Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/9 – 10/22

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
I’m really looking forward to a number of special events of the next two weekends starting with C.A.R.Lfest on Saturday, October 12 at Promenade Park along the boardwalk at the beach. Funds are being raised to support the Canine Adoption and Rescue League serving Ventura County. Bands on the bill include Kelly’s Lot, Crooked Eye Tommy, Jim Gustin & Truth Jones plus a number of special guests (I hear Teresa James is just one of them). This one runs noon to 6 pm with the music starting at 1 pm; tickets are $25 and Bike Ventura will be on hand providing a free bike corral for those riding to the event.

Namba on Oak in downtown Ventura will have a special all-ages “Families Rock!” show on Saturday, October 12, where each band is comprised of moms, dads, and the kids! Don’t miss performances by The Cheesebergens, Sepiatone, and The Rockin’ Henrys. Namba will also host a fundraiser for the Ventura County Rescue Mission featuring Charlie Baker, Mark & Michael Lennon on Friday, October 18. For ticket information, go to NambaArts.com.

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of October 12 and 13 with such fabulous bands as Cockswain, Nerea, Seven Nations and Sligo Rags playing both days.

The Ventura Marathon falls over the weekend of October 19 and 20 with the staging area moving from the pier to Mission Park downtown, and because so many runners (and those supporting them) love the suds, there will be a Ventura Brew Fest on Saturday. Music over the weekend will include Kistmit, Acoustic Generation, Lightnin’ Willie, Deadrock and Power Syndicate.

Quick Notes: I’m sorry to report that Andy is cutting back on live music at Copa Cobana (and the Blue Room) for now with the Jerry McWorter Trio on Tuesday and live bands on Sunday afternoon only; the Sushi House on Seaward has Gary Ballen playing acoustic favorites every Saturday afternoon 1 – 3:30 pm; though the Angry Brians won’t be at Seaside Highland Games, they will be performing at Grapes and Hops on Friday, October 11; before the DJs, there will be live music at 6 pm at Bombay’s on Saturday, October 12, with The Mighty Cash Cats and Silver Threads, then Saturday, October 19, with Solidmente and Kris Simeon; Alan Thornhill, Martin Young and Jim Monahan play Topa Mountain Winery on Sunday afternoon, October 13; there will be a punk show at Golden China on Tuesday, October 15, with D.R.I., Intent, Cholos on Acid and No Divide; Buck-O-Nine plays The Garage along with The Upbeat and The Robot Uprising on Friday, October 18; and finally, the Ventura Beach Club hosts The Apartment 805 with a tech night featuring Allan Guerrero, CMVib3 and more on Friday, October 18.

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. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 10/11 – 10/24

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

There are a couple of high profile events coming up. Let’s start with The Seaside Highland Games (a Scottish/Celtic Festival) which hits town every Fall. They’ll have all kinds of games and activities including music all day long on several stages over the weekend of October 14th and 15th at the fairgrounds. Some of the acts performing will be Blackwaterside, The Angry Brians, Hidden Fifth, Slingo Rags, Highland Way, and Three for Joy.

The Ventura Beach Party in conjunction with the Ventura Marathon will be held down along the promenade at the Ventura Pier. There is no charge for this one and there will be music during the day over the weekend of October 21 and 22nd with Lightnin’ Willie, Sunnie Paxson, Sonic Boom, Paul Mars Black and Acoustic Generation performing.

Then there is the C.A.R.L. fundraiser on Saturday, October 21 at the Hong Kong Inn. This one donates all proceeds to the Canine Adoption and Rescue League and has Kelly’s Lot, Orphan Jon and the Abandon featuring Johnny Main, along with special guests all evening long including performances from Ray Jaurique, Michael Golden and Jerry McWorter.

Hi Hat Entertainment as a couple of weeks of amazing nights of music you won’t want to miss at the Hong Kong Inn. First on Friday, October 13, it’s The Forty Fours; then the following week, October 20, it’s Alastair Greene’s CD release of Dream Train. Greene has embarked on his solo career after playing with the Alan Parsons Project for the past 7 years.

Speaking of new music, Kelly Z (Zirbes) has a brand-new CD just released called Rescue. Kelly said that all 8 tracks were recorded in 2011 by Chuck Kavooras at SlideAway Studio; however, the project was never finished, that is until Kelly was asked to provide the vocal tracks. It really is quite impressive!

Quick Notes: Vintura at the Wine Rack will be hosting a special fundraiser for the Ventura Cancer Resource Center on Thursday, October 12th from 7-10 pm with singer/songwriter, Karen 805 entertaining; Spencer the Gardener returns to Discovery on Friday, October 13; One Square Mile featuring members of the Circle Jerks and Saccharine Trust will be at the Garage on Saturday October 14 and Motörbabe (female Motörhead tribute band) on Friday October 20; after playing at the Highland Games, The Angry Brians will be jamming at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, October 14 then Shawn Jones recently back after another European tour will be playing the next day on Sunday afternoon, October 15; and The Jelly opens for The Motels on Sunday, October 22 at the Canyon Club.

And finally, CAPS Media’s radio station is now streaming live at www.capsmedia.org/radio. You can catch The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour every Tuesday at 5 with a rebroadcast on Friday at 5 and Sunday at noon.

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 4/12 – 4/25

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Local Music and More!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

This year’s California Jazz & Wine Fest was another sold-out success; it was held Sunday, April 9, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The event helped to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley. The music was exceptional, headlining was The Danny Janklow Quintet; other bands of note included the Lao Tizer Quartet, Bruce Forman’s Cow Bop, and Ventura’s own, The Barrelhouse Wailers.

Keeping with jazz, don’t miss Mike Garson (Bowie, NIN, Smashing Pumpkins) when he returns to Squashed Grapes bringing with him this time, Emmy and Grammy nominated Gaby Moreno on Thursday, April 13; Paul McCallum and Friends return on Saturday, April 15; and Gary Herbig (Harry James, Elvis, Tower of Power) and Bill Spoke Quintet be in the house on April 19.

Our local artists have been busy producing new music.  Hot off the presses is the latest CD from Hot Roux called Hometown Blues.  You can pick up a copy when Hi Hat Entertainment hosts their CD release party on Friday, April 21, at the Hong Kong Inn. You won’t want to miss this one as the band will feature not only lead man Jerry McWorter, but Ed Berghoff, Brent Harding, Jimmy Calire and Bill Flores.

Congratulations to local musician Travis Greer for landing a gig on the highly popular Criminal Minds television show on CBS.  He’s well-known for his improv work here in town as well as playing with the Los Dudes.

Eric Burdon joined Robby Krieger of the Doors for “Roadhouse Blues,” Saturday, April 8, at Libby Bowl. They then played “House of the Rising Sun” from The Animals. Tommy Marsh’s Crooked Eye Tommy warmed up the crowd.

The next One’s to Watch Productions will be held Wednesday, April 19, at the Plaza Playhouse in Carpinteria with Matt Duke, Jay Nash, Tony Lucca and Tim Curran. You can get tickets at OnesToWatchProductions.com.

I caught up with Ross Emery of Roadshow Revival as he ramps up for this year’s show.  It’s going to look a lot different this time around with the whole event being held on one day and at Discovery Ventura, but he told me who the headliner is, and I promised not to tell until May 1st, but between you and me, I’m pretty jazzed about it.  Watch for social media news, and get your tickets now!

Here’s a couple of one-liner notes of interest:  Jade Hendrix will be opening for Berlin when they play the Libbey Bowl April 22; Face to Face will be at Discovery on May 7 with Bad Cop/Bad Cop opening; Paddy’s is celebrating their 23rd anniversary on April 21st with DJ Pat Harper who will be playing classic house music; the Ventura County Spring Fair will be held at the Fairgrounds April 14 – 16 with carnival rides, petting zoo and music from The Velveteen Band; and finally, I’m looking forward to hearing new music from 8Stops7, they just signed with Wendigo Records and will be back in the studio in July.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Or would you like to submit your music for possible inclusion on my radio show? 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: January 2016

O’Leary’s – January 9, 2016
O’Leary’s East End Blues Band
O'Learys


Squashed Grapes – January 9, 2016
TIZER – Lao Tizer (keyboards), Ric Fierabracci (bass) Gene Coye (drums not seen) and featuring Karen Biggs on violin
Tizer


W20 at the Watermark – January 3, 2016
Shawn Jones with Herman Matthews and Sam Bolle
0103_ShawnJones_002


Discovery – January 2, 2016
Ozomatli
Ozomatli


Discovery – January 2, 2016
Spencer the Gardener
Spencer the Gardener

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

Ventura Music Photos: June 2014

Amigos – June 29, 2014
Medicine Hat & Matt Armor
Medicine HatMatt Armor


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


W20 – June 22, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


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


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 21, 2014
Rey Fresco
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)

50/50 Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 20, 2014
8Stops7
8Stops7

Bloody Mary Morning
Bloody Mary MorningBloody Mary Morning



VENTURA MUSIC WEEK PHOTO GALLERY

Miscellaneous Shots

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


Winchesters Grill and Saloon – June 15, 2014
The Catterwailers
The Catterwailers


Saloon BBQ Co. – June 15, 2014
Ted Waterhouse
Ted Waterhouse


The Star Lounge – June 15, 2014
Robert Thomas Band
Robert Thomas Band


Ventura Harbor Carousel Stage – June 15, 2014
DejaBlu
DejaBlu


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 14, 2014
Mandex   Mandex

SolTree on back stage

Soltree


Sans Souci, June 14, 2014
Iron Outlaws


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


W20 at the Watermark, June 14, 2014
Drunken Monkeys
Drunken Monkeys


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


Billy O’s – June 14, 2014
Whiskey Stone
Whiskey Stone


Winchesters Grill and Saloon, June 14, 2014
Camp Franco
Camp Franco


Squashed Grapes – June 14, 2014
Barrelhouse Wailers
Barrelhouse Wailers


Four Brix – June 14, 2014
Kelly’s Lot
Kelly's Lot


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 14, 2014
Mitchell Blake
Mitchell Blake


Amigos, June 13, 2014
Spencer the Gardener


Grapes & Hops – June 13, 2014
Otis Hayes III
Otis Hayes III


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


W20 at the Watermark, June 13, 2014
Mini Driver
Mini Driver


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


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


Keynote Lounge – June 13, 2014
Crosscut


Squashed Grapes – June 13, 2014
Fausto Cuevas
Fausto Cuevas


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


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


Rookees, June 12, 2014
Rubberneck Lions
0612_RNL_001


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


Saloon BBQ Co., June 12, 2014
Mark Sellers
Mark Sellers


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


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

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

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


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


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”
Dean and Stanley


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


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


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


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
Jen Staves


The Sandbox Coffeehouse – June 8, 2014
The Space Band
The Space Band


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Los Dudes
0607_LosDudes


Bombay Bar and Grill – June 7, 2014
Deer Leg
Deer Leg


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


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


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


Grapes and Hops – June 6, 2014
Jade Hendrix
Jade Hendrix


W20 at the Watermark – June 6, 2014
The Legalizers
The Legalizers


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


Yolies – June 6, 2014
Babylon Social Club
Babylon Social Club


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


Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant – June 6, 2014
The Latin Touch
The Latin Touch805 Bar and Grilled Cheese – June 6, 2014
Unkle Monkey
Unkle Monkey


Gone West Cellars – June 6, 2014
Dave Blanchard
Dave Blanchard


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

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