by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
There are two traditional days this month to go out and enjoy music, the first of course is Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 13. Several venues will have live music with a Mardi Gras theme, but the biggest event I found would be in Santa Paula at Rabalais’ Bistro with D.on Darox and the Melody Joy Bakers. D.on is the perfect band for this occasion with their unique brand of roots, blues, and swampy jazz in the vein of New Orleans Jazz. Along with the perfect music is the perfect venue which always features home cooking with Cajun roots and a bar which serves Mint Julep and Hurricanes. Reservations are highly recommended.
Then the following day of course it’s Valentine’s Day with several establishments hiring live music to accompany this romantic night out. Just a couple of venues include Café Fiore with Donna Butler, The Grape with Eric Harrington and Friends featuring Valentine ballads, Seth Andre will be at Moofish Café in the Crowne Plaza and the Blue Moon Boys with Elvis covers at the Manhattan in Camarillo.
And then over President’s Day weekend, it’s the 7th annual Country Bar Crawl whichfalls on Saturday, February 17. While all venues are open to the public, you will need to purchase one of their special cups to be a part of the event (red for being in a committed relationship and blue for single and ready to mingle). The cup gets you exclusive food and drink specials at each of the venues (Early bird specials at www.CountryBarCrawl.com) Here’s the rundown: check in at 3 pm with the first band, Mike Scully at 4 pm at The Blue Agave (185 E. Santa Clara). Then at 5 pm it’s Lousy Little Gods at the Star Lounge, The Twist on Main has 33 Thunder at 6 pm and finally back across the street at The Six, Chad Baker (Nashville recording artist) at 7 pm. This event helps to benefit 58Strong.org which supports the children of victims from the Route 91 Harvest mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Tickets went on sale for Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls with Skinny Lister at the Ventura Theater for Friday, March 15 and tickets are still available for Save Ferris at the Ventura Music Hall for Saturday, March 16.
Quick Notes: Adrian Floy and THC play Rincon Brewery on Friday, February 9; singer/songwriter, Shane Alexander plays the Ojai Underground Exchange on Saturday, February 10; Chopper Fest at the Fairgrounds will have Zepp Heads, One Foot in the Grave and Tattoed Songbird on Sunday, February 11; Porno for Pyros play the Ventura Theater on Saturday, February 17; a tribute to Tina Turner called Always Tina will be held on Saturday, February 10, at Copper Blues; and Numbskull Productions will bring Tiquana Panthers, Sweet Reaper and Softjaw to Mrs. Olsons on Sunday, February 18.
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.
