It’s MAMA Time
By Chris Murphy
Can you believe we have been celebrating the best of the Modesto Area music since 2000? MAMA turns sweet 16 this year!
Musical talent is all over the greater Modesto area. It is particularly amazing how many different kinds of music we have to choose from. The MAMAs celebrate the bands, singers, songwriters, events restaurants, cafes and bars that book our local bands and host live music. There is truly something special about seeing live music performed, whether it is originals or your favorite covers.
Our local MAMA winners have gone achieved national / global fame, have been featured on TV programs, recognized by other organizations and their celebrations encourage them to go on to make even greater music and MAMA winners are a source of Modesto pride. Music makes our community special. More important than who takes home an award, the MAMAs are a great way for Modesto to showcase the asset that that music is to our community. New this year is a Latin Rock category and we are really excited about this.
Each MAMA Awards feature a Lifetime Award. We are so fortunate to have so much music history here in Modesto. Rockabilly Music, the back beat of Rock and Roll was created in Modesto in 1938 with the slappin’ bass sound of the Maddox Brothers and Rose. In 2013 we honored KC “Don Juan” Maddox and Rockabilly stars from around the world came to celebrate. In 2015, we will be honoring the Ratz, one of Modesto’s premier 60s rock bands that was the springboard for bands like Quicksilver Messenger Service. The late 60s was a groovy time for rock in Modesto.
The best part of all is the MAMAs are chosen by you the music fans. Your vote is the only one that matters. You can vote now at www.modestoareamusic.com MAMA on Facebook is
I want to especially thank Middagh Goodwin who has taken on the challenge of locating, tracking, finding Facebook/Soundcloud/etc sites and contacting all of MAMAnees this year and really developing a great resource for local music. The MAMAs will be live at the historic State Theatre on October 20th, beginning at 7 pm. The event will be broadcast live on www.modestoview.com You can check out Modesto music history at www.modestomusichistory.com
