Winter in Modesto

The Winter scene around Modesto was a total blast. From the Central West Ballet Nutcracker, to Adrian Mendoza’s Winter Solstice show, Aaron Durr’s CD release shows and The Beatles Tribute at the Fat Cat there was something for everyone. One of the highlights was the return of Grandaddy lead singer, Jason Lytle at café Deva for a short notice, filled to capacity, acoustic gig backed up by Aaron Burtch. Huge fun and a rare treat.

The Beatles ruled the night for the second time at the Fat Cat where eight local bands performed their renditions of Beatles hits to a full house. Efren Martinez continues to offer up the all-ages Queen Bean for benefit shows and served up a Music for Food event and a Benefit for Ruben return. The Gallo Center continued to bring in the national acts to blend with the Symphony and the Townsend Opera. One of the highlights was the appearance of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull who delivered a very exciting show complete with Aqualung and everything.

 

We made it throught 2009

Even though the national economy was a mess, there were a few bright spots that deserve celebration. More people spent time around our area. There were more “staycations” as people did not drive to SFO as much and counted on our own area for food, drink and fun. Our downtown has been stayin’ alive and our locally owned food and drink gets better all the time. The Gallo Center is in good hands with the return of Lynn Dickerson and the State Theatre is looking great and ready for a very exciting 2010. Local promoters are stepping up with Mike Vanek of 209 Booking doing the mega metal shows and Jill Ferris’ One More Night company booking many venues. The Queen Bean continues to be a leading all-ages place for music and Barking Dog and Claytons are serving up great variety and many different events each week. The Blue Monday Jam at Clayton’s presented by Eric Benson and Steve Cerilo has become a regular staple and should not be missed. There are some of our old school places that are stepping up like the Running Iron on McHenry, the Other Place on Yosemite and Guru on Oakdale serving the east-siders and Javi’s in Oakdale for the super east siders. Live music is everywhere and we all need to make sure we support the places that are doing it.

Things to look for this year:
• Productions at the Prospect Theatre- Cool Intimate and Smart Theatre presentations on Scenic Drive
• Indie films and concerts at the State – Great sound system, great popcorn, Beer/wine and beautiful auditorium and oh yeah....very smart films.
• New bands and all ages events at Clayton’s, Barking Dog, P. Wexford, Deva, Hero’s, Queen Bean with Off the Air,
Blue Monday, Jazz events by Ernie and Karen Bucio,
• More events at the Gallo Center with a new expanded calendar
• New and exciting street festivals as XFest is joined by the Beach Party, Tressetti Fat Tuesday,
• St. Patrick’s Groove Fest and others.
10th and 11th are becoming the place for Modesto entertainment, the site of the old cruise in the 50s and 60’s and now the home of music and street festivals.

 

2010 is ready to rock

Want to peek?

See what it was like to see what it is like in Modesto. Click here to get the pics.

Post your thoughts

As Modesto finishes a mojor vote, what things are important to you and what do you want to see? Post your thoughts in the BuzzBlog.