Creatives Spring Into Action
By Patty Castillo Davis
Last month I had the pleasure of seeing Melissa Etheridge live at our Gallo Center for the Arts. It was a frenetic rocking night of music filled with sensual lyrics, tight, rhythmic melodies and ballads almost too personal for public consumption. I was thinking about what kind of obstacles she must have faced to get to this point. Nevertheless, she persisted.
I can only draw upon my own experience for insight as to what that is like. Too often words are spoken by the people in charge about opportunities that never come to fruition and tiny pieces of leftover hope get given to you for consideration as the last choice. I won’t stop mentioning these things until it changes.
At press time I will have sat in a sold-out audience and witnessed Bonnie Raitt do what she does best- mesmerize a crowd and leave them wanting more. It is huge that we get to see such powerhouse female artist composers come through one venue in succession. It’s still not equitable enough for this to be normal. I played a local Brunch spot just last Fall where a whole lot of friends showed up and spent lots of money. After the gig I went for payout at the bar and the young man there did not respond when I told him I was there to collect the stipend, he looked through me, I asked a second time and he said he was told not to pay just anyone-only to give it to us the “band guys”. I said, “ I AM the band guys- it says Patty Castillo Davis and Friends, I’m her.” C’mon, it’s 2022. It is time for equity on all fronts, opportunities, pay, acknowledgement and most of all respect.
Let’s start demanding it right here. Right now.
On Thursday, April 21, from 5-7 pm there will be live music and free snacks at 950 Tenth St. at the ModSpot art space. All ages welcome. Donations accepted.
My group-A Gathering of the Vibes, which boasts two female singers amongst its members will bring their eclectic and dynamic setlist to the Plaza at Tenth street on Friday, April 22 from 7-9 pm. FREE, all ages.
Also on April 22, local Americana Troubadour, Chris Doud has a show, up at the Grove House in Mariposa. Chris Doud has partnered with Russel Irwin to bring a tribute show on April 16 to the Prospect Theater that highlights the Bakersfield Sound. Tickets are available at the Prospect Theater Project online box office.
Visit the Glenwood Senior Community on Saturday, April 23 for a ROCK N’ POP UP. Come support, local vendors, while enjoying live music from 10 am – 4 pm.
As things loosen up during these COVID times and talks of looking for the surge overseas to reach the United States this month please educate yourselves on the ever-changing mandates. More and more venues are implementing guidelines to follow the tide of the virus. Be patient, be kind and things will get back into a fashion that is familiar.
