Jazz & WorldView
By Eric Benson
Hey, folks, the Porchfest endured despite a wet soggy day, the weather may not have cooperated but the will to come out for some music and festivities, rain or shine prevailed. People with umbrellas or without soaked up the music and vibes. I think next year we should have it sponsored by tarps are us or something. And I know you love to drive but what about having it around a park for those interested in supporting a band so we could do it on foot, or crawling as necessary.
Thanks all that come out for the monthly Blues & Barbecue event at The Burnt End Restaurant in May, music and food good on a casual Sunday afternoon! Next Month Sunday, June 16th the Blue Monday Band with special guest Multi-instrumentalist Andrew Rosenblum hosts the jam. The Burnt End Barbecue is at 822 9th street. Bringing in the rhythms section from the Blue Monday Band; Dave Hawks drums, Conrad Johnson Bass, Dave Dow & Eric Benson & Johnny Valdes. We will be playing Blues, R & B, Funk and a little of everything else. The gig is from 3:30 to 6:30 in an all-ages venue with drink and some of the best Barbecue in town.
And Blue Monday Party June 10th brings in a heavy hitter on tour, Mr Barry Finnerty Jazz guitarist and frontman guest artist. Barry has played with Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Brecker Brothers, Tower of Power, Jazz Crusaders, and many others. We will be playing Barry’s arrangements from Mose Allison to TOP, Boy George, Stones, the Doors and some straight-ahead Acid Jazz. Come down you will not be disappointed, house band with John Adey Bass, Dave Hawkes Drums, Johnny V on guitar, Jamey Dubberly Bone, Andrew Rosenblum Sax, and Eric Benson Keys.
The new season for the Gallo in is with diverse offerings. June 1st The Platters celebrating Doo Wop, 8th Lee Rocker of the Strays Cats, 16th Postmodern Jukebox, 23rd Angela Aguilar.
Another partner in crime for music in the area is John Griswold also embracing an older demographic. The basement of McHenry Museum transforms into an intimate club setting with white table clothes, low lighting a wine bar and dessert offerings also doing shows at Lucca Winery Ripon. Coming up June 15th Abba tribute with ABBAcadabra, ABBA tribute June 15th, and June 29th Slim Man at the Museum. Check out WWW.RedTieArts.org<WWW.RedTieArts.org>.
And the Barkin’ Dog Grill, one of my favorite family-friendly venues continues with some live music coming at you for June. The lineup is: June 7th Mario Flores Latin Jazz, 8th Fun Strummers Ukelele Band, 10th Blue Monday Band with Barry Finnerty Jazz guitarist, 11th 2nd Tuesday poetry with Stella Beeratis/ open mic, 12th Ashman, Davis, Rogers, 14th David Dow & Friends, 15th Patio Fest, 20th Art Walk, 21st Valley Jazz CO, 22 Bump City Reunion Band, 28th Johnny & the Classics, 29th Elf & Tim Lachuga. Check out: WWW.barkindoggrill.com<WWW.barkindoggrill.com> My partner in crime on the music scene the best host with the most-ess on the bandstand, Dave Dow hosts the Jazz Jam session with friends every Thursday night 7 to 10 PM.
On the jam session scene: come back out for Third Thursday Art Walk 5 to 9:00 PM for some great art and music in the downtown! The lowdown on the jam session in the downtown: Queen Bean Sundays open mic 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. Remember for best seating call ahead. All the best, peace out! Eric Benson, cell 209- 918-7033, email; Mbenson@fire2wire.com<mailto:Mbenson@fire2wire.com>.
