Blues&JazzView
by Eric Benson
What’s new with Jazz and the Blues News?
If you luv music you’re gonna love this
Well I hope everyone survived the Hollidaze and are on to the resolutions at hand! I haven’t got all my resolutions in hand, but what can I say it’s a work in progress. One however is to treat my body better, at 61 years young I’m beginning to feel it when I don’t. Well each day is a blessing with family and friends even if sometimes my back reminds me of when I was young weight lifting without good body mechanics. On to the new year I say, even if sometimes I am walking with a limp.
Blue Monday Party invitational jam at the Barkin’ Dog Grill celebrates February 11th with special guest Conrad Johnson Bass player vocalist and front man bringing on the R & B and Funk. Also in the Band; Johnny Valdes Guitar, Dave Hawks Drums, Kevin Marin Trumpet, Jamey Dubberly Trombone, Dave Dow and Eric Benson Keys, and Pat Governor Organ. We will be playing some Blues, Jazz, Funk, and Latin music for listening and dancing. 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 gonna’ be smoking!
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family friendly venues continues with some live music coming at you for February: 1st with Bourbon Street Blues, 8th Valley Jazz Company, 11th Blue Monday Party with Eric Benson presents, and 15th Pryor Engagement with Jonathan Pryor, 16th Taillights, 21st Modesto Art Walk, 22nd David Dow & Friends, and 23rd Alrisk. David Dow & Friends jazz jam every Thursday night 7 to 10 PM.
And on the Jazz side bringing back Virtuoso Jazz guitarist John Stowell to play with local great Jazz guitarists Johnny Valdes and John Albano guitarists with catered food at a house party. It will be the three Johns, tres Amigos tour. Email me for the details for the gig Sunday February 10th; Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
The Gallo Center kicks into gear with the 2019 schedule with more great shows; ZZ Top already was smoking and sold out! For February coming to town: Feb 6th Tracy Bird, Feb 8th Some gospel with the marvelous Cece Winans, and a Bowie Celebration Feb 10th, tribute celebrating the music of David Bowie!
And slightly off the beaten path, the Newman Theatre features the Caravanserai Santana Tribute on Feb 23. A note for note tribute to Carlos Santana. If you love the music, come out. Call the Theatre for details: (209) 862-4490.
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>.
