Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
I’m sorry to have to squash the rumors, but Mark Hartley has no intention of reopening the Watermark anytime soon though painstaking efforts have been made to restore the woodwork and opulence of its former heyday. The venue will continue as a rental space for special events just in case you’re interested. The rumors started after the Hartleys hosted an invite-only party musicians’ reunion on Tuesday, January 27, where up to 17 local musicians performed upstairs and downstairs. Those performing included Todd Hannigan, Shawn Jones, Sam Bolle, Ed Berghoff, Guy Martin, Alvino Bennett, Nick St. Nicolas, Mario Calire, Lois Mahalia, Katie Skene, and so many more, all of whom donated their time to play. For me, the highlight of the evening was when the band jammed with Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf), and performed “Born to be Wild.”
There are a couple of milestones to celebrate this month, including MadeWest Brewing’s 10th anniversary on Saturday, February 7, where live music will be provided by Big Tweed at their Donlon location in Ventura. Festivities include a beer release, food trucks, anniversary glasses and t-shirts for purchase while they last.
The following week, Strey Cellars celebrates their 12th year anniversary over the weekend of February 14 with 805 Social Club performing on Saturday, and Heathers on Fire on Sunday.
Superbowl Sunday, February 8, would be the reason why most venues have no live music. Subsequently, moving forward, more venues will have live music on Sundays with the football season be us.
Quick Notes: Shawn Jones and Shane Alexander team up once again for a performance at Namba on Friday, February 6; Larry Dunn’s Anthology of Earth Wind and Fire lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Saturday, February 7; the Monday Club returns to the Masonic Center in Ventura with Hot Roux on February 9; ChopperFest returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds, Saturday, February 7, and as of press time, website still lives live bands as TBD; tickets are on sale now for Rich Kids on LSD and Good Riddance at the Ventura Music Hall on April 11; and as for the Ventura Theater, the Violent Femmes show is sold out for March 1, but tickets are currently still available for 311 for March 4, and Circle Jerks for May 22;
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows that you would like help publicizing? Please send all information, short or long, to Pam@VenturaRocks.com. For updated music listings daily, visit www.VenturaRocks.com.