JazzView
by Eric Benson
“If you luv music you’re gonna love this”
If you have not already heard Jamie Dubberly, Latin Grammy Winner Trombonist and arranger you have to check him out in the Blue Monday Band, second Monday of every month at the Barkin’ Dog Grill. This Month Friday the 13th at the Barkin’ Dog you really need to come even if you are superstitious. And also another sweet surprise is Miss Effie Passero, formerly Francesca Bavaro, Now she is on American Idol and hanging with Lionel Richie and whether she wins or loses she has already won and will go on to do great things with her music and vitality. Wow you go girl! And yes I’m going to vote for her! I used to book her around town and always fell by to hear her incredible vocals that could fill a room without a microphone. And next month I am going to start as part of my article doing a bio featuring all the fine musicians here in the Valley and what they do and if they teach their craft, so stay tuned.
Blue Monday Party on the Funky side returns to the Barkin’ Dog April 9thth with special guests Conrad Johnson Bass and lead vocals, Will Rock on Keyboard and vocals and Carlos Caro Latin percussion. Hosting the jam is House band Ultra Lounge, Johnny Valdes guitar, Tim Allen bass, vocals, Dave Hawks on drums, Horns Kevin Marin, and Marty Martinez, and John Burt Sax, Jamey Duberly on Trombone, Dave Dow and you’re truly Eric Benson on Keys. We will be playing a whole lot of funk and groove music, blues, Latin, jazz, Latin, and a little of everything else. Carlos Caro and Jamey Dubberly Trombone will also give you a taste of their Latin Jazz show the following Friday 13th at the Barkin Dog Grill. 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, or to listen and dance, it’s gonna’ be smoking!
The Gallo Center continues to have some amazing shows, the Temptations were amazing and George Benson, no relation to me Eric Benson was smoking, simply one of the best Guitar playing singing musicians to grace the Valley in a long time! On schedule for April; 17th Art Garfunkel, (formerly with Paul Simon), 19th Jackie Evancho, and the 30th Ronnie Millsap. And remember to bring your reusable Gallo zippy cup, I have a fine collection of 10 to 15 at home. They are just like plastic bags you don’t remember to bring them until you are at the store!
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family friendly venues continues with some live music coming at you for April; 6th Highway 99 Band, 7th; Tim Lachuga & Friends, 9th Blue Monday Party invitational Jam with host Eric Benson, 13th Carlos Caro Latin Jazz Collective, 14th Cove 5 Band, 20th Valley Jazz Company, 21st Gary Gervase Blues Band, 27thElf the Band, and 28th Red Dog Ash, and every single Thursday Dave Dow pianist Extraordinaire hosts a Thursday Jazz Jam session.
The Newman Theatre in Newman has nice shows for April is doing some theatre with Rock & Roll, and drama. The West Side Players Present: “Four Weddings and an Elvis”, a comedy. Shows run April 6, 7, 8th and 13, 14 and 15th. Check out the West Side Theatre for more details.
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: Queen Bean Sundays open mike night also in an all age environment. 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, email; Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
