by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Go Dodgers! Thanks for indulging me; now on to taking a look at live music in and around Ventura, first focusing on Halloween. Yes, there were several parties this past weekend, and there will continue to be a few past the official day, but I don’t hear any complaining and if you invested time and some expense in a costume, why not get your bang for the buck and wear it out more than once?
The night before, Wednesday, October 30, the Ventura Music Factory will host a hardcore Halloween party with an EP release of Evil Dead, along with sets from Pito Pakeeto, Spider Baby and So Gnar.
Now let’s look at the official Halloween date, Thursday, October 31. As you should know by now, I cover live music, so if a venue is not listed, they’ll most likely feature DJs or were sadly delinquent in promoting their event. So, in no particular order: Duke’s Beach Grill has Dead Set featuring Grateful Dead covers; it’s all reggae at Tony’s Pizzeria featuring the Heavy Hitters; The Grape hosts Freda Ramey and House Arrest; it’s the Monsters of Pop along with a special set from Wyldesnake at The Garage; and the Raven Tavern hosts Vinyl Gypsies.
The party continues on Friday, November 1st at Ric’s in Camarillo with Operation 90s and the Keynote Lodge welcomes Lowered Expectations on Saturday, November 2.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 or 2nd involving family and friends gathering to pay respects to those who have died. This year, it will be quite the celebration downtown Ventura on Saturday afternoon (11-6 pm) with Limon y Sal spearheading the effort featuring traditional dancers, mariachi bands and a car show.
The Ventura Music Festival hosts The King’s Singers at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, December 14. For over fifty years the group has garnered several accolades for a cappella performances around the world including two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Yes, it’s two months away, but I would be sorely remiss if you missed out because it sold out before you even heard about it. Tickets and more information available at VenturaMusicFestival.org.
Quick Notes: The Musical Box, a tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for a concert on Thursday, October 31; The Deer Lodge in Ojai hosts a Hurricane Relief concert benefit featuring Hot Rise on Friday, November 1; Maya Burns with her unique blend of folk, Ranchero, world music jazz, Bolero and classic rock plays an intimate show at Namba on Friday, November 1; and the Ojai Pops Concert offers a free family-friendly show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, November 3 featuring the Junction Jazz Band.
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
