Venturing to Ventura: Concerts in Your Car

This innovative concept to keep live music happening during the COVID-19 crisis has turned the massive parking lot at the Ventura County Fairgrounds into a site for “pop”-up entertainment. The Concerts in Your Car drive-in series features two or three live performances each week that people can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles and still get a great view of the action as each show finds the acts performing on a tall, 360-degree view stage plus live digital projection on multiple giant screens. The schedule for the next fortnight includes John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, featuring former members of The Desert Rose Band, on July 16; a triple bill with Fishbone, Ozomatli and Rey Fresco on July 18; Journey tribute band DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’) on July 23; ‘90s pop sensation Third Eye Blind, who are still enjoying the “Semi-Charmed Life” nearly a quarter-century after their six-times platinum debut; and an AC/DC tribute group Noise Pollution on July 30.

Rubicon Goes Retro, the theater company’s adjunct series at the same site, continues July 20-22 with 2 AM at the Sands, starring veteran Broadway leading man Andrew Samonsky backed by a nine-piece swing band performing Quincy Jones arrangements of a sampling of Sinatra songs (“I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me to the Moon”) along with “Amore” and other favorites from his late-’60s Las Vegas Rat Pack buddies. Adding a local flavor, Samonsky is a Ventura native who has starred on Broadway and elsewhere in South Pacific, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and The Bridges of Madison County. Call (805) 648-3376 or visit www.concertsinyourcar.com.