MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
Wow what a great time we all had with the Modesto Area Music Awards this year. When Murphy and Ricci conceived the idea for the 1st MAMA 15 Years ago back in Y2K, most of the members of the Youth Bands were not even born. Maybe they had it in the back of their minds that the world was going to end and they wouldn’t have to be doing this for the rest of their lives. But Music is Alive and Well and could not be stopped by Y2K or the Mayans end of the world predictions. If we all continue to support each other to build things up it will only continue to thrive and get stronger for another 15 plus years.
The biggest surprise was that of Mike Vanek 209 Productions, winning the award for promoter. If you saw the shock, tears and joy on his face you would know it was unexpected even for him. Modesto’s Super Group performing Tusk by Fleetwood Mac, with the Gregori High School marching band was another highlight of the night. The evening was filled with great music from Nathan Ignition kicking off the night to early Metal performances by Perfect Nightmare(Youth Band Winner) and Bombs Overhead to Before Twenty ending the night representing Reggae as a category for the first year. The mini-mama was introduced with Doug Robinett (Rock Pose), Jennifer Allsup (Best Wigs) and Laser Voodoo(Lights and Lasers) being presented this new addition to the ceremony. Big Earl and I presented a super secret award to Murphy and Ricci the PAPA for all the hard work and dedication they have put in over the last few decades. We the music fans are all the real winners, each show, each performance. Thanks to all the performers and all the venues that give us such a rich and vibrant scene.
2015 will be here sooner then we think and the next batch of nominees are already performing all around the 209. Make plans to see at least a couple shows a month and become an educated voter for 2015 Modesto Area Music Awards. Saturday Nov. 1st Mike Vanek kicks things off at Spinnakers with a Day of the Dead Celebration with Perfect Nightmare (2014 Youth Band), Broken Trojan (2013 Hard Rock) and more. Right next door at the Other Place on Saturday Nov. 8th, Nic Padilla Presents Nothing But Losers (2011 Metal), Your Band Sucks(2014 Punk) with SoCal’s Eken is Dead and more. Triple D (2014 Blue Collar) performs at the 300Club at Yosemite Lanes on Friday Nov. 14th.
Several of Modesto’s promoters are teaming up in November to bring you an Unconventional Venue Crawl encouraging fans to check out different bands at various venues around town. Beat Happy Music(2011/12/13 Promoter) will be kicking things off with the Rockabilly Cruise Night at the Brewhouse(2013/14 Venue) with The Living Deads (CO) and more on Thursday Nov,13th. On Friday Nov.14th A.H. Collective presents at Cafe Deva Kid Mud, Mourning Mountains and the Drambles. Nic Padilla Presents at the Other Place on Thursday Nov. 20th Nothing But Losers (2011Metal), Zombie Death Stench(2012Metal) and more. The Brew Ha Ha at the Brewhouse on Friday Nov. 21st with some of the areas best comedian and hosted by Jimmie Menezes(2014Comedy). Pamsterdam Promotionz will end the run at Spinnakers with a Rock and Roll Masquerade Ball with Perfect Nightmare(2014Youth Band), Brutal Innocence(2014Metal), 17Ten and Dying Image. Hoping to fill in the rest of the dates with events at other Venues and to make this a regular event.
Open Mic Nights are popping at various Venues around Modesto from the Queen Bean(2013 Small Event)Sunday, Speakeasy and El Flamingo every Wednesday and Fuzzio’s every other Wednesday and Minnie’s on Thursdays. If you are wanting to try out your talent check out one of these great rooms.
It is always a great way to end or start your week by having breakfast and catching some great music at Cafe Deva, featuring Patty Castillo Davis(2014 Singer Songwriter) or one of the other great artist that perform
Remember Friends don’t let Friends miss great Music. Go out and enjoy the plethora or should I say cornucopia of entertainment that the Valley has to offer. Roll down to Merced and catch a show at the Partisan, head up to Stockton and enjoy the Bus Stop or Empresso, take the short drive up to Jamestown and take in an event at the Gypsy Shack. We are all very lucky to live where we do and to have so much going on all around us.
