Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/13 – 9/26

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

The California Beer Festival with three days of events highlighting and celebrating that delightful beverage, the beer, is back! First, there’s the popular “Food and Pairing” event held up at City Hall on Friday, the 15th where local chefs pair with local breweries topped off with live music by Victor Vega and The Bomb. Then on Saturday, the 16th, it’s the Craft Beer Heaven at Plaza Park with live music from Adelaide, Yachtley Crew and DJ Cue. And finally, the Boots & Brews Country Music Festival takes place Sunday in the same location featuring the young guns of Country with Michael Ray, Chris Lane, Russell Dickerson and Highway Starr. Find out more about parking, times, and tickets at CaliforniaBeerFestival.com.

The 24th annual Bowlful of Blues returns to Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 16. There are both VIP and general admission tickets available for this one which features Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Morganfield Burnett & Da Blues, The Gypsy Blues Band, Raw Silk and Cody LePow. Check out BowlfulOfBlues.org for ticket and information.

A number of local musicians will be performing The Beatles’ Rubber Soul in its entirety at Poseidon Brewery on Saturday, September 16. Who could possibly pull this off? That would be Zeke Berkley, Austin Knecht, Owen Bucey, Steve Ming and Brian Bingelson.

If you love rap, then don’t miss the “Over Worked & Under Paid Tour” with Lil Wyte (Three 6 Mafia), Los Ghost, White gold and Denim White. The US tour will make a stop in Ventura at The Garage on Saturday, September 23.

There are a number of benefits for specific causes that you’re invited to help support. Let’s start with the fundraiser for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer foundation at Buena High School with a concert from Paperback Writer, a Beatles tribute band, on Saturday, September 16. Tickets are $25 at the door. Grapes and Hops is hosting a fundraiser for Project Understanding on Sunday afternoon the 17th, 1-5 pm, with the Salty Suites, the Angry Brians and Vox Box Six. There’s a fundraiser for Ventura High’s water polo team at Discovery on Sunday, September 17 with Nucklehead, tickets are $12 the day of the show. And you won’t want to miss the 3rd annual Taste of Local at Olivas Adobe on Sunday, September 24, which offers music from Bryan C Titus and the Dan Grimm Band, proceeds benefit the Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation.

Quick Notes: The September Swing Big Band Dance with Ventura Jazz Orchestra will be on Friday, September 22, at Poinsettia Pavilion. Ventura Theater has Jimmy Eat World and Man with a Mission on Thursday, September 21; and Gov’t Mule on Saturday 9/23. Four Brix has Sista Blues with Deb Ryder, Shari Puorto and Kelly Zirbes on Saturday, 9/23. Rock on the Dock continues every Saturday (3-6 pm) in September with Freedom of Expression (reggae) on the 16th and Live Wire (rock party favorites) on the 23rd.

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 – May 2017

Sponsored Event!

Cajun & Blues Music Festival – May, 28, 2017

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels
The 44’s

Alex Nester


Cajun & Blues Music Festival – May 27, 2017

Robby Krieger of The Doors
The Yardbirds

Lazy Nester

Kelly’s Lot


Bombay Bar and Grill – May 20, 2017
The Pullmen


Surf ‘n’ Suds – May 20, 2017 (State Beach)
Crosscut 805 


Traveler’s Cafe – May 14, 2017
Bernie Larsen


The Wine Rack – May 13, 2017
Jodi Farrell and Jim Rankin


Squashed Grapes – May 13, 2017
Gergo Borlai Trio (with Scott Kinsey and Jimmy Earl)


The Sewer – May 13, 2017
Birdbrain

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 11/9 – 11/22

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
Swing Dancers artwork
You won’t want to miss Fortunate Youth when they open for Slightly Stoopid at the Ventura Theater, Friday, November 11.  They’re the creators of one of the biggest and most successful reggae compilations in the world, with all proceeds donated to different charities that the band tries to support from Cancer Awareness to helping Children who have lost music programs due to under funding.  Also at the theater will be the local favorites Dirty Rice opening for Tribal Theory on Saturday, November 12 and then the following week it’s Pennywise with Strung Out and Unwritten Law on Friday, November 18, and of course Suicidal Tendencies with Good Riddance on Saturday, November 19.

Congratulations to Rachel Flowers who was interviewed for the November issue of Keyboard Magazine (the one with Norah Jones on the cover).  Her film “Hearing is Believing” by Lorenzo DeStefano was just featured at the 17th Annual Ojai Film Festival.

I’m all about good causes especially when good causes are in conjunction with great music, and so it goes with the fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, at the Ventura Beach Club for The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) in Ventura.  The event will run 6-10 pm and will feature Deb Ryder, Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers and Kelly’s Lot. You can always count on Kelly Zirbes for going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of abandoned cats and dogs. Admission is only $10 and all proceeds will go to C.A.R.L.  As a side note, Kelly and husband Perry just opened for the iconic Don Mclean at the Rose in Pasadena.

I’ll be honest, I’m really looking forward to “The Pretty Things,” a David Bowie tribute band at O’Leary’s November 12. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “My teenage years would not have been the same without Bowie.”

The Barrelhouse Wailers will be hosting another Speakeasy swing dance night on November 19 at the Ventura Beach Club.  The evening will start with lessons at 8 pm with Kim Clever and David Frutos, then live music from 9 to midnight.  Of course, costumes are encouraged but not required.

Goodnight Kiss are currently in the studio recording their first EP; Medicine Hat will be going back into the studio soon; Hard Six just finished a video soundtrack recorded at Megasound Studios; the Rubberneck Lions just released new music via social media with their first single, “Head Case by Case”; Ashford Gordon’s CD release party has been postponed until after the New Year; Smitty and Julia’s new CD, “Made in Ojai” is now available on CD Baby; and congratulations to all of the Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients with a big shout out to local musician/teacher, Jodi Farrell.  It’s well deserved my friend!

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to Pam@VenturaRocks.com, and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Music Photos: November 2014

W20 at The Watermark – November 26, 2014
Shawn Jones Roots Trio (Jones, guitar; Christopher Allis, drums; Sam Bolle, bass)
Shawn Jones Roots Trio


Bombay’s – November 26, 2014
Mandex!
Mandex


Amigos – November 26, 2014
Shaky Feelin’


WAV – November 23, 2014
Donna Lynn Caskey

Donna Lynn Caskey


805 Bar & Grilled Cheese – November 23, 2014
Brandon Ragan
Brandon Ragan


Ventura Harbor – Wine, Dine & Jazz – November 23, 2014
Justin Claveria Trio
Justin Claveria


Squashed Grapes – November 19, 2015
Barry Mosley

Barry Mosley Quartet


Bombay Bar and Grill – November 15, 2015
The NaVaNaX
The NaVaNaXAmigo’s – November 15, 2014
Laura Cozzi and Soul Machine
Soul Machine


Cafe Fiore – November 15, 2014
Ricky Coz Band
Ricky Coz Band


Grapes and Hops – November 15, 2014
The Jazz Junkies
The Jazz Junkies


The Tavern – November 14, 2014
Private Island


Squashed Grapes – November 14, 2014
Ventura Jazz Collective
Ventura Jazz Collective


Amigos – November 14, 2014
Michael J and Leticia (MIghty Cash Cats)
Michael J and Leticia


El Rey Cantino – November 14, 2014
Xoco Moraza and Friends
Xoco and Friends


Sans Souci – November 12, 2014
The Miskreants
Miskreants


The Ventura Theater – November 12, 2014
The Misfits
The Misfits


The Winchester Rebels
Winchester Rebels


The Patio – November 8, 2014
C.A.R.L. Fundraiser
Kelly’s Lot
Kelly's Lot

Teresa James
Teresa JamesSteve “Smokey” Hinojosa
Smokey


Bombay Bar and Grill – November 7, 2014
Army of Freshmen
Army of FreshmenArmy of Freshmen
Shane Mac
Shane Mac


Grapes and Hops – November 2, 2014
Shawn Jones
Shawn Jones


Amigos – November 2, 2014
The Tossers
The Tossers Lyla Fronsoe Representing while celebrating her birthday with The Tossers!
Lyla Representing!


Squashed Grapes – November 1, 2014
Paul McCallum and Friends
Paul McCallem

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/17 – 9/30

Ventura MusVentura Breeze logoic Scene
Suds, Music and Rockin’ History
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Calire's Hammand B3I seriously can’t remember a year with more music bursting at the seams than this past year, and we’re only about two thirds done! Coming events, and starting on the water, the Ventura Harbor is capitalizing on all this great weather by bringing back the popular Rock on the Dock series every Saturday in September. Still to come on the 20th is Smokey and Friends and the 27th The Hard Times Band.

The 2014 California Beer Festival is finally upon us. I’m looking forward to learning all about craft beer on Saturday the 20 while chillin’ to Petty Theft, Dr. M and Rey Fresco; and then on Sunday, the 21, it’s the Blues & BBQ Festival with Tab Benoit, Trampled Under Foot, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, Michael John & the Bottom Line as well as Jonathon Boogie Long. I’ll be out selling Ventura Rocks t-shirts on Sunday, so be sure to swing by and hang a spell.

A free family-friendly night of music featuring music from popular radio and Broadway will be held at the Ventura Theater on September 19 and 21 featuring Loanne Wullaert with vocal support from some of the county’s best vocalists including Aaron Orbit and Marcella Tambouris. Look for numbers from Les Miserables, A Star is Born, Frozen, Dreamgirls and more. In between the two nights being called “September Song” will be The White Buffalo on the 20th. See VenturaTheater.net for times.

The good folks from Zoey’s have officially kicked off their new music venture in the form of Ones to Watch Productions. Steve and Polly Hoganson continue their support of up and coming artists as they produce local showcases. The next one will be Friday, October 3, at Bombay Bar and Grill with The Lee Koch Band, Derek Jennings and Zeke Berkley. For more information see OnesToWatchProductions.com.

One of my favorite blues singers with some serious spunk is Kelly Zirbes who has this never ending contagious energy about her. She’s always there when a helping hand is needed and it’s always a treat to see Kelly along with her husband Perry Robertson and their band Kelly’s Lot perform. She’s sure to make you laugh, but more than that, the band will get you up off your tush jamming to their special brand of rockin’ blues. Kelly’s Lot CD release party for their latest CD, “Don’t Give My Blues Away” will be held on Friday, September 19, at Yolies with a $10 cover. If you’re not able to make it, you’ll want to add this one to your collection for sure. Visit KellysLot.com to pick one up today.

And finally, just a quick little anecdote: While hanging out with Jimmy Calire the other night at Squashed Grapes, I knew the Hammond B3 organ he had brought in for the show that evening with Karl Hunter had some stories behind it, but none could be cooler than the one he share with me that evening where he would be jamming on it with his band, Raven at The Session in the Theater District in New York City and Jimi Hendrix would jump up on stage and join in the action. Seriously, how cool is that? This town has such an abundance of talent and history reinforcing what I’ve always said, Ventura Rocks!

If 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: September 2014

Squashed Grapes – September 30, 2014
Andy Waddell Quintet – Andy Waddell – Guitar; Katisse Buckingham – Sax/Flute; Aaron McClendon – Drums; Josh Nelson – Piano; Hamilton Price – Bass.
Andy Waddell Quintet


Amigos – September 28, 2014
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish
Jen Staves and the Bluzfish Jen Staves and the Bluzfish


Squashed Grapes – September 25, 2014
Jazz Hates Johnny – Karl Hunter, Rufus Philpott, Andy Langham, Aaron McClendon
Hunter, McClendon


The Wine Rack – September 24, 2014
Camille Bloom (from Seattle)
Camille Bloom


Cafe Fiore – September 24, 2014
Coso Live
Coso FranklinCoso Live


Discovery – September 24, 2014
The Paul McCallum Band – (San Diego)
Paul Cannon Band


Milano’s Italian Restaurant – September 23, 2014
Bluegrass Jam
Bluegrass Jam


Yolie’s – September 19, 2014
Kelly’s Lot CD Release Party
Thanks to all photographers.  Photos are watermarked.


Squashed Grapes – September 17, 2014
Adam Hawley with Trio B.A.D.
Adam Hawley


Bombay Bar and Grill – September 18, 2014
Carousels and Limousines (from UK)
Carousels and LimousinesBombay Bar and Grill – September 18, 2014
Anchor and Bear
Anchor and Bear


Ventura Beach Party – September 7, 2014
Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers


Billy O’s – September 2, 2014
The NaVaNaX
NaVaNaX

Crooked Eye Tommy Fundraiser

logoBombay Bar and Grill
Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ventura came together yet again to help.  This time it was to help get Tommy Marsh and the band to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge in a couple of weeks.  The line up was phenomenal with Guy Martin, Mikey Mo, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Ray Jourique & the Uptown Brothers, 4 on the Floor, Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies.  Plus Tommy’s two bands played.  First Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog opened the show, and then the band of the hour, closed the show as Crooked Eye Tommy and fellow bandmates, brother Paddy Marsh, Jimmy Calire, Tony Cicero and Glade Rasmussen tore it up.

The fans showed up, danced, and bought raffle tickets.  They also entered to win a Gibson SB Robot guitar which after all was said and done went to Lester Gray.  Congratulations you bastard.  I thought for sure one of my two tickets would be lucky!

Crooked Eye Tommy FundraiserWe had a blast hanging with good friends and family. Loved how Ventura Singles Rock showed up to support. Several local musicians showed up to show the love.  Kat from Totally Local VC and Sandy from the Tom and Sandy Show were on hand to make announcements. And though Kelly and Perry from Kelly’s Lot performed early, they stayed to the very end keeping it extremely lively.  Kelly, you’re a hoot. Thanks for sporting the shirt babe!  And the volunteers were all cheerful and enjoying the music.  And again Diana Boydstun, your such an asset.  Every time I’ve called to ask for your help on a fundraiser, you have never hesitated.  So glad to see that you had a blast and just know, I’ll be calling on you again! And Seth Brandes, thanks so much for being there helping and taking such great photos!

Diego and the staff at Bombay’s are a class act.  Armand John Lizzy and Chris Husted  did a terrific job running sound on the two stages.

And Tommy couldn’t have been more humble.  He sincerely deserves this show of support.

Now it’s MEMPHIS BABY!!!  Good luck Crooked Eye Tommy, do Ventura proud and represent us well.