Ventura Music Scene 12/13/23 – 12/26/23

Posted on December 13, 2023 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season, there are a few more opportunities to catch live music if you need a boost. On one end of the spectrum, the Rubicon Theater will host a Saturday afternoon Tiny Tots Christmas Concert on December 23 (2-4 pm) featuring enchanting songs of the season that will tug at your holiday heartstrings.

And then on the other end of the spectrum, if you appreciate a wicked sense of humor that is, then you won’t want to miss loveable punk rockers, The Vandals, when they play the Majestic Ventura Theater on Friday, December 22. This is the band’s 28th Annual Christmas Formal where they’re sure to play such punk holiday favorites as “My First Christmas as a Women,” “Oi to the World,” “Grandpa’s Last X-mas” and “I Don’t Believe in Santa Claus.”

Non-holiday events include a fundraiser to help get Red Headed Stephchild to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next month. The event will be held at Bombay’s on Saturday December 16 from 2-6 pm with performances from Ray Jaurique Trio, Hot Roux, American Standard and Red Headed StephChild.

Singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom plays Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai on Sunday December 17. So many of her songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists such as Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Kurt Cobain and of course Bette Midler who hit a number one hit with her tune, “The Rose”.

Albert Lee will be celebrating his 80th birthday at the Twist on Main with Hot Roux supporting the phenomenal Grammy award winning guitarist. Lee has worked with the likes of the Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and more. This ticketed event falls on Friday, December 22 with tickets available on the HiHatEntertainment.com website.

Keep in mind, you should firm up your New Year’s Eve party plans sooner than later. My next column will highlight some of the bigger parties, but meanwhile, go to VenturaRocks.com and on the calendar, just search “NYE” for parties throughout Ventura County.

Quick Notes: Rey Fresco opens for Ozomatli at the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, December 14; Simon Phillips returns to the Grape for another sure-to-sell-out performance on Friday, December 15; Red Hot Cholo Peppers play Copper Blues on Friday December 15; Brendan Willing James plays the Farmer and the Cook in Ojai on Sunday December 17; and Tribal Me has reformed and renamed the group, The Jelly Jam Band.

Though I’ve placed the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on hiatus after 200 shows, I’d like to invite you to start your very own radio show on CAPS Media’s KPPQ local non-profit radio station. You can do a talk/podcast type show, or play music of any genre. Reach out to the program director at radio@capsmedia.org.

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 October 2023

Posted on October 18, 2023 by venturarocks

Majestic Ventura Theater – October 17, 2023
The Offspring (photos: Kevin Scott Rehak)

The Grape – October 16, 2023
Doug Webb Quartet feat. Jacob Scensney (photos: Seth Brandes)

Boots and Brews – October 15, 2023
Jon Pardi (photos: Tatiana Vasilyev, @tativphotogallery)

Boots and Brews – October 15, 2023
Michael Jay (photo: Tatiana Vasilyev)

Boots and Brews – October 15, 2023
Niko Moon (photo: Tatiana Vasilyev)

Ventura Music Scene 7/26/23 – 8/8/23

Posted on July 26, 2023 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.comI’m happy to report Ventura survived the X Games. You’d think by some of the social media posts that the city was going to be shut down with gridlock and overtaken by outsiders. The traffic was no worse than it is for the fair (which opens August 2), in fact, it was better. Great traffic control and I was amongst those who chose to ride their bikes. Though the “live music” turned out to be DJs (not live in my book), I loved watching the competitions, and well…just being a part of this fantastic event! Plus, Tony Hawk was hanging out after the event downtown. Well done, Ventura!!

Now they’ll be tearing down all that was built up for the X Games, and the Ventura County Fair will run August 2 – 13 with eight free concerts: Midland, Patti Labelle, Collective Soul, Ashanti, Dia de la Familia, Trace Adkins, 38 Special and Tesla. Of course, outside the grandstand arena, live music abounds on a couple of different stages featuring lots of your favorite local bands including Shaky Feelin’, Operation 90s, Sean Wiggins & Lone Goat, and more.

Ventura Music Hall has added a number of shows several of which piqued my interest. First off, Keanu Reeves is back at it and touring with Dogstar making a stop here in town on Saturday, August 26 (already sold out!) with what is being called the “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees” tour which is the name of their next release which lands on all platforms October 6. Next on my personal list, The Struts on December 6, and then Black Flag on January 14. It’s interesting that past Black Flag lead singer, Henry Rollins, will be there November 7 with a “Good to See You” spoken-word sit-down show.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series continues with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. Nautical Thrust plays July 29 and Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers on August 5. This one is located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, where you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

The Grape continues to bring stellar jazz musicians to town. Earlier this month Poncho Sanchez played two sold out shows. Coming up soon they have Max Haymer who has won 2nd place at the Montreux Jazz Festival Solo Piano Competition and the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville Florida. Ronnie Foster returns with a promoting is first record in 36 years; you’ve most likely heard his soulful playing, whether from his standout performance on “Summer Soft” from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 masterwork Songs In The Key Of Life, best-selling George Benson albums including Breezin’, or A Tribe Called Quest’s classic hip-hop track “Electric Relaxation.” And no stranger to Grape patrons, Doug Webb returns with Danny Carey of Tool for a special Sunday evening performance on August 6.

Quick Notes: Perla Batalla plays a sold out show at the Ojai Underground on Friday, July 28; Andrew DeVries plays Surfers Point Café on Saturday July 29; Dreamland, a celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford will be at the Grape on July 29. Libbey Bowl concerts include Which One’s Pink on Saturday, August 5, and Chris Isaak on Sunday, August 7; Friday evening Heritage Square Summer Concert Series continues with Los Xiquenos on July 28 and The Reunion on August 7; Rey Fresco plays the Deer Lodge on Saturday, August 5; the Saturday evening Music Under the Stars at the Historic Olivas Adobe will host the K-Tell All-Stars on July 29, and Louie Cruz Beltran on August 5; and the Red Hot Cholo Peppers play Copper Blues on Saturday, August 5.

Ventura Music Scene 7/12/23 – 7/25/23

Posted on July 10, 2023 by venturarocks

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

I’m super excited to catch the X Games at the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of Friday July 21 through Sunday, July 23, I secured tickets as soon as they went on sale. I’ve read there will be live music entertainment, what if any remains to be seen, but of course the main show will the skateboard, BMX and Moto X competitions.

Having lost their location at the Fairgrounds due to the X Games setting up for the show, Tequila and Tacos Music Festival will be held at the Ventura State Beach this year with more traditional music from Ezequiel Pena, Vilma Diaz y la Sonora and Adelaide (tribute to Selena) on Saturday, July 15, then it’s rapper/singer, Flo Rida, headlining with Vilma Diaz y la Sonora, and Upstream on Sunday, July 16.

The Happy Together Tour lands at Libbey Bowl on Thursday, July 13. Along with The Turtles are Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills. Between all the bands you’re sure to hear some of the best pop tunes from the 60s including “Happy Together,” “Goin’ Out of my Head,” “Young Girl,” “Turn Around Look at Me,” “Spooky,” and “Hair.”

Heritage Days Midsummer Block Party in Old Towne Camarillo runs the weekend of Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16 with live music (Friday – Sunday). Admission is free, but tickets are required for the carnival rides. Bands scheduled to play include Highway Starr, Todd Stanford Country Band, Hard Six, SkaDaddyz, Shaky Feelin’ and more.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series has kicked off with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. The Dive Bar Messiahs play July 15, and Psychedelic Summer on July 22 (you’ll want to sport your best hippie attire for that one). Located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

The Rubicon Theatre has a couple of live music concerts coming up in August. Get tickets now before they sell out. First, it’s Kids for Kids Benefit Concert featuring the music of Burt Bacharach on August 19; this one helps to raise scholarship funds for young people who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Rubicon’s education programs. And then it’s “The Platters: Many Voices ONE Name” show with five performances over the weekend of August 25 – 27. You know their hits such as “The Great Pretender,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “Harbor Lights,” and more.

Advanced tickets went on sale this week for Gordon Goodwin’s Little Phat Band for two shows on Saturday, September 9, at the Grape. This one is sure to sell out. Goodwin won the 2006 GRAMMY Award for his Instrumental Arrangement of “Incredits” from the Pixar film The Incredibles, along with three Emmy Awards, and thirteen GRAMMY nominations. Click here to secure your tickets.

Quick Notes: “Brit Floyd, Celebrating 50 years of the Dark Side of the Moon,” plays the Ventura Theater on Friday, July 14; Bombay has a special day of live music on Saturday, July 15 with Hol!day, Aaron Orbit, Brian Mikasa, Kyle Edward Hunt, Joey6Strings, and Ardi; the monthly Channel Cities Jazz Club dance event at House of Dance will feature Flattop Tom and the Jump Cats on Sunday, July 16 (1-3:30 pm); and Iam Tongi (Season 21 winner of American Idol) plays two shows at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, July 22.

Ventura Music Photos – March 2023

Posted on March 19, 2023 by venturarocks

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Fear – Lee Ving below (photo: Tony Cortez

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Dwarves (photo: Tony Cortez)

Punk in the Park – Ventura Fairgrounds – March 25, 2023
Romper (photo: Tony Cortez)

The Grape – March 22, 2023
Denny Seiwell

The Grape – March 18, 2023
Tom Scott featuring Grant Geissman, Mitch Forman, Chris Colangelo, Gary Novak (photo: Seth Brandes)

The Ojai Underground – March 18, 2023
Tara Jeffrey

Winchester’s Grill and Saloon – March 17, 2023
The Pipes

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 9/7/22 – 9/20/22

Posted on September 5, 2022 by venturarocks

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

How hot was that Labor Day weekend? I hope you were able to get out and catch some of the many live music events along the coast where it was mostly bearable. As for the rest of September, it looks like the weather should remain warm to hot…just not Vegas hot.

As always, at the top of my list of recommendations is anything I’m involved with, so I hope you’ll consider Taste of Local as it returns this year on Sunday, September 11 presented by Totally Local VC Agricultural Education Foundation. VenturaRocks (myself) will help to host the music stage where Spencer the Gardener, Dan Grimm and the Rose Valley Thorns will be performing. Along with the live music, there will be a local homebrew challenge, a farm-to-glass mixology throwdown and dozens of booths where you can taste delicious samples from local chefs. There is expected to be over 60 area chefs, farmers, purveyors, wineries, breweries and distilleries showcasing their culinary expertise. You can find out more about this wonderful event at TotallyLocalVC.com and I hope to see you there!

The 5th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival runs three days this year at Oxnard Beach Park (1601 Harbor Blvd.) Friday, September 9 – Sunday, September 11. This ticketed event will feature live music all three days. Delta by the Beach kicks off the live music on Friday; Kelly’s Lot, Hiroshima, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Ryan and others on Saturday, and Sunday it’s Paula Atherton, Bunny Brunel, Erin Stevenson, the Emotions and more. You can get the full list of acts, Covid-19 updates and ticket information at OxnardJazzFestival.com.

The Roots 805 Jam is Saturday, September 10 at Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme from 3 – 11 pm with Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Kyle Smith, Krooked Treez, Synrgy, Morie & the Heavy Hitters, Rising son, Jacob Marquez & the Good vibes and more. Tickets range from $30 to $65 on EventBrite.

The 34th Anniversary show for Chick Singer Night will be held on Saturday, September 10, with Martha V, Diana Bacon, Olivia Mucha, Kerri Climer and Vanise Terry. The location is Sound Palace, Studio B in Oxnard. Tickets are $25 through EventBrite.com.

Dirty Cello returns to Ventura with a show at Namba Performing Arts Space on Saturday, September 10. Band leader and cellist Rebecca Roudman is also a member of classical orchestras, but with the Dirty Cello band she lets her hair down and uses her classical training to push the cello to its limits – more Jimi Hendrix than Yo -Yo Ma. Roudman says, “We play what folks want to hear, from the Devil Went Down to Georgia to Led Zeppelin, we go on stage with a huge collection of songs and then just have a ton of fun – we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and we just want the audience to have a good time too.”

The Leashless Brewing End-of-Summer Lu’au party falls on Saturday, September 17. You’re invited to dress in your lava-lavas, sarongs, or your aloha shirts…and bring on the island vibe because this will be a party! Morie and the Heavy Hitters play from 6 to 9 with proceeds from the event donated to the Ventura State Rescue Association.

Saturday September 17 at the Beatrice Wood Center for Arts in upper Ojai will have an event being billed as Gypsy Meets Choro, featuring Finnish guitarist Olli Soikkeli and Italian-Brazilian 7-string guitarist, Cesar Garabini. The duo offers up an exquisite duet paring swinging Django Reinhardt-style gypsy jazz guitar and spicy choro style jazz guitar. You can get more information at BeatriceWood.com

The Grape always has a number of noteworthy performances scheduled at their gorgeous venue, tagline, “House of Jazz and Spirits” however, that doesn’t mean they exclude other genres of music, case in point, Billy Vera and the Beaters on September 22. I recommend you bookmark their events page or better yet, request to be on their email list so you don’t miss any of their upcoming shows. (TheGrapeVentura.com)

New shows added at Ventura Music Hall
Tribal Seeds feat. Hector Roots Lewis – October 4
Atmosphere – October 19
Klangstof – October 25
Big Head Todd and the Monsters – November 11
Zepparella – December 8
Mat Kearney – February 11

Mark your calendar (more details next issue) for Saturday, September 24: The Banana Festival in Port Hueneme, Oktoberfest at Lucas Sellers in Moorpark and it’s the Rudder Room’s 60th anniversary with Teresa Russell.

Quick Notes: Starship feat. Mickey Thomas at Libbey Bowl on September 4 was cancelled; The Fabulous Thunders play Ventura Music Hall on Wednesday, September 7; Flipper, Mike Watt and The Robot Uprising play Gigi’s on Thursday, September 8; IDKHow plays the Ventura Theater on Friday, September 9; Bart Davenport plays the Deer Lodge on Friday, September 9; Blood, Sweat and Tears play Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 10; Kansas plays the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center on Thursday, September 15; Josh Damigo will open for Allen Stone at the Ventura Music Hall on Friday, September 16; And Panteon Rococo plays the Ventura Theater on Tuesday, September 20.

Q&A with Derek Sherinian

Posted on August 13, 2022 by venturarocks

The new studio album from world acclaimed keyboardist Derek Sherinian, (Sons of Apollo, Black Country Communion), ‘Vortex was recently released where Sherinian is once again joined by legendary drummer Simon Phillips, who co-wrote and co-produced the album, as well as Tony ‘The Fretless Monster’ Franklin, on bass.

Derek Sherinian
Photo credit: Greg Vorobiov

Derek has this to say about the release of the album: “Simon and I have found the ultimate blend of rock, prog, and fusion on VORTEX, enjoy!” And now they’re coming to Ventura for two dates at The Grape. Here’s a little more insight on the upcoming gigs Monday, August 29.

Ventura Rocks: It’s always a treat to have someone of your artistic caliber come visit and play in Ventura, especially a smaller venue such as The Grape, so thank you for coming. How did this gig come about?

Derek Sherinian: Simon Phillips and I are playing the Starmus Festival in Yerevan, Armenia this September, Simon suggested The Grape as a great warm up show the festival. I have never been there, but hear that the vibe is great!

Congratulations on VORTEX, how has it been received so far?

Amazing worldwide reviews. Simon and I are very happy with the reception.

You have a number of heavy hitters such as Steve Stevens, Joe Bonamassa, Michael Schenker and others. Was this project conceived during the pandemic and done like so many others, remotely and then pieced together, or were you able to be in the same place jamming together?

Derek Sherinian
Photo credit: Greg Vorobiov

Some of the sessions were in person, and some were remote.

At this point in your career, do you ever get nervous with playing with other players? Or is it just a joy to share that moment with them?

Never nervous, only joy!

What other players will be joining you for the gig at the Grape?

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, who is truly a freak of nature on guitar. Ric Fierabracci on bass, who has played a lot at The Grape.

Please give me a snap preview of what jazz lovers can expect at the show.

I think jazz lovers will love our show, the musicianship is undeniable.

Thanks so much Derek for your time!

There will be two shows on Monday, August 29, 2022 (7 and 9:15 pm); click here to secure your tickets for the Grape on EventBrite

Ventura Music Photos – April 2022

Posted on April 8, 2022 by venturarocks

Ventura Music Hall – April 17, 2022
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives (Photo credit: Kelly Zirbes)

Tony’s Pizzeria – April 16, 2022
Caliente Band (Photo credit: Rodney Medina)

Ojai House Concert – April 16, 2022
Sonic Butterfly meets Star Goes Nova

The Grape – April 8, 2022
The Doug Webb Group:
Doug Webb- saxophone
Danny Carey- drums
Jamie Kime- guitar
Mitchel Forman- keys
Jimmy Earl- bass

Skull and Roses – April 8 – 10, 2022|
Photo Credit: John Murchison

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 9/22/21 – 10/5/21

Posted on September 22, 2021 by venturarocks

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

While I’m not going to guarantee an opening date for the Grape, they are oh so very close to opening their doors to what I’m sure will be the hottest jazz club in the County. I got the grand tour and the place is amazing!!!We’ve been very fortunate to have Will Breman performing at local venues downtown Ventura (Winchesters and Grapes and Hops with a Twist) having been a semifinalist on NBC’s the Voice just a couple years ago (season 17). His mentor from the show, John Legend, just did a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl last week and Legend brought Will on stage to perform Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from my Friends.” I spoke to Will about it and he told me, “Singing with John was literally the most perfect timing. Before the pandemic, I had bought tickets for my mom, because she was celebrating her 50th birthday. Ultimately my entire family got to go, which was wonderful. Mom and dad had zero clue [he’d be performing], and I could see them freaking out from their floor seats. Working with John in any respect has been straightforward and easy. At this point it was like catching up with a dear friend. I didn’t expect the nerves I got in the moment, but it had also been the first time in two years that I ever sang for an audience that big.” Freakin’ awesome, right?!! Will was kind enough to do an episode of VenturaRockSpot with me earlier this year, you can view it at VenturaRockSpot.com (along with dozens of other interviews). Will Breman will also be featured at the Topa Mountain Music 2021 Benefit Concert coming up at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on October 9. Headlining the show will be the White Buffalo along with performances from Bryan Titus Trio, Lee Koch Band, Jems and more. Go to TopaMountainMusic.org for ticket information.

Social Distortion (including long-time band member and well-known musician in numerous bands around town, Brent Harding) just got added to the list of concerts for October at the Majestic Ventura Theater playing a date on Wednesday, October 6. Other shows include Drakeo the Ruler on October 1, Black Label Society on October 2, Yung Blue on October 5, two Pennywise shows, the one with the Dead Kennedys on October 7 and the one with Strung Out on October 8, and then it’s Elefante, Inspector on October 15. The venue is now requiring a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event you’re attending or proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required at all times except while actively eating or drinking.

I’m also happy to report there will be live music at Bombay’s on Saturday, September 25, starting at 6 pm in the back room and this one is all ages. With a small $5 cover, you’ll get Brian Mikasa with Ardi on drums performing new music along with opening sets from Kyle Hunt and Hol!day (Tyler Treves’ new project). It’s being branded as a listening party, so respect and give them your attention; should be a great way to kick off a Saturday night downtown.

Ojai Nest Fest scheduled for Lake Casitas on October 2nd has been postponed.

Quick Notes: Maria Calire is out touring with Martha and the Motels; with less daylight, Margarita Villa has adjusted their live music to 7-10 on the weekends; Tony Ybarra is opening for Blood Sweat & Tears at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on September 24;
Tuesday Blues Day continues past summer at the Copa Cubana with Jerry Mcworter, Shawn Jones, Ed Berghoff and Sam Bolle; the Temptations play Libbey Bowl in Ojai on Sunday, September 26; Kyle Smith record release party will be held at the Six Chow House on Thursday, September 23; the monthly Bubbly, Brunch & Latin Jazz at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will feature Justo Almario, Abraham Laborial and Bill Maxwell on Sunday, September 26 was cancelled; and Surf ‘N’ Suds returns to San Buenaventura State Beach on Saturday, October 9, with music from Jacob Marquez and the Good Vibes along with Mestizo & DJ Hecktik.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/16/21 – 6/29/21

Posted on June 16, 2021 by venturarocks

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

I really thought I was clever lining up local artists for a short Q&A the past year because frankly, there was very little to write about regarding our music scene other than a lack of a music scene, but that got old fast. So, the Q&A’s were fun and interesting as I caught up with such local artists as Dan Grimm, Tommy Marsh, Will Breman, Natalie Gelman, Chulz Torrez, Guy Martin, Christine Law and so many more. We heard about how they had been holding up during the pandemic and what they had been up to and what new music they had been working on lately. (They’re all archived by the way on VenturaRocks.com) Well I had one lined up for this issue, but I got burned, and he missed the deadline, so lucky for me, we actually have a music scene starting to come back to life for me to write about now!

In my last column I mentioned how it looked like the days of Concerts in your Car were numbered and I was right, Nelly was the last show on Saturday, June 12. I was severely disappointed that Vanilla Ice with Tag Team #WhoopThereItIs was taken off their calendar, that is until I opened an email from CBF Productions and found they’ve been rescheduled to perform here in town after all. CBF Productions are the good folks who brought you Concerts in Your Car, California Beer Festival, Winter Wine Walk, and yes, the Tequila and Taco Music Festival where you can now see both Vanilla Ice and Tag Team #WhoopThereItIs over the weekend of July 24. Last year of course was cancelled due to the pandemic and previous years it was held at Plaza Park, but this year the festival will be held at Surfer’s Point at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. I’ll be honest, it will be good to walk on solid ground (as opposed to the park) after a tasting or two of tequila, and definitely after one of those fiery margaritas they have for sell. Saturday it’s the two hip-hop/rap artists, and then Sunday features tribute to Selena & Latina artists. Tickets on sale now at TequilaAndTacoMusicFestival.com.

Adam and Josh have been slowly but surely getting their new jazz club, the Grape, ready to open their doors to the general public, and the timing couldn’t be better as the county continues to reopen and allow businesses to get back to…business. I just spoke to Josh and he told me they’re looking at the second week in July. YES, FINALLY!! Now you may have seen a post on social media about a show at the Grape on July 8, but that will be a live-stream featuring Karl Hunter, Hans Ottsen, Guil Juliao and Adam Clark (Adam’s back in town for a mere week or so). Adam and Josh are working on dates for Mike Garson’s return, and I hear Doug Webb and Danny Carey are eager to play the new joint as soon as they can. The new jazz house will definitely be a feather in the cap of Ventura’s music scene, and I for one can barely wait to check it out.

Cadillac Zack has landed a new venue for his blues shows at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo. It’s recommended to get your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out when shows sell out. You can do so by calling or texting (323) 377-5291. Tickets range from $20 to $35 with all shows starting at 8 pm; doors open at 7. Currently the line-up includes Jimmy Vivino, bandleader for the Conan O’Brien show on Friday, June 25; Guitar Shorty, blues legend and Hendrix’s step-brother, on Friday, July 9; Laith Al-Saadi, brilliant guitarist and finalist on NBC’s The Voice on Friday, July 16; and Josh Smith, famed modern blues guitar genius on Friday, July 23. August dates include Chris Cain, the Atomic 44’s (formerly The 44’s), Paule Cerra and Lionel Young.

Quick Notes: Winchester’s is hosting “Burning Mask Ventura” on Sunday June 27 from 1 pm to 7 pm with live music from Two’s Company, the Bomb and Spencer the Gardener; there’s actual live music at Bombay’s on Saturday, June 26 starting at 5 pm with the Swizzlers, Vonettes and Fish Fry; catch Tuesday Blues Day evenings at Copa Cubana featuring Jerry McWorter, Ed Berghoff and Shawn Jones this month; Franck L. Goldwasser has a date at Namba on Saturday, June 19; and finally, are you’re missing a little Nardcore? Well Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo will be hosting Tuesday night Nardcore nights starting June 22 with Out of Trust and the Robot Uprising.

Ventura Rocks

Yeah it Does!

Tag Archives: The Grape

Ventura Music Scene 12/13/23 – 12/26/23

Ventura Music Photos October 2023

Ventura Music Scene 7/26/23 – 8/8/23

Ventura Music Scene 7/12/23 – 7/25/23

Ventura Music Photos – March 2023

Ventura Rocks Music Scene Column 9/7/22 – 9/20/22

Q&A with Derek Sherinian

Ventura Music Photos – April 2022

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze 6/16/21 – 6/29/21