Got Blues You Can Use
By Eric Benson
Back at it downtown with some live music that’s a jam session different every time. The peeps are returning to venues, and Blue Monday Party always has excellent music, now has a good crowd two times a month. Please try and make it out, as there are some great players, and we need your support! The Creole Jazz Kings did Fat Tuesday at Café Urbano with great music and a great crowd, and many folks got their gumbo, red beans, and rice at the event. They will be back this month with more new Orleans Jazz and swing, so swing by!
Blue Monday continues to be twice a month, the second and fourth Mondays and hopes to do more soon. The House Band features John Burt on sax, John Adey and Conrad Johnson on bass, and Dave Hawkes and Cortez Flores on drums, with special guests at each event. The jam is open, so 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.
A new noteworthy venue in Merced is Vinhos Wine and Tapas bar. Food a huge and expansive wine list with live music on the weekends. The music is Jazz, Blues, and popular music in an intimate environment.
Some great shows at Gallo Center, but also check out some great venues out of town: Yoshi’s Oakland’s best jazz shows, Kuumbwa Music Center Santa Cruz and Piedmont Piano Company, and the Sound Room in Oakland. Please continue to come out, folks, as we can’t do it without you!
