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

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 1/27: Mack and D
Sat 1/28: Guy and Dave
Fri 2/3: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 1/27: Slogan Acoustic
Sat 1/28: The Renegades
Fri 2/3: Chris Cain

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 1/27: Pull the Trigger
Sat 1/28: Jayden Secor (11 am); Los Amigos (7 pm)

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Thurs 1/26: David Longstreth
Sun 1/29: Bluegrass Bottom Feeders
Sat 2/4: Katie Skene Band, Scott Hirsch

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 1/28: Vinyl Gypsies

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Sun 1/29: Epitome of Dreams
Fri 2/3: Heathers on Fire
Sun 2/5: Theresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Sat 1/28: Raging Arb and Friends
Sat 2/4: Hurricane Sugar, the Ooo Wee Oos

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Fri Happy Hour: Fred Kaplan
Thurs 1/26: Doug MacDonald Trio
Fri 1/27: Plotz!
Sat 1/28: Dreamland – a Celebration of Joni Mitchell
Thurs 2/2: The Art Farmers
Sat 2/4: The Lao Tizer Band

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 1/27: Heathers on Fire

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 1/27: Jacob Martinez & the Good Vibes
Sat 1/28: Blues Bullet
Sun 1/29: Boom Duo

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 1/25: Richard Weiss
Fri 1/27: Tour Support
Sat 1/28: Lisa Ritner
Fri 2/3: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 2/4: Lisa Ritner

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 1/29: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer, Coco Roussel & Mama Pat
Sat 2/4: Futura, Boilerman, The Losers, Crucial Thought, Neurotics

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Fri 1/27: The Listening Room Redux
Sat 2/4: Franck Goldwasser

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl St., Ojai
Fri 1/27: Lola Quinn w/ Melia Rigsby
Sat 1/28: The Refugees

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 1/27: Vinny Berry
Sat 1/28: Fred Kaplan Trio

Orozco’s de Ventura
839 E. Front St., Ventura
Saturdays: V.I.P.

Ox and Ocean
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd., Oxnard
Thurs 1/26: Jayden Secor
Fri 1/27: Jayden Secor

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sat 1/28: Led Zepagain, Prima Donna Rising
Sat 2/4: Prince Again

Peirano’s on the Terrazzo
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Sat 1/28: Mack and D
Sun 1/29: Jayden Secor

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 1/27: On Tap
Sat 1/28: Rewind

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Sat 1/28: Char Band

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sat 1/28: Thea the Band, Micah Justic, Katie Leigh
Sun 2/5: The Trivle Omdobble

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Wed 2/1: Davey Miller Jazz

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 1/27: Brobots
Sat 1/28: Dive Bar Steve (2 pm); Guy Martin (8 pm)
Sun 1/29: Jetlemons (11 am); Shawn Jones (3 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 1/26: Cut Chemist
Sat 1/28: MacSabbath, Dead Heat, 45 Grave
Thurs 2/2: The Wood Brothers, Taylor Ashton

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 1/27: Tom Collins
Fri 2/3: Ray Jaurique
Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 1/26: The Pipes
Fri 1/27: Medicine Hat (acoustic)
Sat 1/28: Steve and Sally Williams
Sun 1/29: Delta by the Beach
Thurs 2/2: Milo Sledge
Fri 2/3: LA Jazz Connection
Sat 2/4: Teresa Russell
Sun 2/5: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Tues 2/7: Open mic w/ Jenna Rose

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Thurs 1/26: Mack and D
Fri 1/27: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 2/4: RJ Mischo

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

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 1/13: Billy Mac & Friends
Sat 1/14: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Tues 1/17: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 1/20: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 1/21: Déjà vu Too w/ Bob Nichols
Tues 1/24: Troy Edwards Duo

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 1/13: Ray Jaurique
Sat 1/14: What the Funk
Fri 1/20: Delta by the Beach
Sat 1/21: Fish Fry

Casa Agria Specialty Ale
701 N. Del Norte Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 1/14: Out of Trust, Romper, The Night Times, Outwest, VTB

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 1/14: Jayden Secor
Fri 1/20: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 1/21: Brittney and the B Sides

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 1/14: The Storytellers band

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sun 1/15: Brandon Ragan Project

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 1/20: Mid Life Crisis

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 1/13: Jesse Jay Harris Band

The Grape
2733 E. Main St., Ventura
Tues: The Gratitude Jazz Jam
Thurs Happy Hour: Tom Etchart & Friends
Fri Happy Hour: Fred Kaplan
Wed 1/11: Idiomatiques
Thurs 1/12: Dennis Mitcheltree
Fri 1/13: Phoenyx Big Band
Sat 1/14: Brad Rabuchin & Allen Hinds
Thurs 1/19: L.A.6 feat. Denise Donatelli
Fri 1/20: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 1/21: RJ Mischo (2 pm); Jennifer Leitham (8 pm)

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 1/15: Swing Shift Big Band

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 1/13: Pull the Trigger
Sat 1/14: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 1/21: Breaking Bored

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 1/13: Man Like Devin Band
Sat 1/14: Vinny Berry
Sun 1/15: Gianna Bella
Fri 1/20: Steve & Raena
Sat 1/21: Mark Masson
Sun 1/22: Jake McLelland

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Mon 1/16: Phoenix, the Scarlet Opera

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 1/11: Robert Van
Fri 1/13: Tour Support
Sat 1/14: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Wed 1/18: Richard Weiss
Fri 1/20: Pam and Hollywood
Sat 1/21: Jeanne Tatum Trio

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 1/15: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer, Coco Roussel & Mama Pat

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Thurs 1/12: Boom Duo
Fri 1/13: The Listening Room Redux
Sat 1/14: Nova
Sat 1/21: Shawn Jones

Ojai Women’s Club
441 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Thur 1/19: Sean Bonnette & Tim Kasher

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 1/13: George Krikes
Sat 1/14: Tom Etchart Jazz Trio
Fri 1/20: Jesse Davis
Sat 1/21: Leeann Skoda

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Sat 1/14: Delgado Brothers
Fri 1/20: War, Carry On Band
Sat 1/21: DSB

Peirano’s on the Terrazzo
204 E. Main St., Ventura
Fri 1/13: Toni Jannotta Jazz Trio

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 1/13: Cinnamon Whiskey
Sat 1/14: Holgers Heroes
Fri 1/20: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 1/21: Jayden Secor

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 1/13: The Rocketz, The Ripkats, Ghost Town Hangmen

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sun 1/15: Steve and Sally Williams

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 1/13: Mark Masson & Friends
Sat 1/14: Steve and Sally Williams (2 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sat 1/14: Zoso
Thurs 1/19: GZA
Sat 1/21: Steely Dead

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 1/12: Joel Martin
Fri 1/13: Nick & the Old Souls
Sat 1/14: Mack & D
Sun 1/15: Mark Masson
Thurs 1/19: Brandon Ragan

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Fri 1/13: Shawn Jones & Ed Berghoff
Sat 1/14: Steve and Sally Williams

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

It’s business as usual now that the holidays are firmly behind us and people are getting out and about and taking in live music again. Of course, with all the lovely rain we’ve been receiving so far this winter, there could be cancellations for music held outdoors such as venues as Peirano’s or Ojai Valley Brewing. But for the most part, music is back to being played indoors again after the pandemic.

Congratulations to Michael Jay and the Mighty Cash Cats as they’ll be inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame. This relatively new organization’s mission is to recognize the many important talented music industry professionals from the legends, those behind the scenes, to the up-and-coming, who have helped shape the rich spectrum of California’s music legacy, and to educate the public about their accomplishments. The induction ceremony will be held January 28 in Temecula where other inductees include Gwen Stefani, Canned Heat, Jan & Dean, William Shatner, KOST 103.5 and more.

I’m happy to see that Hi Hat Entertainment is getting back in the game as they’ll be helping to produce upcoming shows at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The first one on the docket will feature the Delgado Brothers on Saturday, January 14 and then it’s Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps on February 11.

Ventura Music Hall continues to line up a number of diverse acts. This month’s shows include Zoso (ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute) to Steely Dead (think the Grateful Dead meets Steely Dan), to Cut Chemist (American DJ former member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli). Looking ahead to February, you might want to secure tickets to the BoDeans, Alborosie, Hirie, Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (rescheduled), Fidlar, and Melvin Seals & JGB; but, my money’s on The English Beat whose biggest hits include “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save it for Later,” and “I Confess.” I’ve always been a big Dave Wakeling fan, I think the first time I met him was upstairs at Nicholby’s back in the day.

Quick Notes: The Rocketz, the Ripkats and Ghost Town Hangmen play the Sewer on Friday, January 13; Out of Trust record release party will be held at Casa Agria Specialty Ale in Oxnard on Saturday, January 14; Bluegrass favorites, the Storytellers play the Deer Lodge on Saturday, January 14; get your swing on with the Swing Shift Big Band on Sunday afternoon, January 15, at House of Dance in Ventura; French pop rock band, Phoenix, plays the Majestic Ventura Theater on Monday, January 16; Sean Bonnette & Tim Kasher paly the Ojai Women’s Club on Thursday, January 19; and Barrelhouse Wailers celebrate 10-year anniversary at the Grape on Fri, January 20.

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 Hotel
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Dance Invasion

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/30: Smokey & Friends
Fri 1/6: Theresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 1/6: Johnny and the Lovehandles
Sat 1/7: Bad Habit

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 12/30: Wired

Crowne Plaza
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Dance Invasion

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Sat 1/7: Lizardsmouth

The Dutchess
457 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Thurs 1/5: Natalie Gelman

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 12/31: East Coast Style NYE Party w/Bad Chemistry

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Wed 12/28: Danny McGaw and the 33

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Jesse Jay Harris Band

The Greek
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Cinnamon Whiskey

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Saturdays: The Cook Hand Ukes

Institution Ale Company
3841 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo
Thurs 1/5: Whole Hog

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Fri 12/30: Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ CRV

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 12/30: Adam Lenhard
Sat 12/31: East Coast Style NYE Party w/Fido
Sun 1/1: Emily Coupe
Fri 1/6: VIP Reggae
Sat 1/7: Shaky Feelin’ (3p); Kimo Moya (7p)
Sun 1/8: Jessie Bush

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 12/30: Circle Jerks, TSOL
Sat 1/7: Bone Maggot, I Greater than He, Sinsation, Boilerman

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/30: Tour Support
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Jeanne Tatum
Wed 1/4: Richard Weiss
Fri 1/6: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Sat 1/7: Michael Falcone

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 12/31: NYE Party: Steph’s Rockin’ Road show, Free Love Project, Rising Son
Sun 1/1: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer, Coco Roussel & Mama Pat

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/30: Brenda Carsey
Sat 12/31: East Coast Style NYE Party w/ Gold Rush Constellation
Fri 1/6: Eliya Frantz
Sat 1/7: Julian Velard

Poseidon Brewing Company
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Sat 12/31: East Coast Style NYE Party w/ Jonnie Tsunami and the All Stars

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 12/30: Teresa Russell
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Doc Rogers Band
Fri 1/6: Brandon Ragan
Sat 1/7: Teresa Russell

San Souci
21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Fri 12/30: Out of Trust, Fuse
Fri 1/6: Roman’s Weirdos, Birdbrain, Those Darn Amigos

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wed 12/28: Jake McClelland
Fri 12/30: The Remedies
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Sin Chonies
Fri 1/6: CRV

Surfer’s Point Café
204 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sun 12/18: Ben Garcia (11 am)

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 12/30: Jayden Secor Band
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ The Jetlemons
Fri 1/6: Vinyl Gypsies

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Joe Valdez, Ruben Estrada, Ruben Palazuelos, the Martinez Brothers

Ventura Moose Lodge
10269 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Sat 12/31: NYE Party: House Arrest Band

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 1/6: The Purple Ones

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 12/31: East Coast Style NYE Party w/ The Cliff Beach Experience
Sat 1/7: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/15: Nick & the Old Souls
Fri 12/30: Brittney and Ben
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ The Corsican Brothers
Sun 1/1: CRV
Tues 1/3: Open mic w/ Jenna Rose
Thurs 1/5: Teresa Russell
Fri 1/6: LA Jazz Connection w/ Davey Miller
Sat 1/7: Milo Sledge Trio
Sun 1/8: Déjà vu 3

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Happy New Years!!! Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? May I suggest one you can add to your list? Why not make it a point to get out more often to support our local original artists this year? We have such an abundance of talent right here in the 805 spanning from Simi Valley all the up to SLO town (San Luis Obispo); and between Ventura and Santa Barbara it’s a rare week that goes by without a show featuring original music.

It’s a passion of mine to help get the word out on live music because it helps raise your spirits and it can put a smile on that mug of yours. Research as shown that listening to music releases dopamine which has a positive effect on your mood. It’s a tonic of sorts which can help relieve stress, and literally lift your spirits. And while I can’t say firsthand that it enhances intelligence (though it would be scary to see how dumb I’d be without it), research also suggests that it can increase your IQ along with lowering blood pressure and boosting your immune system.

And as you should know by now, my passion is all about original artists. Of course, I’m a fan of cover bands and artists, but I’m always thrilled when they’ll slip in an original tune they wrote. I know it can be disheartening to perform at a venue, play your heart out while the audience is busy talking or dancing or not paying attention at all. Most venues are designed for this, which is why I’m a fan of the smaller listening rooms such as Namba Arts or Ojai Underground; you’re there to listen to the performance.

One can forget what music does and the effects it can cause as we listen to it while driving, studying, working and relaxing. We can listen to it while soaking in a tub, or while eating dinner. It’s enmeshed in so much of our lives that we forget it takes talented individuals to create it for us. And now getting back to my original suggestion of supporting our local talent, let’s give back and show our love by attending their shows, buying their merch, leaving a large tip and paying to download their music. Trust me when I say, your validation and support encourages and makes them realize what a difference their contributions of original music make on other’s lives.

And now onto New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring the best of cover bands to help bring in 2023. Most venues will have a party whether it be East Coast style (9 pm our time is when the proverbial ball drops on the East Coast), or they’ll go to least midnight to bring in the official new year. Many request reservations and a lot will have cover charges for all the extras they’ll offer. There are a few parties being held at locations such as the Crowne Plaza, The Greek and the Moose Lodge where they’re not typical places you would go to listen to live music. I suggest you take a look at the listings (either denoted with NYE Party or East Coast style NYE) and then find the band you love most and go there!

In closing, thanks for your continued support of the Ventura Breeze newspaper, and for reading all the way through this article so I can tell you just how much I love this community. We not only have the beach, the hillsides, downtown, the Harbor but interspersed all over, we have dozens of venues offering live music. While thinking of where I would like to retire someday, I realized after contemplating about it for a year, “Why would I ever leave?” Ventura Rocks!

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

Happy Holidays to you and yours! I love the lights, the warm jackets and colorful scarves, family and friend get togethers and especially the music that goes with it all. Don’t forget to make your plans now for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Most venues will have a special party, but some will include tickets and reservations, so do your due diligence. I’ll have more specifics next time around, but you’re welcome to go to VenturaRocks.com website, and on the calendar page, search “NYE Party” to see what’s lined up so far.

It seems Ugly Sweater Parties won’t be going away anytime soon. I’m seeing a number of them lined up leading up to Christmas. Strey Cellars has one on Friday, December 16 with Holger’s Heroes, Naughty Pine in Westlake has Lynnzee Fraye on Friday, December 23 and the Raven Tavern has the Doc Rogers band also on Friday, December 23.

Other holiday themed events include Michael Falcone Christmas songs at the Manhattan in Camarillo on Thursday, December 15, Tilford Jackson’s Christmas Sing-a-Long will be held at the Grape in Ventura on Thursday, December 22, Paulie Cerra, a Blues Christmas on Friday, December 23 at Cantera Cellars, Smitty & Julija will sing carols at Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai on Friday, December 23, and Bella Lucarelli performs a Christmas special at the Twist on Main on Christmas Eve afternoon.

Ventura High School Winter concert series runs Wednesday and Thursday, December 14 – 15 with their Wind Ensemble I, Concert Band and Jazz performing on Wednesday, and the following evening it’s their Orchestra I, String Orchestra II Honors and Full Orchestra. Across town the Bulldogs at Buena High will also have their Winter Concert which will be held on Thursday, December 14 with music from their music ensembles along with some soloist performances. Show your love to one or both of these schools by showing up and supporting our younger musicians here in town.

And speaking of supporting local high school music departments, Namba will host “Rock ‘n’ Roll High” on Sunday, December 18 with Burch Studio presenting a showcase for middle school and high school kids. Since 2004, Rock and Roll High has been southern California’s premier teen band program. Students have gone on to perform at Coachella, Jimmy Kimmel, and many successful bands in the music industry. The founder of Rock and Roll High, Aaron Burch opened Burch Studio in Ventura where he teaches the course today.

And the only live music event I’ve found, year to year on Christmas day, features Saint Pierre who had done this previously at Amigos, but now will be performing along with Rebekah Scogin at Vaquero y Mar from 4 – 7 pm.

Quick Notes: Shawn Jones performs the Deer Lodge on Friday, December 16; Looking West plays the Downtown Stage at California and Main Streets on Saturday, December 17; The House of Dance will be hopping on Sunday, December 18 with Flattop Tom and His Jump Cats performing; Ben Garcia plays Surfer’s Point Café on Sunday, December 18; there’s a special show at All Kinds in Zander Alley on Monday, December 19 with the Addalemon and Halibut Head out of Sacramento performing along with Greater View and the Derivatives; and finally Denny Seiwell, founding member of Wings, returns to Ventura for a date at the Grape on Wednesday, December 21.

And finally, my condolences go out to Namba Arts as they mourn the passing of their founder, Julia Frances Campbell Namba earlier this month, as well as to the many fans of Mark Searcy, aka Hip E. Mark.

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

All Kinds
433 E. Main St., Ventura
Fri 12/16: MiniShoppingCart, Loc Dawgs, Crawdads
Mon 12/19: Greater View, Addalemon, the Derivatives, Halibut Head

Anna’s Cider
801 E. Main St., Santa Paula
Sat 12/17: Shay Moulder

Aqua Beachfront Bar
Crowne Plaza Hotel
450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sat 12/17: OnePeople

Black Angus
4718 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Fri 12/23: Déjà vu Too

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/15: Theresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/16: Déjà vu Three
Tue 12/20: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 12/23: Mack and D
Tues 12/27: Troy Edwards

Buena High School
5670 Telegraph Rd., Ventura
Wed 12/14: Winter Concert

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/23: Paulie Cerra: a Blues Christmas

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet
Sun 12/18: the House Arrest Band

Copper Blues
591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 12/16: JetLemons
Sat 12/17: NDR CVR

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 12/16: Shawn Jones

Downtown Ventura Stage
California and Main Streets
Sat 12/17: Looking West (5 pm)

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sun 12/18: Brandon Ragan Project

Feros Ferio Winery
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 12/23: Smitty & Julija

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/16: Morie & the Heavy Hitters
Sat 12/17: Keyth Garcia & Universal
Fri 12/23: OnePeople

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/16: Silent Treatment, Forest Lawn, Easy Death, HidingInsideVictims
Sat 12/17: Tex Pistols

The Grape
2833 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Thursdays: Tom Etchart & Friends (5-7 pm)
Fridays: Fred Kaplan (5-7 pm)
Wed 12/14: Uli Geissendoerfer Trio
Thurs 12/15: Uli Geissendoerfer Trio
Fri 12/16: Jeff Lorber Fusion
Sat 12/17: B3 Organ Trio (2 pm); Burning Ghosts (8 pm)
Wed 12/21: Denny Seiwell Trio
Thurs 12/22: Tilford Jackson’s Christmas Sing-a-Long
Fri 12/23: RJ Root & Friends

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Saturdays: The Cook Hand Ukes

House of Dance
3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura
Sun 12/18: Flattop Tom and His Jump Cats (1-3:30)

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Rd., Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic
Sat 12/17: The Balance
Fri 12/23: Vinyl Gypsies

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 12/16: How to Live with Robots
Sat 12/17: Illunis
Sun 12/18: Gianna Bella
Thurs 12/22: Mark Masson
Fri 12/23: Jacob Marques & the Good Vibes

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo
Wed 12/14: Robert Van
Thurs 12/15: Michael Falcone
Fri 12/16: Tour Support
Sat 12/17: Jeanne Tatum Trio
Wed 12/21: Richard Weiss
Fri 12/23: Mark and Jim Duo
Sat 12/24: Jeanne Tatum Trio

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 12/16: Ardi, Narthex Structure, RAW, No Remorse
Sun 12/18: Teresa Russell

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sun 12/18: Rock ‘n’ Roll High
Fri 12/23: the Listening Room Redux

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant Street, Ojai
Thurs 12/15: Daniela Cardillo
Fri 12/16: The Late Nights

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/16: Smokey & Friends
Sat 12/17: George Krikes
Fri 12/23: Vinny Berry

Plan B Winery
3520 Arundell Cir., Ventura
Sun 12/18: Déjà vu Too

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 12/16: Jayden Secor
Sat 12/17: Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 12/23: Doc Rogers Band

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sat 12/17: No Biggie

Surfer’s Point Café
204 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sun 12/18: Ben Garcia (11 am)

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sat 12/17: Blown Over

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: Davey Miller Trio
Fri 12/16: Breaking Bored
Sat 12/17: Davey Miller Trio (2 pm); Dive Bar Messiahs (8pm)
Sun 12/18: JetLemons (12:30 pm); Dive Bar Steve (5 pm)
Fri 12/23: Heathers on Fire
Sat 12/24: Bella Lucarelli (2 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera
Sun 12/25: Rebekah Scogin and Saint Pierre

Ventura High School
2 N. Catalina St., Ventura
Wed 12/14: Winter Concert Series
Thurs 12/15: Winter Concert Series

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 12/16: Covet
Sat 12/17: Squirrel Nut Zippers w/ Christopher Wonder

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 12/17: Smitty and Julia and Friends

Water’s Edge
1510 Anchor’s Way, Ventura
Sat 12/17: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/15: Nick & the Old Souls
Fri 12/16: Mark Masson
Sat 12/17: Heft & Wilson
Sun 12/18: Ray Jaurique Trio
Thurs 12/22: Will Breman

1901 Speakeasy
740 S. B St., Oxnard
Fri 12/23: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

With Thanksgiving under our collective belts, the holiday season is in full swing and there are several special events to help raise your spirits whilst enjoying live music.

The Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair is Saturday, December 3, downtown Ventura. The street fair with vendors and food trucks is open all day and free to the public (noon – 8 pm), but you need to purchase tickets if you want to participate in the wine walk (4-7 pm). The live entertainment is also free and family friendly with Victor Vega and the Bomb culminating the day at Main and California with a gorgeous snowfall; but trust me when I say, no matter how pretty or real it looks, don’t stick out your tongue to catch “snowflakes.”

Jodi Farrell’s 28th Annual Student Holiday Concert is always a treat. This year’s show will be held at the Korean Methodist Church on Kimball Road in Ventura on Saturday, December 3 from 4-6 pm. The special guest band will feature Ron Barnett, Jim Rankin, Brad Strickland, Manon Franklin and Hekar Rivera. Though this is free, donations are appreciated.

The 22nd annual 4 Kids 2 Kids holiday fundraiser will be held at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo on Sunday, December 4 from 2 – 7 pm with the cost of admission only $5 plus a new unwrapped toy. Bands on tap: RJ Mischo w/ Debbie Davies, Ray Jaurique Big Band w/ Flattop Tom, Shawn Jones, Katie Skene, Hot Roux and Milo Sledge.

Poseidon Brewing Company will host their annual holiday pajama party on Friday, December 9 featuring live music from the Vanise Terry Band.

Cantara Cellars bring Britain’s Finest to the venue for “Christmas with the Beatles” on Saturday, December 10.

Doc the Halls Holiday Blues with Doc Ventura will be held at Namba on Saturday, December 10, at 7 pm. The $20 cover gets you Bombafiya, Preston Smith, RJ Mischo, Bill Flores, James Schulfer, Fito de la Parra and Doc Ventura.

The 9th Annual Holiday Sing a Long and Toy Drive at the Majestic Ventura Theater will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 7 pm. Admission is one new unwrapped toy per family. This year’s concert will feature favorite Disney and holiday songs.

And though not exactually holiday themed, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the 17th annual Chopperfest Art and Culture Show returns to Ventura at the Ventura Fairgrounds and will host a special motorcycle art exhibit, an all-brand antique and custom motorcycle show, custom bike builder displays and hundreds of motorcycle/culture vendors; plus, they’ll have live music from Awesome Blue and the Midnight Rider Band (Allman Brothers Revival). Find out more and get your tickets at Chopperfestival.com

Quick Notes: Tickets are on sale now for Dr. Know and Stalag 13 with original singer Ron Baird for January 7 at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme through EventBrite; Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe and the Missing Links play The Grape on Friday, December 2; Long Beach Dub Allstars play the Ventura Music Hall on Saturday, December 3; WonderHouse on Knoll Drive in Ventura has a show featuring Shaky Feelin’ and the Katie Skene Band on Saturday, December 3, $20 at the door; Feros Ferio Winery in Ojai hosts live music with Two Tossers on Saturday, December 3; it’s an evening of Brazilian Bossa Nova, Samba and Jazz with Teka & Friends when they play the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai on Sunday, December 4, on the following Sunday, December 11, the special jury prize winner of 13th International Tchaikovsky competition, Evgeny Tonkha, will perform; All Kinds continues to offer live music for the younger generation in Zander Alley at 433 E. Main Street downtown Ventura. It’s a sober space for all ages with live music on Sunday, December 4 with Sound that Ends Creation, Cel Damage, Two Brothers, Black Moon Lilith, Crave and Stood Up with a $10 cover; and Phil Salazar and Tom Corbett team up for a show at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, December 10.

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

All Kinds
433 E. Main St., Ventura
Sun 12/4: Sound that Ends Creation, Cel Damage, Two Brothers, Black Moon Lilith, Crave, Stood Up

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
8585 N. Ojai Rd., Ojai
Sun 12/4: Teka & Friends
Sun 12/11: Evgeny Tonkha w/ Stephen Vanhauwaert

Boatyard Pub
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/2: Theresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/3: Epitome of Dreams
Tues 12/6: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Fri 12/9: Epitome of Dreams
Sat 12/10: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Tues 12/13: Troy Edwards

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/2: The Jukes
Sat 12/3: Ignition
Sun 12/4: Ray Jaurique, Katie Skene, Shawn Jones, Hot Roux, Milo Sledge, RJ Mischo, Debbie Davies
Sat 12/10: Britain’s Finest

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Wed & Thurs: Bobby Apostol
Fri & Sat: Warren Takahashi

ChopperFest
Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
Sun 12/11: Awesome Blue, Zepp Heads, the Midnight Rider Band

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Blues Tuesdays
Thursdays: Glenn Bennet

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai
Fri 12/2: Hot Rise
Fri 12/9: Maliah

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 12/3: Vinyl Gypsies
Sun 12/11: the Robot Uprising, 5th St. Saints, the Indignants

Fero’s Ferio
310 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sat 12/3: Two Tossers

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/2: Ignition
Sun 12/4: Smokey & Friends
Sun 12/11: Kelly’s Lot

Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Sat 12/3 – Blown Over
Fri 12/9: Bombafiya
Sat 12/10: Jacob Marques & the Good Vibes

The Grape
2833 E. Main St., Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Thursdays: Tom Etchart & Friends (5-7 pm)
Fridays: Fred Kaplan (5-7 pm)
Wed 11/30: Tribute to Stan Getz
Thurs 12/1: sicNarf
Fri 12/2: Angelo Moore’s Dr. Madd Vibe & the Missing Links, Barrelhouse Wailers
Sat 12/3: Fausto Cuevas y la Moderna (2pm); Doug Webb Group (8 pm)
Wed 12/7: 6 Beats Apart
Thurs 12/8: Guil Juliao trio feat. Anthony Cammarota
Fri 12/9: Danny Janklow Quintet feat. Katherine Ella Wood
Sat 12/10: Barrelhouse Wailers

Harbor Cove Café
1867 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura
Saturdays: The Cook Hand Ukes

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: Open Mic

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Fri 12/2: the Salty Suites
Sat 12/3: One People Reggae jam (3 pm); Jacob Marques (7 pm)
Sun 12/4: Brian D-entremont
Thurs 12/8: Spring Loaded
Fri 12/9: Lacie Mace
Sun 12/10: Mark Masson
Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary St., Moorpark
Sat 12/10: Natalie Wattre

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura
Tues 12/6: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Wed 12/7: Beach House
Sun 12/11: 9th Annual Holiday Sing along

Manhattan
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Wed 12/30: Robert Van

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri & Sat 7-10 pm; Sun 4-7pm

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/4: Teresa Russell

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sat 12/10: Doc the Halls Holiday Blues

Ojai Underground
616 Pearl Street, Ojai
Fri 12/9: Mike Mullins & Forest Sun
Sat 12/10: Phil Salazar & Tom Corbett

Ojai Valley Brewing
307 Bryant Street, Ojai
Fri 12/2: Jacob and the Good Vibes
Wed 12/7: Davey and the Midnights
Thurs 12/8: Alice Austin

Onyx Bistro
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/2: Nate Latta
Sat 12/3: Eliya Frantz
Fri 12/9: Raw Honey Band
Sat 12/10: Leeann Skoda

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
Fri 12/2: Tierra, Malo
Sat 12/10: Dennis Jones

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 12/2: CocoKnots
Fri 12/9: Vanise Terry Band

The Six
419 E. Main St., Ventura
Wed 12/7: Hologram Empire

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Fri 12/2: Brandon Ragan
Sat 12/3: Holgers Heroes
Fri 12/9: Doc Rogers Band
Sat 12/10: Katrina & the Kats

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wed 11/30: Jake McClelland

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sat 12/3: Goodnight Kiss

Topa Topa Brewing
4880 Colt St., Ventura
Sun 12/11: Whole Hog

Topa Topa Brewing
2024 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 12/3: Jimmy Darin
Wed 12/7: Erinn Alissa

Topa Topa Brewing
341 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 12/2: Sam Kulchin

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main St., Ventura
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 12/2: Tossers
Sat 12/3: Coque Ross (2 pm); Crosscut 805 (8 pm)
Sun 12/4: Dave Parsonage (12:30 pm); Hot Roux (5 pm)
Fri 12/9: The Jetlemons
Sat 12/10: Adam Lenhard (2 pm)
Sun 12/11: Joe Delia (12:30 pm); Kenny Devoe (5 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Sundays: Mariachi
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunter
Wednesdays: Tribal Me
Fridays: Conjunto Zacamandu de Tomas Herrera

Ventura Music Hall
1888 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 12/1: the Iron Maidens, Robert Rodriquez
Sat 12/3: Long Beach Dub Allstars
Sun 12/4: the Rare Occasions, Hot Freaks
Thurs 12/8: Zepparella
Fri 12/9: the Slackers

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Saturdays: Smitty and Julia and Friends
Sundays: Austin Vallejo
Fri 12/9: Dianne Miller

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/11: Teresa Russell feat. Mama Pat

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/1: the Pipes
Fri 12/2: LA Jazz Connection with Davey Miller
Sat 12/3: the James Broz Band
Sun 12/4: Colette Lovejoy Band
Tues 12/6: Open mic with Jenna Rose
Thurs 12/8: Brandon Ragan
Fri 12/9: George & Michael
Sat 12/10: San Roque Trio
Sun 12/11: Tossers

Wonderhouse
2359 Knoll Dr., Ventura
Sat 12/3: Shaky Feelin, Katie Skeene Band

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Looking ahead, the event of the season is coming up on Saturday, December 3. Of course, I’m speaking about the annual Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair downtown Ventura. I’ve attended several of these throughout the years, and it’s always a treat to be in one place at the same time with thousands of people celebrating the season. There are several different levels to be involved from just visiting all the vendors from one end of downtown to the other as you check off items on your Christmas shopping list, to walking to all the different participating venues whilst sipping your beverage, to hanging out in the VIP gardens (where you’re find the best pours and food), to dancing at Main and California while a snowfall transforms downtown into a winter wonderland. No charge to hang out for the Street Fair and music at California and Main, but you’ll want to secure your tickets for the wine walk at VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

If you’ve never sat in a music hall listening to a full orchestra performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Ode to Joy, then do yourself a favor, and kickstart the season with the New West Symphony. There will be two shows, one on Saturday, November 19, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, and one the following day at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The program includes Meri Sakhi Ki Avaaz, My Sister’s Voice. For ticket availability, go to NewWestSymphony.org.

Majestic Ventura Theater Upcoming Shows
The Wrecks – 11/19/22
AFI – 11/25/22 (Sold Out)
Beach House – 12/7/22 (Sold Out)
Circle Jerks, TSOL – 12/30/22
Jerry Cantrell – 2/21/23
Eric Johnson – 2/22/23

Ventura Music Hall
The Purple Ones – 1/6/23
Steely Dead – 1/20/23
Cut Chemist – 1/26/23
The Wood Brothers – 2/2/23
Mat Kearney – 2/11/23
Alborosie – 2/19/23
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore rescheduled for 2/23/23

Congratulations to two-time Grammy-award winner Rhiannon Giddens who will become the music director for the 77th Ojai Music Festival in June next year. She recently won the Grammy for Best Folk Album for They’re Calling Me Home with Francesco Turrisi.

Quick Notes: Barrelhouse Wailers are in the studio on Ojai at Carbonite Sound; Brendon Willing James performs at the Deer Lodge with special guest Omar Velasco on Thursday, November 17; There will be live music at Bombay Bar and Grill, on Saturday, November 19 with Olivia Willhite at 5 pm); Numbskull Productions bring Wormwitch, and Bewitcher to town for a gig at Gigi’s Cocktails on Saturday, November 19; Wrecking Crew member, Don Randi & Quest returns for a date at the Grape on Saturday, November 19; AFI show at Ventura theater on Friday, Acoustic DNA play a Friendsgiving show at the Twist on Wednesday, November 23; November 25 is sold out; Janelle & Andrew play Surfers Point Café on Sunday, November 27; and Ventura Theater’s annual sing along will be held on December 11 (admission is one new unwrapped toy).

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.