August 27, 2001

Joe Cabiles from MODDOM here. I'm just dropping you an e-mail detailing some of the good stuff that's been happening with MODDOM since playing X-Fest this year. First off, we've added a new drummer to our line-up since X-Fest. Our new drummer is a longtime veteran who used to help push the Modesto music scene back with me in the late 80's and early 90's when club owners wouldn't dare having original bands expose their material in their clubs.His name is Steve Shaffer. He made his debut with us at the Salida Town & Country Festival on 08/18/01. Since our X-Fest appearance, the word about how different the type of music we're doing along with our powerhouse singer, Jeff Salado. Reviews and comments have been overwhelming by the listeners, first time spectators, and our website visitors who are enjoying it and are spreading the word which is drawing interest and offers from Transworld Productions and future club interest of Fat Cat's, Richie Higgins, as well as many club owners.

We're looking forward to gigging steadily here pretty soon. We are working on more original music to add to our set since Steve Shaffer has the power of adding cannons to our music which we never had before. By the end of this year, MODDOM will either release a 6 song demo/EP or just go all out and do a full-length CD with 10-13 songs on it. Be sure to check our website at www.moddom.net for upcoming events or contact info. We'd like to say Thanks to all of you who spreading the word. We'll be sure to not disappoint you! Next scheduled event for MODDOM will be the Wine & Cheese Festival.

Greetings from Johhny Rocket and the Thrust
As for our 2001 activity, we are fortunate in that in many regions the band is well-liked. For instance, this summer alone we performed at the Tower Marina in Lodi, Sunset Train in Oakdale, Jackson Casino Rancheria, Gilroy Garlic Fest, Merced's "Hot August Nights," and in the Seattle region (two club dates--Clifford's at Lake Tapps--and a private affair). Prior to that the band traveled and played at the Twain Harte Inn, was the featured band on a Channel 14 program, and appeared at the Modesto Blue Tide several times, among many other things. Hence, it has been, thus far, a fruitful year. And there is more--to the best of my knowledge, JR&the Thrust will be the only local band performing at the September 3 Oakland "Art and Soul" fest. Also,we are the headliner for Modesto's "Octoberfest" on September 21 at the John Thurmond baseball field (the second consecutive year as the headline group).

Moreover, the Davis-based "Professionals Guild"--maybe the largest singles' event promoter, have hired us for a second time to play at their November 2 gala at the SOS club because, according to Maria Tibbets their president, "I know you will draw for us." And, of course, there are several other gigs either booked or in the works. So, if nothing else, we are quietly (or maybe not so quietly in other areas) doing our part as being Modesto "musical ambassadors" to regions outside of our own. Who knows, maybe the MAMA people can come up with a "Blue Collar Band" award for bands like ourselves who also spread the Modesto sound without benefit of large scale management, promotion, CD, or recognition. We are just working stiffs who play good party music, made some respectable bucks, and thoroughly have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people in the process of this better than three-year run. People seem to like us alot and that is definitely the bottom line.

Hope this will come back soon ...
Hi! Art on Tenth was a great place and I miss it. We were forced to close in July last year after a fight at a private party, not to mention the cost of keeping a very large, all ages/no alcohol venue alive in the downtown area, especially one that didnt fit in with the local redevelopment division of our city council. They didnt like our crowd and thus made us fight for every permit, and all attempts at becoming compliant with city ordinances. I will find another building someday, although we cant re create what we had there, we can find the same energy in another house. Im glad to hear someone remembered it as being a good place to see a show, that was always our goal....we tried. A huge thanks to everyone in the modesto music scene that helped us make it happen…Robin Steele

Adopted Modestans -
Unfortunately, Munkafust is not from Modesto, but we are playing a show with Flying Blind in Modesto on the 8th of September. If you still want info on the band, the best place to go is our website, www.munkafust.com.

Thanks, Evan

More from Robin Steele:
A short list of upcoming events at Rage Enterprises/Driven Records

SATURDAY SEPT. 8th California Ballroom 6th/Est in Modesto
All Ages Doors at 7pm

DEPSWA, Agrokulcher,Kneedlework, Mahalah, Makeshift Grey

Dont miss this show, for any of you that have attended the last three Depswa shows this past year, you know they usually bring a huge crowd, and an incredibly powerful live set. Depswa is from the MODESTO/TURLOCK area but currently reside in Los Angeles. They are negotiating a major record deal with GEFFEN RECORDS and this will be your last chance to see them before they are on tour with bands like NOTHINGFACE, MUDVAYNE, or SLIPKNOT. Support Your Local Music Scene !!!
a girl hurts has a couple of events coming up:

From Anastasia Rego:
sept 22, 2001- main street inn/ripon - american holidays, scenic route, long division 9pm- donation requested for bands

Oct 8, 2001- built like alaska, earlimart, kait(o) (from england) at the hilmar ranchhouse 9pm free (donation requested for bands)

i will send in more events as i have them :)

Kalis updates:
Please join kalis at the following shows:

Friday August 24th @ The American Legion Hall in Stockton. 320 North Washington Street in Lodi, call 209-368-1420 for directions. There will be a $7 cover, all ages welcome, and show starts at 6:30pm. Also playing will be Mahalah, 26 Weeks, Flush, Lythic, and Dividian. Friday September 7th @ The Holiday Bowl in Hayward. Call 510-538-0300 for directions. The show starts at 9pm and is for 21+ only.

Saturday September 8th @ The Dirty Duck in Modesto, on the corner of 12th and J Street. Call 209-523-3755. The show starts at 9pm, $2 cover, and is 21+ only. Also very special guests Breach from Tracy and Krenshaw from San Jose.

News from Built:
Their website has a new section. While you're at the site, check out the new merchandise page...it is just a working rough draft for now, but we'll have more up there soon. Feel free to
buy stuff....lots of it! www.builtmusic.com