Winter Blues
By Eric Benson
We go to the New Year’s and beyond, full of hope and enthusiasm. I have plenty of resolutions but ah the follow-through I am sorry to say a bit remiss. I plan to do more of what I like to do and less of what I don’t. I plan to do more music, get involved in animal rescue, and take time to enjoy my friends and family. I will try to also try for more quality and less quantity in my life and not fill up all the spaces and leave some blank areas to see what happens. Wish me luck!
Blue Monday Party Jam continues with the house band and special guests on the fourth Monday of the Month. We thank Chris Murphy and Gary Nelson for helping sponsor this event! The band features John Burt Sax, Cortez Flores on drums, Kevin Marin on bass, myself, Eric Benson on keyboards, and special guest Gene Radino, a jazz guitarist. The alumni include John Adey Bass, Conrad Johnson Bass, Dave Hawks on Drums, and Andrew Rosenblum Sax. The band plays R&B, Funk, and Motown for listening and dancing with a tremendous 6-piece Band.
We all need to work on supporting the venues that support the arts and create new venues, as many great bands need to get out and be heard. Together, we can make it happen and see things strive!
There are some great shows at Gallo Center, but also check out some great venues out of town: The Newman Theatre, Vinhose Tapas Bar in Merced, Yoshi’s Oakland best jazz shows, Khumba Music Center Santa Cruz, and Piedmont Piano Company, the Back Door, and the Sound Room located in Oakland.
