Kelly’s Lot French Connection

If you know Kelly Zirbes, then you know she’s one of the hardest working women on the music scene. She’s forever booking, promoting, playing, writing, and breathing music. She’s awesome; plus, she’s got the talent!  Calling their brand of Blues, “Roadhouse Rockin’ Blues” Kelly’s Lot features amazing musicians including Kelly’s husband Perry Robertson.

I caught up with Kelly to get the low down on the band’s upcoming Valentine’s Day show at the Patio at Player’s Casino.  Not only is the Patio pulling out all the stops to make a night of romance with some of the most delicious dishes in town, but Kelly’s Lot will have a special guest player all the way from France, Jean Francois Thomas.

FrenchTrioVentura Rocks:  What’s up with this international exchanging of Blues artists Kelly?

Kelly Zirbes:  It’s all about meeting and playing with other musicians who love the blues.  What I love about this genre is ‘The Jam’. During a blues jam you will play with total strangers and find that you connect. Music is a universal language with the Blues being a universal bridge and language. Even across the world we can all relate to each other when we play the blues. Jean Francois Thomas shared us with his friends and fans in France and we will share him with ours in Ventura

How did you meet?

We met Jean Francois in France on our 3rd tour in European in 2011. We had played at a record store together and became fast friends and he invited us back to his house for dinner. There was 6 of us so that was rather generous. We all fell in love with him, his energy, his songwriting, his guitar playing but mostly just him. We talked at dinner about coming back and doing a few concerts together and in 2013 Perry and I decided to take Jean Francois up on his offer and emailed him. He was thrilled. We all three decided just Perry and I would travel there and start with an acoustic trio adding Jean Francois. He booked some shows and we flew to France. It was a fantastic trip and our bond became even stronger. We repeated the same thing in 2014 but with many more shows and bigger audiences. It was then that we invited him to come to America and play with us. He wasn’t sure he could because he was afraid to fly. But after a couple weeks he changed his mind and told us he would come.

Jean Francois ThomasTell me about Jean Francois Thomas.

He’s a multi-faceted guy. He’s a a teacher of Economcs and Law in Auvergne, France and a touring musician. He discovered blues the age of 30 and was a boxer when he was younger.  He has one of the most giving spirits of any musician I have ever met and he loves the Blues more than any person I have ever come across.

How big is he in France?

I’m not really sure but he has performed at many large festivals in France land has opened for Tommy Castro, Patrick Verbeke, Shemekia Copeland, Nina Van Horn. He has released quiet a few CDs since 1995 and has been given lots of accolades by the French press and media.

This is a Valentine’s Day gig.  How romantic will it get?

Jean, Kelly & PerryThe Patio will be doing a French themed menu and serve French wine. I know Jean Francois will warm everyone’s heart and he will get the crowd going.  I think that in itself will bring romance to the room. The French are some of the most romantic people I have met and it is fitting to share Jean Francois with our Ventura fans on Valentines. You know, he didn’t want to play a lot on this trip. Just one or two shows. It’s a vacation for him, his wife and a few friends and they want to have time to enjoy the sights. Of course Ventura was my first choice to book a show because of all the music lovers that we have discovered in the 3 years of playing here locally. Needless to say there will be lots of love to go around.

Reservations are highly recommended (805) 658-8975, or go high-tech and get your reservations online:  http://pcventura.com/patio/index.php.

Kelly’s Lot on Facebook.
Kelly’s Lot Official Website.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 10/29 – 11/11

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Ventura Continues to Rock!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Army of FreshmenChris Jay of Army of Freshmen is totally looking forward to their upcoming UK tour with the band Lit. Jay told me, “I just love being on tour. We don’t get to do it nearly as much as we used to so I think we tend to enjoy it more and appreciate it. Every night is like a big party. It’s more like vacation than work.” The dates in the UK run from November 13 through the 23 so it looks like the guys will be back in time for Thanksgiving. See complete interview with Chris Jay at VenturaRocks.com

No news yet on the Discovery entertainment permit appeal. We have our fingers crossed this matter will be settled sooner than later and with Discovery retaining the right to have live music in their venue.

Way to go for The Velveteen Band who has been invited to play the Steampunk Worlds Fair in Piscataway New Jersey. The SPWF is the world’s largest gathering of steampunks. After only six months of being a band, the Velveteen has gained national attention with their Puppets, Rabbits, and big rock band sound. You can find them playing locally at Bombay’s The Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, party on November 1 with Cirque Noir, Angie’s Curse and Fangboy and the Ghouls.

Kelly’s Lot will be holding a fundraiser for one of Kelly Zirbe’s favorite charities, C.A.R.L. at the Patio at The Player’s Club which will raise money for Canine Adoption and Rescue League. Look for appearances by Teresa James, Guy Martin, Steve Hinojosa, Lenny Mazzotti and Bobby and lee Orgel. The event will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 6 – 10 pm. $10 donation plus 15% of food sales donated.
Looking forward to hearing the new song that 8Stops7 has been recording. Bass player, Cory Tarallo, says, “This song is straight up awesome!” I can’t wait to hear “Center of Our Universe” after they put on the finishing touches.

Jan McWorter of Hi Hat Entertainment reminded everyone, “When one door closes, another one opens,” after Hi Hat said goodbye to over six years at Yolie’s on October 17 with the R&B Bombers. But after just a couple days of searching they found their new location just a stone’s throw away, at the newly renovated facilities at 281 W. Main Street at Ventura Beach Club (formerly Fuegos). Just a quick head’s up as Ventura Beach Club already had a previous obligation, on Halloween, Hi Hat’s James Harman party will be at Peirano’s on October 31.

There will be a cool fundraiser at Bombay’s on Saturday, November 1, to help raise funds for Dawn (single mom) and Damian (7 years old) and their battle with Cancer. There will be lots going on all day but on the music side of it there will be Alastair Greene, James Harman, Morganfield Burnett, Hot Roux and more.

And finally, I’d like to wish Ken Winters, “Happy Birthday!” Ventura’s jazz scene will be helping to celebrate his 88th birthday on November 4th during the bi-monthly jazz jam at Squashed Grapes. I’m sure cake will be involved.

If you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com.