Retro Ripples
You never know when it’s going to be Halloween at Lake Casitas. In recent months, the place has been invaded by knights in armor and damsels in distress, cowboys and armed Civil War soldiers. On Saturday, the retro fest Lake Rattle & Roll should attract a lot of swing-dance fans who look like extras from noir gangster films.
This event is the brainchild of promoter Michael Kaufer, also responsible for the annual Bowlful of Blues in Ojai and last year’s Groove Fest at Lake Casitas.
“After Groove Fest last year, we wanted to do another event at the lake,” said Kaufer. “It’s going to be a ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s time-capsule thing, sort of a nostalgia fair. There will be a vintage atmosphere to relive the good ol’ days.”
The “good” from the good ol’ days will be the clothes, the cars and the music; with hope, the bad ol’ days of World War II, Korea the Cold War and Vietnam will be postponed for a less joyous affair. Lake Rattle & Roll will feature exhibits of vintage cars and motorcycles, plus retro fashions, toys and comic books you can no longer afford, and more.
Ruben’s Mexican food, Woody’s Bodacious Barbecue and Ojai Pizza will handle the munchies in fine fashion, plus the usual liquid refreshments will be available. There’s to be a special dance floor constructed for the Lindy Hoppers and the rest of the swing-dancing community.
Providing the soundtrack will be John Marx & the Blues Patrol, Flattop Tom & the Jump Cats, and the Jim Calire Trio, featuring Jerry Pugh.
John Marx has been playing jazz-flavored blues guitar at local venues since he left the Navy in 1978. Jim Calire, keyboard player extraordinaire, and Jerry Pugh, legendary local guitarist, have together or alone been in about 50% of all local bands. And Flattop Tom Hall does that swing dance thing--and dresses to impress.
Lake, Rattle & Roll will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate. Call (805) 646-7230.
*
The Heritage Concert Series in Oxnard is in full swing, and Friday’s lineup, featuring the Convertibles, the Chicklettes, and Steve White and the Barstool Pigeons, is hot enough to burn off the summer fog. It’s sort of an inbred affair: Guitarist Mike Fishell is in all three bands; vocalist and keyboard player Steve White is in all but the Chicklettes; and Mary Kay Burke is in all but the Barstool Pigeons. Got that?
White, Fishell and his sister, Burke, started the Convertibles about a decade ago to do blues, originals and danceable classic rock. The Barstool Pigeons is more of the same but gives White top billing because he is such a capable vocalist. The Chicklettes--Burke, Marjorie Extract and Lisa Fisher--do girl group songs from the days when radio was cool.
The 6 p.m. show is free or will cost $1 if you want a lawn seat. The venue is at 715 South A St. in Oxnard. Call (805) 483-7960.
*
If the Red Cove and the Rendezvous Room in Ventura can have bands, why not the Star Lounge? It’s another location better known for the liquid capacity of its patrons than its entertainment schedule. The Star added live music recently, and I don’t mean karaoke, either. For the last few weeks, it’s been Michelle--just Michelle--doing classic rock and gospel tunes. She returns for a Saturday night gig at the lounge, 343 E. Main St.
Meanwhile, across the street at the Rendezvous Room on the same night, it’s original rock from Premonition. And Teresa Russell, with a repertoire of over 500 songs, will play the Star Lounge on Aug. 2. Can live music at the Derrick Room and Town & Country be far off?
*
The Ventura Chapter of Hells Angels will sponsor a benefit Saturday to raise funds for Gull Wings Children’s Museum. Signicci, which is more or less an acoustic Raging Arb & the Redheads, will perform along with Ruin, Slow Kids and Enok. The show starts at 4 p.m. at the group’s clubhouse, 65 Fix Way in Ventura. Tickets are $10. Call 653-9493.
*
A new band, Bobgoblin, will perform tonight at Nicholby’s in Ventura. The 9:30 p.m. show is free. Bobgoblin has a new album, “The 12-Point Master Plan,” just out on MCA. Nicholby’s is at 404 E. Main St. Call 653-2320.
BE THERE
Lake, Rattle & Roll, featuring John Marx & the Blues Patrol on Saturday at 1 p.m.; Jim Calire Trio at 3 p.m., Flattop Tom & the Jumpcats at 5:15 p.m. Lake Casitas, 11311 Santa Ana Road, Oak View. 1-7 p.m. $10 advance, $12 at the door. (805) 646-7230.