Unplugged View: Eine Kleinmann Nachtmusik
by Aaron Rowan
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The time has come to conclude a phenomenal second season of live music at Moon & Sixpence Music And Art House. One of very few listening-room venues in Modesto, we’ve seen our share of standing-ovation talent take the stage in this DIY space since opening two years ago. Our finale concert on June 20 will showcase one of my personal favorite instruments, which I don’t get to feature often enough – the flute, played here by international touring musician Rebecca Kleinmann. Rebecca moves effortlessly between numerous styles including jazz improv, flamenco, and Brazilian choro. Her Quarteto Jacaré features fellow international artists Rafael Amarante on guitar, Rafael Barata on drums and Scott Thompson on bass. This exciting new group features original music composed by all band members as well as new takes on Brazilian classics. ‘Jacaré’ is Portuguese for ‘alligator,’ and as someone once said about Beethoven’s music, “he puts doves and crocodiles in the same cage.” You can bet that Rebecca and friends will bring the same dynamic to wrap up our season. Catch them up-close and intimate on Thursday 6/20 at 8 pm, $20 cash at the door. Find Moon & Sixpence at 500 9th St. between E & F, in the courtyard to the left of El Sol. RSVP for seats to modestounplugged@yahoo.com.
While we take the summer off from hosting in the Moonhouse, Modesto Unplugged’s endless spring of fresh acoustic sounds will be flowing each and every weekend at The Dragonfly Art For Life. This lovely art gallery is transformed into a semi-listening room from 7:30-9:00pm each Friday evening. June’s offerings include Stockton folk-rock duo Vodessa (6/7), and singer-songwriters James Houlahan, Ben de la Cour & Tawnee Kendall, and Grover Anderson on the 14th, 21st and 28th. $10 gets you an evening of song plus a glass of wine, and you can also try your hand at paint-pouring for an extra fee.
Take a day trip to San Francisco on Saturday, June 8 to experience one of the coolest acoustic music gatherings in the state, the SF Free Folk Festival held at Everett Middle School. This is my 7th straight year attending, and numerous fantastic acts I’ve featured here are people I first met there. Modesto/SF based folk duo Mark & Cindy Lemaire will appear on the main stage, and MAMA Award winner Tina Louise Barr will teach an autoharp workshop. Dirty Cello, Brother Spellbinder, the Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers, and Brass Farthing are just some of the exciting live acts you should be sure to catch. Find the full program and info at sffolkfest.org. Intimate performances. Infinite playlist. MODESTO UNPLUGGED. www.modestounplugged.com.
