Feeling Starstruck?

People ask me often where the name, “ModestoFamous” came from. The story is long and crazy and involves a woman in Fresno of all places, a newspaper that is named after an insect that buzzes and stings (I got stung) and a whole lot of input from my oldest daughter.

Over the years, the name has just stuck and now more people in Modesto call me by ModestoFamous than by my actual name. I don’t mind. I don’t care if you call me “Fluffy” as long as you help me spread the love about our city.

Think about the term, “ModestoFamous.” I see it scribbled at the top of a piece of paper with a list under it. That list will include some names that I am proud to be associated with. Do you realize how many celebrities are associated with Modesto? The list is pretty impressive.

Jeremy Renner, actor

Think about Oscar-nominated global superstar, Jeremy Renner. Not too long ago, Renner was partying it up at Jax on H. St.with the locals. The fact that Renner still visits and cares about our city is something that we should all take a lesson from.

Other stage and screen stars that came up on our streets include George Lucas, Harve Presnell of Broadway fame, Darlene Vogel and Timothy Olyphant.

The music world has also been touched by Modesto. Indie music heroes, Grandaddy are celebrated the world over for shaping their genre, Flying Blind made a big splash and still pop up once in a while to rock, the Moonshine Bandits are currently selling out venues all over the country and other Modesto musicians are on the rise.

Don’t be surprised to see names like Aaron Durr, Neil Beuttner, Johnny Valdes, Rachel Renae and Melissa Dalrymple on the Grammy stage one day. These are all talented musicians that we are lucky to have here.

If you are in need of a laugh, Modesto has some rising comedy stars to offer up as well. El Roberto, Isaac Ames and Anthony K keep local venues such as the Fat Cat rolling and they are gracing bigger stages as well. The cool thing is that civic pride is still strong when it comes to where they came from.

Anthony K for example plays the Improv in San Jose once a month but finds more comfort at one particular venue than any other place that he has played.

“The Fat Cat is a great venue and the one I am most proud of. This is where I got my start with a real show and the people who have seen me really are supportive of what I do. They come back and are always wanting more from me,” said K.

I realize that I am leaving names out here and I apologize for that. There is so much talent here that it all gets hard to keep up with.

For years, I have told folks to head downtown and take a look at the flyers posted up on poles and in shop windows for information about upcoming events. There is always something happening.

When October comes around, do what you can to get a ticket to the Modesto Area Music Awards (MAMA). This will blow you away. Tuxedos, ball gowns and stretch limos are common place and Modesto comes out in force to celebrate local talent. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the place that you rest your head at night. You yourself will feel like a star.

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