Graffiti Summer is Coming
By Chris Murphy
Just in case you didn’t know, Modesto USA is the Home of American Graffiti and the Home of George Lucas. Everyone who calls Modesto home should be proud of this. Even if you don’t want a ’57 Chevy or wish you had hair like Elvis, it is something that sets us apart and makes us special and people around the world think it’s cool. There is no other city in the world, or galaxy if we are being accurate, that can make this claim. Take some time and explore the Cruise Route and other Graffiti heritage locations. Lots of great music, history, legends and chrome. Soon we hope to announce some really exciting new plans for our Graffiti USA experience. Stay tuned.
What’s your car club?
Hey Modesto, we are looking to find a list of the current car clubs in our community. If you have an active car club, send us your info so we can add you to our new Car Club Listing. Send your info to info@modestoview.com<mailto:info@modestoview.com>
You need souvenirs!
You can take home some really cool Modesto Graffiti USA merchandise from T-shirts, key chains, coffee mugs, shot glasses, sunglasses, posters and more. You can have these delivered right to your home or office. Order today at www.modestograffitiusa.com
Do you remember Burge’s Drive in?
We are looking for any pictures that have Burge’s Drive in. Were you waiting for food? Driving by? Dragging 10th?
If you have any, we would love to see them and feature them in a new project we are working on.
Please send to info@modestoview.com We will credit you and keep your photos your property.
Bring Cruise Route Signs to Life
Did you know that the Modesto Historic Cruise Route comes to life on your smartphone? Each of the 25 informational kiosks that line 10th and 11th Streets has a special QR code that brings to life one our Legends of the Cruise. You can hear a story from George Lucas, Gene Winfield, Allen Grant, MPD Leroy Applequist and many more. Don’t miss the induction ceremony of the 2019 Legends of the Cruise on June 5 in 10th St Plaza at 6:30
www.modestocruiseroute.com<www.modestocruiseroute.com/>
The Home of Rockabilly hosts Lee Rocker
One of the most exciting kinds of music is Rockabilly. This bass slapping form of music was born in Modesto back in 1938 by the hillbilly boogie moves of The Maddox Brothers and Rose, broadcasting to the world on KTRB radio. Over the years, Rockabilly influenced the sound of Elvis, Bill Hailey, Eddie Cochran and led to the foundations of rock and roll. Lee Rocker, the bass player for the Stray Cats was the forefront of the big Rockabilly revival in the 80s and it hasn’t stopped since. Rocker will be playing the Gallo Center on June 8.
To learn more about the Birth of Rockabilly and Modesto’s place in rock history, please check out www.modestomusichistory.com<www.modestomusichistory.com/>
Graffiti Summer Events – Mark your calendar
Friday Nights Car Show(all summer long)
A & W Root Beer 1404 G Street. Classic Cars, Elvis, Hula Hoop contest, Karaoke & Root Beer Floats served by Car Hops on Roller Skates.
Wednesday Nights Car Show (all summer long)
Velvet Creamery 2204 McHenry Ave. Classic Car Show, Activities, Raffles & more!
June 1 – American Graffiti at the State Theatre, 1307 J Street. For tickets call (209) 527-4697 or visit thestate.org<thestate.org/>. 1 pm
June 1 – The Platters at Gallo Center, 1000 I Street. 209-338-2100 or www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org/>. 7:30 pm
June 2 – 14th Annual Modesto Area Street Rod Association’s 14th annual Graffiti Classic Car Show
McHenry Village Shopping Center. 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
June 3-6 Mid-Valley Chevy Club Park n’ Shine 5-8pm.
Mon. Century Center – *NEW LOCATION* 2401 E Orangeburg Ave.
Tues. Vintage Faire Mall 3401 Dale Road
Wed. Downtown Modesto I & J Street
Thur. Cool Hand Luke’s 2505 Patterson Rd, Riverbank
June 5 – Graffiti Legends of the Cruise Presentation
Starting at 6:30 pm in the 10th Street Plaza, local celebrities will be inducted into the 2019 Historic Graffiti Walk of Fame, followed by live music by The Third Party Band. www.modestocruiseroute.com<www.modestocruiseroute.com/>.
June 6 – MoBand Concert in the Park: “Graffiti Love” MoBand is celebrating their 100th year, Admission is free and the concert begins a 8:00 pm at Graceada Park, get there early and enjoy. Graceada Park, 401 Needham Ave. www.moband.org<www.moband.org/>.
June 7 – Official North Modesto Kiwanis Classic Car Parade
The parade will cruise through Downtown Modesto and go down McHenry Ave. to Briggsmore Ave. & back to
downtown. The parade will feature thousands of classic cars, hot rods & street rods. 6:30pm in Downtown
Modesto.
June 7 – Downtown Cruise-In
Immediately following the Classic Car parade June 7th, we invite you to join us in Downtown Modesto, 1010 10th
Street to stay & ‘hang out’ on the Historic Graffiti Cruise Route! Live bands singing MoTown tunes, will be
entertaining from 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Special parking for classic cars. For more information call 209-526-5588.
June 8 & 9 – American Graffiti Car Show & Festival
This 21st Annual event is presented by the North Modesto Kiwanis. The car show & festival is Saturday, June 8 from 9 am to 5 pm & Sunday, June 9 from 9 am to 3 pm. Check out the classic cars, stroll through hundreds of specially selected food & vendor booths. Live music throughout the festival each day. Municipal Golf Course, 400
Tuolumne Blvd. 1-888-746-9763 or www.americangraffitifestival.com<www.americangraffitifestival.com/>.
June 8 – Lee Rocker(of the Stray Cats)
8:00 pm. Gallo Center, 1000 I Street. 209-338-2100 or www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org/>.
June 8 – Sing-a-long Grease The State. Doors 12 p.m.; showtime at 1 p.m. Tickets $5.
State Theatre, 1307 J Street. For tickets call 209-527-4697 or visit thestate.org<thestate.org/>.
June 14 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Purchase your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com<www.ticketmaster.com/> 8:00 pm The Fruit Yard Amphitheater, 7948 Yosemite Blvd. (209) 577-3093
June 15 – 26th Annual Back to Graffiti at the Fruit Yard
Free to the public 9:00 am The Fruit Yard, 7948 Yosemite Blvd. 209-577-3093.
June 15 – Tommy Castro & the Painkillers with Ron Thompson
Doors open at 7:00pm, Showtime 8:00pm. Tickets: $25; $30; $35. State Theatre, 1307 J Street. For tickets call 209-527-4697 or visit thestate.org<thestate.org/>.
June 23 – Graffiti-Con Comic Con & Car Show
Celebrate Modesto in a Fun Comic-Con and Car Show. $5 at the Door, Kids under 12 get in Free
with a paid adult. 10:00am—5:00pm. Centre Plaza, 10th & K Street. www.graffiti-con.com<www.graffiti-con.com/>
June 29 – Modesto Nuts Graffiti Night
Game time 7:05 pm. Fireworks after the game. John Thurman Field, 601 Neece Drive. 209-572-4487www.modestonuts.com<www.modestonuts.com/>
June 30 – The 12th Annual Rod & Custom Car Show
Proceeds to benefit Modesto Elks. Free admission for spectators. Car show starts at 9:00 am. Car participants Elks Lodge, 645 Charity Way. 209-524-4421
