The MAMAs are Coming!
By Chris Murphy
The 2015 MAMA awards will be such a big celebration. We turn sweet 16! It is so crazy that some of the bands that are nominated, their members weren’t even born when Chris Ricci and I created the MAMAs way back in 2000. This is a celebration all musicians and bands and serves to created awareness of our amazing local music scene.
Modesto has such a rich culture of music and we are really excited to add Latino Rock this year and hope to reach out more over the next few years. Music is one of the most exciting ways where our culture mixes, especially how many young Latinos are embracing the art and music of Rockabilly, a music that has it’s roots here in Modesto. This is just the start and we are stoked about where we are going.
Modesto has amazing talent. As evidenced by the huge list of nominees in over 15 music genres, we are really fortunate to have these music makers in our area.
We still have work to do. The Modesto Area Music Associate is a strong advocate for live music and works with the City of Modesto to encourage live music venues and music friendly polices. Music, culture and the arts make our city more desirable for young professionals, CEOS and other people who want to make Modesto their home or to visit. It is a vital part of our future economy and needs to be embraced and supported by local government and business. This is a key part of what is often called “vibrancy”.
This year, we celebrate the lifetime achievement of the Ratz. The Ratz were part of the 60s explosion here in Modesto. The central valley had great run of bands during the Summer of Love and Gary Grubb (Duncan) of the Ratz went on to lead Quicksilver Messenger Service and became one of the iconic bands around the world with hits well into the 70s with their mega hit Fresh Air. The Ratz still perform today and just recently performed a concert fundraiser for the George Rogers Park. Ratz member Patrick Durr is also in Homegrown, that was honored with the first Lifetime MAMA at the inaugural 2000 Awards show.
The MAMAs are an evening of celebration and is unique that musicians, radio DJs, event promoters and venue operators of all genres gather to celebrate each other.
The MAMAs will feature over 12 live performances and will present 23 awards at the State Theatre on October 20, beginning at 7 pm. Each MAMA winner receives the iconic Car Hop steel trophy designed by Becky Murphy and made by Beeler Industries.
MAMA Awards are selected by the people and voting is open at www.modestoareamusic.com The MAMAs are not only a way to celebrate top performers, but to introduce the huge spectrum of music to the people of our region.
The MAMAs are invitation only and will be streamed live at www.modestoview.com
