Unplugged View
By Rebecca Roudman
Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac
My name’s Rebecca Roudman and I lead the San Francisco bluegrass/blues band Dirty Cello. We perform all over the world (including frequent visits to Modesto – headliners of MUMfest the past 3 years, and an appearance at the California Women‘s Music Festival this year) and love making music. We also like to use our music to help others whenever possible.
Since 2011, I’ve been performing at a very interesting venue called the Cadillac Hotel. The Cadillac Hotel is a supportive housing development for over 160 tenants situated in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. Kathy Looper, the director of the Cadillac Hotel, who helps the residents, also puts on noontime concerts for both the residents of the Cadillac Hotel and anyone from the neighborhood who wants to sit back and hear a concert.
At my first show in the lobby of the Cadillac, I had a wonderful experience. The 30 residents who were in the audience were an enthusiastic and warm crowd. I’ve since come back to the Cadillac Hotel over and over again to perform for one of my favorite audiences.
Recently while doing a concert there, Kathy seemed very upset. When I talked with her, she told me that they had recently received an order from the city to upgrade the buildings electrical system at a cost of over $300,000. We decided it would be good idea to host a benefit concert to help out.
Along with the Cadillac Hotel, also in jeopardy is a doctor’s office for Chinese immigrants, the Bay Area Women’s and Children’s Center, a HeadStart program for 40 children, the Tenderloin Museum and SF Clean City.
The Cadillac Hotel Benefit concert will be held on November 14 from 12 – 5 p.m. featuring diverse acts like Lavay Smith (1940’s swing), Melissa Cruz (flamenco dancer) ragtime pianist Wendy DeWitt, and of course the Dirty Cello band. The concert will be free, but we’ll be asking for donations to help Kathy manage the electrical upgrade bill. For more information visit www.dirtycello.com.
Modesto’s November acoustic music calendar:
Friday 11/6 – Modesto Unplugged and ModestoView’s monthly series ‘Live In The Cellar’ welcomes The Honeymooners, performing instrumental originals, jazz standards, and pop/rock covers with a jazzy twist. Combining jazz, world, folk, pop, and rock influences, The Honeymooners create a distinct and fun sound. Performances are relaxing and romantic. Greens On Tenth, 953 10th St. Doors at 7, concert at 8. General admission $15. Call 209-543-5306 for more info.
Saturday 11/7 – Local gypsy jazz/swing band Hot Club Faux Gitane performs at the Barkin’ Dog Grill (940 11th St.) at 7 PM. Enjoy their swanky sounds along with the Dog’s savory food.
Saturday 11/14 – Electro-acoustic ethno-pop artist Jessa Young (a.k.a. Morphic Dream) will be visiting from Seattle to perform at Dewz Wine Bar, 1505 J St. She’ll give a couple sets starting at 7 PM. Jessa’s music has been featured on national radio. Come enjoy her mix of keyboard, Native American flute, and lush vocals.
Thursday 11/19 – Townsend Opera’s recital series comes to Café Deva (1202 J St.) with the duo of soprano Alison Collins and tenor Greg Pyatt. They’ll sing some jazz and classical pieces, along with Broadway favorites. Concert at 7:30 PM. More info at www.townsendopera.com.
Friday 11/27 – Modesto Unplugged presents a Black Friday songwriter showcase at Barkin’ Dog Grill. Americana duo Alanna Fugate & Jonathan Bramel (on tour from Louisville, KY) will be joined by bay area multi-instrumentalist Liz Ryder and more. Music starts at 7 PM, $5 cover.
