Unplugged View
By Aaron Rowan
The Stars’ Address Is CBS
My favorite concert series in town, Sunday Afternoons At CBS, returns this month for its 24th year. I attended every single installment of the past season there, and enjoyed a different and engaging musical experience each time. Tina Driskill, the curator of this series, presents a vibrant selection of world-beat, gypsy jazz, Celtic, bluegrass and more from around the globe. The new season runs from September to March, and will feature three acclaimed groups from across Canada; a Jewish jamming session along with a brewfest; a Valentine’s Day concert and high tea starring Modesto’s own Grace Lieberman and her friends; and more. The season premiere is set for Sunday 9/27, with the Marc Atkinson Trio, one of Canada’s leading gypsy jazz string brands. Marc’s fiery, elegant style is infused with a catchy blend of influences. It’s melodically captivating, sensually charged, and ferociously, technically awe-inspiring.
More upcoming events in the series: October 18, Rabbi Shalom & friends (Jewish jammin’); November 8, Jaffa Road (Toronto-based ensemble fusing sacred and secular Jewish songs, Arabic and Indian music, modern jazz, rock and more); January 24, Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun/zydeco, low-down blues, and funky New Orleans grooves); February 14, Grace Lieberman and friends (classic love songs and sing-alongs); March 13, Stephanie Cadman Trio (Canadian Celtic tunes.) All concerts are held at 3 PM at Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave. Individual tickets are $20, or $75 for a full season pass. More info can be found at sundaysatcbs.com, cbsmodesto.org/concerts, or at the ’Sunday Afternoon At CBS’ Facebook page.
Saturday 9/12, local coffeehouse country artist Mondo Mariscal is among the lineup of the Americana Music Festival at Lodi Lake. Michael McNevin, Aireene & The Rarities, and Near Willow are also slated for this afternoon event, starting at noon. Advance tix $20 adult, $10 ages 6-17, 5 and under free; and $25/$15 day of event; available at www.loditickets.com.
Another great local concert run, the Great Valley Songwriter Series, continues its 2015 season this month with Dan Walsh, a banjo wizard from Stafford, England. Dan will appear there on Friday 9/18. More info and RSVP details are available on the Great Valley FB page.
Sunday afternoon 9/20 at 3 PM, local arts organization Focus On will present a special fundraiser backyard concert to benefit Center Stage Conservatory’s summer youth theater program. The international guitar duo of Richard Smith and Francesco Buzzurro will perform their mix of classical, jazz and pop music styles. Tickets are $35 general, $45 prime seating and $55 VIP; available online at CenterStageBenefit.eventbrite.com, or by calling John at 209-543-5261. More info at griswol3.wix.com/september-events.
Modesto Unplugged and Modesto View’s monthly concert series ‘Live In The Cellar’ will feature an evening with last year’s and this year’s winners of the MUMfest Songwriting Contest – Modesto superstar Francesca Bavaro (2014), and Tonya Newstetter (2015) of Bay Area bluegrass/ newgrass group Old Belle. These brilliant songwriting ladies will take turns performing short sets, where they will dazzle you with their inspired lyricism and gorgeous voices. Friday night 9/25 in the cellar at Greens Restaurant, 953 10th St. Tickets are $15 general, $20 front row seating, available by emailing modestounplugged@yahoo.com<mailto:modestounplugged@yahoo.com> or calling 209-543-5306.
