Jazz and Blues View By Eric Benson Did anybody say “keep on rockin”? Had to go see Johnny Winter at the State Friday May 18th cause he’s getting up there and sits for most of the show because of a back injury but he’s still got it and smoked the whole show and put his band to work. Not to complain but the sound was not as good as some shows I’ve seen at the State. The opener Volker Strifler Band did a great job with standard material and originals that showcased the guitar player/singer Volker. Another sold out show with great crowd at the State Theatre, yeah! Next up to bat, the Texas Tornados June 30th. Call the State (209) 527-4697, or check out www.thestate.org
And the mighty John Griswold of Samba Arts Group continues to try to blend quality music and our demographic to a nice environment for some social lubricationwith dancing and cocktails, featuring Jazz, Swing, Celtic, Gypsy, Tango, Salsa & of course Smooth Jazz. The Smooth Jazz Summer Series June 16th features Four 80 East from the nu Jazz movement incorporating contemporary Jazz with improvisation dance sound with some R & B thrown in at Jazz Under the Stars at the SOS Club. call John 491-7185, 247-3288, or Web: www.eArtsNews.com
While The Seasons on McHenry has been in biz a while, new on the scene is bringing inBlues and R & B on Wednesday nights thanks to the blood, sweat, and tears of Big Earl, (of Cryin’ Shame Band). The venue is an intimate nightclub vibe with food, full bar and nice stage, dance floor and its own PA! I saw the James Harmen and the Bamboo Porch show and music and sound were great and nice dance floor for those to get your groove on. Slated for Wednesdays so far in Juneare: Shad Harris & the Groovenators, Jeremy Norris and Dangerous Mood, Fresno’s Mofo Party Band, & Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame, and others. Big Earl’s on Facebook so hook yourself up and support the Blues. While on the Blues news check out Don Heflin’s site www.CVBlues.org
The annual 2012 Jazz Fest, entitled What a Wonderful World, a tribute to Modesto’s own Ernie Bucio May 19th with amateur students to world class pro’s showcased the legacy and aspirations of Ernie, well done! Sponsored by Gottschalk’s Music Center it was another quality event hosted at the Clarion Inn a great blend of Jazz, and improv music from straight ahead to Latin, to R & B, to Zydeco. Again our annual Modesto Jazz Fest did Ernie Bucio, a great musician, music educator and Jazz enthusiast who spearheaded Jazz in the valley for years proud. And another event with Ernie’s input, the Modesto Trad Jazz Society continues its Sunday Jazz groups with jam session. Jam by noon, featured band by 1:00 PM. Call the Clarion for the lowdown: 524-3517
Part of Ernie’s legacy was creating an all-age venue for Jazz music at the Barkin’ Dog Grill in downtown Modesto. Ernie is gone but the bands play on at theBarkin’ Dog where the food is good in a casual setting. The Barkin’ Dog also has a Jazz Jam with David Dow on Thursdays where musicians can sit in and network. Google the: http://www.barkindoggrill.org
More music on the local scene: Deva Café Thursday night Ramble features the house band Big Earl & Poorhouse Millionaires with Eli Lester on guitar. The Boardroom continues an ambitious schedule of live music 4 nights a week. Tim Allen does his piano and vocal thing with some Elton and Joel covers as well as the standards on Tuesdays. Thursdays feature Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington,Friday’s dynamic duo Johnny & Kelly, and Saturdays rotate with: MCW Band, Strange Brew, The Nines, & Public Domain.
And I know I am preaching to the choir but please support our local music stores: Skip’s Music, Barker’s Music, Ingram & Braun, Gottschalk, and Langlois Music so they stay in business. Think globally but shop locally. Any co-conspirators or partners in crime want to get in touch I am on Facebook. I also encourage all of you to send me your info and I will send it out on weekly emails and in the Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com
All the best, Eric Benson, peace out
