Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
“If you luuv music you’re gonna love this”
School’s out for summer! What a year it’s been, long and busy with plenty of good times, bad times and the 2 steps forward and one step back shuffle, but now I’m ready for the dreaded summer vacation. I remember as a child the look my father had as we packed all our belonging into the back of a Ford Rambler at 5:00 in the morning with my 2 brothers and mom heading to Idaho. My father’s silent prayers to the gods of reliable cars given to keep ‘er goin’ while my mom dosed us with Dramamine. Every time we stopped my mom would look for flat rocks to bring home for her rock garden and my dad at rest stops would surreptitiously pass them to me to throw them out of the back of the car. My dad drove the whole way to the chorus of whines not in harmony, “are we there yet”. Now as an adult I keep it simple and have low but realistic expectation for vacations, do not drive to Idaho or anywhere 3 days away, do not bring young children, and use something stronger than Dramamine if you do.
Blue Monday Party & Invitational Jam returns to the Barkin’ Dog Grill this June 13th with special guest to be announced with 7-piece house Band Ultra Lounge 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 keys, & horn section Andrew Rosenblum Sax, trumpet, and Jamie Dubberly trombone. The band plays Jazz, R & B, Funk, Latin, Rock, and a little of everything else with special guests sitting in for listening and dancing. Show 7 to 10:00 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 going to be smoking
Everyone’s favorite promoter is back out of retirement, John Griswold returns to the scene June 11th at Lucca Winery in Ripon he is bringing in Greg Adams & East Bay Soul an amazing band with horn section playing Funk, Jazz, R & B and Soul. Greg is one of the founders of Tower Of Power. Doors at 5:00 with wine tasting, bar and food by Modesto’s own Christopher Bonera with art exhibit and preshow music by guitarist Jesse Christian Hendricks. If you likes his events at the SOS wait to you see this venue and show. Tickets: WWW.red-tie.org, call John if questions: (209) 543-4261
The Gallo Center for the Arts for the month of June: 11th Graffiti summer event the Tokens, Kingsmen and the Surfaris, The State Theatre June 10th has B-93 summer show with Nick Fradiani, Shawn Hook and more, and June 11th Purple Rain Costume and Dance Party with Tim Allen and Joe Barretta playing live before viewing of “Purple Rain.”
MoBand returns Thursdays for the summer. Starting June 9th Graffiti kick off playing music by rock legends Huey Lewis, Buddy Holly and other at Graceada Park. Bring your favorite blanket to sit on.
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 venue’s 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.
