Sounding the 805
What’s up, Doc, with the MAVRIC Awards? Plus, Zoey’s on the move and Nardcore gets inked
By Chris Mastrovito 02/11/2010
Many musicians in the Ventura County scene have been lucky enough to participate in the MAVRIC Independent Music Awards. The competition and ceremony for Ventura County musicians was founded by Doc Rogers in 2007, and has honored such artists as Delaney Gibson, Champagne Sunday, Ashford Gordon, Franklin for Short and Jetstream. But, suddenly, it seems that MAVRIC may be no more.
Rogers says that there is no one willing to help pay for it this year. “The people I approached were more interested in how they would benefit financially,” says Rogers glumly. He began the project with money out of his own pocket and support from a few local businesses. “In the end, we all benefit from the cultural existence of a vibrant music community,” he says, “but unfortunately, the people I spoke to didn’t see it that way.”
John Anagnos of the local rock band Aces High, winners in the 2008 Best Live Performance category, says the awards really had the potential to benefit the Ventura County music community as a whole, and had great value for unknown artists who were given the opportunity to get noticed. “They gave all of the talented, hard working local acts around here a shot at recognition. People in the music industry are going to want to know exactly what you have managed to do on your own. When someone hears you won an award, it makes you credible,” he said. “It’s really an awful shame.”
Zoeys Café, the restaurant and music venue/haven for many local and touring singer-songwriters, is moving from its current location in the El Jardin Courtyard in downtown Ventura, to its new home at 185 E. Santa Clara St. The former Hush Lounge location is a serious upgrade for space, with dozens more available seats for the artists to fill with listeners, and a much bigger kitchen and bar from which to serve them all. Though slightly farther from Main Street foot traffic, owner Steve Hoganson remains confident. “We’re pretty much a destination spot, so people will come to see their favorite singer, whether it’s on Main Street, Santa Clara or the moon,” he said. The move is expected to happen in April. Keep watching this column for more details on Zoey’s apparent departure to outer space.
It still sucks to be in Haiti, but the good news is, even if you missed the benefit concert at the Lodge or Charline’s two recent fundraisers, there is another chance to help out and get rocked by some good bands. This Friday, Feb 12, Rock City Studios in Camarillo is putting together a huge Haiti benefit show. On the flyer are Thousand Oaks and Calabasas punk/alternative bands Blackout 101, the Braces and the Sheds plus Moorpark acoustic singer-songwriter Misty Ide, Steven Hurr and Ventura rockers Westbound Asylum, Dirty Words and Softsilence. $8 pre-sale is a reasonable price to see a ton of bands and have a good conscience. All proceeds go toward Haiti relief.
Check out a day’s worth of nardcore at The Pain Parlor Tattoos in Oxnard this Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. for the parlor’s grand re-opening. The show is all-ages and free and will feature live music by local punk legends Dr. Know playing alongside The Last Priority, A Global Warning, Radio Threat and Gutter Poets. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can get your own Nardcore tattoo for only $20, with all proceeds being donated to Teen Challenge, a free treatment and recovery program, in the name of the late Taylor Cortez, who passed away in December. He was the son of Ill Repute guitarist Tony Cortez. Details can be found at www.painparlortattoo.com.
Sounding the 805 is Ventura County’s only biweekly local music column. If you have a tip, a suggestion, a complaint, some dish or just a kind word, shoot Chris Mastrovito an e-mail.
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