by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
Congratulations to Brandon, aka Anderson .Paak and his sell out annual fundraiser for the Brandon Anderson Foundation. The concert on Friday, May 12 at the fairgrounds didn’t disappoint fans with performances from local artists and headliners the Isley Brothers and none other than the legendary, Smokey Robinson. At 83, the man is still bringing it, releasing new music, Gasms, and kicking off a tour of his own. .Paak House 23 was his first date on his Summer tour.
The California Strawberry Festival will be held for the first time at the Ventura County Fairgrounds over the weekend of May 20 and May 21. Along with all the vendors, and strawberry related food items, music will fill both days on a few different stages. Among the entertainment will be performances from Arise Roots, Jayden Secor Band, Music Freqs Band, Caliente 805 and more.
And if you’re willing to travel a bit, the Happy Face Music Festival will take place on Saturday, May 27, at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley. Headlining this one will be The Spazmatics (always a hoot), along with performances from The Fabba Show, Kelly’s Lot, The Yacht Groove, and Barry Keenan. This one is hosted by the Rotary Club of Simi Runrise.
Props going out to Spencer Barnitz of Spencer the Gardener on the documentary, “More Than Just a Party” which chronicles Spencer’s musical journey from the 70s to today. The sold-out premiere of the documentary will be held at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara. You won’t want to miss the band performing at Tony’s Pizzeria on Thursday, May 27.
Keep this one on your radar, a fundraiser for the Local Love Project will be held on Sunday, June 4th with performances from Kelly’s Lot, Shawn Jones, and the Bobby Hart Band. Along with all the music, a BBQ, local wine and beers will be available for sale. The primary goal of Totally Local VC’s- the Local Love Project is to activate and organize members of our community in the aftermath of a disaster within our 805 communities and to provide relief and support to those affected by disaster. This one will be held at the Portside Club House (1196 Portside Drive).
Congratulations to Winchesters Grill & Saloon on their 26th anniversary. Join in on the celebrations, Sunday, May 21, with the 805’s dance party band favorite, The Bomb (3-6 pm).
Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Yngwie Malmsteen & Glenn Hughes at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for September 9; Creatures of Content (Pennsylvania) play The Six on Friday May 19; Big Bad Voodoo plays the Libbey Bowl on Saturday, May 20; and The Winery Dogs (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Richie Kotzen) play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, May 20.
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.
