MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
Happy New Year, Modesto! Looking toward the year ahead, let’s all make a resolution to go out and see more bands, support more venues, and buy local whenever we can. Together we can create something greater then ourselves. Together we can make Modesto and the greater 209 a better place to live, work and play. Here is a little math for you. If an extra $100 per person was spent locally in Modesto, we would contribute an extra $20,810,700 into the local economy. If everyone in Stanislaus County did the same it would increase to $51,437,000. Calculations show that 48% of each purchase made locally is recirculated locally. This action doesn’t just benefit our friends, families and neighbors, but also ourselves.
Each month you can check out the Modesto View and find a thousand or more things to do from live music to plays to what cool movies or events are happening at the State Theater, fun activities to help you spend that extra money in our community.
Let’s talk about a few new places to check out in the New Year: First, Seasons Event Center where you can catch Beyond the Limits Promotions (Nic Padilla) kicking things off on January 22nd with Saving Abel, Picture Yes, Hit & Run (2012 Hard Rock), Level 12 and DEDVOLT. This is the kind of concert that will help build Modesto as a city for National acts to stop. Nic has plans to do one big show a month at Seasons. Climax is branching out and with Metal Mondays and has plans to do comedy on a regular basis. Check out both of these spots.
Cottonwood Creek was surprised themselves to win the 2014 MAMA for Americana, but it was well deserved. They will get you to kick up your boots at the Barkin’ Dog (2014 Restaurant/Cafe) when they perform on January 2nd with Brian Laidlaw and Josh Davenport. This show is kind of a announcement party for the 2015 MUMfest.
The Brewhouse at Hero’s (2013/14 Venue) has a few cool shows in January. January 2nd Kountry Kittens Burlesque will be performing with Six Mile Station (Reno), Tyler Loyd Emery and GIRLBRAINS 4 hours of entertainment taking you back to a simpler time. On the 9th, Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame (2009 Blues) and Harlis Sweetwater Band will be bringing some good Rockin’ Blues. BE&TCS are one of the best acts Modesto has and Harlis Sweetwater blew me away the last time they performed here. On January 16th catch the Brew Ha Ha with some of the brightest local and regional comedians featuring Steve Poggi, Dave Gregory and Devon Whitlock(who won the last #209Comedy Contest) and hosted by Jimmie Menezes (2014 Comedy) this is the longest running comedy series in the area. Have a few laughs and a couple of beers.
Yosemite Lanes has started shows again and 209 Productions (2014 Promoter) is ending the month with an eclectic night of music with Broken Trojan (2013 Rock), Plastic Meteor Shower and Greasehound. Punk, Metal, Psychobilly and more, something for almost everyone. Bowl a few frames and enjoy the music.
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).
Take the challenge; together we can create something we are proud of. Together we can not only change the perception of Modesto, but make real and positive changes. Here’s to a fantastic 2015.
Middagh Goodwin
