MAMA View
By Middagh Goodwin
It is this time of year that I always seem to reflect on life and growing up. Even more than New Years, I seem to look back and remember all the good times growing up and yes growing older. I think all of our fondest memories surround this season. Graduation, Graffiti Nights, cruising, summer concerts and having fun. Isn’t that what life is all about in Modesto USA, when the temperature starts heating up?
30 years ago I graduated from Thomas Downey High School (Yes, I am a duck!), and like many I had no cares and was on top of the world (at least for the next 3 months before college started). I remember painting flames on the front, and the words “the Love Machine” on the side of my friend Phil’s Nash Metro, and cramming way too many people in it to be a part of Graffiti Night Cruise. The follies of youth. I don’t even feel like I am 30 years older most the time. On August 8th I expect to feel like a teenager all over again when I attend TDHS 30 Year Reunion at Urbano. It has been a blast (or as we might of said in the 80’s “RAD”) catching up and planning this event. I know we all hope to see our old friends there, so if you have not yet done so, please head over to www.gofundme.com/mdx94. $25 for singles $40 for couples, but give more if you can, and let’s all party like it is 1999. (I mean 1985 or 1989 because we would all have been old enough to drink by then…)
June in Modesto is event-overload every year and I love it, from all the classic cars and cruising to the concerts in the park, we are so lucky to live here. You have no excuse to not go out at least one day a week and do something fun with the family, on a date or just having fun by yourself. You have Music in the Plaza every Friday night which is a free family event. As we all know June is Graffiti USA month, and things are going on all over town the entire month. June 12th is the Official Graffiti Cruise Parade which has been expanded this year. June 13th I am very excited for Ron and Doug’s Excellent Elvis Tribute at the State. This is a must-see night of music featuring local favorites Third Party, Triple D, Modesto’s first super-group Kent Witt and the Downbeats, and the Legendary Elvis Impersonator Rob Ely. This is going to be a night to remember, and isn’t creating memories what summer is all about?
If classic cars and legends are not your bag, it doesn’t mean there is nothing for you to do in Modesto. June 12th AH Music Collective has Kid Mud, Boy on Guitar, and Family Thief at Café Deva, and of course every Sunday morning at Deva there is some fine acoustic music to get your day started. June 19th things get heavy at the Other Place when 209 Productions (2014 MAMA Promoter) brings back The Mentors (who have been playing Modesto off and on since the late 80’s) along Greasehound, Sexy Zombie and more. On June 25th Nic Padilla (Beyond the Limits) will be celebrating his birthday with a night of music at the Fat Cat with performances by The Alpha Complex, FallRise, White Knuckle Riot, Level12 and Nothing But Losers.
I had a blast at my first show booked back in Stockton (thanks Tony and Rebels Whiskeyhouse and everyone who came out) looking forward to booking many more shows at The Blackwater Republic. A few other things I personally have coming up are July 17th Screaming Bloody Marys with Shadow of Angels and special guest at Rebels (co-promoting with Get Off the Couch). This is a benefit show for the San Joaquin Women’s Shelter. July 18th Broken Toys (30th Anniversary and DVD Release show) at the Gallo Center with special guest Willie Hines, Eric Westphal and Keith Boggs. Tickets are available at the Modesto Visitors Bureau and through PayPal (wireandwoodltd@gmail.com<mailto:wireandwoodltd@gmail.com>). The 2012 show sold out early so get your tickets now.
Don’t let the summer pass you by without making some great memories! Go out explore local business, local cafes, local restaurants with friends, family and loved ones. It is a great time to be alive and living in the Valley. History is happening all around you; be a part of it and remember friends don’t let friends miss great events.
Middagh Goodwin
Beat Happy! Music
209-981-2311
beathappymusic@aol.com<mailto:beathappymusic@aol.com>
