Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
What’s new with Jazz and the Blues News?
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
All right so I survived the hollidaze and Nappy New year, so on to the business at hand. Some nice music being playing in our greater Modesto area so come on down and partake of it. Ralston’s Goat is featuring every other Wednesday the Poorhouse Millionaires & Friends with Big Earl on vocals so check them out. Josh Rosenblum is tearing it up every Monday hosting a jam, and Johnny & Kelly every Thursday at P. Wexfords Pub.
Blue Monday Party on the Bluesy Side returns to the Barkin’ Dog Feb 12th to the Barkin’ Dog Grill with special guest John Clifton Blues singer and harmonica front man. John is a well spring of Blues and Roots music from the Mofo Party Band touring all over the world playing the Blues. 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 Blues, Latin, Jazz, Latin, Funk, and a little of everything else. 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. Just got through checkin’ out the Temp.. the Temp…Tempatations!, another solid sold out show. On schedule for Feb; 9th Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, 11th evening with Lyle Lovett & Robert Earl Dean, 15th One night of Queen, 18th Riders in the Sky and 21st with Jesse Cook. If you have never seen Lyle Lovett you should go, great songs, musicianship with some Country music styling with tongue through cheek humor.
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family friendly venues continues with some live music. For February; Here you go, 3rd Bourbon street Blues, 7th NuBlu Blue grass Quartet Band, 9th David Dow & Friends, 10th Larry Stewart & Unit 7, 12thEric Benson Blue Monday Party invitational Jam, 14th Patty Castillo Valentine’s Day celebration, 15th Art Walk, 16th Valley Jazz Company, 17th Victoria Boyington Presents, 23rd New Horizon Band, 24th Red Dog Ash Blue Grass Band, and the mighty Dave Dow kicking out the Jazz Jam every Thursday night.
The Newman Theatre in Newman has a nice tribute shows for Feb; Journey Revisited plays Saturday 24th with my favorite drummer from the Valley Dave Hawks, show is at 7:00 pm in the lovely restored theatre environment.
House Party concert Sunday Feb 11th with virtuoso Jazz guitarist John Stowell playing with local Jazz guitarist Johnny Valdes with appetizers and food provided. If interested in some of the best jazz you will ever hear in Modesto on a Sunday afternoon call me for invite; Eric Benson cell (209) 918-7033.
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>.
