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Main Stage Schedule
California & Main | 12pm-8pm
Presented by Ventura Music Festival & Downtown Ventura Partners. Set times subject to change.
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Monkfish is a soul, jazz, and funk band based in Santa Barbara, with major influences from R&B artists including Al Green, PJ Morton, Erykah Badu, and D'Angelo.
They play with improv at the forefront of their mind, meaning their songs are never played the exact same way.
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Ventura, California native Jayden Secor is a high-voltage force to be reckoned with.
Blending country with elements of rock’n’roll, psychedelic jam, ’90s grunge, and blues, Secor’s sound has no walls, and it’s definitely “not your grand pappy’s country music!”
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The Bomb is a Soul band that has entertained the masses for more than 28 years and plays a wide variety of styles! R&B, Latin Soul, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Oldies, Funk, and more. Artists and bands covered include, but are not limited to: Santana, James Brown, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Prince, Morris Day and The Time, and the list goes on!!!
Keep an eye out for this high-energy soul band and don’t be surprised if they add a little romance along the way. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
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Ray Jaurique is Ventura County’s very own live wire bluesman. Drawing on influences from Sam Cooke and Albert King to Delbert McClinton, Keb' Mo', and Van Morrison, Ray writes soulful, accessible music about love, heartbreak, and making the most of life, backed by a tight band of seasoned players. A little blues, a little soul, music that rocks, rolls, and swings, the Ray Jaurique Big Band brings a full sound complete with a four-piece horn section. It goes well with good friends, good food, and a dance floor.
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Ricardo Lemvo is a true pioneer, known for his seamless and infectious blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles. Lemvo has spent decades bringing people together through song—singing in Spanish, Portuguese, Kimbundu, Lingala, and Kikongo—and inspiring audiences around the world to dance, connect, and celebrate life. He has performed all over the world; his vibrant, high-energy shows have made him a beloved favorite. His new album, Sangre Indígena, created in collaboration with his longtime Cuban producer El Niño Jesús, will be released in June 2026!
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A high-energy 7-piece band blending old-school and new-school funk with a psychedelic, hip-hop-infused twist.
They've shared stages with Morris Day & The Time, Roger Zapp, Jon B., and Atlantic Starr, and have performed everywhere from casinos in California and Nevada to county fairs and coastal wineries. Expect a serious groove.
The Grape Community Stage Schedule
Figueroa & Main | 12pm-8pm
Presented by The Grape, in collaboration with Ventura Music Festival. Set times subject to change.
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A genre-blending six-piece collective that fuses the raw improvisation of jazz with R&B, hip hop, and funk. Fronted with a powerhouse vocalist and anchored by rich, chordal bass textures. The project began when founding members met in the Ventura College jazz program in 2022, where a shared love for genre-blurring music took shape into their distinct sound. Having performed across Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara, the band is currently in the studio preparing to release their debut album.
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Ventura College Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Fundi LegohnThe Ventura College Jazz Band is a student ensemble under the direction of Professor Fundi Legohn, one of Southern California's finest jazz educators and performers. Their blend of jazz styles showcases the next generation of musicians emerging from our own community.
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The Two Trees Jazz Project is a high-energy jazz ensemble led by veteran musicians Franklin Murphy (keyboards) and Mercedes Carter (tenor saxophone). Drawing on more than 30 years of performance experience across jazz, funk, reggae, rock, and jam bands, Murphy and Carter have assembled an exceptional group of local, talented young musicians who bring fresh energy and outstanding musicianship to every performance.
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The Grape House Band is a rotating collective of Ventura's own local musicians and the resident house band at The Grape, Ventura's beloved jazz club. Expect a lively mix of styles and a whole lot of hometown heart.
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RJ Mischo is considered by critics and fans worldwide to be in the upper echelon of today’s great Blues Harmonica players, singers & songwriters. RJ leads his bands with a confident, undeniable foot stomping groove.
RJ Mischo has performed at major festivals and night clubs throughout the USA, Europe, and more. He is a true entertainer, responding to his audience in every venue.
All Activations
Make Music Ventura spans several activation zones across Downtown Ventura
Main Stage
Ventura Music Festival & Downtown Ventura Partners
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The New Vibe
A high-energy 7-piece band blending old-school and new-school funk with a psychedelic, hip-hop-infused twist.
They've shared stages with Morris Day & The Time, Roger Zapp, Jon B., and Atlantic Starr, and have performed everywhere from casinos in California and Nevada to county fairs and coastal wineries. Expect a serious groove.
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Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca
Ricardo Lemvo is a true pioneer, known for his seamless and infectious blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles. Lemvo has spent decades bringing people together through song—singing in Spanish, Portuguese, Kimbundu, Lingala, and Kikongo—and inspiring audiences around the world to dance, connect, and celebrate life. He has performed all over the world; his vibrant, high-energy shows have made him a beloved favorite. His new album, Sangre Indígena, created in collaboration with his longtime Cuban producer El Niño Jesús, will be released in June 2026!
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The Ray Jaurique Big Band
Ray Jaurique is Ventura County’s very own live wire bluesman. Drawing on influences from Sam Cooke and Albert King to Delbert McClinton, Keb' Mo', and Van Morrison, Ray writes soulful, accessible music about love, heartbreak, and making the most of life, backed by a tight band of seasoned players. A little blues, a little soul, music that rocks, rolls, and swings, the Ray Jaurique Big Band brings a full sound complete with a four-piece horn section. It goes well with good friends, good food, and a dance floor.
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Jayden Secor
Ventura, California native Jayden Secor is a high-voltage force to be reckoned with.
Blending country with elements of rock’n’roll, psychedelic jam, ’90s grunge, and blues, Secor’s sound has no walls, and it’s definitely “not your grand pappy’s country music!”
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The Bomb
The Bomb is a Soul band that has entertained the masses for more than 28 years and plays a wide variety of styles! R&B, Latin Soul, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Oldies, Funk, and more. Artists and bands covered include, but are not limited to: Santana, James Brown, Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Prince, Morris Day and The Time, and the list goes on!!!
Keep an eye out for this high-energy soul band and don’t be surprised if they add a little romance along the way. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
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MonkFish
Monkfish is a soul, jazz, and funk band based in Santa Barbara, with major influences from R&B artists including Al Green, PJ Morton, Erykah Badu, and D'Angelo.
They play with improv at the forefront of their mind, meaning their songs are never played the exact same way.
With More Music From
Family Fun Zone
Presented by Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) with interactive music activations by The Safe Space Community. Drum circles, an instrument zoo, face painting, a bubble station, lawn games, a photo booth by CliqCliq Photo, and rotating activations throughout the day.
In-Kind Sponsors
Make Music Ventura gratefully acknowledges the following in-kind sponsors whose contributions help make this free event possible
Main Stage Emcee
Denise Carter
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Denise Carter is a comedian, storyteller, and motivator known as Oxnard's queen of comedy, performing at venues like the World-Famous Comedy Store Hollywood, Oxnard Levity Live, Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, Ontario Improv, and Mic Drop Comedy Club with humor rooted in real-life experience and authenticity. Beyond stand-up, she hosts a podcast and serves as a sought-after event host for community gatherings such as the Alzheimer's Walk, Juneteenth celebrations, and MLK Day events, as well as an auctioneer for the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation and a TED Talk speaker inspiring high school students. She also works as a Regional Director at Mission Healthcare, balancing her entertainment career with a deep commitment to healthcare leadership and community service, and is an emerging author who uses writing to share her wisdom and life lessons. At her core, Denise believes in the power of laughter to heal, unite, and inspire, bringing joy and meaningful connection to everything she does.
Community Stage
The Grape & Ventura Music Festival
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Victoria Avenue
A genre-blending six-piece collective that fuses the raw improvisation of jazz with R&B, hip hop, and funk. Fronted with a powerhouse vocalist and anchored by rich, chordal bass textures. The project began when founding members met in the Ventura College jazz program in 2022, where a shared love for genre-blurring music took shape into their distinct sound. Having performed across Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara, the band is currently in the studio preparing to release their debut album.
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Ventura College Jazz Ensemble
Ventura College Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Fundi LegohnThe Ventura College Jazz Band is a student ensemble under the direction of Professor Fundi Legohn, one of Southern California's finest jazz educators and performers. Their blend of jazz styles showcases the next generation of musicians emerging from our own community.
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Two Trees Jazz Project
The Two Trees Jazz Project is a high-energy jazz ensemble led by veteran musicians Franklin Murphy (keyboards) and Mercedes Carter (tenor saxophone). Drawing on more than 30 years of performance experience across jazz, funk, reggae, rock, and jam bands, Murphy and Carter have assembled an exceptional group of local, talented young musicians who bring fresh energy and outstanding musicianship to every performance.
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The Grape House Band
The Grape House Band is a rotating collective of Ventura's own local musicians and the resident house band at The Grape, Ventura's beloved jazz club. Expect a lively mix of styles and a whole lot of hometown heart.
-
![]()
RJ Mischo
RJ Mischo is considered by critics and fans worldwide to be in the upper echelon of today’s great Blues Harmonica players, singers & songwriters. RJ leads his bands with a confident, undeniable foot stomping groove.
RJ Mischo has performed at major festivals and night clubs throughout the USA, Europe, and more. He is a true entertainer, responding to his audience in every venue.
Community Partners
Make Music Ventura is made possible through the generous support of the following community partners
Make Music Ventura
JUNE
21
A free community music festival and worldwide day of music since 1982!
On June 21, celebrate Make Music Ventura at businesses, restaurants, and in the streets themselves, with free music all afternoon in the heart of downtown Ventura. This community event is brought to you by Ventura Music Festival, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the City of Ventura, in collaboration with the NAMM Foundation.
About Make Music Day
Beginning in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day has grown into a global celebration held every June 21st during the summer solstice. Now held in more than 120 countries, it has transformed from a single day in Paris into one of the world's most beloved community traditions, bringing people together to share, listen, and connect through the universal language of music!
