Bilingual Balladeer Strikes Gold : Rick Trevino’s ‘Dos Mundos’ was a top- selling record in Spain. He’ll be at the Ventura Theatre on Friday.

In the competitive wave of country newcomers, bilingual balladeer Rick Trevino made a big splash when his Spanish-language debut album, “Dos Mundos” (“Two Worlds”), became a regional hit in America and went gold in Spain. And his single, “Bastante Cordon” (“Just Enough Rope”), was the first traditional country single to be released in both English and Spanish.

The 23-year-old Texan and his mix of honky-tonk country and Tex-Mex can be heard Friday at the Ventura Theatre.

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There will be something for almost everyone Friday night when the Seattle-based quartet Marley’s Ghost hits the stage at Nicholby’s. The group’s CD, “Ghost Country,’ is a delightfully eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, country, Western swing, Gospel and even R&B; and reggae.

Between them, Danny Wheetman, Jon Wilcox, Mike Phelan and Ed Littlefield play enough instruments to open a music store. (The Highland bagpipes get my vote.) Add to that their a cappella gospel version of Merle Haggard’s “Dark as a Dungeon,” which is a knockout.

Bill Coffey opens the show at 9 p.m.; $5 cover charge. Nicholby’s is at 404 E. Main St., Ventura. Call 653-2320.

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The KHAY Country Band and Spaghetti Western will open for the Smokin’ Armadillos at 8 p.m. Friday in a concert at Santa Barbara’s Earl Warren Show Grounds.

Tickets are $10. The grounds are at Las Positas Road off U.S. 101. Call (800) 291-3209.

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Oxnard’s Buck Page and the Original Riders of the Purple Sage will headline the L.A. Arts Care-A-Van citywide touring program at 4 p.m. Saturday in Panorama City. Page has been cutting a trail of Western or “cowboy” music since 1936, with such hits as “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Don’t Fence Me In.”

The concert will take place at Sepulveda Park, 8801 Kester Ave. in Panorama City. Call 981-2970.

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Country Lovers Western Dance Club has organized a “Boot Scootin’ Excursion” to see Caught Red Handed May 19 through 20 at the Zaca Creek dance hall in Buellton. For details, call the club hot line, 647-1893.

As more local country talent gets booked out of town, look for a trend in “party bus” trips for hometown fans to support their favorite bands.

Details

* WHAT: Rick Trevino with Silver Moon.

* WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday.

* WHERE: Ventura Theatre, 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura.

* HOW MUCH: $19.50.

* CALL: 648-1888.