Blues and JazzView By Eric Benson More bright moments in store. I fell by a garden party fundraiser for the Forakis Memorial Music Scholarship party August 18th and was treated to great music for a good cause. One of the brightest moments was the Josh Rosenblum Band. Comprised of 4 young blood musicians that were smokin’, playing rock, R & B, Funk with great original vocals and arrangements, not to mention Josh’s guitar slinging and singing that was outstanding. I foresee another Johnny Valdes in the making for our Modesto scene. The event had plenty of other young talent from classical to folk, to singer songwriter. To contribute to the scholarship or for info on the yearly event: email danzzz@yahoo.com
The State Theatre continues with an eclectic lineup of music. Coming soon: Johnny Winters’ partner in crime Rick Derringer comes through 9/7, Leo Kottke 10/12, and my favorite of all time Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks featuring the Lickettes on10/06. If you have not heard of Dan Hicks check him out, encompassing swing, incredible musicianship, harmony and humor drier than the dust bowl. Check out www.thestate.org
And the mighty John Griswold of Samba Arts Group brings back Slim Man, the Elvis ofsmooth Jazz, with a CD release party at the Tuolumne River Lodge September 4th, Web: www.eArtsNews.com
And come on down to the Barkin’ Dog Grill in downtown Modesto. The Dog serves up some highlights for September: 1st Tendancy Quartet, 8th Black Velvet, 14th with Martin Martinez having good Sax with Blue and Beige Band, 19th 2nd Tradition Funk & Blues Band, and the 29th Roger Perry Blues Band. The Jazz Jam is kickin withDavid Dow on Thursdays where musicians can sit in and network. Google the: http://www.barkindoggrill.org
And right here in the downtown the Acoustic Rock Society Summer Series on Friday night’s winds down but the Society hosts their fair weather festival, (hopefully) September 10th at the Whitmore Mansion in Ceres. Cover charge 7 bucks, under age 12 free!
More music on the local scene: Deva Café Thursday night Ramble features the house band Big Earl & Poorhouse Millionaires. Big Earl & the Millionaires is also doing a Sunday morning gig at Deva’s so come down 10-12 noon, sorry no Bloody Marys available on site.
The Boardroom supports live music with Tim Allen doing his piano and vocal thing with some Elton and Joel covers as well as the standards on Tuesdays. Thursdays feature Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington, Friday’s the best duo in town Johnny & Kelly kickin the groove tunes and Jazz, and Saturdays rotate with: MCW Band, Strange Brew, The Nines, & Public Domain.
And on the house party scene like the original rent partys of the Jazz era more is in store. Brought down John Stowell, extreme jazz guitarist with local guitarist Johnny Valdes with gumbo and a good time. Shoot me an email if you want an invite to the next gig.
Off the beaten path: the West Side Theatre in Newman hosts the 10th anniversary show of Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours Sept 14th. What: 10th Anniversary Show!!, Sept. 15 local band Magnolia rock out, and Sylvia Herold and the Rhythm Bugs do everything Swing with vocal harmony with acoustic pestilence. Info: www.westsidetheatre.org
Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com
