MAMA View By Jill Ferris Jill’s Playlist Hello and happy May! I am really looking forward to what this month brings. There are already so many shows I am so excited for. May 4th I am looking forward to running the main stage for Hot Latin Nights in Manteca. May 5th will be my second show in Los Banos at the Shiners Bar and Grill you can catch reggae band A Sunset at Oakhurst, Los Banos’s own rockers Brutal Innocence, punk rock band Bully the Kid and more! May 23rd we will be partying at Fat Cat with a huge reggae line up including Roots Covenant, High Tide, Keep it Lit, Insideout and more. I am happy to announce that I will be ending the Month with Punk Rock legend Russ Rankin (vocalist of Good Riddance)!! You can catch that May 30th at Hero’s. That is just to name a few shows for more updates, shows and how to get tickets please find me on facebook at facebook.com/jillferrisbooking. Now to get down to the music, here is what I have been listening to… A La Lune – Reggae/ Roots Formed in ’07 by bassist/ vocalist Joseph Mier A La Lune has quite an impressive track record. They have shared stage with many international reggae artists and bands such as Pato Banton, Natural Vibrations, Ooklah the Moc, Luv Fyah, Soul Majestic, and Hip Hop’s Zion I & Aesop. Mier describes the band as “modern roots” also believes that they are set apart from other reggae bands due to their sound effects and old school feel. He is excited to play with Natural Vibrations again on June 6th at Fat Cat saying “I’m excited for this show because Natty Vibes have been performing for Almost 20 years. They def bring the Hawaiian reggae culture that always brighten up any show. Plus their vibrant humble attitude and roots culture style always hype up the show with their “natural vibrations”. I think Modesto is ready for a real Hawaiian reggae show that not only brings sweet music but a culture that has begun to be embraced all over california and the US. Roots culture.” This is one of the hardest working and most unique bands I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I see them having a very bright future. http://www.myspace.com/alalune209 www.facebook.com/alalunemusic Tym O’Laughlin – Acoustic/ Punk No stranger to the local scene you might remember him in Kings of Today aka KOT or Bonus Traxx this guy has the kind of passion for music that you just don’t see that often anymore. His self-titled acoustic project is just good old fashion punk rock tunes slowed down (slightly) and put with an acoustic guitar. His lyrics need no flash or glam, he is a clever writer who will have his song stuck in your head for days (I speak from experience)! Currently he is working on a new band called Quiet City Riot that will fall in the Ska/ Reggae/ Punk genre. They are going into the studio this month but just because they are young does not mean they have not perked the ears of people already. Greenleafapparel.com and Lovecustomdrums.com both proud sponsors. You can catch him opening for Russ Rankin of Good Riddance at Heros on May 30th. Don’t miss out! www.facebook.com/tym.olaughlin George Anthony – Reggae/ Acoustic This Fresno area native is very new to the Modesto scene but is quickly being embraced by our reggae family here in the valley. His mellow vibes would go perfectly on a beach somewhere. At 22 years old he is not new to being in bands, he is actually a metal musician who ended up following his heart towards the music he loves. Influences include Sublime, Jack Johnson and The Beatles. After just one year of playing solo/ acoustic he is debuting his band called MAUI at The Fat Cat Music House and Lounge on May 3rd. Come check it out and watch him grow because this is just the beginning! facebook.com/george.anthony.75
Aaron Richardson – Punk/ Acoustic His name might not sound all that familiar right now but I would put money on you recognizing his voice! Guitarist and vocalist of Peaceable Jones (and if you want to go back further; The Bomberz) is taking the stage all by himself now. His powerful voice that we all know and love from Peaceable Jones is just as impressive if not more so all stripped down. The music might be acoustic but it definitely has not lost its punk rock edge. His natural vocal talent, guitar skill and the ability to write deep yet clever lyrics is enough to make any type of music lover a fan. Check him out with Russ Rankin of Good Riddance at Heros on May 30th!
