Oxnard Embraces Its Music Culture with Diverse Musical Offerings

From a vibrant music scene and musical landmarks, to a world-renowned instrument manufacturing company, the diverse tapestry of Oxnard’s musical culture has so much to offer for locals and visitors alike.

Oxnard’s Musical History

First, some history on how Oxnard became such a musical destination. After an influx of Hollywood stars — including Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne — came to Oxnard, famous musicians started to follow. They flocked to Oxnard's coastal neighborhoods and many invested in prime beachfront real estate. Among the famous properties, in the 1960s, Sonny and Cher had property in Mandalay Beach; and Foo Fighters singer and Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl formerly owned a $2.9 million home in the Mandalay Beach neighborhood.

Over the years, Oxnard’s vibrant music scene has produced some of the biggest names in rock, hip-hop, metal and more, becoming a musical mecca in its own right. From "Nardcore" in the 1970s to homegrown artists dominating the charts today, there's a thriving music culture in Oxnard and entire genres of music have taken off within the city. These genres include:

• "Nardcore" is 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, The Warriors, Nails and Ill Repute.
  
• 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 1990s. Born and raised in Oxnard, multi-Grammy-award winner Anderson Paak pays homage to his roots with two albums – Oxnard and Ventura – and remains involved in the community today.
• Pop personas who've called Oxnard home include Brooke Candy and the recently passed Cola Boyy.
  
• Indie musicians who have found their footing in Oxnard city limits include Sea Lions, Astreyas and Nic Hessler (formerly Catwalk).
  
• Jose Cano, drummer of fusion Spanglish band Las Cafeteras, is from Oxnard. And Mariachi and Música Norteña are staples of Oxnard, with bands frequenting restaurants and special events throughout town.

What to Do & Where to Go?

For those seeking a musically-inclined getaway, we’ve rounded up some of Oxnard’s best musical offerings and experiences below.

Musical Instrument Manufacturers, Tours & Shops

• Drum Workshop (DW) – The world headquarters for the famed DW Drums, the most respected custom drum company in the world, are based in Oxnard. DW makes the drums that some of the world’s top artists use, including Travis Barker, Mick Fleetwood, Don Henley, Sheila E., Dave Grohl and more. They offer guided factory and showroom tours on Thursdays by appointment only.
• Fidelity Record Pressing – The recently-opened Fidelity in Oxnard is the first new vinyl record pressing plant to open in California in 40 years. Fidelity is a family-owned business, built from the ground up by father-son team Rick and Edward Hashimoto, pressing the finest vinyl LPs available.
  
• Additional Oxnard-based manufacturers include Cordoba Music Group, Era Drum Company and Larrivee Guitars.
• Henson's Music Center – Those looking to repair or restring instruments need look no further than Henson’s Music Center in Oxnard. This family music store has been in business for more than six decades. They also offer music lessons and sell guitars, ukuleles, and other musical instruments.

Music Landmarks

• Teatro – This once-rundown cinema turned recording studio has welcomed Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Iggy Pop and Kenny Rogers over the years. Willie Nelson recorded an entire album here in 1998, using the building's iconic façade for the album's cover.
• Oxnard's Performing Arts Center(OPAC) – From dance to exercise classes, OPAC promotes the arts while enhancing the quality of life and cultural development within Ventura County.

Festivals & Live Music

• Heritage Square – Oxnard’s annual Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in historic downtown Oxnard features live bands every Friday night. From old school to classic rock to Latin jazz, rhythm and blues, plan a date night or family outing. Also in Heritage Square, local business Pipiripau puts on its Palomazo Music Series, which this year will be a 3-night music series and First Annual Music Fest featuring five bands.
• Channel Islands Harbor – Enjoy live music on Saturday evenings at the "Concerts by the Sea" Summer Concert Series. The free event features artists playing Rock, R&B, Jazz, Blues and Swing.
• The Collection at RiverPark – In the summer, get ready to ROCK on Thursday evenings at The Collection at RiverPark. The free summer concert series is the talk of the town. Arrive early to grab a good spot and bring a chair or a blanket. There's also a Groupie Garden for the 21+ and over crowd.
• Oxnard Salsa Festival - Sample spicy salsa varieties and watch the battle of the bands and live entertainment. The free event is held at Oxnard's Plaza Park.
• Oxnard Jazz Festival - This day-long celebration at Oxnard Beach Park is a celebration of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B music. The Oxnard Jazz Festival is all about fusion: Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues and R&B.
  
  For more information about Oxnard’s music culture, visit https://visitoxnard.com/things-to-do/culture/music/.