Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 3/18 – 3/31

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

Jim Monahan

Fundraiser for Jim Monahan Sunday, March 22, at Bombay’s.

With spring upon us the Ventura Harbor Village brings back music to the Carousel stage; look for Unkle Monkey on March 22 and Smokey & Friends on March 29.

Speaking of the Harbor, we got wind that Andre (805 Wine and Grill Cheese fame) has snatch up more space and will be opening an Ameri-Cubano restaurant featuring live musical entertainment most days of the week.  We’ll keep you posted, but we hear the ETA is early summer.

Tickets are on sale now for Aaron Carter at Discovery Ventura for Friday, April 24th.  There are a limited number of VIP Meet & Greet tickets as well.

The Bluegrass jam which originally started at Zoey’s over twelve years ago, then migrated to Milano’s for the past year has landed at Golden China on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.  Gene Rubin told me, “Phil Salazar and I are usually there and the rest is any combination of the 400 who might show up to jam. Typically we get 20 to 30 musicians at any jam, which means they usually break up into 2 or three jam circles. Summers are always even busier.”

Winchesters Grill will host a fundraiser, donating 20% of food sales to Ventura Music Week on Tuesday, March 31.   Get out and support!

Brothers Fortune is the new project from Kyle Hunt.  I reached out to Kyle to find out more and he told me, “I began working on this project over a year ago and it’s been a slow process. Life gets in the way sometimes and it’s taken a long time to say that a new full length album is just round the corner! March 28th (at Bombay’s) will be our first show with a permanent full line up including Jayce Flauding, Marco Perez, John Sagar, Sean Tauber and myself. We’ve only been playing as a whole for a short while, but I’m really looking forward to gigging with these guys!”

Oh! Just a quick follow up after hanging with the crew on their Squashed Grapes float for the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 14th; we took two trophies, Best in Category and Best in Show!!  The band rocked it with Trey O’Toole, Franklin Murphy, Rj Root, Jacob Scesney and Guil Juliao (who saved the day), but I can’t help to think us dancers helped as well (wink wink).

And finally, The Have a Heart Fundraiser for local musician Jim Monahan will be held at Bombay’s on Sunday, March 22, to help pay for the overwhelming medical bills as he recuperates from cancer and cardiovascular surgery.  Just a few of the musicians on hand to help out will be: the Jimmy Calire Trio, the Vonettes, National Cat, Restless Hillfillies, Alan Thornhill and Martin Young, Solimar, J Peter Boles & Friends and Fishfry.

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 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.

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 4/30/14 – 5/13/14

Ventura Breeze logoVentura Music Scene
Music is Never a Burdon
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I cannot wait to check out Eric Burdon when he comes out this way; the last time I ran into him was at a concert KXBS oldies radio station put on at State Beach back around 1992.  Burdon (yes, THE Eric Burdon from The Animals and War fame) will be headlining a show at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai on May 17th and I’m hearing it’s Eric’s 73rd birthday so we’re expecting quite the celebration.   Opening the show will be the Rubberneck Lions and Dishwalla.
Eric Burdon and Pam BaumgardnerThe Ventura Music Festival is in full swing during the month of May, and the powers that be have really outdone themselves this year with a stellar line up:  May 2 it’s Igudesman & Joo, a Little Nightmare Music at Community Presbyterian Church; Ventura High plays host for several shows including Lynn Harrell, Dean of American cellists on May 3; an evening with Judy Collins on May 4; and Stanislav Khristenko, 2013 Cleveland International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, on May 9.  Check out www.VenturaMusicFestival.org for even more shows, ticket pricing and availability.

Depending on your mood, the Ventura Theater has some cool shows in May.  If you’re looking to burn off steam, punk rockers, Against Me! will be in the house on May 27, but if you’re looking to dance off some energy, you won’t want to miss the ever popular Reverend Horton Heat and their brand of psychobilly on the 23rd; and finally if you’re feeling a little more mellow and ready for some reggae, then it’s The Green for you on May 26.

Ventura Music Week is coming up!  Don’t even think about scheduling your vacation between June 6 and June 15th.   Just some of the events to look forward to include the annual SRO benefit with the Stoneflys, Highway Starr and other bands; there’s the Roadshow Revival’s:  a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash; Louden Guitars will have a special showcase at the W Gallery with some amazing guitarists including our very own Shawn Jones;  there will be a special screening of the Oscar winning documentary, “20 Feet from Stardom”;  an evening of visual arts up at City Hall’s Atrium, and more music than you can shake a stick at.  Do check in at www.VenturaMusicWeek.com for more details as they come in.

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 4/16/14 – 4/29/14

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

With the weather warming up more music is being offered outdoors. One recurring event, Folk Steady, can be found at the Ojai Rancho Inn where Vaughn Montgomery of the band Little Big Here puts together a pretty cool list of bands (including his own) playing for free (donations welcomed). Vaughn told me he’s been holding these concerts since last summer and depending on the weather they fall on the first Sunday of the month with seven or eight acts on the bill.

Todd-Jesse-VRThe first Sunday of April I caught just a couple of the acts including a great set from the owners of Brotheryn Studios, Todd Hannigan and Jesse Siebenberg, along with Micah McCabe and Taylor Quinn which included a guest appearance by Roger Keiaho of Rey Fresco. The afternoon was a blast. It was completely a laid back vibe with a swimming pool, nice lawn area, and a huge tree where the band plays underneath. Scratch Food Truck was on the grounds for those who didn’t pack a picnic lunch. In attendance were Steve and Polly Hoganson, Charles and Christine Law, Amanda Peacock, Dan and Malory Grimm, Becca Fuchs and just tons of other musicians, friends and families.

Vaughn’s completely on board with future gigs telling me, “I’d like to keep doing them indefinitely. It seems like a good alternative from hearing music in a bar. These concerts feel more like a day in the park, with families and dogs and some sky.” Catch the next one scheduled for May 4th, bring blanket, low chairs, sunscreen and refreshments.

Speaking of fun in the sun, Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest has plenty of music lined up for Saturday, April 26, along Ventura’s promenade. Just a couple of acts to watch for are the Barrelhouse Wailers, D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers, Derek Jennings and Soul Infusion. Check out www.VenturaEarthDay.org for more information.

Of course there is Ventura Beach Festival with Martha Davis and the Motels headlining on May 3rd at State Beach. See www.VenturaBeachFestival.com ticket info and further down the road it’s the Roadshow Revival: A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash on Saturday, June 14 with the Paladins, Dale Watson, Calico, Hard Six and the Mighty Cash Cats lined up so far.

And finally, Bombay’s will host a fundraising event with Tommy and Paddy Marsh and special guests. A percentage of sales will be donated on April 19, 6-9 pm to the Botanical Gardens, so grab a burger and brewski, enjoy the tunes while supporting another great cause!

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 Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 3/5/14 – 3/18/14

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

Kevin Seconds

It was pretty cool catching the Numbskull Show on a rainy Wednesday night in the backroom at Bombay’s with Kevin Seconds from 7 Seconds sharing an acoustic evening with Steve Soto (Agent Orange and The Adolescents) and Russ Rankin (Good Riddance).  Kevin’s three-week tour in support of his new release, Off Stockton, kicked off in Ventura.  Rankin told me he’ll be performing the first four dates and the last three dates with Kevin. The night had the three as solo performers – just the artist and their acoustic guitar – and though there were some missteps from Soto, it was pretty cool when he just laughed it off like the true punk rocker he is.

We’re looking forward to catching Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy as he returns to Squashed Grapes for another show on Saturday, March 22.  In what is being called the Karl Hunter Organ’ic Quartet, Karl will have the legendary Jimmy Calire who toured for several years with America on keyboards, Mario Calire from the Wallflowers and Ozomatli on drums and guitar player extraordinaire Hans Ottsen will round out the quartet.  Tickets are $10 and you should get them in advance at the Grape as this one is sure to sell out fast.

Technicolor Tone Factory out of Boulder, CO, will be making their debut in Southern California area with a free show at Green Art People on Wednesday, March 12.  According to Taylor Frederick, TTF isn’t a jam band that rocks, but rather a rock band that jams.  I took a listen on SoundCloud, and trust me, the band rocks.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations officially kick off with the City’s annual parade on Saturday, March 15.    We’ll be hitching a ride on Kat Merrick’s Totally Local VC float where Dan Grimm and other artists will be performing live along with Jon Reese of Amigos on air guitar, as we cruise down Main Street.  Give us a shout out when we pass by!

And of course you are officially invited to help Ventura Rocks celebrate our 5th Anniversary with a huge St. Patrick’s Day party at Bombay’s on the 17th with first Irish music from the Lousy Drunken Uncles at 6:00, then it will Rey Fresco making this the hottest party in town.
Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help on publicizing?  Then send all information short or long to  Pam@VenturaRocks.com.

Ventura Rocks in the Ventura Breeze – 1/22/14 – 2/4/14

breezeVentura 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.

www.VenturaBreeze.com

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 1/8/14 – 1/21/14

breezeVentura Music Scene
All Hans on deck
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I woke up pleasantly surprised on New Year’s Day to find that Hans Ottsen had just released a brand new EP called Music for Mind Movies. While getting to know Hans and his live jazz performances at one of my favorite venues, Squashed Grapes, I learned that he also teaches guitar lessons, and is a well-sought after session musician.  He co-produced and engineered at Filzar Studios for the past year or so, and recently worked on Phil Salazar’s new release, Life on the Edge, in exchange he earned some prime studio time.

So how did Hans use that time?  He told me, “I got the band Tico Trio in there a couple months ago and we’re planning to release that one in early 2014. These tracks were really just me experimenting in the studio. I never really planned to release them as I was creating them.  Then I thought it’d be fun to release an EP without any jazz on it.”

Han’s EP titled Music for Mind Movies is seven eclectic beautifully written and performed songs that if you allow, will take you to another place. Hans explained, “As for the name, the tunes don’t adhere to any one genre. There’s some ambient electronic, instrumental pop, demented circus music, but I can’t really describe it all easily. I’ve been told that it all kinda sounds like ‘music from a movie.’ Those movies have yet to be made. They exist in the mind.  Music For Mind Movies.”   You can buy the new EP at www.HansOttsen.Bandcamp.com

The Ventura County Concert Band (VCCB) is celebrating their 50th season with their next performance scheduled for Sunday, January 26, at the Ventura High School auditorium at 3:00 pm. VCCB is a non-profit Community Concert Band, under the direction of Ms. Julie Judd based here in Ventura.  They perform for the community free of charge 4 times a year. Take the whole family for an incredible show.

And two shows to watch for at the Majestic Ventura Theater this month.  If you like grooving to what they call “Sunshine Reggae,” you won’t want to miss Iration on Friday, January 24 and then Grammy award winning Country artist Dwight Yoakum will be kicking it up on Friday, January 31, as he continues to tour in support of his latest release, “3 Pears.”  Contact Ventura Theater for ticket availability.

And don’t forget we’re helping to get Tommy Marsh to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Fundraiser is Sunday, January 12 at Bombay’s with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Mikey Mo, Donna Greene and the Roadhouse Daddies, 4 on the Floor, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, and Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. All this amazing music for only $10 plus it helps get Crooked Eye Tommy to the competition.  See you there!!!

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

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 12/24/13 – 1/7/14

breezeThe Music Scene
New Year’s Eve and More
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

I love that Ventura’s music community has such heart and supports worthy causes. Firstly, we’d love to see everyone out for “A Benefit for Jacob” on Saturday, January 4 at Yolies (138 W. Main). The McWorters of Hi Hat Entertainment are putting on this event for their eldest son, Jacob, who has been undergoing Chemo for over 16 months. On board for entertainment are Albert Lee, Coco Montoya, James Harmon, Johnny Main and over a dozen more musicians. Go to www.hihatentertainment.com for tickets or to make a donation.

And then we’re helping to get Crooked Eye Tommy to Nashville to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The band needs help on travel expenses so there will be a fundraiser at Bombay’s on Sunday, January 12 with Guy Martin, Kelly’s Lot, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, and Tommy’s “other band” Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog. You can also enter a raffle to win a new Gibson guitar.

We’ve been getting a ton of questions about what’s happening for New Year’s Eve, and so we did a little research and it turns out there is a boatload of music to be had to help bring in the New Year. We’ve provided phone numbers for venues where you’ll want to make reservations.
The Top of the Harbor at the Crowne Plaza will feature dinner and dancing into the night with disc jockey Bruce Barrios; special room rates available, call (805) 648-2100.
Another place with overnight accommodations is the Pierpont Inn which will be offering a Roaring 20’s party with cocktail reception, buffet dinner and champagne toast while dancing to DJ Matt Madsady; there will also be a live performance from Sound Effect, call (805) 643-6144.
Peirano’s features dinner and music from the Mighty Cash Cats then a DJ, call (805) 648-4853.
The Rhumb Line at the Harbor has Bobby Watley for dinner at 6, then Frank Barajas, call (805) 642-1200
The Greek has traditional belly dancers to get you in a festive mood, and then you can dance to R&B music from Jon Francis. (805) 650-5350.
W20 has Dr. M from 9-12, then a DJ on the first f loor 10:30 – 1:30 pm. Cover starts at 8 pm. (805) 643-6800.
The all new Discovery Ventura will ring in the New Year with dancing to a DJ.
Bombay Bar and Grill will rock in the New Year with a Lex Rule dinner show, and then there will be a Tommy Marsh jam session on one stage and MANDEX on the other.
Keynote will have Red Rhythm.
Gigi’s has What the Funk.
The Star Lounge has CRV.

And finally, check out Polly Hoganson the MusicMuse for some fun reading as she shares New Year’s Resolutions from local musicians and venue owners as well as Ventura’s mayor, Cheryl Heitmann, Read all about them at www.VenturaRocks.com.

Be safe. We wish you a Happy New Year!!

Ventura Rocks in Ventura Breeze – 11/27/13 – 12/10/13

The Music Scene
Around Town
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com

Guy Martin

How cool is it that our very own Guy Martin, guitar wiz extraordinaire is opening up for B.B. King at the Majestic Ventura Theater? “It is definitely a rare opportunity, and I’m honored to say the least,” Martin confided to us. You know Martin is going to bring it on and represent Ventura.   Talking about the big night, Martin disclosed his game plan, “It will be the usual in-your-face ‘Guy Martin’ style blues, but maybe with a little toned down homage to the great BB King; possibly a sit-in with the man if I’m lucky.” Backing up Martin will be his long-time friend and bass player of 16 years, Tony Trigueiro, and local skin beater Pete Gallagher driving the bus, on the drums.  B.B. King who recently turned 88 years old, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater, Wednesday, December 4. Visit www.VenturaTheater.net for ticket information.

 I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the 5th annual RAWawards semi-finals for Ventura. Sara Vausbinder, Showcase Director for RAW Ventura explained, “Artists are competing locally for the title of RAWartist of the Year in their category. They then move on to compete nationally – of which our national winners receive career boosting prizes including gallery placements, consultations with professionals in their field, magazine features, and more.” Bands performing for a chance to move on to the National finals are Sleepercub, Ship Wreck, Easy Bear and Jukebox Mutiny. Get out and vote for your favorites Friday, December 6 at Bombay Bar and Grill.

The Ventura Music Festival is celebrating the opening of their 20th anniversary season entitled, “Festivo!” You’ll want to take the entire family Sunday, December 1, to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center when Nuvi Mehta, the company’s Artistic Director, will narrate Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood with live musicians and slide projects. Mehta told us what parents could expect, “Great stories, great music, great fun and a chance to meet the instruments of the woodwind section!” And according to Mehta, he has a plan on how to keep kids engaged, “Both works are narrated, with music chiming in, and there are images on the screen to see, too! Both of these works are as fun for adults as they are for children.” For more information go to www.VenturaMusicFestival.org.

(This paragraph did not make print copy)  If swing is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Holiday Swing Big Band Dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 6th. Dress up and get out and enjoy the full sounds of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra featuring 17 musicians and vocal styling courtesy of Donna Greene. It’s only $15 at the door and if you need more information than that, call (805) 648-1143.

 And as always, it’s a crowd favorite when Billy Vera and the Beaters play the room at Yolie’s. Vera has written a number of hits and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Capitol Records. “At This Moment” which hit #1 in January 1987, still gives me goose bumps! Vera and crew will hit the stage at Yolie’s, Black Friday, November 29. Go to www.HiHatEntertainment.com for more information.