Also May 5th Mistlin Gallery has their kickoff Gala and fundraiser with food, drink and music by one of my favorite singers Gloria Scott of Gloria Scott Band. Gloria formerly of Sly & Family Stone can sing lush Jazz standards to down home R&B and old school hits. $20 tickets include food, wine, and an eyeful of the artful.

After recovering from Cinco De Mayo Festivals get ready for our annual Modesto Jazz Fest on Saturday May 19th with a special tribute to Ernie Bucio, a great musician, music educator and Jazz enthusiast who spearheaded Jazz in the valley for years. The Clarion Inn on Sisk hosts the all day family friendlyevent on five stages. On the bill are great local, regional acts: Shad Harris 7 and the Groovenators, Mario Flores Latin Jazz Ensemble, Natural Gass Jazz Band, Creole Jazz Kings, with some heavy hitters such as Bill Watrous, Josh Pfeiffer, Mike Vax, and Mic Gillette doing performances, music clinics. The festival is organized and supported by Gottschalk’s Music where Ernie Bucio nurtured quality music for years, sorry kids no tab taught here!

Part of Ernie’s legacy was creating an all-age venue for Jazz music at the Barkin’ Dog in downtown Modesto. Ernie is gone but the bands play on at the Barkin’ Dog Grill where the food is good in a casual setting. Some of the highlights are: May 5th the Queens of Doo-wop, the Sensations, May 11th Dave Souza, May12th elderly statesman of R&B Shad Harris & Groovenators, May 25th High Voltage Band, these teens can rock out! and May 26th Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame. The Barkin’ Dog also has a Jazz Jam with David Dow on Thursdays where musicians can sit in and network.

On thescene: the State Theatre brings in the one and only Johnny Winter Friday May 18th. Johnny’s out promoting his latest CD “Roots” playing all the Blue and R&B gems he grew up playing with some special guests Vince Gill, Derek Trucks, and Susan Tedeschi. If you live the Blues and have not seen Johnny Winter you need to come out, he’s the real deal. Call the State (209) 527-4697, or check out www.thestate.org

More music on the local scene: Deva Café Thursday night Ramble features the house band Big Earl & Poorhouse Millionaires with Eli Lester on guitar. If you get out only one Thursday make sure it’s the Third Thursdays Art Walk in the Downtown there is a lot of events happening that night. The

Boardroom continues an ambitious schedule of live music 4 nights a week. Tim Allen does his piano and vocal thing with some Elton and Joel covers as well as the standards on Tuesdays. Thursdays feature Neil Buettner and Matt Harrington,Friday’s dynamic duo Johnny & Kelly, and Saturdays rotate with: MCW Band, Strange Brew, The Nines, & Public Domain.

And the mighty John Griswold of Samba Arts Group has come out of retirement again. Our demographic, the older crowd bemoans there’s nothing for us to do, well John is teaming up with SOS club and offering a music series first and third Fridays with social interaction, dancing cocktails, some wine tasting featuring Jazz, Swing, Celtic, Gypsy, Tango, Salsa & of course Smooth Jazz. Buffet by Richard with ticket price of 30 dollars includes food and music. For lowdown: call John 491-7185, 247-3288, or Web: www.eArtsNews.com.

And I know I am preaching to the choir but please support our local music stores: Skip’s Music, Barker’s Music, Ingram & Braun, Gottschalk, and Langlois Music so they stay in business. Think globally but shop locally. Any co-conspirators or partners in crime want to get in touch I am on Facebook. I also encourage all of you to send me your info and I will send it out on weekly emails and in the Modesto View. Hit me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or give me a holler at (209) 918-7033. All the best, Eric Benson, peace out.

A TIME TO PERFORM IN MAY By Kaye Osborn May brings a flurry of performing activities such as graduations, dance, choral and orchestra/band recitals. Students and schoolpersonal are counting the days until summer vacation. There are a few theatrical productions available during this busy month. There is really nothing better than a live performance and you should check these out. THE GRAPES OF WRATH- May 4, 5, 6, 9, 10,11,12,13 Once again the Gallo Center is teaming with Modesto’s Prospect Theater Project to present this classic story. Set during a devastating drought, it follows a family from Oklahoma who home is repossessed and are forced to move to California. The story is very compelling and recounts what happened during the Dust Bowl.

STUART LITTLE- May 6 In E. B. White’s fantasy, Stuart enjoys adventures in New York’s Central Park and then tries to rescue his friend Margalo, a pretty bird, from the pursuit of Snowbell, a house cat. As the quiet mouse tries to adjust in the real world, he learns that size is not important. It’s attitude and ability that are important! For grades K – 5. MAN WHO PLANTED TREES- May 18 This play is an original blend of comedy and puppetry telling an ecologically focused story about a French shepherd traveling with his dog to plant a forest and transform an empty wasteland. Inspirational and memorable, it reminds us the difference one person can make in the world. For grades 1 – 6.

GALLO CENTER OF THE ARTS Tickets can be purchased on-line or at the box office.

Go Modesto – Special Performance Senior Spotlight at the State Theatre Senior Spotlight http://www.thestate.org/calendar/event/504/view

Sun. May 13 Doors at 12 noon; show at 1 p.m.

The much-anticipated Senior Spotlight — a showcase of local talent featuring adult vocalists, hoofers and strummers of various stripes — is again being hosted by The State and produced by Ms. Grace Lieberman, a talented performer, executive director of the Stanislaus Arts Council and one of Modesto’s most passionate advocates for the arts.

Art View By Jim Christiansen

Art Notes for April 2012 – Modesto View – Jim Christiansen

Aprilshowers us with an abundance of visual arts events and displays of all types. The month opens with the Modesto Art Museum sponsored World Mini-Art Show opening April 3 at McHenry Museum. Images in this international mail in show, limited to 6 inches square two-dimension art.

If you like your art stitched, the Fiber Arts show at Mistlin Gallery features works infabrics, with more than 20 depictions of front doorways of Modesto’s older neighborhoods. The show runs through April 25 and is a collaboration of Central California Art Association with Country Crossroads Quilters. The end of the month hiatus involves receiving, final judging and hanging for the 59th annual Spring Show, with the Opening Gala, May 5. Tickets are already on sale at $20.

The Chartreuse Muse can give you a lesson in persistence with “365 cups. “ Tammy Schoppet took up the challenge of throwing one cup every day in 2011. She documented the throwing, glazing and firing of each piece; that went up on You Tube via her blog and put a condensed video together, continuously playing at the Muse. Tammy is showing ALL the cups, accidents and all. Not all pieces can be a masterpiece.

The Muse is also home to a Tuesday night life-drawing group, in the rarely seen by the public, upstairs studio. That studio will be open to those attending the Stanislaus Artists Open Studio Tour, April 14 and 15, with three regular artists on display. You can get your maps at the Muse, Mistlin Gallery, the Turlock and Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Modesto and Oakdale Chambers of Commerce, and at the April 12 Preview show at Gallo Center, in the lobby 10 am to 7 pm.

73 artists invite the public to visit them at over 38 studios around the county, over the April 14 and 15 weekend. Map booklets cost $10 and serve as admission to the studios, and entry into a drawing for five original art works purchased from a juried pool of participating artists. This event is an initiative of the Stanislaus County Travel and Tourism Regional Round Table, and proceeds go back into the production of the event for 2012, and the future. For online purchase of maps call 209 222 TOUR, or http://stanislausaos.wordpress.com

That weekend also includes the annual Western Art show at Bonsack Gallery Oakdale, with 30 featured artists. The 8th Annual Patterson Art and Wine Gala, benefits Patterson Repertory Theatre, at $25 a ticket, held 6 to 10 pm at the Hammon’s Senior Center.

April 19 is this month’s Third Thursday Art Walk. New Art Walk venues not previously noted are Paper Planes Tattoo and Gallery, Fleur de Lis, Mocha Magic, Stanislaus County Library, C’est Joli and Salon Vanity. Get the new map.

JamesPrigoff, co-author of the 1987 book, “Spray Can Art” will lecture on aerosol art at the State Theatre, 6 to 9 pm, Wednesday April 4. Prigoff has documented urban art forms since the 1960s. Lecture is $5.

Final Sale sad note, April 30 is the last scheduled day of business for local art supplies and class fixture Artel Art Center.

Fashion View Dazzle Me, with Gemz By Shasta Boss

Almost every little girl dreams about being a princess. They dream about being very well behaved happy young ladies with the fanciest clothes to dress up in, the newest hairstyles, nail designs, and of course their very own pink runway. You know, Royalty or Rock Star status. So, shouldn’t we be pampered like them too? Definitely!!!

Gemz Salon and Boutique located at 1104 Scenic Drive is a full service salon with a small boutique located right inside. They specialize in Little Misses Pamper Parties that give young ladies the ultimate star treatment. Glamour hairstyles, dress up, sparkle makeup, nail designs, goodie bags, and a runway fashion show are services that Gemz offers with their Little Misses Pamper Parties. Don’t forget your camera for these parties because carousel horses, zebra print, and a bright pink carpet runway will make the cutest birthday memories.

Tutus and hair clips for the girls and jewelery and purses for the ladies make convenient and affordable essentials. A small part in the front of the salon has a cute selection of a variety of accessories and clothing.

Rockstar toes are a sparkly new nail trend that mixes glitter with gel to create a long lasting polish. Super cute for teens and worth the Rockstar name.

An organic spray tan, Organi-tan, is now being offered at the salon too. It isairbrushed on and made with natural ingredients providing many skin benefits.

Check the out online at gemzsalon.com or at 521-GEMZ

PerformingView By Kaye Osborn

Our valley has incredible talent. I hope you were able to attend some of our local high school spring productions. There is nothing better than live theater! The performers give 100%! Drama builds confidence, friendships, and memories. Have you ever considered auditioning or volunteering to help back stage or set design? Give it a try. You may catch “the Drama bug”. It’s a great way to give back to your community. If you are interested, just let me know.

I just finished directing Lakewood Youth Theater’s musical When the West WasWild. Every show was different. Every show received a standing ovation. It was thrilling! Still singing the songs! The talented students sang and danced their way into the hearts of the appreciative audience. The final song of every Lakewood musical ends with the cast singing and signing! Pure magic!

Come join me at the centennial birthday celebration of the McHenry Museum’s on April 29 from 2-4 PM. The McHenry Library opened on April 29, 1912. Special guests include the grandson of Oramil McHenry: Dr. McHenry and his wife. For more information about purchasing tickets, contact the McHenry Museum at 577-5235.

April theatrical offerings:

Gallo Center for the Arts Momma Mia April 13,14,15 Tickets $39-$109

The Boy Who Cried Bully April 25 7PM Based on the classic Aesop’s fable. Grades K-5 Tickets $8-$15

Jack and the Beanstalk April 29 2PM, 4PM Grades K-5 Tickets $8-$15

Disney’s Cinderella kids – April 27th 7pm, 28th 2pm and 7pm, 29th 2pm at Turlock Community Theatre – general admission $8

Open Auditions for teens 13-18 for Sweeney Todd. May 1st and 3rd at 6pm – Turlock Community Theatre. Prepare 1 minute of song of choice, a capella orbackground track acceptable.

Rock like it’s 1986 when Gregori High presents the musical “The Wedding Singer” in the school cafeteria April 26th @ 7:30; April 27th @ 2:00 and 7:30; and April 28th at 7:30. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students, and may be purchased in the Gregori student body office or reserved by emailing maxon.n@monet.k12.ca.us

Art View By Jim Christiansen

Spring time is good for the local art scene. March opens with the Faces of Clay/Almond Blossoms Central California Art Association members show at Mistlin Gallery through March 16, followed by the annual Fabric Art Show beginning March 20 by CCAA and Crossroads Country Quilters . Faces of Clay, includes an invitational sculptural element added to the quarterly members show. Applications for the Central California Art Association annual juried Spring Show are due March 17. Spring Show runs May 1 to June 14. Applications are available at Mistlin Gallery, or from Artel Art Center in McHenry Village.

Modesto Art Museum, has a March 10 application deadline for World Mini Art Expo. This show is limited to works in a 7 x 7 inch overall size. Show opens at McHenry Museum, April 3. Modesto Art Museum board recently announced a “no dues, free membership” policy. Check their web site, send in an email, and you can be a member too. http://modestoartmuseum.org for more details.

Café Deva has its second art display for 2012. Jim Christiansen is featured, with guest artists Modesto art icon EdCesena, and Jennifer K. Machado. This show replaces the great photo show by David Schroeder. Mark Holden paintings are featured at Thursday Night Ramble shows.

Beware the Ides of March. The new map for the Downtown Modesto Third Thursday Art Walknotes a new gallery at 13th and J, open three days a week. The new venue is a consignment gallery with a 30 per cent commission charge to artists seeking a place to hang their works. You can pick up a new Art Walk Map at the kiosk at Beckle’s Candy, Picasso’s on Tenth, the Downtown Improvement District office and other locations. Drop in at Anderson’s Frame Shop, Intrinsic Elements, Crow Trading Co., Barkin’ Dog Grill, Serrano Social Club, the Chartreuse Muse and the CSUS student Gallery 909.

On St Patrick’s Day, enjoy the street art of Lucky Fest’s 25 street pubs, each a different design created by local artists.

Stanislaus Artists Open Studio Tour map/booklets are available for purchase at $10 each. You can pick them up online, by phone order at 209 222 TOUR, or from locations like Mistlin Gallery and Chartreuse Muse. The Tour is April 14 and 15, and each map/booklet has one entry form for the purchase prize award winner give-away drawing. 75 artists are on the tour. http://stanislausaos.wordpress.com

Check out these regional visual arts events. Merced Art Hop, comes up every couple months. Sonora has Second Saturday Gallery Night. First Friday is Art Hop in Lodi. Check in with Artists of Modesto facebook page to keep up with regional art events. March is often the start of a new round of classes in the visual arts at Artel Art Center , the Chartreuse Muse, Mistlin Gallery. Artel is also offering studio time in their class work spaces. Life drawing continues at the Chartreuse Muse upstairs studio Tuesday nights, and costume models pose now at Mistlin on first and third Thursdays.

Support local artists, buy some Art.

Premiere and Party for the year’s top Oscar contender!

The State Theatre is returning to the days when one of our town’s most anticipated events was the opening of a new film. The Artist, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, offered the perfect excuse to roll out the red carpet so, we’re inviting you to not just a movie premiere, but a Premiere Party! Dress up in your black-and-white best (semi and formal attire or period dress) and follow the search light to The State where we hope you’ll join us complimentary Champagne, red carnations for the first 75 ladies, an organ concert, courtesy of Mr. Darrell Tucker, and so much more. Join us for a gala, one-night return to the ’20s, and experience a movie premiere the way it was done back Hollywood’s heyday! Admission is only $10 for a truly unforgettable night out on the town!

The Artist Opening Night

& Gala Premiere Party Fri. Feb. 10 Doors & Party at 6; film at 7 p.m. The Artist, the winner of three Golden Globes (Best Picture – comedy or musical; Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical (Jean Dujardin); and Best Original Score), a leading nominee (12) for the BAFTAs, and one of the most celebrated films of the year is coming to The State. As the transition to talkies gets under way in 1927, a silent movie star (Dujardin, declareed Best Actor at Cannes 2011 for this performance) who will soon be on his way down meets an extra (Bérénice Bejo) who will soon be on her way up. Michel Hazanavicius (OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies) wrote and directed this black-and-white film without spoken dialogue. With John Goodman, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller. “Here is one of the most entertaining films in many a moon, a film that charms because of its story, its performances and because of the sly way it plays with being silent and black and white.” – Roger Ebert “This is not a work of film history but rather a generous, touching and slightly daffy expression of unbridled movie love. Though its protagonist mourns the arrival of sound, The Artist itself is more interested in celebrating the range and power of a medium that can sparkle, swoon and suffer so beautifully that it doesn’t really need to have anything to say.” – A.O. Scott, The New York Times

Artist Note: Throughout the February issue of ModestoView you will see little steam punk hearts created by local artist Becky Murphy. Created from repurposed mechanical parts and high strength polymer and hand painted and stained. She also works in glass, metals and paints.

Learn more at www.beckymurphy.com

You can email her at me@beckymurphy.com

Art View By Jim Christiansen

There is quite a bit of new spring art in our community. For the Love of Art, and art events in Stanislaus County, the map booklets for April 14 and 15 Stanislaus Artists Open Studio Tour go on saleValentine’s Day. Available in print at galleries and stops around town, the $10 maps also available to order online via Paypal on the website. http://stanislausaos.wordpress.com phone: 209 222 TOUR.

Also new this month, Yvonne Porcuna Fiber Arts exhibition is now open at Turlock’s Carnegie Arts Center.

For the love of Kid’s art, check the 37th Annual Young Masters Show at Mistlin Gallery. Lower Division Best of Show award winner is Kenna Blue Smith for an oil painting, “Glory of Blues.” Upper Division Best of Show award winner is Elizabeth Knoll for a charcoal drawing, “James M.” There are ten categories with place and honorable mention awards. This show has over 325 entries from students in Stanislaus County. The Reception and awards ceremony will be Sat. Feb. 11 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Central California Art Association also has the Educationally Interpretive Exhibition running as acompanion to the Young Masters Show, in the windows of the main gallery, andnext door to 1015 J Street. The model for exhibit developed by Eliot Eisner, Professor Emeritus of Education and Art Education at Stanford, and emphasizes forms of thinking and the connection in creating works of art for intended purposes.

Love a glass of wine with your Art Show, stop in February 4th at Delicato Vineyards Tasting Room for the Artists Reception and awards given out in their Annual Fine Arts Show. Modesto Artists you can toast as winners were David Bienkowski first in landscape, honorablemention in “other”, Mary Scheinuck also in “other”, Linda Knoll first in “whimsical”, Jennifer K. Machado honorable mention, Eliseo Contreras Vasquez also honorable mention in “whimsical” Emily Rhyslinge honorable mention in Animals category. I’ve got one painting in this show, and I recommend a glass of their Gnarly Head.

Love Bird Watching? The booklet “The Birding Sites of Stanislaus and Merced Counties” includes drawings by artist Fumiko Amano-Caine, now available at the Chartreuse Muse, Look for it during next Art Walk and stop in across the street at the CSU Stanislaus student run Gallery 909. Love coffee? See Adrian Luna’s interesting display at Serrano Social Club, and David Schroeder’s photography show at DEVA. One to see February 16 at Art Walk, Ed Cesena’s love of music and color scheduled at Crow Trading and costume model drawing at Mistlin. Don’t miss Tresetti’s Fat Tuesday festival, February 21, as we’ll have art there too.

Other show coming for artists submissions: Tracy Art League “Expressions 2012″ show will come up for receiving and entry, Feb 10 and 11. For application, limit 4 entries per artist, $12 non- members, $10 Tracy Art League members, $450 for best of show, cash awards for placing www.tracyartleague.org/Expressionswebpage.html

Mistlin will have the Central California Art Association members “Almond Blossom” and invitational ceramics show opening February 17, entries due immediately. Modesto Art Museum World Mini Art Expo opening April 3 at McHenry Museum, has entries due March 10. http://modestoartmuseum.org

InterVIEW – Brett Dennen By Chris Murphy

The YMCA’s Camp Jack Hazard has been a very important part of youth development for over 40 years. Thousands of kids had amazing experiences at the camp over the years and many adults today remember how important it was to their childhood. With the financial problems of the the YMCA in 2010, Camp Jack Hazard was at risk. A new non-profit foundation was create to keep this important camp alive for a new generation. The world famous Oakdale native singer/songwriter Brett Dennen is an alumni of this camp and has stepped up to return to Modesto for a very important benefit show at the Gallo Center for the Arts on February 29, performing along with his brother Nathan.

Brett Dennen is one of Oakdale’s most amazing secrets. Travelling the world, touring with musicians like Guster, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, songs featured on TV shows like House and Grey’s Anatomy and working on the Chimes of Freedom Bob Dylan projects and as an ambassador for the Mosaic Project, Brett has become one of the most critically acclaimed singer songwriters. With all of this success, Brett is just getting going as 2012 starts. As he works on a new album and readies for a trip to the Middle East, Brett took some time out with ModestoView.

ModestoView: It has been a while since you head out on the road fromOakdale. It is amazing that you have become so well known and critically acclaimed around the world and yet so many people here in town, don’t realize that you are from this area. Are you able to get home very often and enjoy your family and friends? Brett Dennen: All the time. I spend a lot of time in the mountains, up highway 108. My parents live in Oakdale, so I come to see them quite a bit, and I have a few friends from high school and CJH that I’m still really close with.

MV: Where do you live now? BD: Santa Monica

MV: Modesto is very lucky to have you play a rare show in town at the Gallo Center as a benefit for your childhood camp, JackHazard. Why was this camp so special to you? BD: First of all, I’m lucky to play there. I’m lucky just to play I guess. But the Gallo center is beautiful. Everything Gallo is. They’re peacock collection is stunning. Camp Jack Hazard made me who I am today. It nurtured a love andconnection with the mountains. It taught me the importance of community and family. It inspires me to be the best I can be and live up to simple core values. It’s also where I learned to play guitar.

MV: The YMCA and youth camps like Jack Hazard have a challenge in raising money and staying open, what can we do in the community to help? BD: Send your kids to camp. It’s anincredible experience that lasts a lifetime. Tell your kids to tell their friends. Have more kids and send them to camp as well.

MV: You were involved with children’s music and boosting self-esteem early on with your Mosaic Project and Peace and BetterWorld CD. Were these songs inspired from your camp and childhood years? BD: Those songs are actually curriculum for theMosaic Project, which is a non-profit program that works with children in the bay. The Mosaic Project brings kids of different backgrounds together and educates them on building peaceful diverse communities. So the songs are very literal to the program. All the things I sing about in those songs are things we talk with the kids about.

MV: You have really put your effort into youth programs including the amazing Invisible Children project donating from proceeds of Loverboy sales and as a musical ambassador; what do people need to know about this to help inspire contributions? BD: It’s easy to not feel connected because we are so far away and don’t see it every day. But just imagine yourself living in a conflict zone and having your own child, stolen in the middle of the night and taken as a prisoner and trained to become soldier.

MV: Who were your early musical inspirations? BD: Paul Simon, Neil Young, Graham Nash, Van Morrison, Metallica, Primus, Beastie Boys, Journey, Tiny Tim, Smothers Brothers, New Kids on the Block, MC Hammer, Nelson, blah blah blah

MV: This last year was amazingly busy with the Loverboy tour and then the fall European tour, do you find the road more interesting now than you used to? BD: I used to travel around in a pickup truck with a camper shell. It was interesting back then because I was free to doanything, Like sleep on the floor of somebody’s house who came to the show that night. The less you have, the less you need I guess. Now I have a crew and a bus and a tight schedule. A lot less freedom. But that doesn’t stop me from appreciating life on the road. I’ve made friendships in every town and have favorite places I like to go. And I know all the places not to go too, I suppose.

MV: Loverboy was one of the best albums of 2011 and now you are in songwriting mode this spring, what do you want to do differently with your next album? BD: I want it to be a little more acoustic. Slower songs.

MV: Where is the most interesting place you have every put your guitar case out and played (if you ever have)? BD: A miniature flying saucer building competition in Humboldt.

MV: Where was your very first gig? BD: Campfires at Camp Jack Hazard

MV: You have a house up in Strawberry, do you spend time up in the mountains writing and does the Pinecrest area create inspiration for you? BD: Absolutely. I spent so much time in the mountains growing up. Its a huge source of inspiration. It willalways be. Hopefully I can live up there full time someday. Tuolumne County is a secret gem of central California. I encourage everyone to go visit. Camp Jack Hazard is up there. Pine Crest Lake. Dodge Ridge Resort. Amazing hiking, fishing and camping. Bigfoot. Clampers. Toothless dentists.

MV: The winter ski season really didn’t deliver here, have you gotten some snow time in yet this season? If not,what’s your plan? ND: Not yet. I’m praying for some more storms. If Dodge Ridge doesn’t open, I’ll take up badminton.

MV: One of the people you like is Pete Yorn and he was friends with the Grandaddy crew a few years back. Did you all connect with each other around this time and did you ever collaborate with that group, producer Lucky Lew, and the other Oakdale musicians like Dave Hanley and Built Like Alaska? BD: I never really connected with Grandaddy. I know Hanley from the Strawberry Music Festival. I’ve always admired his playing. Built Like Alaska was the band in Oakdale that we all looked up to. Don’t sleep on the Good Luck Thrift Store Outlet and the solo meanderings of Willy Tea. There’s some amazing music coming out of the area.

MV: Who would you most like to do a duet with? BD: The Dixie Chicks

MV: People don’t realize that Brett Dennen was released in 2004. From Oakdale to UC Santa Cruz to touring the world must have quite an impact., how do you think you have changed the most since then? Are you more introspective, more or less outgoing? BD: I think I’m much more outgoing now. Ithink you can hear the change in the music.

MV: You are heading off to the Middle East in Feb, visiting places like Dubai the very day before your Gallo Center show, will you be performing there? BD: Yes, I’m playing a festival there. It’s mostly a bunch of ex pats and vacationers that come to the festival. Not many locals attend the festival.

MV: Your brother Nathan just released his CD and he will be opening for you, how do think that you influenced his songwriting style or has he developed on his own? BD: I don’t think I’ve influenced him at all really. He has his own brand of music that is totally unique and true to him. He’s awesome. Not only is he talented, he’s probably the funniest guy I know. He’s always got me cracking up. He has devoted himself to working in the non-profit world with organizations that benefit children. He has a huge heart and he’s way better looking than me. In seventh grade he had the highest math scores in school. He’spretty much amazing.

MV: Anything special that you really want to dowhen you are back home for this show? BD: Hopefully there will be snow up at Dodge Ridge and I can go skiing.

MV: Do you have a favorite Modesto area food that you miss the most when you are away?

BD: I think Modesto has amazing Mexican food. Specifically all the little taquerias. They’re all good. I used to eat at the Brighter Side all the time. Amazing sandwiches.

MV: One of our regular ModestoView questions is: Do you prefer the Beatles or Stone and why? BD: Two completely different types of music. I don’t even know how to answer that. They’re both great.

Brett Dennen Concert for Camp Jack Hazard (featuring Nathan Dennen) February 29, 7:00 pm Gallo Center for the Arts www.galloarts.org