Jazz&BluesView

Jazz & Blues View By Eric Benson

What’s new with Jazz and the Blues news

The summer rolls on with the farmers markets, county fairs and the chance to get away before kids are back in school and fall rolls around. But be sure and make time for the 14th annual X-fest August 3rd. The Modesto View is helping present the rockabilly stage so come back and say hello. It’s changed over the years and when you are my age you roll out early and leave before the throng of thousands descend for the late night boogie. Some great shows coming to town so get out and check one out. And if not quite 21you can attend Modstock Music Fest the next day, 8/4 in Graceda Park. Featured are 26 local bands in a family-friendly environment.

The Gallo Center has some great booking, including: Los Lonely Boys 8/7, Dave Koz & Friends8/9, rock crooner Chris Isaak 8/10, and George Thorogood & The Destroyers August 22nd, (my birthday), you know where I’m going. But my pick for the month is the return of Straight No Chaser 8/16, this Acapella group is nothing short of incredible live, and is a crowd pleaser. They cover the genre’s, from Swing to Blues, to pop and a little of everything else.

The State brings in a struttin’ with some Beer, Blues, and Barbecue 8/3 with Billy T.K. JR, Blues guitarist and singer from down under. On the bill are the valleys own Big Earl & the Cryin’ Shame, and the MOFO Party Band opening. The female band Blame Sally, 8/9 will feature folk and acoustic styling’s, and Cumbia Dance party with Candelaria on 8/24.

And on the west side of things: West Side Theatre brings in Bruce Springsteen tribute, The Rising 8/17 spanning 5 decades of Bruce’s music. September features Antsy McClain & Trailer Park Troubadours 9/14, Diego’s Umbrella, and (Gypsy Jazz) 9/28. The venue is a restored movie theatre with not a bad seat in the house.

Hero’s continues with some great local and regional shows. The Tues/wed Jazz & Blues nights are on hold for now but plenty of Indie and rock bands most weekends, check out: www.hero’smodesto.com<http://www.hero’smodesto.com/> for details.

The kickin out the jam’s side of things continues at the Barkin’ Dog with Thursdays with Dave Dow, (Jazz), Queen Bean Sundays hosts jam with acoustic, rock music. And if you like Trad Jazz, check out the third Sundays at the Clarion Hotel from Noon on for listening and dancing.

On the nightlife side: Clarion Hotel with Creole jazz Kings Thursdays, Gervasoni’s Fridays with Carlos Martinez. Wexford’s Pub has live music Thursdays through Sat., Speakeasy live music Tues, and Thurs-Sat., Boardroom Thurs through Sat. features live music and the new Rivets American Grill opening soon on Oakdale Road.

Need to get, let me know something going on reach me at: mbenson@fire2wire.com, or cell 209-918-7033. Peace out, Eric Benson