MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
Is that Freedom Rock? Then turn it UP! It is July and we are celebrating our Independence as a country with BBQ and music. If you like music, arts and fun (like we do at ModestoView), then you are living in the right place. So much is always going on, and you never have to look far to find it. (Just take a look at the calendar in the back pages of the View.)
On July 18th one of my favorite bands (local or otherwise) from the 80’s Broken Toys is performing at the Gallo Center for the Arts. This will be their 30th Anniversary Concert, highlighting the release of “A Cut of Memory” 25th Anniversary Concert DVD/CD. They will be joined by Willie Hines (Jet Red/The Lights), Keith Boggs (Strayheart/Collective Hands), and Eric Westphal (James Blonde Band/Dirk Hamilton Band) who will each be performing 2 of their own originals backed by Broken Toys. Also joining the band for this special event will be14 student musicians from Gregori High School. Dan Bryan has been working hard on arrangements a few songs to be performed with the band, and I expect it to be absolutely amazing. Dave Gresalfi who has been tirelessly working on the DVD has put together some fantastic visuals for the show that will take things to another level. Tickets are available at Modesto Convention & Visitors Bureau, Music Box/Music Go Round in Stockton and online through PayPal (wireandwoodltd@gmail.com<mailto:wireandwoodltd@gmail.com>) for $20 each. This just might be the show of the season, and maybe even the year.
On July 10th you can celebrate Stev Rehn bassist of Broken Toys and Michael “Fro” Frowein’s birthday by catching their new band When We Become Kings(featuring Tommy McClendon of UFO) at the Fat Cat. Joining them will be Willie Hines and Jet Red (PTFH). This will be a warm-up for their 25th Anniversary show at X-Fest. You can expect some hard rocking going on this night for sure.
I have been getting back up to Stockton and on July 17th I am co promoting a show with Get Off the Couch presents at Rebels Whiskeyhouse. The show will be a benefit for the San Joaquin’s Women Center and feature Red Devil Lie, the Screaming Bloody Marys, and a very special performance by Shadow of Angels. Jimmie Menezes (2013 MAMA Comedy Winner) and I are also bringing the laughs to the Blackwater Republic with the Brew Ha Ha the 4th Saturday of every month. Like both venues on Facebook, and keep an eye out for what is going on just a few miles up the road from us.
July 25th at the legendary 924 Gilman in Berkeley, two former Metal MAMA Winners will be tearing things up. Zombie Death Stench (2012) and Nothing But Losers (2011) will be joined by Central Valley favorite California Medication and a few bay area thrashers. Rumor has it that ZDS will have their brand new album available at this show. If you like the hard stuff and love supporting your local scene, do not miss this show. Show area venues that our bands have a draw, and need to be invited back again and again.
Speaking of the 80’s, the Thomas Downey High School 30 Year Reunion will be taking place on August 8th at Urbanos. If you are or know an alumni, please reserve your spot for this monumental occasion by donating at the GoFundMe page http://www.gofundme.com/rndx94.
MAMA Records is working on a compilation the winners of the past. If you are a past MAMA winner we want you to be included. Send CD quality (FLAC files) songs to mamarecords209@gmail.com<mailto:mamarecords209@gmail.com>. The interest in this has been pretty great so far and we think you are all going to love it. Also speaking of MAMAs, they are going to be upon us sooner than you think. If you have any suggestions for #MAMAnees send them to us for consideration. This is your scene, your music! Make sure you are a part of it.
Every Sunday Cafe Deva starts the morning with some of the best singer songwriters in town. Start the morning off with a hot cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Sunday night is Open Mic (2013 Small Event) at the Queen Bean (2013 Restaurant/Cafe).
Middagh Goodwin
Beat Happy! Music
209-981-2311
beathappymusic@aol.com<mailto:beathappymusic@aol.com>
