by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
It’s always a treat when Noel Paul Stookey from the iconic folk trio, Peter, Paul & Mary, performs at the Rubicon Theatre. Stookey brings his dry wit and love of humankind in a show called “In These Times” on Sunday, April 28. His appearances always sell out, and this one did as well, so I’m happy to report there will be a second concert on Monday, April 29. I wonder what he’ll talk about. Hmmm.
The local crew from Army of Freshmen have new music available this month, it’s an EP called “At the End of the Day” featuring acoustic tunes. That one drops April 26; the next day, they’ll perform “unplugged” up in Goleta at The Imperial sharing the stage with Nerf Herder.
Eco Fest not only provides over 80 exhibitors, green education ideas with helpful tips, and children’s activities, but they also offer great music throughout the day. This year they’ll have two stages of music with D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers, Ventucky String Band, Anchor & Bear, Shay Moulder, the Midtones and more. The annual event will be held at Plaza Park (Santa Clara and Chestnut) on April 27 from 10 am to 4 pm. Eco Fest is free to the pubic with a bike valet available for those doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.
Gigi’s will be hosting a couple of shows featuring bands from out of the area. First on Monday, April 29, it’s Radio Active (Tokyo, Japan), The Wankys (Leicester, UK), Eel (Pittsburgh, PA) and No Divide (Santa Barbara); and then on Friday, May 3, they’ll have MOB 47 (Sweden), along with Phobia, Wichaven and Zoloa. I’m glad to see promoters taking advantage of this space again for live music.
Quick Notes: Amber Olive of Amber & Smoke has a new side gig with the band Mini Driver; Margarita Villa has live music every weekend now, Friday through Sunday; Ray Jaurique and friends play The Blue Room on Wednesdays in the Harbor; Show Me the Body from New York play with Enemy on Thursday, April 25, at the Tavern; Norman Baker out of Seattle plays Namba on Friday, April 26; playing the Sewer for the first time, it’s The Guitar & Whiskey Club on Saturday, April 27; The Popravinas perform Saturday, May 4, at Dargans; Club 805 hosts The Darkside (Cosplay) on May 4; and Robin Trower plays the Ventura Theater on Sunday, May 5.
Congratulations to Adam and Josh for getting the Planning Commissions unanimous approval during their public hearing April 10. It was a standing room only crowd with so many people speaking in support of opening The Grape Jazz Club. Now, a little construction upgrades and hopefully the next time I write about the Grape will be to give their opening date. Well done boys!
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected]. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
