The Musicians Association Of Ventura County

LOCAL 581

Description of Musical Acts
For booking information contact:
Mike Ley at (805) 650-0023 or
Email at venturamusic@sbcglobal.net

VENTURA COUNTY'S BEST MUSIC - TRULY GREAT ENTERTAINMENT BY PROFESSIONALS

BLUEGRASS

"ROUGHCUT" - A Bluegrass and Country band that has been appearing in the area for several years. They travel throughout the tri-county's playing concerts, parties, parades ... almost any venue. They appear either amplified or acoustic.

"CODY BRYANT" - Classic Country/Bluegrass - Featured many times at Disneyland, Universal City and Knott's Berry Farm, Cody plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and sings all the classic country/bluegrass tunes. He has been voted Banjo Player of the Year by LA Weekly magazine. codybryant.com

BLUES - RHYTHM & BLUES

"JOHN MARX AND THE BLUES PATROL" - Guitarist and vocalist John Marx is one of the area's most popular blues artists. "The Patrol" has been a blues fixture in Southern California for many years. The real thing.

BRASS BAND

"THE BEACH CITIES BRASS" - Brass Quintet - This quality brass band is famous throughout the tri-counties playing virtually any and all venues. Needs no amplification. Group can scale down to 3 or 4 if necessary. Great music!

CARIBBEAN - REGGAE

"IRIE" - This polished group performs original Reggae/Caribbean compositions as well as the music of the Top 40 artists such as Bob and Ziggy Marley, Arrow, Peter Tosh and Steel Pulse. Exciting entertainment.

CELTIC

"CAIRNGORN" - Flute and harp duo specializing in authentic Irish, Scottish and Welsh music. This duo features Marianna Franco-Sommer and John Robles performing popular Celtic classics and original compositions.

CHILDREN

"JAMIE SHAHEEN" - "Everybody's Happier When They're Singing" is the sing-along show developed by this talented performer for Disneyland. Jamie is the #1 children's entertainer in Southern California

CLASSICAL - EASY LISTENING

"AMBROSIA STRING QUARTET" - This all female quartet delivers classical sounds from Bach to the Beatles. ambrosiastrings.com

"STRING VARIATIONS" - One of Ventura County's favorite ensembles featuring classical music by the world's greatest composers.

"WOMEN OF NOTE" - All female flute-string ensemble performing the finest of classical and easy listening music. Can perform as duo, trio or quartet.

"WINDSTRING" - Flute/guitar/vocal duo combining two of the areas most distinguished musicians - Carlos Gonzales and Mariana Franco-Sommer. A unique presentation of classical and easy listening music.

"ANN ERWIN ENSEMBLE" - Flute-string duo/trio/quartet playing classical and light classical selections.

"SANTA BARBARA STRING PLAYERS" - Versatile due, trio or quartet performing classical selections as well as the modern, easy listening tunes. kirviola@yahoo.com

"THE LEGACY TRIO" - Piano-string trio - classical, light classical, easy listening - three of Ventura's finest musicians team up for a great musical experience - perfect for weddings, parties, other events - add a touch of class to any occasion.

"ELIZABETH PITCAIRN" - Classical violin virtuoso performs violin and piano recitals throughout the US - featured violinist with The New West Symphony and many other orchestras in the area - a true classical musical experience. elizabethpitcairn.com

COUNTRY

"SWEET COUNTRY" - A very popular local country band that goes from traditional to hot new country sounds. Recently opened for Travis Tritt and Randy Travis. One of Ventura County's premier country bands.

"THE RHYTHM RANGERS" - Voted the area's #1 band. This group combines classic rock, rhythm & blues and hot new country. Their debut CD received considerable regional radio airplay. rrangers.com

"CODY BRYANT" - Classic country/bluegrass - featured many times at Disneyland, Universal City, and Knott's Berry Farm, Cody plays banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and sings all the classic country/bluegrass tunes. codybryant.com

"BOB AND WARNER - COUNTRY TROUBADOURS" - Two longtime Ventura County entertainers specializing in "Country music the way it used to sound!" Can perform acoustic or amplified.

"3 SHEETS 2 THE WIND" - Mix a little country with some rock, bluegrass and blues and a standard or two and you're listening to "The Wind." Acoustic, amplified, stationary or strolling these guys are great.

"SMITH-NEWTON" - This polished duo specializes in classic country and rock and roll with that extra touch that makes every event they play a complete success.

"JACK OF DIAMONDS" - A great combination of western and classic country featuring the powerful voice of Paul Hendel backed up by Ventura's finest musicians, a crowd pleaser.

"LITTLE BIT O' COUNTRY" - Exciting piano/bass/vocal duo that covers all the classic country. Mix that with a standard or two and you have really big sound from a little package.

DIXIELAND

"LEROY ANDREWS ORCHESTRA" - (3 TO 6 piece) Traditional Dixieland sounds. This versatile group specializes in Dixie and swing but can play virtually any kind of music.

"MAIN ST. JAZZ" - Traditional Dixieland at its best. Led by Bill Schneider, this group has been entertaining Dixieland fans in the Ventura area for many years.

"THE PALACE HOT SOCIETY ORCHESTRA" - Possibly the only band of its kind in the area, this 12 piece outfit performs authentic 20's music. ojaimusicservice.com/palace.aspx

EDUCATIONAL

"CRAIG NEWTON" - Single act - Historical journey through America's music - featuring an array of instruments including guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, tin whistle, indian flute, trombone - from Yankee Doodle to rock n' roll - lots of sing-a-long, fun, and hand clapping.

"LOS ANGELES PERCUSSION QUINTET" - Percussion music for any educational setting - featuring timpani, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel, bass drum, triangle, tambourine, snare drum, tom toms, and lots more - an amazing experience!

"FLUTE MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS" - Solo flutist Ann Erwin plays music by women composers. This program can be tailored for audiences from sixth graders to adults, and in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Especially good in March, Women's History Month.

HAWAIIAN - SOUTH PACIFIC

"VANESSA AND CHARLIE" - Versatility is the word for this amazing duo. They play from 40's swing to classic rock, country and Hawaiian music. You ask for it...they can play it!.

"DEEP SEA BAND" - If you want to go back to the days of Rock Oldies, Motown, the 60's and 70's plus Hawaiian/Tropical - This exciting group will take you there. (4 to 7 members. DeepSeaBand.com

JAZZ

"EPICENTER" - Jazz Trio - Great jazz - Latin, smooth, funk - they play all the styles including dance music - lead by sax player Joseph Luna.

"JIM CALIRE" - Jim has recorded and toured with many major artists, such as the group "America". This keyboard-sax-vocalist continues to "wow" the audience. Perfect for all occasions.

"DOMINO AFFECT" - Led by sax-vocalist Craig Thomas, this group combines jazz, blues and funk in an easy to dance to sound. Craig has played and recorded with artists such as The Temptations and Loggins & Messina.

"DUNBAR DUET/TRIO" - Jazz and standards - trio or duet. This group is very popular so don't wait until the last minute.

"THE FRED MCFADDEN BAND" - Jazz and standards - Led by the piano artistry of Fred McFadden, this band ranges in size from duo's to full orchestras.

"TONE POETS" - Original "Smooth " jazz - a truly great sounding group featuring the Southland's best musicians playing original jazz tunes that just fall into that "Groove."

"ELOQUENT QUARTER" - "EQ" is a straight-ahead jazz group playing standards from the Great American Songbook, Bossa Nova's and Standards from the 50's, 60's and 70's. EQ can play any size venue from auditorium to living room. Duo, trio, quartet.

"MIKE SAUL" - Solo piano or ensemble - main stream Jazz is Mike's specialty - he has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in Jazz - the right choice for any occasion.

"EQUINOX" - Big band playing all the great swing and jazz standards. Led by Rafe Hernandez, this group features the best musicians in the area. equinoxensemble.com

"HENRY FRANKLIN THE SKIPPER AND CREW" - Having working with Hugh Masekela, Freddy Hubbard, Count Basie, and Stevie Wonder, Henry knows and is Jazz. henryfranklin.com

LATIN BANDS

"NUESTRO" - One of the area's most popular Latin bands. This award winning group combines Latin, jazz, salsa, cojuento and Mexican rock & roll to give a sound that is so danceable you can't sit down. "Nuestro" is not just a band but an event! (9 piece)

"BENISE" - Trio - Journey through world beat Latin rhythms, fiery flamenco melodies, smooth jazz and cool urban grooves, an impassioned blend of Spanish guitar and piano artistry creating an exquisite and enchanting atmosphere of "Nouveau Flamenco."

MARIACHI

"LOS BOHEMIOS" - Trio - Classic, Authentic Mariachi music from one of Southern California's foremost trios. Led by guitarist Max Razo, this group is perfect for any venue. They can appear in authentic Mexican costumes or casual ... whatever the event requires.

"GRUPO SOL Y MAR"- Authentic folk music from Veracruz - Appearing at concerts from Portland to San Diego - this bright Mexican folk music will make your wedding or party a happy event.

OMM - PA - PA

"TIM'S GERMAN OOM-PA-PA BAND" - That's right, the real stuff - 7 piece band playing all your favorite polkas, waltzes, and marches in true German tradition. It doesn't have to be Octoberfest to enjoy this band...(But it couldn't hurt!)

ROCK 'N ROLL

"JACK MAC AND THE HEART ATTACK" - This famous group is classic rock at its absolute best. Don't wait until the last minute ... these guys are very busy.

"THE RHYTHM RANGERS" - Voted the area's #1 this group combines classic rock, rhythm & blues and hot new country. rrangers.com

"E'NUFF SAID" - This group (4 to 10 members) led by drummer Keith Capsuto plays a driving combination of funk, soul, R&B and rock - Exciting!

"CRAIG NEWTON BAND" - Featuring a variety of music ranging from classic rock to country to blues - good dance tunes and crowd pleasing harmonies - great for parties, outdoor events, concerts and more.

"FELONIOUS FUNK" - Featuring former members of many famous bands, this group plays R&B, Pop, Funk, and oldies they way they should be. The sounds of James Brown, Sam and Dave, Average White Band, etc. Fund and exciting!.

"45 RPM" - If you like classic rock from the 50's, 60's and 70's mixed in with some blues and country, this is the group for you. A favorite in Ventura County for many years. Skip Straw - 805-498-2848.

"THE CRAIG THOMAS BAND" - Driving rock, funky jazz, soulful R&B are the heart and soul of this exciting group - led my singer/sax master Craig Thomas - this group will take your party to a new level - weddings, parties, concerts, outdoor events - HOT!

"HELD OVER" - Classic Rock 'N' roll they way it should be played - one of the tri-county's most exciting rock groups - don't wait, they're busy!

"GROOVE UNIVERSE" - Blend classic Rock, with some Blues, some Reggae, some Country, and you're in the groove...The Groove Universe. Grooveuniverseband.com

"DEEP SEA BAND" - If you want to go back to the days of Rock Oldies, Motown, the 60's and 70's plus Hawaiian/Tropical - This exciting group will take you there. (4 to 7 members. DeepSeaBand.com

SWING- BIG BAND

"VANESSA & CHARLIE" - Versatility is the word for this amazing duo. They play from 40's swing to classic rock, country and Hawaiian music. You ask for it ... they can play it!

"RALPH SCAFFIDI ORCHESTRA" - Big band music focusing on classic swing as well as all other styles of ballroom dancing. If you want great dancing, this is the band for you.

"SOCIAL CLIMBERS" - (4 to 10 piece) Swing/foxtrot, standards, Broadway show tunes, light rock & roll, blues and ethnic. This band will make your party a success!

"EQUINOX" - Big band playing all the great swing and jazz standards. Led by Rafe Hernandez, this group features the best musicians in the area. equinoxensemble.com

"LEROY ANDREWS ORCHESTRA" - (3 to 6 piece) A fixture in the Ventura area, this versatile orchestra specializes in the "Big Band" standards but can play any kind of music. "Everything except hard rock" as Leroy would say.

"TIMOTHY SEEHUSEN'S BIG BAND" - If you like big band music the way it used to be played then this is the band for you. All the great big band songs - played by Southern California's best players.

"MOONLIGHT ORCHESTRA" - Ed Nani leads this sensational orchestra - featuring swing, jazz, latin and light rock - big band music the way you like it arranged for your listening and dancing pleasure.

"THE OJAI BIG BAND" - This 15 piece band with singer Jan Nelsen and Jim Calire on piano specializes in hits from the Big Band Era as well as more modern but danceable arrangements. ojaimusicservice.com/ojaibigband

VARIETY

"THE RHYTHM RANGERS" - Voted the area's #1 band. This group combines classic rock, rhythm & Blues and hot new country. Their debut CD received considerable regional radio airplay. rrangers.com

"JIM CLAIRE" - Jim has recorded and toured with many major artists, such as the group "America". This keyboard-sax-vocalist continues to "WOW" the audience. Perfect for all occasions.

"THE FRED MCFADDEN BAND" - Jazz and standards - Led by the piano artistry of Fred McFadden, this band ranges in size from duo's to full orchestras.

"VANESSA & CHARLIE" - Versatility is the word for this amazing duo. They play from 40's swing to classic rock, country and Hawaiian music. You ask for it ... they can play it!

"LINDA FERN AND DON FAY" - One of Ventura's finest duos - they play everything with skill and class - standards, Jazz, Classical, Show Tunes.

"GROOVE UNIVERSE" - Blend classic Rock, with some Blues, some Reggae, some Country, and you're in the groove...The Groove Universe. Grooveuniverseband.com

WEDDING BANDS

"JIM CALARIE" - One of the area's most popular musicians. Jim will deliver the entertainment you're looking for. Specializing in weddings, concerts, corporate events, etc.

"PETER HUME" - Weddings, parties, and bar-mitzvahs are Peter's specialty. Having worked with Melissa Manchester, Paul Williams, Barbara Streisand, Michael McDonald, and others, Peter knows the right music to play.

"THE RHYTHM RANGERS" - Voted the area's #1 band. This group combines classic rock, rhythm & Blues and hot new country. Their debut CD received considerable regional radio airplay. rrangers.com

"VANESSA & CHARLIE" - Versatility is the word for this amazing duo. They play from 40's swing to classic rock, country and Hawaiian music. You ask for it ... they can play it!

"LINDA FERN AND DON FAY" - One of Ventura's finest duos - they play everything with skill and class - standards, Jazz, Classical, Show Tunes.

"GROOVE UNIVERSE" - Blend classic Rock, with some Blues, some Reggae, some Country, and you're in the groove...The Groove Universe. Grooveuniverseband.com

"THE OJAI BIG BAND" - When you want to go all out...this 15 piece band with singer Jan Nelsen will add more than a touch of class to your celebration. ojaimusicservice.com/ojaibigband

WESTERN

"RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE" - World famous western band started in 1943 by Foy Willing. Gold records include: "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "Cool Water", "Tumbling Tumbleweeds". From traditional western to bluegrass, to western swing, the "Riders" are the real thing.
ridersofthepurplesage.com

"PAUL HENDELL" - Powerful Western entertainer - Single or group - Blend of traditional and modern Western music with a helping of classic country. Paul has been appearing throughout the Western states.

SOLO ARTISTS

"CHARLIE MYERSON" - Versatile solo vocal/guitar playing everything including show tunes, standards, Dixieland, international, pop and country.

"CARLOS GONZALES" - Considered one of Southern California's premier classical guitarists. As fine a guitarist as you will every hear.

"FRED MCFADDEN" - Piano/vocal solo or ensemble. Jazz, pop, standards, variety. Fred is the "Pianoman".

"LARRY DUNCAN" - Solo guitar - Jazz and standards - Chord melody - One of the area's most popular guitarists. A complete one person show.

"ANN ERWIN" - Solo flute - Classical and easy listening. Ann is a long time favorite of Ventura County.

"CRAIG NEWTON" - Solo vocal/guitar - Featuring a variety of acoustic rock and singer/songwriter songs ala James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Beatles, and more.

"SHARON COOPER" - Solo violin - A truly great violinist performing a unique blend of classical and easy listening favorites.

"C.J. CHIMENTI" - "C.J. The D.J." - Solo vocal/guitar featuring a variety of rock & country stylings ala Eagles, Clapton, Brooks & Dunn, Creedence, James Taylor, etc.

"ELIZABETH PITCAIRN" - Solo violin - Classical and easy listening music performed by one of the tri-counties premier violinists.

"TIMOTHY SEEHUSEN" - Solo piano or ensemble - Jazz, standards, pop - an exciting variety of piano stylings performed by one of Ventura County's truly gifted pianists.

"RON WILSON" - Solo guitar - from classical to modern easy listening music - Ron can play it all - the way you want to hear it - perfect for all occassions.

"JOHN ROBLES" - Solo folk harp - Celtic harp, Paraguyan harp, or Veracruz harp - take your choice - beautiful folk harp music - perfect for weddings or that special event.

"RON SEXTON" - Solo guitar/vocal - jazz, rock, country, pop - a mixture of great music - an entire orchestra from a one man band.

"ED HITE" - Solo jazz guitar - playing the great American jazz songbook, bossa novas, and standards from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

"MIKE SAUL" - Solo Piano or ensemble - jazz, rock, blues, pop, classical standards - Mike has performed throughout the U.S. - His music is always perfect for any occasion.

"SCOTT MacDONALD" - Solo piano and vocal - A long time favorite in the Ventura area - Scott sings and plays your favorites with that "Smooth and classy style".

"HEATHER LEVIN" - Solo piano or ensemble - A truly gifted performer - Jazz, standards, rock, blues, classical, ragtime - Any style for any occassion.

"ALAN THORNHILL" - Solo guitar and vocal - "As good as it gets" - Add talent to an amazing repertoire and you have pure entertainment.

"KENNY LEE LEWIS" - Solo guitar and vocal - blend a little light Rock, Folk, Jazz and some standards and you're listening to Kenny.

"ROBERTA CROWDER" - Solo guitar and vocal - Country, Rock, Country Blues, and Bluegrass done in Roberta's "Original Southern Style" - a truly unique performer.

"LINDA FERN FAY" - Solo piano and vocal - Jazz, Show Tunes, standards, Classical - all done with class - one of the area's most popular entertainers.

NOTE: Many of our larger groups can scale down their act to accommodate smaller venues. Here is a list of groups that are or can be duos or trios.

DUO'S

"JOHN MARX" - Blues

"THE RON SEXTON DUO" - Variety

"JIM CALARIE" - Variety

"SMITH-NEWTON" - Country/Rock

"VANESSA AND CHARLIE" - Variety

"DUNBAR DUET" - Jazz

"ANN ERWIN" - Classical/Easy Listening

"SANTA SUZANNA STRINGS" - Classical/Easy Listening

"CAIRNGORN" - Celtic

"BOB AND WARNER - COUNTRY TROUBADORS" - Classic Country

"WOMEN OF NOTE" - Classical/Easy Listening

"WINDSTRING" - Classical/Easy Listening/Latin

"ED HITE AND KATYE" (See "EQ") - Jazz Guitar and Vocal Duo

"LITTLE BIT O' COUNTRY" - Classic Country - Piano/Bass/Vocals

"MIKE SAUL" - Jazz, Standards, Variety

"HEATHER LEVIN" - Jazz, Standards, Variety

"FRED MCFADDEN" - Piano, Vocals - Variety

"LINDA FERN AND DON FAY" - Variety - Vocals

"DEEP SEA BAND" - Golden Oldies, Rock, Motown - Vocals

TRIO'S

"3 SHEETS 2 THE WIND" - Classic Country

"JIM CLARIE" - Variety

"JOHN MARX" - Blues

"CODY BRYANT TRIO" - Classic Country/Bluegrass

"LEROY ANDREWS BAND" - Variety/Swing

"CRAIG NEWTON BAND" - Country/Rock

"WOMEN OF NOTE" - Classical/Easy Listening

"SANTA SUZANNA STRINGS" - Classical/Easy Listening

"EPICENTER" - Jazz

"LOS BOHEMIOS" - Mariachi

"RON SEXTON TRIO" - Variety

"JACK OF DIAMONDS" - Western and Classic Country

"ELOQUENT QUARTER ("EQ") - Jazz - Vocals

"THE LEGACY TRIO" - Piano/String - Classical, Light Classical

"MIKE SAUL" - Jazz, Standards, Variety

"HEATHER LEVIN" - Jazz, Standards, Variety

"FRED McFADDEN" - Piano, Vocals - Variety

"DEEP SEA BAND" - Golden Oldies, Rock, Motown - Vocals