MAMAView-More Than Just an Awards Show
By Middagh Goodwin
The Modesto Area Music Awards celebrated 25 years last October at the State Theatre. Still, I am sure many in attendance and those reading this column don’t know the full extent of the Modesto Area Music Association (MAMA). MAMA is not just a cheerleader for Modesto Music and Arts but also books and sponsors many of the city’s events.
Founded in 2000 by Chris Murphy and Chris Ricci, the goal for MAMA has always been celebrating and promoting live music in the greater Modesto Area. Every event MAMA supports is based on musicians being paid for their work and encouraging more venues to book music. “playing for free for exposure” is not a real goal for musicians. MAMA is a 501 c- 3 non-profit dedicated to this cause. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to donate so that MAMA can support local events that hire local bands. Thanks to our local donors, we have accomplished a lot.
May the Fourth is Downtown Modesto’s annual celebration of all things Star Wars. The MAMAs, along with ModestoView, sponsor the stage, sound, and band for this event. Music in the Plaza is booked, and bands are paid through the non-profit MAMAs. The MAMAs also sponsor Entertainment and the stage and sound for Legends of the Cruise in June. Rockin’ Holidays is another community event where the bands and sound are paid for through donations to the MAMAs, and ModestoView and key sponsor Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group provide the Stage.
The MAMAs coordinated with the Stanislaus County Fair and booked local entertainers for paid gigs at the community stage. Because of our advocacy, the Fair continues to book Modesto artists.
MAMA hosts a stage at Chris Murphy’s house for Porchfest, and the MAMAs have booked entertainment for The Sampler and Patio Fest. MAMA, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group, and the Chris Murphy family have supported music for Art Walk, Blue Monday Jam, and Rockabilly events in Modesto. MAMA and ModestoView support monthly live music shows at the Prospect Theatre project, which The Vibes host.
In the last few years, ModestoView and the MAMAs have provided an additional stage for VMI’s ModStock, allowing even more bands to perform.
In addition, the Modesto Area Music Association has recommended and advocated for bands to open up for touring acts that have come through the area. It has also been a resource for area businesses looking for entertainment for special or ongoing events. 
In addition, we get local musicians on the radio with Modesto Area Music, hosted by Middagh Goodwin on KCBP 95.5 FM, the Voice of the Valley if you have radio-ready songs, email mamarecords209@gmail.com.
Make sure you email your gigs to events@modestoview.com so we can add them to the calendar,
Get in touch if you would like to donate to the Modesto Area Music Association or if you are looking for entertainment for your next event, info@modestoareamusic.com
