Ventura County Weekend : ROCKTALK : Donovan All Grown Up but Still Groovy : The folk singer and ‘60s flower child brings his ethereal show to Ventura Theatre.

Former flower child, but now approaching the Big Five-0 and, thus, flower man, Donovan will croon Saturday night for the once solidly--but now sorta--psychedelic at the Ventura Theatre. Once compared to Bob Dylan in the acoustic pantheon of folk singer gods, Donovan was the one from Scotland who could actually carry a tune. His voice has changed little since his debut 30 years ago. The gentle protest singer and later cosmic guru had so many hits he can now probably afford to use his last name, Leitch. “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Catch the Wind,” “Mellow Yellow” and many others live long and prosper on oldies radio.

Donovan, who had nine hits crack the Top 30, first appeared on the music scene in 1965, when even LBJ had fans and the war in Southeast Asia was still considered “winnable.” His debut single, “Catch the Wind” made it to No. 23 and the album hit No. 30. The next year, “Sunshine Superman” went to No. 1 and Donovan was on his way. Even when the airplay went away in the mid-’70s, Donovan did not, continuing to tour--just a guy, a guitar and a lot of stories.

There’s a definite ethereal quality to a Donovan show, which would seem conducive to masses of flowers sprouting up and perhaps even a flyby from Tinkerbell. And there is always a lot of sing-along action by the once groovy on their big night out. Southern cross will open the 8 p.m. show.

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The most successful band in the 805 area code, Santa Barbara’s Toad The Wet Sprocket, has released a between-real-albums album. “In Light Syrup” consists of a bunch of outtakes and songs that for one reason or other never before made it out of Columbia’s deep vaults. It is a smooth and seamless collection of pop-rock gems, including “Good Intentions” from the soundtrack from the hit show “Friends.”

The platinum-selling Toad boys clearly have gone far since the days when they used to open for the Mudheads and the I-Rails in Isla Vista.

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“The Fantasy Contest” sponsored by local radio station Q-105 concluded last Thursday night in scenic Wagon Wheel Junction at Leonardo’s. The fantasy portion did not include the chance to grovel at Madonna’s feet during her next video or get lost in the smoke with the Black Crowes. Rather, these winners received recording time in the studio.

Not some endless Battle of the Bands scenario, the contest began a month ago, and the station received well over 100 entries. The semi-finalist field was cut down to 10, then D. Lawrence from Oxnard, singing an original song, “Let Me Ease Your Mind,” was named the winner. He lands recording time from Sony Music, plus his stuff gets turned over to the monster label’s Artist and Repertoire department. Second place went to Victor Marten & Friends from Santa Barbara--also earning a listen from the powers that be in the A&R; department.

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Santa Barbara is having a benefit concert for the Voter Approval Oil Initiative on Tuesday night at the Lobero Theatre. Graham Nash and David Crosby and his new liver will provide the soundtrack for putting a boil on Big Oil. If passed, the initiative will give the voters the final say on the majority of new Central Coast oil and gas projects. Tickets are $25, or about a tank of gas, for the 7:30 p.m. show. Call 963-0761 to learn more.

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Is “The X Files” too scary? Lost without Geraldo hyperventilating over sensational murder trials involving USC running backs? Clearly, you need live rock ‘n’ roll. Here’s where I’d be if I had a faster car, a richer girlfriend or both:

TONIGHT: Simple Phunkshun (Bombay Bar & Grill, Ventura).

FRIDAY: The Buds (Hungry Hunter, Thousand Oaks), Finnhead (Harbor Lights, Oxnard), Tijuana Hound Dogs (Eric Ericsson’s, Ventura), Ska Daddyz (Bombay), Raging Arb & the Redheads (Nicholby’s, Ventura).

SATURDAY: The Buds (Hungry Hunter), Blue Stew (HiCees, Ventura), Donovan, Southern Cross (Ventura Theatre), Ska Daddyz (Bombay), Sun-60 (Nicholby’s).

SUNDAY: Blue Stew (HiCees), Bill Coffey, John Trudell (Nicholby’s), Jackie Lomax (Cafe Voltaire, Ventura), Rick Reeves & the Future Blues Band (Deer Lodge, Meiners Oaks).

MONDAY: Urban Dread (Pelican’s Retreat, Calabasas).