Jazz & BluesView By Eric Benson
And summer roles on with work, kids on vacation, road trips and a whole lotta heat.
But after you’ve settled into the routine of rolling through the farmer’s markets and eateries and got your caffeine intake up to therapeutic levels, take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our town that helps us enjoy the good live that we have here in the Central Valley.
Blue Monday monthly Invitational Jam continues at the Barkin’ Dog Grill on the first Monday each month. Ultra Lounge hosts the jam with special guest Jamie Dubberly arranger and trombonist and winner of 2013 Latin Grammies in the Latin Jazz category. Band features Johnny Valdez on guitar, vocals, Tim Allen on bass and vocals, Kelly Ramirez on drums, yours truly Eric Benson on keys. Will be playing Blues, R & B, Funk and Latin music for listening and dancing. This month will be doing some Horace Silver tunes since this fine arranger, composer and pianist passed away in June. Show goes 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Call for reservations if you want a good seat. July 7th.
SAVE THE DATE: Blue Monday Party August 4th at the Barkin’ Dog features special guest artist Barry Finerty one of the better modern Jazz guitarists in the business. Barry will be getting back from touring with the Brecker Brother’s tour in Europe. Barry follows in the footsteps of Mike Stern, Pat Martino and some of the mainstream players that can play the depth and breadth of the idiom from Jazz to Funk to Rock to fusion. Johnny Valdes and Straight Ahead band will be backing him up for the appearance.
The State Theatre continues with community friendly booking. Juy 6th is Hard Day’s Night. 13th Trattoria, film, food, and live music benefit for the State, and in August the 27th Robin Ford, and the 29th Allan Holdsworth.
The Gallo Center for the Arts continues with their diverse booking in July: Uncle Lonny presents: Carolina Chocolate Drops on the 2nd, STYX on the 30th, August 9th features KC & the Sunshine Band.
Live music in DEWZ Wine Bar is still going on and stay tuned for some July shows.
Live music can be found at the: Boardroom, Rivet’s, Nino’s Place, Speakeasy Lounge, the Other Place, and Fridays Jazz pianist Kent Gripenstraw plays Papapolloni Meditarian Bistro in Oakdale.
On the Jam session front check out: David Dow hosting Barkin’ Dog Grill Jazz jam every Thursday night and the Queen Bean with Indie, acoustic jam every Sunday.
Need to get at me with some info or questions: email me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or cell 209-918-7033.
Peace out, Eric Benson
