Ventura Music Scene
Colbie Coillat’s Special
Appearance at the Watermark
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Ventura’s music scene was just about as hot as it gets Thursday night, January 17, when the Watermark’s W20 played host to a new artist showcase.  Grammy winning producer, Ken Callait (Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd…) brought several acts from his own label, Sleeping Giant Music Group.   Backing up the first three artists were three of Ventura County’s finest musicians, Joe Baugh (guitar), Sam Bolle (bass) and Mario Calire (drums). Andrea Russett, super popular with the social media crowd with over half a million Twitter followers, was the emcee.  On the bill were Laura Rizzoto, Caitlin Edge, Lola Delon, Bean and New Hollow.  Several of the acts have music on radio already with the latter getting spins on KROQ.  The announcement for the showcase also promised the debut of Colbie Coillat’s new music video and a special guest appearance, which turned out to be none other than Colbie herself performing two of her songs live. The night was amazing and I’ll be watching for big things from all artists with special attention on Lola Delon.

Discovery Ventura has been open since mid December during what is called a “soft opening”.  Their New Year’s Eve party as expected was a sold out event.  But now, it’s going to be official as they pull out all the stops for their grand opening celebration kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 22.  The weekend’s music will be off the hook with Dirty Rice and Shaky Feelin’ together on Friday and then Rey Fresco rockin’ the house on Saturday the 25th.  Get advance tickets at www.DiscoveryVentura.com.

Jukebox Mutiny recently brought on board Ryan Reynolds (additional guitars and synth) joining Ron Dusky (bass), Jaymes Quirino (guitar) and Jeremiah Esparza (percussion).  Duskey told me, “It’s been a very good and dynamic addition.” The band has been working on new material and polishing up their older stuff.  I’m looking forward to their next gig, which may be a Sunday afternoon stint at Sans Souci.

Things should get interesting for the Breaking Banjos 2014 Tour, making its first stop at Bombay Bar and Grill on Saturday, February 1.  On the bill will be three acts featuring banjos, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Whiskey Chimp and 5th and Birmingham.

I’m also looking forward to Send Medicine who will be coming to town from L.A. to play one of Green Art People’s (GAP) Wednesday night concerts on January 22.  Julian Hacquebard of Send Medicine told me they heard about GAP from sources whose opinions they trust describing their sound as, “A mix of psychedelic/folk/blues with hints of tribal percussion and garage.”  Shows start earlier than most here in town at 6:30 pm, so the GAP crowd has been moving to The Tavern afterwards for more music from Mark Masson (Shaky Feelin’) who is the master at keeping the parting going.

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

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