Ventura Music Scene 9/18/24 – 10/1/24

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

Looking back for just a moment, congratulations to Army of Freshmen who performed at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate their 25th anniversary; their high energy show is always a crowd pleaser. I sat across from two women who traveled from Texas to catch the concert buying a pile of merch including the band’s entire catalog; now that’s dedication! During the opening act’s set, Nerfherder helped to facilitate a wedding proposal asking for a couple of people in the audience to help start their next song and of course they just happened to choose “a random couple.” After howling like wolves, the band started a fake song while he got down on one knee with a ring taking her by surprise. After jumping up and down, she said yes! I’ll admit it made me tear up as the audience cheered them on!

On a downer note, the 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which was scheduled for September 14 – 15, was postponed just days before the event. According to their website it was due to “unexpected challenges…” but of course that could translate to low ticket sales. Hope that wasn’t the case and it will be back before long.

Now looking forward, I don’t know why, but I’m sure there is a reason breweries celebrate Oktoberfest in September. Poseidon Brewing Company’s will fall on Saturday, September 21, with Linda’s Polka Party Band, and Enegren Brewing in Moorpark will celebrate Oktoberfest the following weekend, Saturday, September 28, with Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts, Der Matterhorns, Hazelnuss Das Music and Ladyhosen. My theory is that these specialty bands book up years in advance and you get ‘em while you can. Just a theory.

The 11th annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme on Saturday, September 28, with several live bands including Caliente 805, Upstream, House Arrest and One People. This free event is family friendly and a fun way to see and appreciate the Port and learn about its economic contribution to Ventura County while indulging in some sort of banana concoction.

Quick Notes: Ventura Theater added two Social Distortion shows with night one selling out almost immediately, but at press time, tickets were still available for December 4; tickets are on sale now for Letters to Cleo for November 15 at the Ventura Music Hall; Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny plays the Grape on Friday, September 20; it’s a Grateful Dead tribute weekend at the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Bar with Reckoning on Saturday, September 21 and Peoples Dead on Sunday, September 22; Brasscals (Santa Barbara’s one and only street brass band) and Ventura’s own, Casual Business, play Leashless on Sunday, September 22; and the final Rock the Collection free concert falls on Thursday, September 26 with The King of Queens.

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 Scene 9/20/23 – 10/3/2023

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comartworkVentura Artwalk 2023 takes place over the weekend of September 23 and 24 from 11 am – 7 pm. You’ll find art from local artisans in venues throughout the city at dozens of locations, as well as live music on the downtown stage at California and Main Streets, the City Hall Atrium, WAV Courtyard stage, and Steve TV at Mission Park. Get all the details and strategize your weekend at ArtwalkVentura.org.

artworkThe end of summer Beachside Bash BBQ will be held at the San Buenaventura State Beach benefiting the Ventura Rotary Club. This one costs $10 and features live music from Nautical Thrust and The Bomb on Saturday, September 23. Along with the music, there will be a car show as well as a national ribeye steak cookoff.

artworkThe 10th annual Banana Festival is Saturday, September 30, from 10 am – 5 pm at the Port of Hueneme. This free event includes port tours, a kid’s zone, tasty eats (a lot having to do with the event’s namesake), a marketplace and of course live music! The electric mix of entertainment features Los Cool Arrows (Latin pop, reggae), Tribute to the Greats (music featuring artists such as Steve Wonder, Chaka Khan), Upstream (Calypso w/ steel drums), Fausto Cuevas Y La Moderna (Salsa), and Coso Live (R&B, high energy pop). One’s things for sure, wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to dance!

Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme has a Steely Dan tribute band called Doctor Wu on Saturday, September 23, and Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages play the following weekend on Saturday, September 30. Just a reminder, Krieger was an original member of The Doors.

artworkCandlelight Concerts are being produced in over 100 cities worldwide including Oxnard at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. There’s a tribute to Taylor Swift in November, a haunted evening of Halloween classics (think Thriller, Tubular Bells, Beetlejuice theme, Psycho, etc…) running in October, and a number of dates featuring the music of Vivaldi in September and October. Ticket information can be found at Feverup.com.

The Grape continues to bring stellar jazz acts to our town. I can’t stress enough how helpful it is to be on their email newsletter list which gives a head’s up on upcoming shows that are sure to sell out such as the return of Poncho Sanchez on November 5m or Jeff Lorber Grammy-winning artist plays on Saturday, November 18. photo Jeff LorberQuick Notes: Ventura Blues Night returns to Bombay Bar and Grill on Wednesday nights; another installation of Rock the Collection is Wednesday, September 20 with Prince Again; there’s a special fundraiser/birthday bash in honor of Ted Neeley at the Rubicon on Wednesday, September 20; Swing Shift plays the Sportsman on Sunday, September 24; The Trivle Omdobble returns to Topa Topa Brewing on Colt Street, Sunday, September 24; Bloody Mary Morning plays Rincon Brewery on Friday, September 29; Todd Hannigan opens for David Burden at the Deer Lodge on Friday September 29; Salzer’s Records has a special in store acoustic set with Briston Maroney on Monday, October 2; and finally, Shawn Jones has a new release called In my Blood as he heads back overseas for a European tour for most of October.

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 Scene Column 9/21/22 – 10/4/22

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

It’s not that I hate being the bearer of bad news that summer is officially over as we usher in fall, that’s because fall isn’t so bad for us here in Ventura. The autumnal equinox is September 22 and as far as I’m concerned, the weather is perfect for taking in live music; but let’s be honest, the weather is always perfect for taking in live music!

Banana festival logo

The Port of Hueneme hosts the 2022 Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, with live music from Teka Penteriche (Brazilian Bossa), Justo Almario and his Afro Colombian Jazz Ensemble, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps with her special brand of Texas blues rock, Richardo Lemvoy Makina Loca, with Victor Vega and the Bomb capping off the day. There is no admission and parking is free for this one at 105 E Port Hueneme Road from 10 am to 6 pm.Pier into the future logoOne of my favorite nights out is also a fundraiser for a great cause, Pier Under the Stars. This ticketed event raises money to help preserve our Ventura Pier providing emergency funds when big waves do their inevitable damage to the pilings. The non-profit is called Pier into the Future and the evening helps to keep their vision alive. From 5-8 pm on Saturday, October 1 on the beachfront promenade next to the north side of the pier, the outdoor event features food, wine, and other beverages from local merchants. The live musical entertainment this year will be from Mid Life Crisis, so plan to dance “under the stars” as well.

It’s an early start to Oktoberfest over the weekend at September 24 at Enegren Brewing in Moorpark features live festive German music. There will also be a stein hoisting competition, axe throwing, vendors marketplace, petting zoo and more! Sounds like fun for all ages; I even spotted a mention of this one on KTLA weekend news.

Marty Van Loan and Jeff Evans are at it again with the release of their CD from the Mini Bar Project. They’ll perform new songs and old favorites in a rare live performance at the Santa Paula Theater Center on October 1.

Rudder room logoCongratulations to the one of the original dive-bars in the county, the Rudder Room, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary on Saturday, September 24, with Teresa Russell performing 1-5 pm.

Ojai Valley Brewing logoNot quite a 60-year milestone, but it’s a milestone none-the-less as Ojai Valley Brewery celebrates their 1-year anniversary with what they’re calling Croptober Fest 2022, which also falls on Saturday, September 24. Reggae reigns from 5-10 from Cornerstone, Morie & the Heavy Hitters and Jacob & the Good Vibes. This one is a ticketed event and will help to benefit the Humane Society of Ventura County.

And my favorite jazz spot, the Grape, will also celebrate their one-year anniversary on Saturday, October 1 with the return of Casey Abrams.

New shows at Ventura Music Hall
Kabaka Pyramid with Jordant on October 13
Tai Verdes on November 9
Thee Sinseers & the Altons with Rudy de Anda on November 12
Skeggs on March 6, 2023

Mark your calendar (more details next issue) for Surf n Suds (October 8), the Highland Seaside Highland Games (October 8-9) and Boots and Brews with Tim McGraw (October 14).

Quick Notes:
Billy Vera and the Beaters play the Grape on Thursday, September 22; teen band out of Camarillo, No Idea, play El Rey Cantina on Sunday, September 25; Wednesday, September 28, is the next free Rock the Collection concert with Eagles tribute band, the Long Run; Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite play the Libbey Bowl on Friday, September 30; Fido the band play Leashless Brewing on Saturday, October 1; and the Fatty Vegan hosts a Numbskull Productions show with Powerhouse and End Days on Sunday, October 2 (ticketweb.com).

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.