Ventura Music Scene
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Pam@VenturaRocks.com
With Labor Day behind us, the summer music season officially ends. Though fall doesn’t officially start until September 22, it’s still weird to see Halloween items popping up in stores already.
I don’t often look back on my column, but I would like to thank the Rubicon for including in their Ventura Live ’25 Festival a night for punk rockers. The emcee said the venue was trying to expand on its genres, and he wasn’t kidding. Along with the folk, Americana, Broadway and tributes to Van Morrison and Nat King Cole shows, was a night where they screened the documentary, Desolation Center, which in itself was pretty cool, but opening the evening were Mike Watt from Minutemen and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros. Drummer and bassist rocked the venue with high intensity and precision that left goosebumps on this fan’s arms. Wow!
The 2025 Ojai Fall Fest at St. Thomas Aquinas falls over the first weekend in September with live music all three days. On Friday the 5th, it’s 90s Babiez, The Breakfast Club, Maclovia and more. On Saturday the 6th, the bands include The Chillz, Old Man Group, King Bee, Moondawgs and Jacob & the Good Vibes. Then on Sunday, Brittney & the Bsides, The Renegades, Equipo Elite and Mariachi Los Arrieros. For all three days, admission is free!
Tickets just went on sale, and I’ve already secured mine for Glenn Tilbrook for his November 2 show at the Ventura Music Hall. Not only is this the amazing voice behind the band Squeeze, but it’s a fully seated show. Two wins! Though Tilbrook is touring with the band this year, he will be doing several solo, more intimate performances, such as the one coming to town. If you were a fan of ‘80s new wave music, then the tunes to jar your memory would be “Tempted,” “Pulling Muscles (From a Shell),” “Cool for Cats,” and my favorite, “Hot Coffee in Bed.”
Lost in Sound, showcasing local bands on Thursdays at Gibson’s Neighbor Bar, continues with Pondt, In Ivy, Kyler Joseph & Co. on September 4, and Varazuni, Darjeeling Photo Club, DreamHeroZero and Kilbron on September 11. Encourage local new music and get out there and support. There is a $10 cover for these shows.
Quick Notes: The final sold out Music Under the Stars with Classic Journey is Saturday, September 6; Tuxedo Junction Jazz Band and Phoenyx Big Band play a free show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, September 7; Bon Jovi tribute band, Wanted, plays the Rock the Collection series on Wednesday, September 10; Albert Lee plays the Grape on Friday, September 12; and Country is Dead, Country inspired Grateful Dead Favorites plays the Rubicon on Friday, September 12.
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.