Ventura Music Scene 12/13/23 – 12/26/23

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartwork
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season, there are a few more opportunities to catch live music if you need a boost. On one end of the spectrum, the Rubicon Theater will host a Saturday afternoon Tiny Tots Christmas Concert on December 23 (2-4 pm) featuring enchanting songs of the season that will tug at your holiday heartstrings.

And then on the other end of the spectrum, if you appreciate a wicked sense of humor that is, then you won’t want to miss loveable punk rockers, The Vandals, when they play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, December 22. This is the band’s 28th Annual Christmas Formal where they’re sure to play such punk holiday favorites as “My First Christmas as a Women,” “Oi to the World,” “Grandpa’s Last X-mas” and “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus.”

Non-holiday events include a fundraiser to help get Red Headed Stephchild to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next month. The event will be held at Bombay’s on Saturday December 16 from 2-6 pm with performances from Ray Jaurique Trio, Hot Roux, American Standard and Red Headed StephChild.

Singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom plays Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on Sunday December 17. So many of her songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists such as Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Kurt Cobain and of course Bette Midler who hit a number one hit with her tune, “The Rose”.

Albert Lee will be celebrating his 80th birthday at the Twist on Main with Hot Roux supporting the phenomenal Grammy award winning guitarist. Lee has worked with the likes of the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and more. This ticketed event falls on Friday, December 22 with tickets available on the HiHatEntertainment.com website.

Keep in mind, you should firm up your New Year’s Eve party plans sooner than later. My next column will highlight some of the bigger parties, but meanwhile, go to VenturaRocks.com and on the calendar, just search “NYE” for parties throughout Ventura County.

Quick Notes: Rey Fresco opens for Ozomatli at the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, December 14; Simon Phillips returns to the Grape for another sure-to-sell-out performance on Friday, December 15; Red Hot Cholo Peppers play Copper Blues on Friday December 15; Brendan Willing James plays the Farmer and the Cook in Ojai on Sunday December 17; and Tribal Me has reformed and renamed the group, The Jelly Jam Band.

Though I’ve placed the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on hiatus after 200 shows, I’d like to invite you to start your very own radio show on CAPS Media’s KPPQ local non-profit radio station. You can do a talk/podcast type show, or play music of any genre. Reach out to the program director at radio@capsmedia.org.

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: December 2015

Amigo’s Surf Cantina – December 31, 2015 NYE Party
Dive Bar Messiahs (photo credit: Candance Marshall)
Dive Bar Messiahs

December 18, 2015
Ran into the one and only Albert Lee downtown!

VenturaRock's Pam Baumgardner w/ Albert Lee

VenturaRock’s Pam Baumgardner w/ Albert Lee

Downtown Ventura – December 5, 2015
Ventura Winter Wine Walk with The Bomb
1205_WWW_TheBomb


The Livery Theater – December 4, 2015
Kinky Friedman
Kinky


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – December 3, 2015
Gypsy Blues Band
Gypsy Blues BandAs I walked into Amigo’s last night with my dear friend Tammy Myers, I was curious to see who was sitting in for Jerry who is currently in Japan; I was super jazzed to see that it was Mario Calire! I told her that Mario use to play with the Wallflowers and Ozomatli…and then quickly added Oh! there’s Brent Harding who plays with Social Distortion, and of course Jimmy Calire who was a member of Raven and toured with America in the 70’s. Rounding out the band were local Blues legends Morganfield Burnett and John Marx later joined by Tom Buckner.

It was one of those “I-am-so-lucky-to-live-in-Ventura nights.” Never take it for granted peeps. Support Ventura’s music scene!!


CAPS Media – December 3, 2015
Taping of Ventura Rocks with Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 7/23 – 8/5

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Summer Music is Really Heating Up!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Jerry's BirthdayWe had two days of the best summer weather for Surf Rodeo.  There was so much to see and do with Pato Baton doing a superb performance at sunset on Sunday to wrap it all up.  Congratulations JD Drury on another successful Surf Rodeo!

Hi-Hat Entertainment’s Jerry McWorter’s 50th Birthday Bash was a blast at Yolies July 18.  It was so cool to see so many top-notch artists in the room and up on the stage performing.  When we swung by it was Jerry on drums, Brent Harding on bass, Jimmy Calire on keyboards and Albert Lee on guitar.  Legendary!

It was great seeing so many ArtWalk 2014 venues supplementing this city-wide art event with live music this year!  Bell Arts Factory, the WAV, Mission Park, Stoneworks Studios and many more featured such artists as Jonathan McEuen, Mitchell Blake, The Deer Leg Band, Rey Fresco, and SoulVang.

The fair kicks off July 30 with the ever popular fair parade on Main Street on Saturday, August 2.  Ventura Rocks will be hitching a ride on the Squashed Grapes float with some of our favorite jazz performers playing the parade route:  Fausto Cuevas, Jacob Scesney, Trey O’Toole, Andrew Hill, RJ Root and perhaps a surprise or two.  Speaking of music and the Ventura County Fair, their entertainment lineup is amongst the best of recent history with the Beach Boys, Little Big Town, The Spinners, Barenaked Ladies, Deep Purple, Seether, Jake Owen and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.  All shows are included in the price of admission.

The Music Under the Stars series continues with Spencer the Gardener taking over Olivas Adobe on Saturday, July 26.  Joining his beloved cast of characters, um, I mean musicians, will be former members Cougar Estrada and Nate Birkey who will kick it up just a notch or two.  The following week will be a Carlos Santana tribute band.  Call (805) 658-4726 for ticket information.

Bombay Bar and Grill has nailed down the date for their 30th annual Indoor/Outdoor Beach Party; and though Diego wasn’t quite ready to share their music line-up, you’ll want to mark down the dates which cover the last three days of the month, August 29 – August 31. This is sure to be off-the-hook!!

Chiodos, along with Bless the Fall, will take over the Ventura Theater on Friday, August 1.  They’ve been out on tour in support of their new CD, “Devil” which was produced by David Botrill (Tool, Muse, Stone Sour).

And finally, just added to the VenturaRocks.com Listening Station at Very Ventura store on California Street are Ashford Gordon, the new one from Mother of Dissension, and “Struggle Makes You Stronger” from Shawn Jones.   You have no idea what it means to our local musicians when someone purchases their music.  It really does make a difference.

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

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


Amigo’s – July 27, 2014
Dave Gleason
Dave Gleason


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


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


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


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 25, 2014
Brothers Gow
Brothers Gow


The Wine Rack – July 25, 2014
Cakewalk Trio
Cakewalk Trio


Grapes and Hops – July 25, 2014
Funkaphonics
Funkaphonics


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


The Star Lounge – July 25, 2014
CRV
CRV


Panchos – July 25, 2014
Big Adventure
Big Adventure


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


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.
Nate Burkey group


Peirano’s – July 22, 2014
Estrada Brothers
Estrada Brothers


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


Discovery – July 18, 2014
Standard Deviance
Standard DevianceStandard DevianceSquashed Grapes – July 18, 2014
L.J. and the Boyz
LJ 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
Rachel FlowersRachel Flowers


Bombay Bar and Grill – July 5, 2014
Mandex


Saloon BBQ Co. – July 4, 2014
Alan Peterson
Alan Peterson


Grapes and Hops – July 4, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


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


Squashed Grapes – July 1, 2014
Jazz Jam #1
Jazz Jam #1

Concert Review: Benefit for Jacob with Albert Lee

Albert Lee and Friends Deliver in Jam for Jacob at Yolie’s
Benefit for Jacob was held at Yolies on Saturday, January 4, 2014
by Jon Garner

Blues musicians love to play, and when they can lend their efforts to a worthy charitable cause, most of them are all over it. Last Saturday January 4, some true heavyweights, led by the ageless guitarist Albert Lee, got together in the cool little music room at Yolie’s in Ventura to blow a little bit and help with Jacob Hacker’s considerable medical expenses due to recurring cancer. The event was a resounding success all the way around.

Spearheaded by Jacob’s parents Jan and Jerry McWorter (who was behind the drums during many of the proceedings) and Hi Hat Entertainment, the show netted more than $10,000 for Jacob and delivered a lineup of talent was comparable to any you’d see at Doheny or just about anyplace else. It was heartwarming to see all these musical friends cheerfully contribute in a powerful way.

I found out about the show at the last minute, and with the likes of Albert, Coco Montoya, Pete Anderson, and James Harman on the bill, I figured what the heck, I’m in. Little did I know that harp legends Mark Hummel, Rick Estrin and the great singer Curtis Salgado would also appear, the vibe would be fantastic, and the night would turn into a blues lover’s dream.

Had I known the music would be so good that I would write a story, I would have been more concerned with learning who the talented sidemen were than what brand of tequila was being served.

Mark Hummel w Band CFor my money, Mark Hummel, Pete Anderson and the peerless Albert Lee were the highlights. Fortunately, we arrived in time to hear most of Hummel’s set. I have one of his CDs, but I am embarrassed to say that I had never seen him live and didn’t fully realize just how talented he is. His last harp solo in particular was a thing of beauty.

Mark’s website is www.markhummel.com – I’m particularly interested in his collaboration with Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty. That’s gotta be one hell of a band!

Pete Anderson Digs In CNext up was Pete Anderson. In my opinion Dwight Yoakam could never have achieved the success he did without Anderson’s music direction and quirky, fun guitar playing. He offered ample proof that his style translates equally as well to blues as it does to country. He delivered a really enjoyable set. Check him out at www.peteanderson.com.

Speaking of a guitar style that is equally suited for blues as it is for country, there’s the matter of Albert Lee. During the course of his 50-year career, Albert has toured with the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmy Lou Harris and most recently with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and his own groups. He is a fixture and crowd favorite at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Simply put, Albert is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. His touring schedule would frighten a 20-year-old; check it out at www.albertlee.co.uk.

I was privileged to play with Albert a few times many years ago, and Saturday I found him to be just as gracious as ever. He took the bandstand following a strong set by Teresa James, who had a tight band and a very soulful voice. Albert’s band featured Donna Oxford, a talented pianist and singer who unfortunately found the volume knob a little too easily, and a very good second guitarist. Albert let them both have ample solo time.

Albert Lee Pickin' CEverything was relatively low-key until Albert cut loose with his signature Country Boy. He and the band proceeded to blow the doors off the place as he has with that song for nearly 40 years. Allowing for the quick changeovers and the large number of bands, Country Boy brought the only standing ovation and encore of the night – well deserved.

I wanted to stay for James Harman and Coco Montoya, but my friends and sanity prevailed and we headed for the barn shortly after Albert’s set. We were not alone. Harman’s first couple songs featured excellent piano solos by Fred Kaplan to send us on our way. It was a great night and a first-class event. I had so much fun I felt compelled to write my first music review in ten years.

For more information on the Benefit for Jacob, visit www.hihatentertainment.com.


Jon Garner has been a professional writer for 35 years and a Butterfield-inspired harpist since 1966. For more information on his band, the Costa Mesa Humor Kings, visit http://www.youtube.com/rodgarnay51.

Benefit for Jacob

Benefit for JacobVentura’s music community came together at Yolie’s on Saturday, January 4, 2014, for what was known as the “Benefit for Jacob”.  Jacob is the eldest son of Jan and Jerry McWorter of Hi-Hat Entertainment.  Jacob has been battling cancer for 16 months, his fourth time in his 35 years.

The musicians who had signed up and donated their time to play were amazing, but there were even a few unexpected surprises for Jan and Jerry.  First Sugaray Rayford of the Mannish Boys showed up and stated when he heard what was going on, he just had to be there.  Then a short time after the event got underway, there was a sort of hushed excitement as it was soon learned that Curtis Salgado was in the room – the story goes that Salgado was the inspiration behind John Bulush’s creation of the Blues Brothers after they met while John was filing Animal House in Eugene, Oregon. Before long, Salgado was on stage, belting it out, with Albert Lee on keyboards.

The love and compassion in the room was truly inspiring. The music off the hook!

The next day, Jan wrote a beautifully written thank you to all those who contributed gifts for the raffle, to the volunteers and to all the artists.  Here is her list of artists:  Albert Lee, Coco Montoya,James Harman, Pete Anderson, Rick Estrin, Mark Hummel, Curtis Salgado, Johnny Main JR Lozano, Dennis Gurwell, Will MacGregor, Mike HIghtower, Tommy Harkenrider, Ed Berghoff, Jack Kennedy, Franck Goldwasser, Al Vafa, My girlfriend Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Terry Wilson, Billy Watts, Jim Christie, Lee Thornberg, Craig Thomas, Jeff Paris, Rene Beavers, Sugaray Rayford’s awesome surprise of coming & singing, Randy Chortkoff, Dona Oxford, Kelly & Perry – Thank you, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

Well over 300 people showed up and over $10,000 was raised.

It took some time preparing the photo gallery as Roy Dodson gave us over 600 pix to choose from!  Thank you Roy, great job!!!

See Review by Jon Garner

Ventura Music Photos: January 2014

Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dan Grimm Band
Dan Grimm Band



Green Art People – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Jonathan McEuenJonathan McEuen with Phil Salazar


Bombay Bar and Grill – Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog’s special guest, Donna GreeneDonna Greene


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rey FrescoRey Fresco


Discovery Ventura – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Rubberneck Lions


Amigos’s Surf Cantina – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Damien Bujanda & Oly Larios (Players for Iron Butterfly)


Pierpont Inn – Saturday, January 25, 2014
Jon Gindick’s Harp Band CampJon Gindick's Harp Camp


Sans Souci – Friday, January 24, 2014
The Winchester RebelsThe Winchester Rebels


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 23, 2014
Gypsy Blues Room
special guest the Jon Gindick Jam Camp Harp Line Up
Featured performers: RJ Mischo, Cheryl Arena, Brian Purdy, Hash Brown and Jon Gindick
Jon Gindick


Discovery Ventura – Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Day
Pam Baumgardner of Ventura Rocks with Jeremy Pemberton of Discovery
Discovery Ventura


Peirano’s – Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Valencia and Friends


Ventura Harbor – Sunday, January 19, 2014
After the Smoke
After the Smoke


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Mandex



Squashed Grapes – Saturday, January 18, 2014
Flowers, Ottsen and Clark


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 16, 2014
Mark Masson with Joanie Collins & Jacob Scesney
Mark Masson


W20 at The Watermark – Thursday, January 16, 2014
New Music Showcase – Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat

Dean Dinning


Bombay Bar and Grill – Sunday, January 12, 2014
Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser
Crooked Eye TommySeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/crooked-eye-tommy-fundraiser/


Bombay Bar and Grill – Saturday, January 11, 2014
Army of Freshmen


The Tavern – Saturday, January 11, 2014
HEY YOU!
Hey You!


Bombay Bar and Grill – Friday, January 10, 2014
Warning!


Squashed Grapes – Friday, January 10, 2014
Two Trees Jazz Project


Amigo’s Surf Cantina – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Coda


Paradise Pantry – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Lee Koch with Jesse Olema
Jesse Olema - Lee Koch


Bombay Bar and Grill – Thursday, January 9, 2014
Derek Jennings
Derek Jennings


Green Art People – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Shaky Feelin’ (with Jacob Scesney sitting in)
Shaky Feelin' w/ Jacob Scesney


Our Ventura – Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Show taped at CAPS-TV
Pam Baumgardner - George Alger


Yolie’s – Saturday, January 4, 2014
Benefit 4 Jacob – Headliner Albert Lee
Albert LeeSeparate photo gallery:  http://venturarocks.com/blog/benefit-for-jacob/


Bombay’s Bar and Grill – Friday, January 3, 2014
Dan Grimm and Band
Dan Grimm band


W20 at the Watermark – Friday, January 3, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones band


Squashed Grapes – Thursday, January 2, 2014Benjamin Buttner Quintet featuring:
Guitar – Benjamin Buttner
Bass – Freddy Johnson
Keyboards – Kevin Stoller
Drums – Burleigh Drummond
Horns –   & Jacob Scensney