MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
Year in Review and Preview
It is December, the end of the year, and WOW what a great year in entertainment it has been. The Live Music Scene was unsure for a lot of people with Fat Cat not really hosting regular shows as the year started out. Nic Padilla Promotions had shows booked at the Sky Lounge which we all had high hopes for, but unfortunately no shows saw the light of day there. Spinnakers and The Other Place filled the void for metal and hard rock bands and became the go-to spot for many local promoters. The Brewhouse kept live music coming to downtown on a regular basis along with Barkin’ Dog and Cafe Deva. Big props to all the local business owners who not only allow bands to play but truly support “Live Local Music”. We saw local acts like Good Luck Thrift Store selling out the State and Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame playing the Gallo Center not once but twice. Patty Castillo Dav has wowed the crowd at the Bob Hope Theater opening for Los Lonely Boys and Kenny Wayne Shepherd (no surprise why she won a MAMA this year). The BrewHaHa celebrated one year in October and is already booked into February of 2015 with plans to take the show on the road at other brewpubs in Northern California. Joan Jett, Huey Lewis and the News, B.B, King, Alice Cooper and other greats have graced local stages proving you do not need to travel to the Bay to see legendary performers. The Modesto Area Music Awards celebrated 15 years of local music in October.
It is the holiday season! We stuffed ourselves a little too much with turkey, mash potatoes and pecan pie and it’s officially okay to put up the lights and Christmas decorations. I am encouraging every one of you to shop local and even more so give local. Pick up a CD or T-Shirt from one of our great local and very talented musicians. They make great gifts and stocking stuffers. Here are some great opportunities to have a fun night out and do some shopping at the same time: Friday the 12th at The Brewhouse a rare Juno Circus performance with Callbox and Ray Vazira. (This also happens to be my birthday so come on out and celebrate.) Also over on Yosemite St at the Other Place and Spinnakers 209 Productions is having their annual Toy Drive with Triple D(2014 Blue Collar), Klytoralyk, Nothing But Losers (2011 Metal), Brutal Innocence, Bavmorda, Dying Image, Aborticide, Sworn in Black and Perfect Nightmare (2014 Youth Band) 2 Venues, 9 Bands 1 Great Cause. Saturday the 13th head on out to Chuck’s Place (aka The Local) in Manteca and catch E.A.R.L.(2007 Rock), Terrible Timing (who just finished mastering their new E.P.) and Los Punks all have music you can pick up and give away. The Valley Favorite Moonshine Bandits (2007 Hip Hop) return to the Fat Cat on the 13th with Pruno and Disturbing the Peace. Friday December 19th the last BrewHaHa of the Year will be hosted by Jimmie Menezes (2014 Comedy) hosting along with local favorites “Medi” Mike Boris, Gloria Magana, Joe Luzzi, Rusty Bawls and Jason Soh. Saturday the 20th Triple D rocks Nino’s with their last show of the year. Check out the ModestoView Calendar for tons more going on in and around Modesto.
Remember that it is just a short drive to Stockton (Empresso, Bus Stop, Whirlows), Merced (The Partisan), Jamestown (the Gypsy Shack) to get out of town and catch some great entertainment. You don’t have to leave the greater 209 for great entertainment. If you are wanting to try your hand at performing or trying out some new material check out one of the areas’ great open mics at Speak Easy (Tuesday), Cow Track (Wednesday), Minnie’s and Empresso (Thursday) and the Queen Bean and Chucks (Sunday).
2015 is going to be a great year! Nic Padilla is going to be focusing on putting on bigger shows about once a month starting with Saving Abel at the end of January. Beat Happy! Music will be bringing The Toasters back to The Brewhouse on February 2nd. Joining them will be Modesto’s own Nesta. There are a few fresh new bands that I think everyone will be excited to see busting out on the scene along with all your favorites continuing to bring the best the Valley has to offer month after month.
Remember: “Friends don’t let Friends miss Great Shows”. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Keep Rocking in the 209!
Middagh Goodwin
