MAMA View By Middagh Goodwin
Is it July already? It’s been a year since I moved back to Modesto and wow what a ride it has been. I have reconnected with a lot of old friends and made many new ones. I have booked over a 100 shows with national, international and tons of locals. We brought legends such as Ian McLagan, Agent Orange, Roddy Radiation/Lynval Golding of the Specials, Annabella Lwin(of Bow Wow Wow), Reverend Horton Heat. Created two series Rockabilly Cruise Night and the Brew Ha Ha(with Jimmie Menezes) both of which have become successful. Won a MAMA(Best Promoter) and helped The Brewhouse win Best Venue. Earlier this year I started writing this column for the Modesto View and hope that you all have enjoyed reading it. My expectations have been exceeded and the future looks bright.
None of these things would have happened without the support of Bill Coffey and the staff at the Brewhouse, without the dedication of all the local bands who have played for us over the past year and most importantly all the music fans who come out and support live music time and time again. I also want to thank Chris Murphy and the View Crew who put so much effort on an almost daily basis to keep us all informed and entertained they make my job a little easier. Year One down now lets see what Year Two has in store for all of us.
I had a guy come out to Renegade Conspiracy / Comacova show recently and while a Table for Five was rocking out on stage in front of 75 people looked around and said there is nothing to do in Modesto. I picked up the Modesto View turned to the calendar section and said nope nothing at all. Perception is an interesting thing and you hear all the time that Modesto is boring there is nothing to do, etc. The exact opposite is the case there is so much to do in Modesto and you don’t have to look far to find it. I will be highlighting a few events that are not to be missed this month in and around Modesto.
I personally am very excited to see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performing July 19th at the Stanislaus County Fair. I have seen Joan Jett several times over the years and have to say the Fair shows are some of my favorites; she performs a long set featuring all the hits including I Love Rock and Roll, Crimson and Clover, Cherry Bomb and I am sure some songs off the newest album “Unvarnished.”
There is always something happening at the Brewhouse at Hero’s and it is hard to narrow down to a few must see shows like July 24th Voodoo Glow Skulls the SoCal Kings of SKAcore going strong since 1988. If you have seen them live I know you will be back for more. Joining them are Monkey(Asian Man Records) and Before Twenty(Modesto SKAPodge Legends-members of Trashboat/Thought Riot…) On July 25th there will be a benefit show for My Friends & I II featuring some of the areas best including House of Orange(2011 Best Americana), Josh Rosenblum Band(2012 Pop Rock), Prof Maxx Smith, Tractor Boy and more, a fun night of music which will help document some of the best the area music scene has to offer. July 26th a night of Punk, SKA and Rock with Left Alone(Hellcat Records featuring Elvis Cortez guitarist for the Transplants), The Interrupters(Epitaph Records and backing band for Tim Timebomb(Rancid), Peaceable Jones(2007 Best P3) and Terrible Timing(one of the best new Punk/SKA bands to come out of the 209.) The Brew Ha Ha, Modesto longest running comedy showcase is back on the third Friday of every month, July 18th come out for a night of laughter with Jimmie Menezes hosting, Cory Robinson headlining and featured comedians Danny Cruzz, Nick Larson, Charles Scott and more. My26 will be in the house once again filming all the fun and laughter for Comedy on 26! a brand new comedy TV show produced right here in Modesto.
Some other key events in the 209, Big Earl is booking bands up in Columbia at the Bixel Brewery July 4th House of Orange(2011 Americana) and the Rob Hill Band are playing a Free Fourth of July Celebration. At the Other Place where Hard Rock and Metal are stronger then ever July 11th EveFest featuring Nothing But Losers(2011 Best Metal), Zombie Death Stench(2012 Best Metal), Z-Strain and more. July 13th at Deva Dandelion Massacre(2011 Alt Rock) host a show with Days n’ Daze(TX), Broken Bow(CO) and Chop Off!. Hari Kari(2011 Best Blue Collar) are playing up at the Whiskey Barrel in Stockton. July 26th 209 Production has a Metal show at the Other Place featuring Better Left Unsaid(2004 Best Hard Rock), Warpath Assassins, Mneumonik, and more.
Remember every Sunday morning at Cafe Deva the Poorhouse Millionaires(2012 Blues)play music to get you going, so enjoy a bite to eat and a cup of coffee while listening to some great homegrown tunes. Sunday Nights at the Queen Bean you can find tomorrows MAMA winners today with the Queen Bean Open Mic(2013 Small Event) always something different and someone new. If you have not been to the fabulous State Theatre in awhile do yourself a favor and stop in, they have made some improvements in recent months a brand new state of the art digital projector and marquee out front. Each year the MAMA Awards are hosted at the state and it is one of the gems of the Central Valley. Friends Don’t Let Friends Miss Great Shows.
Middagh Goodwin beathappymusic@aol.com
