ARTS AND HUMANITY
By Patty Castillo Davis
Last month I was fortunate enough to attend two 50th Birthday celebrations back to back in one weekend. Both were filled with music and fellowship. It was frenetic, exciting, nostalgic and brought to mind how much we have all been through and how much we rely on one another to live. To really live. I know that I am very fortunate to be able to serve others in my work and in my play.
If you are looking to participate in your life in ways that feed your spirit, try infusing your consciousness with music. You will find several opportunities in this month’s issue to choose from. When you go to venues and events where live music is performed, you are supporting the musicians and feeding your own soul. Win-win.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month. Begin a lifelong habit of participation, explore new facets of the arts, and invest in the arts. Our community is full of theatres, galleries and creative spaces. Where will you start?
On Thursday, October 6, the annual SHARE the WARMTH Concert and Coat Drive benefitting The Food Initiative of Greater Stanislaus formerly known as Inter-Faith Ministries, the Salvation Army Barbarian Shelter and the Modesto Gospel Mission will once again be the hot ticket. This family-friendly show features MAMA nominated Blue Collar band- A Gathering of the VIBES. Many special guests will appear throughout the night and the no-contact outerwear donation bins, designed by local artist, Claudia Bellani will collect your generous donations to help our needy neighbors. Downbeat is at 5:30 pm, 3318 Wycliffe Drive, Modesto.
Bring your family and friends, your chair and tailgate gear and your giant heart-tip jar donations will help purchase socks and gloves.
October is LGBTQ+ History Month. This month-long observance will be highlighted in our community with a great family event- MoPride sponsored “Pride in the Park” on Saturday, October 1 and the anniversary and grand reopening of the Central California LGBTQ+ Collaborative and Resource Center on Tuesday, October 11 which is National Coming Out Day. These two steward-driven events will feature live performances and DJ music, food and swag. Let’s Celebrate!
This is the last time that I will mention the Modesto Area Mama Awards (MAMAs). The end of the vote is on October 16 at 11:59 pm. Your voice is your choice. This is ours. This homage to music is the only time when we can cast a vote for our favorites, appreciate great art, campaign and sway the vote, gather all the unique genres under one roof and celebrate each other’s craft. You can be sure that Kanye won’t be out there to disapprove and there will be enough cocktails to soothe an injured ego and toast a just accolade. The cool thing is that you re forever known as a MAMA nominee or winner after the award season. I am not here to campaign for myself or tout my illustrious career ( LOL) but I will say that all the other artists in my Singer/Songwriter & Acoustic category are great in their own right and I wish them and all the other nominees the best and cannot wait to see you all on awards night.
Just a reminder that this is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer early detection and diagnosis can save a life. Please get regular screenings and listen to your body.
Let’s enjoy the cooler weather, the leaves changing color and take care of each other as we enter the virus season. Be mindful of your needy neighbors. Support local businesses. Tip the musicians. Put your ego aside for the good of the community. Admire a painting. Walk a mile in her shoes. Listen to some poetry. Tear down walls. Praise a kid. Thank a teacher. For the sake of art and humanity.
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