Rockin’ in 2017
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

From the foothills of Georgia, The Edgar Loudermilk Band featuring guitarist Jeff Autry will be returning to Ventura for a show at the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) local union at 3994 E. Main Street on Saturday, January 14. Loudermilk has been out on the road touring coast to coast; you may remember him as the former bass player for IIIrd Time Out. Tickets are available the day of the show for $18; doors open at 7 with Ventura’s Bluegrass Bottom Feeders opening.

Jon Gindick’s harmonica camp returns to Ventura at the Pierpont Inn January 31 through February 4. The camp features world-class harmonica players who work one on one with new and returning students who come from all over the world to participate.  Keep your ears open for harmonica jams at local venues during that week including The Wine Rack on Monday, January 30.

Karen Eden returns to Amigos starting the first week of the new year at 6 pm for Margarita Mondays. Speaking of Amigos, owner Mike Toler will be trying out Country music for a change of pace on Thursday nights with Pull the Trigger on the 5^th of January, then it’s 5^th & Birmingham on the 12^th and CRV on the 19^th.

The Ventucky String Band returns on the first Thursday of the month at Saloon BBQ Co. Other bands to look for include Anchor & Bear on the 6^th of January and Bad Leaf on the 7^th.

There are two shows for the first two weeks of the New Year at the Majestic Ventura Theater.  The first one falls on Saturday, January 7^th featuring several local musicians in a couple of tribute bands, namely, “One More From the Road” paying homage to Lynyrd Skynyd and then “Bad Reputation” a tribute to Thin Lizzy. The following week the theater hosts the pop punk band, MXPX with Five Iron Frenzy and Dogwood opening.

Discovery is hitting the ground running for 2017 with Masters of Puppets (Metallica tribute) on the 6^th, Cash’d Out on the 7^th, Pato Banton on the 12^th, The Blasters on the 13^th (with Raging Arb and the Redheads, Jackass opening) and Ozomotli on the 14^th.   Oh!  Earlier on the 14^th, Discovery will also offer a special family-friendly show with Ozomatli which is geared towards performing for children as well as adults aptly named OzoKidz. The earlier show starts at 2 pm and ends by 4. Get ticket information at www.discoveryventura.com.

And finally, there will be special memorial punk show to celebrate the life of Scott Ross (The NaVaNaX) on Sunday, January 15 from 1-6 pm at the Ventura Beach Club with The Rouse, F.S.K.D. Birdbrain and The Kane Gang.

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

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Open mic w/ Beers Bros.
Tuesdays: Musicians Night Out
Wed 12/21: Live Band Karaoke
Thurs 12/22: Dylan Schmidt & the Rhythm Souls
Fri 12/23: Pull the Trigger
Sun 12/25: 5 pm St Pierre Christmas Show
Wed 12/28: Musician’s Brew
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Wax Off
Sun 1/1: 5 pm The Tossers; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs – College Night
Saturdays DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 12/21: Donna Butler
Thurs 12/22: Donna Butler
Fri 12/23: Ricky Coz
Tues 12/27: Bernie Meisinger
Wed 12/28: Bryan McCann
Thurs 12/29: Jade Hendrix
Fri 12/30: Alex Nestor
Sat 12/31: NYE Party: Instone & Big Adventure

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

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: The Down Home Trio
Fri 12/30: Jason Ho
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Artis Ford

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
(805) 648-3001
Sun 1/1: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Fridays: Flashback Fridays
Saturdays: Disco Bowl
Fri 12/23: DJ Alex & Friends
Thurs 12/29: Rital Movement
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ One More Time

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

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
Wednesdays: The Swillys
Fri 12/23: TD Lind
Sat 12/24: Christmas Carols
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Shawn Jones

The Greek Mediterranean
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/DJs

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 12/23: Hi Hat Entertainment Christmas Celebration
Fri 12/30: Hi Hat Entertainment Alastair Greene, RJ Mischo & Debbie Davies
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ The Bomb

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 12/23: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 12/30: Karaoke w/ Crazy KT
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Black Canyon Band

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Thurs 12/22: Live Band Karaoke
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/Live Band Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJs – Two dance floors

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 1/2: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

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
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Wiz Kid Masquerade theme

Saloon BBQ Co.
456 E. Main Street
Music starts at 10 pm
Fri 12/23: Whesli
Fri 12/30: Moonily
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ DJ Acer

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 12/31: Dennis Russell

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday w/ DJ
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/21: Colin Bailey Trio
Thurs 12/22: Tilford Jackson Christmas show
Fri 12/23: Ventura Jazz Collective
Fri 12/30: Doug Webb & Friends

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues & Thurs: Karaoke
Fri 12/23: Big Adventure
Fri 12/30: Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/ Brandon Ragan Project

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Wed 12/21: Snakefist, Hellfunk
Fri 12/23: DCMOFO
Fri 12/30: Rubberneck Lions
Sat 12/31: NYE Party w/DJ Steezy Steve

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd
(805) 628-9255
Tuesdays: 6-9 pm Jeff Uzzel

Traveler Café
1070 E Front Street
Fridays 5-7 pm: Bernie Larsen
Sundays 11-1 pm: Bernie Larsen

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Mondays: Open mic w/ Catfish Fry
Tuesdays: Keith Cain
Wed 12/21: Daniel Stacey
Thurs 12/22: Jon Gindick
Fri 12/23: Keith Cain
Wed 12/28: Bluegrass open jam
Fri 12/30: Mark Heyes
Sat 12/31: Paul Mars Black

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun: Noon Kenny DeVoe
Fridays: 4 pm Kenny DeVoe

To another rockin’ year!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Here we are ushering in another year. It’s when we take time to reflect back and it’s when we take time to look forward. If you know me at all, then you know that I’m a “glass-half-full” sort of gal. So, I’m looking forward to and postulating a year of growth, a year of success, a year of new music and a year of harmony for all.

Before we hit the ground running in 2017, we have to send off 2016 with a bang!  So here we go with New Year’s Eve parties in and around Ventura.  You’ll want to do your own due diligence with reservations and keep in mind that a number of venues who typically don’t, will be charging a cover for the night; most everyone will have specials and party favors. And if I may suggest, be sure to have a designated driver or a well-thought out exit plan on getting home safe.

Amigos will feature the pop 80’s band Wax Off; Café Fiore has two bands in the front room, Big Adventure and Instone with Colette Lovejoy in the Treehouse; Chinaland in Oxnard has the Grooveline featuring Dora Sanchez and guest DJ Frank Ramirez; the Copa Cubana in the harbor will have Artis Ford; The Crown Plaza has their popular annual event with DJ Bruce Barrios; Discovery features One More Time, a Daft Punk tribute band; Gigi’s has a Karaoke countdown; there will be a masquerade party at Grapes and Hops with the Shawn Jones trio; the Greek Mediterranean will have a Great Gatsby theme party with a DJ; The Hong Kong Inn has The Bomb; The Hut in Ojai has Wishbone with special guest Alastair Greene; there’s definitely no cover at the Keynote Lounge with the Black Canyon Band; O’Leary’s has a Roaring 20’s party with Live Band Karaoke; Paddy’s has DJs with two dance floors all night; Rookees will also feature a masquerade theme with Wiz Kid at the helm; Saloon BBQ Co has DJ Acer; Brain Faith & Friends will be at the Sportsman in Camarillo. The Tavern has DJ Steeze Steve; and former LA Guns singer, Paul Mars Black will be at the Wine Rack.

And finally, if you’ll be ringing in the New Year anywhere near a television, then be sure to tune in to Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2017 with Ryan Seacrest. I realize that’s an odd recommendation from me, but you won’t want to miss seeing the newly Grammy nominated Mike Posner Band with local artist, Jacob Scesney on saxophone in his band.  I can’t even express how proud I am of Jacob, he’s truly living the dream!

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

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Open mic w/ Beers Bros.
Tuesdays: Musicians Night Out
Wed 12/7: Live Band Karaoke
Thurs 12/8: After the Smoke
Fri 12/9: Dive Bar Messiahs
Sat 12/10: Inna Rude Mood
Sun 12/11: 5 pm Jade Hendrix; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 12/14: Musicians Brew w/ Coso
Thurs 12/15: Smokey & Friends
Fri 12/16: 6 pm Karen Eden; 9 pm The Tossers
Sat 12/17: DJ Cue
Sun 12/18: 5 pm Corsican Bros; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs – College Night
Saturdays DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 12/7: Donna Greene
Thurs 12/8: Fabulous Hangovers
Fri 12/9: Young Dempsy
Sat 12/10: Red Muffs
Tues 12/13: Fabulous Hangovers
Wed 12/14: Big Adventure
Thurs 12/15: Coso Live
Fri 12/16: Instone
Sat 12/17: Drunken Monkeys
Tues 12/20: Blue Vice

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

Chopper Fest
Ventura Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd
Sat 12/10: One More for the Road, Shari Puorto Band, Hard Six

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: The Down Home Trio
Fri 12/9: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/10: Al Martin
Sun 12/11: 4 pm Hot Roux
Fri 12/16: Avery Dalton
Sat 12/17: Live Band Karaoke
Sun 12/18: 3 pm On Tap

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
(805) 648-3001
Sun 12/18: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Fridays: Flashback Fridays
Saturdays: Disco Bowl

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue #109
(805) 256-6006
Sat 12/10: 7 pm Kelly’s Lot

The Garage
1091 Scandie Avenue
Wed 12/7: Keep the Giraffe Burning
Sat 12/17: Shattered Faith, Hymen Blasters, Mother of Dissension, COA, Side Effects

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
Wednesdays: The Swillys
Fri 12/9: Salty Suites
Sat 12/10: Ricky Z
Fri 12/16: Noah Nola
Sat 12/17: Tex Pistols

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band
Fri 12/9: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Sugaray Rayford
Sat 12/10: Del Franklin’s Christmas party
Fri 12/16: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Rent Party Blues Band
Sun 12/18: 4 pm Hot Roux

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 12/9: Action Down
Sat 12/10: Tex Pistols
Fri 12/16: Reign
Sat 12/17: Vital Itch

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Thurs 12/8: Live Band Karaoke
Sat 12/17: Karen Eden

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

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 12/12: Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band
Fri 12/16: The White Buffalo, Bryan Titus Duo, The Brambles
Mon 12/19: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

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 12/10: David Bucci
Sun 12/11: Dennis Russell
Sat 12/17: Sympatico Pat & Bob
Sun 12/18: Tisa Adamson

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday w/ DJ
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/7: Adam Clark Trio
Thurs 12/8: Dogfish
Fri 12/9: Hans Ottsen Trio
Sat 12/10: Barrelhouse Wailers
Wed 12/14: Skip Spiro’s Little Big Band
Thurs 12/15: Brad Rabuchin & Friends
Fri 12/16: L.J. & the Boyz
Sat 12/17: Charged Particles

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Tues & Thurs: Karaoke
Fri 12/9: 7th Decade
Sat 12/10: Masters of the Past
Fri 12/16: Bloody Reunion
Sat 12/17: Jan Michael & the Vincents

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 12/10: Hard Times Band
Sat 12/17: Wyk & Winkle

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 12/19: Rubberneck Lions
Sat 12/17: Dojo Loach
Sun 12/18: DJ Steezy Steve

Topa Topa Brewing Co.
104 E. Thompson Blvd
(805) 628-9255
Tuesdays: 6-9 pm Jeff Uzzel

Traveler Café
1070 E Front Street
Fridays 5-7 pm: Bernie Larsen
Sundays 11-1 pm: Bernie Larsen

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
(805) 653-9463
Mondays: Open mic
Tuesdays: Keith Cain
Thursdays: Jon Gindick
Wed 12/7: Daniel Stacey
Fri 12/9: Frank Barajas
Sat 12/10: Mark Heyes
Wed 12/14: Bluegrass open jam
Fri 12/16: Hans Ottsen
Sat 12/17: Paul McCallum

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun: Noon Kenny DeVoe
Sat 12/17: 8 pm Teresa Russell

Swing into the Season!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

There are plenty of music related holiday events to get you into the swing of the season. Let’s start with the Ones to Watch Productions hosting their first show at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 16, with The Brambles and Bryan Titus Duo opening up for The White Buffalo. As you may know, Steve and Polly Hoganson (formerly of Zoey’s) continue to help artists featuring showcases such as this around the Gold Coast. This intimate holiday concert being called “I’m dreaming of a White Buffalo Christmas” features the incredibly talented Jake Smith whose songs have been featured in many films and television shows including “Sons of Anarchy.”  Polly told me, “We’re excited to bring Jake The White Buffalo back to Ventura for another holiday concert and food drive to benefit Turning Point Foundation. It’s OTW Productions first time show at the lovely Poinsettia Pavilion and we hope to bring more concerts to this event center.”  If you’ve caught one of Jake’s concert before, you won’t want to miss him up close and personal, Polly said, “The White Buffalo’s rare solo performances are special because you get an intimate insight into his songwriting and a connection that you don’t normally get at an arena show.”

Kelly’s Lot will be at Four Brix Winery on Saturday, December 10.  The band recently released a new song, “Colours of December” in honor of members of the military and their families. There will be a silent auction and donations accepted for TAPS, an organization that provides assistance to families who have lost a family member in the military.  Four Brix will be offering tri-tip dinners and pizzas, doors open at 5, Kelly’s Lot plays at 7.

Chopper Fest arrives at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 11 with live music from The Shari Puorto Band, Hard Six and One More From the Road, a Lynryd Skynyrd tribute band; there will be a pre party the night before at The Tavern with music from Revolution Mother and the Rubberneck Lions.

Big props to Tommy and Paddy Marsh who will open for The Robert Cray Band at the Rose in Pasadena on December 9.

The 14th annual Nardcore Xmas food drive will be at The Garage on Saturday, December 17 featuring music from Shattered Faith, Hymen Blasters, Mother of Dissension, COA and Side Effects.  Along with accepting canned goods, the organizers are asking for new blankets and/or cash donations which will go to Food Share of Oxnard. Tax deductible receipts available.

You finally you should take a break from shopping and take the whole family out for a good old fashion holiday sing-along at the Ventura Theater. This event will be held on Sunday December 18 from 3-5 pm. Price of entry is one new unwrapped toy per family.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? 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

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Open mic w/ Beers Bros.
Tuesdays: Musicians Night Out
Wed 11/23: Coso Live – Musicians Brew
Fri 11/25: Soul Machine
Sat 11/26: Strange Weather
Sun 11/27: 5 pm Bromero Captain Q & Flashman; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 11/30: Keith Cain
Thurs 12/1: Synrgy
Fri 12/2: Right Amount of Wrong
Sat 12/3: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 12/4: 5 pm The Tossers; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs – College Night
Saturdays DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 11/23: Otis Hayes
Fri 11/25: Instone
Sat 11/26: Red Muffs
Tues 11/29: Bill Owen Jazz Express
Wed 11/30: Rick Jarrett
Thurs 12/1: Rick Whitfield
Fri 12/2: Action Down
Sat 12/3: Otis Hayes

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

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: The Down Home Trio
Fri 11/25: Brandon Ragan
Sat 11/26: Live Band Karaoke
Sun 11/27: 4 pm Laura Cozzi Soul Machine

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
(805) 648-3001
Sun 12/4: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Wed 11/9: Starlight Swing Night w/ DJ Lance
Wed 11/23: The Holdup
Fri 11/25: Yung Yizzo
Sat 11/26: The Jive Aces
Sat 12/3: Helmet

Downtown Ventura
Main Street & California
Sat 12/3: Ventura Winter Wine Walk

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

The Garage
1091 Scandie Avenue
Fri 12/2: Kool Keith, Kosha Dillz

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
Wednesdays: The Swillys
Fri 11/25: Shawn Jones
Sat 11/26: TD Lind
Fri 12/2: Paul Mars Black

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band swing night
Fri 11/25: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Brother Yusef
Sat 11/26: Del Franklin
Fri 12/2: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Doug Macleod

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 11/25: Jamm Nite Special
Sat 11/26: Brandon Ragan

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Music at 6:30
Wed 11/23: Jeff Uzzel

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Tues 11/29: Somo featuring Stanaj

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri 11/25: Live Band Karaoke

Pacific View Mall
3301 E Main Street
In front of Trader Joe’s
Fri 11/18: Rock Cats Rock

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

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 11/28: Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band
Sat 12/3: The Ventura Jazz Orchestra
Sun 12/4: Old Country Grass Band
Mon 12/5: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

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 11/26: Metal 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 11/26: Licity Collins
Sat 12/3: Patrick Hillham
Sun 12/4: Eight Years Gone

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday w/ DJ
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 11/23: Ventura Jazz Collective
Fri 11/25: Jay Leach Lap Steel
Wed 11/30: RJ Mischo, Goldwasser & Kaplan
Thurs 12/1: SBCC Jazz Ensemble
Fri 12/2: Bevan Manson & Friends
Sat 12/3: Rachel Flowers Trio

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sat 11/26: Pull the Trigger

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 11/26: Soul Purpose
Sat 12/3: Inertia

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs

Traveler Café
1070 E Front Street
Fridays 5-7 pm: Bernie Larsen
Sundays 11-1 pm: Bernie Larsen

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Sat 11/26: 4Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive w/ Ray Jay & Uptown Brothers, Michael John & Bottom Line, Tommy Marsh, Kelly Zirbes, Tom & Milo

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun: Noon Kenny DeVoe
Fri 11/26: 4 pm Kenny DeVoe; 8 pm Teresa Russell

Welcoming the holidays!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I can safely say the holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with one of my favorite fundraisers, the 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive.  The event will be held at the Ventura Beach Club on Sunday, November 26 from 3 to 11 pm with honorary guest and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf, World Classic Rockers). On the bill to perform will be Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Michael John & the Bottom Line, Tom & Milo, Preston Smith, Tommy Marsh, Sean Wiggins & IOne gOat, Kelly Zirbes, Joy Burnworth and more; plus, you won’t want to miss a special appearance by Santa (aka Gary Gordon Goff). The price of admission is only $15 and an unwrapped toy.  You can learn more about this unique and important non-profit organization at 4K2Konline.org.

The following weekend, one of my favorite events hailed as “The social event of the year” will take over Main Street downtown on Saturday, December 3, for the Ventura Winter Wine Walk which also includes a holiday street fair.  You’ll find all kinds of great gift ideas at the street fair which runs from Noon until 8 pm and is free to the public. There will be snow fall at 6:45 at the corner of California and Main with live music and of course the highlight itself, the Wine Walk between 4 and 7 pm, you can get ticket information at www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com.

Don’t miss Smitty and Julia performing with the Ventura Jazz Orchestra at the band’s holiday dance at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Saturday, December 3. Tickets are $15 at the door.  Then the next day, the Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association will be presenting their annual Christmas music show at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Sunday December 4 from 2-4 pm. All ages are welcome, there is no cover for this one.

Dirty Rice recently opened for Tribal Theory at the Ventura theater. The band has a new EP called “Heart of a Lion” and features songs about struggle, abandonment, surviving and overcoming, to fighting the battles that life spontaneously brings you, including bullying, childhood cancer and something as simple as love.  You can get in on iTunes.

Aron Van Alstine, music teacher singer/songwriter in Ojai recently released a new single, a protest song, in honor of election day called “Both Sides of the Fence.” He’s working a new album for 2017 called “The Revenge of Rock’’Roll.”

And finally, you know I’m always interested in new projects and one that sounds pretty interesting is called Bromero Captain Q & Flashman featuring members of The Jelly (Brandon Romero and Jaymes Quirino) and Goodnight Kiss (Rene Ponce).  Their first gig at Amigos will be Sunday, November 27 at 5 pm.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? 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

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Open mic
Tuesdays: Musicians Night Out
Wed 11/9: Coso Live – Musicians Brew
Thurs 11/10: Smokey & Friends
Fri 11/11: Heavy Medicine
Sat 11/12: Sin Chonies
Sun 11/13: 5 pm Jade Hendrix: 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 11/16: Live Band Karaoke
Thurs 11/17: Dylan Schmitt & the Rhythm Souls
Fri 11/18: Street Lights Cadence
Sat 11/19: 6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 9 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 11/20: 5 pm Corsican Brothers; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs – College Night

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 11/9: Big Adventure
Thurs 11/10: Rick Whitfield
Fri 11/11: Otis Hayes
Sat 11/12: Babylon Rockers
Tues 11/15: Fabulous Hang Overs
Wed 11/16: Donna Butler
Thurs 11/17: Whesli
Fri 11/18: Deborah Jenssen
Sat 11/19: Little Alice & the Cats
Tues 11/22: Kimberly Ford

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

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: The Down Home Trio
Fri 11/11: Avery Dalton
Sat 11/12: Live Band Karaoke
Sun 11/13: 4 pm Hot Roux
Fri 11/18: On Tap
Sat 11/19: Lorenzo Martinez
Sun 11/20: 4 pm Lorenzo Martinez

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
(805) 648-3001
Sun 11/20: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Wed 11/9: Starlight Swing Night w/ DJ Lance
Thurs 11/10: Firestick
Fri 11/11: Through the Roots
Sat 11/12: Inspector & Los Caligaris
Wed 11/16: Starlight Swing Night w/ DJ Lance
Thurs 11/17: Mike Pinto
Fri 11/18: Future Disco
Sat 11/19: Moonridge

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

The Garage
1091 Scandie Avenue
Thurs 11/10: Harmar, Superstar and Sweet Spirit
Fri 11/11: Soft Lions
Sat 11/12: Off!, Plague Vendor

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke
Sun 11/13: 2 pm Pull the Trigger

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

Gone West Cellars
5963 Olivas Park Drive
Fri 11/11: 6-8 pm Karen Eden Trio

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wednesdays: The Swillys
Fri 11/11: The Salty Suites
Sat 11/12: Mandii Gomez
Sun 11/13: 3 pm Shawn Jones
Fri 11/18: Jade Hendrix
Sat 11/19: Mr. O
Sun 11/20: James Broz

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band swing night
Fri 11/11: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Rob Stone & RJ Misco

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 11/11: Action Down
Sat 11/12: Vital Itch
Fri 11/18: Sean Wiggins
Sat 11/19: Black Canyon Band

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Music at 6:30
Fri 11/11: Corey Harper

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Thurs 11/10: Belanova
Fri 11/11: Slightly Stoopid, Fortunate Youth, Perro Bravo
Sat 11/12: Tribal Theory, Dirty Rice
Fri 11/18: Pennywise, Strung Out, Unwritten Law
Sat 11/19: Suicidal Tendencies, Good Riddance

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri 11/11: Live Band Karaoke
Sat 11/12: The Pretty Things

Pacific View Mall
3301 E Main Street
In front of Trader Joe’s
Fri 11/18: Rock Cats Rock

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

Plan B Winery
3520 Arundell Circle
Sun 11/13: 4:30 pm Midlife Crisis

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 11/14: Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band Halloween Party
Mon 11/21: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

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
Fri 11/11: Kane Gang, Crying 4 Kafka
Sat 11/12: Big Rig Dollhouse, Tattered Angels, We the Underclass
Tues 11/15: Mad Doctors

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 11/12: Lumnesse
Sun 11/13: Milo Sledge
Sat 11/19: Daniel Stamatelaky
Sun 11/20: Dennis Russell
Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday w/ DJ
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 11/11: Unkle Monkey
Sat 11/12: Phantom Pomps
Fri 11/18: Awesome Sauce
Sat 11/19: Crying 4 Kafka

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 11/9: Coda
Thurs 11/10: Meridian Trio
Fri 11/11: Hans Ottsen Quartet
Sat 11/12: The Barrelhouse Wailers
Tues 11/15: Jazz Jam
Wed 11/16: Colin Bailey Trio
Thurs 11/17: Cougar Estrada’s Lounge Trio
Fri 11/18: L.J. and the Boyz
Sat 11/19: Mike Garson Trio

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 11/12: Southside Richie
Sat 11/19: Sugar Still Duo

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs
Fri 11/11: Sick Boy
Sat 11/12: Rich Sheldon
Sun 11/13: Steezy Steve
Fri 11/18: Dojo Loach

Traveler Café
1070 E Front Street
Fridays 5-7 pm: Bernie Larsen
Sundays 11-1 pm: Bernie Larsen

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Sat 11/12: Deb Ryder, Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Kelly’s Lot
Sat 11/19: The Barrelhouse Wailers
The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun: Noon Kenny DeVoe
Fri 11/11: 4 pm Kenny DeVoe; 8 pm Frank Barajas
Fri 11/18: 4 pm Kenny DeVoe; 8 pm Shoemaker Brothers
Sat 11/19: 8 pm Jason Ho

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

You won’t want to miss Fortunate Youth when they open for Slightly Stoopid at the Ventura Theater, Friday, November 11.  They’re the creators of one of the biggest and most successful reggae compilations in the world, with all proceeds donated to different charities that the band tries to support from Cancer Awareness to helping Children who have lost music programs due to underfunding.  Also at the theater will be the local favorites Dirty Rice opening for Tribal Theory on Saturday, November 12 and then the following week it’s Pennywise with Strung Out and Unwritten Law on Friday, November 18, and of course Suicidal Tendencies with Good Riddance on Saturday, November 19.

Congratulations to Rachel Flowers who was interviewed for the November issue of Keyboard Magazine (the one with Norah Jones on the cover).  Her film “Hearing is Believing” by Lorenzo DeStefano was just featured at the 17^th Annual Ojai Film Festival.

I’m all about good causes especially when good causes are in conjunction with great music, and so it goes with the fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, at the Ventura Beach Club for The Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) in Ventura.  The event will run 6-10 pm and will feature Deb Ryder, Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers and Kelly’s Lot. You can always count on Kelly Zirbes for going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking care of abandoned cats and dogs. Admission is only $10 and all proceeds will go to C.A.R.L.  As a side note, Kelly and husband Perry just opened for the iconic Don Mclean at the Rose in Pasadena.

I’ll be honest, I’m really looking forward to “The Pretty Things,” a David Bowie tribute band at O’Leary’s November 12. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “My teenage years would not have been the same without Bowie.”

The Barrelhouse Wailers will be hosting another Speakeasy swing dance night on November 19 at the Ventura Beach Club.  The evening will start with lessons at 8 pm with Kim Clever and David Frutos, then live music from 9 to midnight.  Of course, costumes are encouraged but not required.

Goodnight Kiss are currently in the studio recording their first EP; Medicine Hat will be going back into the studio soon; Hard Six just finished a video soundtrack recorded at Megasound Studios; the Rubberneck Lions just released new music via social media with their first single, “Head Case by Case”; Ashford Gordon’s CD release party has been postponed until after the New Year; Smitty and Julia’s new CD, “Made in Ojai” is now available on CD Baby; and congratulations to all of the Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients with a big shout out to local musician/teacher, Jodi Farrell.  It’s well deserved my friend!

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.