MAMAView: Without ART the Earth is Just EH.
By Middagh Goodwin
I put on my first gig in over 2 years on March 23rd a sold-out Rockabilly show with Koffin Kats and The Pendletons at Ralston’s Goat. It felt good to see several people I have not seen in 2 or more years and to hear some fantastic music all at the same time. Through the course of the pandemic, I have done what I could to engage with musicians through hosting live streams on ModestoView to playing their songs on KCBP 95.5 FM. Both I think were crucial to keeping them going and the rest of us entertained, but there is nothing like the interaction between a musician and their audience.
I am excited to have Music in the Plaza return later this month on April 22nd, Earth Day to the 10th Street Plaza, outdoors and with room for a great crowd to enjoy some good music. Starting things off is A Gathering of the Vibes playing a blend of rock standards, blues and 70s AOR. The Vibes is the closest we have to a supergroup in Modesto. On April 29th Western Bound will be taking the stage playing Country and Rock this female-fronted band is sure to get you dancing/. May 6th celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Plaza with the David Perez Band on First Friday in Downtown Modesto. Music is 7-9 pm and always Free. For a full schedule go to facebook.com/10thstreetmusic.
Halee Smith of Rockit Gear fame has been booking music Friday and Saturday at Harvest Moon and April is packed. Some highlights will be the Rockit Gear Showcase on April 2nd with Aware, Indie Daze, Girls Smash Guitars and Not All Right Band starting at 4:30 pm, Funkhaus on the 9th, Koala & the Golden Boy on the 16th and Horizon Point on the 30th all starting at 6:30.
When was the last time you had dinner at P Wexfords? Did you know there was live music every Friday and Saturday? Some highlights for April Tongue & Grove on the 8th, Matt Davis Duo on the 16th, Doppelgänger on the 23rd and Alternative Hangover on the 30th.
A local favorite French Cassettes will be making a tour stop supporting their latest album Rolodex at the Partisan in Merced on April 30th so might I suggest you take the short drive to see this great indie rock band.
Music is Life and having a healthy music scene is paramount for any thriving community. So please grab a friend and enjoy what our local musicians have to offer.
