by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Happy holidays!!! Let’s get right to it, so much to share… First off on Thursday, December 12, Candlelight concerts return for two shows at the Majestic Ventura Theater featuring music from the Nutcracker along with several of your holiday favorites all performed by a string quartet with hundreds of candles as the backdrop (Candlelightexperience.com).

You can catch one of those rare Charles Law Band performances at Dave’s Xmas Tree Lot in Santa Paula on Friday, December 13. Dress warmly, huddle round the fire pit, and pick out your tree!

The High Street Arts Center in Moorpark presents “Christmas Magic” featuring the Walnut Canyon Elementary School Choir along with several High Street Performers. This show has several performances running Friday, December 13, through Sunday, December 15 (HighStreetArts Center.com for times and ticket info).

The Ventura Music Festival presents The King’s Singers with a special holiday performance at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living (VenturaMusicFestival.org for ticket availability).

The annual fundraiser, 4 Kids 2 Kids, will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo this year on Sunday, December 15 (1-6 pm). The cost of admission is $10 and one unwrapped toy. In exchange, you’ll enjoy artists including Ray Jaurique Band, Shawn Jones, RJ Mischo, Debbie Davis, Tommy Harkenrider and Steve & Sally Williams.

The Rubicon Theater will have three show times for the Platters Very Merry Christmas Show performance. There will be one show on Monday, December 16, and two on Tuesday, December 17. This ticketed event still had some seats available at press time (RubiconTheatre.org for more details).

The newly renovated Ojai Playhouse has two performances of Christmas at the Movies on Tuesday, December 17, featuring holidays favorites from the big screen. Leading the cast will be two Broadway veterans and Ojai favorites, Douglas Ladnier and Laura Dekkers, plus very special guest appearances (OjaiPlayhouse.com for ticket availability).

The Grape will have Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz & more Unplugged on Thursday, December 19. Karukas was a founding member of The Rippingtons and has toured with Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, Sergio Mendes, and more (secure tickets at TheGrapeVentura.com).

Quick Notes: Burch Studios will have their next student concert at the Ventura Theater on Sunday, December 15, featuring Muse Collective, Dead Syndicate, Prely Grey, Ahoy!, Electric Shadow, Band of Oneanoother, and Star Synth; The Ska Daddyz and Looking West play Mrs. Olson’s on Saturday, December 14; House of Dance will have the Phoenix Big Band with vocalist Michael Falcone on Sunday, December 15 (1p); The Grape will hold a Squashed Grapes Alumni Show on Wednesday, December 18; and Puddles Pity Party lands at the Ventura Music Hall on Thursday, December 19.

Our next issue will cover New Year’s Eve events, but if you want to look ahead, I suggest you go to VenturaRocks.com and search NYE parties.

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.

It was a tail-wagging day at the library!
Music Calendar 12/11/2024 – 12/24/2024
For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

The Amendment
350 N. Lantana St., Camarillo
Sun 12/15: The Blue Moon Boys

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 12/11: Big Adventure Duo
Fri 12/13: ZG Smith
Wed 12/18: Big Adventure Duo

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 12/13: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Sat 12/14: Dave Blanchard Group
Fri 12/20: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/21: Déjà vu Three

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Sat 12/14: Medicine Hat
Sun 12/22: Lowered Expectations

Cantara Cellars
126 Wood Rd., Camarillo
Sat 12/14: Britain’s Finest
Sun 12/15: Ray Jaurique Band, Shawn Jones, RJ Mischo, Debbie Davis and more…

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 12/13: In Stone
Fri 12/20: Brandon Ragan Band
Sat 12/21: Queen Legion

Dave’s Xmas Tree Lot
10th St. & Railroad Ave., Santa Paula
Fri 12/13: Charles Law Band

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 12/13: Allegra Krieger, Ella Hue
Sat 12/14: Daniel Wright, Trevor Bahnson, Alicia Gail
Sat 12/21: Fistful of Leaves

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 12/14: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 12/21: Bob Bishop Band

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 12/22: Two Tossers

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Sun 12/15: Smokey & Friends
Fri 12/20: Ignition

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/13: Zepp Heads
Sat 12/14: Heart Break over Petty
Fri 12/20: The Renegades
Sat 12/21: Operation 90s

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 12/11: Jacob Wendt Quintet
Thurs 12/12: Tyler Blanton
Fri 12/13: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 12/14: Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps (2p); Don Randi & Quest (8p)
Wed 12/18: Squashed Grapes Alumni Show
Thurs 12/19: Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz more unplugged
Fri 12/20: The Lao Tizer Band
Sat 12/21: Guy Martin (2p); Phoenyx Big Band

High Street Arts Center
45 E. High St., Moorpark
Fri 12/13: Christmas Magic
Sat 12/14: Christmas Magic
Sun 12/15: Christmas Magic

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Saun 12/15: The Phoenix Big Band w/ Michael Falcone

Keynote
10245 Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Sat 12/14: Lowered Expectations
Fri 12/20: Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/21: Steph’s Rockin Roadshow

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 12/13: Wiseowl & JB
Sat 12/14: Maclovia
Sun 12/15: Shaky Quartet
Thurs 12/19: Keyth G Duo

Lester Family Cellars
4522 Market St., Ventura
Fri 12/13: Colette Lovejoy Band

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sat 12/21: Shay Moulder

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Thurs 12/12: Candlelight – Christmas Special (6:30 & 8:45)
Sun 12/15: Burch Studios with Muse Collective, Dead Syndicate, Prely Grey, Ahoy! And more…
Thurs 12/19: Samantha Fish

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 12/11: Mary White
Thurs 12/12: Tom McMorran
Fri 12/13: Annette di Nardo Duo
Sat 12/14: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 12/15: Monte Montgomery
Wed 12/18: Monte Montgomery
Fri 12/20: Tour Support
Sat 12/21: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 12/22: Monte Montgomery

Mason Center
482 E, Santa Clara St., Ventura
Mon 12/16: Hot Roux

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 12/14: Ska Daddyz, Looking West
Sun 12/15: Teresa Russell

Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Sun 12/15: Ensemble Sangineto

Ojai Playhouse
145 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Tues 12/17: Christmas at the Movies

The Ojai Pub
914 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 12/13: Holiday Hog
Sat 12/14: Shay Moulder

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 12/13: Ben Vaughn & Chris Murphy
Sat 12/14: Blue Jay Blue, Record Release, Turning Trees, Eben Sterling, John Adams
Fri 12/20: Nathan & Jessie w/ Rose Valley Thorns

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 12/14: Jacob Marquez duo
Mon 12/23: Damaged Goods

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/13: Natalie Wattre
Fri 12/20: Jack Keough
Sat 12/21: Vinny Berry

Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

Ric’s
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support

The Rubicon
1006 E. Main St., Ventura
Mon 12/16: The Platters Very Merry Christmas
Tues 12/17: The Platters Very Merry Christmas

Sam’s Place
308 E., Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 12/21: Ray Jaurique

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Sat 12/14: Duncan and the Dragonslayers, Too Sick to Pray
Fri 12/20: Mal, Killing Bees

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Jake McClelland
Fri 12/13: Wildside
Sat 12/14: We are the 80s
Fri 12/20: Ventu Park
Sat 12/21: Lil Bit of Everything

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 12/14: Barfly
Sun 12/15: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/21: Holgers Heroes

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Tuesdays and Fridays: Jim Friery

Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 12/14: Jared Nels (1p); Lynnzee Fraye (4p); Crosscut 805 (8p)
Sun 12/15: Will Dickerson (1p); Morrison Drive (5p)
Sat 12/21: Tyler B (1p); Joe Delia (4p); Shaky Feelin (8p)
Sun 12/22: Matt Bartels (1p)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wed 12/11: Up Country
Fri 12/13: Heart and Soul
Sat 12/14: Caught Red Handed

Ventura Music Festival
@ Ventura Center for Spiritual Living
101 S. Laurel St., Ventura
Sat 12/14: The King’s Singers

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 12/11: Mikey Darling
Sat 12/14: The Slackers, the Bandulus, Jesse Wagner
Thurs 12/19: Puddles Pity Party
Fri 12/20: Twisted Gypsy
Sat 12/21: Chevy Metal

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 12/13: George & Michael
Sat 12/14: Robert Heft Band
Sun 12/15: Mocha Chai
Fri 12/20: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 12/21: Mack and D
Sun 12/22: San Roque Trio

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Fri 12/13: Gator Souffle
Sat 12/21: Shawn Jones

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.

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 11/27: Big Adventure Duo
Fri 11/29: Big Adventure Duo
Wed 12/4: Big Adventure Duo
Sat 12/7: Colette Lovejoy Band

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 11/29: Ken Devoe
Sat 11/30: Epitome of Dreams
Fri 12/6: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/7: Epitome of Dreams

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Fri 11/29: Polar Opposites
Sun 12/1: House Arrest
Sun 12/8: Dan Grimm/JP Hesser, Ronda Ray, Duncan and the Dragonslayers

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 11/27: Instone
Fri 11/29: Heathers on Fire
Sat 11/30: The Way

Camarillo Community Center
1605 Burnley St., Camarillo
Sun 12/8: Camarillo Community Band Christmas Concert

Cantara Cellars
126 Wood Rd., Camarillo
Sat 11/30: Heart and Soul
Fri 12/6: Doc Rogers

Casa Bella
391 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 11/30: Angelo A. Arce

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 11/29: Caliente Band 805
Sat 11/30: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 12/6: The C-Band
Sat 12/7: Queen Legion

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Wed 11/27: New Pleasures
Fri 11/29: Char-man, Goner
Sat 11/30: The Rose Valley Thorns
Fri 12/6: Marty O’Reilly
Sat 12/7: Laura Benitez & the Heartache
Mon 12/9: Mapache Duo

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Wed 11/27: Erik Lemaire
Sat 11/30: The Bob Bishop Band
Sat 12/7: Electrik Love In

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wednesdays: Hump Day Jams

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Sat 11/30: Teresa Russell
Sun 12/8: Natalie Wattre

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 11/29: Coolwater
Sat 11/30: Ronda Ray
Fri 12/6: Heart and Soul
Sat 12/7: The Centuries

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sun 12/8: Spider Baby, Halibut Head

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 11/27: 6 Beats Apart
Sat 11/30: Dr. T & the Blues Criminals (2p); Doug Webb/David Binney Quintet (8p)
Wed 12/4: RJ Mischo Blues Showcase
Thurs 12/5: Freddie Ravel All-Star Band
Fri 12/6: Derek Frank
Sat 12/7: Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats (2p); George Kahn Jazz Blues Revue (8p)

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 11/29: Keyth G & the Universouls
Sat 11/30: JWADI
Sun 12/1: The Brandywine Buskers
Fri 12/6: Keyth G & the Uniersouls
Sun 12/8: Chris Murray

Lester Family Cellars
4522 Market St., Ventura
Sun 12/8: Karyn805

Limon y Sal – Cantina 31
598 E. Main St., Ventura
Wed 12/4: The 805 Jazz Jam

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 11/29: 80s Invasion
Sat 11/30: Cary Park

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Mon 12/2: Zakk Sabbath, Zoso
Tues 12/3: Social Distortion
Wed 12/4: Social Distortion
Sun 12/8: VHS Jazz Band (11:30a); 12th Annual Holiday Sing Along (2p)

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 11/27: Mary White
Thurs 11/28: Warren Takahashi
Fri 11/29: Lisa Ritner Duo
Sat 11/30: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 12/1: Monte Montgomery
Wed 12/4: Robert Van
Thurs 12/5: Jeanne Tatum & Friends Christmas show
Fri 12/6: Tour Support
Sat 12/7: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 12/8: Robert Van

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 12/6: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 12/7: Crosscut 805
Sun 12/8: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/1: Teresa Russell

The Mystery Shop
420 S. A St., Oxnard
Sat 11/30: Stellar Ruins, NoSilence, Blood Boys

Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 12/6: The Listening Room
Sat 12/7: Holiday Blues w/ Doc Ventura
Sun 12/8: Willie Porter

The Ojai Pub
914 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 12/1: Seth Andrey Oster

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 12/6: Ray Powers

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Wed 11/27: TD Lind & the Aviators
Sat 11/30: Top Shelf Brass

Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

Rancho Campana Performance Art Center
2808 Walker Ave., Camarillo
Sun 12/8: New West Symphony’s Winter Spectacular

Ric’s
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Jake McClelland
Fri 11/29: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 11/30: CheckPoint

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 11/30: Holgers Heros
Sun 12/1: Whiskey Business
Sat 12/7: 805 Social Club
Sun 12/8: The Dirty Lowdown

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Tuesdays and Fridays: Jim Friery

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 11/27: Johnny Knows No One, DNA w/ Dave Rae
Fri 11/29: Bloody Mary Morning, Raging Arb
Sat 11/30: Midlife Crisis (2p); The Bomb w/ Victor Vega (7p)
Sun 12/1: The Brandon Ragan Project

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Tues 12/10: Ventura Music James

Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 11/30: Matt Bartels (1p); Mark Masson (4p)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wed 11/27: Django Djam

Ventura Harbor Village
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 11/29: Tyler B.
Sat 11/30: Surfer Joe Band
Sun 12/1: Dylan Brehn

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 11/29: Glass Spells, The Crystal Tears
Sat 11/30: Livingston
Sun 12/1: Steely Dead
Fri 12/6: Kamaiyah
Mon 12/9: Iris Dement
Tues 12/10: Matisyahu, Distant Cousins

Wagon Wheel Brewing Co.
2601 Wagon Wheel Rd., Oxnard
Fri 11/29: Molly Hamner
Sat 11/30: Milo Sledge & Frank Hinojosa
Fri 12/16: Rebel Rose

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/8: Teresa Russell

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 11/29: Caught Red Handed
Sat 11/30: Dianne Miller Trio
Sun 12/1: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples
Fri 12/6: Crosscut 805
Sat 12/7: Teresa Russell
Sun 12/8: Cory B. Clay and the Twains

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Sat 12/7: Dos Cats

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Go Dodgers! Thanks for indulging me; now on to taking a look at live music in and around Ventura, first focusing on Halloween. Yes, there were several parties this past weekend, and there will continue to be a few past the official day, but I don’t hear any complaining and if you invested time and some expense in a costume, why not get your bang for the buck and wear it out more than once?

The night before, Wednesday, October 30, the Ventura Music Factory will host a hardcore Halloween party with an EP release of Evil Dead, along with sets from Pito Pakeeto, Spider Baby and So Gnar.

Now let’s look at the official Halloween date, Thursday, October 31. As you should know by now, I cover live music, so if a venue is not listed, they’ll most likely feature DJs or were sadly delinquent in promoting their event. So, in no particular order: Duke’s Beach Grill has Dead Set featuring Grateful Dead covers; it’s all reggae at Tony’s Pizzeria featuring the Heavy Hitters; The Grape hosts Freda Ramey and House Arrest; it’s the Monsters of Pop along with a special set from Wyldesnake at The Garage; and the Raven Tavern hosts Vinyl Gypsies.

The party continues on Friday, November 1st at Ric’s in Camarillo with Operation 90s and the Keynote Lodge welcomes Lowered Expectations on Saturday, November 2.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 or 2nd involving family and friends gathering to pay respects to those who have died. This year, it will be quite the celebration downtown Ventura on Saturday afternoon (11-6 pm) with Limon y Sal spearheading the effort featuring traditional dancers, mariachi bands and a car show.

The Ventura Music Festival hosts The King’s Singers at Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Saturday, December 14. For over fifty years the group has garnered several accolades for a cappella performances around the world including two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Yes, it’s two months away, but I would be sorely remiss if you missed out because it sold out before you even heard about it. Tickets and more information available at VenturaMusicFestival.org.

Quick Notes: The Musical Box, a tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins lands at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center for a concert on Thursday, October 31; The Deer Lodge in Ojai hosts a Hurricane Relief concert benefit featuring Hot Rise on Friday, November 1; Maya Burns with her unique blend of folk, Ranchero, world music jazz, Bolero and classic rock plays an intimate show at Namba on Friday, November 1; and the Ojai Pops Concert offers a free family-friendly show at the Libbey Bowl on Sunday, November 3 featuring the Junction Jazz Band.

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.

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

We’re halfway through October and a lot of folks are looking forward to celebrating Halloween, but with the holiday falling on a Thursday, I’m finding a lot of venues are pre-celebrating the weekend before with a handful the weekend afterwards. This issue of the Breeze covers October 16th through the 29th, so there are a few noteworthy live music parties that fall within that time frame. Halloween parties on Saturday October 26, include Leashless with the Heavy Hitters, Strey Cellers has Ignition, and Ric’s in Camarillo has Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow. On Sunday, there’s Heart & Soul at Tony’s Pizzeria and Kelly’s Lot will host CarlFest (CARL stands for Canine Adoption and Rescue League) with a Halloween themed fundraiser at Topa Topa Brewing’s headquarters on Colt Street in Ventura.

Ojai Day falls on Saturday, October 19, and will run 10 to 5 pm with live performances at the Libbey Fountain Stage by Josephoenix, Spencer the Gardener, Dianne Miller Band, and the Van Allen Twins. According to their official Facebook page, Ojai Day is not your ordinary festival, but a cultural explosion bursting with art, food, spiritual incantations, multi-ethic celebrations and good old fashion fun.

Two legendary women of note play in two different venues coming up. First, it’s Macy Gray (5 Grammy nods) on Wednesday, October 16, at the Ventura Music Hall, and then Maria Muldaur and Her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (Midnight at the Oasis fame) plays on Saturday, October 19. Both women have their distinctive styles and are sure to deliver amazing shows.

Aaron Burch Studios will hold its next Songwriter Showcase at the Deer Lodge on Sunday, October 20. This one will feature Ahoy!, Electric Shadow, Purely Grey, Star Synth and Dead Syndicate.

Congratulations to Rincon Brewery celebrating their 10th Anniversary with Octoberfest games and specials. You can join the party at their Ventura location on Saturday, October 19, with local legends, the SkaDaddyz, in the house.

Quick Notes: Less Than Jake brings their brand of ska to the Majestic Ventura Theater on Wednesday, October 16; Adrian Floy and THC play San Souci on Friday, October 18; Monarch Fest with Sonic Butterfly and Star Goes Nova will be held on Friday, October 18 at Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve in Ojai; a tribute to all things Phil Collins, In the Air Tonight, is at the Libbey Bowl on Friday, October 18; Guy Martin along with Jayden Secor play the Twist on Saturday, October 19; Sunday afternoon House of Dance this month features Lenny and Susan LaCroix Septet on October 20; TD Lind and the Aviators return to the Grape on Thursday, October 24;

pop band, 98 Degrees, plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 25; and the Brasscals return to Ventura Coast Brew Co on Friday, October 25.

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.

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Big Adventure Duo
Wed 10/23: Big Adventure Duo

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 10/18: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 10/19: Déjà vu Three
Fri 10/25: Mack and D
Sat 10/26: Karen Eden and the Bad Apples

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Donna Butler
Fri 10/18: Heathers on Fire
Wed 10/23: Fabulous Hangovers
Fri 10/25: Little Alice

Dargan’s
593 E. Main St., Ventura
Sun 10/20: The Pipes

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 10/19: Destroyer
Sunday 10/20: Burch Studios Showcase
Fri 10/25: Buckmoon

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Vinny Berry
Sat 10/26: Electrik Love In

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Ignition
Sun 10/20: Frank Barajas & Joe Hamilton
Fri 10/25: Ray Jaurique Band

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Operation 90s
Sat 10/19: Breaking Bored
Fri 10/25: Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow
Sat 10/26: Reverend Ricky & the Rockabilly Rebels
Sun 10/27: Sirsy

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/25: The Afraid, Hunting Lions, Toledo Panic, Scun Thorpe, YOBS, Plot

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 10/16: Blanket of Clouds
Thurs 10/17: Jose Antonio Rodriguez
Fri 10/18: Guil Juliano feat. Sophie Holt
Sat 10/19: Delta by the Beach (2p); Maria Muldaur and her Red Hot Bluesiana Band (8p)
Wed 10/23: WoRK Quintet
Thurs 10/24: TD Lind & the Aviators
Fri 10/25: Vardan Ovsepian Quartet
Sat 10/26: Fred Kaplan West Coast Blues All Stars (2p); The Doug Webb Group (8p)

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 10/20: Lenny and Susan LaCroix Septet

Keynote
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 10/18: Pull the Trigger
Sat 10/19: Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 10/25: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 10/26: Ventu Park Band

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/17: Jacob Marquez & Good Vibes
Fri 10/18: Keyth G & the Universouls
Sat 10/19: Heavy Rotation
Sun 10/20: Brandywine Buskers
Sat 10/26: Heavy Hitters
Sun 10/27: Van Allen Twins

Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: In the Air Tonight
Sun 10/20: Pops Concert

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 10/18: The Way
Sat 10/19: Karen Eden w/ Bill Macpherson (2p); Live Band Karaoke (7p)
Sun 10/20: The Mary White Duo
Fri 10/25: Rock the Boat
Sat 10/26: David Brookings and the Average Lookings
Sun 10/27: Mack and D

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Less Than Jake
Thurs 10/17: Candlelight Concerts feat best of Hans Zimmer
Mon 10/21: Underoath
Sat 10/26: Panchiko

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Thursdays: Tom McMorran
Sundays: Robert Van
Fridays: Tour Support
Wed 10/16: Robert Van
Sat 10/19: Tony Maddox
Wed 10/23: Warren Takahashi
Sat 10/26: Sound Effect trio

Masonic Center
482 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura
Mon 10/21: Hot Roux

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 10/18: Frank Barajas
Sun 10/20: Los Amigos
Fri 10/25: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sat 10/26: Crosscut 805
Sun 10/27: CRV

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 10/18: Sick Boy, The Indignants, Dropsy, Spider Baby, No Class
Sun 10/20: Teresa Russell
Fri 10/25: TheDeal

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: Jean Rohe & Sadie Gustafson-Zook
Sat 10/19: Johnny Cash & Linda Ronstadst Experience
Sat 10/26: Birds & Arrows

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 10/18: Ted Lennon
Sat 10/19: Benjamin Buttner
Fri 10/25: Zydeco Zippers
Sat 10/26: Keyth G

Ojai Valley Day
S. Signal St, Ojai
Sat 10/19: Josephoenix, Spencer the Gardener, Dianne Miller Band, Van Allen Twins…

Onyx
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 10/18: Vinny Berry
Sat 10/19: Ray Jaurique Trio
Fri 10/25: Ashun
Sat 10/26: Steve and Sally Williams

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sat 10/19: Blank Space
Fri 10/25: 98 Degrees

Peirano’s
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Bobby Campbell
Sundays: Vinny Berry
Fri 10/18: Mack and D
Sat 10/19: Frank Barajas
Fri 10/25: The Elektric Love In
Sat 10/26: Mack and D

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Cir., Ventura
Sun 10/20: Déjà vu

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 10/18: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 10/19: Heathers on Fire
Sun 10/20: Tyler Blair
Fri 10/25: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 10/26: Duke Fame Band
Sun 10/27: Teresa Russell

Ric’s
2500 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support
Wed 10/16: Doc Rogers
Sat 10/19: Band of Brothers
Wed 10/23: Brenna Larsen
Sat 10/26: Steph’s Rockin’ Roadshow

Rincon Brewery
4100 Telegraph Rd., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Skadaddyz

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Two Seam, Loc Dawgs
Fri 10/18: Adrian Floy and THC

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Jake McClelland
Fri 10/18: Ventu Park
Sat 10/19: Wildside
Fri 10/25: Nuestro
Sat 10/26: We are the 80s

Sportsman
4426 Central Ave., Camarillo
Sun 10/27: Swing Shift

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 10/19: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 10/20: Caught Red Handed
Fri 10/26: Ignition
Sun 10/27: Adrian Floy & THC

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/17: Jah Standards
Fri 10/18: 805 Social Club
Sun 10/20: Brandon Ragan Project
Thurs 10/24: Ska Daddyz
Fri 10/25: The Zepp Heads
Sat 10/26: The Way
Sun 10/27: Heart & Soul

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sun 10/20: The Trivle Omdobble
Tuesday: 10/22: Ventura Music Jams
Sun 10/27: Kelly’s Lot

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Fri 10/18: Jazzmen Suites
Sun 10/20: Erinn Alissa

Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 10/19: Jocky Jord (1p); Joe Delia (4p); Guy Martin (8 pm)
Sun 10/20: Kris Simeon (1p); Keyth G (5p)
Sat 10/26: Matt Bartels (1p); Infinity Project (8p)
Sun 10/27: Bella Lucarelli (1p); Hot Roux (5p)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Wed 10/16: Tribal Me

Ventura Coast Brew Co.
76 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 10/25: Brasscals

Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura
Sat 10/26: Symphony Orchestra
Sun 10/27: VC Chamber Music

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/16: Macy Gray
Thurs 10/17: Brett Dennen
Fri 10/18: Prince Daddy & the Hyena
Sat 10/19: La Lom
Wed 10/23: Girl Ultra
Fri 10/25: Lupe Fiasco
Tues 10/29: Y La Bamba & Kiltro

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 10/18: George & Michael
Sat 10/19: Teresa Russell
Sun 10/20: Dianne Miller Trio
Fri 10/25: Sweet N’ Juicy
Sat 10/26: Big Adventure
Sun 20/27: Sweet Alice

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Thurs 10/17: Delta by the Beach
Fri 10/25: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Seaside Highland Games return to the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday October 12 and 13 for their 20th outing. Both days will be chocked full of activities and live music, but Saturday does include the opening ceremonies and a Grand Parade at noon. In and around all the competitions such as heavy athletics, highland dancing, bagpiping and drumming, will be several bands include the Angry Brians, Ploughboys & Silo Rags, The Browne Sisters and more. If you’ve never attended (and whether you’re Scottish or not), I highly recommend this one for the entire family. Find out more at SeasideHighalndGames.org.

The second annual Panteon Fest will be held on Saturday, October 12, at Heritage Square in Oxnard. This celebration of Dia De Los Muertos is hosted by Pipiripau, a local brand representing the beauty of Mexican culture through apparel, art, and community events. You can help bridge the gap between generations in this day of unity and remembrance; tickets are only $15 and be purchased at PanteonFest.com.

This year’s Pier Under the Stars will be held on Saturday, October 5 featuring live classic rock from Ignition. The annual fundraiser for Pier Into the Future helps this non-profit organization help preserve and maintain Ventura’s pier. Find out more at PierIntoTheFuture.org.

Looking ahead in preparation for getting into the holiday spirit, you might want to secure your tickets now for the Ventura Music Festival’s final event of the year featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning, The King’s Singers. The early (4-6 pm) concert will be held on Saturday, December 14, at the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living on Laurel Street. Go to VenturaMusicFesstival.org for more information.

In a must dress for the occasion in order to gain entry, The Bloodsuckers Ball, will celebrate vampirism at the Majestic Ventura Theater on Saturday, October 12 with a performance by Eyeliner, a Bauhuas tribute band.

Boots & Bluegrass with the Van Allen Twins will be held at Boccali’s (on the east end of Ojai) on Thursday, October 3 (5:30 – 8 pm). This one is put on by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce which also features quite the raffle (one of the prizes are two 50-yard line tickets for USC vs Penn State).

Quick Notes: John Waite (The Baby’s, Bad English and solo artist) plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 4; Shawn Jones Big Band plays the Grape on Friday, October 4; The next rock show at Bombay’s is set for Saturday, October 5 (6-8 pm) with Spam, Angie and the Nightmares and Duncan & the Dragonslayers; it’s a punk rock Saturday afternoon with One Square Mile, All-a-Blur, the Dissapointments and more at Vaquero y Mar on October 5; and the Mother Hips land at Ventura Music Hall for a show on Friday, October 11.

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.

For more listings, additional times and genres go to VenturaRocks.com

Aqua Beachfront Bar (Crowne Plaza)
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Wed 10/2: Déjà vu Too
Fri 10/5: Colette Lovejoy Band
Wed 10/9: Big Adventure Duo

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 10/6: Chamber on the Mountain with Diana Tash & Armen Guzelimian
Sun 10/13: The Betty Bryant Trio w/ Richard Simon & Robert Kyle

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Music 6-9; except Thurs 4-9
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery (4 pm ); Bluegrass Jam (6:30 pm)
Fri 10/4: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 10/5: Epitome of Dreams
Fri 10/11: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Sat 10/12: Guy & Dave

Boccali’s Pizza
3230 Reeves Rd., Ojai
Thurs 10/3: Van Allen Twins

Bombay Bar and Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
Thursdays: Ventura Blues Night
Sat 10/5: Spam, Angie and the Nightmares, Duncan & the Dragonslayers
Sat 10/12: Medicine Hat

Café Fiore
66 California St., Ventura
Wed 10/2: Bryan McCann
Fri 10/4: Instone
Wed 10/9: Edgar Thatcher
Fri 10/11: Otis Hayes
Sat 10/12: The High Revival

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 10/4: Caliente Band 805
Fri 10/11: The Cousins
Sat 10/12: Adam & Sam

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 10/5: Ginger Merkin
Sat 10/15: The Roves
Sun 10/13: Etran de L’air

Duke’s Beach Grill
1124 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
Sat 10/5: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Sat 10/12: Mark Masson

Feros Ferio
310 E, Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sun 10/13: Two Tossers

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/4: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 10/11: Wheeler Road

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 10/4: The Way
Sat 10/5: What the Funk
Fri 10/11: Buena Onda
Sat 10/12: The Renegades

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sun 10/6: DOA, Single Mothers, MONK

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Wed 10/2: RJ Mischo Blues
Thurs 10/3: SicNarf
Fri 10/4: Shawn Jones Big Band
Sat 10/5: Lenny LaCroix and Friends (2p); The Azar Lawrence Experience (8p)
Wed 10/9: Lewis Porter Quartet
Thurs 10/10: Danny Jonokuchi Quintet featuring Christian Wiggs
Fri 10/11: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 10/12: Smokey & Friends (2p); Groove Legacy with Tom Scott (8p)

Keynote
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/3: Jwadi
Fri 10/4: Skabone Stan
Sat 10/5: Heavy Rotation
Sun 10/6: Cody Gangle
Fri 10/11: Jayden Secor
Sat 10/12: Legalizer
Sun 10/13: Bo Torres and Friends

Libbey Bowl
210 S. Signal St., Ojai
Fri 10/4: Wild Child
Sun 10/6: Ojai Pops: Ventvm Qvintet
Sat 10/12: Which One’s Pink

Magnavino Cellars
961 Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 10/4: Nautical Thrus
Sat 10/5: Mack and D
Sun 10/6: 80’s Invasion

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Tues 10/8: Flogging Molly, The Rumjacks
Fri 10/11: Twin Temple
Sat 10/12: Bodsuckers Ball with Eyeliner
Sun 10/13: Common Kings

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 10/2: Mary White
Thurs 10/3: Tony Maddox
Fri 10/4: Lisa Ritner and Friends
Sat 10/5: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sun 10/6: Warren Takahashi
Wed 10/9: Robert Van
Thurs 10/10: Tom McMorran
Fri 10/11: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 10/12: Pam and Hollywood
Sun 10/13: Robert Van

Margarita Villa
1567 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Fri 10/4: Joe Delia
Sat 10/5: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 10/6: Doc Rogers Band
Fri 10/11: Colette Lovejoy Band
Sat 10/12: Brittney & B-sides
Sun 10/13: Smokey & Friends

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wed 10/2: Subhumans, Bad Waitress
Fri 10/4: UnterKlub, COGEX
Sun 10/6: Teresa Russell
Sat 10/12: Cancerslug, Triangle Fire, Psychotic Barnyard, more…
Tues 10/15: DRI

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Thurs 10/3: Nigel Wearne
Fri 10/4: Scott Hirsch & Tom Heyman
Sat 10/5: Champagne Sunday
Sun 10/6: Claudia Nygaard
Thurs 10/10: Rosa Pullman & D Henry Fenton

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant St., Ojai
Fri 10/4: Ashun
Sat 10/5: Top Shelf Brass Band
Sat 10/12: Matterform

Ojai Women’s Club
441 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 10/2: Bill Mackay, Austin Leonard Jones, David Israel, The Spires, more…

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 10/4: John Waite

Panteon Fest
Heritage Square, 725 S. A St., Oxnard
Sat 10/12: Los Cool Arows, Loteria

Peirano’s
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Fri 10/11: The Elecktric Love In

Pier Under the Stars
750 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 10/5: Ignition

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Cir., Ventura
Fri 10/4: Brandon Ragan Project

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri & Sat 7:30 pm; Sundays 2 pm
Fri 10/4: Wheeler Road
Sat 10/5: Operation 90s
Sun 10/6: Jake McClelland
Fri 10/11: CRV
Sat 10/12: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 10/13: Katie Shorey

Seaside Highland Games
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 10/12: The Ploughboys, Stand Easy, Brian Caldwell & Paul Castellanos, Browne Sisters
Sun 10/13: The Ploughboys, Stand Easy, Brian Caldwell & Paul Castellanos, Browne Sisters

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Sat 10/5: Holgers Heros
Sun 10/6: The Renegades
Sat 10/12: 805 Social Club
Sun 10/13: The Dirty Lowdown

Tony’s Pizzeria
186 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 10/3: Stevie Charman
Fri 10/4: CRV
Sun 10/6: House Arrest
Thurs 10/10: One People
Fri 10/11: Shaky Feelin
Sat 10/12: Cousins
Sun 10/13: Ignition

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Tuesday: 10/8: Ventura Music Jams

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Fri 10/4: Gianna Bella
Fri 10/11: Chloe Bee

Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays: 805 The Shakedown
Wed 10/2: Jazz Jam

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter, Lowered Expectations
Sat 10/5: One Square Mile, All a Blur, The Dissapointments, more…
Wed 10/9: Up Country

Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura
Mon 10/7: The Laurel Project – Fortuna Wind Quintet

Ventura Harbor Village
1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 10/5: Ruben Estrada and the Martinez Brothers

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 10/4: Ceu, Paul Beaubrun
Sat 10/5: Citizen Soldier, Icon for Hire, Halocene
Fri 10/11: The Mother Hips
Sun 10/13: Mike Love & the Full Circle
Mon 10/14: Josiah Queen, String & Heart
Tues 10/15: The Philhar Monik

Ventura Townehouse
4900 W. Telegraph Rd., Ventura
Sat 10/5: Paperback Writer

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Fri 7 pm; Sat 3 pm; Sun 3 pm
Fri 10/4: Led Tasso
Sat 10/5: Bobby Hart & Friends
Sun 10/6: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 10/11: Caught Red Handed
Sat 10/12: Mack and D
Sun 10/13: Ray Jaurique Trio

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Looking back for just a moment, congratulations to Army of Freshmen who performed at the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate their 25th anniversary; their high energy show is always a crowd pleaser. I sat across from two women who traveled from Texas to catch the concert buying a pile of merch including the band’s entire catalog; now that’s dedication! During the opening act’s set, Nerfherder helped to facilitate a wedding proposal asking for a couple of people in the audience to help start their next song and of course they just happened to choose “a random couple.” After howling like wolves, the band started a fake song while he got down on one knee with a ring taking her by surprise. After jumping up and down, she said yes! I’ll admit it made me tear up as the audience cheered them on!

On a downer note, the 7th annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which was scheduled for September 14 – 15, was postponed just days before the event. According to their website it was due to “unexpected challenges…” but of course that could translate to low ticket sales. Hope that wasn’t the case and it will be back before long.

Now looking forward, I don’t know why, but I’m sure there is a reason breweries celebrate Oktoberfest in September. Poseidon Brewing Company’s will fall on Saturday, September 21, with Linda’s Polka Party Band, and Enegren Brewing in Moorpark will celebrate Oktoberfest the following weekend, Saturday, September 28, with Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts, Der Matterhorns, Hazelnuss Das Music and Ladyhosen. My theory is that these specialty bands book up years in advance and you get ‘em while you can. Just a theory.

The 11th annual Banana Festival returns to the Port of Hueneme on Saturday, September 28, with several live bands including Caliente 805, Upstream, House Arrest and One People. This free event is family friendly and a fun way to see and appreciate the Port and learn about its economic contribution to Ventura County while indulging in some sort of banana concoction.

Quick Notes: Ventura Theater added two Social Distortion shows with night one selling out almost immediately, but at press time, tickets were still available for December 4; tickets are on sale now for Letters to Cleo for November 15 at the Ventura Music Hall; Karl Hunter’s Jazz Hates Johnny plays the Grape on Friday, September 20; it’s a Grateful Dead tribute weekend at the Crowne Plaza’s Aqua Bar with Reckoning on Saturday, September 21 and Peoples Dead on Sunday, September 22; Brasscals (Santa Barbara’s one and only street brass band) and Ventura’s own, Casual Business, play Leashless on Sunday, September 22; and the final Rock the Collection free concert falls on Thursday, September 26 with The King of Queens.

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.