by Pam Baumgardner of VenturaRocks.com
The 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival falls over the weekend of September 14 – 15 at ololkoy Beach Park, which is at 1601 Harbor Blvd in Oxnard. The two-day music event will bring world class artists such as Sheila E, Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene, Lin Rountree, Ambrosia, Louie Cruz Beltran and a whole lot more. Though “jazz” is in the name of the festival, do know there will be a whole lot of Latin groove going on to get you on feet. For tickets and information regarding how to get there and parking, go to OxnardJazzFesival.com.
Leading up to the jazz festival, there will be a kick-off celebration the night before at Heritage Square featuring Munyungo Jackson’s Jungle Jazz with four-time Grammy Winner, Muyungo Jackson. This one is free; however, since space is limited, you will need to secure tickets at VenturaMusicFestival.org.
Another Candlelight Concert is coming up on Thursday, September 5, at the Majestic Ventura Theater with two shows. At 6:30 they’ll feature Queen vs Abba and then at 9 pm it’s the Best of Hans Zimmer. Oh! And don’t forget Dogstar (featuring Keanu Reeves on bass) returns to town playing the Majestic on Tuesday, September 17. The band played August, 2023, at the Ventura Music Hall to a full house.
And speaking of the Ventura Music Hall, they’ve recently added The Philhar Monik, Macy Gray, Brett Dennen, and the Mad Caddies. But meanwhile, I can’t wait to catch the 25th anniversary show of Army of Freshmen on Saturday, September 14 with Nerf Herder opening.
Libbey Bowl summer concert season is winding down, but there are a number of awesome shows still on the docket with Thievery Corporation on Thursday, September 5; Chris Isaak on Friday, September 6; Angel Olsen on Wednesday September 11; the Temptations on Thursday, September 12; July Collins on Friday, September 15; and the Ojai Pops Concert will offer a free show on Sunday, September 15. Do note, the Poncho Sanchez and Ozomatli show for October 5, has been cancelled which chaps my hide as I had amazing tickets for the fourth row.
On Saturday, September 7, a dual venue event presented by Poison Well Records will start at Vaquero y Mar (Noon – 6 pm) and then move over Sans Souci (7 pm – 1 am). The mostly punk rock sets will feature a whole of local legends including a reunion of Power Chicken. See listings for rundown of who is playing where.
Quick Notes: Jen Staves and the Bluzfish play Margarita Villa on Sunday, September 8; Twisted Gypsy is the featured tribute band for Thursday, September 12, at the Collection in Oxnard; Bloody Mary Morning plays Rincon Brewery on Friday, September 13; and Mrs. Olson’s hosts the Roots 805 Jam on Saturday, September 14.
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.
