Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
Well all righty then, 24,000 like for the Modesto View and counting! This is a good thing and means a whole lotta folks out there are involved in making things better for the music and arts community here in the valley. My hat is off to Chris Murphy the energizer bunny that makes this happen and to all the staff that do their part. Lots of things coming our way to take part in and as it is important to “like” something, it’s best to come on down and support it.
Blue Monday Invitational Jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill this Feb 13th with Ultra Lounge, with special guest Cuban Percussionist Carlos Carro and Odaly’s Caro and Latin Jazz piano. We will be playing everything from straight ahead Jazz, funk, Latin, Rhythm and Blues and yes some POP with special guests sitting in for dancing and listening. The band is a super group of all the best players in the area with 7-piece house Band hosting. The Blue Monday Band features: lead vocalist, guitar and bass player Dave Sousa, Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Eric Benson & Pat Governor on keys, and horn section: Andrew Rosenblum Sax, trumpet, and Jamie Dubberly trombone. Show from 7 to 10 PM with food and drink available in an all age venue. Call the Dog for reservations: 572-2341. If you play, come on down and sit in with the best musicians in the area, it’s gonna’ be smokin’!
The Gallo Center for the Arts is bringing in some great shows. I’ve been there for Sheila E (of Prince), blue-collar comedian Ron White, Robben Ford Guitar Army, the Guess Who, and Brian Setzer formerly of the Stray Cats Rockabilly Christmas show. For February bringing in: 4th the Motown Men, 7th the Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6, 16th Rain, Beatles tribute,25th Fleetwood Mac tribute Rumors’ album material and save the date; March 11th Chris Botti. Critic’s choice if you like harmony you’ll want the check out Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, it is gonna be smoking!
The Barkin’ Dog Grill for Feb features: 4th Tony & the Tough Times, Chicago Blues, 10th Valley Jazz Company, 13th Blue Monday Party, 16th Art Walk with Dave Dow Jazz jam, 18th Marty Grau Celebration, 24th Hot Club Faux Gitane, and the 25th Gary Gervase Kick Start Band, some down home Blues!. Come back out for third Thursday Art Walk 5 to 9:00 PM for some great art and music in the downtown! .Lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Barkin’ Dog Thursday night jazz jams with Dave Dow, Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment.
Remember please support our local live venues for live music and the arts. So take some time out to hear some live music and the arts of our own town as well this month, think globally and act locally.
All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209- 918-7033.
