Songwriting View: Alternative- The 90’s and Living during COVID
By Patty Castillo Davis
A pivot in the times has forced us to adapt. By this time we should have a new routine in place for living or coping with this health crisis. I’d like to give you some hope for the future of live in person music. I have enjoyed the opportunity of reinvention in live music performance. I believe you would approve.I have played gigs both solo and with my band- A Gathering of the Vibes in an altered state. Not THAT altered state. I had the pleasure of performing with David Rogers ( Drum Love) at the Drive-In event for Josh Harder. It was very enjoyable, interesting and frankly, these drive-in venues are very user friendly and have proven successful all over the globe. Dave and I returned for a virtual stream in support of the Edible Extravaganza along with my friends in Tongue & Groove, in a secluded, safe space with a limited audience that could reach an unlimited number of folks online. For a very satisfying and safe take heartening back to the Music in the Plaza series, A Gathering of the Vibes gave a neighborhood concert featuring reservations, social distancing and masks in a homey, spacious outdoor venue. All of these opportunities look different but serve the purpose-to support local artists, to continue to experience culture and to allow us to enjoy the company of others without the risk of exposure.
I was reflecting on my personal experience in the ’90s with the local music scene and the (mis)adventures) that have brought me to where I am today. I was doing studio work with Joseph Scalero, singing jingles galore “Turlock. Auto. Plaza-YEAH!!” Joe recruited Randall Niemann, John Fowler, Joe Anderson and myself and we created the band called BANDANGO. We made the scene in between Minnie’s and Charlie’s and some private house parties where we played covers and garnered a loyal following. I still credit Joe Wagner for raising awareness of my abilities (“Let the girl sing!!”)and still count him among my greatest supporters. I found my voice in both performance and composition and earned the attention of local radio stations and played my first opening shows for national artists and the Lilith Fair Village and appreciate all of those instances.
Please stay tuned for some new music to drop as I collaborate with Us 4 Love and David Rogers. Check Facebook and listen to the KAT Country weekly calendar for upcoming dates and details for A Gathering of the Vibes neighborhood concerts and the SHARE the WARMTH Coat Drive which benefits the Inter Faith Ministries clothes closet.
Our friend to the East, Gail Dreyfus of Mariposa, will be hosting the 2020 Yosemite Virtual Songwriting Retreat October 9-11. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/yosemite-
Until we can be face to face, be safe, be well, be sane and be smart.
