Unplugged View: Greatest Hits
by Aaron Rowan
Well, this isn’t exactly what I meant when I said I wanted a sabbatical. For the first time in 8 years of curating and supporting live music year-round, my culture calendar is disturbingly barren. In my book, COVID stands for “Cause Of Vanishing Independent Delights.” But if we somehow find this mad season firmly in the rearview within the next few weeks, Modesto Unplugged has something very special to share with those who’ll be starved for the live listening experience once more.
On Friday evening May 8, we’ll welcome back the one and only Dirty Cello, who have headlined for me on numerous occasions and are one of my very top crowd-pleasers. From the first time I nearly fell out of my chair when she emailed asking to play my series, to booking concert dates for her in the U.K., to attending her wedding, to playing pack-mule schlepping her gear to the bottom of Moaning Cavern for a concert, I’ve forged quite the beautiful friendship with cellist/bandleader Rebecca Roudman. She’s classically trained and is a regular with various Bay Area symphonies, and has even appeared with our own MSO, but her Dirty Cello project balks at Bach. Instead, the band wows its audience with electrifying renditions of Jimi Hendrix, Zeppelin, Dropkick Murphys, Charlie Daniels and other favorites, plus Celtic, Klezmer and original songs with a bluesy twist, all driven by Rebecca’s lively cello shredding. (She’s also picked up the violin as part of her set in recent years.) They’ve taken their high-energy bluegrass/blues/classic rock style to sold-out venues throughout the world, but they take the time to make a Modesto visit every year or two. Be sure not to miss a golden opportunity when they do.
Doors open at 7:30 and Dirty Cello takes the stage at 8:00. $20 admission. If the date holds up, this will likely be the final show at Moon & Sixpence (the only independent listening-room venue in downtown Modesto) until October. Find our space at 500 9th St. between E & F, in the courtyard next to El Sol. As always, seat reservations can be made at 209.543.5306 or modestounplugged@yahoo.com. Stay safe and sane and not too stir-crazy, and we’ll see you soon.
Intimate performances. Infinite playlist. MODESTO UNPLUGGED. www.modestounplugged.com
