BluesView: Blues Beginnings
By Earl Matthews
Hello everyone and happy new year to you. 2018 was a great year for music and I am really excited about what is in store for us this year. I honestly believe that the music scene in Modesto is growing and getting better in a lot of ways. I also believe that it is in no small part thanks to the Modestoview and its Champion Chris Murphy. From the stage on 10th st which hosts concerts on the plaza during the good weather months to Rockin’ Holidays to working to promote everything that happens in our area and tons of stuff that is done behind the scenes to keep things rolling. I want to say a big thank you to Chris and the whole ModView staff for being a driving force behind so much of what makes Modesto a place I am proud to call home.
January is usually a slow month and this year is no exception. So I thought I would take a moment to tell you about something I have talked about many times but that bares repeating.
I want to tell you about Jams, Jams are events where spontaneous music lives. They are spaces where the musical community come together and mixes and mingles in an open fun, anything could happen kind of way.
You may ask yourself, self why haven’t I ever gone to a jam? I would also ask you the same thing. They are almost always free to attend and you will for sure have a one of a kind experience.
If you are a musician and you haven’t even gone then I challenge you to make it a point to make a point to check out some of the rooms in our area. If you are not a musician but you love music and musical folk then you should also attend. Jams are known for their casual atmosphere and warmth.
If you are looking for some leads on places to check out, I recommend The Barkin’ Dog and Nino’s in Modesto, The 133 Club in Manteca, Haven Acres in Lathrop, Garlic Brothers in Stockton, Mr. D’s in Stockton, Fired Up Grill in Ceres and if you are curious you can always look around in the Modesto View calendar for more.
At its best music is more than entertainment, it can build community but, you have to take the first step and head out to a show. Again happy new year and I hope to see you out at a show.
