by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com
I can’t say enough about the “social event of the year,” of course I’m speaking about the Ventura Winter Wine Walk. I love downtown Ventura all decked out in holiday décor with the free holiday street fair running noon to 8 pm. At the corner of California and Main, there’s a large stage with Ventura’s City Hall in the background where bands play danceable popular tunes while “snow” falls to the delight of people of all ages. Now keep in mind, the Winter Wine Walk is a ticketed event (I always recommend the VIP experience), but the street fair along with the live music at California is free to all. Get the lowdown at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.
Over the next two weeks, there are a number of holiday specials to get you into the swing of things starting with The Grape presenting a sizzling Latin Christmas show with Freddie Ravel All Star Band on Thursday, December 5. Ravel is a Grammy-nominated performer who has toured with Sergio Mendes, Madonna, Prince and Carlos Santana to name a few. Reservations highly recommended at TheGrapeVentura.com.
Up next, the ever-popular Doc the Halls Holiday Blues with Doc Ventura at Namba on Saturday, December 7, featuring performances by RJ Mischo. Fito de la Parra (Canned Heat), Hank Van Sykle, Dave Melton, Eddie Layman and more. Expect a mix of classic holiday tunes along with some original compositions all performed with a festive twist.
Then on Sunday, December 8, the Majestic Ventura Theater is hosting two events. At 11:30 am, the Ventura High School Jazz Band along with the Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band will hold their winter jazz concert. Then at 2:00 pm, it’s the Majestic’s 12th Annual Holiday Sing Along with number of local artists leading the charge. While both events are free, admission for the latter is one unwrapped toy per group. VHS would also appreciate new unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable cans of food as they’re teaming up with Foodshare and Spark of Love this season.
Moving over to Camarillo for additional events on Sunday, December 8, the New West Symphony’s Winter Spectacular will be at 3 pm at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center featuring Los Robles Children’s Choir and vocal soloists (ticket information at NewWestSymphony.org); and the Camarillo Community Center will host the Camarillo Community Band’s Christmas concert at 4 pm which is free.
Don’t forget the Wednesday before Thanksgiving tradition of taking in live music starting with TD Lind and the Aviators at Ojai Valley Brewing, Erik Lemaire will rock Duke’s on Seaward, Bombay’s has DJs, Frank Barajas is at the Boatyard Pub, Instone plays Café Fiore, Big Adventure Duo at Aqua Bar inside the Crowne Plaza, there’s the Django Djam at Vaquero y Mar, 6 Beats Apart at the Grape and Johnny Knows No One with DNA & Dave Rae at Tony’s Pizzeria. Most of these venues are indoors; however, the ones outdoors will be contingent on the weather.
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.
