The Velveteen Band. Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Four talented bands are vying for the title of the California Strawberry Festival’s “Fan Favorite” in an online contest currently underway. The winner of the Fan Favorite Battle of the Bands Contest, chosen by the public, will receive $1,000 and perform on the festival stage at the 35th Annual California Strawberry Festival. The festival takes place May 19 and 20 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. The contest is presented by Cumulus Media.
The public can check out the artists, their bios and their music and then vote for their favorite at www.castrawberryfestival.org/battle
“We worked with Rock City Studios in Camarillo to identify the four bands that are competing,” says Greg Berini, the Strawberry Festival’s entertainment committee chair. “Rock City has its pulse on the Ventura County music scene and supports and encourages up-and-coming talent. The festival is a great opportunity for the winning band to perform its original material before a large audience.”
Here are this year’s the contenders.
- Danielle Stacy – Based out of Ventura and winner of Ventura County’s Best Female Artist of the Year, Danielle Stacy performs R&B, pop and everything in between with her unique tone and soulful songwriting style.
- The Velveteen Band – The Velveteen Band is an eclectic, steampunk, nerd rock, hard rock musical sideshow that captures the imagination with puppets on vocals, a deranged mad scientist and a six-foot trumpet-playing rabbit named the Baron Von Velveteen.
- The Ombrés – Using improvisation skills, showmanship and the ability to create moments between the band and audience, this five-piece band from Fillmore released its first record called “The Lord’s Chips” last year and is currently working on new music.
- Hologram Empire – An alternative band out of Ventura County, Hologram Empire creates a sound that is both familiar and like no other. With influences from 90s rock, metal, new age grunge and alternative, the band continues to experiment and create songs.
“Cumulus Media is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the California Strawberry Festival Fan Favorite Battle of the Bands Contest,” says Kelly-marie Jones, Cumulus senior account executive. “We’re honored to help bring live and local music to the community and look forward to maybe one day hearing some of the participants on our stations.”
Voting closes April 15. By casting a vote, fans have the opportunity to win four entry passes to the festival.
The California Strawberry Festival, celebrating its 35th year, features fun for the entire family with concert performances, delicious food, contests, fine arts and crafts, rides and attractions. The festival is consistently ranked as one of the top festivals in the nation with proceeds benefitting over 20 charities. It transforms 15 acres of parkland (expanded by 50 percent last year) at 3250 South Rose Avenue in Oxnard into the ultimate family food, fun and music fest.
Festival general admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8 and children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org. The free Park & Ride “Strawberry Express” shuttles just off the 101 Freeway make getting to the festival easy. Onsite parking is $10. For more information; 888 288-9242, csf@CAStrawberryFestival.org, @CaliforniaStrawberryFestival.