MAMAView A Decade of Local MusicBy Middagh Goodwin
I can not believe it has been Ten years since I first started writing for ModestoView. In that time I have interviewed members of The Monkees, The Stray Cats, Cherry Poppin Daddies, Foreigner, actors Doug and Sam Jones, and more. I have written the GeekView, ComedyView, and written numerous GoModesto. I have covered performing arts and even contributed a few times to the ChefsView. I have written about the Class of 1962 and Lowriders and Modesto’s love affair with classic cars. But I have consistently written about local music since February 2014, 119 MAMAViews written(we took one month off during the pandemic.)
I have highlighted local artists, promoters, and venues and encouraged readers to bring their friends to go see our local talent performing. Over the last decade, we have seen bands, breakup, new ones form, long-time venues shuttered and new spots pop up, the ebb and flow. 2020 hit hard with the pandemic but we are finally seeing new growth, new events, and more spots for bands to play. Next month I am going to focus on the permitting process for venues and events in Modesto.
Just as the pandemic hit I started hosting This is SKA on KCBP 95.5 FM. As California sheltered in place I had to quickly learn how to record from home. After about a year I started submitting the show for consideration on other stations. March 9th will be 4 years on the air and now broadcasting/streaming on over 5 dozen stations worldwide. March 17th come celebrate the Fourth Anniversary of This is SKA and Ska Patrick’s Day at Five Eye Brewing in Ceres with The Sacto Storytellers, Bellmont Sound System, and the Bracers.
If you like Ska and Reggae mark your calendar for the Central Valley Ska Festival which will take place at Five Eye Brewing in Ceres on April 20th, featuring Before Twenty, The Bracers, Horizon Point(all from Modesto), Lesdystics and Simple Solution(Sacramento), For the Record(Fresno), Ants in My Eyes Johnson(Chico) and Filet the 13th(Tracy). I will be spinning records between bands alongside Norbert Rix, Jr Ska Boss, and Selecta Scream. The second annual Maximum Ska n’ P will return on October 5th to Persuasion Brewing more information coming soon.
Thanks to Chris Murphy, the entire ViewCrew, and anyone who has read one of my articles. Make sure to check out the calendar and if you have events please email events@modestoview.com so we can include them. Plan to go see some live local music and remember friends don’t let friends miss good shows.
