by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Tickets go on sale February 15 for the 5^th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival which will take place over the weekend of September 9-11. The event will be held at Oxnard Beach Park after a two-year hiatus. Artists on the roster include Althea Rene, Paula Atherton, Eric Darius, Jeannette Harris, Hiroshima, Najee and Jeffrey Osborne. In order to attend, you must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Masks will be highly encouraged for everyone. For more information and to snap up your tickets, go to OxnardJazzFesitval.com.

Concerts for Causes date at the Ventura Theater will be on Saturday, February 12 and will feature Mike Scully & the Weary Travelers, Adaptive, Lira and No Idea. This evening’s show raises money for the Last Stop Cat Sanctuary, a pet sanctuary for aging, sick, and terminally ill pets. There will be a $12 cover. Go VenturaTheater.net for COVID protocols.

The Ventura Harbor Comedy Club will host two shows over the weekend of the 18^th. First, it’s the Conga Sessions with Fausto Cuevas III on Friday evening with a $10 cover and then Bubbly Brunch & Brazil with Catina de Luna featuring Otmaro Ruiz on Sunday, February 20 with a $20 cover.

A number of acts have cancelled/postponed dates at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center but those still scheduled include Rockapella on Friday, February 11, Kenny G on Sunday, February 20, and Chicago who continues to tour with three out of seven of their original members on Tuesday, February 22.

Quick Notes: Soulfly plays the Ventura Room at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, February 9 along with Short Fuse, I Greater Than He, Boilerman and Slowbleed; Cadillac Zack presents Teresa James at Cantara Cellars on Friday, February 11, call for tickets (323) 377-5291; The Radolescents will play the Adolescents Blue Album in sequence in its entirety at Rock & Roll Pizza in Simi Valley on Friday, February 11, other bands include the Hajj, iDecline, and the Afraid; Melinda Gibson plays the Angry Ferret Brewing Co. on Saturday, February 12; Donna Butler performs jazz standards for Valentine’s day dinner at Café Fiore; Gonzalo Grau y la Clave Secreta play the Grape on Saturday, February 19; the Storyplayers perform at the Ojai Underground on Saturday, February 19; and the rescheduled Circle Jerks show is Sunday, February 20 at the Ventura Theater;

Then finally, since KPPQ is celebrating its five-year anniversary providing public access radio to the community, that means I too am celebrating five years producing my music show highlighting mostly artists out of the 805. FIVE YEARS!!! Where does the time go? If you’ve produced music sometime during your life and would like to share it with the community, just drop me a line and we’ll see about getting you some airtime on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour. I produce a show every two weeks with each show getting aired Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 pm and Sundays at noon.

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 up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 2/4: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Road, Camarillo
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 1/29: Katie Shorey
Sat 2/5: The Jukes

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Chuy’s Simi Valley West
1397 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley
Wednesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 1/29: Decadent Decades

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Saturdays and Sundays: Kenny DeVoe (11 am)
Sun 1/30: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples (3 pm)

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Music Fridays 6-8 pm; Saturday 1 – 3:30 pm
Fri 1/28: Whiskey Business
Sat 1/29: Brandon Ragan
Fri 2/4: Ignition

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Sundays: Soul Sunday w/ DJ Also
Sat 1/29: Mark Masson Band

GiGi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Karaoke
Sat 2/5: Teresa Russell

The Grape
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Saturday afternoons Salsa with Fausto Cuevas y la Moderna (2 pm)
Wed 1/26: Guil Juliao Trio
Thurs 1/27: Brian Charette Trio
Fri 1/28: WeBBinney
Sat 1/29: Mitchel Forman 4Tet

Judge Roy Beans
2780 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley
Fri 1/28: Fasha & the Flapjacks
Sat 1/29: Fasha & the Flapjacks

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 1/28: Vinyl Gypsies
Sat 1/29: DJ Joe

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Music 6:30 – 8:30; Sundays 3-5
Thurs 1/27: Lacie Mae
Fri 1/28: TC King
Sat 1/29: Singular Nature
Sun 1/30: Christopher Hawley

Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 1/29: Bill Rotella
Sat 2/5: Singular Nature

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 1/30: Gianna Bella
Sat 2/5: Jess Bush

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street, Ventura
Thurs 1/27: Subtronics
Fri 1/28: Smith/Kotzen, Raised on Vinyl, Black Dragon

Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri 1/28: Pam and Hollywood
Sat 1/29: Jeanne Tatum

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sat 1/29: CRV
Sun 1/30: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sun 1/30: Sunday Morning Praise Band (3 pm)
Sat 2/5: SideMen

Ojai Underground Exchange
616 Pearl Street, Ojai
Fri 2/4: James Lee Stanley & Dan Navarro
Sat 2/5: Molly Miller, Mark Goldenberg, Adam Levy

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Fri 2/4: Sly Slick & Wicked, Aalon, Miriah Avilah
Sat 2/5: Michael Feinstein

Paddy’s Cocktails
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Tuesdays: Open Mic
Sat 1/29: Kenzie Mae
Fri 2/4: Fam Bam Jam Band
Sat 2/5: Justin Honsinger

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura
Fri 1/28: Vanise Terry Band

Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 7-10 pm
Fri 1/28: The Remedies
Sat 1/29: Vinyl Gypsies

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis

Rock & Roll Pizza
5255 Cochran Street, Simi Valley
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Fri 1/28: Mighty Cash Cats; Route 62
Sat 1/29: Ripkatz
Sun 1/30: Bum Roots Project
Fri 2/4: The Dirty Lowdown
Sat 2/5: Sound of the Ghosts; dosTRIOS

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 2/4: CRV

The Six Chow House
419 E Main Street, Ventura
Fri 1/28: GrooveSession
Sat 1/29: Power Syndicate
Sun 1/30: Whiskey Business
Fri 2/4: ADD
Sat 2/5: TV Broken, Katie Skene, Brion Shearer’s Reliable Villians

Sunland Vintage Winery
1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Music 6-9 pm
Thursdays: Dave & Kevin

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

Topa Topa Brewing
341 Ojai Ave., Ojai
Fri 1/28: Sam Kulchin

Topa Topa Brewing
104 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 1/27: Dylan Cunningham

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters (5 pm); Karaoke (8 pm)
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Mon 1/31: Beckett & the Rebels

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 1/27: Milo Sledge
Fri 1/28: Steve and Sally Williams
Sun 1/30: Keyth Garcia
Thurs 2/3: Will Breman
Fri 2/4: Miss Bix & the Nervous Ticks
Sun 2/6: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri 1/28: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer & Mama Pat
Sat 1/29: Corey Highberg

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Though the sign wasn’t up the last time I drove past, the construction continues on the Ventura Music Hall (where Discovery was formerly located on Thompson Blvd). More and more shows are being added to their roster, many of which are indie bands, but several are more well known such as Flogging Molly, Gary Numan, and country/bluegrass legend Marty Stuart. At press time, the first show continues to be G. Love & the Juice on March 22. Keep in the loop and bookmark their website VenturaMusicHall.com.

I had to take a double take at the new festival making the circuit with a date coming up in early spring for Ventura, it’s called the Punk in Drublic Craft Beer & Music Festival landing at the Ventura Fairgrounds on March 27. As the website states, the festival is created from the mind and livers of NOFX’s front man Fat Mike and craft beer fanatic/festival promoter Cameron Collins. Ventura’s date features NOFX, Pennywise, Face to Face, Lagwagon, Ill Repute, Dr. Know, the Last Gang and more. Get more information and purchase your tickets at PunkInDrublicFest.com.

I’m so proud of the Grape bringing such talent to Ventura. Case in point, on Thursday, January 27, it’s Brian Charette Trio; Charette was the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star: Organ” award and 2015 Hot House Magazine’s “Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist”. Last year he placed 3rd in the 2021 Downbeat Critic’s Poll. Rounding out the trio will be Joel Taylor on drums, and Doug Webb on sax.

The Circle Jerks pulled the plug on their 2021 tour, but they’ve rescheduled dates for 2022. You can catch them at the Ventura Theater on Sunday, February 20 with all tickets previously purchased being honored. Don’t forget the Ventura Theater requires a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event, OR proof of vaccination for entry. Masks are also required when not actively eating or drinking; and as a gentle reminder per the Ventura Theater’s website, no moshing is allowed.

Quick Notes: Twist on Main is temporarily closed for upgrades, but reopening early February; Michael Feinstein plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Saturday, February 5; SuperDuperKyle returns to Ventura Theater Friday, March 18; and the Young Ones showcase features up and coming talent at the Vine on Monday evenings with Beckett & the Rebels playing January 31.

And finally, congratulations to Tommy Quayle on the release of his latest record Awakenings. It was recorded over the past two years during the pandemic. JP Hesser co-produced, mixed and recorded most of the cuts. You can hear the title single on my radio show, the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour on KPPQ-LP at 104.1 FM, or listen online at CAPSMedia.org/radio. The program runs Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 and Sundays at noon.

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

The winner of the first BlackCouch Studios Music Showdown was announced this week! The friendly competition between 16 musicians here in Ventura was the brainchild of Jerry McWorter (Hi-Hat Entertainment) and Guy Martin (BlackCouch Studios). They placed sixteen names in three different hats (8 guitarists, four bass players, four drummers) then arbitrarily put together four bands by pulling names out of the hat. The members showed up without knowing who their bandmates were, nor the song they were to record. They were given three hours to record their rendition of Midnight Rambler. The winner of the first round (group 1 & group 2) and the winner of the second round (group 3 & group 4) went head to head on YouTube with viewers voting for their favorite rendition without knowing who the players were. I want to thank both Guy and Jerry for being on my radio show and for letting me play the winner on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour this week. The winning group was #2 with winning musicians Ray Jaurique, Joe Baugh, Hank Van Sickel and Chris Jenson. Speaking from the heart, I loved every single rendition and as we discussed on my radio show, this project was great for the heart and soul of Ventura’s music scene. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the BlackCouch Studios Music Showdown!

The Tavern at 211 E. Santa Clara Street in Ventura has switched gears and as the first of the year are now called A Bar Called Country where they’ll be offering line dancing every Sunday at 5. The live music I’ve found so far includes Hard Rooster, Brother Earl and the Cousins and Dan Hitchcock on Thursday, January 13, and Medicine Hat with the full band on Fri January 14.

According to their official website, Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen’s project, Smith/Kotzen’s very first live date in the US is schedule for the Ventura Theater on January 15. Smith is best known as one of the main guitarists for Iron Maiden and Kotzen from the Winery Dogs, as well as having worked with both Mr. Big and Poison. Also playing the theater this month the Stuts on January 23 and Subtronics on January 27.

Quick Notes: The Bank of America Performing Arts Center in TO has REO Speedwagon on January 12, and David Foster on January 19; Kruelty, a band marketed as Tokyo disgusting music, plays with Apparition, Slowbleed and Upon Stone at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 14; The Sewer has a special Sunday Psycho Sunday event on January 16 with Frenetic Trio from Brazil, joining the bill, The Cursed Bastards; and Kelly’s Lot’s performance at Namba has been rescheduled to March 26, but still on the books are Franck Goldwasser aka Paris Slim on January 15 and Dreamland, music of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford on January 22.

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 up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Bank of America Performing Arts Center
2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Wed 1/12: REO Speedwagon
Wed 1/19: David Foster

A Bar Called Country
211 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura
Thurs 1/13: Hard Rooster, Brother Earl & the Cousins, Dan Hitchcock
Fri 1/14: Medicine Hat

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Sat 1/15: Big Adventure Duo
Tues 1/18: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Fri 1/21: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Road, Camarillo
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fri 1/14: Slogan Acoustic
Sat 1/15: Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers
Sat 1/22: Heart and Soul

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Chuy’s Simi Valley West
1397 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley
Wednesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 1/15: Vinyl Gypsies

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Saturdays and Sundays: Kenny DeVoe 11 am
Sat 1/15: Teresa Russell
Sun 1/23: Buena Onda

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Music Fridays 6-8 pm; Saturday 1 – 3:30 pm
Fri 1/14: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples
Sat 1/15: Smokey & Friends
Sat 1/22: Brittney & Ben
Sun 1/23: Big Adventure Duo

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Sundays: Soul Sunday w/ DJ Also
Sat 1/15: The Late Knights

GiGi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Karaoke

The Grape
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Wed 1/12: CHOMSKYJazz
Thurs 1/13: Blanco Diablo

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Ken Devoe (4 pm)

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 1/14: Caliente
Sat 1/15: DJ Sherman
Fri 1/21: DJ AVG
Sat 1/22: Whiskey Business

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Music 6:30 – 8:30; Sundays 3-5
Thurs 1/13: Dylan Cunningham
Fri 1/14: Mike Belk & Swingin’ Johnny
Sat 1/15: Jacob Marque & the Good Vibes
Sun 1/16: Illunis
Thurs 1/20: Warren & Dr. Dan
Fri 1/21: John Espinoza
Sat 1/22: Mark & Guil duo
Sun 1/23: Exit 15 unplugged

Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 1/15: Bombafiya
Sat 1/22: Natalie Wattre

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Music 3-5 pm
Sun 1/23: The Devil’s String Band Duo

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street, Ventura
Sat 1/15: Smith/Kotzen, Raised on Vinyl, Rusted Stone
Sun 1/23: The Struts

Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Fri 1/21: Tour Support

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sun 1/16: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sat 1/15: Franck Goldwasser
Thurs 1/20: The Listening Room Redux
Sat 1/22: Dreamland

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Fri 1/14: Kruelty, Apparition, Slowbleed, Upon Stone
Thurs 1/20: Tommy Emmanuel
Fri 1/21: Slowbleed, Momentum, Treacherouskin

Paddy’s Cocktails
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Tuesdays: Open Mic

Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 1/14: Brittney Burchett
Sat 1/15: Holgers Heros
Fri 1/21: Sean Wiggins
Sat 1/22: Tyler James (Foo Flannels)

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis

Rock & Roll Pizza
5255 Cochran Street, Simi Valley
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 1/15: Black Daze, Stoned Temple Pilots
Sun 1/16: King Sol & the Vibes
Fri 1/21: Jetlemons
Sat 1/22: Metal Health
Sun 1/23: Dan Westerlund

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut Street, Ventura
Sun 1/16: Frenetic Trio, The Cursed Bastards

The Six Chow House
419 E Main Street, Ventura
Thurs 1/13: Mark Masson and Friends
Fri 1/21: Power Syndicate
Sat 1/22: Free Love Project

Sunland Vintage Winery
1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Music 6-9 pm
Thursdays: Dave & Kevin
Fri 1/14: Teresa Russell
Fri 1/21: Guy & Dave

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

Topa Topa Brewing HQ
4880 Colt Street, Ventura
Music 4-6 pm
Sat 1/15: Nautical Thrust

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main Street, Ventura
Wednesdays: Classic Country w/ Jesse Harris
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 1/14: Tex Pistols
Sat 1/15: Steve & Sally Williams (2-5 pm); Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 1/6: Joe Delia (2-5 pm)
Fri 1/21: Littlefish
Sat 1/22: Jesse Harris Band
Sun 1/23: Jayden Secor (2-5)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters (5 pm); Karaoke (8 pm)
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Music at 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Sat 1/22: Déjà vu Too
Sun 1/23: Teresa Russell

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 1/13: Brandon Ragan
Fri 1/14: Guy & Dave
Sun 1/16: CRV
Thurs 1/20: James Broz Bros.
Fri 1/21: Big Adventure
Sun 1/23: Mike Scully & the Weary Travelers

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 1/22: Tour Support

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I would like to thank all Ventura Breeze readers for their continued support of this publication. Publisher and owner, Sheldon Brown, truly loves this town as do all the staff. It’s pretty amazing to see what goes into publishing a newspaper and the care and respect the writers have for this town. As we usher in 2022, I would like to personally wish you a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

In our last issue, I covered a lot of the bars and venues holding New Year’s Eve parties (which is available online on the Breeze website at VenturaBreeze.com), but you can also find the parties listed here on this page. New York style means they’ll be celebrating the New Year at 9 pm (same as New York), otherwise it’s Midnight our time. If you need more details like times and whether there is a cover charge, you can go to Venturarocks.com for more information; the website now covers all of Ventura County.

Ventura Music Festival is bringing guitarist extraordinaire, Tommy Emmanuel to town on January 20 at Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Added to the bill, English guitar star Mike Dawes. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

It’s good to see the Ventura Theater booking more concerts. Shows coming up include January 15 with Smith/Kotzen, which is a collaboration between Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden and Richie Kotzen of the Winery Dogs; The Struts, Strange Days are Over Tour, is on January 23, and Subtronics, Boogie T, Levell Up, Phonon and Space Wizard on January 27.

Quick Notes: The Ventura City Council has voted to continue Main Street Moves which means not only will that four block section will remain closed to thru traffic, but the music downtown at Main and California will continue; enjoy Mariachi Gallos de Oro Sundays at Vaquero y Mar (formerly the Hong Kong Inn) from 11 am – 2 pm; Kelly’s Lot plays Namba on Saturday, January 8; and Tharon Weighill from Dr. T and the Blues Criminals is the latest featured artist on the VenturaRockSpot.com.

And finally, condolences going out to the family and friends of Dustin Maddalone. I remember him best as the singer for the Ska Daddyz out of the Nard some 25-30 years ago. The memorial posts on social media speak to his kindness and talent, he touched so many lives. RiP Dustin.

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 up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Azars
2215 Michael Dr., Newbury Park
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Decadent Decades

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/31: New York style NYE Party w/ Oleander Falls
Tues 1/4: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Fri 1/7: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street, Ventura
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Free Love Project

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30 (closed New Year’s Day)
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Saturdays and Sundays: Kenny DeVoe 11 am
Sun 1/2: Buena Onda 4 pm

Crown & Anchor
2891 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ The Balance

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

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Cliff Beach

Downtown Ventura
California & Main Street Stage
Music at 5 unless otherwise listed
Fri 12/31: Sepiatone (5 pm)
Sun 1/2: Erik V (11 am)

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Ave., Ventura
Music 1 – 3:30 pm
Sat 1/8: Vanise Terry
Sun 1/9: The Jukes Band

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJ Also
Sun 1/2: Soul Sunday w/ DJ Also

GiGi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Sundays: Kokopelli Karaoke w/ Betty Jean
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Magnificent Bastards

The Grape
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays Jazz Jam
Sat 1/8: Dave Stuckey & the Hot House Gang

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Ken Devoe (4 pm)
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ CRV

Judge Roy Bean’s
2780 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Fasha & the Flapjacks
Sat 1/1: Fasha & the Flapjacks

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Breaking Bored

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Thurs 12/30: Alla Rahka
Fri 12/31: New York style NYE Party w/ Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes
Sun 1/2: Daniela Cardillo

Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 1/8: Tour Support

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 1/9: RJ Mischo

Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Jeanne Tatum

The Moose Lodge
10269 Telephone Road, Ventura
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Mighty Cash Cats & Linda Ronstadt Experience

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sun 1/2: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Namba Arts
47 S. Oak Street, Ventura
Sat 1/8: Kelly’s Lot

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Fri 12/31: War

Paddy’s Cocktails
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJs

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Tuesdays: Open Mic

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
Fri 12/31: New style NYE Party w/ Double Trouble

Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fri 12/31: Brandon Ragan

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Vinyl Gypsies
Fri 1/7: Jetlemons
Sat 1/8: Jayden Secor

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis

Rock & Roll Pizza
5255 Cochran Street, Simi Valley
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Power Syndicate

The Shores
1031 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Steph’s Rockin’ Road Show

The Six Chow House
419 E Main Street, Ventura
Sat 1/8: Bring on the Night
Sun 1/9: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company
244 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJ Kutz

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main Street, Ventura
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Wed 12/29: Dave Rea and Acoustic DNA
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ House Arrest Band
Sat 1/1: A Guy, a Guitar, a Mic and a Mick (2 pm)
Fri 1/7: The Tossers

Twisted Oak Tavern & Brewery
2433 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Toxic Sushi

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters (5 pm); Karaoke (8 pm)
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 1/9: Teresa Russell

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/30: James Broz Band
Fri 12/31: NYE Party w/ Jayden Secor
Sat 1/1: Steve and Sally Williams (2 pm)
Sun 1/2: the Tossers
Sun 1/9: Karen Eden & the Bad Apples

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 1/1: RJ Mischo

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Breeze officially has one more issue before the end of 2021, but I know you need to make those plans now on how you want to usher in the New Year, so I have a few suggestions for you. Be sure to call places like the Crowne Plaza, Twist on Main, the Greek, the Manhattan and Café Fiore to see if advance tickets are necessary and to reserve your place.

It’s Dance Invasion at the Crowne Plaza, Free Love Project at Café Fiore, Magnificent Bastards at Gigi’s Cocktails, CRV at the Greek in the Harbor, Breaking Bored play the Keynote Lounge, the Mighty Cash Cats and the Linda Ronstadt Experience at the Moose Lodge in Ventura, Peirano’s has a silent DJ, it’s the House Arrest Band at the Twist on Main, Jayden Secor at Winchesters, plus your rockin’ DJs at Bombay’s, the Tavern, the Garage, Six Chow House and all the other bars around town. Nearby, it’s Jeanne Tatum at the Manhattan in Camarillo, Vinyl Gypsies at the Raven Tavern in Oxnard, Steph’s Rockin’ Road Show at the Shores in Oxnard, Toxic Sushi at the Twisted Oak Tavern & Brewery in Camarillo, plus you know it’s going to be a party when the legendary funk/rock/soul band War (“Why Can’t We be Friends?,” “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “The Cisco Kid” and more) plays the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

And for those who can’t last until midnight, you can still have fun via “East Coast Style NYE parties” meaning they celebrate at 9 pm (Midnight East Coast time) with Jacob Marquez & the Good Vibes at Leashless Brewing and Double Trouble at Poseidon Brewing Co.

Though the Ventura Music Hall is still under construction, bands are being lined up and advance tickets are on sale for dates in late March and April including G. Love & the Juice on March 22, Collie Buddz on March 27, Gary Numan plus I speak Machine on April 5, and Hot Chip with LA Priest on April 15. Tickets are averaging just under $30. Keep up via their website VenturaMusicHall.com.

Quick Notes: Grapes and Hops with a Twist is changing their name again, this time to the Twist on Main; Cadillac Zack presents Eugene Hideaway Bridges at Cantara Cellars on Friday, December 17; Danny Carey of Tool returns to town with a jazz gig at the Grape on Friday, December 17, when he plays drums for the Doug Webb Group; it’s Punk Rock Tuesday at Rock & Roll Pizza in Camarillo on the 21^st with the Robot Uprising, FUSE, and the Afraid; and Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer host their traditional Christmas day gig at the Lookout Bar & Grill, it’s a potluck with the kitchen closed, but bar opened;

And finally, just a quick editorial comment from the peanut gallery (me): We are still in the middle of a pandemic and we still have a mask mandate in place; the Ventura County Public Health issued a health order requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. With that being said, if a venue decides to not adhere, or they don’t require their wait staff to wear masks, then I would highly recommend posting a notice before charging patrons to enter said venue; if they don’t, in my opinion. that’s just bad manners.

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 up-to-the-date listings go to VenturaRocks.com

Angry Ferret Brewing Company
11990 Hertz Street, Moorpark
Sat 12/18: The Balance

Azars
2215 Michael Dr., Newbury Park
Tuesdays: Rockstar Karaoke
Sat 12/18: The Mini Driver Band

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor
Wednesdays: Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Jim Friery; then Bluegrass Jam
Fri 12/17: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sat 12/18: Déjà vu Too

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St., Ventura
DJs Friday – Sunday

Cantara Cellars
126 N. Wood Rd., Camarillo
Fri 12/17: Cadillac Zack presents Eugene Hideaway Bridges
Sat 12/18: What the Funk

The Cave
4435 McGrath St., Ventura
Music 5:30 – 8:30 (closed Christmas)
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Bobby Apostol
Fridays & Saturdays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Music: Saturdays 11-5; Sundays 11-3 (closed Christmas)
Saturdays and Sundays: Kenny DeVoe

Deer Lodge
2261 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai
Sun 12/26: Teresa Russell (1 pm)

Downtown Ventura
California & Main Street Stage
Music at 5 unless otherwise listed
Wednesdays: Warren Takahashi
Fri 12/17: Brandon Ragan
Sat 12/18: Los Amigos
Sun 12/19: Dr. T & the Blues Criminals (11 am); The Yules

El Rey Cantina
2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Sat 12/18: Toni Jannotta Jazz Trio (Noon)

Four Brix
2290 Eastman, Ventura
Music 6-8 pm on Fridays, Sat & Sun 1 – 3:30 pm
Fri 12/17: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 12/19: Erinn Selkis

The Garage
1091 Scandia Ave., Ventura
Wednesdays: Blues Wednesday
Sat 12/18: Bombafiya

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor Village
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Ken Devoe (4 pm)

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Ave., Ventura
Fri 12/17: Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/18: Shiva

The Grape Jazz House
2833 E. Main Street, Ventura
Music 7-10 pm
Tuesdays: Jazz Jam
Wed 12/15: Ruben Estrada & Friends
Thurs 12/16: The Molly Miller Trio
Fri 12/17: Doug Webb Group feat. Danny Carey (TOOL)
Sat 12/18: Fausto Cuevas & Cinquillo (2 pm); Equinox
Wed 12/22: Bevan Manson Quartet feat. Tierney Sutton
Thurs 12/23: Barrelhouse Wailers

Keynote Lounge
10245 E Telephone Rd, Ventura
Thursdays: KJ Carlos
Fri 12/17: Heathers on Fire
Sat 12/18: DJ Joe

Lookout & Grill
2800 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Wednesdays: Tommy Foytek’s Variety Show
Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic
Sat 12/25: Teresa Russell, Stephen Geyer & Mama Pat (Noon)

Lucas Sellers Wine
330 Zachary Street, Moorpark
Music 6-9 pm
Sat 12/18: the Appletons
Sun 12/19: Bill Rotella

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street, Ventura
Sun 12/19: Milo Sledge (3 pm)
Thurs 12/23: The Yules
Sun 12/26: The Devil’s Box String Band Duo

Manhattan Restaurant
5800 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Thurs 12/16: Cary Park
Fri 12/17: Tour Support Band
Sat 12/18: Pam and Hollywood
Thurs 12/23: Mary White Duo w/ Guy Thomas

Mrs. Olson’s
2800 Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor
Music at Noon
Sun 12/19: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer

Namba
47 S. Oak St., Ventura
Thurs 12/16: The Listening Room Redux
Fri 12/17: CHOMSKYJazz

Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Canyon at Oxnard PACC
Sundays: The House Arrest Band (1-4 pm)
Fri 12/17: The Midniters, Lighter Shade of Brown, Mellow Man Ace
Sun 12/19: Jose Feliciano

Pedals & Pints
156 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Tuesdays: Open Mic
Sat 12/18: Vinyl Gypsies

Poseidon Brewing Co.
5777 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura
Fri 12/17: Double Trouble (6:30 pm)
Sat 12/18: Katie Shorey (2 pm)

Prime Restaurant
2209 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: Danny D

The Raven Tavern
1651 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard
Music at 8 – 11 pm
Fri 12/17: Jayden Secor
Sat 12/18: Masters of the Past

Relm
2390 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo
Music at 5:30 pm
Fri 12/17: Gianna Bella
Sat 12/18: Sam Stacy

Ric’s Restaurant
2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Tuesdays: Tour Support with Kurt Griffey & Bob DeLellis
Wed 12/15: Adam & Sam

Rock & Roll Pizza
305 Arneil Road, Camarillo
Tues 12/21: The Robot Uprising, FUSE, the Afraid

Seaward Brewing
1920 Goodyear Ave., Ventura
Sat 12/18: Whiskey Glass Eye (1 pm)

The Six Chow House
419 E Main Street, Ventura
Thurs 12/16: DJ Honey
Fri 12/17: DJ Cue
Sat 12/18: Shawn Jones Trio
Wed 12/22: Duncan & the Dragonslayers
Thurs 12/23: DJ Young Josh Marley
Sun 12/26: DJ CUe

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street, Ventura
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Sat 12/18: CRV

Strey Cellars
951 N. Rice Ave., Oxnard
Fri 12/17: the Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 12/19: The Renegades

Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant
4275 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark
Music 5-8 pm
Tuesdays & Fridays: Jim Friery

The Twist on Main
454 E. Main Street, Ventura
Thursdays: LA Jazz Connection
Fri 12/17: Frank Barajas & the Corsican Brothers
Sat 12/18: Ashun (2 pm); Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 12/19: Dave Parsonage (2 pm)
Fri 12/24: Karen Eden (2 pm)
Sun 12/26: Bella Lucareli (2 pm)

Vaquero y Mar
435 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura
Tuesdays: The Sea Hunters (5 pm); Karaoke (8 pm)
Thursdays: Delta by the Beach (5 pm)
Sundays: Mariachi Gallos de Oro (11 am – 2 pm)

Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Village
Wed 12/15: The late Knights

The Vine
308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai
Music 7 pm otherwise noted
Sundays: Fire on the Mountain (2 pm)
Saturdays: Smitty and Julija and Friends
Fri 12/17: Tom Collins
Sun 12/19 Steve and Sally Williams (7 pm)

Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar
3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Sun 12/19: Free Love Project (5 pm)

Winchesters
632 E. Main St., Ventura
Music Thurs 5:30; Fri 7 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 12/16: Saint Pierre
Fri 12/17: Doc Ventura
Sun 12/19: Meg & Alex
Thurs 12/23: Big Adventure Rockin’ Trio
Sun 12/26: Freddy Castro & Friends

1901 Speakeasy
740 South B Street, Oxnard
Music 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Sat 12/18: Teresa Russell w/ Stephen Geyer