PromoterView
by Middagh Goodwin
There is a lot of work that goes into promoting a show well. Most local promoters secure the date and venue, book the bands (touring and locals), make the flyer, arrange for sound, often work the door and for the most part for little or no pay or glory. There are often times at the end of the show, that the promoter is out of pocket. So why do they keep on doing it? It is a true labor of love and at the end of the day seeing a good crowd have fun and helping out some hard working bands is payment in itself.
For the last 5 years the Modesto Area Music Awards has paid tribute to the men and women behind the scene with the Best Live Music Promoter Award. Getting MAMAnated is a big deal in itself and taking home a MAMA is the cherry on the sundae that is a long year of selfless work. Here is a list of this years’ nominees, each one is unique and brings something special to the areas music scene. On October 20th only one winner will be announced at the State; but because of all these hardworking promoters, we are all winners.
A.H. Music Collective-Filling the Void that was left by Off the Air. A.H. promotes the majority of the Indie Rock and Folk Punk shows in the Modesto area. Led by the members of Dandelion Massacre you can catch them nearly monthly at Deva Café or up in Jamestown at the Gypsy Shack.
www.facebook.com/AgingHipsters
Beyond the Limits Promotions-Formally Nic Padilla Presents. BTL puts on Heavy Rock, Alternative and Metal shows at various Venues around Modesto. Most featuring a simi well know touring band or an obscure but good international act.
www.facebook.com/BeyondTheLimitsPromotions
CVDM-These guys have been holding it down in the Valley for years doing most of their shows at the Workshop in Ceres. If you like it hard, loud and fast you have most likely made it to a show they have put on. Specializing in Metal and Hardcore shows and often allowing outside promoters the use of their Venue to put on All Ages shows.
www.facebook.com/centralvalleydeathmetal
FM Concerts Presents is the combined effort of Jill Ferris and Ryan Irons. They are the team that bring some of the best Reggae artist from around the Country to Modesto. Add Alt Rock and EDM to the mix along with production at the Valleys biggest Festivals and you can’t go wrong.
www.fmconcerts.com/
Get Off the Couch Presents. The only Stockton promoter nominated this year. Get Off the Couch is led by Red Devil Lie frontman Ed Bonilla. Putting on mostly Punk (with the occasional Indie or Metal show). GOTC calls Rebels Whiskeyhouse home. Often the shows proceeds go to a local charity.
www.facebook.com/getoffthecouchpresents
Modesto Unplugged Music. Aaron Rowan brings some of the finest Folk, Acoustic and Bluegrass acts to Modesto year round. Modesto Unplugged Music is also the M.U.M. in MUMFest and promote that unique festival each year.
www.modestounplugged.com/
Pamsterdam Promotionz. Fairly new to the field of promoters Pammy Von Duke is not new to the game. Up until 2013 she had worked behind the scene in the music biz at concerts and festivals. Over the last few years she has promoted mostly Hard Rock and Metal shows all over the 209.
www.facebook.com/pamsterdampromotionz
Ron & Doug Excellent Promotions. Home of the Tribute, Ron & Doug Excellent Promotions bring the production to local events. Just in the last year they have promoted a Tom Petty, Elvis Presley and working on a Rolling Stones Tribute (Sept 19th) at the State. They may not do as much as some other promoters but what they lack in number of shows they make for in Epicness.
www.facebook.com/pages/Ron-Dougs-Excellent-Promotions/257251387693519
Uncle Lonny Presents. Most recently bringing the Blues great Carolyn Wonderland to the State along with Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame. Uncle Lonny specializes in Quality from the Brews, Blues & BBQ to bringing National acts to the State and Gallo Center.
www.unclelonnypresents.com/
209 Productions. Calling himself the #Godfather of the Modesto Metal Scene, Mike Vanek has been putting on Metal shows in the 209 for close to 15 years. If you are a local Metal fan or in a local Metal Band you have been to or played a 209 Productions show.
www.facebook.com/pages/209Productions/453466490607
