MAMAview
By Middagh Goodwin
Be very, very quiet(forget that get LOUD.) It is that time of year when if have local friends who are performers you are going to get inundated with request for Votes. What I challenge you to do first is take a peruse all the nominees, see who you like. Remember you get one vote, and when you cast your ballot, there is no going back. If you are unfamiliar with anyone in a category, look them up if they are performing or at least online. You most certainly will find new favorites.
This has been a long process. We have been reaching out to venue owners, promoters, and musicians all across the greater Modesto area. Nominees have been coming in for over a month. The nominees were narrowed down to the top 10 in each category. Now the vote goes to the people. When you vote, you can only vote once. You will be asked to validate your vote via email. Do not forget this part or your vote won’t count and it prevents duplicates. Then on October 8th at midnight, the voting stops and a CPA audits the vote. The people choose, there is no academy. Your fave musicians fate is in your hands. You will have many chances to go see your bands and the vote form has a link to their music site or fan page.
Head out to Music in the Plaza going on every Friday until September 22nd, and it is FREE. Brunch at Deva Cafe or Ralston’s Goat with Live Music every Sunday. Head out to CR2(Copper Rhino) or Moon & Sixpence both are new venues hosting live music. Maybe you like it hard and heavy head on over to Yosemite Street and catch some Metal and Hard Rock at the Other Place or Spinnakers. If you want to rock out to the songs of your youth, maybe Nino’s or Rivets will have a band rocking songs you can sing along. Queen Bean Coffeehouse host an Open Mic every Sunday for a little bit of everything. Looking for a good laugh check out Comedy at Cheroots and the Outpost Saloon. Take a drive out to Oakdale to the Cowtracks for some Americana, Folk or Blues. Like it, Jazzy? Check out Blue Monday at the Barkin’ Dog. You do not need to venture far to discover some talented performers you just need to take some time and go out. Go through the Calendar in the pages of ModestoView to acquire a complete list of things to do.
After you have had a blast doing your research, come back to www.modestoareamusic.com/vote and cast your votes. You can feel great about having a good time and knowing you have made a well thought out decision on who is the Best Hip Hop or Singer Songwriter is.
On October 10th the Modesto Area Music Awards will take place at the State Theatre. If you are not lucky enough to be able to attend you can alway watch it streaming Live.
Head out to a restaurant, cafe or bar that is hosting live music(bring as many friends as you can) and do a little research. It is fun, and you are supporting your arts community at the same time.
