Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
What’s new with Jazz and the Blues News?
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
And the summer rolls on and it’s time to go to summer camp, Coop Camp Sierra is a destination I have gone to since I was 12 years old every year. First girl friend, carving initials into trees, square dancing and staying up till the morning bell rang to go till breakfast, and yes a long nap. Now my children go and repeat the process. Coming back to the Motown downtown the next Blue Monday will feature an amazing singer Cliff Payne, who has sang everything from Jazz, R & B, Motown, ballads and theatre pieces. Shelly Streeter one of my fave vocalists with the Sensation’s vocal group came down last Blue Monday and said “Cliff Payne is coming down…I think you will like him.” Cliff was invited up to the jam session and launched into Stevie Wonder’s tune Signed Sealed Delivered and sang it every bit as good as Stevie would of done. There is nothing as exciting as a full band with horn section with a lead vocalist fronting the band. Come on down Monday July 9thand I promise you won’t be disappointed, it’s gonna be smoking!
Blue Monday Party on the Jazz and Rock side returns to the Barkin’ dog July 9thth to the Barkin’ Dog Grill with special guest Cliff Payne. 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, Dave Dow and you’re truly Eric Benson on Keys and Pat Governor on organ. We will be playing a whole lot of Rock and groove music, Blues, Latin, Jazz, Latin, and a little of everything else. 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.
The Gallo Center continues to have some amazing shows in July; 6th with Rita Coolidge, 30th American Idol Live!. Rita is a seasoned singer with a wonderful vocal rang and repertoire.
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family friendly venues continues with some live music coming at you for July; 6th Blade Runner Band, 7th Dow & Friends, 9th Blue Monday Party with yours truly Eric Benson, 13th Gottschaulk Music Center student recital, 14th John Rocket & Thrust, 20th Valley Jazz company, 21st Tony & the Tough Times, Blues you can use, 27th David Dow & Friends, and 28th Izzy Alvarado’s Bourbon Street Blues Band. And every single Thursday Dave Dow pianist Extraordinaire hosts a Thursday Jazz Jam session.
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>.
