By Chris Murphy
Can Modesto keep defying the trends? There is something great happening here that we all need to pay attention to and make sure we are all enjoying and most importantly participating in our local arts and performance community. Gallo Center CEO, Chad Hilligus, is reporting that the arts in some of the larger cities nationwide are suffering. Low attendance, and lack of interest causing closures in some places like, Tulsa, Brooklyn, and even LA. Recently attendance has been down for of some of our local performances, but not to the degrees of these other markets.
Modesto, we can’t let that happen here.
But Modesto has a chance to really buck the trends like we always do. Modesto is so very fortunate to have the Gallo Center, State Theatre, Central West Ballet, Opera Modesto, Modesto Symphony, Modesto Performing Arts, Prospect Theatre, Gallo Repertory, YES Company, and school music and drama programs. BUT, these are not successful unless you go and see performances or be a donor or sponsor.
We all need to put down our devices, turn off the TV and go see a live show. Gallo, Prospect, Turlock Theatres have all announced new seasons. The Modesto Symphony will kick off the new year with Picnic at the Pops, tributing Aretha Franklin on September 9. The one and only Donny Osmond will be at the Gallo Center this month, August 10. There are cool indie spaces like Off The Air, presenting in the cool basement speakeasy of Greens on 10th.
We have big variety. Classic rock, modern rock, country, indie/experimental and so much more. Truly, something for everyone. I personally support many of these organizations and I could attend more.
So I throw this 2023 & 2024 challenge out. Pick a few extra shows to enjoy. If each of us attend 2 or 3 more, it makes a huge difference and keeps our community creative and interesting. If you can’t make a show, please purchase a season subscription and donate tix or become a supporting donor. There are always extra perks if you are a season donor, like advance tix sales and other benefits. Simply, the live performance arts make a huge difference in our community.
There are always new shows added, like Cheap Trick and ZZ Top at the Gallo and Ringo Starr coming in September to the Fruit Yard. Remember to check www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com> or follow us @modestoview on the socials to stay in the loop.
Here are some key highlights this month.
Gallo Center
Donny Osmond – August 10
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Aug 5 – 13
Josh Turner – August 19
www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org>
Prospect Theatre Project
23/24 Season Sneak Peek and reception – August 20
www.prospecttheatreproject.org<www.prospecttheatreproject.org>
State Theatre
Fleetwood Mask – August 4
Marcella Arguello – August 19
Roy Orbison Returns – August 25
www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Turlock Community Theatre
Kenny Wayne Shepard – August 6
www.turlocktheatre.org<www.turlocktheatre.org>
Central West Ballet
A Night at the Graffiti Museum Fundraiser – Sept 23
www.centralwestballet.org<www.centralwestballet.org>
West Side Theatre
Travelling Wilburys Revuew – Aug 5
Dean-O-Holics – Rat Pack Tribute – Aug 12
Big Brother & Holding Company – Aug 19
www.westsidetheatre.org<www.westsidetheatre.org>
Off The Air – Greens on 10th
Alabaster DePlume – September 1
Instagram @offtheairmusic
Check www.modestoview.com<www.modestoview.com> for updated dates and times
