Fat Tuesday was enjoyed by a huge happy crowd last night in Modesto. Beads and booze were everywhere, the music was awesome and there was plenty of color and unique style for people to enjoy. We always look forward to a downtown party. It looks like Lucky Fest 2012 will be our next big party stop. Join us!

I probably should have taken my daughters to this show. It was wonderful to see the kids in the crowd look at their parents like they themselves were rock gods. I would have been able to answer a million questions for my girls last night. I would have had a chance to say things like, “Yes, that is why daddy has the song lyric tattoos.” and “Yes, this is the music that kept daddy going when he was sick.” I would have been able to look at them with an open heart and say, “Never stop fighting guys. These guys have been through hell and they are still here. Life can be hard but you can do this. It will all be ok.”

I look at music differently now than I ever did before and I love it more than ever. I am happy to support our locals and the occasional national act that comes to town. Let’s all take to the streets more often. Let’s throw our fists into the air once a while. Let’s dance.

Social Distortion was older and more experienced than I imagined. That was nice to see. They still have it. They can still kill it. I hope they come back.

On a side note- Find the music of a band called Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. These young English rockers performed before the headliner last night and made quite a few new fans. They were happy to greet fans after the show. It is always nice to see that. Their lyrics are amazing.

The State Theatre transformed into a classic Hollywood experience for the Oscar nominated black and white film “The Artist.” The State did not miss a single detail and that was nice to see. Guests walked into the building past an old car on a red carpet and were greeted by well-dressed hosts that handed out programs and carnations to the ladies. Even the movie itself was presented in classic 35mm.

It is nice to see events like this take place in Modesto and it is nice to see them full of happy patrons. Keep up with us here and we will do what we can to show you what is happening around town. You may be surprised by how fun Modesto is becoming!

The reception honoring Mayor Ridenour and newly elected Mayor Garrad Marsh will still take place on February 28 as originally planned.

Highlights last night included an amazing 14 year-old steel drum player from a band called Television Skies and a pair of local rappers who added a throbbing bass line to “Rocket Man” by Elton John.

The St. Clair will come to life again on Feb. 11 at 8pm. “Parting the Veil” is being billed as “a local modern psychedelic music showcase” and will feature a pair of up-and-coming local bands. Psychedelic music should play well under the streaming rays of theater lights in the St. Clairs’ dark main room. You can’t beat $5 tickets for a full night of music. Make it a date- The St. Clair also offers a full bar for patrons that are 21 and over.

St. Clair Theater 417 7th St. 209-416-0258 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001266855441

209Metal View By Mike Vanek

THRASHOCALYPSE 2012 It took almost a year to produce, with problems at three different venues and Modesto Police and multiple delays, the 2nd annual Thrashocalypse actually happened.

This 2-day event started with a jubilant mood as people slowly rolled in. It was a great day of heavy metal with bands like Aimaora. This Times Brutal, Attackacardia, 3 Luna’s & Aborticide among others. At 6pm I was reminded of an email I was sent a few days earlier. I booked 2 bands that belong to an organization called The New York Death Militia (NYDM) and a band cancelled because he was told the NYDM was going to jump everyone at the show. We had an agreement with the Venue and the NYDM Bands that they wouldn’t be able to wear their vests at the show, as is the norm for venues in the Modesto area. I got a call from the band CURSED, the NYDM band from our area that their members were coming and NOT removing their vests. The next thing I knew there were 40 of these people wearing their vests vs. my 6 security guards. The things I heard being said about my show could not be repeated here but they reflect a GANG mentality that has NO PLACE in our metal scene! Luckily cooler heads prevailed and the situation was handled and nobody was hurt. THANK GOD! Due to the NYDM Situation we lost 4 bands and Day 1 ended on a somber note at 8pm but it was a memorable day of music.

Now Day 2 was a History making day for local metal! With bands like Decomposition, Forever Obscured, South Africa’s Contrast The Water, Reno Nevada’s Pain Clinic who made history by playing 2 songs with Rick Hunolt of Exodus, Nothing But Losers, Hatchet, Witchaven, Bonded By Blood and Warbringer. One of the major highlights was The A.F.A.R speech by Mr. Chris Kontos (Attitude Adjustment/Ex-Machine Head) who Introduced South Africa’s Contrast The Water who were one of the best bands I’ve ever seen! Also the Pain Clinic Set with Thrash Metal pioneer Mr. Rick Hunolt, formerly of Exodus, who after making a guest appearance with Exodus at Gary Holt’s (Exodus/Slayer) Wedding, played 2 song’s with Reno’s Pain Clinic. Soon after it was announced that he would play on their next album and would start a band of his own. All in all Thrashocalypse was a show we will never forget.

I would like to thank our friends at CENTRAL VALLEY DEATH METAL for supporting underground metal in the Modesto area and for letting us have our event at their venue, The Workshop. I will always respect these 6 gentlemen. We had a great time all weekend. These guys have supported local metal for 10 years or so and without any fanfare or notoriety. They are all about the metal as it should be and these guys have bands that just crushed Thrashocalypse like Decomposition and Aborticide. Thrashocalypse will return next year so watch out for it! That’s all for me this month.

Keep one foot in the gutter and one fist in the gold! Mike Vanek facebook.com/mike.vanek

209Productions Presents… A Big DAM Party Live at The Fat Cat!! 2/24/12 21+ $10 7pm Dam Coffin Hunter f/ Members of Exodus Dedvolt f/ Steev of Skinlab Shay & Nate Tony T & The Paybacks Divest Dreggs F/ Members of Nothing But Losers Fat Cat 930 11th St Modesto Ca 95350

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

Check out our event calendar for daily updates and let us know what events that you need help promoting by email events@modestoview.com. We have the best job in the world and we appreciate your support! Pick up a copy of our special Valentine’s issue at your favorite local businesses today.