A Pink Sensation

Giving Pink Floyd, the Pink Panther and even Ojai’s “pink moment” some temporary competition on the color spectrum, singer-songwriter Suzanne Paris will host a release party Saturday night for her CD “Pink Lipstick.”

The friendly Texan should be happier than is allowable by law about her new album.

Recorded on a minuscule budget in what amounted to a tool shed in Oxnard, it compares favorably with pricey projects by huge rock stars backed by rich record labels.

Budgetary constraints aside, Paris has that special gift that money can’t buy--she sings better than almost anyone, which is a good way to hold down that night job.

Featuring half a dozen Paris originals--plus three penned by her partner David Holster and one that the pair co-wrote--”Lipstick” will no doubt find favor with folk-rock fans.

Paris will get a little help from her friends via a solid backup band especially assembled for the affair Saturday at Zoey’s in downtown Ventura.

On hand will be Jeffrey “Skunk” Baxter, formerly of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, who embroidered the CD with his deft but economical guitar work. Randy Cobb, another guitar hero who has played with Delbert McClinton and Bonnie Raitt, will also sit in.

On bass will be Christine Ellis-Perrior, who has played with Martha & the Motels and an array of local bands. Jo Pusateri, a much-in-demand session player, will beat those drums for the show.

The song “Bells” will feature both Loren Evans of Hyperplush (and Blimp before that) on cello, and Ojai-based singer-songwriter-painter Wendy MaHarry with backup vocals. Vocalist--and Paris’ best friend--Leslie Merical of Left of Memphis will back several other songs.

So, pretty much all the local rock stars who aren’t engaged elsewhere will be at this gig--either playing or rubbernecking.

Paris found her life’s work early on--while singing along with the Beatles at the ripe old age of 5.

Her petroleum-engineer father moved the family through Texas, Alaska, Ohio and Colorado, and at 15, she debuted professionally at the Red Dog Saloon in Lafayette, La., where she sang her own songs and covered others by Nick Drake, the Beatles and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Settling later in Colorado, Paris met songwriter Holster, and they decided that his songs and her voice could take them higher up the musical food chain.

Paris played in a number of bands in Boulder and Aspen--with her voice usually transcending the material--and she often jammed with touring rock stars.

She came to California in 1998 to expand her horizons--a trek that will bring her on Saturday to Zoey’s.

The tiny hole-in-the-wall place at the back of the historic El Jardin Patio is known for an eclectic menu and great sandwiches.

For this occasion, tables, chairs and candles will be arranged all the way down the nightspot’s long hallway to Main Street, with the entire scene festooned with pink balloons, pink lights, and, hopefully, a sea of pink-clad music fans.

“My whole goal in moving to California was to record an album, and now I finally have one that represents my own style . . . ,” Paris said. “This will be a very pleasant musical event--it’s going to be magical.”

DETAILS

Suzanne Paris at Zoey’s, 451 E. Main St., Ventura, 7:30 p.m. Saturday; $15 with CD or $10 without; 652-1137.

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Legendary reggae musician Mutabaruka is coming to the Ventura Theatre on Sunday night to lay some politically charged rhymes and rhythms on the reggae-loving public. Opening will be Lenny Dread & Rhythmwise.

Born Allen Hope in Kingston, Jamaica, he found his life changed as a teenager when he discovered poetry and Rastafarianism. After reading a poem by Rwandan poet Mutabaruka (whose name means “always victorious”) the youngster changed his name.

“Allen Hope is a European name that does not reflect an African man,” the singer says. “When I read that poem, it just felt like my destiny.”

Beginning with 1973’s “Destiny,” Mutabaruka published three volumes of poetry and, with his band, Truth, he put the words to reggae music.

Since the release of his first single, “Everytime I ‘ear De Sound,” in 1981, Mutabaruka has become well-known internationally by speaking out for black liberation from what he regards as white supremacy embodied in residues of European colonialism.

Mutabaruka has carved out a niche for himself as a spokesman for the oppressed. His family runs a health-food store in Kingston, and the singer is a strict vegetarian, refusing to use or wear any animal products whatsoever--he saves money on shoes by going barefoot.

“Music is a very powerful tool,” he says. “If you’re not using that tool for the upliftment of the race, then you should be crucified.”

DETAILS

Mutabaruka and Lenny Dread & Rhythmwise at the Ventura Theatre, 26 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday; $19; 653-0721.

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With two decades of experience behind them, those stylish purveyors of perfect pop, the Fixx, will bring their vast repertoire of catchy songs about the Big Issues to the Ventura Theatre on Thursday evening.

This gig will be sure to get a prominent spot on the resume of the opening local band, Even 3.

Back in the early ‘80s in England, when the so-called “haircut bands” seemed to be more into style than substance, the Fixx came along with a collection of impeccably performed pop songs about such weighty issues as nuclear war.

The band’s 1982 debut album “Shuttered Room” stayed on the U.K. charts for a year, and “Reach the Beach” a year later went platinum. The two albums yielded such hits as “One Thing Leads to Another,” “Red Skies,” “Stand Or Fall” and “Saved By Zero.”

And most of the original band remains together after all these years, including frontman Cy Curnin and guitarist Jamie West-Oram.

DETAILS

The Fixx and Even 3 at the Ventura Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday; $20; 653-0721.

Bill Locey can be reached by e-mail at blocey@pacbell.net.