There is no better place than Ventura for “a seaside celebration of music and community.” That’s the tagline for Maybe It Was the Roses Music Festival, a three-day celebration of the music, spirit and connection inspired by the legacy of the Grateful Dead and Bob Weir. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura Friday, May 29 through Sunday May 31. I’ve seen speculation that this replaces the defunct Skull and Roses, but who cares, if they pull this one off! Performances include those by Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Dead Aces, Stu Allen with Mars Hotel, Jerry & Dawg, and many more. Get the lowdown at GoldenRoadFestival.com. And in case you’re wondering, “maybe it was the roses” is a lyric from “It Must Have Been the Roses” from the Grateful Dead. More information at GoldenRoadFestival.com.
Earlier the same month, the California Strawberry Festival falls over the weekend of May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Along with all the fabulous strawberry concoctions, there will be arts and crafts, Strawberryland for the kids, a festival fun zone with carnival rides, and of course lots of live entertainment spread throughout the venue on a minimum of four stages. Some of the highlights will be Hot Southern Nights, The Long Run Eagles Experience, Corazon de Mana, Kings of Queen, and a special appearance by the Ventura College Jazz Band. Information at CAStrawberryFestival.org.
Moorpark’s High Street Arts Center added their summer tribute series to the calendar for dates July 31 through August 16. Tributes to Bruno Mars, Motown, Country, Billy Joel, Selena, Elvis and surf music. Shows do sell out, so secure your tickets now at HighStreetArtsCenter.com…