MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
The year is almost over, we are officially entering the Holiday Season and it is finally getting a little chilly around the 209. Regardless of how you celebrate this time of year, gifts are going to be given and why not make those purchases right here at home. Over the last year several bands have released new material and all would make for a fantastic gift. If you need something heavy and loud check out the new albums by Zombie Death Stench, 17Ten, Sworn to the Black or Forever Obscured all have new material for Metal fans. Do you or yours like indie rock pick up new releases by Medusas, Pacific Lung and Boy on Guitar. They all have music available on vinyl and are well worth the price. KCSS released Take 1 a compilation of bands from all over the area in a 2 CD set. This is a great way to find out about new bands and support your local college radio station all in one fell swoop. Terrible Timing are a great SKA Punk band and has a new E.P. out and it is fantastic. Way Grimace and Ronald Records are both local labels and have so much available that you need to check out their respective websites and start picking things up now. Most every band worth their weight in fans have T Shirts. Stickers or other merchandise that would also make for fun gifts and stocking stuffers.
What about a picking up a gift certificate for a favorite venue or local restaurant? Barkin’ Dog, Deva Café, Queen Bean, Rebels, Minnies and just about all the other great local places that showcase live music. You can spend as little as $5 and are supporting local business at the same time. Tickets to a show large or small also make for thoughtful gifts, regardless if it is a show at the Gallo Center(Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame tickets are still available for their CD Release show) the State Theater or for any of the great live theater and music events at the Prospect Theater.
Do you have young musicians in your home? Did you know there are a few really great “Schools of Rock” in our area? What a better gift to give than the gift of music lessons. GK Music in Manteca and the Valley Music Institute in Modesto are both fantastic schools, that also group kids together in bands that eventually perform live all over the area. It is really amazing how talented these kids are and is testament of the instructors and schools themselves. You just can’t go wrong, not only are you giving a great present, but you are supporting someone’s dream.
Speaking of dreams, in 2016 Beat Happy! Music will be celebrating 30 Years of music and art in the 209. I started booking shows in 1986 while attending college and was a part of ASMJC. Over the years I have booked shows from Merced to Lodi, was a founding member of the Modesto Organization of Bands, on the board and booked events for the Central Valley Music Festival and ran the Plea for Peace Center in Stockton. Look forward to the Brew Ha Ha continuing at Deva Café, shows planned at the Prospect Theater in Modesto and Rebels in Stockton. Plans are also to have live music and comedy booked in local venues as part Modesto Con July 9th and 10th and a few bigger events are in the planning stages to celebrate such a milestone few ever see.
Hope everyone has a Rockin’ Holiday and a Happy New Year and remember friends don’t let friends miss out on great local events.
