Modestoview is back with a vengeance! Yes it will be online also but to have a steaming copy hot off the presses with real pages that you can turn and peruse leisurely in your favorite coffee shop of choice is the real deal. Okay, back to the business at hand, no lip-synching, DJ’s, or Elvis Impressions folks.
The new Jax on H street, (formerly of Clayton’s Restaurant), continues to host the Blue Monday Jam session every Monday night from 7:00-10:30 PM. Going on 5 years in the downtown, the Jam features the best in local bands hosting the jam playing Jazz, R & B, Funk, Rock, Reggae in an all-age venue. First set host band followed by jam session and then host band plays dance music from 8:30 on. The MAMA winning venue features the Valley Rhythm Section, MCW Band, Johnny Valdez & Straight Ahead, Rhythm
Deluxe, Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame, (I love that name), Blues Box Zydeco Band, and many others. The lineup for February: Monday 7th: Valley Rhythm Section, Monday 14th Valentine’s Day with monster Jazz guitarist of international acclaim John Stowell with house band Johnny Valdez and straight Ahead, Thursday 17th Art Walk with the mighty Tim Allen on piano and keys, Sunday 20th MOFO PARTY BAND, Monday 21st Eric Benson & Ultra Lounge, Sunday 27th The Sensations with Penny Gail-White, Alzheimer’s Society fund raiser, and Monday 28th the MCW Band.
The Clarion Hotel located on 1612 Sisk Road has started a Thursday Spoken Word and live music event. Don’t be mislead by the title, it is a nice showcase featuring the Cartel Band, (seasoned R & B band), playing some amazing music with vocals and great soloists. The event is promoted by Jai of Thin Line Productions and goes from 8:00-12:00 PM. The Clarion also will have a Valentine Day dance with my favorite R & B Band the Valley Rhythm Section on Saturday February 12th from 9:00 PM -1:00 AM. Call for more info: 209-521-1612.
The State Theatre has some nice offerings coming up. On February 4th Tower Of Power is coming back with some seasoned East Bay grease for an 8:00 show and February 25th Robin Trower is doing his guitar slinging show. Check out: www.thestate.org. Or call 209-527-4697 The Barkin’ Dog Grill has Threlle Productions presenting some great Blue’s showings on Fridays. They have brought in Ron Hacker, Mike Hammer and the Nails, MOFO Party Band to name a few. Call the Dog for more info: 209-572-2341.
Sips Bistro and Wine shop on Carpenter road features small group live entertainment on Sunday afternoons from 6:00-8:00 PM. Come down for a glass of vino and stay for the food and music. Call Diane at Sips for mo info: 209-527-7477.
New on the scene is the Saint Clair Theatre at 417 7th Street. The Theatre showcase is anice 150 capacity venue with nice stage and full bar that showcases live Jazz, Soul, R & B, Blues, Poetry, Comedy, Reggae, and theatrical productions. The Valley Rhythm Section returns to the theatre on Saturday March 26th for a night of Rhythm and Blues, and Soul with dance floor. Call 209-416-0259 for more info.
Soon to be on the scene will be the Board Room located at J street and 16th street on the corner. The Boardroom looks to be a nice Bar catering to the working professionals with promises of live Jazz and quality music for listening.
And the mighty John Griswold has launched his new web site to promote local live music in the Central Valley at: www.eArtsnews.com.
Reg Evans and the Central Valley Music Group bring regional and international acts to local venues. For 2010 a sampling included Legally Blind, Larry Carlton, Malo, Pete Escovedo, and many smooth Jazz acts. Shoot Reg an email to get hooked up: Reg@Centralvalleymusicgroup.com
Buck’s Music is back open being run by Jim Denoon, a family member who wants to continue the tradition of Buck’s Music. Jim is a smoking guitar player who can play & teaches just about any style and has played in Vegas for years. Phone Buck’s at 209-576-1330, or email Jim at: Jdjazzguitar@yahoo.com Buck’s is open 6 days a week. And please remember to support our local music stores, Skip’s Music, Barker’s Music, Langlois, & Gottschalk Music Center.
You can contact me at: Mbenson@fire2wire.com, or call me at 209-918-7033. If you want to be on a weekly email send out of all the live events in the downtown shoot me an email. Please feel free to be my friend or at least my acquaintance on Facebook, I am Eric Benson.
by Eric Benson
