By Eric Benson
Well it’s not always all good now is it. One of
our mainstays in the Jazz world, bandleader,
musician and music educator Ernie Bucio has
suffered a massive stroke on Monday August
15th and recently passed away. Jazz man
Ernie Bucio had recently become part owner
in Gottschalk’s Music Center and has been
active on the music scene for decades.
And secondly, the Blue Monday Jam that I,
Steve Ciraolo and many others have shed
blood, sweat and tears over for over 7 years
in the downtown is no longer happening at
its more recent venue, Jax on H Restaurant.
Over the years we have supported many of
the local bands doing their thing and keeping
themusic flowing and using as a showcase
to promote shows in town. We would like to
thank the Johnny Valdez & Straight Ahead
Band, DARC Band, Big Earl & the Cryin’
Shame, MCW Band, Ultra Lounge, Valley
Rhythm Section with Earl Evans, Gloria Scott
Band, Anthem, Joe Barretta Band, Rhythm
Deluxe, Third Party (Beatles Tribute). We
have had special guests Chris Cain, Dave
Mathew’s, Mic gilette, John Stowell, George
Railey to name a few. Thanks to all the
musicians and artists that came down to play,
listen, dance and network to make Motown
a more happening place, thanks all! After
approximately 364 shows over this period I
am going to take a little hiatus to chill out a bit
before finding a new home for what has been
a gas.
Continuing on John Griswold’s Global Music
Series brings in Sahnas that celebrates the
music of America, Spain, and Greece. The
events continue and take place at a private
intimate house in Modesto with the best in
catered food. Beverages are BYOB. John’s
also bringing in Jazz guitarist Steve Oliver
to the Whitmore Mansion on September
23rd. The Mansion is a nice outside venue
with good sound and plenty of room to stroll
around while enjoying the music. So giveJohn
a holler for more info at: (209) 491-7185, or
http://www.eArtsnews.com
Vito’s Italian Ristorante at 918
13th Street continues on Saturday nights with
Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Latin music with
a showcase for vocalists from 8:30 to 11:30
with great food and full bar. There will also
be an invitational latenight jam for musicians
getting off the gig. One of my favorite Jazz
and Rhythm & Blues singer Gloria Scott
is featured two Saturdays a month, if you
have not heard of Gloria Scott, she is one
of our best singers in the valley that used to
sing with Sly & The Family Stone, and was
produced by Barry White back in the day. Call
(209) 576-1851 for more info and happy hour
specials available.
The State Theatre continues to bring in some
quality shows featuring Shawn Colvin, singer
songwriter on Saturday September 17th, and
the Latin rock flavor of Malo on Friday September
23rd. If dining before the show Vito’s
Ristorante offers a discount for those attending
the State shows. Call the State (209) 527-
4697 for the lowdown.
And while you’re in the Motown downtown
check out the music in the Plaza at 1010 10th
Street, (in front of the Brenden Theatre), on
Friday evenings from 7-9 p.m. The lineup: 9/2
Neil Buettner, 9/9 House of Orange, 9/16 Joe
Barretta Trio, 9/23 Not anAirplane, and 9/30
Aaron Durr.
The West Side Theatre in Newman continues
with it’s eclectic booking in a restored theatre
environment. The return of House of Floyd,
(Pink Floyd tribute) rocks on Saturday September
10th. Then the Trailer Park Troubadours
returns September 16th, and the Sun Kings,
Beatles Tribute, play September 17th. Check
out: www.westsidetheatre.org, or call (209)
862-4490 for the lowdown on the hoedown.
Sips Bistro and Wine shop also features Jazz
and popular music in a casual setting Sunday
afternoons from 6:00 to 9:00 with food and
wine tasting. Regulars on the music menu
are: Jazzoni, Michele Richardson, and Dave
Bagget. Come by for a sip or just a little nip.
Call Diana for more details at (209) 527-7477.
The Boardroom located on the corner at J
Street and 16th Street continues with an ambitious
schedule of live music 5 nights a week.
They are trying to feature Blues on Tuesday
nights from 9:00 on with local acts. Our own
Johnny & Kelly holdin’ down Friday nights
there. There is a dress code weekends so call
(209) 409-8665 for details.
And on the fundraiser front, on September
24th the Mistlin Gallery will host their first “Art
in the Gardens” exhibition combining art and
some of the most interesting gardens in town.
On the bill to serenade the crowd from 2-4
p.m. will be the Gloria Scott Band. Tickets are
$20 dollars available at the Mistlin Gallery, or
call (209) 529-3369.
I encourage all of you to send me your info
and I will send it out on weekly email and in the
Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.
com <mailto:mbenson@fire2wire.com> , or
give me a holler at (209) 918-7033.
All the best, Eric Benson, peace out.
