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

There have been a number of announcements for live music events as it appears we’re turning the corner on (knock on wood) this pandemic.

The Ojai Blues Fest at the Ojai Art Center was announced with that show being held on Saturday June 4 with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers, Crooked Eye Tommy, Guy Martin, Chuck Strong & SRBQ, Sandy Haley, and Milo Sledge. Tickets will go for $30 a head and are available through EventBrite.com.

The Ventura Music Festival announced their lineup for their 27th festival for next summer starting Wednesday, July 27 with Adaawe and a free concert in the park. Neither their website, nor their poster indicates which park, but my money is on Mission Park downtown. Adaawe is seven women of the voice and drum performing global soul and African rhythm. Then there’s two weeks with shows Friday through Sunday, July 29 through August 7; all shows at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center. Go to VenturaMusicFestival.org for full lineup and ticket information.

JD Drury is starting to announce bands for next summer’s Surf Rodeo. As of yet, no major acts, but a lot of local area favorites will be on the bill including Raging Arb and the Redheads, Yachtley Crew, Highway Starr, Fortunate Youth and a lot more to cover the three days from July 15 – 17 at the Ventura Pier. To keep up with bands and to secure your tickets, go to SurfRodeo.org.

Two shows to entertain attending at Namba Performing Arts include Jazz Modes on February 25 featuring a four-piece jazz outfit with Robert Kyle, Bevan Manson, Sean Riddle and Dean Thomas, and then for something completely different the following evening, February 26, it’s Andre Thierry, award winning musician whose masterful accordion style playing is sure to get you on your feet and in the mood for Mardi Gras. Ticket information for both events can be found at NambaArts.com.

Ventura Music Hall is still on track for their first show on March 22 with G. Love & the Juice. More details coming next issue.

Quick Notes: live music returns to the Margarita Villa in the Ventura Harbor; Chuck Dennis presents jazz, funk and soul with Johnny Britt and special guest Isaiah Venegas at the Grape on Friday, February 25; Mike Watt and the Missingmen play Rock & Roll Pizza in Simi Valley on Friday, February 25; Strey Cellars celebrates their 8th anniversary on Sunday, February 27 with Vanise Terry Band; Kyle Smith is back in town with a date at Winchesters on Sunday, February 27; The Garage is throwing a Mardi Gras party on Saturday, March 5 with Barrelhouse Wailers; a Tribute to the Greats returns for an encore show at the Grape on Saturday, March 5; there’s a punk rock show at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center with Dr. Know, Pink Mist, Tung, and more on Friday, March 4; and Chick Singer Night returns to the Sound Palace with Jodi Farrell, Brittney Burchett, Mia Mormino, Tamara Sue and Meghan Monroe on Saturday, March 5.

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.