. And I’ll be up front and honest, there is nothing sexier than a man who isn’t afraid to show his love for his woman and profess he’ll eat monsters for her. That’s just feakin’ awesome! Dan describes his sound as “flip-floppytonk” or “rock ‘n’ roll with a little bit of country” and I can’t disagree. You should check it out at www.DanisGrimm.com .
I ran into Trey from Pulse Drumming the other evening and he told me about some drum clinics they have coming up. The one that caught my attention will be the one with Vinny Appice, and I’m a little upset I never got around to learning the drums because what an opportunity to sit in with one of the masters! Appice, who has played with Dio, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Derringer and Axis (I still have the vinyl for that one), will be here in town on Saturday, May 17. The clinic is offered to all ages and abilities. Call Pulse Drumming for more info (805) 648-3786.
I already have my tickets for two upcoming shows at Squashed Grapes. First it’s Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returning for a show on March 22, and then it’s The Jazz Punks on the 28th. The Grape has really been pulling in some terrific acts helping to establish them even more as the Jazz place to be Wednesday through Sundays. Call for ticket availability at (805) 643-7300.
And finally, shows to watch out for at the Majestic Ventura Theater include Cage the Elephant, Pet Shop Boys and Ellie Goulding, more information can be found at www.VenturaRocks.com.
Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.