Unplugged View: A Loveable Feast
by Aaron Rowan
“If music be the food of love, play on.” – Shakespeare, ‘Twelfth Night.’
The first MU showcase of 2022 welcomes back one of our youngest headliners, the multitalented Zoey Rae, to lead another Valentine-themed program at The Dragonfly Art For Life. Zoey performs with multiple groups including cover band Funkhaus and the Central Valley Youth Harp Ensemble. Since she last headlined for us at last year’s Valentine concert, she’s gone on to make her professional opera debut with Opera Modesto in ‘The Magic Flute’; and taken home her first MAMA Award for unplugged artist. Zoey and a few friends will deliver this romantic concert on Saturday 2/12 at 7:30 pm, at the gallery at 1210 J St. Admission is $10 for music only, but we encourage you and/or your date to try your hand and painting while you listen. Fees vary depending on which medium you choose.
The following weekend, we have another Young Artist program for you at the Dragonfly, this time starring born crooner Michael Balerite. Michael is no foreigner to the performing scene, having been involved with Opera Modesto since 2018 as a youth artist, singing in various operas, concerts, and showcases, including a recent collaboration between OpMo and Modesto Unplugged this past December in our “Around the World in 80 Minutes” concert. In addition to music, Michael competes in speech and debate competitions, having performed the spoken word at the local, state, and national levels. Friday 2/18, 7:30, $10 at the door.
You can catch some lovely locally-sourced music onstage at the Gallo Center this month: February 4, trumpeter Joe Mazzaferro brings his jazz quintet back for another close-quarters concert – the seating is actually ON the stage in the smaller theater, with only about 100 spots available. Joe is a prolific player in the NorCal jazz scene and the associate director of jazz studies at UoP’s Conservatory of Music. Enjoy songs from Joe’s latest record ‘Only Time Will Tell.’ The show starts at 8 pm, tickets are $39. On February 19, the BluesBox Bayou Band bring their zydeco party music to the Gallo stage. These ragin’ Cajuns have been making music together for more than a quarter-century. Their playlist includes unique shout-outs to New Orleans, Cajun, Creole, classic rock, R&B and Tex-Mex styles. 8 pm, $15-$30. Intimate performances. Infinite playlist. MODESTO UNPLUGGED. www.modestounplugged.com.
