by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I’m so happy it’s finally Spring because with it comes longer and warmer days and just in time for Discovery’s Backyard Bash on Saturday, April 7. The all-day concert kicks off at 12:30 pm with loads of Reggae bands on the bill including Matisyahu, Hirie, Leilani Wolfgramm, Diego’s Umbrella, Rising Son and others with an afterparty that evening featuring Dirty Rice and The Main Squeeze. The following day, Discovery is hosting what they call Triboo Festival with nothing but tribute bands on the bill: Queen Nation, What One’s Pink, Led Zepplica, Pettybreakers, Hollywood Stones, High Voltage, Sgt. Pepper and Santeria.

The Skull & Roses Festival returns to the Ventura Fairgrounds for three days over the weekend of April 6 through April 8 with about twenty performances (and I’m understanding they won’t be overlapping this year). Some of the bands scheduled to perform are Cubensis, Jerry’s Middle Finger, Golden Gate Wingmen, 9 Mile Skid and Circles Around the Sun.

Champagne on Main falls on Saturday, March 31 which begins with the Spring Street Fair throughout downtown starting at 11 am and then the bubbly event starts flowing from 3 to 6 pm at participating venues throughout downtown culminating with a dance party at the intersection of California and Main.

Iron and Resin on Main Street are looking to raise funds for Help California on Saturday, March 31 with an event called Ironstock. In the house will be The Shorelines, Channel, Noble Grizwald, Brother Earl, the Inside Break, Danielle Stacy, Moonily and Western Waters. This one kicks off at noon in their backyard. There is no cover and it falls on the same day as Champagne on Main.

Quick notes: With the warmer weather, Margarita Villa in the Harbor is back to offering more music over the weekend; Ozomatli (and an earlier performance of OzoKidz!) returns to Discovery on Saturday, March 31; B and the Hive have a stop on their current tour at The Garage on Friday, March 30 (they’ve previously opened for Elvis Costello, Chris Isaak, The Goo Goo Dolls…) the opening band His Eyes Have Fangs includes skateboard legend, Tony Alva; Emilio Barkett will be holding his CD release party at Squashed Grapes on Friday, March 30. Stephanie Franco has teamed with up JT Medlen and they’re calling themselves “Two’s Company” with their first gig at Winchesters on Friday, April 6.

And finally, it’s with a heavy heart that I pass along the news that our music community has lost another valued member. The tributes to Ryan Thomas on social media have been truly moving, he touched so many lives; he was one of those consummate musicians who jammed and played on so many different projects and with so much enthusiasm. It’s truly a loss to our music community; he was way too young.

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

You won’t want to miss the return of the Preachers Blues Band when they reunite for Thomas Fire relief show at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, March 17. It’s been almost five years and it may not happen again for who knows how long! I’m hearing many musicians who have sat in with the band in the past are on board to perform too including Rick Reeves, Guy Martin, Ashford Gordon, Ray Jaurique, Preston Smith, Kelly Zirbes, Perry Robertson, Glade Rassmussen, John Fincham, Jerry Briener, Ian McFadyan, Jodi Farrell and more!

A popular event every year as a precursor to the Ventura Music Festival is the Student Jazz competition. Judges will award cash prizes to three of Southern California’s best high school jazz musicians and they’ll be invited to perform during the Festival’s run. The competition this year will be held at Squashed Grapes on Sunday, March 18, at 2 pm. While this one is free, donations for the Young Artists Fund will be gratefully appreciated.

Beware the bagpipers throughout the day at different venues on Saturday, March 17, but as St. Patrick’s Day actually falls on a Saturday, there will also be plenty of music during the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Main Street downtown Ventura. Get the entire family there early so you can get a good seat to cheer on the participating entrees. It’s always a hoot!

Quick notes: Opera Santa Barbara is offering a free performance on Friday, March 16 during the lunch hour at EP Foster Library; Donavon Frankenreiter plays Discovery on Friday, March 16; The Galactic Polecats play Sans Souci on Saturday, March 17; Cranberry Sauce debuts at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, March 18, offering music by The Beatles; The Majestic Ventura Theater has Flogging Molly on Monday, March 19, and Ministry on Friday, March 23; The Phantom Pomps CD release party at the Hong Kong Inn is on Saturday, March 24; Tickets for Frost and Fire IV have gone on sale for three nights at the Ventura Theater October 4, 5 and 6th with Cirith Ungol, Gygax, Night Demon, Screamer and more on the bill; the Ventura County Concert band holds one of their annual free shows at the Ventura High School Auditorium on Sunday afternoon, March 18, at 3 pm, this one is called “Simply…the Masters”; and ARC of Ventura is holding their annual “Let’s Go Out” event at Bombay’s on Sunday, March 24, with Fish Fry, the Vonettes and Seth Pettersen and Friends.

And finally, VenturaRocks.com is celebrating their 9th anniversary serving the community. There are a number of changes coming soon including the listing of only live music along with the inclusion of venues from neighboring cities.

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 events go to VenturaRocks.com

Blue Agave Restaurant
185 E. Santa Clara Street
Music at 3 pm
Sun 3/18: Misunderstood
Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Mondays: Milo Sledge
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark McGinis
Thursdays: Blue Grass Jam
Fri 3/16: Teresa Russell
Sat 3/17: Kenny Devoe
Sun 3/18: Jason Ho
Fri 3/23: Tom & Milo
Sat 3/24: Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson
Sun 3/25: Unkle Monkey

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Friday and Saturdays: DJs
Sat 3/24: ARC’s Let’s go Out with Fish Fry, The Vonettes, Seth Pettersen & Friends

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 3/14: Big Adventure
Thurs 3/15: Coso Live
Fri 3/16: Self Righteous Bros.
Sat 3/17: Holgers Heroes
Tues 3/20: Jeanne Tatum
Wed 3/21: Donna Butler
Thurs 3/22: Self Righteous Bros.
Fri 3/23: Instone
Sat 3/24: Self Righteous Bros.
Tues 3/27: Mari Nobre

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Music at 7 pm
Sat 3/17: Milo Sledge

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Sat 3/17: Havana Cinco
Sun 3/18: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 3/23: Lorenzo Martinez
Sat 3/24: Havana Cinco
Sun 3/25: Karen Eden

Cork
1930 E. Main Street
Music at 6 pm
Fri 3/23: Medicine Hat

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sat 3/17: Bagpipe players throughout the day
Sun 3/18: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Wed 3/14: Fortunate Youth, Ballyhoo, Tatank
Thurs 3/15: Earthkry w/ The Question
Fri 3/16: Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Grundy
Sat 3/17: The Upbeat
Sun 3/18: 4 pm Groove Session
Thurs 3/22: Mike Pinto
Fri 3/23: Karla
Sun 3/25: 7 pm Chainksa Brassika

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends
Saturdays: DJ Erock

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 3/16: Fido
Fri 3/23: JJ Frank duo

Garage
1091 Scandia
Thurs 3/15: Eye of Solitude, Marche Funebre, Stratma
Fri 3/16: The Birth Defects, Easy Death, Divola, Infiltrator, Malice Thoughts
Sat 3/17: Sweet Reaper, Ottofix, Hayley & the Crushers

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke
Sat 3/17: Deaf Pilots

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed 6 pm; Thurs 7 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm
Thurs 3/15: Curt Bisquera & Tariqh Akoni
Fri 3/16: Dan Grimm
Sat 3/17: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 3/18: CranBerry Sauce
Fri 3/23: Mario Calire Quartet
Sat 3/24: Diane Miller Band
Sun 3/25: Mandy & Johnny

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open mic night w/ Beer Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 3/16: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Shari Puorto w/ Barry Goldberg
Sat 3/17: Preachers Blues Band
Fri 3/23: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Debbie Davies w/ Teresa James
Sat 3/24: Phantom Pomps CD release party

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 3/16: Coz Broz
Sat 3/17: Pull the Trigger
Fri 3/23: Cross Cut
Sat 3/24: What the Funk

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Sat 3/17: Jason Ho
Thurs 3/22: Sam Kulchin
Fri 3/23: Jade Hendrix
Sat 3/24: Matt Sayles

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
(805) 628-3868
Thursdays: DJ Scratch
Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 3/15: Anna Vera
Sat 3/17: Jeremy Ferrara
Sun 3/18: Shaky Feelin’
Thurs 3/22: Cap Quirk
Sun 3/25: Sea at Last

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Mon 3/19: Flogging Molly
Fri 3/23: Ministry

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri and Sat 6 pm; Sun 3 pm
Sat 3/17: Cross Cut
Sun 3/18: Blown Over
Fri 3/23: James Broz
Sat 3/24: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 3/25: Mark Masson & Friends

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke
Fri 3/23: Live Band Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Thursdays: Hermano’s Herrera Trio
Fri 3/16: CRV
Sat 3/17: Crooked Eye Tommy

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sat 3/17: All-a-Blur, The Kane Gang, SRA, The Navanax, Rugburn, The Hell Toupees

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 3/17: Ruby Skye
Sat 3/24: Dan McNay

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 3/16: DJ Pistolero
Sat 3/17: Galactic Polecats
Fri 3/23: If it Kills You
Sat 3/24: Corpse I Stole

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Wed 3/14: Meridian Trio
Thurs 3/15: Nee Sackey
Fri 3/16: Bruce Lett
Sat 3/17: Parade Band
Sun 3/18: 2 pm, Ventura Music Festival Student Jazz Competition
Tues 3/20: Jazz Jam
Thurs 3/22: Mezcal Martini
Fri 3/23: Brad Rubuchin
Sat 3/24: RJ Root

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 3/16: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 3/17: Shawn Jones Trio
Fri 3/23: The Bomb
Fri 3/24: Power Syndicate

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 3/16: Seaside Band
Sat 3/17: DJ
Fri 3/23: Old Soul
Sat 3/24: Black Stripes

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Music 3-5 pm
Sat 3/17: The Diane Miller Band
Sun 3/18: Omar Velasco
Sat 3/24: Shawn Jones
Sun 3/25: Patricia Avis Trio

Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd
Fri 3/16: Banda MS

Ventura High School
2 N. Catalina Street
Sun 3/18: 3 pm Ventura County Concert Band

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Thurs 3/15: Dogfish
Fri 3/16: Vanise Terry Band
Sat 3/17: 805 Rhythm
Sun 3/18: Marxx & Milo
Thurs 3/22: Doc Ventura & Earth Immigrant
Fri 3/23: Rich Sheldon
Sat 3/24: Déjà vu Too
Sun 3/25: Nick Justiniano

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 8:30 pm
Fri 3/16: Preston Smith
Sat 3/17: Aaron Pax Taylor
Fri 3/23: Madeline Deveroux
Sat 3/24: The Swillys

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Sing-a-long with Kenny Devoe
Fri 3/23: Karen Eden

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Our community’s heartfelt thanks go out to the Ventura Music Festival for the exceptional talent they brought for the Concert for Ventura on Sunday, February 25 at Mission Park. The free family-friendly concert featured Tom Scott and the LA Express, John Ferguson and friends as well as the VC Singers and VMF Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta. Both Scott and Ferguson call Ventura home so it was extra special having them perform. The special event was designed to help give thanks to first responders, to solace those who have lost and to celebrate our community through the healing power of music.

JD has announced the dates for this year’s Surf Rodeo and tickets are on sale now at www.SurfRodeo.org. The music line-up is yet to be announced, but know this, the earlier you purchase your tickets, the more you save. The music and surf festival will fall over the weekend of July 14th and 15th at Pierpont Beach at the end of Seaward. Sponsorships, and vendors are lining up as we speak, if you’re interested just go to their website.

I’m sorry to report that we have lost local icon, John Robert Mosby, who passed away on February 19th. Johnny, along with his wife, Jonie, performed as Mr. and Mrs. Country Music recording over a dozen albums, charting seventeen times on the country charts and won two Academy of Country Music awards in the sixties. He was also a life time member of this Academy and served a president for two years in the early 80’s. Though the two loved to tour they decided to buy a club to play in while at home which luckily for Ventura was the Ban-Dar which would continue to be our local Honky-Tonk where the likes of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard or Johnny Cash would drop in for a spell. Johnny owned and operated the Ban-Dar for over 42 years. There will be a special celebration of his life at the Ventura Beach Club on March 11 with a jam for any musicians who would like to pay tribute.

Quick notes: Dylan Garcia has signed a management deal with Romulo Canizales and he’s gearing up to work with Grammy, Oscar nominated, multi-platinum, Diamond Certified Record Producer Ronnie King for his next single; Wrecking Crew member, Don Randi returns to Squashed Grapes for a CD release party on Saturday, March 3 and then he’ll be performing with Shari Puorto for a Hi Hat Entertainment show at the Hong Kong Inn on Friday, March 16; Tickets are on sale for shows at the Ventura Theater for Flogging Molly on March 19, Ministry on March 23 and the Descendants for May 3; Tickets are on sale for shows at Discovery for Donavon Frankenreiter on March 16 and Ozomatli on March 31; and finally, Winchesters Grill will start offering live music on the weekends starting March 2nd with Dan Grimm.

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

There have been a number of events that have brought our community together over the years but few made as big an impact as the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival did. They were able to raise over $700,000.00 for victims of the Thomas Fire. One hundred percent of the ticket sales along with a percentage of the food, beverage and t-shirt sales went to the fund. Add to that the fact that day was virtually flawless what with the videos in between acts (produced by Mark Gillard), the speeches, the performances by Olivia Newton-John, Kevin Costner and Modern West, Colbie Caillat and all the others, it was an amazing day that brought us together so we could stand with those who lost everything. Mark Hartley told me that for him the most important aspect of the day was that everyone rose to the occasion to help, from City staff, VPD, the artists performing for free, the sponsors, all those who rolled up their sleeves and got it done, to the people who showed up to support, he confessed that it was a tremendous feeling.

It truly was cathartic and I couldn’t love this town more.

And yet another event to help our community heal through music will be held at Mission Park on Sunday, February 25. This one features Grammy-nominated, Perla Batalla; Tom Scott and the LA Express; Grammy-winning artist, Diego Garcia; Ventura Music Festival Artistic Director, Nuvi Mehta as well as other special guests. This family friendly event is absolutely free to the public, no tickets or reservations are necessary and you’re invited to bring low profile chairs or blankets to sit on at the park. The concert is expected to run from 3 – 4:30 pm.

I’m looking forward to new music coming from Jade Hendrix, the first single, “Purpose” is set to be released February 15. Hologram Empire has a new album with a June 22 release date. It features other local artists including Danielle Stacy, Lauren Peterson as well as other guest artists; the band had their television debut January 31 on the PBS show, Celebration of Music.

Congratulations to Jon Gindick for pulling off another successful Blues Harmonica Jam Camp at the Pierpont Inn this past week. It was a treat for those who caught a couple of the outings so camp players could perform in front of an audience including gigs at the Hong Kong Inn and a Jam Camp Revue at Grapes and Hops.
Quick notes: Yachtley Crew continues their Thursday night residency at Bombay’s through February; Tribal Seeds “Roots Party” with the original Wailers and the Expanders will be at the Ventura Theater, Saturday, February 17; the Young Dubliners return to Ventura for a show at Discovery on Wednesday, February 21; and the Dive Bar Messiahs make their debut appearance at Grapes and Hops on Saturday, February 24, you know it’s gonna be a scene!

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 events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark McGinis
Thursdays: Blue Grass Jam
Fri 2/16: Teresa Russell
Sat 2/17: Karen Eden and Bill Macpherson
Sun 2/18: Corsican Brothers
Fri 2/23: Teresa Russell
Sat 2/24: Beach City Sound Club
Sun 2/25: Déjà vu Too

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays: Yachtley Crew
Friday and Saturdays: DJs
Sun 2/18: The Inside Break; Robert Quindaro

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 2/14: Donna Butler
Thurs 2/15: Coso Live
Fri 2/16: Instone
Sat 2/17: Red Muffs
Tues 2/20: Bryan McCann
Wed 2/21: Big Adventure
Thurs 2/22: Self Righteous Bros.
Fri 2/23: The Collective
Sat 2/24: Self Righteous Bros.
Tues 2/27: Mari Nobre

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
(805) 340-1119
Music starts 7 pm
Fridays: Encore
Saturday: Ricky Williams

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Music at 7 pm
Wed 2/14: Jade Hendrix
Sat 2/17: Mason Summit
Sat 2/24: Doc Ventura

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Saturdays: Havana 5
Fri 2/16: Jazz Express
Sun 2/18: Brandon Ragan
Fri 2/23: Martinez Brothers
Sun 2/25: Karen Eden

Cork
1930 E. Main Street
Music 6-8 pm
Wed 2/14: The Swillys

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 2/18: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 2/15: For Peace Band
Fri 2/16: Coso Franklin
Sat 2/17: Heavy Petty
Sun 2/18: Josh Heinrichs, SkillinJah, The Steppas, White Glove Service
Wed 2/21: Young Dubliners
Thurs 2/22: The Aggrolites
Fri 2/23: Hollywood Stones
Sat 2/24: The Molly Ringwald Project

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: Xoco Moraza & Friends
Sat 2/17: Sin Chonies
Sat 2/24: DJ DCMOFO

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 2/16: Midlife Crisis
Fri 2/23: Karen Eden & Cary Park

Garage
1091 Scandia
Thurs 2/15: Bonnie “Blue” Shay Moulder, Greer, The Book of Abel
Fri 2/16: Spider, The Lungs, Total Massacre
Sat 2/17: Riley Real
Thurs 2/22: All Pigs Must Die, Baptists, In Decline

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Thurs 2/15: The Groove Lounge
Fri 2/16: The Salty Suites
Sat 2/17: Mojo Monkeys
Sun 2/18: Hot Cuppa Three
Wed 2/21: Durango Songwriters open mic
Fri 2/23: Shawn Jones Trio
Sat 2/24: The Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 2/25: Alastair Greene & Debbie Davies

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open mic night w/ Beer Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 2/16: Hi Hat Entertainment presents: Dale Peterson Trio
Sat 2/17: RJ Mischo
Fri 2/23: Hi Hat Entertainment presents: Raoul Bhaneja

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 2/16: Black Canyon Band
Sat 2/17: What the Funk
Fri 2/23: Sean Wiggins
Sat 2/24: Cross Cut

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Thursdays: Live Jazz Jam Sessions
Wed 2/21: The Swillys

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
(805) 628-3868
Thurs 2/22: DJ J Scratch

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 2/15: Sam Kulchin
Sat 2/17: FoxTrax
Sun 2/18: RJ Mischo and his Red-hot Blues Band
Thurs 2/22: Wanderlodge
Sat 2/24: Bad Leaf
Sun 2/25: Sea at Last

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Sat 2/17: Tribal Seeds

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor
Fri 2/16: Blown Over
Sat 2/17: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 2/18: Living Daylights

Mission Park
Next to Museum Downtown Ventura
Sun 2/25: Perla Batalla, Tom Scott and the LA Express, Diego Garcia, Nuvi Mehta

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Thursdays 11:30 am: Warren Takahaski

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri 2/16: Karen Eden
Sat 2/24: Live Band Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Thursdays: Hermano’s Herrera Trio
Fri 2/16: Pull the Trigger
Sat 2/17: Carmen & the Renegades
Fri 2/23: Vanisse Terry Band
Sat 2/24: Carmen & the Renegades

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sat 2/3: Raised on Vinyl

Rhubline Restaurant
1510 Anchors Way
Wed 2/14: Karen Eden & Cary Park

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ
456 E. Main Street
Fri 2/23: Sin Chonies

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 2/17: Tequila Picnic
Sun 2/18: Ashton York
Sat 2/24: DJ Indakut
Sun 2/25: Addison Street

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Wed 2/14: Eric Harrington
Thurs 2/15: Coda
Fri 2/16: LJ & the Boyz
Sat 2/17: RJ Root with Jim Fox
Tues 2/20: Jazz Jam
Wed 2/21: Dog Fish
Thurs 2/22: Richie Goods and Nuclear Fusion
Fri 2/23: Tony Ybarra & Friends
Sat 2/24: Barrelhouse Wailers

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 2/16: Los Locos
Sat 2/17: Pull the Trigger
Fri 2/23: Power Syndicate
Sat 2/24: Whiskey Stone

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 2/16: Soul Infusion
Sat 2/17: Die Evil Die, Ninefinger
Fri 2/23: The Caverns
Sat 2/24: Black Stripes

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Music 3-5 pm
Sat 2/17: Shawn Jones
Sun 2/18: Patricia Avis Trio
Sat 2/24: National Cash
Sun 2/25: Wanderlodge

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Wed 2/14: Toni Jannotta
Thurs 2/15: Dogfish
Fri 2/16: Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin
Sat 2/17: Kevin Landen & Friends
Sun 2/18: Epitome of Dreams
Thurs 2/22: Andy D
Fri 2/23: Bushwhackers
Sat 2/24: Déjà vu Too
Sun 2/25: Epitome of Dreams

Wicked’s Brew
4561 Market Street, Suite C
(805) 275-2334
Thurs 2/22: Vivien Mason & Jimmy Calire

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Kenny Devoe
Sat 2/17: Carlo
Sat 2/24: Teresa Russell

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark McGinis
Thursdays: Blue Grass Jam
Fri 2/2: Karen Eden & Cary Park
Sat 2/3: Kenny Devoe
Fri 2/9: Stephen Huntleya
Sat 2/10: Tom & Milo
Sun 2/11: Déjà vu Too

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays: Yachtley Crew
Friday and Saturdays: DJs
Thurs 2/8: The Spires, Twin Ponies, Dent
Sun 2/11: The Barn Burners, Serena Band

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Fri 2/2: Rick Whitfield
Sat 2/3: Young Demsey
Tues 2/6: Donna Greene
Wed 2/7: Bryan McCann
Thurs 2/8: Fabulous Hanovers
Fri 2/9: Soul Infusion
Sat 2/10: Otis Hayes
Tues 2/13: Fabulous Hangovers

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
(805) 340-1119
Music starts 7 pm
Fridays: Encore
Saturday: Ricky Williams

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Music at 7 pm
Sat 2/3: Sarah Lightman
Sat 2/10: Will Breman

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Saturdays: Havana 5
Fri 2/2: Brandon Ragan
Fri 2/9: Martinez Brothers
Sun 2/11: Kenny Devoe

Cork
1930 E. Main Street
Music 6-8 pm
Wed 2/31: The Swillys

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 2/4: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 2/1: Cydeways w/ Irie Essence
Fri 2/2: Danielle Stacy w/ Channel
Sat 2/3: Which One’s Pink
Thurs 2/8: Fishbone w/ Legalizer
Sat 2/10: The Blasters

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 2/2: JJ Frank Duo

Garage
1091 Scandia
Thurs 2/1: Final Drive, Void Vator
Fri 2/2: Public Trash, Armed Voices, TSR, Auxilio
Sat 2/3: The Sleeping Sea King, Throw the Goat
Sat 2/10: Valor & Vengeance, Claustrofobia, Taipan, Sangre

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Sun 2/4: The Tossers at 3 pm

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Wednesdays: Open mic night w/ Beer Brothers
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 2/2: Hi Hat Entertainment presents: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps
Fri 2/9: Hi Hat Entertainment presents: James Armstrong Band

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 2/2: What the Funk
Sat 2/3: Heathers on Kire
Fri 2/9: Red Rhythm
Sat 2/10: DJ Aaron VanGundy

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Thursdays: Live Jazz Jam Sessions
Fri 2/2: Tom and Milo
Sat 2/10: Mark Masson and Phriends

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
(805) 628-3868
Thursdays: DJ J Scratch

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 2/1: Sayles & Cairns

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Fri 2/9: J Boog

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Thursdays 11:30 am: Warren Takahaski

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wednesdays: Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Sat 2/3: The Mighty Cash Cats

Plaza Park
Chestnut and Santa Clara
Sat 2/3: Thomas Fire Benefit Festival with Kevin Costner & Modern West, Olivia Newton-John, Colbie Caillat, Super Duper Kyle, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Zon Candela

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Mon 2/5: Wyatt Haupt

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sat 2/3: Raised on Vinyl

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 2/3: Ashton York
Sun 2/4: Dry Creek Strangers

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 2/9: Power Syndicate
Sat 2/10: The Glimmer Stars

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 2/2: Charles Law Band
Sat 2/3: Dive Bar Messiahs
Fri 2/9: CRV
Sat 2/10: Time Bomb

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Sat 2/3: Chopper Fest pre-party with Gethen Jenkins, The Hubcap Stealers

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
(805) 640-1190
Music 3-5 pm
Sun 2/4: Sophie Holt
Sat 2/10: Fox Trax
Sun 2/11: Conner Cherland

Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd
Sun 2/4: Chopper Fest featuring Gethen Jenkins, Kelly’s Lot, The bob Carillo Blues Band

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Thurs 2/1: Nick Justiniano
Sat 2/3: Frank Barajas & the Corsican Brothers

Wicked’s Brew
4561 Market Street, Suite C
(805) 275-2334
Sat 2/3: The Swillys at 5:30 pm

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe
Fridays 5-7: Kenny Devoe
Sat 2/3: Teresa Russell 7 pm
Sat 2/10: Karen Eden 7 pm

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

It should come as no surprise that the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival sold out one week before the concert having only been announced less than two and half weeks previously. For those of us who have tickets, the event takes place at Plaza Park at the corner of Chestnut and Santa Clara downtown Ventura on Saturday, February 3. Gates open at 2 pm for VIPs with general admission at 4 pm; blankets and chairs welcomed as there will be no priority seating so get there early for a good seat to catch Kevin Costner and Modern West, Olivia Newton-John, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the rest of the acts on the bill.

Just a quick follow up on two past events, first the Delgado Brothers headlining the fundraiser at Discovery on January 19, raised $3705 for Ventura FOOD Share and the Ventura United Way Thomas Fire Fund; and the 805 Love Notes on Sunday, January 14, raised $8,000, and those funds go directly to the families and individuals in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties through 805Arise, Help California and Santa Barbara Music Foundation.

Back to the business at hand, Chopper Fest falls on Sunday, February 4th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, it had to be rescheduled due to the Thomas Fire in December. Along with all the hot rides to check out, you can enjoy music from Gethen Jenkins, Kelly’s Lot and The Bob Carrillo Blues Band.

Paulie Cerra returns to Ventura for a show at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, February 10th. While he may be best known as Joe Bonamassa and John Scofield’s touring tenor sax player, this show will focus on his songwriting, singing and keyboard work. Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers will open the show at 7pm with new songs to be featured on their upcoming CD being recorded at Ventura’s Castaway7 studios.

A couple more artists back in the studio include Tommy Marsh who has been working overtime producing a new album for Crooked Eye Tommy at Brotheryn Studios, where I was invited to hang out and watch the recording process recently, and let me tell you, it was too cool for school!  And Stephanie Gladhart and Jerry Careaga of The Blue Music are tracking their next LP down at Capital Records early February. Their debut EP has already started getting radio play around the country and in Europe.

Quick notes: The Tossers first Sunday residency has landed at Grapes and Hops starting at 3 pm; Leashless Brewery is offering up jazz twice a week, Tuesdays with John Bardi and Thursdays with Davey Miller; Emergenz has regrouped as Dry Creek Strangers, you can catch them at noon on Sunday, February 4 at the Sandbox Coffeehouse; and The Blasters return to town for a gig at Discovery on Saturday, February 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 events go to VenturaRocks.com

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: Jason Ho
Wednesdays: Mark McGinis
Thursdays: Blue Grass Jam
Fri 1/19: Blue Motel Room
Fri1/26: Teresa Russell
Sat 2/27: Mark McKinis

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays: Yachtley Crew
Friday and Saturdays: DJs
Wed 1/24 8 pm Lucky Devils Band showcase

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
(805) 340-1119
Music starts 7 pm
Fridays: Encore
Saturday: Ricky Williams

Cask Alehouse
5952 Telegraph Road
Music at 7 pm
Sat 1/20: Milo Sledge
Sat 1/27: Jon Gindick

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Week nights 6 pm; Weekends 7 pm; Sundays 3 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Creative Open Mic Jazz Jam
Saturdays: Havana 5
Sun 1/21: Brandan Ragan
Fri 1/26: Lorenzo Martinez

Cork
1930 E. Main Street
Music 6-8 pm
Wednesdays: The Swillys

Dargan’s Irish Pub
593 E. Main Street
Sun 1/21: 4 pm Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 1/18: Kyle Smith
Fri 1/19: Thomas Fire Benefit w/ Delgado Brothers, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Guy Martin, Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers
Sat 1/20: Cubensis
Fri 1/26: Lee Scratch Perry & Subatomic Sound System
Sat 1/27: New Kingston, The Late Onez

Four Brix
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 1/19: Curtis James
Fri 1/26: Fido

Garage
1091 Scandia
Fri 1/26: 2mex, Points of Ellipsis, Shred TVT, Mic Justice
Sat 1/27: The Living Deads, Hillbilly Casino

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Thurs 1/18: The Groove Lounge w/ Tariqh Akoni and Curt Bisquera
Fri 1/19: The Brandon Ragan Project

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 1/19: Hi Hat Entertainment presentsPaul Pigot
Sat 1/20: Voodoo Dawn, Blackstar
Sun 1/21 4 pm Misunderstood
Fri 1/26: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Albert Cummings
Sat 1/27: The Brian Faith Band

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues & Wed: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 1/19: What the Funk
Sat 1/20: Old School Band
Fri 1/26: Crosscutt
Sat 1/27: Wired

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: Galactic Jazz
Thursdays: Live Jazz Jam Sessions
Fri 1/26: Bad Leaf

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 1/18: Big Tweed
Sat 1/20: Kyle Swan
Sat 1/27: Skin & Bones
Sun 1/28: Sea at Last

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Fri 1/19: Zoso
Wed 1/24: Eric Johnson

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Thursdays 11:30 am: Shay Moulder

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wednesdays: Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Patio at Players Casino
Auto Center Drive
Thurs 1/4: Andres Herrera Trio
Fri 1/19: CRV
Sat 1/20: Brandon Ragan
Fri 1/26: Pull the Trigger
Sat 1/27: The Mighty Cash Cats

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Mon 1/22: Wyatt Haupt

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 1/20: Dan McNay
Sun 1/21: Ben Guihan
Sat 1/27: Steve Bedau
Sun 1/28: Bruce Mancuso

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 1/19: Sick Boy
Sat 1/20: Stevie Char
Fri 1/26: The Rouse
Sat 1/27: DJ Pistolero

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main Street
Wed 1/17: Native Vibe
Thurs 1/18: Coda
Sat 1/20: Mitch Forman Trio

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues: Karaoke
Thurs: DJ Trovlbe
Fri 1/19: Shawn Jones
Sat 1/20: Pull the Trigger
Fri 1/26: Bloody Reunion
Sat 1/27: Whiskey Stone

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 1/19: Young Dempsey
Sat 1/20: Danielle Stacy
Fri 1/26: I Want my 80’s
Sat 1/27: The Black Stripes

Ventura High School Auditorium
2 N. Catalina Street
Sun 1/28: 3 pm Ventura County Concert Band

Vintura at the Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Sundays music at 2 pm
Fri 1/19: Paul Mars Black
Sat 1/20: Jodi Farrell & Jim Rankin
Sun 1/21: Toni Jannotta & Friends
Fri 1/26: Rich Sheldon & Carl Osterlof
Sat 1/27: Kevin Longden & Friends
Sun 1/28: Marcel Hernandez

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at noon Sat & Sun with Kenny Devoe

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Thomas Fire benefit 805 Love Notes concert at the Ventura Theater on Sunday, January 14, was an amazing day of talent celebrating first responders and raising money for Help-California.org, a grassroot efforts to help our community recovery. Just a few of the highlights were performances by Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, the return of Shades of Day and Franklin for Short as well as all the artists who donated their time. I can’t thank Steve and Polly Hoganson enough for inviting me to emcee the day.

Mark Hartley gave me the head’s up for the Thomas Fire Benefit Festival (www.ThomasFireBenefit.com) to be held at Plaza Park on Saturday, February 3. He said this one will be one for the books, and I can’t disagree as the headliner will be Kevin Costner and Modern West along with Olivia Newton John, Colbie Caillat, Super Duper Kyle, and Ventura’s own Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. When asked what it means to be a part of the fundraiser, BBVD front man, Scotty Morris, told me, “It means everything to us! We were on the road when the Thomas Fires kicked in and it was personally one of the most painful tours of my career. Watching my city burn on [social media] is hard to put into words. To see my family and my friends and my community facing such unbelievable horrors in our beautiful city was heartbreaking. All we wanted to do was get back home and help.” I also hear more acts may be added, so keep tuned!

And yet another Thomas Fire benefit will be held this month at Discovery on Friday, January 19, with The Delgado Brothers, Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps, Guy Martin and Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers. 100% of the funds raised will go to Ventura County Food Share Food Bank, The United Way Thomas Fire Fund and the Red Cross Thomas Fire Fund.

Quick notes: The Boatyard Pub now offers live music Tuesday through Saturday, Yachtley Crew continues their Thursday night residency at Bombays, Cubensis returns to Ventura for a show on Saturday January 20 at Discovery, Tariqh Akoni and Curt Bisquera play Grapes and Hops on Thursday, January 18 as The Groove Lounge; Made West celebrates their 2-year anniversary Saturday, January 27 with Skin & Bones; and the Ventura County Concert Band has a free concert for the family on Sunday, January 28 at Ventura High School’s auditorium.

I’ll be spinning new music over the next few weeks from Karyn 805, Anchor & Bear and Brent Franklin on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour which airs weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays at 5 and Sundays at noon) on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM here in Ventura, and worldwide on the internet, at www.CapsMedia.org/Radio. Help support real local radio supporting local artists in the 805.

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.