Jazz-Blues View: Music in the Downtown.
By Eric Benson
Okay, folks, spring has sprung, and I got my vegetables in and planted. I have Arugula popping up on my lawn. I hope you all are doing well and returning to our venues in the downtown area. I would love to see you at the Blue Monday Party.
Blue Monday continues to be twice a month, the second and fourth Mondays, and hope to do more soon. The House Band features: John Burt on sax, John Adey and Conrad Johnson on bass, Dave Hawkes and Cortez Flores on the drums and Eric Benson on keyboards, and Natalia Alexandra, vocalist, with special guests at each event. The jam is open, so come down! On March 6th, the band will be hosting some come-down! We appreciate Chris Murphy and Gary Nelson, who helps sponsor Blue Monday. Café Urbano has a full bar and food in a friendly club environment from 7 to 10 PM. Urbano also has DJ dancing Tuesday through Sunday, featuring Latin-based music. The Creole Jazz Kings continue to play Café Urbano and will be back this month, so swing by!
A unique new venue in Merced is Vinhos Wine and Tapas bar; food, a great and expansive wine list with live music on the weekends. The music is Jazz, Blues, and popular music in an intimate environment.
There are some great shows at Gallo Center, but also check these other great venues out of town: Yoshi’s Oakland’s best jazz shows, Khumbwa Music Center Santa Cruz and Piedmont Piano company, the Back Door, and the Sound Room located in Oakland. Please continue coming out, folks; we can’t do it without you!
