For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: 6 pm Danielle Stacy; 8:30 Joey’s B’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 5:30 pm Karen Eden; 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 1/6: Amigo’s House Band with Mark Masson
Fri 1/8: 8 pm Crosscut 805
Sat 1/9: 8 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 1/10: 5 pm Medicine Hat; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 1/13: Amigo’s House Band with Ashford Gordon
Fri 1/15: 8 pm Wishbone
Sat 1/16: 8 pm Hot Roux
Sun 1/17: 5 pm Karen Eden; 9 pm Karaoke

Boatyard Café
Ventura Harbor
1583 Spinnaker Drive
Thursdays: 6-9 Blue Grass Jam
Fri 1/8: 6 pm Bobby & Steve
Sat 1/9: 6 pm Gypsy Stew
Fri 1/15: 6 pm Unkle Monkey
Sat 1/16: 6 pm Medicine Hat

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Wednesdays: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Thursdays: DJ Pisterlero
Sun 1/10: 5 pm Midlife Crisis
Sat 1/16: 8 pm Three Bad Jacks, Hard Six, Sandbox Bullies

Café Fiore|66 S. California Street
Wed 1/6: Bryan McCann & the Jazzheads
Thurs 1/7: Jade Hendrix
Fri 1/8: Instone
Sat 1/9: Drunken Monkeys
Tues 1/12: Donna Greene
Wed 1/13: Big Adventure
Thurs 1/14: Rick Whitfield
Fri 1/15: Soul Infusion
Sat 1/16: Big Adventure
Tues 1/19: Donna Butler

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Sat 1/9: N3RD DR3AMZ; Yung Yizzo, Mo Stylez, Austen Sexton, DJ Kryptonite
Fri 1/15: Jimmy Weeks Project, Siaosi, Kiwini Vaitai 

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 Scandia Avenue
Fri 1/8: Battalion of Saints, Blasting Concept, Fist Fight on Ecstasy, SixPackOfDoom

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Sat 1/16: 8:30 pm Whiskey Stone

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show; DJ dancing
Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays karaoke
Tuesdays open mic
Sun 1/10: 6 pm Brandon Ragan Jazz Trio
Sat 1/16: 6 pm John Hendrickson
Sun 1/17: 6 pm Teresa and Pat Russell

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 1/8: Custom Made
Sat 1/9: Rick Miller Band
Fri 1/15: Red Rhythm
Sat 1/16: Crosscut

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Thurs 1/7: Tribal Seeds, The Steppas, The Skints

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

The Patio at Player’s Casino
6580 Auto Center Drive
Fri 1/8: Sean Wiggins
Fri 1/15: Rock Cats Rock
Sat 1/16: Soul Machine

Pierpont Inn
550 San Jon Road
Fridays and Saturdays: 6 pm Mark Anthony on piano

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Circle
Sun 1/10:  4:30 pm Donna Greene & the Roadhouse Daddies

Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 1/11:  Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band
Mon 1/18:  Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 1/9: Noon Licity Collins
Sun 1/10: Noon Jeanine Shultz
Sat 1/16: Noon Walt Dunlap
Sun 1/17: Doug Conlon

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays:  DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Fri 1/15: Tattered Angels, SRA, The Underclass

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 1/6: Adam Clark & Friends
Thurs 1/7: Coda
Fri 1/8: Geezer Funk
Sat 1/9: Barrelhouse Wailers
Wed 1/13: Brad Rabuchin Quartet
Thurs 1/14: Pablo Sune Trio
Fri 1/15: L.J. & The Boyz
Sat 1/16: Rachel Flowers Trio
Tues 1/19: Jazz Jam

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Fri 1/8: Gypsy Stew
Sat 1/9: Whiskey Stone
Fri 1/15: Drunken Monkeys
Sat 1/16: Pull the Trigger

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 1/9: Soul Purpose
Sat 1/16: The Swillys

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Fri 1/8: The Black Hips
Fri 1/15: The Caverns
Sat 1/16: Clean Spill

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Fri 1/15: Rick Holmstrom Band

Ventura High School Auditorium
2 N. Catalina Street
Thurs 1/14: 7 pm VUSD Jazz Band

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Fri 1/8: Drunken Monkeys
Sat 1/9: The Bomb
Fri 1/15: 6 pm Karen Eden; 9 pm Mini Driver
Sun 1/17: Shawn Jones

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 7-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Tuesdays: 7 pm RJ Mischo & the Down Home Trio

Happy New Year!
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

First off, I’d like to wish you a very happy new year.  I’m already hearing the rumblings of changes coming to Ventura’s music scene; they’re good changes too. As they’re verified and come to fruition, you know I’ll be passing along the good news to you.

Ozomatli was indeed the perfect way for Discovery Ventura to kick off their music line up for the new year with a packed-to-the-gills house. Spencer the Gardener warmed up the crowd getting everyone in the dancing mood.  Spencer Barnitz describes the band as a rotating list of stellar players and that evening they added to the mix for the first time trombone player Skabone Stan who tours with Pato Banton. Discovery’s two-year anniversary is coming up the week of January 18^th.  I’m looking forward to many more cool shows there.

As you can tell, I’m always delighted to learn and meet talented musicians who have worked as session musicians and/or have toured in support of world renowned artists because you have to be that good; and I found out first hand just how good they are as a couple of hot drummers have been playing around town.  First Shawn Jones has had drummer Herman Matthews with him the last couple times he played Sunday afternoons at W20 at the Watermark.  Matthews has toured with Tower of Power, Kenny Loggins and more than seven years with Tom Jones.  Then there’s Alvino Bennett playing with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Robin Trower, Chaka Khan and he’s about to go out on tour once again with Dave Mason; he was spotted at one of Tommy Marsh’s blues jams at Bombay’s and then sat in with Shawn Jones switching seats with Matthews for a couple of tunes this past Sunday.

Gypsy Stew will be releasing a new CD this month with half the 12 songs being originals.  Don Cook of the band said the music is what they like to call “Outlaw County,” old school as opposed to new country. The CD will be available at their shows as well as on their website GypsyStew.com. They’ll be playing at the Star Lounge Friday, January 8. The release party will be at the Chop Shop Bar & Grill in Simi Valley on Saturday January 23.

And finally, Ventura is losing one of its own, Russ Camp (4 on the Floor, Stundexim, Camp Franco) when Camp moves up north; one of his final shows will be with BOHICA at Golden China on Saturday January 9 5:30 – 9:30 pm.  Camp has been a mainstay in Ventura for over 20 years always supporting other bands and filling in when needed. He’ll be missed.

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
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 12/23: The Deal
Fri 12/25: 4 pm St Pierre Christmas show
Sat 12/26: The Frank and Doug show
Sun 12/27: 5 pm Jade Hendrix; 9 pm Karaoke
Mon 12/28  6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Wed 12/30: 6 pm Micheal Baggs; 8 pm Mark Masson
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Dive Bar Messiahs
Sat 1/2: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 1/3: 6 pm The Tossers; 9 pm Karaoke
Mon 1/4: 6 pm Danielle Stacy; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Wednesdays: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Wed 12/23 special guests Alastair Greene, Ed Berghoff & Phil Gates
Fri 1/1: The Velveteen Band, Sin Chonies
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Fido, DJ Philocybin

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 12/23: Big Adventure
Sat 12/26: Little Alice
Tues 12/29: Kristen Lee
Wed 12/30: Donna Greene
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Big Adventure

Dargan’s
593 E. Main Street
Sun 1/3: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Wed 12/23: DJ Nick Dean
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party – Spencer Fischer, DJ Lunatic
Sat 1/2/: Ozomatli    

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 Scandia Avenue
Fri 1/1: Luicidal, Public Nuisance, All-a-Blur

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Sat 12/26: 9 pm Otis Hayes
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Shawn Jones and Friends

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

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays open mic
Thurs and Fridays: 5pm Kenny Devoe
Sun 1/3: Ashford Gordon & Friends

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Sat 12/26: Open mic
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Action Down

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with War, Tierra

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

Paradise Pantry
222 E. Main Street
7 pm Elkke

Pierpont Inn
550 San Jon Road
Fridays and Saturdays: 6 pm Mark Anthony on piano

Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 12/28:  Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band
Mon 1/4:  Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with 3 in the Morning, The Free, Natural Human Beings

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with DJ Logic

Saloon BBQ
456 E. Main Street
Sat 12/26: 9 pm Big Adventure
Sun 12/27: 4 pm Ted Waterhouse

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 12/26: noon Alex Forester
Sun 12/27: noon Peter O’Keefe
Sat 1/2: noon Rhythm 805, Xavier Canchola

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays:  DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Sat 12/26: Narthex, Structure, We are the Underclass, All-a-Blur
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with DJ Spinobi
Fri 1/1: 2-6 pm The Lower Echelon, The Rouse

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/23: Tilford Jackson’s “Carols and Wine”
Sat 12/26: Danny Janklow band featuring tap dancer, Sarah Reich of Postmodern Jukebox

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Sat: 12/26: Whiskey Stone
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Cross Cut
Fri 1/1: Karaoke

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Sat 12/26: Braids & Dreads (Dan Grimm and Friends)

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Thurs 12/31: NYE Masquerade Ball with DJs

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Shaky Feelin’, The Christopher Hawley Rolers, Koyote, 9 Lives, more…

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Sat 12/26: The Bomb
Sun 12/27: The Legalizers
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with DJ EROK and DJ Ciera
Sat 1/2: Ben Bostick

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 7-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson
Wed 12/23: Carson Boyd
Thurs 12/24: Jon Gindick and Friends
Sat 12/26: Road Brothers
Thurs 12/31: NYE Party with Ventura Jazz Collective
Fri 1/1: Hans Ottsen
Sat 1/2: Ventura Jazz Collective

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Tuesdays: 7 pm RJ Mischo & the Down Home Trio

Ventura rocks another year!
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

We’re in the final stretch for 2015 and Ventura Rocks at CAPS Media is finally scheduled. The debut episode features Medicine Hat and will air several times including a Christmas evening broadcast at 8 pm. Go to Capstv.org/program-schedules for all air dates!

Nothing like being one degree of separation from Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra and more; that’s exactly what went down at Squashed Grapes when drummer extraordinaire, Colin Bailey, was in the house, Saturday, December 19.  Mr. Bailey has not only played with the cream of the crop but he was also the drummer for the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Bam!

And just one final note before we move on from Christmas, giving the gift of music is always a treat, especially when you’re supporting local artists and picking up music such as Tommy Marsh’s Crooked Eye Tommy, Butterflies & Snakes; Medicine Hat’s Whiskey and Waves; the self-titled The NaVaNaX; Honey Owl’s Early Bird, The Barrelhouse Wailer’s Last Call; Nathan McEuen’s Side by Side, and so much more! Of course you can go to their websites or be old school and pick up a CD at Salzer’s, Grady’s, or Very Ventura where you’ll find the VenturaRocks.com listening station.

Opening up recently in the former Zoey’s location at 185 E. Santa Clara is Now Ventura featuring higher end Italian and Seafood fare. I went in and met Michael Anthony, one of the partners, and a former bassist for Puddle of Mudd (who are coming to Discovery in early March).  Michael gave me the low down on offering live music after they’ve renovated the stage; his vision includes two 45 minute sets Thursday through Saturday. I’ll be keeping tabs and will get them listed as soon as the music is back, but meanwhile they’ll be throwing a New Year’s Eve Bash with William Rottman performing acoustic 80s and 90s covers.  Call 667-2200 for reservations and more information.

Ventura will most definitely be off the hook all over town with New Year’s Eve parties, here are just some highlights:  The Dive Bar Messiahs at Amigo’s Surf Cantina; Fido and DJ Philocybin at Bombay’s; Big Adventure at Café Fiore; Spencer Fischer and DJ Lunatic at Discovery; Shawn Jones and Friends at Grapes and Hops; Action Down at The Keynote Lounge; 3 in the Morning, The Free and Natural Human Beings at Red Cove; DJ Logic at Rookees; DJ Spinobi at Sans Souci; Cross Cut at the Star Lounge; DJs will be featured at a NYE Masquerade Ball at The Tavern; Shaky Feelin’, The Christopher Hawley Rollers, 9 Lives and more at the Ventura Beach Club; DJ Erok and DJ Ciera at the Watermark, The Ventura Jazz Collective at the Wine Rack and the biggest show of them all is WAR with Tierra at the Majestic Ventura Theater.

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.

Music Calendar
For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays:  6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 12/9: 8 pm Nathan McEuen
Fri 12/11: 8 pm Pull the Trigger
Sat 12/12: 8 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 12/13: 5 pm Daniel Shoemaker; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 12/16: 8 pm Mark Masson
Fri 12/18: 8 pm Wishbone
Sat 12/19: 8 pm Hot Roux
Sun 12/6: 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Wednesdays: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Thursdays: DJ Pistolero
Sat 12/12: Darkside of the Hand EP Release Party
Fri 12/18: The Vacant Shapes, Wish Radio, Welfare Talent
Sat 12/19: 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 12/9: Big Adventure
Thurs 12/10: Rick Whitfield
Fri 12/11: Ricky Coz
Sat 12/12: Freddie Lopez
Tues 12/15: Donna Greene
Wed 12/16: Donna Butler
Thurs 12/17: Whelsi Gamble
Fri 12/18: Soul Infusion
Sat 12/19: Otis Hayes
Tues 12/22: Jade Hendrix

Dargan’s
593 E. Main Street
Sun 12/20: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Wed 11/25: DJ Larz
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

Ventura First Assembly of God
346 N. Kimball Road
Sat 12/12: 2 pm – Jodi Farrell’s Music Studio’s Student Annual Holiday Recital

The Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Fri 12/18: Poison Idea, Stalag 13, Bad Samaritans, Love Canal, The NaVaNaX

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
Mondays Jam Night with Maggie’s Drawers
Thursdays & Fridays: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue
Cumbia music Fridays with DJ Carlos at 9:30 pm

Gone West Wine Cellars
5963 Olivas Park Drive
Music 6-8 pm
Fri 12/11: Karen Eden
Fri 12/18: National Cat

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

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 12/11: Reall Deall
Sat 12/12: Actoin Down
Fri 12/18: Reign
Sat 12/19: 4 on the Floor

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Thurs 12/10: The Reverend Horton Heat, The BellRays, the Lords of Altamont
Fri 12/11: Dwight Yoakam, Brian Whelan

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

The Patio at Player’s Casino
6580 Auto Center Drive
Fri 12/11: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/12: Soul Machine
Fri 12/18: Ashun
Sat 12/19: Electricity

Pierpont Inn
550 San Jon Road
Fridays and Saturdays: 6 pm Mark Anthony on piano

Plan B Wine Cellars
3520 Arundell Circle
Sun 12/13: Britain’s Finest

Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mondays:  Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Fri 12/11: 3 in the Morning

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 12/12: De Lacoustic
Sun 12/13: Maggies Drawers
Sat 12/19: Doug MaCrae & Angie Marie
Sun 12/20: Peter O’Keefe

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays:  DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 12/11: Jan Michael & the Vincents
Sat 12/12: Focke Wolves
Fri 12/18: Bloody Reunion
Sat 12/19: Cursed Bastards

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 12/9: Urning Ghosts, The Daniel Rosenbloom Quartet
Thurs 12/10: Rufus Philpot’s B.A.D. Trio
Fri 12/11: H03
Sat 12/12: Lao Tizer Trio featuring Karen Briggs
Tues 12/15: Jazz Jam
Wed 12/16: Sammy Miller & the Congregation
Thurs 12/17: The Lounge Trio featuring Cougar Estrada
Fri 12/18: L.J. & the Boyz
Sat 12/19: The Frank Potenza Trio w/ Colin Bailey on drums

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Fri: 12/11: Big Adventure
Sat 12/12: Rio Bravo
Fri 12/18: 80’s Invasion
Sat 12/19: Brandon Ragan Project

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Fri 12/18: Hot Roux with special guest Albert Lee

Ventura College Performing Art Center
4700 Loma Vista Road
Thurs 12/10: 8 pm The First Step Ventura College Jazz Band

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Fri 12/11: Brandon Ragan Project
Sat 12/12: The Bomb
Sun 12/13: Los Dudes
Fri 12/18: (downstairs) The Pullmen
Sat 12/19: Shari Puorto Band
12/20; Shawn Jones

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 8-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson
Thurs 12/10: Jon Gindick & Friends
Fri 12/11: Rich Sheldon
Sat 12/12: Sons of Jimi
Fri 12/18: Tom & Milo
Sat 12/19: Tim Carroll Band

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Tuesdays: 7 pm RJ Mischo & the Down Home Trio

TBA
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Though the evening isn’t really about the music (hint: it’s about the wine), the Ventura Winter Wine Walk was a huge success with live music at the corner of Main and California.  There’s nothing quite like families coming out on a gorgeous December evening with men on stilts, women hula hoop dancing, snow falling while dancing to popular R&B and funk tunes from the Bomb on a huge stage, with professional lighting while City Hall is lit up in the background.  Along with the tree lighting ceremony, and the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, this has become my favorite holiday tradition.

Speaking of which, the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights runs December 18 and 19. I hear you can get a pair of 3D glasses to watch the fireworks display while supplies last at Coastal Cone Ice Cream parlor.  I’m not sure how the glasses will enhance fireworks as they’re already 3D, but I’m sure they’ll be in high demand. The two-day celebration includes music, a carnival with rides on the main lawn, fireworks, and decorated boats with this year’s theme, “Surf, Sand & Santa Celebrating 150 Years of Ventura.”  Be sure to be on the watch for Santa making an earlier flyby during the evening.

RJ Mischo & the Down Home trio have begun a Tuesday night residency this month at the 805 Bar and Grill Cheese.  I’m hearing the Copa Cubana (next to the 805 Bar) is getting close to opening soon.

The Watermark will host The Pullmen’s “Going Dark” vinyl release Xmas party on Friday, December 18. The event will be held on the ground floor as upstairs will be closed for a private party that evening.

It promises to be yet another “one of those evenings” at Squashed Grapes on Saturday, December 19^th when The Frank Potenza Trio will be in the house.  The trio features Potenza (Joe Pass, Dizzy Gillespie, George Van Eps and more), who is a professor of jazz guitar at USC Thorton School of Music; Jim Hughart (Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass and Tom Waits, Sinatra and more); and Colin Bailey.  I love that Bailey was the drummer on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, in fact, he’s done over 100 jazz albums, T.V. shows and toured with Benny Goodman and Joe Pass.  Earlier the same day, Bailey will be holding a drum clinic across the street at Pulse Drumming.  Get tickets and/or sign up for the clinic at Pulsedrumming.com.

We’re working on post production of the debut episode of Ventura Rocks music show on CAPS Media featuring Medicine Hat. CAPS, Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura is a private non-profit television channel available through Time Warner and Charter. Check in with VenturaRocks.com for updates on when the program will air this month.

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.

The holidays are officially here
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Everclear’s 20^th anniversary tour featuring their release, “Sparkle and Fade” was well received Sunday, November 22 at the Ventura Theater; but with that being said, the crowd was extremely happy to hear other tunes as well from the band including the final songs of the night, ”Father of Mine” and “Santa Monica.”

Well, it’s time to confront the fact that the holidays are officially here. Bombay’s will be inspiring people to get out the night before Thanksgiving by providing two stages of music: up front it’s Tommy Marsh and the Session with a four hour blues jam being billed as biggest night in their four year history, and in the back room it’s Shaky Feelin’ and Nine Mile Skid.

As for the night after you’ve spent time with the family, you can work out the pent up frustrations at Sans Souci where you can find one hell of a punk show with F.S.K.D, Filios, We are the Underclass and Malice Thoughts.  But on the off chance you’re looking for something a little tamer (and perhaps you enjoyed the time with family) you might want to check out the Jim Hendrix Birthday tribute at Squashed Grapes.

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, then there’s nothing like a Toy Drive for underprivileged kids coupled with an evening of great Blues to do the trick. The 15^th annual 4 Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive will be held Sunday, December 6 at the Ventura Beach Club. $15 and an unwrapped toy gets you Deb Ryder, Kelly Zirbes, Donna Greene, Shari Puorto, and tons of other artists including honorary guest Nick St. Nicolas (Steppenwolf).

There are two workshops worth mentioning for local musicians as they are most likely to sell out and both are being held at the Pierpont Inn in January.  The first is “Down to the Crossroads” five-day Blues guitar and bass retreat January 19-23 (www.Down2TheCrossroads.com) and then it’s Jon Gindick’s Blues Harmonica Jam Camp which runs January 26 – 30 (www.BluesHarmonicaJamCamp.com).  You can step up your game and move up to the next level with intensive instruction in an inspiring environment!

Don’t forget, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch Kinky Friedman and his unique brand of storytelling in an intimate setting at the Livery (Ventura Improv Theater) on December 4.  He’ll be sharing songs from his latest CD, “The Loneliest Man I Ever Met.” Ticket information at www.OnesToWatchProductions.com.

And finally, one of my favorite events of the year, the Winter Wine Walk will once again shut down Main Street Downtown Ventura for what is touted as the World’s Largest Wine Walk.  Musical entertainment by The Road Brothers, SayReal, Paradium and the Bomb. Ticket information can be found at www.VenturaWinterWineWalk.com

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:  6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 11/25: 8 pm The Seaside Band with Freeman James
Fri 11/27: 8 pm Medicine Hat
Sat 11/28: 8 pm Dive Bar Messiahs
Sun 11/29: 5 pm Jade Hendrix; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 12/2: 8 pm Mark Masson
Fri 12/4: 8 pm Brando Ragan Project
Sat 12/5: 8 pm Blues Bullet
Sun 12/6: 6 pm The Tossers; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Wed 11/25:  Tommy Marsh hosts the Session; Shaky Feelin, Nine Mile Skid
Wed 12/2: Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Fri 12/4: Velveteen Band, Alice

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 11/25: Big Adventure
Fri 11/27: Little Alice
Sat 11/28: Soul Infusion
Tues 12/1: Bernie Meisinger
Wed 12/2: Byan & the Jazzheads
Thurs 12/3: Sound Effect
Fri 12/4: Instone
Sat 12/5: Soul Infusion

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
Thurs & Fri: 5:30 – 8:30 Warren Takashaki

Dargans
593 E. Main Street
Sun 12/6: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Wed 11/25: DJ Larz
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJs
Saturdays: DJ Erock

The Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Sat 11/28: Turbonegra, Chill Child, Loose Nerves, Detained, Harry Jerkface

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
Mondays Jam Night with Maggie’s Drawers
Thurdays & Fridays: Karaoke
Sat 11/28: Dark Phoenix

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Bluegrass Jam 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue
Cumbia music Fridays with DJ Carlos at 9:30 pm

Gone West Wine Cellars
5963 Olivas Park Drive
Music 6-8 pm
Fri 12/4: Double Trouble

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Fri 11/27: Larry “Big House” David

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

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 11/27: Custom Made
Sat 11/28: Tex Pistols
Fri 12/4: Sean Wiggins
Sat 12/5: Triptastics

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Fri 11/27: Sublime with Rome
Sat 11/28: SuperDuperKyle
Tues 12/1: Jonathan Richman
Wed 12/2: Iamsu, Banga, Mo Stylez
Sat 12/5: Snoop Dog, Mack 10, The Eastsidaz

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

The Patio at Player’s Casino
6580 Auto Center Drive
Fri 11/27: The Bomb
Sat 11/28: Nick Jerrems

Poinsettia Pavillion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 11/30: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band
Mon 12/7: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ Co
456 E Main Street
Sat 11/28: Mark Sellers
Sun 11/29: Sheldon & Cunanne

Salzer’s Records
5777 Valentine Road
Sun 12/16: 2 pm – 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 11/28: Charlotte Dickson
Sun 11/29: Doug McRae & Ange Marie
Sat 12/5: Walt Dunlop
Sun 12/6: Boscoe’s Brood

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays:  DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 11/27: F.S.K.D., Filios, We are the Underclass, Malice Thoughts
Sat 11/28: Hubcap Stealers
Fri 12/4: The Midnight Callers, The Brothers Collective

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 11/25: Haakon Graf Trio
Fri 11/27: Jimi Hendrix BD Tribute
Sat 11/28: Bevan Manson Band
Tues 12/1: Jazz Jam
Wed 12/2: Adam Clark & Rachel Flowers
Thurs 12/3: Big Band
Fri 12/4: Cali 2 Cuba featuring Rachel Flowers
Sat 12/5: Mitch Forman Trio

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Fri: 11/27: Gypsy Stew
Sat 11/28: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 12/4: Drunken Monkey
Sat 12/5: The Bomb

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Fri 11/27: The Caverns
Sat 11/28: The Black Hips

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Sat 11/28: Raging Arb & the Red Heads, Spencer the Gardener
Fri 12/4: Candye Kane
Sun 12/6: The Bandolerso, Ray Jaurique & the Uptown Brothers, Shari Puorto, Donna Green, Deb Ryder, Kelly Zirbes & Perry Robertson, Tommy Marsh…

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Fri 11/27: The New Vibe
Sat 11/28: A.D.D.
Sun 11/29: Shawn Jones

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 8-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson
Fri 11/27: Matt Clark
Sat 11/28: Mark Heyes & Phil Salazar
Fri 12/4: Danielle Stacy
Sat 12/5: Ventura Jazz Collective

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays:  6 pm Karen Eden & Bill Macpherson; 8 pm Joey’s Acoustic Blues Jam
Tuesdays: 8:30 pm The Beers Brothers open mic
Thursdays: 8 pm The Gypsy Blues Band
Wed 11/11: 8 pm The Deal
Fri 11/13: 8 pm Caliente 805
Sat 11/14: 8 pm Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 11/15: 8 pm Action Down
Wed 11/18: 8 pm Mark Masson
Fri 11/20: 8 pm Inna Rude Mood
Sat 11/21: 8 pm Deborah Jenssen Band

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
805-643-4404
Weds:  Tommy Marsh hosts the Session
Thurs 11/12: Andre and the Giants

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 11/11: Big Adventure
Thurs 11/12: Jade Hendrix
Fri 11/13: Instone
Sat 11/14: Otis Hayes
Tues 11/17: Leigh Vance
Wed 11/18: Donna Butler
Thurs 11/19: Whelsi Gamble
Fri 11/20: Boogie Wonderland
Sat 11/21: Freddie Lopez
Tues 11/24: Paul Weitz & Donna Deussen

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
Thurs & Fri: 5:30 – 8:30 Warren Takashaki

Dargans
593 E. Main Street
Sun 11/15: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery Ventura
1888 Thompson Blvd
Acoustic Wednesday 5:30 with Kinsella Brothers
Thurs 11/12: After the Smoke
Fri 11/13: Missus Jones: Tribute to Amy Winehouse
Sat 11/14: Disco Glow featuring Nick Dean
Thurs 11/19: Tribal Theory, Dirty Rice
Fri 11/20: Diego’s Umbrella, Rainbow Girls
Sat 11/21: Skanks Roots Project featuring Janelle Phillips and Wakane

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ Also
Saturdays: DJ Erock

The Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Thurs 11/12: Swinging Utters, The Bombpops, The Loads, Success
Fri 11/13: I’d Die for Lo-Fi
Sat 11/14: Cairo Knife Fight, Darkside of the Hand, Brilliant Machine
Fri 11/20: Stalag 13, Los Creepers, Boxheads, The Hymen Blasters, The Rouse

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
Mondays Jam Night with Maggie’s Drawers
Thurdays & Fridays: Karaoke
Sat 11/14: Deaf Pilots
Sat 11/21: What the Funk

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week
Bluegrass Jam 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays
Swing night Thursdays 6:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 7 pm Polynesian Revue
Cumbia music Fridays with DJ Carlos at 9:30 pm
Reggae Sundays 8:30 pm

Gone West Wine Cellars
5963 Olivas Park Drive
Music 6-8 pm
Fri 11/13: Karen Eden
Fri 11/20: National Cat

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

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tuesdays: 8 pm open mic
Saturdays: 8 pm Tina’s Ports of Paradise
Thurs 4 pm: Kenny Devoe
Fri 11/13: 4 pm Kenny Devoe, 7 pm Del Franklin
Sun 11/15: 6 pm Rob Correll
Fri 11/20: 4 pm Kenny Devoe, 7 pm Ruben Estrada
Sun 11/22: 6 pm Artis Ford

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 11/13: Drunken Monkeys
Sat 11/14: Chill Factor
Fri 11/20: Rick Miller Band
Sat 11/21: Licorice Pizza

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
(805) 653-0721
Thurs 11/12: The Misfits, She Demons, Neblina, My Modern Valentine, The Grim
Sat 11/21: Pepper, Ballyhoo!, Katastro
Sun 11/22: Everclear

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

The Patio at Player’s Casino
6580 Auto Center Drive
Fri 11/13: Teresa Russell
Sat 11/14: Brandon Ragan
Fri 11/20: Sean Wiggins

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 11/16: Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt
Mon 11/23: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Encore
Saturdays: Beach City Sound Club

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Friday and Saturdays
10 pm Rotating DJs

Saloon BBQ Co
456 E Main Street
Sat 11/14: 9 pm Trippin’ Wild
Sun 11/15: 4 pm The Matters
Fri 11/20: 9 pm The Battlefield
Sun 11/22: 4 pm Ted Waterhouse

Salzer’s Records
5777 Valentine Road
Fri 11/13: 6 pm Nathan McEuen w/ Jesse Olema & special guests

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 11/14: Licity Collins
Sun 11/15: Eight Years Gone
Sat 11/21: Luminesse
Sun 11/22: Star Bandits

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestsnut
Sundays:  DJ Darko
Mondays: Karoake
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday
Wednesdays: Open mic with Sin Chonies
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Fri 11/13: Kings Ransom
Sat 11/14: Royalush
Fri 11/20: Bloody Reunion
Sat 11/21: The Rouse, Blank Expressions, The Disgustingtons

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 11/11: Danny Janklow & Friends
Thurs 11/12: Eric Harrington
Fri 11/13: Nee’s Bees
Sat 11/14: Doug Webb w/ Danny Carey
Tues 11/17: Jazz Jam
Wed 11/18: Tom Buckner & Friends
Thurs 11/19: Jennifer Leitham
Fri 11/20: L.J. & The Boyz
Sat 11/21: The Barrelhouse Wailers

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
(805) 6438-4709
Fri: 11/13: Big Adventure
Sat 11/14: The Sheiks
Fri 11/20: 80/80 Vision
Sat 11/21: Crosscut

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
805-644-2739
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 11/14: Gallo & Sayles
Thurs 11/19: Uproots
Sat 11/15: Dos Mocosos

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
Sunday open mics
Karaoke Tuesdays
Metal Music Wednesdays
DJs every Thursday college night
Fri 11/13: Rubberneck Lions, The NaVaNaX
Fri 11/20: The Caverns

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Fri 11/13: Hi Hat – RJ Mischo
Fri 11/20: Hi Hat – Coco Montoya

Ventura Music Factory
4531 Market Street
Fri 11/13: Two Brothers, Heroes in the Making, Lanayah, Wildlands

W20 at the Watermark
598 E. Main Street
Fri & Sat 9 – Mid; Sun 3 – 6 pm
Fri 11/13: Pleasure
Sat 11/14: The Bomb
Sun 11/15: Shawn Jones
Fri 11/20: Step Away
Sat 11/21: Instone

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Music runs 8-11 pm, Sundays at 3 pm
Mondays: Mike Cregan
Tuesdays: Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson
Thurs 11/12: Mark Heyes
Fri 11/13: Hans Ottsen
Sat 11/14: Rhythm Travels
Fri 11/20: Dan Grimm

Blues to jazz and all points in between
By Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

The Hong Kong Inn has started hosting a monthly Blues Jam Session on what will be the first Sunday of the month. The kick-off session was on Sunday November 8 with Ashford Gordon supported by Ray Jaurique, Glade Rasmussen and Chris Jensen. All players of all skill levels are welcome to sit in during the second set.

Having signed a distribution deal with Mesa Blue Moon Records last month, Nathan McEuen has been pulling out all the stops, touring more aggressively and will be making a stop at Salzer’s Records on Friday, November 13.  Get out and support Nathan who will have Jesse Olema and special guests with him, but more importantly, pick up a copy of his latest release, “Side by Side”.

Our good friend Dan Grimm with his brand of California Flip-Floppy-Tonkiness returns to the Wine Rack for a gig on Friday, November 11; there’s no denying Grimm’s love for Ventura when he sings original material such as “Two Trees” or “Ventucky.” Meanwhile, Mike Cregan continues his Monday night residency and Frank Barajas and Doug Johnson have taken over Tuesday nights.

The Channel Cities Jazz Club will feature Clyde Reaslinger Big Band on November 15 at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club in the Channel Islands Harbor. The proceeds will be split between CCJC’s Jazz Camp Scholarship fund and the Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation. Besides giving musicians of all ages a forum to perform and share jazz, the club’s mission is to build bonds between generations and to enhance musical educational opportunities for youth.

Doug Webb returns to Squashed Grapes with not only Steve Fister, Jimmy Earl and Danny Carey of Tool, but added to the mix this time will be Mike Garson on Piano. Garson has worked with the likes of David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins and No Doubt. This promises to be the epitome of the expression, “Off the Hook.” Tickets are on sale for Saturday, November 14 at Squashed Grapes; downbeat is 7 pm.

I’ll admit I’m a tad giddy with anticipation for a several shows coming up at the Majestic Ventura Theater.  There’s Pepper on November 21, Everclear’s 20th Anniversary of Sparkle and Fade on November 22 and Sublime with Rome on November 27.  By the way, Rebelution returns for two shows in March, don’t miss out and get your tickets soon as they always sell out.

And finally, local musician Gary Best has invited everyone out for an afternoon of Los Dudes at Grapes and Hops on Sunday, November 15 before he goes in for heart surgery.  He’s been taking care of the body and getting healthy, and we love and support him in all those endeavors.

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.