ROCKS’NARD Discover the city’s musical legacy

QUENTIN FLOYD

RADIO DJ, 99.3 FM RHYTHM OF THE COAST

Music in Oxnard is alive and rocking! Enjoy live music at the 805 LIVE, a monthly music event that takes place in various locations around Oxnard. Visiting for the weekend? I recommend stopping by 1901 Speakeasy. The atmosphere, ambiance and staff makes 1901 my favorite place to enjoy live music in Oxnard and as you’re driving around Oxnard, check out our radio stations. The “Mambo in the Morning and the 805 Locals” radio show is a favorite.

Beats By Oxnard

Get the perfect soundtrack for your Central Coast getaway! We bring you the official playlist of Oxnard — featuring a mix of Latin, rock, indie, hip-hop and electro-pop artists who’ve lived and recorded right here in the “Strawberry Capital of California.” Scan this QR Code to open the Spotify app and listen.

Rocks’nard

Turn up the volume for Oxnard in audio. by Brittney Hendricks

When it comes to rocking out, no one does it like Oxnard. Thanks to a vibrant music scene that has produced some of the biggest names in rock, hip-hop, metal and more, this beloved beach town has become a musical mecca in its own right. Discover rising stars at one of the city’s popular venues, dance the day (and night) away at a music festival, or check out a piece of music history.

Locals in the Limelight

Beginning in the first half of the 20th century, Oxnard served as an escape for actors, artists, musicians and producers seeking refuge from the chaotic mix of Angeleno life. After an influx of Hollywood stars — including Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne — famous musicians started to follow, flocking to the city’s coastal neighborhoods. From iconic ’60s duo Sonny and Cher to Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl, Oxnard continues to be a home-base for some of the biggest names in music.

Oxnard has produced plenty of stars, too. Bigname artists such as Oxnard native and Grammy winner Anderson .Paak got their start right here in the city, and entire genres of music have taken off within city limits. Take “Nardcore,” for instance — a musical style emphasizing raw sounds and turbulent tempo changes. This influential hardcore punk-rock subgenre originated in Oxnard in the 1970s and gave rise to bands like Agression, Dr. Know, Nails and Ill Repute.

And Oxnard’s hip-hop scene has produced top-tier talent including Declaime, Lootpack, Madlib and M.E.D. — integral game changers in West Coast hip-hop’s eclectic, neo-soul stylings of the late ’90s. Today, a new generation of local music influencers are taking the stage: Anderson, Paak, Brooke Candy and Cola Boyy are topping charts with their festivalworthy verses, turning ears Oxnard’s way to hear what’s next to come.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Landmark

The L.A. Times called it “a place of such hyper-coolness that it operated without any buzz at all.” The newspaper was referring to Oxnard’s Teatro — a rundown cinema turned recording studio where some of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest artists have imprinted their musical signature, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Iggy Pop and Kenny Rogers, to name just a few. Willie Nelson famously recorded an entire album here in 1998, using the building’s iconic façade for the album’s cover. Closed in 2000, the recording studio remains padlocked behind Teatro’s doors — a slice of music history hidden away on the corner of Oxnard Boulevard and Sixth Street.

Drum Roll Please…

By private appointment only, visitors can book a weekday tour of the world headquarters for Drum Workshop, an internationally acclaimed drum kit and hardware manufacturer founded in 1972. Drum Workshop boasts an impressive artist roster, including Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Neil Peart (Rush) and Josh Freese (The Vandals, Guns N’ Roses and Devo).

Also locally grown, Era Drum Company is an Oxnard-based kit builder dressing shells in glitter, pearlescent and wood finishes worthy of thunderous applause.

Guitar-maker Larrivée also calls Oxnard home. A Toronto transplant, the company prides itself on its craftsmanship by hand-picking tone woods from forests in India, Spain and other countries.

Summer Concerts & Music Festivals

Music is in the air every summer in Oxnard. Catch timeless classics from rock ‘n’ roll cover bands at Rock the Collection in Collection Park, sail through sound waves at Peninsula Park’s Concerts by the Sea or explore eclectic music genres surrounded by Victorian-era houses at Summer Concerts at Heritage Square.

Come to the Oxnard Salsa Festival for all things salsa — the spicy sauce and the music — and stay for the festivities, including a battle of the bands, dancing with the community stars and a kid’s zone.

The expansive lawns of Oxnard Beach Park set the stage for the Oxnard Jazz Festival, a day-long celebration of jazz in all its forms.

Live Music Venues

Revel in live music at Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen, which features a rotation of resident bands, or slow down to marina melodies at The Waterside Restaurant. Catch a three-day weekend’s worth of live entertainment at The Shores Oxnard, or descend a staircase into a prohibition-style cellar for a unique auditory experience at 1901 Speakeasy. O

1: Anderson Paak performing at his annual Paak House concert at College Park.; 2: Queen Nation at Rock the Collection.

Drum Workshop’s Headquarters and Custom Shop

From the forest to the stage, DRUM WORKSHOP mixes innovative science with an eye for artistry and an obsession with sound. And that’s just one part of this percussion powerhouse. The DW showroom is a drummer’s paradise — and also one of Southern California’s most unique stops. Some of the world’s top players’ drum sets were made right here in the Oxnard custom shop: Mick Fleetwood, Don Henley, Sheila. E., Dave Grohl, Bruno Mars and many others.

Want to play where the pros do? Oxnard Factory Tours include the whole drum-making process — from raw wood veneer to finished instrument — plus a tuning lesson, history of the company, a chance to see where the hardware is made and a “hands on” showroom experience. Taking place on Thursday afternoons, the tours require a two-day advance reservation. Hit it!

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Copper Blues Oxnard

Enjoy live music Tuesday through Sunday at COPPER BLUES OXNARD. There’s a great mix of original rock and tribute bands, plus a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights, and salsa and mariachi on Sundays. Next door to Levity Live in The Collection at RiverPark complex.

copperblueslive.com/oxnard | cfd copperbluesox

Levity Live Comedy Club

Need a good laugh? Check the calendar at LEVITY LIVE COMEDY CLUB, which has shows nearly every night of the week. This is where some of the biggest names in comedy come, from Joe Rogan to Gabriel Iglesias. The 400-seat club also has a full-service restaurant. Planning a big event? From corporate meetings and team-building retreats to awards shows and parties, Levity Live will take it to the next level. Next door to Copper Blues in The Collection at RiverPark complex.

oxnard.levitylive.com | cfd levityoxnard

Culture Club

Oxnard is more than a beach town — it's a cultural gem. Discover a treasure trove of art, history, music, film, events and more in this vibrant city.

Oxnard Historic Farm Park

Dating back to the 1870s and offering a slice of local history, the site is located on one acre of land containing vintage farm implements and historic crop samples. Available for events and tours; open Tuesdays and Saturdays.

oxnardfarmpark.org c oxnard historic farm park & museum

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

THE REAGAN LIBRARY is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Tour through the actual Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents. View a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall. The library is also home to President and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site.

reaganlibrary.com | c ronaldreagan | d ronaldreagan | f reaganfoundation

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

In a spectacular harbor-front setting, browse a world-class collection that includes more than 80 highly detailed ship models, maritime paintings (including seascape paintings from 17th-century Dutch masters) and a research library. Take a tour and be inspired!

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The Murphy Auto Museum

Celebrating over 100 years of the automobile, THE MURPHY AUTO MUSEUM showcases more than 45 vintage vehicles plus the allnew nostalgic automotive art gallery, The Fireball Gallery. Don’t miss “Muscles and and Mojo,” the museum’s exclusive cars and coffee event — third Sundays of the month, 8 to 10 a.m.

murphyautomuseum.org | c theofficialmurphyautomuseum d murphymuseum | f themurphyautomuseum

Oxnard College Yolanda’s Mexican Café

An accredited two-year community college, OXNARD COLLEGE offers a dynamic arts program. OC Live, a performing arts and Fun and festive, YOLANDA’S is the place to go for margaritas and aulectures series, hosts panels, lectures, film screenings, theater and thentic Mexican cuisine. Drop in for happy hour Monday though Friday dance performances, readings and more in the school’s state-offrom 3 to 6 p.m., and don’t miss out on drink and appetizer specials in the-art Performing Arts Building. the bar and patio areas.

oxnardcollege.edu yolandasmexicancafe.com cdf oxnardcollegecdf yolandasmexicancafe

Oxnard Film Society

The OXNARD FILM SOCIETY, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, brings critically acclaimed foreign and independent films to Ventura County. Check out the Monday Night Foreign Film Series, which screens thought-provoking films on the first and third Mondays each month at Plaza Cinemas 14, Downtown Oxnard’s Centennial Plaza.

oxnardfilmsociety.org | c f oxnardfilmsociety

Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme

The BANANA FESTIVAL is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Ventura County’s only working port, all while enjoying great food, live bands, kids activities and gorgeous beach weather.

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California Strawberry Festival

Bring the family to the CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. The event celebrates all things berry — more than 50 food booths, rides, concerts, and arts and crafts vendors. Even sweeter? Festival proceeds benefit local charities. See VisitOxnard.com/events for dates.

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Oxnard Salsa Festival

Mark your calendars for the hottest event of the summer! OXNARD SALSA FESTIVAL celebrates all things salsa — the food, music and dance! Featuring non-stop salsa bands, salsa dancing and salsa tasting plus authentic foods, arts and crafts, and a fun kids zone. See VisitOxnard.com/events for dates.

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Santa to the Sea

SANTA TO THE SEA is a sanctioned half marathon, quarter-marathon, relay, 5K run and 1K run. Held on the second Sunday of December, this fun and festive event showcases and supports local communities through food and toy collections and college scholarships.

santatothesea.com c santatotheseahalfmarathon | df santatothesea