by Pam Baumgardner VenturaRocks.com
As of press time, tickets were still available for the Perla Batalla’s second concert at the Beatice Wood Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 11 (Friday’s show sold out). You can expect selections from Perla’s original Mestiza song cycle, her one-woman Frida Kahlo show, the Great American Songbook Spanish language classics, new original work and several selections of Perla’s arrangements of Leonard Cohen songs. Ticket information can be found on the venue website at BeaticeWood.com.
Traveling through town on what they’re calling “Kick Up Your Boots” tour will be three solo female singer/songwriters, Thea, the Band (San Diego), Micah Justice (Inland Empire), and Katie Leigh (Ventura). They’ll make two stops locally, one at the Ojai Valley Brewing on Friday, January 27 and then again at Topa Topa Brewing on Colt Street here in Ventura on Saturday, January 28.
The Ojai Underground hosts the Refugees on Saturday, January 28 featuring a trio of artists including, Cindy Bullens who toured with Elton John and was nominated for two Grammy awards, Deborah Holland from Animal Logic (Stanley Clarke, Stewart Copeland), and Wendy Waldman co-writer of Vanessa Williams’ No. 1 hit, “Save the Best for Last.” You can get ticket information at OjaiUndergroundExchange.com.
Skull & Roses returns to Ventura in spring over the week of April 19 through 23 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds with Phil Lesh & Friends playing the two final days. Other performers include Melvin Seals & JGB, Dark Star Orchestra, Oteil & Friends, Jerry’s Middle Finger, local favorites, Shaky Feelin’ and so much more! You can find everything you need from passes to lodging and camping information at the official website SkullAndRoses.com.
And in case you hadn’t heard, the Strawberry Festival returns this spring, May 20 – 21, in a new location at the Ventura Fairgrounds. Live music is a big part of this event and this year they will have three stages going all day both days including a battle of the bands contest. The official website hasn’t listed any bands yet, but I noticed that Stage #3 is presented by Rock City Studios out of Camarillo with this stage featuring students of all ages and skill levels. I love that!! You can keep in the know at CaStrawberryFestival.org.
Quick Notes: Lucas MacFadden, better known as Cut Chemist (former member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) plays the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, January 26; catch Dreamland, a celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford on Saturday, January 28 at the Grape; Raging Arb and Friends play the Garage on Saturday, January 28; Guy Martin plays The Twist on Saturday, January 28; The Refugees play the Ojai Underground on Saturday, January 28;
Cadillac Zack presents Chris Cain at Cantara Winery on Friday, February 3; French Blues singer/guitarist plays Namba on Saturday, February 4; Katie Skene Band plays the Deer Lodge, on Saturday, February 4; and tickets for Ugly Kid Joe on May 5 at the Ventura Theater have gone on sale.
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.
