Unplugged View
By Aaron Rowan
Hoop Dreams
“The piano has been drinking, not me.” – Tom Waits
Fun fact about indie singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop: before her music career took off, she was living in L.A. and working as a nanny for Tom Waits’ kids. Waits was also her early mentor who steered her toward her first music publishing deal, and if she’s good enough for Tom Waits, you just know she’s good enough for you to come by and listen to…and you’ll get your chance this month. Jesca is a California native who has made her home in Manchester, England for the past decade, and has stayed busy creating gorgeous music influenced by folk, rock and electronic. She’s been on the Modesto Unplugged most-wanted list for a few years now, and I finally have the privilege of featuring her as she passes through on tour supporting her new album ‘Stonechild.’ Jesca and her tourmate Chloe Foy, and old M.U. favorite Xanthe Alexis, will all be sharing their ethereal textures in an intimate showcase. Be at Moon & Sixpence Music And Art House – downtown Modesto’s only independent listening-room venue – on Monday 11/11 for this special evening of indie-folk starting at 7 PM. 500 9th St. between E & F, in the courtyard next to El Sol restaurant. Doors open at 6:30, $15 admission.
Rounding out November’s slate at Moon & Sixpence: vocal jazz with Coco Rose, performing songs from her debut album 70% Coco(a), with Yohan Partan on guitar. Members of Modesto indie favorite Stop Motion Poetry start the night with a stripped-down set. Saturday November 2, 7pm, $10. Alt-country band Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts will appear Wednesday 11/20, with openers David Finley & Big Finnish. 7pm, $10. And on Saturday 11/23, one of northern California’s hottest young bluegrass bands, North Country Blue will take the stage. 8pm, $15.
The Dragonfly Art For Life (1210 J St.) continues to play host to my Friday music series, and is as teeming with color & creativity as always. Music runs 7:30-9:00pm and is $10 at the door. 11/1: stunning Central Coast folk/Americana star Amber Cross. 11/ 15: Hannah Jane Kile, one of my favorite California songwriters to feature. 11/22: Red’s Blue Band, members of the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame. 11/29: Glitter Rose, multiple award-winning country-rocker from L.A. Then on Saturday 11/30, it’s the latest Modesto Unplugged young artist showcase featuring two prize winners from this year’s Valley Talent Project: piano prodigy Jack Douglass joined by Bennett Vickery doing some beatboxing. This one’s a rare Saturday matinee show at 3pm. Come for the music and then stick around for ModShop starting soon after. Intimate performances. Infinite playlist.
MODESTO UNPLUGGED. www.modestounplugged.com.
