Unplugged View
By Aaron Rowan
The IV League
MUMfest is back for its fourth year, and it’s leaner and meaner than ever before! On April 10-12, the Modesto Unplugged Music Festival will deliver the most intense burst of Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, world music and other acoustic sounds that you’ll find in town all year. There is no other festival in town quite like this.
For our 2015 gathering, we’ve tightened the format to take place at only two main venues, which are some of the finest independent listening spaces downtown has to offer – the Prospect Theater and Center Stage Conservatory. We love the intimate setting these venues provide, to properly focus on the music. Our assemblage of twenty featured acts includes some old favorites from past Festivals, the finalists from last year’s songwriting contest, and a stunning set of headliners who will make you get up and move your feet.
MUMfest 2015 is being sponsored in part by our lovely downtown restaurants Barkin’ Dog Grill and Concetta; and also Bauer’s 66 1/2 in McHenry Village.
Full weekend passes can be purchased for $50 by calling 209-543-5306 or emailing modestounplugged@yahoo.com<mailto:modestounplugged@yahoo.com>, or at the opening night showcase.
Friday 4/10 @ Prospect Theater, 1214 K St. – doors at 5:30, festival begins at 6:00 – $20
6:00 – Colorado Road – Folk-rock, originals, traditional, blues, and Americana.
6:55 – Red Pony – featuring local songwriters Phil Rojas, Joni Valponi and Dr. Blue, this good-time country and jam band can be found sharing their original music all over the central San Joaquin Valley.
7:50 – Halfpence & Haypenny – composing original works as well as unique adaptations of folk songs from England, Ireland, America, and more.
8:45 – Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers – combining a variety of influences from old-time, bluegrass, country, jazz, rock and 1930’s swing to create a tight, high-energy sound.
10:00 – Mary Bue – an emotional sucker-punch of pop/rock sound, at once soothing, spunky, cathartic and full of vigor.
Saturday 4/11 @ Prospect – doors at 2:30, music starts at 3:00 – $25
3:00 Tawnee Kendall Band – with the grit and gravity of rock, preening pop-glam, and folk-style storytelling, they are a commanding force on stage.
3:55 The Keller Sisters – Americana/folk/pop duo whose music has been topping various folk radio charts.
4:50 The Nickel Slots – featuring influences from early roots Americana music as well as a touch of rebellious ’70s punk, they have won the Sacramento Music Award for Best Alt-Country/Americana Band three times.
5:45 The Hopeful Heroines – a hauntingly beautiful fusion of folk, gypsy and classical.
6:40 Francesca Bavaro – this Modesto gal was trained in opera for ten years. She has quite a diverse and interesting repertoire with the voice to match it.
7:40 Steep Ravine – their soulful bluegrass tunes and fiery instrumentals take acoustic music in compelling new stylistic directions.
9:00 Vortex Tribe – combining improvisational jazz with elements of rock, world music, and sophisticated classical arrangements. Their sound swells with hard hitting, danceable grooves and rich, synthesized keys.
Sunday 4/12 @ Center Stage, 948 11th St. – doors at 11:30, music starts at noon – $20
12:00 Rozanne Gewaar – South African-born singer/songwriter who sings quiet observations of the human spirit, our relations and our struggles.
12:40 Chris Farris – one of the Valley’s finest up-and-coming singer/songwriters, performing a mix of folk, country and southern rock.
1:20 Boscoe’s Brood – Turlock-based songwriter Sam Regalado’s indie acoustic and experimental group reflect a signature of his recordings. His upbeat songs and attractive melodies speak persuasively for themselves.
2:00 American Nomad – drawing on influences ranging from bluegrass, folk, swing, blues, and soul, their music creates a classic sound.
3:00 Glitter Rose – acclaimed country & southern rock outfit; winners in 4 categories at the 2014 Artists In Music Awards including artist of the year and performer of the year.
4:00 Performances by the 4 finalists of this year’s songwriting contest.
4:30 The BluesBox Bayou Band – popular Cajun outfit from right here in Modesto who perform at music and food festivals all over California.
