Many thanks to Steve and Polly for pulling off an awesome music festival at the beautiful Libbey Bowl in Ojai on Saturday, October 1, 2016.
The White Buffalo
Jaime Wyatt
Grizfolk
Timmy Curran
The Brambles
Bryan Titus Trio
Ventura Mus
ic Scene
Suds, Music and Rockin’ History
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
I 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.
The holidays are fast approaching and maybe you’re like my friend Lynn who finished shopping for perfect gifts months ago, or like me, you are still psyching yourself up to hit the shopping centers dreading the hordes of people, long lines and canned Christmas music. Before you contemplate slipping into body armor, I have an idea! (And if you know me you know what I’m about to say) Give the gift of music! I’ve put together a list of a few artists who call the 805 their home or play in the area regularly.
The White Buffalo’s latest release “Shadows Grey & Evil Ways” is deep, powerful, hypnotic. If you’re an avid fan of the popular biker saga Son’s of Anarchy you’ll recognize The Buffalo’s songs/voice woven beautifully into the storyline. Genre: Americana/Folk www.thewhitebuffalo.com
Shane Alexander A voice blessed by the Gods along with amazing guitar work his newest effort “ Ladera“ will want you pressing repeat again and again. Genre: Folk/Pop/Rock www.shanealexandermusic.com
Delaney Gibson’s 3rd full length album “Tall Like the Tree” reflects her growth since moving out of Ventura and maturing through experiences in life and love. Fans still get the satisfaction of her soaring vocals but with the added bonus of a fully formed lyricist. Genre: Pop/Theatrical www.delaneygibson.com
John Fullbright’s first record was Grammy nominated and rightly so. A brilliant songwriter we are waiting with bated breath for new stuff ‘cause we can’t get enough. Until then “From the Ground Up” will do nicely. Genre Americana/Folk www.johnfullbrightmusic.com
Reverend Tall Tree & the Blackstrap Brothers, AKA Chris Pierce’s newest musical project, has finally recorded their soul stomping sounds. The self-titled album is in limited release. Snap them up quick. Genre: Driving Blues/Gospel/Howling harmonica www.reverendtalltree.com
Lissie – On a world-wide tour in support of her newest record “Back to Forever”, smoky, explosive vocals, crazy-amazing hooks, Lissie harkens comparisons to Janis. But know this – she is absolutely her own woman. Genre: Rock/Pop/Folk www.lissie.com
The Milk Carton Kids – Joey Ryan & Kenneth Pattengale were solo artists who then joined forces a short three years ago and are conquering, bludgeoning, slaying the Americana world. Zoey’s was honored to have been a part of their very first live recording “Retrospect “. Pick that up along with “Prologue” and their latest “The Ash and Clay.” You’ll thank me later. Genre: Folk/Americana www.themilkcartonkids.com 
Brian Wright thoughtfully weaves imaginative tales of pain, love and woe. Close your eyes and enjoy the ride of “Rattle Their Chains” Genre: Americana/Rock-n-Roll www.brianwrightmusic.com 
Massenger. The ultimate Ventura Indie band their record “Massenger” is all things good about Ventura beach life. With the able bodied vocalist Sasha Green and support by Seth Pettersen this is a gem. Genre: Surf/punk/pop/rock www.massenger.bandcamp.com/ 
50 Sticks of Dynamite – A fan of their live shows we do have to recognize the hardest working band in the city and their latest record “Love, Dream, Truth, Love”. If only for the fact that lead singer Ian MacFadyen plays electric banjo! Genre: Banjo fueled Rock N Roll. www.50sticks.com